Spirit: the acknowledgment of Spiritual Guidance

Image by Sean MacEntee via Flickr

When real change happens you know it. I AM SURE OF God's hand on my life and the Holy Spirit's presence in my heart. The past 2 year's have taught me alot about forgiveness. I was stumbling through the darkness looking for the way out at times but I believe I am finding the lightness (happiness) again.

I am wanting to praise God for allowing me to keep my family together. I know that Satan was trying to tear my family apart and destroy our potential to grow into more productive people.

I also know that if it were not for Jesus' role in my life that I would have gone down a road that would have made my children's lives miserable. I am so thankful that God helped me stay strong. I had times that I came close to seeking revenge and teetered on the edge of annihilating my marriage, but there was a voice inside me (when even smothered by my drink of choice) still whispered "no". Infidelity is one of the worse betrayals to live through. Let me be frank, It hurts so bad. I believe it  hurts even worse when you really love your spouse.

I hope my transparency here is encouraging to someone, instead of fodder for pity. I am willing to give all the credit to my Savior from this point forward for any positive growth in my family, home, and marriage.  I will also relish the moments where I can say "too bad for you devil!!!".  Yes! makes me want to dance and sing God's praises. Realizing that the Devil really wanted to destroy not only my positve destiny but my children's future too really got the Mama Bear in me ready to do what it took to fight for them. I mean I had to wrap my mind around the fact that this was real and really happening!

If I had made a different choice I would be filled up with more guilt than I could handle. This just creates more pain. The old adage 2 wrongs do not make a right is really true. The peace created in your heart from following the guidance inside you is always worth it.

I have regrets too, but know that I plan to clear a path from this day forward to put more creedance on my inner voice's (holy spirit inhabiting my body) validity . Really listen to your Savior because He loves you while Satan is the great deceiver and relishes your destruction.

Body: thinking about a new hairstyle

This is my hair now:

I started to think about how interesting it would be to browse popular hairstyles from previous decades and I found 1 picture for the 20's through now that were representative of a popular hairstyle at the time. I am wanting a new hair-do that endures the tests of time. Let's take a walk through the images of the popular hairstyles I found and see if there is any common thread:

poor women in the 20's! The hair that jumps out at me the most is Farrah's representing the 70's! Wow that was some great hair. Love "The Rachel", and I am thinking about a curlier choppier bob than the most modern (katie) hair-do. the bob length seems to be the most popular through the decades. What do you all think?

Spirit: step through opportunity

Image via Wikipedia

GOD provides, opportunities, escape routes, and choice. Do not underestimate the satisfaction in choosing God's will.
I want to share this excerpt from Personal Development.com:

"It can bring us closer to or further from our dreams. A good part of our waking day is spent in making choices. It begins as soon as the alarm goes off. Do we get out of bed immediately or push the snooze button? Do we prepare for work or call in sick? At the job, do we work hard or goof off? All during the day we continue making choices as we decide what to do next. Do I tackle the most important task or make a personal telephone call? Do I answer my business messages or chat with coworkers over coffee? Each decision I make points me to the road of success or the path of mediocrity.
Many of us act as if were in rudderless boats drifting in the sea of life. Our destination? Who knows? We arrive wherever the currents and tides take us. But it doesnt have to be that way. You see, the boat were in has a rudder! It can steer us to the shore of success. That rudder is CHOICE. If we use it, we can become the captain of our destiny.
We didnt decide to be born. And after entering the world, no one handed us a book of instructions on how to succeed in life. So, its not surprising that many make mistakes. Some of the instructions we didnt receive are the following five steps. Following them can help us to maximize the potential positive power of CHOICE.
1. Be aware of your choices. This is not as easy as you think. Why? Because most of the time our boat (mind) is on autopilot. Instead of deciding whether to rise at the sound of the alarm or hit the snooze button, for example, we act automatically. We act by force of habit. If its a good habit, thats great, as there is one less decision to make. But if it is a bad habit, our boat will move away from the shore of success and head for the rocks. Imagine not being aware of that! To avoid such danger, force yourself to become aware of your choices.
2. Analyze your choices. Once you become aware of making a decision, ask yourself, Will this choice help me to succeed or hold me back?
3. Make your choice. After realizing whether the choice is helpful or harmful, make a decision for the best.
4. Act on your choice. Decisions without action are worthless, for they are mere pipe dreams, not plans. As Arnold H. Glasow wrote, Ideas not coupled with action never become bigger than the brain cells they occupied.
5. Multiply your choices. One choice is no choice and two choices may pose a dilemma. However, three or more alternatives offer flexibility and provide you with the option of making the best possible choice.


The next time you plan on making New Year resolutions (choices), here are some you may want to consider:
From this day forward, I choose to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
To those who share their fears, I choose to share my courage.
I choose to stop robbing my future by being irresponsible.
I will never be ashamed to admit that I was wrong. For to do so means that I am wiser today than I was yesterday.I will always remember that the true measure of individuals is the height of their ideals, the breadth of their compassion, the depth of their convictions, and the length of their patience."


This was written by:Chuck Gallozzi

I am going to start keeping my eyes open to opportunities to step through that create positivity in my life and relish the fact that my choices are my own.

Spirit: You choose your happiness

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It is best to stop relying on other people for your happiness. You need to be responsible for your own happiness. Please the Lord first and look inward for joy.

Journal entry: July16th 2011

I am happy to say I am down 5 lb.s from my previous gain! I have worked out hard this past week and ate like I was supposed to for the Weight Watchers point plus program. I have been hungry every evening and am going for my 4th day of exercise this week. I try to do 4-5 days a week! So I consider this a success. I hope that I can keep having this kind of journal entries in the future - It feels so much better. I must remember this throughout next week. I am feeling the hope that I can reach my goal again. I had lost it for a littlw while.

I also made a list of Why I was starting this diet/exercise plan again. Then I read it outloud every morning and when I was wanting to eat or drink something I shouldn't. It helped  a lot.

 One of my things on my list was "I do not want to fail again and start over again"

I am feeling positive about this past week.  Yay Me!

Body: eating more salmon

Image via Wikipedia

Salmon is higher in Omega 3 fatty acids than most fish and it is low in saturated fat. Okay listen, it is even low in calories! It is amazing! I had a nice sized slab of the pinky delightful fish yesterday on a big bed of dark green spinach, lettuce, and other salad greens. I drizzled an italian/balsmic mixture of dressing over the whole thing. It was so delicious!

The health benefits of incorporating Salmon in your diet are undisputed - Almost everyone agrees EAT MORE SALMON. I know I am going to after that delicious experience yesterday.

Related articles

• Omega-3 reduces anxiety and inflammation in healthy students (eurekalert.org)

Here is a recipe to try-

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1.Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2.In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3.Preheat grill for medium heat.
4.Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Sounds so good!!

Spirit: Defensive nature

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If we defend our habits, we have no intentions of quitting them. When someone gets defensive they are basically justifying their actions.
A defensive stance, attitude, or argument indicates that the person knows (down deep) that they are wrong and are unwilling to change.
Sometimes, it is just not time for them to be able to change. Timing is so important (maturity in Christ).
Sometimes, more often the case, the person is identifying themselves with a stronghold that is holding them back. In other words, they cannot see themselves without their weakness, vice or escape mechanism. This is obvious when someone says things like "that's just how I am", or "that's just me", or even worse "who would I be if I couldn't _______?"  
Is it time for you to examine your strongholds? What is holding you back from living the abundant life God wants for you? What excuses do you make about your weaknesses and deficiencies? Some things are just so hard to let go of.

Here is the truth though: None of us are strong enough, good enough or perfect enough!  Only through God's help and guidance through the Holy Spirit of Jesus can we stop being defensive and make real change in our lives.

It is time!as soon as you make the decision to let go of your filthy rags (old ways) and put on the royal robes that only God can provide.

I know that I have been "getting in the way" of what God wants for me. I truly want to change and allow God to revive me and give me peace. I am on this path for a reason  and I do believe that there are a lot of things to do, that give purpose to life that I am letting pass me by.

Mind/Spirit; goal setting and vision boards

If you don't know clearly what you want to achieve then, you will never feel accomplished when making positive changes.
I believe that setting goals helps me focus and thrive rather than survive.

deciding on a destination is 1/2 the battle, the other half is deciding on a plan of attack-

My new weight goal is to weigh 120 pounds. I am deciding that this is the year to really accomplish this goal.

I know where I am going and am committed to it through stating my goal!

Working out everyday is one of my goals. Eating less than 29 WW points everyday is another.

Visualizing my healthier, thin self is a part of the formula as well.

I have basically stayed the same weight for the past 6-8 months.

I am ready to make these changes.

vision boards help clarify what you want:

Image by lululemon athletica via Flickr

When you do a vision board all you simply have to do is cut out or print out images that you love, and paste them all over a blank posterboard. The final product usually shows you what you really want more clearly.

I did a vision board a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. It is time for a new one.
After completing your vision board:
1. Decide on your goals
2. plan a way to get there
3. state your goals to friends/family/journal etc.
4. stay on track by journaling and looking at your vision board daily

Image by kkilometer via Flickr

Journal Entry: July 5th

Back from the beach and now the 4th of July holiday is over. Back to reality!
I had a nice time in Pensacola Florida. We stayed in a really nice condo. Starboard Village.

We spent most of our time walking/laying on/playing on the beach. I read Heaven is for Real while we were soaking up the sun. So nice to relax!

We grilled out and ate out a lot!

We did a Dolphin Cruise and the kids and my hubby went parasailing!

I loved the time I spent in the pool and watching my boys "battle" the waves!

But by far the best part was spending time with my family!
 In this picture- My son Jake, husband Michael, myself (boat hair), my son Logan (boat hair), and my boys' friend Grant:

Some of the best times for me was getting dressed up and going out to eat and to Downtown Pensacola

Now, today is the first day of the rest of my Summer break!
I would love to paint my son's room, the foyer downstairs, re-do my bathroom, and lose a little more weight before school starts back.

I am feeling like I have made progress in my life but have a long way to go before I am being all Our Heavenly Father meant for me to  be.