Looking Up

       This snowman in my yard started melting the other day. It almost hit 40 degrees so everything was melting. I laughed when I saw it. It is looking perfectly up to the sky. 

       Is it possible that a snowman could be an example of how we should be living? It is so easy to be constantly looking all around us when we really need to be looking up. The world influences us in so many ways. I don't know about you, but I get sucked into those influences very easily. 

       Like my snowman we need to look up. Look to Christ. He is the best influence we could ever have. Look up. Watch for His return. 

       Are you eagerly waiting for Christ to return or are you focused on what is around you? 

Whole30: Day 30!

       Woohoo! I did it!! I've made it through 30 days of eating healthy.
       Over the weekend I was majorly craving bread and chocolate. But we all know there are certain times when women crave those things more than usual.
       I'm still not sure how I'm going to continue.
       Do I stay hardcore?
       Do I continue doing the whole30 part time?
       Do I stop altogether?
       I don't think stopping altogether is a good idea. Even though it was hard at times I feel like it has been a good eating plan for me. I know for sure that I'll eat whatever (within reason) when I get invited to someone's house. That was probably the most uncomfortable part. Some people I just declined going to their house for a meal. The others I sat there feeling so guilty that they were worried about finding food for me. It was not a good feeling.
       Maybe the best thing would be to continue while I'm at home with an occasional treat like popcorn, bread, or dessert. And then when I'm out eat what is served within reason. The key is to not overeat the "bad" stuff. I can do it! I know I can!!

The Best Yes: Mondays

       On Sunday mornings my ladies Sunday school class is watching a DVD series on The Best Yes by Lisa Terkurst. I'm really enjoying it. It's a book that I've been wanting to read, but I have a stack of books that I've started recently that I want to finish first. So for now the DVD series will have to do.
Yesterday she talked about how she has reserved her Mondays as her family time. Anything different that comes up on a Monday she says no to. She has made Monday as a priority to her family and opening her home up to friends as well.
       I really liked this idea. I have a tendency to agree to do anything that someone throws my way. Last week was so busy that I was exhausted by the time Friday came around. I hardly did anything with people over the weekend (other than church). I even stayed home alone during the Super Bowl! I had a very introverted weekend. There's nothing wrong with that, but I don't want to make that a habit. I really enjoy being around friends and don't want to miss out on time with friends that will be moving away this summer.
       So I've decided that I need to make Monday nights a priority to stay at home. I need a "me day." That sounds very selfish when I say it, but I don't think I'll make it if I'm not home at least one night a week. I'll lose my mind!
       I'm going to spend my Monday evenings making sure my house is picked up and working on craft projects. I'm the queen of starting projects and not finishing them. A while back I opened up an Etsy shop to sell some of my art/craft projects. It would be a good way to make a little extra cash and I find crafting relaxing. So I'm making a list of projects I can work on and I'm going to get my Etsy shop open by the end of the month. If I work on something every Monday then I should be able to keep my Etsy shop full of things to sell.

40x40 - Snowmobiling!

       I'm crossing another thing off of my 40x40 list! I went snowmobiling today! I was nervous and totally a chicken about how fast I went, but it was SO MUCH FUN!! My co-worker's husband, who is a distant cousin, took me this afternoon. He knew it was something on my bucket list and wanted to make sure I got to do it. He even got up early to clear the trails for me and got new licenses for the snowmobiles so that we could go on the state trails. So sweet! I only got stuck briefly but got out by myself. I know it may not seem like a big deal to most people, but I get really excited when I try something new. Especially if it is something that scares me. 5+ years ago I never would have dreamed of trying this! It was such a beautiful day. The trees were filled with snow and part of the trail was a canopy of trees. 

       So since moving to Wisconsin I want to purchase a kayak, a small camper (to have by the lake), and a snowmobile. I need to find a rich person who will add me to their will. 

Whole30: Day 27

I'm on the homestretch!

       The struggle I'm having at the moment is that it has been a busy week. And with a busy week I don't have as much time to cook. I've been eating ok, but not cooking as much as I was earlier in my 30 days. I came so close to cheating a couple of times, but resisted. There is birthday cake and chocolate fondue in the teacher's lounge today. :( I took a bowl of the fruit and left the room as quickly as I could.

       Once my 30 days is up I'm going to have to work really hard at making good choices when it comes to food. It could be so easy for me to just go back to my old habits. I have to remember how good I am feeling eating the right things.

       As of last weekend I've lost a total of 13 pounds. We'll see what the scale says tomorrow! 2 more pounds would be so encouraging. I'm definitely seeing a difference in my clothes.

       I think tonight I'll make fajitas and wrap them in lettuce. I found a fajita mix that didn't have sugar in it. I know I've said it before, but do you know that sugar is in almost everything! Good grief!