{picture taken from here}

Guys, I seriously just got back from trading in a clean house for an afternoon run with the jogging stroller. Those of you who know me, know that this is a HUGE deal.

Liz exercising instead of cleaning....woah.

I think pigs just flew.

Anyway, why this sudden change in priority? Well it's pretty complex, but so wonderfully simple at the same time:

God is doing a big, huge work within my soul.

Over the past few months He has been chipping away at my priorities for myself and replacing them with His priorities. I have been praying for and listening to His guidance for my life and let me tell you, it is so freeing. I don't have to worry about each day and what needs to be accomplished in it?

Sign me up!!

As God shows me how to be a healthier version of myself (both mentally and physically) I am learning that His ways are just so much better for me.

His yoke is easy and His burden is light.--Matthew 11:30

You would think that after everything we went through trying to get pregnant with Daniel, I would trust in His plan...but I'm stupid. Plain and simple. And I don't trust that He has a better plan for me.

But guys, this time around, I'm so excited to listen. As I have started to pour out my heart to Him explaining all the desires of my heart, He listens. He listens and gently shows me that His way is just so much better.

I'm all ears Lord. Please continue to guide me! 

January 1st, 2014

I couldn't find the original post, but I believe this is from this blog

2014. 

Here we go...a whole new year. I had to literally hand-write "January 1st, 2014" this morning, because I wanted to see what it looks like. I know that may seem strange, but when you put pen to paper, things seem to become more real. More tangible. I'm a very visual person. 2014 is officially here. 

Usually I take this day to look back on the goals that I had for the past year and come up with new ones for this coming year. But, looking back, I didn't have any goals from this past year. 

At the beginning of January 2013 I was a bit consumed by the fact that I was finally pregnant -- and didn't really take the time to make any goals. Instead, I tried to focus on enjoying every moment of my pregnancy. And focus I did. I absolutely loved being pregnant and cannot wait to be again! After the first trimester exhaustion (which really wasn't that bad), I felt like a new person. My energy levels were awesome and I felt really great physically and mentally. So, I guess my unmentioned goal was accomplished. 

So, for 2014 I think it is appropriate to give myself a few things to focus on. I am realizing, now more than ever, that being a mom is a huge task. Not only does it involve a big lifestyle adjustment, but it also involves a huge mental adjustment. Truly, I think I have handled both decently. But there is always room for improvement. 

I have a few goals in mind that focus on who I want to be as Daniel's mother and the lifestyle that I want him to know. I want him to grow up in a family that is active and healthy in many aspects of life. I want it to be second nature for him to pick up and read his Bible on a daily basis. I want him to enjoy healthy, whole foods. I want him to know exercise as a fun, everyday activity rather than a tedious, scheduled task. I also want him to know happy and patient parents who have a solid foundation in the Lord and a heart for helping those around them. 

Man, those seem like lofty ideas. 

But you know what, they really aren't. I have already experienced a complete attitude change since Daniel has been born. I have a new perspective on my life. While waiting for God's timing in becoming pregnant, God cultivated a patient and understanding heart in me. Honestly, I look back on those two years and see the fact that I really wasn't ready for a child. I was too selfish to have a child. 

As this year begins, I am going to continue to let God work in me. I hope to tackle my addiction to food. Gluttony is a sin--and I'm the number one offender. I also hope to become even more hopelessly reliant on God. He is the only thing my soul truly needs and I need to stop trying to fill that void with other things. Finally, I want to make my family my hobby. I want to get as much enjoyment out of taking care of my husband and son as I would sewing, decorating, or crocheting. 

So it's January 1st, 2014.

Here. we. go. 

A Personal Challenge

We are all sinners right? We have all fallen short of the glory of God right? (Romans 3:23) 

Well, lately I have been feeling that God is calling me to work on my sinful nature. Maybe it's because of the new pressure of becoming a mom. Maybe it's because God has given me the strength to tackle one of my weaknesses head on. Maybe it's because I've started to notice the negative impact it has in my life. Whatever it is, lately I have really been working on my lack of self discipline. A sin that isn't so obvious all the time, but something that I struggle with constantly. 

There are two sides to self discipline. 

One side involves the ability to make yourself complete tasks. If you don't struggle with self discipline, you are able to accomplish things on a daily basis without struggle. You may not even think twice about doing something and just dive headfirst into the day's tasks. For me, everything is a challenge that gets categorized into easiest verses hardest. I may put-off a specific thing until the very last minute and avoid it like the plague. It's a problem because, often, when I finally tackle the "dreaded task" I realize that it really wasn't that bad after all and I've wasted a lot of valuable time and energy avoiding it. 

For instance, right now I'm avoiding making dinner (might I add, a certain dinner that has been on my menu for the past two weeks)...an easy task, but something that I don't care to do.

The other side to self discipline is the lack of ability to say 'no' to something. For me, this manifests itself in my eating habits. I can't say no. I always want what I shouldn't have and very rarely keep myself from indulging. This can also be known as gluttony--a frustrating sin to say the least. It becomes complicated because we all have to eat to live right? 

So lately, I have been working on the first side of self discipline. I have been making lists of things I  need to accomplish and forcing myself to do them. I'm not waiting until the last minute. If it's on the list for that day, it needs to get accomplished. This is helping. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. SO many things that I have been procrastinating on are getting done. It feels awesome. 

Next will come dealing with the second side of this sin I'm struggling with. I have no idea how to tackle my food issues when pregnant, but I'm working on a plan. I know it will be significantly harder for me to tackle...but I need to do this. I don't want our child coming into an environment where food is abused. I wish that I was able to work on this more before getting pregnant, but God's timing is perfect and I'm convinced that this pregnancy has given me a clearer perspective on my whole gluttonous situation. 

I see things differently.  

Now I just need to figure out how to act on this new vision. 

I'm so thankful to work on riding myself of these burdens. While I know that I will never be perfect and I'm sure I will continue to struggle with these things from time to time, I'm blessed and excited to know that God is fighting with me. Thank goodness for a Heavenly Father who has never let me go. I truly don't know how I would get through this life without Him. 

Don't Worry!

Everything is OK here.

I promise.

My month long stint away from my blog has nothing to do with something being wrong. Though I'm truly grateful for the concern you all have. :)

I feel special. 

No, my month long break has more to do with me absorbing everything that is going on around me. I'm trying so hard to be completely present in my life.

[source]

Too often, I think we focus on a life that isn't ours. It's the life that we dream up for ourselves, hoping that we will make it there someday. Now, don't get me wrong, it is definitely good to have dreams and aspirations. BUT, and yes...it's a big BUT, it's SO important for us to remember to be content where we are too.

[source]

God puts us in the here and now for a reason. This moment right now is an important stepping stone for the future. Without our current life, we wouldn't be able to get to our future life. God has been showing this to me over and over again.

He has showed me that His timing is beautiful. purposeful. full of intent. 

He never wastes a moment. Every second of every day has meaning...and if we are focusing on the future all the time, we could miss it.

Isn't that a bit much to take in? Isn't that a beautiful thing to think about.

[source]

I know I feel blessed by my month long hiatus...it has helped me to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It helped me to regain my perspective. It has helped me to feel more in tune with my daily life.

But I'm definitely ready to get back into the swing of things! I miss journaling our lives. I want to write down every little part, of every single day and never forget the blessings that God daily pours into all of our lives. I miss all of you and your encouraging words! Having a blog has been such a blessing to me.

So, shall we get back at it?

Will you join me?

Post #100

I am surrounded by so many blessings. 

And I take it for granted every. single. day. 

God is working in my life on a daily basis and it is hard. Oh is it ever hard...

Sometimes I wonder why I'm going through this process. What does He want from me now?

God. What do you want from me? I have surrendered to you everything that is important to me...what else can you take from me? 

But then He shows me another thing that I'm clinging to; something that is taking place of my relationship with Him--some of my relationships, how I look, food, internet, my need to feel like I'm worth something to others. 

All of these things, can't define me. All of these things, can't satisfy me. 

So why do I cling to them so much? 

Because it feels good. 

But, oh, is the good feeling only temporary. 

I'm reminded the next day when I'm feeling empty. When I'm feeling guilty. When I'm feeling down and left wondering why. 

Have you ever been there?

I am so thankful that Jesus has been speaking truths into my life lately. Through...

...church (and amazing pastors).

...a long awaited blessing in a friend's life. (Oh was this a huge reminder of God's promises for Jonathan and I)

...a husband who always tries to be there for me. 

...family. 

...our wonderful Bible study group. 

...prayer.

....comforting verses that seem to come at the perfect time. (DUH! God's timing is always perfect.)

...the sparkling sun, dancing in through the windows, on a cold, crisp morning. 

Oh, how God's love is always there.

Today I am thankful. 

God is really always there. I want to give Him all that He wants to take from me. I want to show the world around me the love that He shows me. 

Oh, how God's love is always there.

I'm so thankful. 

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God Knows

When you really start to struggle with something, God always seems to know.

Well of course He does!!!

Duh.

You just need to be aware of the little gifts that He is bringing you while you wait for the big things. In the grand scheme of things, the little gifts may not be important, but it is His way of showing His love. Is your heart open and ready to receive?

I have been struggling a bit over the past few months, but I have to say that God has been wrapping His loving arms around me and reminding me, in little ways, of His love for us. When I say "in little ways" I mean ways that would be insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Yet, when God provides for the small things, it becomes the perfect reminder of His faithfulness in the big things.

For instance, I don't know if you noticed our new bedspread in Tuesday's post.

And here is the bed made in a different way, with the same comforter. 

Plus, what do you think of our pretty new shower curtain and bath mat?

Isn't it all beautiful? Well, the bedspread, pillow shames, decorative pillow, euro pillow covers, a shower curtain, a bath mat, and an entire set of towels, were all given to us by our new friends! We have known this wonderful couple and their adorable son for about a month now and they have been an answer to prayers! God has blessed us and our church with their friendship. Plus, I have been thinking about replacing our shower curtain and bedding for awhile now and this gift was perfect! It definitely wasn't a need, and I was by no means praying for this, but God still provided!

Another thing that God has taken care of is a plumbing situation that arose recently. Jonathan informed me the other night, that our sewer was backing up into our basement. (I spared you a picture of our sewage and instead thought a picture of our basement door would be more acceptable---you can thank me now.)  I had horrible visions of a sewer issue that cost my parents thousands of dollars and was pretty worried that this sudden issue would bankrupt us. Thankfully, it had only been backing up for about a day, so not too much damage was done. Yet.

As we snuggled into bed that night, we asked God to let the whole thing become a non-issue by morning. Lo and behold, the next morning, when the plumber arrived, we spent $75 to have our drain snaked and everything is back to normal! Praise Jesus!

Finally, there are other things that have just been too coincidental to be luck. A friend contacting us at just the right time about some organic meat she is selling at a great price. A couple financially responsible options for chest freezers,  just popping up (in time to store all that meat). A queen mattress set, up for grabs, from a great couple we go to church with (a mattress that would be perfect for our future guestroom). Things falling into place for our first "grandparent's dinner" in our new house. The list could just go on and on.

One thing is for sure, God is so amazing and I cannot believe that He loves us as much as He does. I'm glad that He has opened my eyes to the wonderful "little things" that He provides us on a daily basis. It has really given me the right perspective. Even though we may be wishing something huge was very different, He will always provide for us and we should never doubt His love. That huge thing may be the next small thing to change.

You never know :)