I've been on a significant journey since January 29th. It started out as a weight loss journey, but it has turned into so much more than that. I've realized my unhealthy relationship with food and what it has done to me on so many levels. I'm an emotional eater. Anyone else? I can be having the worst day ever and the answer has been food or the best day ever and the answer is also food.
For the past several years I've used food to satisfy my spirit. Throughout this journey over the past 12 weeks I have done more than lose weight. I've found my satisfaction and comfort in God. I still struggle. Today was a huge battle for me, and I was victorious in the name of Christ. I'm not sure if the battle will ever go away. But, each day I am getting stronger and stronger in this fight. I stand firm against over eating or eating the wrong foods each day. I have moments of weakness, but I have overcome so much.
Each morning after I finish my devotions, I read a devotional called Made to Crave. This has been a great daily encouragement to me in fighting against emotional eating. Also, my prayer life has increased so much over the past few months since I read the Power of a Praying Wife. Read about it here. I recognize the importance of complete surrender and obedience to God.
This journey I'm on is making me realize so many things about myself. I realized that I am weak. I can't do any of this on my own. Jesus Christ gives me the strength each day. Also, I still have a lot of issues to work out. I'm growing in my faith during this journey which is way better than the weight I've lost. I'm excited to continue on this journey and see the growth that occurs spiritually and physically.
More to come on this topic...I think ;)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
happy easter to you
Dave and I got to go to my family's for Easter this past weekend. We were both really looking forward to going. Dave hadn't seen Ethan since his birth and I haven't seen him in about a month. One of the difficult things about living far away is missing out on one family's get together. This time we missed Dave's family Easter and that was tough.
Dave jumped right in with his uncle duties. Ethan loved to look at Dave when he talked with him and would smile and coo back.
Saturday we went and took some family photos. We were in need of an updated picture with Ethan joining the clan. It was beautiful weather and we had a lot of fun taking the pictures. Ethan was great the whole time as well! Can't wait to see how they turned out!
Sunday we went to church then grilled out at home. Dad manned the grill and the steaks were perfect!
Elizabeth and I had a "friendly" Easter egg hunt! You would have though my mom hid those in the back yard for Ethan, but no, they were for us :)
I won technically but Liz stole some eggs out of my basket :)
Overall, a great weekend home. Ethan is growing so much already! Here are a few more because I know you want to see his cute little face!
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| Uncle Dave and Ethan (11 weeks) |
Saturday we went and took some family photos. We were in need of an updated picture with Ethan joining the clan. It was beautiful weather and we had a lot of fun taking the pictures. Ethan was great the whole time as well! Can't wait to see how they turned out!
Sunday we went to church then grilled out at home. Dad manned the grill and the steaks were perfect!
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| photo courtesy of Dave |
Elizabeth and I had a "friendly" Easter egg hunt! You would have though my mom hid those in the back yard for Ethan, but no, they were for us :)
Overall, a great weekend home. Ethan is growing so much already! Here are a few more because I know you want to see his cute little face!
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| Ethan's Easter hat...it will come in handy on the pontoon this summer! |
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
anniversary get away
This past weekend we went on a one night get away to celebrate our anniversary! At first we didn't think one night away was really going to be that great, but we both ended up really looking forward to it! We were able to take off about noon on Saturday to head up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This was our first time there and we had a great time!
Dave did all the researching and planning. He found this place right on the lake. I was trying to take a selfie of us and the sign in the background. The third attempt I finally got the sign in the photo and a guy walked out of the door at the exact same time! Thankfully he was nice and offered to take our picture!
It was a little overcast on Saturday but that didn't stop us from walking around and seeing the town. Dave made sure to check out all the historical signs around Lake Geneva, and I enjoyed them as well now that I'm in my 30s :)
We ate dinner at a restaurant called Popeye's. Not the chicken wing place. It was tasty and we had a great view!
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| In front of our hotel, Bella Vista Suites |
Dave did all the researching and planning. He found this place right on the lake. I was trying to take a selfie of us and the sign in the background. The third attempt I finally got the sign in the photo and a guy walked out of the door at the exact same time! Thankfully he was nice and offered to take our picture!
It was a little overcast on Saturday but that didn't stop us from walking around and seeing the town. Dave made sure to check out all the historical signs around Lake Geneva, and I enjoyed them as well now that I'm in my 30s :)
We ate dinner at a restaurant called Popeye's. Not the chicken wing place. It was tasty and we had a great view!
We had a relaxing evening sitting outside watching the lake and people. We also walked up to an ice cream shop and had a scoop.
On Sunday morning, Dave had reserved a massage for me. It was so great! I had such a stressful week of work I really needed it! I was so thankful that he did that for me. What a great husband!
We checked out of the hotel and took a walk on a public easement in front of all the mansions on the lake. This one has two basements and a pool on the roof! We learned that this property has put several people into bankruptcy and is now luxury condos.
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| another summer home |
There are boats that give tours on the lake throughout the summer. Before we went we found out that they do not run until late April. While we were out on our walk we saw one going by! We called and found out that this was the first day they were open. This is the earliest they have ever opened and we were able to take a ride! And to make it even better, it was half price! The tour guide informed us that at this time last year the lake was still frozen. We felt so blessed this entire weekend, and this was the icing on the cake!
We took off shortly after the boat ride to head back home. I was not ready to come back to the reality of grocery shopping and an early morning at work. It was a great night away! What a blessing!
A great night to round out the best first year of marriage! Love you, Dave!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
first anniversary
I can't believe we have been married one whole year. Not to mention the longest first year of marriage that you can have! Leap year you know! :)
This year has been great. We have been so blessed in this first year of marriage. A friend asked us what that best part of this first year has been. We both said companionship. We have really enjoyed being together.
Yesterday was the official day. We were very busy. I worked all day then went to Bible Study. Dave had an afternoon and evening class. So we met up at home at about 9:30. We got out our wedding cake and had a slice. The cake was sooooooo good! Even a year later! Thanks For Goodness Cakes!
This weekend we have a one night get away planned. We can't wait!
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| marahgrant.com |
Yesterday was the official day. We were very busy. I worked all day then went to Bible Study. Dave had an afternoon and evening class. So we met up at home at about 9:30. We got out our wedding cake and had a slice. The cake was sooooooo good! Even a year later! Thanks For Goodness Cakes!
This weekend we have a one night get away planned. We can't wait!
Monday, March 5, 2012
sisters, sisters...
...there were never such devoted sisters! Name that movie!
We grew up in a household of old movies, mostly musicals. I remember my sister and I (on several different occasions) turning bed sheets into beautiful gowns and dancing around the living room (to my sister's choreography of course). It didn't matter what the movie was, the sheets always made the perfect outfits. We had all the songs memorized and would sing and act our hearts out.
I remember one summer we spent many hours writing down all the lyrics of Don McLean's American Pie so we could have the entire song memorized. We listened to it on the record player so "rewinding" every few lines made the task even more difficult ;) Its funny to think how now you can click a couple of times on the internet and have they lyrics right there! Oh well! We got it memorized!
My big sister and I had a lot of fun together growing up. There were the fights like all siblings have, but its easy to forget those and remember all the great times. A lot of our fondest memories are from the lake. One that has come to mind recently is when we would play Little House on the Prairie. I don't really recall ever watching the show, but that was what we named our pretend game. We would set up little houses by using rocks to make the perimeter of our houses and fire pits. We would take our dishes out and make pretend meals. We would sweep the floors and keep the fire going. We could play like that for hours.
Then we grew up and did way cooler things like take a road trip and visit the worlds largest spur and ball of twine!
As we have grown into our adult lives, we have had ups and downs. We have learned a lot about each other. We have supported each others hobbies. Listened to each other during rough times. Loved each other even when it was hard. We have become such great friends. I miss her so much. I want to be around to see her grow into the role of being a mom and grow our relationship.
My sister was always strong for me. She would always encourage me to be brave and tell me I could do things when I never thought I could. I remember her sacrificing for me so that I would be comfortable. I remember her holding my hand so I wouldn't be scared. I have a great big sister. I'm so thankful for how our relationship has grown. I love her so much these words don't seem to be enough.
I could go on and on with stories and great pictures. But this will do for now. I love you seester!
We grew up in a household of old movies, mostly musicals. I remember my sister and I (on several different occasions) turning bed sheets into beautiful gowns and dancing around the living room (to my sister's choreography of course). It didn't matter what the movie was, the sheets always made the perfect outfits. We had all the songs memorized and would sing and act our hearts out.
I remember one summer we spent many hours writing down all the lyrics of Don McLean's American Pie so we could have the entire song memorized. We listened to it on the record player so "rewinding" every few lines made the task even more difficult ;) Its funny to think how now you can click a couple of times on the internet and have they lyrics right there! Oh well! We got it memorized!
My big sister and I had a lot of fun together growing up. There were the fights like all siblings have, but its easy to forget those and remember all the great times. A lot of our fondest memories are from the lake. One that has come to mind recently is when we would play Little House on the Prairie. I don't really recall ever watching the show, but that was what we named our pretend game. We would set up little houses by using rocks to make the perimeter of our houses and fire pits. We would take our dishes out and make pretend meals. We would sweep the floors and keep the fire going. We could play like that for hours.
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| aren't we so cute! |
Then we grew up and did way cooler things like take a road trip and visit the worlds largest spur and ball of twine!
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| aren't we cool!?! |
As we have grown into our adult lives, we have had ups and downs. We have learned a lot about each other. We have supported each others hobbies. Listened to each other during rough times. Loved each other even when it was hard. We have become such great friends. I miss her so much. I want to be around to see her grow into the role of being a mom and grow our relationship.
My sister was always strong for me. She would always encourage me to be brave and tell me I could do things when I never thought I could. I remember her sacrificing for me so that I would be comfortable. I remember her holding my hand so I wouldn't be scared. I have a great big sister. I'm so thankful for how our relationship has grown. I love her so much these words don't seem to be enough.
I could go on and on with stories and great pictures. But this will do for now. I love you seester!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
a wife of noble character
I can't believe in just under a month Dave and I will be celebrating our first anniversary! This first year has really flown by and been great!
Dave and I decided before we got married that we would always do our best to invest in our marriage. We have heard so many stories of failed marriage and we did not want to be one of those stories. We talked about how we would do something every year, whether a weekend conference or weekly series, to develop our marriage. Three weeks ago we started a weekly marriage class called The Marriage Course. It is a 7 week study and we are really enjoying it.
For our wedding, we received many great books and devotional for married couples. One that I know Dave has really enjoyed is The Power of a Praying Husband. He read through it once and is reading it again. I just recently started The Power of a Praying Wife. We are so thankful to have received these books as gifts and would recommend them to any married couple.
While I was reading through the first chapter of the book. The author, Stormie Omartian, mentions Proverbs 31:10-31. As I read through the verses of "The Wife of Noble Character" I am reminded of what I should be striving for as a wife. I also know that I cannot do all of these things on my own. I need the Lords help. Only He can make me into this woman. I'm going to pray over these verses and make an effort to memorize the section so that these words will always be in my heart. I'm also committing to pray for my husband with more intention. I have started asking him what he needs prayer for so that I can pray for him for that specific need.
Dave and I decided before we got married that we would always do our best to invest in our marriage. We have heard so many stories of failed marriage and we did not want to be one of those stories. We talked about how we would do something every year, whether a weekend conference or weekly series, to develop our marriage. Three weeks ago we started a weekly marriage class called The Marriage Course. It is a 7 week study and we are really enjoying it.
For our wedding, we received many great books and devotional for married couples. One that I know Dave has really enjoyed is The Power of a Praying Husband. He read through it once and is reading it again. I just recently started The Power of a Praying Wife. We are so thankful to have received these books as gifts and would recommend them to any married couple.
While I was reading through the first chapter of the book. The author, Stormie Omartian, mentions Proverbs 31:10-31. As I read through the verses of "The Wife of Noble Character" I am reminded of what I should be striving for as a wife. I also know that I cannot do all of these things on my own. I need the Lords help. Only He can make me into this woman. I'm going to pray over these verses and make an effort to memorize the section so that these words will always be in my heart. I'm also committing to pray for my husband with more intention. I have started asking him what he needs prayer for so that I can pray for him for that specific need.
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
We are in a battle. We have to fight for our marriage. Fight for each other. Fight to allow our love to grow and not just fizzle out. We recognize that this is a fight for the rest of our lives and we are willing to get in the battle. These verses encourage me to strive to be better. To be the wife God created me to be.
If you have never read these books, I strongly encourage you to. Through prayer, God can work amazing miracles!
If you are single and reading this...it is never too early to become a prayer warrior. There are lots of things to pray for. Figure out what that is and commit to pray for it each day. Even pray for your future husband or wife.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
pit stop
Last week and last night we got to be the pit stop for Dave's brothers family as they traveled to and from Mexico. They got to our house last Thursday evening and stayed the night. The girls were extra cuddly after not seeing us for a while :)
We were all up bright and early at 4 a.m. so that Uncle Dave could take them to the airport.
They got to the airport at almost midnight last night and Dave went to pick them up. I didn't wait up for them but got to spend a couple hours with them this morning.
They are getting so big and we miss getting to see them on a more regular basis. It was good to see them all even though it was a very short visit.
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| Lillian |
We were all up bright and early at 4 a.m. so that Uncle Dave could take them to the airport.
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| Olivelle (its 4a.m. don't judge!) |
They got to the airport at almost midnight last night and Dave went to pick them up. I didn't wait up for them but got to spend a couple hours with them this morning.
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| Uncle Dave and his favorite nieces! |
They are getting so big and we miss getting to see them on a more regular basis. It was good to see them all even though it was a very short visit.
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