Sooooo.... I am a day behind. I know, I can't slip up already, but it was a busy day on Saturday from sun up to sun down. There's nothing like waking up early on your off day, NOT! It was a fun day filled with judging kiddos competing in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. A small shout out to my friends, Amy and Jennifer, for their 5th grade team winning a BIG award at the competition! I am also proud of my past and current students who competed this weekend. These competitions take a lot of time and preparation....and they all worked hard to get to this point.
Now on to Sunday...I've laid around most of the day dealing with a bad headache, but it has been a day of LOTS of thinking...kinda like everyday. But here's what's on my mind:
- Why do I fall into the trap of bad mistakes? It seems like when I am chugging along on the good road there's a traffic stop that puts me on a delay of achieving what I really want out of life...including my spiritual life. I know temptations won't stop, but how I do stop and control my own actions?
- Africa...Yeah, I leave for Tanzania in a little more than 2 months...not going to lie. I am anxious about raising the funds and the preparation for the trip (but I plan to make an Africa post in the next couple of days).
- I talked about timing the other day, but it seems to come up over and over again. Case in point...the other day a certain person came across my mind. Thought about contacting them, but realized I didn't need to walk back through that door again. Then I wake up this morning with a from a message from that person. It brought a smile to my face, but also kinda scares me. Is this another road block on my journey to something else? Or is this part of the good journey? I know I shouldn't and won't rush into things, but should I even go into things that I have experienced before...
- As a teacher this is the time of the year that's crazy! We are trying to prepare for testing and our minds are wondering about what's going to happen next year. As for preparing for the test, I am trying not to stress about the things I still need to cover. I know it's crazy to cover the things we have to cover in the time frame we are to cover them; however, teachers do this each and every year without fail. I am proud to be in a profession that deals with problems each and every moment of the day (yep, we are working even when we aren't in the walls of a school building) to bring about a growing generation. We not only have to tackle the standards, but we have to be moms, counselors, nurses, and friends to these kids. We truly are a profession like no other!
- Fitness and health. I said this was going to be an avenue for me to begin focusing on it, but I have done nothing to start that. I must...and will start soon!
- It's Sunday...and I didn't really have a weekend! Full, regular days at school this week. It is going to be weird for me and the students, so I must plan accordingly. It's going to be fun.
So what has being 28 meant the last couple of days!?!? I am still just as confused with things happening in year 28 as I was in year 27....HELP!!!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Puzzled about Day 5
Life is about making decisions. Some small. Small big. It's in the midst of making those decisions that a person truly reflects on what they ultimately want.
God's timing is quite interesting as well. It seems the moment we say one thing, God opens our eyes to other possibilities, which calls for us to make decisions.
Decisions. Timing. All a part of His big picture, but something that really gets me realizing that God sees the bigger picture is when He places pieces of what seems to be different puzzles in the same box. The pieces don't seem to line up and won't go together. Then God shows you the picture on the front of the box and you see how the pieces can fit together.
Case in point. Today, my daily devotional was about....
I knew 28 was going to be a great for many reasons. I just need to lean in and trust that the pieces He is placing into my life do work together...they may not seem to right now, but they will.
God's timing is quite interesting as well. It seems the moment we say one thing, God opens our eyes to other possibilities, which calls for us to make decisions.
Decisions. Timing. All a part of His big picture, but something that really gets me realizing that God sees the bigger picture is when He places pieces of what seems to be different puzzles in the same box. The pieces don't seem to line up and won't go together. Then God shows you the picture on the front of the box and you see how the pieces can fit together.
Case in point. Today, my daily devotional was about....
Yep... Decision making. When I first read this devotional I thought the intentions were to share with a friend who is in the process of making some big decisions. It wasn't until some big decisions walked through my door that I started to see how those different puzzle pieces really were apart of the same puzzle. So what's a girl to do? Stand in amazement of the picture on the puzzle box... Or put the puzzle together to see what He has in store for me.
I knew 28 was going to be a great for many reasons. I just need to lean in and trust that the pieces He is placing into my life do work together...they may not seem to right now, but they will.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Too tired to be 28 today. Day 4.
I'm not going to lie, I'm exhausted. It seems the shorter work weeks are the most draining. It's been a great week teaching my kiddos, but I just can't seem to get a good night's sleep. I tell myself I'm going to go to be early, but don't. With that said, today's post is going to be short... Actually I think the card my student gave me for my birthday sums up what being 28 means today.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
3 days of being 28
That moment in the morning where you are well aware that the temperature outside the comfort of your blanket is many degrees cooler.... Yeah, I'm having that right now. I wrestle with running quickly to the thermostat and adjusting it or just staying here a few more minutes. I think I'll stay for a few more minutes.
Gratitude. That was the topic of my daily devotional. Being thankful for what we have. (That's easy) Being thankful in times of tribulations (that's tough). I often find myself showering God with praise when things are great, but cry out in sorrow when things are tough. I'm learning more and more in my walk with faith that it is in those times of hardships that God grows me the most; therefore, I must be thankful for those times.
What being 28 has meant to me today...
I have had 28 amazing years of life. Full of friends. Full of family. Full of great memories. But it's hard not to want more. It's hard not wanting to go to the next stage of life. It's hard seeing Facebook notifications of another engagement, wedding, or baby announcement. By no means am I bitter, but anxious for some of these things to occur to me (in the correct order that is). While I have moments of dwelling on not having these things, I'm thankful with the same tongue because I have had the opportunities to do things that may be hindered from some of the things above. I'm able to pick up and move with whichever way the wind blows me. I get to solidify my faith before bringing in others to the world... But a girl would be lying if she said she didn't want to feel that love from a guy from time-to-time. Which brings me to my next point... Where have all the good guys gone? Honestly, I think growing up in the bar environment like I did has tainted my picture of guys. I catch the pick up lines before they're thrown out. I catch myself being "too easy to talk to". I catch myself locating the douchebags (yep, that word was necessary for this) in a crowd. I catch myself getting entangled with the wrong guy. How do I fix this? How do I know when to let my walls down? How do you "just know"? So what has 28 meant for me today... I'm 28. Single. Completely confused by guys still.
Pro.Con.Pro will be the method of attack for this blog post; therefore, I will end on a positive. I'm truly grateful to be in two small groups in this season of my life. Each group brings such different dynamics to my spiritual journey. Tonight is when I get to meet and lead a group of single ladies...aka my friends. We have great laughs, great good, and even better talks! I feel that in the last couple of months out core group has really grown deeper in our relationships with each other in order to deepen our relationship with Christ. With that said, here are some highlights of the night:
- There is only one thing a carousel does well--go around and around and around... This is not a good place to be if we want change. What in my life is riding on a carousel?
- We have a choice: the easy reaction (like a carousel) or the good reaction (challenges us to move forward). Easy doesn't mean good. It typically means we keep doing the same thing we've always done because it is comfortable. So do I want good or easy?
- I can attach myself to the four categories of unglued reactions in regards to different pieces of my life: exploders who shame themselves; exploders who blame others; stuffers who build barriers; and stuffers who collect retaliation rocks. Each of these reactions carries a burden and directs me away from the soul integrity, which is honesty that's godly.
- A roller coaster is how I would describe my progress with my faith. I'm constantly moving forward, but experiencing highs and lows. An obstacle course is how I would describe my progress with fitness (no pun intended), but it's challenging and causes me to get out of my comfort zone... I stumble and get back up in order to make it to the finished line.
- Challenge partners... Time to step on some toes!
I had a great hair day; therefore, it's a great day to be 28.
Gratitude. That was the topic of my daily devotional. Being thankful for what we have. (That's easy) Being thankful in times of tribulations (that's tough). I often find myself showering God with praise when things are great, but cry out in sorrow when things are tough. I'm learning more and more in my walk with faith that it is in those times of hardships that God grows me the most; therefore, I must be thankful for those times.
What being 28 has meant to me today...
I have had 28 amazing years of life. Full of friends. Full of family. Full of great memories. But it's hard not to want more. It's hard not wanting to go to the next stage of life. It's hard seeing Facebook notifications of another engagement, wedding, or baby announcement. By no means am I bitter, but anxious for some of these things to occur to me (in the correct order that is). While I have moments of dwelling on not having these things, I'm thankful with the same tongue because I have had the opportunities to do things that may be hindered from some of the things above. I'm able to pick up and move with whichever way the wind blows me. I get to solidify my faith before bringing in others to the world... But a girl would be lying if she said she didn't want to feel that love from a guy from time-to-time. Which brings me to my next point... Where have all the good guys gone? Honestly, I think growing up in the bar environment like I did has tainted my picture of guys. I catch the pick up lines before they're thrown out. I catch myself being "too easy to talk to". I catch myself locating the douchebags (yep, that word was necessary for this) in a crowd. I catch myself getting entangled with the wrong guy. How do I fix this? How do I know when to let my walls down? How do you "just know"? So what has 28 meant for me today... I'm 28. Single. Completely confused by guys still.
Pro.Con.Pro will be the method of attack for this blog post; therefore, I will end on a positive. I'm truly grateful to be in two small groups in this season of my life. Each group brings such different dynamics to my spiritual journey. Tonight is when I get to meet and lead a group of single ladies...aka my friends. We have great laughs, great good, and even better talks! I feel that in the last couple of months out core group has really grown deeper in our relationships with each other in order to deepen our relationship with Christ. With that said, here are some highlights of the night:
- There is only one thing a carousel does well--go around and around and around... This is not a good place to be if we want change. What in my life is riding on a carousel?
- We have a choice: the easy reaction (like a carousel) or the good reaction (challenges us to move forward). Easy doesn't mean good. It typically means we keep doing the same thing we've always done because it is comfortable. So do I want good or easy?
- I can attach myself to the four categories of unglued reactions in regards to different pieces of my life: exploders who shame themselves; exploders who blame others; stuffers who build barriers; and stuffers who collect retaliation rocks. Each of these reactions carries a burden and directs me away from the soul integrity, which is honesty that's godly.
- A roller coaster is how I would describe my progress with my faith. I'm constantly moving forward, but experiencing highs and lows. An obstacle course is how I would describe my progress with fitness (no pun intended), but it's challenging and causes me to get out of my comfort zone... I stumble and get back up in order to make it to the finished line.
- Challenge partners... Time to step on some toes!
I had a great hair day; therefore, it's a great day to be 28.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Only 363 more days to go!
It simply doesn't make sense... How can I wake up at 3:30am wide awake and feeling like I can tackle the day, only to lay back down to go back to sleep and wake up at 6:30 to feel like I didn't sleep at all? Still working on how that works!
So teaching... It's what I do... It's what I love... And honestly, I think I'm pretty good at it (at least my students think so). Not only that, my kiddos get my sarcastic sense of humor (and give it back to me). So let me relish and expose you to some pieces of evidence which support my information above.
Photo above: I had asked her for a husband for my birthday. She said she would look for him at Walmart... I asked her to look for him at Target (it had better quality items)...and this is what I got today.
Picture above: I had asked one of my kiddos for a car for my birthday. He walks into my class today and says, "Here are your keys to your car. Your car is out on the playground."
Picture above: Sweet gifts and breakfast from my kiddos.
Picture above: Just some of the cards and letters from my kiddos this week.
Side note: Homemade cards are my favorite. They take time, effort, and thought to what is placed into each card. Looking at the cards I can tell my students know and understand the kind of person I am. They know that not only am I a teacher, but I'm a person.
Faith... I am discovering more and more the importance of having spiritually knowledgeable in my life. This does not necessarily mean they can quote every verse of the Bible. This means that I understand people who have God at the core of their being. Tonight at small group was a great reassurance that I am not alone in my struggles in life. Tonight's focus was on a confused mind (guilty). A doubtful and unbelieving mind (guilty). An anxious and worried mind (guilty). While I know and understand I'm guilty of all of these things, I'm realizing the power God has in comforting me in these weaknesses. And I'm going to picture review of some key points from my reading (Joyce Meyer's The Mind is a Battlefield)and of the night's discussion:
This last picture really goes deep for me as I often do things today for the purposes of tomorrow. I must look at doing the things of today for the purposes of day. It even makes me reflect on the title of my blog (Faith.Fitness.Future). Should I worry about the future or worry about today?--But today doesn't go along with my alliteration!
So what did I learn about being 28 today? It's important to live and accomplish the things that 28 years and 2 days Jessica must do and not fret over 28 years and 3 days Jessica.
Now to my challenge to you (oh faithful and loyal reader)... What are things that are on your today's to do list for tomorrow that can be put aside to rejoice in what needs to take place today?
.
So teaching... It's what I do... It's what I love... And honestly, I think I'm pretty good at it (at least my students think so). Not only that, my kiddos get my sarcastic sense of humor (and give it back to me). So let me relish and expose you to some pieces of evidence which support my information above.
Photo above: I had asked her for a husband for my birthday. She said she would look for him at Walmart... I asked her to look for him at Target (it had better quality items)...and this is what I got today.
Picture above: I had asked one of my kiddos for a car for my birthday. He walks into my class today and says, "Here are your keys to your car. Your car is out on the playground."
Picture above: Just some of the cards and letters from my kiddos this week.
Side note: Homemade cards are my favorite. They take time, effort, and thought to what is placed into each card. Looking at the cards I can tell my students know and understand the kind of person I am. They know that not only am I a teacher, but I'm a person.
Faith... I am discovering more and more the importance of having spiritually knowledgeable in my life. This does not necessarily mean they can quote every verse of the Bible. This means that I understand people who have God at the core of their being. Tonight at small group was a great reassurance that I am not alone in my struggles in life. Tonight's focus was on a confused mind (guilty). A doubtful and unbelieving mind (guilty). An anxious and worried mind (guilty). While I know and understand I'm guilty of all of these things, I'm realizing the power God has in comforting me in these weaknesses. And I'm going to picture review of some key points from my reading (Joyce Meyer's The Mind is a Battlefield)and of the night's discussion:
This last picture really goes deep for me as I often do things today for the purposes of tomorrow. I must look at doing the things of today for the purposes of day. It even makes me reflect on the title of my blog (Faith.Fitness.Future). Should I worry about the future or worry about today?--But today doesn't go along with my alliteration!
So what did I learn about being 28 today? It's important to live and accomplish the things that 28 years and 2 days Jessica must do and not fret over 28 years and 3 days Jessica.
Now to my challenge to you (oh faithful and loyal reader)... What are things that are on your today's to do list for tomorrow that can be put aside to rejoice in what needs to take place today?
.
Day 1 of being 28
I would be lying if I said I didn't wake up this morning hoping some strikingly good looking man was delivering me breakfast in bed. Instead, I woke up to the buzz of my cell phone with Facebook notifications from people wishing me 'Happy Birthday!' Not the cute guy, but still a good start to the morning! I grabbed a pillow and my sheet and made my way to the couch. First order of business, finish watching the television show I fell asleep to last night (I've realized this occurs more often as I've been getting older).
I'm hoping with these 365 days of writing that I become more consistent with my quiet time with God. Whether it is directly in my Bible or through my small group study readings, I want to reflect more in the Word. This relates directly with part of the name of my blog (FAITH.fitness.future)...which indirectly links to my fitness. I've mentioned that I've slacked on my fitness and health, but can't understand why. Until recently. As I have been reading for the two small groups I've realized a few things... 1. I've labeled myself as a person who will always struggle with my weight. As a result of that label, I have allowed it to define me rather than inspire me to change that label. Well, you may wonder how I was able to lose the weight before and be so diligent with my eating and fitness... Honestly, I was living on false pretenses of why I should get healthly. I wasn't getting healthy for me, I was getting healthy for the people around me. Healthy in order to get a new label. To be defined by the labels prescribed by the materialistic world. I've been tossing and turning in the struggles of getting back on the bandwagon and frustrated that I haven't been able to do it until my second point. 2. Doubt and unbelief. See I know I can do the necessary steps to get my fitness and health back on track. I know God believes in me. And there are moments I believe in me; however, it's in those moments I slip away from my faith that the devil fills my head with doubt and unbelief in myself, in my willingness to change. Why does he do this? Honestly, he understands the damage a sound mind and body can do to his work against the Kingdom of God. With that said, this platform is my place to disclose my struggles in my faith.fitness.future. It is the place to disclose my triumphs in my faith.fitness.future. It is my place to take away the labels I've been defining myself as for the last 28 years.
So what does a 28 year old do on their birthday?
Laundry, of course!
Everyone uses tea candles for a birthday cake.
28 is tutu fun!
28... Don't take it so serious!
Send mature texts like this...
Make duct tape crafts
Perfecting my question asking (picture was not taken in my pure excitement of running on stage to be a volunteer.)
Adult beverages with a friend...
The things that have floated through my mind today as I think about year 28:
I'm hoping with these 365 days of writing that I become more consistent with my quiet time with God. Whether it is directly in my Bible or through my small group study readings, I want to reflect more in the Word. This relates directly with part of the name of my blog (FAITH.fitness.future)...which indirectly links to my fitness. I've mentioned that I've slacked on my fitness and health, but can't understand why. Until recently. As I have been reading for the two small groups I've realized a few things... 1. I've labeled myself as a person who will always struggle with my weight. As a result of that label, I have allowed it to define me rather than inspire me to change that label. Well, you may wonder how I was able to lose the weight before and be so diligent with my eating and fitness... Honestly, I was living on false pretenses of why I should get healthly. I wasn't getting healthy for me, I was getting healthy for the people around me. Healthy in order to get a new label. To be defined by the labels prescribed by the materialistic world. I've been tossing and turning in the struggles of getting back on the bandwagon and frustrated that I haven't been able to do it until my second point. 2. Doubt and unbelief. See I know I can do the necessary steps to get my fitness and health back on track. I know God believes in me. And there are moments I believe in me; however, it's in those moments I slip away from my faith that the devil fills my head with doubt and unbelief in myself, in my willingness to change. Why does he do this? Honestly, he understands the damage a sound mind and body can do to his work against the Kingdom of God. With that said, this platform is my place to disclose my struggles in my faith.fitness.future. It is the place to disclose my triumphs in my faith.fitness.future. It is my place to take away the labels I've been defining myself as for the last 28 years.
So what does a 28 year old do on their birthday?
Everyone uses tea candles for a birthday cake.
28 is tutu fun!
Send mature texts like this...
Make duct tape crafts
Perfecting my question asking (picture was not taken in my pure excitement of running on stage to be a volunteer.)
Adult beverages with a friend...
And pick-pocketing (just kidding)
As I get ready to go to bed, I thank God for giving me great friends, great church, and a great day. 28 is going to be a great year!
1. Is this the year I stop getting ID'd when I order a drink?
2. Is it 28...30... Or 40 when my bones start to really ache?
3. Today means I'm wiser, right?
4. Does this mean I can't round down to 25 anymore?
5. Are guys at a bar really that crappy?
6. I will not let 28 define, but refine me.
Monday, March 11, 2013
365 Days of Being 28
Today is the day 28 years ago that God deemed for me to make my mark on this world. What a roller coaster these last 28 years have been. I've had my fair share of highs and lows like anyone, but something is stirring inside of me. Something is telling me 28 is going to be a year of great things for my life. I'm excited, scared, anxious, thankful, and full of promise. For once, I'm leaning in on the trust of God to lead me in my journey.
With that said, my goal for the next 365 days is to track year 28... To share. To write. To confess. To give thanks. To laugh. To just let it all out. While this will be a challenge for me to be diligent in my writing each day, I pray that through these writings I can grow closer in different aspects of my life.... With my friends. My family. Myself. My Creator.
Like I said, God chose this day 28 years ago for me to begin leaving my mark on this world...and I'm ready to get started!
With that said, my goal for the next 365 days is to track year 28... To share. To write. To confess. To give thanks. To laugh. To just let it all out. While this will be a challenge for me to be diligent in my writing each day, I pray that through these writings I can grow closer in different aspects of my life.... With my friends. My family. Myself. My Creator.
Like I said, God chose this day 28 years ago for me to begin leaving my mark on this world...and I'm ready to get started!
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