tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16784463766026443732023-11-15T23:42:37.563-08:00finding joy in each dayLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-44493553592470998952009-11-13T11:59:00.000-08:002009-11-13T12:21:29.913-08:0037 weeks...wowYes, it truly has been much too long since I have sat down to write out my thoughts. Mostly because I haven't had internet access for a long time! <br /><br />It's true, I will be 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Adeline is showing to be a chunky monkey for her age, but I couldn't be happier about that. Who doesn't love a chunky baby? Jeremy and I go to the doctor on Monday to have another growth ultrasound, but it looks as though she is going to be a c-section. In fact, we have one scheduled for 7:00am on Monday, November 30...unless she decides to make her debut before. Though, right now she seems perfectly content to sit high in my tummy and keep her feet in my ribs. If I didn't love it so much, I might be a bit irritated :) But let's be honest, i'm only 5"2 and have a short torso...there is only so much room in there for her! How can I be upset that she is just trying to be comfortable? Strange thought isn't it? We spend the first 9 months of our life growing in a tummy. <br /><br />I can't believe that she's almost here. Really...I can't believe it. For the majority of this pregnancy, I have just believed she is too good to be true. I can't imagine seeing her face, hands, feet...in my head I think I had just resigned myself to always being pregnant. To try to wrap your head around the fact that there is a baby coming out of there in just a little over two weeks...wow. We are first time parents so we really have no idea what to expect. And that's what everyone says, "you have know idea how much your lives are about to change." Normally I get a little defensive when people tell me "you have know idea" about something, but I'm pretty sure they are right about this one! <br /><br />I've been put on house rest. At first, the idea didn't sound too good, but I have discovered that there is something wonderful about being at home and preparing myself and the house for our little miracle arrival. Whether I'm trying to sleep or rest, or organizing her room, praying over her and the space that she will be in, or drawing closer to the Lord in these few quiet hours that I have, I feel like God has given me this time. My house is beautiful, I really love it. Especially during the day in this fall season. It's so peaceful. I have been obsessed with Watermark worship recently, so I allow their voices to flow through the house while I take some time to sit and allow myself to rest in the Holy Spirits arms. I know that I need Him more than ever. Pregnancy has made me so very aware of my flaws and my ability to want to control everything. What arrogance we have when we think things would be better in our hands! How terrifying. I'm so thankful to have a hope and peace that passes all human understanding. <br /><br />For those of you who don't know, we are having a girl. Adeline Kathryn Johnson. Or as I keep calling her as I talk to her "Addie Kate". I love her. I love her movements and her presence. She is always in my thoughts and prayers. I feel like she knows that she is loved already. I sit on some nights in her room praying over her and reading her scriptures that I want to cover her life. It's amazing how many dreams we have for her life and she's not even here yet. <br /><br />Something I have known from the very beginning of her, is that she is not ours. Adeline is God's child on loan to us. His gift. We hear that all the time..."children are gifts from God." And they truly are. God is entrusting us to raise His child. What responsibility! It has been so humbling. And we are thankful...so so thankful. I want her to know from the very moment she can comprehend, that God is her great Father who created her and has plans for her life that go far beyond what we can even dream. He loves her much more than we ever could. So when I begin to worry about her life and what will happen and if I will be able to protect her from the harshness of this world, God reminds me that He loves her more than I do and that I can trust Him to guide her. <br /><br />I can't wait to meet her. See that little chubby face and try to figure out who we see in it. Will she have my smile? Jeremy's eyes? All I know is that I already love her so much and I am looking forward with being completely overwhelmed by even more love once I actually meet her. She is God's grace to us.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-85159236121397603482009-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:002009-07-07T13:07:42.979-07:0018 weeks and countingHere I am at a little over 18 weeks…2 weeks exactly from finding out what this little munchkin is growing inside of me. I am starting to feel movements, not super strong ones but a few pokes and flutters are enough to make me smile. I’m also showing, which has been a fun part of pregnancy. I welcome the belly! Sleeping has become difficult…not quite as comfortable as I used to be. And the baby is eating all of my food so I’m hungry about every hour to hour and a half. You would think that might be nice, but sometimes it just feels crazy! In fact, I truly feel an array of emotions that I didn’t expect from pregnancy. Here are a few…<br /><br />First, is how deeply and completely out of control I feel which has dropped me to my knees to seek peace and guidance from the only one in control. All of my fears, anxieties, nightmares, and tears have no purpose because I know my creator…our baby’s creator…is in charge.<br /><br />Second, I feel very loved. It has been amazing to me how many people already love your baby and how much joy this tiny baby that has not even made its entrance into this world, can bring so many. People’s faces light up when you talk about a baby and their well wishes and encouragement have meant so much to me. <br /><br />Third, I feel inspired to praise the Lord more than normal. Just letting my mind drift off and think about the intricacy that is taking place in my womb is more than I can handle and I truly stand in the greatest definition of awe. <br /><br />Fourth, I feel aware. I’m aware of all my surroundings all the time, what music is playing, what smell is in the air, what colors are dancing around, what people are discussing. I’m sure that it’s not only my emotions that are heightened at this point =) But most of all, I am aware of this baby’s presence in my every move and decision…already. <br /><br />Fifth, I feel overwhelmed. When I think about what life will be like once this amazing blessing makes his/her debut, I am completely overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed by the thought of something needing me so much all the time and wondering if I can successfully be there for him/her each time. And then overwhelmed because I realize that I’m going to be a working mom which means that most of my time won’t even be spent with this child…this child who will need me. <br /><br />Sixth, I feel blessed. Often I remember the emotions of seeing that positive on the pregnancy test and can almost feel the tears that burned my face that night. Tears of shock, apprehension, and utter amazement for what GOD can do. I love you so much my precious Jesus…<br /><br />Even though I only listed six emotions, you can see how very different they are and how they tug me in different ways. Luckily, we have a God that is un-moving, un-changing and always waiting on us to need Him. Because if I were driven by emotions, I would probably be hiding in a dark hole right now =)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-21053534758526163052009-06-06T07:27:00.000-07:002009-06-06T07:32:48.004-07:0014 weeksTomorrow I will be officially a full 14 weeks starting on the 15th week. It blows me away how much better I feel after week 12! My nauseas is almost completely gone and I don’t seem to have narcolepsy the way I did for weeks. Seriously, I could barely hold my head up after 1:00 everyday! But now, just like everyone said, a veil lifted and I feel like me again…except for the daily headaches that are plaguing me and the insane hunger that feels like I need to feed two adults all the time! For instance, right now I am watching Paula on the food network and I feel like I need a steak…and it’s 9:00am! Also, did you know there is such thing as onion goggles?? I digress…<br /><br />This morning I decided to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. I am now only allowing myself to do this once or twice a week so I don’t become obsessed with it. Anyway, it sounded faster and stronger than ever which is letting me know that the baby is getting bigger and I can hear it better! I was listening and thinking about how amazing it is that there is actually a LIFE growing inside of me! How amazing God is that he created our bodies to do this! Seriously, what a genius! I am so thankful that He has allowed me this experience. <br /><br />Currently, my symptoms have become constant hunger, uncomfortable when sleeping (must use pillow between my legs), headaches, tearing up at many moments, super sensitive nose, slight irritability. <br /><br />Many people…many…have been asking me if I have an idea if it’s a boy or girl and honestly, no. I have absolutely no idea. I have been waiting for some sort of mommy intuition to kick in, but nothing so far. I think I am just so thankful to be pregnant that I honestly don’t care which it is…I’m just happy to have it! We have our names picked out for both…Adeline Katherine, if it’s a girl and Miles Nicholas if a boy. We are using family names with strong meanings. However, don’t hold us to the boy name, because that could always change. 5-6 more weeks and we will find out what this precious life is! <br />I daydream about what her/his personality will be like. Hopefully very outgoing from the beginning and a lover of people. I hope it has Jeremy’s calm thoughtfulness when dealing with important decisions and my passion in what it loves. <br />Today will be my first day to go shop for new clothes. The upper body is starting to get bigger and things just don’t fit as well as they once did. I’m excited for people to be able to tell I’m pregnant without me having to say it. Hopefully that is coming soon ☺ <br /><br />The Lord is continuing to draw Jeremy and I closer through this. We have begun a devotional we do every night together and then we pray and he prays for the baby. It’s really beautiful to hear the love in his desires for our soon to be family.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-39147575190877449422009-05-23T12:17:00.000-07:002009-05-23T12:18:28.700-07:0012 Week LessonTomorrow I will have reached the 12 week mark on this emotional and adventurous journey called pregnancy. While I still have no idea if the second trimester comes after 12 or 13 weeks, I feel that this is a milestone for this little baby growing inside of me. He/she has accomplished much in the past 3 months. Reading the pregnancy books and my baby center updates, you stand in absolute jaw dropping awe of how God weaves this baby together and how so very much can be accomplished in a few short months for something that is now only a little over an 1 ½ inches long. The Lord is drawing my heart more and more near to Him as I experience this journey while holding on tight to His hand…truly the only place that brings me comfort and peace over the worry I already have for our child. But as one of my dear friends told me once and I cling to these words, “God is the creator and sustainer of life”. My thoughts, fears, can’t make this life stronger or weaker, only God can sustain this baby. <br /><br />I’m sad at myself for just now beginning to blog about this time in Jeremy and my life. I’ll be completely transparent by saying that I was nervous to let myself get too emotionally involved with this baby until the first trimester was over because then I would feel safer. Though, truly, the amount of things and the gravity of situations can still be very great after this point. At some moment, you just have to surrender it to God and realize your child, your life…they are in His mighty hands. <br />I want to share how God is using this baby to bring me to a new level of intimacy with Him and a new level of amazement and appreciation for the artistry of creation. It almost as if a different part of me has awakened and suddenly I notice the beauty of the earth and more simply, the beauty of certain features on people’s faces that make them unique. I just crave His presence more than ever so that He can keep revealing Himself to me in new ways. I am speechless to how appreciative I am to Him for giving me this opportunity. <br /><br />My friend Jess gave me her at-home Doppler. Already twice this week Jeremy and I have found the baby’s fast train-like heartbeat that is thriving inside of me. It is a beautiful sound that brings me much relief. However, this morning I decided I wanted to hear baby’s heartbeat and could not find it. Instantly I began to panic and I started to tear up when I heard the Lord whisper to me that my trust should not be in this Doppler but in His promise and His power. I knew He was right instantly. In my quiet time with Him this morning He revealed to me something lovely in a devotional that I read daily. It was timely as it helped me have peace in this stressful situation I was in. I would like to share: <br /><br />John 17:21 “…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us…”<br />“God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and faultfinding, and more insistent on our own way.”<br /><br />This is only a little snippet of the devotional but overall the Lord was showing me how He uses situations and moments to draw us closer to oneness with Him. It is over everything, the desire of His heart and more important than our wants and needs. So the moment I experienced this morning, the many many moments and situations I have experienced in my life, are to some how big or small draw me into oneness with Christ. It is His prayer and God will answer that prayer. So I am choosing to take all the little moments throughout this pregnancy and let them draw me closer to Him. It’s His desire and probably the main reason that He allowed me to get pregnant. He knew what it would do to me…in a good way. <br /><br />That’s all for today! Sorry for the really long blogs ☺ Hopefully they will be more frequent and less wordy. I pray God reveals himself to you in some way through the moments you experience today.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-15639592314129773712009-05-07T08:51:00.000-07:002009-05-07T09:09:06.491-07:00PregnantI'm pregnant. Can you believe it? I certainly can't! And I will be 10 weeks on Saturday! Each and everyday I am blown away that God allowed this to happen in this timing. However, it's still unreal to me. I feel nauseas, bloated, hungry, abdomen round ligament pains, exhausted...all of these no fun symptoms yet still I hold my stomach and am completely bewildered that there is a baby growing that is currently the size of a grape. It has also made me seriously stand in awe of God's brilliance and majesty...to know that he created this baby and it's so tiny and that he created our bodies to grow another being inside of us. Wild! <br /><br /> Below is a note that I posted on Facebook but feel that it is important to post it on here as well: <br /><br />When I found out I was pregnant I promised the Lord that He would receive all the glory for this miracle. If you would like to know why, keep reading! <br />I have polycystic ovarian syndrome which is a fertility problem. Back in February, jeremy and I decided we were ready to start trying to have a baby. The doctor prescribed us fertility medication that we were going to have to use in order to get pregnant. The night I was suppose to start the whole process, I was holding the pill in my hand and I broke into heavy tears. I knew without a doubt that God was saying it wasn't time to do this. I was incredibly depressed because I couldn't imagine why He didn't want us to start this process but I knew this was His voice because mine wanted it so badly. When I told Jeremy he understood and agreed and spoke positively that he thought our time was coming soon. <br />So we decided to wait and pray that God would do a miracle and let us get pregnant without the medicine. In that time between the end of February and the middle of March, God was teaching me a lot about giving up my control and letting Him take control do all glory would be to Him. And sometime in March, I got pregnant. <br />I had no idea. We weren't thinking about it for the first time in months so when I started feeling some of the signs, I didn't even recognize them! <br />Driving home one night almost a little over a month ago, I was thinking about how my body was acting funnier than normal so I called my sister who told me I should take a pregnancy test. I didn't want to do it because I knew it would be depressing. However, I pulled into Walgreens anyway. I seriously sat in my car saying " God, I really don't want to spend the money on this, should I really buy one??" I honestly felt like he wanted me to so I did. As soon as I got home I immediately took it and it was immediately positive...no waiting three min.! <br />I dropped to my knees feeling weak and amazed. God has done a miracle and we are so so humbled by what He can do when we let Him have control. <br />Don't get me wrong, I still totally believe that God uses medicine to accomplish His purposes, but we were very blessed that He chose to do it this way for us :) <br />I had trouble writing this because I feared that as soon as I put this out there I would be attacked, but I know that He is in control and not evil. I hope this story blessed you today!<br /><br />I am fighting the worry of the early mother. The "is the baby ok?" "is it growing the way it should?" "will the baby be healthy and happy?" "am i doing everything I can to make sure the baby is healthy and safe now?" Every day I give these worries to God...release them at His feet and every day I pick it up again and the worry starts all over. Who do I think I am? Why do I think my thoughts and control is greater than His? Yet, this is my current struggle. My dear friend Margie said to me once, "Stop worrying! Hasn't God already proven He will take care of you?" She's right. He HAS proven this to me. Not only with this situation but throughout years of my life struggles. <br /><br />I love this baby. I want our baby to continue to stick and grown healthy and perfect and live long after me :) I am already beginning to pray for this child's purpose. My prayers are that he/she will bring the joy and love of the Father into many lives...that he/she will never doubt that they are incredibly loved and that they will fall madly in love with Jesus at an early age and serve Him with all their hearts. I hope that he/she has tons of personality and possesses their fathers wit, intelligence and patience. (and his nose because I hate mine) <br /><br />We go for our 10 week appointment on Tuesday to hopefully hear the baby's heartbeat through the doppler since we already got to see and hear it on an ultrasound at 6 1/2 weeks. <br /><br />Looking forward to meeting you little one.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-89621388650622610152009-01-24T12:46:00.000-08:002009-01-24T13:12:36.733-08:00BetterI know that it has been sometime since I have written on this blog and I apologize to all of you who have told me that you miss my blogging. To be honest, blogging seems to just be a great way of getting all of my thoughts out and yet having some accountability for my promises to be a better person. So, here I go again. Another blog, another day, another year of starting out truly believing that this year I am going to be a better person...a better child of God, wife, friend, daughter, co-worker, humanitarian, samaritan...I just want to be better. <br /><br />I know this is very generic. Another blog about having this epiphany moment that will change the course of my life. But this time, I do feel more serious about it. The older I get the more I care about making a difference, being a person of influence. Recently during a youth event, we had to come up with questions for someone to answer and I came up with, "how do you want to be remembered?". Ever since that night I have been thinking about how I am remembered while I am living...what impression do I leave? What does someone think about me after I leave their presence? What do the youth think about me after they leave our time together? What does my parents think about we talk? Why does my husband think about me after I leave for work in the morning? What do my co-workers think about me after we have been working together all day? I am not trying to press that what people think about you is the most important thing, considering that we push how important it is to be self assured and not care what others think. My point it, what type of impression am I leaving with people? Am I showing them kindness, patience, peace, love, gentleness, grace? Are my words pointing toward God? Do I make people feel better after they have been around me ? <br /><br />The reason this is so important is that more than ever, I know that I have a job to do. I have always known that God has called me to be different than the normal everyday Christian-not that I am better by any means, but I know that I have a calling to go just a little further, be just a little more bold. God has blessed me with certain aspects of my personality that has given me favor and I need to make sure that I am using that favor for good. <br /><br />I don't want to be the same anymore. I'm sick of always saying that I am going to let God transform me and then not give him the time to do it. I'm sick of always saying that I am going to quit participating in gossip yet I continue to be to curious to leave a conversation. I'm sick of always telling myself that I am going to focus more on others but as soon as I just don't "feel" like getting out of my comfort zone, I go back into the "all about me" hole. <br /><br />I'm not better than anyone. I'm not stronger, smarter, better looking, but I know that God will use me if I will just let Him. If I will actually LET Him. So I'm going to try. He needs me to be better because people need to see Him through me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-91118589777662073282008-09-06T07:22:00.000-07:002008-09-06T07:44:43.828-07:00Food for ThoughtBecause of my very long drive to work I had decided to start listening to books on tape so that all of that time spent in the car would not be wasted on my dancing to the 5 songs that 107.5 play and then replay over and over again. (though, sometimes it is fun...i am definitely up on my jordan sparks and miley cyrus). <br /><br />Anywho, my first choice was "The Shack" by William P. Young. I chose this because it is being talked about everywhere and I really wanted to know what it was about. So when I went to buy it at Lifeway they told me that the currently don't carry it because it's being reviewed for its controversial nature. So I persevered on to Barnes and Noble, bought it, started listening and got addicted. <br /><br />As anyone will tell you about the book, you can't tell people what's going on...they have to read for themselves. But I wanted to share one part with you that has fascinated me. There is a part where the main character, Mack, is ask by God to tell what is going on in Mack's life. Mack starts to explain and then interrupts himself by saying, 'wait a second. Don't you already know what is going on in my life? Why do you need to hear it from me? Don't you know everything?' And God responds, 'Even though I know everything, when you come to me to tell you what is going on in your life, I limit my ability to already know everything so that I can hear it from you and see it through your eyes.' Basically, in the book, God was telling Mack that He loves us so much that He wants to hear our hearts and how it feels for us to be dealing with situations...even though He could tell us exactly what is going on in our lives. <br /><br />I was amazed by this. No, it's not exactly in scripture that He does this, but what a great thought! I know I have personally dealt with a time where I felt confused that I had to go before God and tell him things He already knows and ask for things He already knows I want. But what a great thought that He limits himself just so He can hear our heart through our words...see it from our perspective. <br /><br />Whether it's what He does or not, I can see Him doing that. He has the ability to do anything and I think that His love for us is much less 'I am your master sitting on a throne just waiting to punish you for doing wrong' but rather, 'I am your Daddy, who just wants you to love, obey, trust and spend time with me. Just let me hold you while I listen to your stories and I will comfort you and give you advice and rejoice with you.' <br /><br />I encourage you to read this book. Yes, it is fiction, but the principals behind it are biblically based and very touching. It has propelled me into a deeper desire to understand the more soft and Daddy side of God. I am thinking about His deep love for us and His desire for us to live abundant lives that are filled up with Him. Not just because He is God and the bible says that is what we need to do, but because He TRULY knows that a life filled with Him will be the BEST life for us.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-77647442878491285302008-08-23T13:57:00.000-07:002008-08-23T14:13:31.223-07:00FaithfulHello everyone in blog world! It's been quite awhile...again....since I have wrote. But today felt like another good day to write. <br /><br />God has been doing incredible things with my heart lately. He has been softening it in ways that it has never experienced. There is a worship song that says "Break my heart for what breaks yours" and EVERYTIME I sing that line I make it my prayer. Mainly because I know that my heart is humanly selfish and sometimes does not see beyond my own needs so I need GOD to come in and massage it a bit. And He has. I am beginning to see people and situations with a new light and love and I completely contribute that to reading God's powerful word. I am learning about God's grace and His desire for all to know Him in more profound ways. I find myself tearing up with excitement at what God is doing in my life and in the lives of others. My friends are being blessed and healed and I just got chill bumps thinking about it because i am genuinely SO excited for them! I know that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life. God is giving me eyes to see what He is doing and giving me patience while He is developing me. <br /><br />God is just good. Not just because I am having a moment of breakthrough but because He walks us through those times of waiting for the breakthrough and strengthens our faith to believe breakthrough is coming. <br /><br />I love HIM. I really do. I am just in awe of what He can do...at the work of His hands. I am so tired of taking things for granted and not realizing His majesty all around me that is crying out, "SEE ME?? How can you not stand in awe?" Seriously friends, look at the symmetry of a leaf, listen to the thousands of different laughs around you, look at the colors of the sky, the thousands of different color different shape flowers...wow. What an amazing artist He is. He is the original for everything. We are inspired by HIS artwork. <br /><br />It's been a good week. My heart is changing in ways that I am pleased with but I know that I have to keep myself grounded in what is good and true so that my heart does not stray. <br /><br />Thank you Lord for loving us no matter what. Thank you for holding us like a dad should and telling us that you know it's all going to work out good in the end. Thank you for creating us so that we could experience life and more importantly, life with you. Let me be not just a good christian, but a good CHRIST to those around me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-34640512161121279372008-07-19T08:13:00.001-07:002008-07-19T08:31:46.123-07:00what's going on...Wow. It's been awhile. I wanted to update those of you who read my blog on what has been going on in my life that has kept me far from the blogging world and basically any playing on the internet whatsoever. I started a new job on June 30. I am working at the corporate office of e+ healthcare in Nashville and loving it. I have a hybrid sort of position which means that half of my job is spent as the assistant to our Chief Financial Officer and the other half is spent working in Operations with our company's lawyers on Medicare/855s. It's way too much to explain over this blog, (or really in person without possibly putting someone to sleep) but I will say that I love being an assistant so that part is great and easy because I know it, but then I also have this awesome opportunity to work in the operations of the company and learn something completely new and challenging which I love. And working for this company has made me feel like I am apart of something bigger. e+ healthcare has 12 different cancer centers across the US and they are working hard to fight the battle of cancer by bringing in better technology and by creating incredible facilities that make patients feel like they are in a more warm and caring enviorment. They truly care about the patients and do everything possible to make sure that cancer patients are being taken care of and that there is something out there that is trying to make their battle more comfortable and efficient. <br /><br />On the other side of life, (the one I don't have tons of time to live because I am so busy) things are going well. Everyone got back from church camp last week and are spreading the delightful contagious virus of passion for God to our whole church. It devastates me that I missed an opportunity to be a part of this because watching our youth worship and hearing them open up and what GOD has done is amazing. To be completely honest, it is really hard because they now have a bond that I wasn't a part of...which is fine and good because I was praying for them to have that bond and that experience the entire time they were away...but I know they are all going to help bond the entire group, those that went and those that didn't. <br /><br />My life is busy. There is hardly time for me to enjoy anything that I once did like reading, crafting, walking, writing, spending time with friends and family. I feel like things are changing around me and I am changing too but I am not apart of those changes that everyone else is experiencing. I know that is a confusing sentanence, but maybe someone gets it. But for the most part, life is going great. I have a lot to be thankful for and God continues to bless an undeserving me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-11259882740953351112008-06-20T11:11:00.000-07:002008-06-20T11:23:28.690-07:0011:00pm CheeseburgerYes, you read the title correct. An 11:00pm cheeseburger from McDonalds brought me joy last night. Margie, Max and I went to TPAC to see some of our dear and super talented friends, (Brittany, Emily, Cierra and Krista) perform in their dance recital. We had previously eaten at about 5:30 before the show, so after the 4 hour recital we decided we were hungry again! Now, this was surprising that Margie and Max who weigh about as much as my shoe were starving, but for me if I have not eaten in 5 hours it's time for a snack! And as we were sitting in downtown Nashville at McDonalds at 11:00pm, (which is WAY past my bedtime), we got a little slap happy. You know, that wonderful hilarious feeling that you just say the most random things and everyone thinks it's the funniest thing they have heard in weeks? I just love, love those moments with friends. I love to laugh more than I love to do most things and this was a great moment of silly laughter as we were talking about random stuff and recalling some of the hilarious, (yes, i'm still laughing, Margie) events of the night. <br /><br />That was my joy moment yesterday. Just that great moment of laughter with friends. Slap happy, 11:00pm McDonalds run, crack lady trying to steal our cheeseburger money laughter :)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-66010369348561870212008-06-17T13:17:00.000-07:002008-06-17T13:52:51.837-07:00PrideI had an experience recently that has enlightened me about the issue of Pride that I thought I would share with the few of you who view my blog. I am writing from the heart here…nothing fancy…just a little story about my most recent revelation. <br /><br />Pride completely clouds your mind of what is right and what is necessary. Pride puffs you up into thinking that the entire world revolves around what makes you comfortable and happy. Pride makes you feel really important…in your own head. Pride destroys perfectly good relationships and puts a huge wedge between you and your most important relationship…your’s and God’s. Pride causes you to make decisions that you will definitely later regret. <br /><br />My recent experience was that I made a mistake. A pretty decent sized mistake. I committed the total pride crime: I decided that I mattered more than others. That only my thoughts and my personal life mattered. That my decision only affected me. But this wasn’t the only bad part about my prideful mistake. I had committed to someone…something…that I would not make this choice and I was trusted. And I got caught. And you know what happened when I was caught? I got defensive. I wasn’t outwardly defensive at first, but inside I was boiling. Of course in my head I made about 25 excuses for why it was a ridiculous situation and how I should have not have to deal with it. And the very cruel but obvious truth was, I was really wrong and my pride was clouding my judgement. <br /><br />Luckily, when I finally let God in enough to slap me around a bit, He did. After I had this revelation of my own stupidity, Sunday night David preached a sermon on Joy and how pride can sometimes rob us of joy. And that was a confirmation in my spirit that this was definitely a lesson that God was teaching me. And because of my recent experience, I was able to share with a few of the youth girls how I had let my pride rob me on about 20 hours of joy because I was so focused on how I was affected by a situation. And how my day changed and my heart was lighter and more joyful once I let go of the pride and just said, "all justifications aside...I was wrong and I need to apologize and let it go." <br /><br />So, while I apparently have to keep learning this lesson over and over again, I get a little better at it each time. God is so good to have patience with me and continue to teach me. My moment of joy today is in realizing that my character is getting stronger because I am allowing God to shape it...sometimes slowly, but little by little i'm changing for the better. More of Him, less of me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-32423810023162914842008-06-09T12:57:00.000-07:002008-06-09T13:06:07.629-07:00SpaceI have been sick all weekend. I'm not sure how one gets a mad case of the sniffles in the beginning of summer, but apparently it happens. So, here I sit talking in my marge simpson like voice, scaring the clients at work, while scaring fellow employees because as they will be talking to me and sudden steam of snot will come pouring out my nose...Completely out of no where with no warning. It's almost as if there is a little man in my nose waiting for someone to come along and talk to me, and then the little man gives a wicked laugh and then releases the snot and then laughs hyterically knowing he has just embarrassed me. Evil little man. <br /><br />I slept about 3 hours last night...if that. Most of my night was consumed with tossing around, guzzling about 5 gallons of water and watching disney channels "the suite life of zack and kody." I needed something mindless to take my thoughts away from my raw throat and nose. Then today I am walking around as if I am not connected to anyone or anything around me. It's as if I am up in space looking down on the world but have nothing to do with it. I'm just aware of it. And I haven't even taken any medicine...yet. But the walk in clinic is calling my name today and I will answer very soon.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-7844226776971919852008-06-04T05:48:00.000-07:002008-06-04T06:47:39.426-07:00His PresenceSunday night was completely unexpected. I was not feeling great on Sunday morning because of some hydration issues from Saturday so we stayed home from church, which we never do but that was a rough morning. So after laying on the couch and staring at the TV for awhile, Jeremy and I got up and drove to Cool Springs to meet his parents. We had a great time with them, (they got me the cutest green dress and really cool wood cutting board), but I was completely worn out in time for Youth Group on Sunday night. <br /><br />When we arrived I was just exhausted and having crazy hot flashes. After great worship and a great sermon, David had everyone split up and find a place in the room and pray for 7 minutes. And honestly, I just had no desire to do that. But there, in our church sanctuary, in the dark, alone kneeling before God, this incredible peace came over me as I prayed and rested in God's presence. There is nothing like that feeling of God holding you in a warm and gentle embrace and you feel that you could stay there forever and be completely happy. But the prayer...David ask that we ask God to "break us". Now, I have done this before a couple of times and I can definitely say, God answered that prayer with radical results. It's a really hard prayer to pray because in asking God to break you, you are asking Him to put you on your face knowing that there is no way you can make it on your own. And I struggled with it. I just told God that because of the hard times I have had in the past when I have prayed that, I am now a little scared of it. <br /><br />Then, in His calming presence, He reminded me of how those times of breakage have formed my character and how they have given me more opportunities to minister to others because of the circumstances I have been through.He reminded me that I am never better than when I am doing things with His strength and not my own. So I prayed it. Not just because David ask us to, but because I truly desire more of Him and less of me. There is no better way to glorify God than to be full of His character. <br /><br />So on Sunday my moment of joy was experiencing God's presence in a real way. Not because of the lighting and the music...not the "emotional" experience; but a real moment of truth between me and God that brought forth the realization that He is there...listening to me and ready to answer my questions. He is the most amazing Father.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-5002861620039957872008-06-01T07:58:00.000-07:002008-06-01T08:10:09.321-07:00yard talk, garage sales and produce stands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ0M3ese4WB1sj88VpDo_-TbizxsSlu7dJEASw99_ykox9pL8GjCTtOBowScObTLJ57kBwkF_Y7yEmtj4X4BAHfss2_g0WEZQr6FtvzaUWrsecGgaecUfKVbqN0ZGX0D8RFP9MAWpQTG-/s1600-h/IMG_2363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ0M3ese4WB1sj88VpDo_-TbizxsSlu7dJEASw99_ykox9pL8GjCTtOBowScObTLJ57kBwkF_Y7yEmtj4X4BAHfss2_g0WEZQr6FtvzaUWrsecGgaecUfKVbqN0ZGX0D8RFP9MAWpQTG-/s320/IMG_2363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206930572442053586" /></a><br />Yesterday I was super duper busy so I didn't have time to write, but I did have a wonderful moment of joy that I wanted to tell you about. <br /><br />Yesterday started off with sitting outside in the yard at Margie and David's house chatting with some of our best friends; Margie, David, Kristin, Chad, Alicia and Daniel. We were literally sitting in the yard watching the kids play and the dogs chase each other as the sun was warming our faces. After that, Kristin and I headed off to do some much needed garage sale shopping. We just started driving and we hit some really great houses and some amazing deals. As we were shopping, I would notice the types of things people previously owned and wondered about the kind of lives they live. Kristin and I made small fun conversation with the people who were all so friendly and in great moods. After that, we decided to stop at a produce stand and pick up some fresh veggies and fruits. And after I dropped Kristin off and helped her lug her $30 worth of stuff (which was tons) up to her apartment, I set off on my drive home. I managed to hit another really delicious looking produce stand a tad further out in to the country where I picked up some even more delicious foods. But when I was finally about to arrive home, as I was cruising down my long country road, it hit me...the joy of summer. the memories of summer. the way everything smells and the vibrant colors. It had been such a gorgeous day full of very simple moment that really brought me a lot of joy. I felt no pressure to be or do anything amazing. I was truly enjoying this summer day with it's light breezes, fresh cut grass smells and friendly local faces. And I thanked God for his artistry and for giving us seasons.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-24171894217876960192008-05-30T12:17:00.000-07:002008-05-30T12:32:35.632-07:00Joy MomentsWhile I was revamping my page today, the title of my blog jumped out at me and screamed for attention. "Finding Joy in Each Day". I originally titled it that because I was going to write blogs about the moments that brought me joy to encourage myself and others that it IS out there everyday...joy. Some days it's hard to believe it because of our circumstances, but that's the thing about joy; it's not dependant on circumstance, it's dependant on your relationship with God. <br /><br />So I'm starting off my "joy moments" blogs with a newly realized moment of joy that happened this morning. <br /><br />May 30th Joy Moment: My husband loves to hold me when he sleeps. When we are turning out the lights he says, "roll over so I can hold you" and then he falls asleep very fast. Now, this has not always been a joy moment. In fact, it's been a source of contention with us because I get hot easily at night. But this morning I was driving to work thinking about it and I began to find joy in this simple act. He finds comfort and peace in my presence and it is calming enough to him that it actually helps him sleep better. And I fell in love with this. How wonderful is it that I have a husband who loves to hold me? Some wives beg for this! But I don't have to beg or even ask...he just does it and it makes me feel needed and important. <br /><br />I encourage you today to find joy in something that your husband does that you normally dismiss.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-26994720045098243692008-05-30T09:10:00.000-07:002008-05-30T10:08:11.144-07:00StuckYou may have noticed that it's been quite a while since I have mentioned any weight loss. Well, that's because there hasn't been much more. Before I went to Savannah I had lost a total of 29 pounds. When I returned from Savannah, I had gained 7 pounds of tasty low country cooking. I could hardly believe it. We walked about 5-7 miles a day, and while we were eating not perfect, we weren't being ridiculous either. Since that moment on the scale, I have been beyond struggling to get back on track. I have somehow managed to lose 3 of those pounds, but I'm not sure how because I have been eating like pig. I would say that getting back on track is actually harder than starting the program. I'm trying to remember all of the things that had me motivated back in January, and they are good things, but for some reason they are just not enough to make me put down the ice cream and walk away from the vending machine. <br /><br />I know that some of you out there reading this are thinking, "Come on. Just show some discipline." If only it were that easy! It's a hideous addiction. Hideous. <br /><br />So, I am writing to plead for your prayers and encouragement. Maybe I just got to prideful that I could do it on my own and forgot that it was completely God that is giving me the strength.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-82242843001876473072008-05-28T10:41:00.000-07:002008-05-28T10:59:22.090-07:0010 years agoI meant to write this on my birthday but I never got around to it. Reaching 28 for some reason felt like a milestone, even though it's not a typical one. But on that day, i sat back and thought about where i was 10 years ago so that i could see how far i have come and what God has brought me through. So here it is, my "where i was 10 years ago" list<br /><br />In 1998...<br /><br />* I was helping lead a bible study group at our highschool and prayer group<br />* I did my first speaking engagement for a private Christian school where I spoke on "True Love Waits"<br />* I graduated from Gallatin High School <br />* I cut all of my hair off for the first time<br />* I was heavily involved with CYM (Cornerstone Youth Ministries)<br />* I went to Ft. Apache, AZ to work and minister on an Indian Reservation<br />* I left to move to Waxahachie, TX where I attended Southwestern Assembly of God University where I was majoring in Cross Cultural Missions (? seriously? I thought I had to have a degree for that?)<br />* I interned under Scott Wilson, Oakcliff Assembly of God's famous Youth Pastor<br />* I did street ministry in Dallas, TX<br />* I lived with a roomate who would eat Taco Bell at 12:00am and smack loudly so I became adjusted to sleeping with my CD player on. <br />* I was skipping chapel services 3 out of 5 times a week (imagine really, really old AG pastors telling of when they were in college...snore)<br />* I was constantly hanging out with Master Commission members, therefore I was also praying for 2 hours a day and reading scripture like a maniac.<br />* My favorite restaurant was "Gloria's"...an El Salvadorian restaurant in a shady part of town that was incredible<br />* I was threatening to start giving plasma so my parents would take pity on me and send money<br />* I was living off of the Chicken/Mushroom Ramen Noodles<br /><br />Looking back through this list I can see where life is incredibly different now. I almost forgot how I was so involved in ministry and thought it would be my full time job (as in paying job) one day. I guess never say never...but probably never. I should probably get back to the kind of reading and praying I was once doing. I remember being so close to God and CRAVING Him. The more I learned about Him the more I wanted to learn about Him. So, all in all, this has been a good and helpful trip down memory lane.<br /><br />What about you? 10 years ago you were...Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-86694004699362117922008-05-27T10:29:00.000-07:002008-05-27T10:40:16.592-07:00A really great weekendThis past weekend was fabulously crazy! Although, I'm beginning to worry that I don't know how to function without having something to do. We had some one on one time and great fellowship with many friends. Friday night we did a double date with our friends Brooke and Jeremy. We chowed on some steak, drank some caffine. There were a lot of laughs. Saturday, we had a girls shopping trip with the youth. We headed to Cool Springs Mall to enjoy what turned out to be a really terrific trip and time with the ladies. I think everyone got a couple of new things that they all adorned themselves with on sunday and looked amazing! Saturday night, two of the youth girls, tiffany and kimmi, came over. Oh, and of course Tiffany's new beau Matt! We grilled out, played in the back yard, climbed trees, watched a movie. Sunday after church we had a fantastic El Ray lunch with our friends Chad and Kristin. More laughing and eating. Sunday afternoon, youth kickball game (i did pretty well!), then off to David and Margie's for even more eating and laughing and bull frog and salamander hunting. Monday...yes, you guess it...more eating and laughing with the Barnett family as they had a group of us over for an amazing meal! (Shout out to Kimmi's creative napkins!). Then it was off to Aaron and Beth's for a lot of laughing and good conversation. No eating...but only because we were full :) And here I am back at work today...exhausted but feeling full of joy because of the many friends we were able to spend great time with. We are really blessed to have so many close and amazing people in our lives. <br /><br />Thank you friends for loving us!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-30746176531949830372008-05-23T11:40:00.000-07:002008-05-23T11:55:41.735-07:00Target ZombiesA new Species has been discovered:<br /><br />The other day when I was walking around Target for the millionth time on my lunch, someone I knew approached me and apparently said my name twice before I ever heard them. She started laughing and told me that I was just staring off into space. I laughed back (secretly thinking that I do this really often) we talked with the "haven't seen you in forever" pleasantries for a moment and then she was off...leaving me to finish my shopping. As I walked around I began to notice that many women were doing as I was doing; Walking up and down aisles slowly glancing from left to right, up and down. They seriously looked like zombies. When they walked in they probably knew exactley what they were coming for but immediately turned to Zombies because of the bright lights, "SALE" and "New Summer Arrivals" signs. Some even had their mouths hanging open. Which leads me to believe that Target is just so fabulous and overwhelming that it's like walking into New York City. It's massive and astounding, there is tons to see and you just can't possibly leave without spending gobs of money. <br /><br />So there it is. I am a self proclaimed Target Zombie.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-48702753782950044562008-05-23T11:09:00.001-07:002008-05-23T11:09:36.665-07:00Let it all outLast night I had a moment of complete frustration with church people. I’m not talking about the people that are at church because they are focused on serving and getting involved with what God’s doing; I’m talking about the people that go to church, get somewhat involved and then start to nitpick at everything they see that THEY thought could be different. Things that THEY don’t agree with and that THEY think THEY could do better. Well you know what? THEY weren’t appointed by God to lead that church and make those decisions. THEY aren’t the ones slaving in prayer, trying to be a spouse and a parent while shepherding a church, handling the drama that goes on every day from church members, handling the problems that marriages and families need counseling for…THEY aren’t the ones responsible for a entire church congregations spiritual growth. THEY are self absorbed negativity spreaders who apparently have way too much time on their hands to sit on their bottoms and talk about how much better THEY would be at running a church, or if THEY were the pastor or pastor’s wife THEY would do it different. THEY need to have a come to Jesus meeting and realize that THEY have a specific calling on their life that THEY are obviously not doing because THEY are spending their time talking about how someone else is doing their calling. <br /><br />And when did people decide that a church is all about meeting their needs? Who said this was the way it was suppose to be? The only one thing that can meet all a persons needs is God. No church will be perfect. No church will be everything you hoped it would be. I should know…I have moved around a lot and tried out no less than 20 churches in my life and not one of them is perfect. The one I attend now is not completely perfect…but it is the place I call my church home. And because I felt that is where God called me, I have plugged in and served and respected my pastors no matter if I agreed with everything they said or not. Church is honestly what you make it. In fact, I’m going to throw this thought out there; Most of the time when people are complaining about church not being what they want it to be and not meeting their needs, it’s probably because they don’t have a close relationship with God. Think about it; the closer you are to God, the more you reflect His character. Are these people reflecting God’s character by gossiping, spreading negativity and hardening their heart? We come to church to fellowship, to plug in and serve the Lord, to worship, to be fed. . If one of those isn’t meeting your needs at the church, go to God in prayer and seek Him on it. Don’t start bad mouthing and spreading disease among the fellow church goers. A wise woman I know once said, “Do you want to be responsible for a downfall in the church? I don’t.” <br /><br />Grrrr….Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-39933867165749507982008-05-18T06:16:00.000-07:002008-05-18T06:35:45.071-07:00growingah. so finally i feel like i am ready to write about life, vacation and where life has me at this moment. i promise to be as brief as possible. sunny warm days make me feel alive. so imagine me writing this with a peaceful smile on my face and real joy in my heart. <br /><br />first, savannah was beautiful. but more than the city being beautiful, my time with my husband...alone...truly made the vacation. in the busy touristy moments and in the quiet walking through squares, being beside him with no distractions was lovely. and because we have been so busy since we even became engaged, we had almost forgot the beauty of just spending time alone. the beauty of being with your best friend...your true best friend that knows what all your facial expressions mean and senses your mood and lets you be you and loves you anyway. how can i not want to spend more time alone with this kind of person? of course, i love my time with my friends and ministry time, but there is something rejuvinating about being with someone who doesn't expect anything from you but deserves so much. not that we had fallen out of love by any means...i love him more each day...but i fell into a different kind of love. which is what i think the years of marriage are like. you fall in love with each other in different ways because of the different things you learn about each other. or that's what they should be like, at least. as far as the city...GO. if you like history, architecture, beauty, food, antiques...then GO. it's a city that must be experience on foot or you will miss many of the most beautiful details. like in most cities, it's not the big tourist traps that are the highlights, it's the small quiet and lovely finds that make your trip. there is nothing like walking along those old brick sidewalks hand in hand with your best friend. this is by far the most romantic city i have been to in america. <br /><br />and life. life is good and starting to get great. after vacation i am learning to say no and remember that i need those times to myself to learn what the Lord has for me and what He wants to show me in the quiet moments. He's good like that. find a quiet moment...he's there waiting to speak to you. i'm learning that each day there is something God has for me to do. it's not a moment i'm building up to, but a bunch of little moments and people that he wants me to enjoy and put my heart into. i've started taking more advantage of work being my current mission field. just telling people that i have prayed for them or that i will. listening to their stories and truly caring about them. everyone has a story to tell and needs someone to appreciate it. and i do appreciate people's stories. they are facinating. i love to see how God has made them fall in love with Him. on a lighter note, my house is starting to come together. my kitchen has a sitting bench and a cool lantern, my living room has more pictures and my front porch has flowers and rocking chairs. you should come over and sit and tell me some of your story.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-4661372820408032312008-05-09T14:31:00.000-07:002008-05-09T14:33:06.118-07:00SavannahBecause of the limited time that I currently have to tell you about my trip to Savannah, I thought I would go ahead and leave you with a slide show of Jeremy and I's trip until I have time to write a blog describing the amazing time we had. I am sure from the pictures, you will be able to tell that we had the most incredible and romantic time. Enjoy! <br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Flindseylou1980%2Falbumid%2F5198414199715398017%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-30987011110566541352008-05-08T10:17:00.000-07:002008-05-08T10:37:19.105-07:00"Amen"The other day I was flipping through the channels and I landed on TBN. No, this is not a common occurance but every once in awhile I like to hear what new penacostal ritual or movement i'm missing out on. So while I am listening to some guy preach/yell that I have never seen before, I hear him say, "And all the kids are in the streets drinking and having sex and having abortions...." and while he is saying this there are tons of people in the audience yelling, "AMEN!" Now, if a lot of you have been a part of many penacostal services like me, this is not unusual...UNTIL you start thinking about what the word "Amen" is suppose to mean. The most common translation of it is, "So be it". It is most often used at the conclusion of prayers and hymns. It seems to stand as a sign of support and agreement. So why would some one say, "So be it!" to kids out in the street having sex and abortions? To me this is just one of the many signs of how a lot of once reverant rituals are being turned into something that has lost it's true meaning. You know, I could understand if they were yelling the also common, "Preach it!" and "Come on!" but "Amen"? So be it? <br /><br />Anyway, this is just one of the many weird thoughts running through my head today. If you can prove me wrong, please do. I welcome any insight to this subject.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-74467714032690833672008-04-23T10:08:00.000-07:002008-04-23T10:12:57.222-07:0028 Pounds lighter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE9tsBf0zdIm5FAj_zjdSLg7wj1IEbPwtoFtXLPIEAR1TjvumtPwg8B-XNcveJlVIDvOgyOxglHntbx_7BODncTjhbT0gaa2AKXVjX_kmxNG4s6KVgzpjRSMQONtXPcHm3qB1vgVXjbAG/s1600-h/Lindsey+thinner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE9tsBf0zdIm5FAj_zjdSLg7wj1IEbPwtoFtXLPIEAR1TjvumtPwg8B-XNcveJlVIDvOgyOxglHntbx_7BODncTjhbT0gaa2AKXVjX_kmxNG4s6KVgzpjRSMQONtXPcHm3qB1vgVXjbAG/s320/Lindsey+thinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192489586753024962" /></a><br />I haven't posted a weight loss picture in awhile so I thought I would add this one. This was taken this past weekend at my friend Jennifer's baby shower.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678446376602644373.post-36210437337251116482008-04-23T07:15:00.000-07:002008-04-23T07:32:19.184-07:00Celebrating Earth DayDue to the crazy pressure I was feeling yesterday, I decided to spend lunch outdoors at Rockland Park to celebrate earth day by taking in the earths beauty. I walked down through the trees to the water and sat in the grass. And I stared. And I began to feel some peace. I let the sun shine hard on my face and I breathed in the fresh air and somewhere in that moment I felt calm. I watched a turtle crawl into the water and I literally stared at an inch worm for 5 minuites wondering what his purpose in life was. I listened to the water lap against the shore. I know this all sounds somewhat crazy and like a cheesy book but that moment brought me back to the many moments I spent doing that exact same thing when I was younger. I was transported back to "my place". "My place" was the last access at the end of lock 4 road. After school my senior year, I would drive down there with my bible in tow, and read God's word while sitting in the middle of God's artwork. I loved those moments. It was so quiet and I was quiet. I needed to realize that I don't need or have to always be Martha. While I think that being actively involved is very important, Jesus is teaching me that there is a lot of importance in being Mary. In order to have the wisdom, love and compassion that Jesus needs me to have to be Martha, I need to be Mary and sit at His feet so He can give that to me.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00119097158045706401noreply@blogger.com0