His Many Blessings

I should start off by saying I thank God for all of my blessings each day, but being human I don't always recognize all of my blessings. Recently, Andrew and I have been experiencing some hard times in our family, but God has been our guide, our faith, our strength, our comfort, our everything really. He has sent the right words to be said by the right people at the right times, which has created comfort and constantly renewed our faith in him. God has been speaking to us in so many ways, and I cannot thank Him enough. I know that even in a time of focusing on all the small things I take for granted, I am still missing things. However, I am trying to make a conscious effort to be more thankful for all of the blessings I do have and find the good in every situation, no matter how hard. I have seen others in my life struggle and question God's goodness and faithfulness when they themselves were struggling, and while I understand those feelings when things are hard, it's something I do not want to experience. Although, I am human, I want to always remember, especially in the face of tragedy and difficult times, that He is with me, He loves me, and He has greater plans for me (and for those in our family). I was told by a dear Christian friend that she was proud of my strength and faith, and I cannot express how much that touched my heart, to know that it reflected in me, so thank you! ;) I know that God is working through me, through Andrew, through our family members, and through our friends supporting us, so even in the storm, I will praise him, much easier said than done, but He is constantly making it easier.

God has been speaking to me a lot this week, our pastor's message last week was "It's not about me!" He said basically when we get agitated, mad, aggravated, etc it's because someone or something is inconveniencing us; I never thought of it that way, but it's true. So this week when things have gotten to me or I've been a situation that would normally aggravate me a little, I have been convicted and he's said to me, It's not about you Alex, and I've listened. It's made things much less stressful (not that I stress much-I've learned how to move past that), but still remembering that it's not about me has truly helped me. Now I have still struggled and will continue to fall short, but I am going to try to make an effort to keep that in mind. Last night picking up dog toys and some stuff from Andrew and myself, I thought, I clean this stuff up every day, and God hit me and said, "Be thankful you have a house to clean up and pick up in everyday, some people do not have a home at all."  Can we say WOW?

So I think my perspective has changed, and I hope it stays this way. I feel like I am more joyful, even in just 1 week (but a lot has happened this week). When I am experiencing a situation to complain, I am not saying I won't, but I am trying to be more thankful for things that I can be thankful for, even if things are annoying. Is this going to last everyday? probably not, but I sure hope God continues to speak to me and blow my mind as I venture down this path with Him. I feel stepping more into the Bible has truly transformed some things for me, and I would not be as strong today without Him, His word, or His promises. I wouldn't have been able to get through this week without Him; neither of us would, we couldn't have done it alone.

We have also been reading our Bible everyday since 1-6-13, we haven't skipped (well Andrew fell asleep one night early, but made it up the next day), and we've been doing our church's bible study of John together. First, we read, reflect, and answer individually, then we discuss together afterwards, and it's been great! Every day we are looking forward to it, and we are putting it first, we usually do it when it's time for bed or at the end of the day, but we've been holding one another accountable to make sure it's completed. Perry (our pastor) was right, 21 days makes it a habit, and we're excited for this habit. I cannot see going back, and I know it will be hard to keep it up, but I hope we continue. Also, we have an Acts Bible study that is 28 days (1 chapter a day) to complete starting tomorrow; we finish John today!

To God be the Glory. He is good, all the time.

I found a note written by my Daddy from a few years ago, it said "Always remember...do everything like you're doing it for God and please him first, then secondly take care of yourself, everything else will take care of itself." How right he is, so glad I have him as an example. I am glad that throughout my life I have had numerous family members & friends to show me God's love and teach me about Him, I cannot thank those people enough.

I am truly blessed.

Here's the sermon that started it all: http://newspring.cc/series/love-revolution/its-not-about-me1/

Inspired

http://thebibleoutloud.com/ 

 Check out some of the USC athletes bringing glory to God. 

Here's our new routine, right now we are in John, almost 1 week down, a devotion and chapter a day!! 21 chapters=21 days=building a new habit. It is always our goal to read every night, but let's be honest, we get lazy like many others, so now this devotional, we sit in the living room before bed and read, then discuss the questions and answers we came up with while reading. It's a new special part of our life, we hope to continue this pattern. Growing People Change:) 

Goals

I think my plan is to make small goals for myself each month.

I think for January my goal is going to be: no fried foods

I think for February my goal is going to be: running 10+ miles a week

I think for March my goal is going to be: no sweets

I may change these as I go on...but just some ideas. I like the idea of small goals. My other on-going goal is to hopefully run 1 5K a month!

Running Goals

My goal for running is to run regularly and enough to keep up one 5K a month. Another goal is to keep me motivated is to run 10+ miles a week. I am still going to participate in the Girls on the Run program at our school, so that will help keep me motivated, too! Can't wait and I hope I can stick to these 2 goals.

I hope they're ready.....

Like most people, I hope some weight loss is attached to this running, but I am happy with just getting to my goals and being healthy and fit. 

Photography

I have come to the conclusion that with as much as I like taking pictures, being in pictures, having pictures, etc that I need to make full use of this new camera from Andrew. I would love to actually start taking pictures on the side, to learn and to make some extra money.

My plan of attack is to find a photography class and to study up on my camera, try new things, and hopefully learn how to truly manipulate it and use it properly. It's going to take some time, but I am truly excited about this endeavor. I don't have many hobbies, so I believe this would be a great one to pursue.

Any tips or suggestions from fellow self-taught or educated photographers??

I think I am going to start by practicing taking pictures of food, Andrew said that's a good subject to start with. Also, I have a sweet friend who is expecting her first child next month (eek!! Can't believe we can say that...but Tucker will be here next month, in February!) and she is going to let me practice  and a take a few maternity shots of her in Tucker's room.

I cannot wait to get started on this journey, not going to lie, it makes me want to go cook something, so I can take some photos!!

Update: While I can tell that this journey will be fun, it's also going to be frustrating. I am already trying new things on my camera, and if you know me, you know I want it to work instantly, but it's not.

Crafty Creations

For a dear friend's birthday, I wanted to do something a little different than normal...I wanted to be a little crafty and creative, here is the final product. (Warning: it's not that creative or crafty, just organized some bath and body stuff in a basket and added a bow)

Plus I wanted an excuse to use my camera. ;)

NYE 2012

This year we were lucky enough to spend NYE with some great friends: the Hoft's and the Howe's. While I didn't take any pictures at the Howe's house, I did take some pictures of the prep and food. I am enjoying learning more about my new camera. 

Pigs in a Blanket

Rotel Dip

Christmas sweaters

Not a huge camera fan

Ham!!

Just playing with the camera, excuse some of the mess, in preparation for yummy NYE goodies

Picture taken by Daddy...doggies watching Mommy wash dishes to clean up the mess!! 

One of the things most people do on NYE is look back and reflect: things they've accomplished, things they want to change, things they're proud of, and they usually look ahead to see what they hope to do in the upcoming year. I would like to do the same thing. 

Reflecting on 2012 (in no particular order)

• God has blessed us with an exciting year and He has come into my heart even more. I am full of joy and faith and ready for His plans for me and Andrew in 2013!! 
• Andrew and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding anniversary and our 10th Christmas together!!!
• finished Take One (a starting point to National Board)...didn't score 2.75 but I did score 2.65 so if I pursue NBC one day, I can use that score or redo it.
• started my 3rd year of teaching 
• began running and working out more regularly (like I used to) ...didn't complete but did quite a bit of Insanity (one of the hardest and best work out video sets ever, in my opinion).
• Ran my 1st 5K!!! in October...the Palmetto Walk for Life...plus started my goal of 1 5K a month, going strong so far... I actually did 2 in October and none in November, but I think that counts ;) and then one in December with our school's new program Girls on the Run (can't wait for next season)-I am still a slow runner, but I can officially say, I am a runner! 
• Andrew and I moved into our first house on May 18, 2012!!! Hard to believe it's been almost 8 months ago, wow!! We closed on May 10th.
• Our best friends, the Howe's, are expecting a little boy in February, while this isn't really my celebration, I am enjoying sharing in this journey with them.
• Reconnected with a college friend and her family, the Smallwood's
• Tanner was a part of our family officially for 1 year on July 3, 2012
• I was able to surprise Andrew for Christmas, something I haven't been able to truly do in a long time...I got him an acoustic guitar
• I got a new camera and I think have found a new hobby to embark upon!
• My uncle was diagnosed with bladder cancer, but has been fighting strong, relying on God to pull him through, and is doing well.
• Andrew and I went on a short camping trip in July to Myrtle Beach!

I know there is a lot more to be added; I'm sure I'll add more later. Happy New Year!! 

First Date of the New Year: