Snapshots by Michelle

The Road to Healthy

2012-07-26T06:45:00.000-05:00

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired... and something had to change. That something was me.

In high school, I was tiny, and I worked hard to stay that way...

... until I got married and got comfortable, and well... you know. :) As the years passed, no matter how often I'd mention needing to stop gaining weight and get healthy, I never did.

My 29th birthday came and went - and I knew that if I ever wanted to get healthier, it was going to be even harder to accomplish now. I still did nothing, except continue to gain weight and inch myself closer to more health issues/diseases.

A few months before my 31st birthday, my best friend cornered me and gave me the love and encouragement I needed to finally motivate me into doing what I've wanted to do for years - start feeling better about myself, start feeling better in my skin, start taking care of myself, start being me.

January 2012 - weight 219lbs - wearing 2x shirts, 20 pants

She was by my side, guiding me as I started making several changes to how I ate. The changes weren't horribly drastic, and I gave myself space and grace to ease into a few of them over a couple of weeks (my checkbook appreciated it too!). Some things were easy to give up right away - others, not so much. As time went on, my taste buds rebooted and what was "eh" before was now "yummy!" and cravings for junk changed into cravings for fruits and veggies and water!

I took up speed walking/jogging with Storm - much to her delight! I've always enjoyed walking and had walked Storm since she arrived home - however it usually was more stroll-like, instead of workout-like. I stepped things up - and Storm kept up and kept pushing me even more!

Fast forward to the middle of July, six short months after starting my journey. I looked in the mirror one morning, and had to do a double-take! I didn't recognize the person looking back at me! She had changed -- for the better! I decided that day to pull out "that" pair of jeans... that pair I could only dream of wearing for the last 4+ years. And they fit. I could breathe, sit, walk in them. They FIT!!! EEKKK! Talk about being excited!!!

July 2012 - weight 177lbs - wearing L shirts and 16 jeans!

While others say they can see a difference, and while most days I can too, sometimes it's still hard to believe what I see in the mirror and hear from others. Our mind's image of ourselves is so messed up - and mine was no different. To help me really see the changes, I slid on my old pair of jeans that were getting too snug for me in January, and, well, I'll let the pic say the next thousand words:

So, in a short six months, I've gone from wearing size 20 jeans down to 16, and from 2x shirts to just large! I've dropped my weight from 219lbs (highest ever) down to 177lbs - that's 42lbs!!!

I still have a ways to go to get where I ultimately want to be - but man, it's exciting to see all the hard work paying off!! Sure, there were a few days where I didn't make the best of choices, but I didn't let those moments/meals/days stop me! I kept pushing through. I kept telling myself to get back on track, that all this hard work will be so worth it - and now, I can look back and say YES! It is worth it! I'm realistic enough to know there's still going to be some "bad" days in my future, but you know what? That's ok! I'm just going to keep on pushing though, and remind myself of where I've been, and where I'm going to be!!

My ultimate goal through all of this is to FEEL and BE HEALTHY - not just "loose weight" - loosing weight is just an awesome side-effect that's showing all the positive changes I'm making! I truly am feeling better, both mentally and physically. I enjoy taking care of myself. I feel much more comfortable in my skin! And I know that my attitude has greatly improved overall! I'd say, so far, this road to healthy is going wonderfully!!!

If you're also sick and tired of being sick and tired and want to know what I did to get started, keep reading. :) If you're not - YAY, GO YOU!!! Do me a favor, though and please scroll on down and leave me some of your thoughts/encouragement as I travel farther down the road to healthy!!!!

What I did for exercising:

I love walking - it's a stress-reliever for me. I have a dog - so there's no reason for me NOT to be walking some every day (poor girl would go crazy otherwise!). It was very easy for me to start speed-walking/jogging. I bought the Ease into 5k app for my Android - not because I wanted to run a 5k, but because I wanted something that would keep track of my stats and encourage me to move faster. Storm loves it too!! I've clocked over 100 miles so far this year! I'm also starting to lift weights some at home - 5lbs weights are *heavy* I tell ya!!

What I did for eating:

At the beginning, I made these changes to my diet:

1. Drink LOTS of water - put lemon/lemon juice in it. Suggested amount of water is to take your weight, divide in half, then drink that amount in ounces every day. So, if you weigh 200lbs, half of 200 is 100, so you'd want to drink at least 100oz of water every day. Gulp, that's a lot! :) I know... I was drinking it. And still try to get at least that every day, even though I'm under 200lbs now.

2. Cut out all junk. Specifically cut out SUGAR, but all processed food falls under this category. I missed my brownies. Soda would fall under this, but I haven't drank soda since I was 11, so didn't have to experience caffeine withdrawals (thankfully!)

3. No cheese and no dairy. This one was a mix of tough and not too tough. I haven't drank milk or eaten ice cream in years because I'm lactose intolerant. However I was still eating cheese and sour cream, despite knowing that they were probably making me feel sick- I loved them! I stopped dairy/cheese cold-turkey and within about a month or so, I stopped missing cheese, and was able to realize just how much better I felt not eating dairy!

4. No bad bread. Oh, I love bread! But nope, no bad bread - which means highly processed/gluten filled/most every type of bread/bagel/cinnamon roll/apple fritter out there. :) I did find some GF (gluten free) bread that I do enjoy eating on occasion, however I don't crave it now like I used to.

5. No plain fruit juice. Kinda goes with the sugar/junk thing. Juice (real, fresh, unprocessed) isn't awful for you, but when you're overweight, drinking juice is just as bad as drinking sugar.

6. No pork. Ok, are you gonna laugh when I tell you that THIS one was the hardest one for me to give up!? No pork??? What??? No bacon, no sausage, no brats, no tenderloins??? :) I'll be honest: I do still have pork on occasion, but not every day, 3 times a day like I used to! And it's not always tasting as good as it once did...

After a bit, I started to really incorporate juicing. Google green juice and you'll find all sorts of information on juicing and why you should juice and how it's so very healthy for you! I recently just watched a movie with my mom, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Try to tell me you're not inspired and encouraged to try juicing after watching that! Another good source is Breaking Free - go through the archives and read up on juicing and other health topics.

So, now you know what I've been up to this year..... or, actually, getting down to this year! :)

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved.
To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

And your excuse is???

2012-07-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

After a recent conversation about the excuses we come up with to give up sharing God's message He puts in our hearts, I thought this reminder would serve us all well!

Thank you to whoever came up with that list! :)

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved.
To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

Venus Eclipse 2012

2012-06-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to appear that it takes an astronomical event for me to post here this summer. :-D And that's all good!

In case you didn't know, tonight (6/5/12) there was a once-in-a-lifetime event where Venus eclipsed the sun!

Google Sky map on my android -- shows Venus and the Sun overlapping each other.

While it took special glasses/filters to see the eclipse in real life, (which I didn't have), you could watch it on numerous live webcasts (which I did!).

Then it got really awesome when the life-feed showed pics like this downloaded from some satellite:

However, despite not being able to see it for myself, I still wanted to capture what I could, so I ran out with Storm to capture the sun and venus sets! :)

I may not have been able to capture/show Venus, but I know she's there! And that's all that matters!

Here's the appx location of Venus at the time of the sunset here:

So, did you know about the Venus transit/eclipse? Did you get to see it personally or just watch it on the web?

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved.
To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+ and Facebook.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

The grass is greener

2012-05-24T20:43:00.000-05:00

... on the other side of the fence.

... because there is grass on the other side of the fence.

Have a great weekend!!!

Solar Eclipse 2012

2012-05-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

It has been the month for "signs in the heavens" -- first it was the super moon, then on Sunday night, it was the first full solar eclipse in 18 years! ( I remember being in school and getting to see that one!)

Unfortunately, it was occurring in Missouri as the sun was setting, so while I got to see the beginning of it, I didn't get to see it all. But a benefit was that I didn't have to worry about special filters/glasses because the atmosphere became the necessary filter to allow me to look at it straight on (since it was during sunset).

I was delighted that the clouds were breaking up just enough to let the sun and moon shine through!

Then a few minutes later, just before the sun almost dropped from the horizon, I captured this shot, exposing more for the sun, so getting a darker, more mysterious, more eerie image... which is so fitting for this natural, eerie wonder!

I'm so delighted that I was able to capture these! How about you? Did you get to see and/or capture the solar eclipse?

Singled Out

2012-05-14T22:52:00.000-05:00

I love watching allium flowers bloom every spring. They remind me of fireworks, which always reminds me of my one of my top favorite holidays (July 4th, Independence Day!), which is always a good thing! :)

And I love getting up close...

But getting even closer to see just one of the blooming stars singled out.....

Wow!! That's just awesome!! The intricate details and colors! Our God is beyond creative!!!

Super Moon 2012

2012-05-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

The best made plans of mice and men often go awry. Well, Michelle's plans, at least! :)

I was all set to get pics this year of the Super Moon last weekend.
I brushed up on my "how to shoot the moon" skills on Thursday night.
Then, Friday night, it was cloudy to the east..... where the moon rises. No awesome moon rising pics that night.
Then, Saturday night, instead of going to that great place I picked out for photos -- I stayed home with my sick husband, and hoped that I wouldn't miss the show despite being in town.

So, as I was outside running to our cousin's house next door, I noticed something orange high in the sky. I promptly forgot what I was going to do, and instead ran inside the house for my camera! This was the only view of the moon I was going to get this low in the sky (which in reality, was rather high), unless I wanted to spend time running a few blocks with my tripod to hope to get a better view.... (um, no!) :)

I know the details on the moon were lost with the over exposure, but I did want to try to get one shot that also showed the city-scape. (and if anyone knows kv and where I was taking these, don't die laughing at my calling the backyard view a "city-scape" hehe! Love how light (or lack there-of) can change a scene!) I love the mystery and caution wrapped in excitement this shows.

Off and on for the rest of the evening till bedtime I'd take my camera out side and capture a few more shots. Here's my fav of the moon right at the "peak" time of it's supposedly being the closest/brightest (although, it sure don't look that different to me than other full moons! ha!)

While I didn't get the images I dreamed of, I'm still happy with what I got!

How about you? Did you capture the Super Moon? How did your plans go? :)

Our Little Ladybug

2012-05-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

My cousin loves ladybugs.
My cousin just had a baby girl.

I love my cousin.
I have a camera, and a sister who can crochet.
(and I can piece/sew things together when said sister takes away my sad attempt at crocheting and does it herself... lol!).

Good things happen when all that is added up!

Welcome to the world, Ms Anslee!! You are cherished already!!!

Love, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Chell

Garden's Gateway

2012-05-07T20:08:00.001-05:00

With all this warm summer-like weather the last, oh, two days, it's got me in the mood for those hazy summer evenings, where you've given yourself permission to just be. To just relax and breath in the moment. To just gently swing in the porch swing, soaking up the warm magical garden air....

Yep. That's what I'm ready for!! How about you?

Raindrops and Wrinkles

2012-05-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

Raindrops on daisies...

... and wrinkles on puppies....

These are a few of my favorite things!

Guarding

2012-05-01T19:39:00.000-05:00

Getting settled into our weekend home, Storm decides she'll fill a very important role.....

Guarding the screen door. From potential sibling-interruptious.

I am beautiful {Project} take 2

2012-04-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

My bff shared this on her fb fan page the other day, and I wanted to share it here as well.

What does it feel like to be called beautiful? Do you say, "thank you." Or do you begin to tell the other person all the lies you have told yourself? Tonight, I would like you to begin saying these words to yourself...I AM BEAUTIFUL! I AM WORTHY! I AM BEAUTIFUL! I AM LOVABLE! I AM KIND! I AM SMART! I AM IMPORTANT! I AM BEAUTIFUL! Will you do that for me tonight?

So the question is.... are you brave enough to see yourself though someone else's eyes, and not your lies?

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and saw good? Instead of searching out and focusing on what you don't like... focus on what you do like! Take a moment and really see the beauty that is YOU! Each of us, no matter our shape, color, style, height has something beautiful. Your hair that just got some tlc? The color of your eyes that make them sparkle? The fact your parents paid good money for braces growing up and your smile lets those pearly whites shine? Did you just get some new clothes that flatter you?

How about deciding that starting *now* you're going to look at yourself with new eyes and start focusing on the good and either forget or fix the "bad"! :) Don't look to the world for your happiness and how you should look/act/appear.... Give yourself a make over just with a new attitude and outlook on life! Smile! Know that you are loved and beautiful!! Rock that new sundress! :)

Just stop and forget the lies. Take a moment to be still before God (Be still, and know that I am God -Psalm 46:10) and hear Him whisper this to your heart:

Michelle (fill in your name here) - You have ravished my heart, my sister {treasure}, my spouse {bride}! (Song of Solomon 4:9) I will betroth you unto Me for ever (Hosea 2:19). (paraphrased slightly to fit this tense) I created you, I formed you: fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; YOU ARE MINE! (Isaiah 43:1) I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

I am beautiful!! And, my friends, YOU are beautiful, too!!

Don't just stop at today. I need to remind myself of this often - and more often than I do. That I am beautifully and wonderfully made in Him. That no matter my struggles, my faults, my sins, my insecurities -- He'll always love me and desire me. And just for that reason alone, I should feel beautiful from the inside out! I'm not necessarily writing this post for you -- but for me, too. Because I need to be reminded to not buy into the lies. To not see me as the world sees (not good enough) but to see me though God's eyes. Through my family's eyes. Through my girl-friend's eyes. Through my best friend's eyes. I need this for me. And maybe, you might need it too.

Here's another post that talks about how we should see ourselves...

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved.
To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+ and Facebook.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

This and That

2012-04-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hey there, everyone! Just got a few things I've been wanting to share, nothing *too* exciting yet... but there's some exciting stuff happening with my bff, and I'm excited to be sharing it soon!

Anyway, on to my 3 things today.

1. Slacker! I realized today that starting in March I became a shutterbug again, and have hundreds of pics sitting on my laptop that I've done nothing with, but that I love. Hum. So, to solve that issue for the moment, here's one of my favorite March images:

2. Celebrate my age! Last year sometime I saw this awesome photo of a lady posing by a street sign to document her birthday. Well, I decided I was going to do that as well... then my birthday came and went... and eek, it's almost here again! So, with a little less than 3 weeks to spare, I got a (ahem, lame!) selfie taken to document my age. Um... this one calls for a redo due to lack of creativity.. ha!

3. Impulse shopping at the... dog groomers??? What? :) Well, last month (again!) I took Storm to a new dog groomer to get her nails done (it's worth every penny!) and while I was waiting, I found the cutest dog photo frame. :) And I decided I was willing to splurge the $6 to get it, and support my local dog groomer! :) Isn't it fun!!??

Well, that's it for now! Have a great rest of your week!!

Spring, Spring, Spring!!!

2012-04-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

Ma Nature's lyrical with Spring's yearly miracle... Spring, spring, spring!
I've been singing that song for weeks now! Sing it with me -- then watch the movie, too! :)

First up, is a similar shot to one I shared of Storm at the river, just minus Storm this time...

Then next, one of my newest favorite lilac shots, ever! (which may look familiar as well to some of you!)

Who doesn't love dew drops? Obviously I do, cause not only are they sparkling on the lilacs above, but they're also sparking on the grass below....

Daffodils -- one of the first to shout out spring's arrival!

I've been so spoiled by our mild winter and beautiful (almost summer like) weather in March that when April started with a rainy cold front -- burr!!! I wasn't impressed! However, it is spring in Missouri -- I just need to wait 5 more minutes and the weather will change again! :)

Hope you all are having an amazing spring, soaking up some sun and enjoying the spring blooms while they're here!

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com
Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved.
To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+ and Facebook.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

Storm's Story

2012-04-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

Last year, I made a photo book for Storm, documenting the first three years she was ours!

Click here to view this photo book larger

You'll love Shutterfly's award-winning photo books. Try it today.

(I just now figured out I could post this to share with you all!! Only took me a year! hehe!) I love looking though this book still. And I lovin' seeing my photography in print. There's just something about holding a image in your hand -- the physical item that was captured because I was there, I saw it, I took the time to pause, breathe, and notice. This video explains it a bit more! Since last year, I've been trying to pay more attention to how I compose things -- both my images and my layouts -- to more effectively tell a story. One of my goals for this new year is to take more pictures of Storm, me and our family -- and I'm fully intending on taking advantage (when $$ allows of course!) of the photo book coupons that arrive in my email and make several more of these this year! I also purchased the coolest puppy photo frame and will be hopefully ordering pics of Storm soon to fill it up! Once that's done, I'll share it either here or on fb with you all! I'm stinking excited for it, so much so that the frame is already hanging up! lol! Just need the pics! And speaking of pics, seeing this is Storm's Story... what kind of story to you get from this?

Have a great week, everyone!!!

You have just read a copyright protected post written for http://snapshotsbymichelle.blogspot.com Please be respectful and do not steal what doesn't belong to you - meaning my pictures and my words. Remember, Jesus is watching you!! © 2010-2012 snapshots by Michelle – All Rights Reserved. To keep up with the latest posts, subscribe via RSS or email. You can also follow along on Google+ and Facebook. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold Who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails. – Isaiah 40:26 And when these things begin to come to pass then look up, and lift up your heads; for your Redemption draws nigh. -Luke 21:28

Check! Riding horses off my bucket list!

2012-03-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

Do you have a bucket list? I don't have a formal written-out one, but I got a short one (well, short cause I only remember like four of them! ha!)

One of my wishes was to ride a horse. A real horse! And a couple weekends ago, I *finally* got my wish!!

I got to ride a pony at Santa's Village when I was 6 years old and have been waiting years to get a chance to ride again!

So, my brother and sister-in-law took Jeremy and me out to her folk's farm for me to meet Paco. And let me just say... I'm not very graceful when it comes to getting on a horse. As I'm basically being left to my own devises to figure out how to get *on* this huge horse, my first attempt didn't get me very far... my second attempt, well......

... let's just say, I struggled to get high enough the first jump, and the second jump I had a bit too much oomph and lost my balance and kept going over the horse!! hehe! The saddle was loose and add in my un-gracefulness and eek! Over I went! Thankfully I managed to land on my feet - although I about fell over from laughing at myself so hard! My sweet hubby (who was taking these pics for me) stopped once he realized I was in trouble and headed over to help, but started shooting again when he saw I rescued myself! Oye! I told him he should have kept shooting and then worried about me!

Thankfully, I was willing to "get back on the horse" and Jerod, my sister in law's cousin (who was driving by when I somersaulted over the horse) stopped and helped get me going!

Jerod was so fun to get to chat with and I was thankful to have him around so that I could check riding a horse off my bucket list! And now, I can't wait to get to go again!

Hope you got a bit of a chuckle out of this! :-D Enjoy your day!!

Sigh... Lilacs!

2012-03-25T13:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I about missed these guys this year! With all this unseasonably warm weather we've been having, all the spring bloomers are busy earlier this year! And just at my folk's last week, their lilac bushes were barely blooming -- and here -- we're in full bloom, almost right at the end of their glory! How crazy is that!?

I got a fun story to share soon on what else I did last weekend... let's just say, I'm so glad I can laugh at myself and go with the flow!

Have a blessed SONday and week!! Enjoy it!

Second and Third Steps

2012-03-12T22:49:00.000-05:00

I've taken a few more steps this year to take better care of myself. (here's my first step) I've also been making some changes to become healthier -- eat better and exercise more. I didn't go into it with the mind set of "I want to loose weight" but with the mind set of "I want to FEEL better!" It's been about a month and a half and good news is that I *am* feeling better - and I'm starting to crave veggies and lost almost all of my sweet cravings! :) An awesome side affect is that I have lost weight - but that's really not my ultimate goal. I'm very excited for the changes I'm seeing!

I found a Ease into 5k app that I started using tonight. Let me tell you -- I wasn't sure how I'd do -- but I really enjoyed it! For 25-30 minutes, the app will prompt you to alternate between walking and running (well, in my case, jogging!). It was a combination of challenging and easy for the first day -- and I find myself excited for tomorrow to conquer day 2! And what's cool is that my running buddy, Storm, LOVES this too! In fact, I think she was rather disappointed when it was over and mama wasn't jogging anymore! ha! (guess who else is getting healthy with mama!? lol!)

When we got back to the house, after getting a much needed drink, we decided to pose for a picture -- nothing fancy or posed, but a simple pic just to document the day's success!

(I'm thinking that flickr has really messed with the pic -- it doesn't look as nice as what it did on my pc?? too compressed or over-sharpened or something???)

I'm looking forward to taking these throughout this spring and summer to document how things change (and improve!)

And, just because I'm enjoying practicing my dog-photography, here's my little girl!

Have a great day!!!

Keep Digging

2012-03-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. - Isaiah 55:6

And I say unto you (telling us how to approach the Lord for whatever we need), Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (all of this speaks of persistence and guarantees a positive answer, at least if it’s in the Will of God). -Luke 11:9

For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened (he says “everyone,” and that includes you!). - Luke 11:10

Keep digging. It will be found.

Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor's Study Bible (1791). Baton Rouge, LA: World Evangelism Press.

windy

2012-03-06T20:30:00.000-06:00

Yep. That about sums things up.

River Sunrise

2012-03-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

There's been some amazing sunrises lately, and last night I talked my husband into getting up early in the morning to drive out in the country to one of our favorite river accesses to chase the sunrise. Sadly, though, winter wasn't about to let the 70* weather stick around long and offered up some frosty air this morning (something about how within 24 hours last week we went from 70s and sun, to rain, to severe thunderstorms, to hail, to cold/ice, to tornadoes/wind, to rain AND snow at the same time, and now back to cold and windy... winter is not giving up quite yet!)

This weekend also marks the first time I consistently picked up my camera and started shooting what was around me -- well after I did some much-needed cleaning (a-choo! still sneezing from all that dust on the lenses!) The pick-up-my-camera-and-capture-it bug has returned to my house! Just a few bugs, but I know that soon, I'll be a regular shootin' girl again!

Anyway, this morning's sunrise didn't fail to impress -- here's one of my favorite images from this morning:

And because I found this awesome article on pinterest, I also am working on capturing more images of my kid -- ahem, fur-kid! :)

I love how this looks in b&w -- Storm was lovin' running all over (read: staying warm!) and exploring the river's edge.

And before I go, since this is Sunday, here's some Word for you. :)

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Having heard all that can be said in favor of trying to secure happiness in this life by the use of material agents, the conclusion is: It is impossible; the only happy life is one in fellowship with God and the Bible; such fellowship produces the ideal man; any other life is madness, because there is a day coming when every action, however hidden, will be brought into the unsparing light of the Throne of God and judged, unless cleansed and covered by the Blood [I Jn. 1:7].) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (The subject then of this Book is the folly of seeking happiness and fulfillment “under the sun,” and that the possession of exceptional intelligence only renders more evident the folly and unhappiness of this quest.)

Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor's Study Bible (1088). Baton Rouge, LA: World Evangelism Press.

Winter is still here!

2012-02-22T23:02:00.000-06:00

Yep, even though you can see how spring is starting to make her presence known, winter is still clinging on!

And before winter is over, I thought I'd share some pretty winter scenes! We didn't get hardly any snow this year -- and when we did, it wasn't very photogenic!

Storms of Life

2012-01-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

If I am experiencing a storm in my life, hold on!!! Because as long as I have Jesus in the boat with me, as long as He told me I'm going to get to the other side, I'm going to get to the other side!!!! Hallelujah!!! So I don't care how big the waves are, how strong the wind is blowing, how much resistance is coming up against me, I must stand knowing that Jesus said I'm going to get from point A to point B. So as long as Jesus is in my boat, I'm going to make it!! Amen? AMEN!!! :-D (this promise isn't only for me, but for YOU too!!)

Mark 4:35-41
And the same day, when the evening was come (refers to the same day that He had been teaching the people through Parables), He said unto them (the Twelve), Let us pass over unto the other side (presents itself as a microcosm of this present life; the storms come, and it is only with Christ, that we can make it to the other shore).
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship (meaning that He was very tired, even to the point of physical exhaustion; as a man, He grew tired, just as we do). And there were also with Him other little ships (referred to those who wanted to be near Him, and understandably so!).
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full (represents in the spiritual sense, the storms of life, which come to every person).
And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? (The Lord had said, “let us pass over unto the other side.” This means that despite the storm, or anything else for that matter, they would reach the other shore. The people of God are in the same boat with Christ, and we cannot perish because He cannot perish. But we must expect storms of opposition for they are sure to come [Ps. 93].)
And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still (the Greek intimates, “Silence! Hush!”). And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (instantly).
And He said unto them, Why are you so fearful? (This type of fear, shows improper love [I Jn. 4:18].) How is it that ye have no faith? (The Disciples had accepted His Messiahship, but had a most inadequate view of what that office carried with it.)
And they feared exceedingly (means that their fear of Him, was greater even then their fear had been of the storm), and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? (The Disciples were right! The wind and sea did obey Him, and so does everything else. So why should we fear?)

Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor's Study Bible (1719). Baton Rouge, LA: World Evangelism Press.

One of my sweet friends shared this with me shortly after I shared the above thoughts, and maybe it may touch you as well!!

"When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." Psalms 61:2
Blessed be God, at such seasons we are not without an all-sufficient solace, our God is the harbour of weather-beaten sails, the hospice of forlorn pilgrims. Higher than we are is he, his mercy higher than our sins, his love higher than our thoughts.

But our confidence is fixed upon an exceeding high and glorious Lord. A Rock he is since he changes not, and a high Rock, because the tempests which overwhelm us roll far beneath at his feet; he is not disturbed by them, but rules them at his will.

If we get under the shelter of this lofty Rock we may defy the hurricane; all is calm under the lee of that towering cliff.

I pray you have a blessed day, resting in the comfort of knowing that Jesus is there with you in your storm -- and it's going to be ok!!

First Step

2012-01-28T14:56:00.000-06:00

We all need to be reminded to take care of ourselves. Because if we don't, who's going to? Not everyone is lucky enough to have family and/or friends who encourage you to see yourself as beautiful and to take care of yourself. However, I am one of those lucky ones! My first step towards this new mind-frame was to get my hair cut/styled. I'm not going to admit how long it's been.... but I will say it was way overdue. So Friday night after work, I took my phone filled with "hair-wish" pics and worked with my new stylist on what cut would look good on me and make my hair look healthy again. I'm lovin' my new hair and am determined to take better care of one of my most favorite features on me.

Would you like to see my new hair???

Then, Storm wanted attention.... more like wanted to get outside and walk, not take pics, but hey!

How appropriate that the first time I pick up my dslr camera in 2012 (Yes, it's true! Except for some cell phone pics, I haven't taken any pictures since Christmas!) I'm capturing two of my 2012 goals: take more selfies (here's why) and more pics of Storm!

Here's the typical awful before pic if you wish to see. (I didn't purposely set out for it to look as awful as it did, though! hehe!)

stirrings....

2012-01-21T14:31:00.000-06:00

Some seeds have been planted and now, new growth is starting to burst forth!!!