Getting Back into the Word

Such a blessing to dive into God's Word this morning. I've been struggling in my time in the Word. Struggling as in I've not been reading it. It's been terrible.

But today is a new day.

I loved the reminder my devotional book had for me this morning.

God created me intentionally. My gifts, talents, quirks, fears, short-comings, and faults are all part of how God planned me. It isn't that He wants me to have these fears or faults and be miserable, but I have them for a reason. He wants me to rely on Him. It is all to bring Him glory!

Picture Day

Earlier in the school year I missed picture day, so a few weeks ago I had to do picture retakes. It is probably my least favorite day of the school year. I don't usually like how I look in school pictures. I always feel like I look more overweight than I feel. This year the photographer was sweet and let me look at my pic and retake it when I told her I didn't like my double chin. So I "turtled it" per her recommendation. Embarrassing, but effective. Still didn't love the picture, but it was better than the first try. 

I really struggle with my body image. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. I've recently become more imaginative and brave in my clothing choices which is helping with my confidence. But I still feel like I am so overweight.  And instead of being motivated to do something about it I'm sitting on my couch watching tv. I'm my own worst enemy. 

But I do have to say I've come a long way. I came across the picture on the left the other day and was shocked. It was from a family photoshoot about 5 years ago. At the time I didn't realize how much weight I had put on. It wasn't long after that that I worked really hard at getting my eating under control. The picture on the right is from within the last few months. 

I think I need to look at these pictures side by side every once in a while to remember how I looked before. 

Look for the Good

This has been a rough week. I feel like I've been on an emotional roller coaster over the last 5 days. I've laughed, cried, snapped, apologized, cried more, and laughed more. All of that and not necessarily in that order. Then along with all of that come the feelings of insecurity, guilt, loneliness, and people pleasing (which really relates to the insecurity). My house needs to be cleaned and here I am laying on my couch in my pjs watching Project Runway.
Good thing tomorrow is Friday. I'm exhausted! I'm so ready to have next week off of work!

As I'm writing I'm reminded to look for good in every day.

• I was super close reading my 10K steps today! 
• Grandma is moved to a new room with the attention she needs in the stage of dementia she is in. 
• I was able to laugh and share some great stories of Carol McCleod with a coworker today. 
• My students are quickly and easily learning their new Bible verses! So thankful that the Lord directed me to teach our memory verses through songs. 

Sometimes you just need to stop and look for the good. God is good!