Happy April! This year is just flying by, but what a great year it has been so far!
I am happy to say that I am still doing well with my workouts and healthy eating plan. To date, I have lost 12.8 lbs! My husband and I ran our first 5K of the year on Saturday, March 20. Although it was the first day of Spring, it was 35 degrees and snowing...that's Michigan for you! BUT, we had a great time. I ran the entire 3.2 miles and finished in 31 minutes. Not bad for my first race in a very long time. We are now preparing for the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" on Sunday, April 25th. I am very excited to run for such a great cause!
Well, the Easter holiday will be here in only 3 days. I've always loved Easter and what means to me as a believer in Jesus Christ. Its the time where we get to celebrate the fact that He conquered death and rose from the grave, a miracle beyond all comprehension, and that points the finger to an Almighty God. In doing so, the chains of sin were broken and we were offered a life of FREEDOM in Him! Isn't that truly amazing? I absolutely LOVE it!
For the next 15 days, I am choosing to focus on a verse that capitalizes the meaning of Easter...
Luke 24:5-6
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!"
I love the question in this verse, and I love that its directed toward WOMEN. How many times do we look at or for dead things - whether they be issues from our past, relationships that are long over, etc. How come we have such a hard time moving forward and living the abundant life to which we are called? How come we don't always believe God for the things He tells us? In the case of this passage, the women had been told Jesus would rise from the dead, but they still journeyed to the tomb to tend to His body. Why? Why do we not listen?
I'm praying that over the next 15 days I will be open to what God is speaking to me - the truths He has to share with me about my life and the direction I'm headed. I'm praying that I would move forward and be FREE from things in my life that are dead and no longer needed. And I pray I'd be obedient in following where He leads.
He is RISEN!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #6
I love it when God reveals themes to me in the different seasons of my life. At this point in time, I would describe myself as a young married professional, doing my best to maintain a household, live an active and healthy lifestyle, stay connected to my faith, and be the best that I can be in my relationships, work, extracurricular activities, etc.
I've been leading a small group in a women's bible study at church for awhile and I always just go with the flow and participate in whatever study the church is offering. I always find it amazing how the study we do is directly related to what I'm going through in my life. Right now, we're studying "Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman" by Beth Moore and I'm working through Week 5: It's Tough Being a Woman in the Tight Fist of Fear. In addition to this study, I'm also reading the book "So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us," also by Beth Moore. I'm loving how God is revealing to me the command to trust in Him alone and place all of my security in Him, as opposed to the world and its temporary offers and promises. Not being afraid and placing my heart in His control is exactly what I need to be doing.
Let me give an example of why I need to be focusing on this simple truth...We just placed an offer on a house in the country. We have lived in the city for quite sometime, and for the past few years, we've really been trying to save money so we can retreat to a secluded place. This house is exactly what we've talked about - a lovely ranch, nestled in the woods, with plenty of space for our future family and family/friend gatherings. It offers everything from gorgeous outdoor to cozy indoor entertaining opportunities. It is an exquisite, custom-built home and yes, we have put an offer in on it. The catch: its in short sale status...meaning, its going to take some time. We are in a position where we could stay in the city awhile longer and be just fine or move out to the country and be just fine. Both places have their pros and cons and we're not in a hurry to move. But we've decided this is an amazing opportunity, so why not take a chance and see where God leads us? And as much as I am trusting in God, I'm also getting anxious and nervous all at the same time. I think about the stress of moving, the increased house payments, and leaving our first home together behind. I also think about staying in the city and having to continue to drive 80 miles roundtrip to work each day, sharing a driveway, listening to cars all the time, and having little privacy. Needless to say, I find myself getting stressed out over both options and working myself into a tizzy to try and keep things organized and get things ready to go should this all work out. My mind has had a hard time shutting off at night as I ponder all the differences and try to come up with my idea of what would be best for us. But God is saying, "Hannah, I've already got it figured out. Trust in ME!"
So, to get to the reason for my post... I have found the verse I'm going to be focusing on over the rest of this month...
Isaiah 26:3-4 (The Message)
"People with their minds set on You, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing."
I love this verse, especially the way The Message says it so clearly. It really resonates with me. My prayer is to keep my mind set on Christ no matter what is going on with or around me and to place all of my dependence in the One who already has my whole life planned from beginning to end. I ask that He would allow me to find greater trust and security in Him and that He would reveal His plans to me as I seek out His will for my life. Amen!
Fitness Update: Last week I started training for the 5K I'm doing this weekend and did 18.5 miles of running/walking. I lost 3 lbs over the last week and as of today, I have lost 12.2 lbs total since January 4th!!! The running is really making a difference and I am feeling great! I am only 2.8 lbs away from my real goal, and only 7.8 lbs away from my best goal. I'm curious to see how this will continue. Praises to God for giving me the strength to keep up with my workouts and eating healthy!
I've been leading a small group in a women's bible study at church for awhile and I always just go with the flow and participate in whatever study the church is offering. I always find it amazing how the study we do is directly related to what I'm going through in my life. Right now, we're studying "Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman" by Beth Moore and I'm working through Week 5: It's Tough Being a Woman in the Tight Fist of Fear. In addition to this study, I'm also reading the book "So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us," also by Beth Moore. I'm loving how God is revealing to me the command to trust in Him alone and place all of my security in Him, as opposed to the world and its temporary offers and promises. Not being afraid and placing my heart in His control is exactly what I need to be doing.
Let me give an example of why I need to be focusing on this simple truth...We just placed an offer on a house in the country. We have lived in the city for quite sometime, and for the past few years, we've really been trying to save money so we can retreat to a secluded place. This house is exactly what we've talked about - a lovely ranch, nestled in the woods, with plenty of space for our future family and family/friend gatherings. It offers everything from gorgeous outdoor to cozy indoor entertaining opportunities. It is an exquisite, custom-built home and yes, we have put an offer in on it. The catch: its in short sale status...meaning, its going to take some time. We are in a position where we could stay in the city awhile longer and be just fine or move out to the country and be just fine. Both places have their pros and cons and we're not in a hurry to move. But we've decided this is an amazing opportunity, so why not take a chance and see where God leads us? And as much as I am trusting in God, I'm also getting anxious and nervous all at the same time. I think about the stress of moving, the increased house payments, and leaving our first home together behind. I also think about staying in the city and having to continue to drive 80 miles roundtrip to work each day, sharing a driveway, listening to cars all the time, and having little privacy. Needless to say, I find myself getting stressed out over both options and working myself into a tizzy to try and keep things organized and get things ready to go should this all work out. My mind has had a hard time shutting off at night as I ponder all the differences and try to come up with my idea of what would be best for us. But God is saying, "Hannah, I've already got it figured out. Trust in ME!"
So, to get to the reason for my post... I have found the verse I'm going to be focusing on over the rest of this month...
Isaiah 26:3-4 (The Message)
"People with their minds set on You, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing."
I love this verse, especially the way The Message says it so clearly. It really resonates with me. My prayer is to keep my mind set on Christ no matter what is going on with or around me and to place all of my dependence in the One who already has my whole life planned from beginning to end. I ask that He would allow me to find greater trust and security in Him and that He would reveal His plans to me as I seek out His will for my life. Amen!
Fitness Update: Last week I started training for the 5K I'm doing this weekend and did 18.5 miles of running/walking. I lost 3 lbs over the last week and as of today, I have lost 12.2 lbs total since January 4th!!! The running is really making a difference and I am feeling great! I am only 2.8 lbs away from my real goal, and only 7.8 lbs away from my best goal. I'm curious to see how this will continue. Praises to God for giving me the strength to keep up with my workouts and eating healthy!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
2010 Vision Board
Just a quick post to share the vision board I created for the 2010 year based on the goals and values I have set for myself. It encapsulates everything, including: health/fitness, marriage/family, faith/spirituality, recreation, and encouragement. I am so excited to have it done and in a place where I can see it everyday to keep me focused on the important things in life!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #5
Happy March! I love it when a new month starts because when I look at the calendar I see a new beginning filled with exciting opportunities and endless possibilities. I am looking forward to what this month will bring!
The sunrise on my way to work this morning was breathtaking. For the first time in a long time, it feels like spring and it’s WONDERFUL! This time of year is incredible to me. After winter, it’s so refreshing to see everything come alive again and be reminded of God’s beauty and the wonder of his creation. I’m excited about spending more time outside, opening the windows to let the fresh air and sunshine in, and the smell of fresh cut green grass. It really doesn’t get any better than that, does it?
Because the sunrise was so inspiring to me this morning, I decided to look online to see if there was a verse that spoke about the sun. I found this one and loved it…
Psalm 19:5-6, NCV
"The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom.
It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.
The sun rises at one end of the sky
and follows its path to the other end.
Nothing hides from its heat."
One of the lines that caught my attention comes from verse 5… “It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.” This is very fitting because tonight I actually start my training schedule for the 5K I’ve decided to run on March 20th. I’ve continued with my healthy eating and exercise plan – as of today I’ve officially lost 8 pounds – and I really want to get outside and start running again. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m up for the challenge and feeling good about the opportunity to race in support of a good cause! I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Now, to get to my scripture memory verse for the next 15 days… I was racking my brain trying to think of the area God would like me to focus more on in my spiritual life. I wasn’t quite sure where He was leading, but I got on my church’s website and learned that the first sermon of this month is going to center on prayer and its importance in the life of a believer. Prayer has always been an up and down activity for me. Sometimes I’m really consistent and fervent in my prayers and other times, I’m totally out of the communication loop with Him. I also don’t always know how to listen for God’s answers to my prayers or what I’m listening for exactly. Anyone else ever feel that way? Like you throw it out there and then…what? I’ve realized that prayer is something I really need to cultivate more of in my life. To be in God’s presence and lift everything up to Him, surrendering full control and letting Him take over from there…that’s what I need to do!
So, my 5th scripture for memory is Matthew 6:6 from The Message…
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace."
My hope is to not only memorize this verse, but put it into practice! Here's to prayer...Amen!
The sunrise on my way to work this morning was breathtaking. For the first time in a long time, it feels like spring and it’s WONDERFUL! This time of year is incredible to me. After winter, it’s so refreshing to see everything come alive again and be reminded of God’s beauty and the wonder of his creation. I’m excited about spending more time outside, opening the windows to let the fresh air and sunshine in, and the smell of fresh cut green grass. It really doesn’t get any better than that, does it?
Because the sunrise was so inspiring to me this morning, I decided to look online to see if there was a verse that spoke about the sun. I found this one and loved it…
Psalm 19:5-6, NCV
"The sun comes out like a bridegroom from his bedroom.
It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.
The sun rises at one end of the sky
and follows its path to the other end.
Nothing hides from its heat."
One of the lines that caught my attention comes from verse 5… “It rejoices like an athlete eager to run a race.” This is very fitting because tonight I actually start my training schedule for the 5K I’ve decided to run on March 20th. I’ve continued with my healthy eating and exercise plan – as of today I’ve officially lost 8 pounds – and I really want to get outside and start running again. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m up for the challenge and feeling good about the opportunity to race in support of a good cause! I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Now, to get to my scripture memory verse for the next 15 days… I was racking my brain trying to think of the area God would like me to focus more on in my spiritual life. I wasn’t quite sure where He was leading, but I got on my church’s website and learned that the first sermon of this month is going to center on prayer and its importance in the life of a believer. Prayer has always been an up and down activity for me. Sometimes I’m really consistent and fervent in my prayers and other times, I’m totally out of the communication loop with Him. I also don’t always know how to listen for God’s answers to my prayers or what I’m listening for exactly. Anyone else ever feel that way? Like you throw it out there and then…what? I’ve realized that prayer is something I really need to cultivate more of in my life. To be in God’s presence and lift everything up to Him, surrendering full control and letting Him take over from there…that’s what I need to do!
So, my 5th scripture for memory is Matthew 6:6 from The Message…
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace."
My hope is to not only memorize this verse, but put it into practice! Here's to prayer...Amen!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #4
I can't believe its already the middle of February! Time is absolutely flying by...but wow is life fun! Some days it doesn't feel that way, in fact sometimes I'm just plain tired, but when I look back over the year of 2010 so far, its been a good one. I hope it continues to be that way!
My diet and exercise plan is still going well. I'm proud to say that when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was two pounds lighter than I was last week! That makes 6 total pounds lost since the beginning of January. Its a process for sure, and it definitely takes discipline and motivation, even when I feel I don't have it within me, but I'm happy to be sticking with it! And the work-outs are something I'm actually enjoying doing after busy days at work. Its become quite the stress-reliever!
My husband is coming home tonight after being in Colorado skiing for an extended weekend with his best friend from college. Its been nice to have some "me time," but I have to say, I am so glad he is going to be with me again in only a few hours! Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. In the time he's been gone, I've realized how much I really do love and cherish my husband. Even though I know I've always felt that way, I just seemed to realize on it on a different level. I have so much respect and admiration for him. Not to mention, he spoils me rotten, even though I don't always deserve it. He definitely puts up with a lot from me and God bless him for it! I am the blessed one though...I feel God's love through my marriage and it is just AWESOME!
Now for the real reason I'm writing... The verse I've picked for the next couple weeks comes from the Book of Philippians, and is a dearly loved verse of many...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
The reason I picked this verse is because I realized during my alone time this weekend that I have given Satan too much power over my mind. I have given in to anxious thoughts, in efforts to control the uncontrollable. Its really been wearing on me...more so than I realized until I had the time to myself and with God to understand just how important it is to operate with a clear head. I'm working on my ability to let go and let God in areas where I have no business dabbling. Before bed last night I prayed for a release of the burdens I've been holding in my head, as well as for refreshment and a clear mind as I started a new week. And when I woke up this morning, I actually did feel different. That is going to be my prayer for awhile until I've mastered this with God. I'm excited to see what God will reveal to me with a mind not focused on junk, but on Him.
My diet and exercise plan is still going well. I'm proud to say that when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was two pounds lighter than I was last week! That makes 6 total pounds lost since the beginning of January. Its a process for sure, and it definitely takes discipline and motivation, even when I feel I don't have it within me, but I'm happy to be sticking with it! And the work-outs are something I'm actually enjoying doing after busy days at work. Its become quite the stress-reliever!
My husband is coming home tonight after being in Colorado skiing for an extended weekend with his best friend from college. Its been nice to have some "me time," but I have to say, I am so glad he is going to be with me again in only a few hours! Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. In the time he's been gone, I've realized how much I really do love and cherish my husband. Even though I know I've always felt that way, I just seemed to realize on it on a different level. I have so much respect and admiration for him. Not to mention, he spoils me rotten, even though I don't always deserve it. He definitely puts up with a lot from me and God bless him for it! I am the blessed one though...I feel God's love through my marriage and it is just AWESOME!
Now for the real reason I'm writing... The verse I've picked for the next couple weeks comes from the Book of Philippians, and is a dearly loved verse of many...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
The reason I picked this verse is because I realized during my alone time this weekend that I have given Satan too much power over my mind. I have given in to anxious thoughts, in efforts to control the uncontrollable. Its really been wearing on me...more so than I realized until I had the time to myself and with God to understand just how important it is to operate with a clear head. I'm working on my ability to let go and let God in areas where I have no business dabbling. Before bed last night I prayed for a release of the burdens I've been holding in my head, as well as for refreshment and a clear mind as I started a new week. And when I woke up this morning, I actually did feel different. That is going to be my prayer for awhile until I've mastered this with God. I'm excited to see what God will reveal to me with a mind not focused on junk, but on Him.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse(s) #3
Its that time again...time to focus on another scripture and ingrain not only the words, but what God is speaking to me, into my mind. I have actually chosen 2 verses to focus on over the next 15 days...
Psalm 45:13-14
"All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king..."
and
Isaiah 61:10
"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..."
These verses are inspired by the bible study I'm doing right now on the life of Queen Esther. I just got through the part where she went from being an orphaned Jewish young woman to the Queen of Persia. Its fascinating what God does in the lives of those who trust in Him! As I read the story, I am reminded how yes, there may be people deemed royalty in our society, but all of us who believe in God are royalty in His eyes. As His daughter, I am a princess and everyday that I choose to follow Him, I am being led closer to His heavenly throne!
The second verse is one that was mentioned as part of the study. Similar to the first verse, I like the imagery of the garments...to think that not only am I princess in God's eyes, but that He also clothes me in salvation and righteousness...its almost too much! What an honor! How do I, a woman with so many faults and imperfections, rate so high in God's eyes? Its a mystery I hope to someday find out in Heaven, but one that for now, I am eternally grateful for and blessed beyond imagination!
Ultimately, both verses speak of the love, grace, and mercy God extends to those he calls His own. Our God is GOOD! He loves each of us so much. My prayer is that over the next 15 days I would come to better appreciate what these verses speak of me as God's daughter and who God is as my King! Amen.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
An Ode to January
Good Morning! I'm glad to finally be back in the blogging world. We made it through our trip to Las Vegas and WOW, was that an adventure! We had ourselves a very good time and although it was hard to leave such lovely spring-like weather (blue sky, sunshine...not to mention mountains in the distance), it felt good to come home! As much as it was nice to be away from the normal routine and daily demands, it felt like I wasn't just on a vacation physically, but mentally and spiritually as well, and honestly, I didn't like how that felt. I should never let myself go one day, let alone a whole week, without spending time with the Lord...its too precious and necessary to take a vacation from...let that be a lesson to me! No matter how busy a vacation may be, make sure to include time with God!
I am proud to say, however, that going on vacation did not hinder me from jumping back into my daily devotions, bible study, diet, and workout routine upon our return. I have been faithful almost everyday this week to my goals of becoming more spiritually and physically fit! And looking back over the month of January, I am happy to say that I have gotten off to a great start for the year 2010! Its the small life adjustments that over time will make incredible differences! I am excited for what future months will bring.
Well, tomorrow begins a new month and I will be sure to have my scripture memory verse ready. I am realizing that it may not always be feasible for me to blog everyday or every week for that matter, so for now I'll plan on blogging on the 1st and 15th of each month and any time in between will be considered extra.
Goodbye January...Welcome February!
I am proud to say, however, that going on vacation did not hinder me from jumping back into my daily devotions, bible study, diet, and workout routine upon our return. I have been faithful almost everyday this week to my goals of becoming more spiritually and physically fit! And looking back over the month of January, I am happy to say that I have gotten off to a great start for the year 2010! Its the small life adjustments that over time will make incredible differences! I am excited for what future months will bring.
Well, tomorrow begins a new month and I will be sure to have my scripture memory verse ready. I am realizing that it may not always be feasible for me to blog everyday or every week for that matter, so for now I'll plan on blogging on the 1st and 15th of each month and any time in between will be considered extra.
Goodbye January...Welcome February!
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