It's been a while...

Well here it is almost August and I have not blogged since May!!  The only real excuse I have is that my computer broke and I've just been using my Ipad for the last several months.  I've found it harder to blog from it so I just haven't done it.  I actually started to, but couldn't get pictures downloaded so I quit trying.  I can honestly say that I have missed it though and decided to get with it again.

Life the last several months has been crazy to say the least!!  With my oldest son graduating high school, my youngest turning 16 and me turning 40, all the anticipation of those milestones is now over...and it's kind of a relief:)  I have to say that turning 40 wasn't bad at all....in fact, it was much easier than turning 30 if you ask me.  Now we're preparing to take Cody to Southern Nazarene University in a few weeks, which begins a whole new phase in our lives.  I've got real mixed emotions about him going to college and, depending on the day you ask, I am either excited for him or crying.

So I guess you could say that the countdown to 40 is officially over for me, but I only made it to 26 of the 40 things I was working toward or learning from.  I just spent some time looking over them and have to say that I've grown so much over the last year of focusing on making some changes in my life.  Oh, I'm far from being where I'd like to be, but am so much farther ahead of where I was this time last year.  For that I am so thankful!  I am going to continue blogging about this journey I'm on and hope that you will join me once again.  I loved all the emails and messages I received of encouragement and how my journey has helped others in their journey.  I didn't expect that when I started this last year, but you have been such a blessing to me and I'm so grateful!!   Thank you!!

Till next time....
     

Learning to be content...

My view from our enclosed patio room

My view from our enclosed patio room

I've lived in Mount Vernon, OH now for 4 years.  It's really hard to believe it's been that long already!!  It's by far the smallest town I've ever lived in so it's been a different experience for our family for sure.  When we moved here I had this romantic view of living in a small town, but the first time I wanted to run to the mall or Target and couldn't because they're 45 minutes away, I  realized that small town living may not be for me:).  I do miss the big city and all the activity and people and restaurants...and, of course, the malls:).   But as I sit on my patio on this beautiful Spring day to do some work, I have to say that there is a lot to love about living in a small country town that I don't always take the time to appreciate.  It's so peaceful and calm.  I love to open the patio doors and listen to the birds, see the squirrels and chipmunks chasing each other, and hear and see the woodpeckers in the trees.  The other morning I even saw a red fox run through my yard and we see deer in our yard almost every single day.  A few months back, we saw a huge red tailed hawk swoop down and get a squirrel and then fly off.  These are things that I've never had the opportunity to witness in my own yard living in the city, but I have the opportunity everyday to see it from my own patio living here!

I really have to work on being content with where I'm at and not focusing all my time looking ahead to the day when we can live back in a big city.  I do love my house and I even love living on three wooded acres...it's beautiful!  We've made some wonderful friends that I know will be life long.   I know that someday we will move again...but until then, life is good and I do feel blessed with all I have.  When I look back on all the places we've lived, I can find the pros and cons with each one....I know that no place is perfect.  The neat thing is that I have always been able to see God's hand in the midst of each move we've made.  

Big changes are in store for our family in the near future....the University where Scott is chaplain will be looking for a new president, as our current president will be taking a new presidency at a University in Seattle.  Not only is this a huge change for the University, but we will miss our dear friends terribly as they leave to take this new position.  I'm so sad to say goodbye to one of my best friends, my shopping buddy and my running pal.  As well, Cody will leave for college in the fall which, as I've said before, is going to change our family as we know it now.  Zach will turn 16 and be driving soon and and before we blink, he'll be graduating too.   Life is constantly changing and whether or not I'm going to be content and happy with where I'm at is my choice.  I am constantly reminded of the verse in Philippians 4:11,  "not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in".  I don't want to strive for comfort or what I want...I want to strive for contentment, no matter the situation, where I'm living or what I may think I need.  Life is good!  

 
           

Airport people...what's their story?

As I'm sitting in the Denver airport on a 3 hour layover, I'm enjoying watching people as they rush to their next flight. Honestly, I don't like layovers or waiting at all. I'd prefer to just catch a one way flight to my final destination or if I can't do that, then I at least want a short layover...like less than an hour! So since I couldn't do that this time, I've got plenty of time to sit and watch everyone and everything around me...and it's very interesting! As I'm watching people, I wonder what their story is. Some will look at me and smile as they walk by and some will just rush past me in their own little world. Some look happy and some seem not so happy. Some look businesslike and, obviously, travel all the time (I could never pack light enough to do that I don't think). Some are families with small children that may be heading to visit grandparents, go on vacation, or some other adventure. I have to say, watching parents chase after kiddos reminds me of how nice it is to be past that stage:). Most people are either talking on cell phones, on their computers or IPads (like me:). I've seen people of all sizes and shapes, different ethnicities, clothing and hairstyles. As someone who who spends most of my time rushing from one thing to the next, oblivious to whats going on around me, I'm very intrigued with sitting back and taking it all in. I see the single dad with his little boy...Whats his story? I see the little old lady being pushed in the wheelchair...what's her story? I see the couple walking holding hands...what's their story? I see the stewardess heading to her next flight... What's her story? I order lunch from a grouchy lady behind the counter... What's her story? I see the businessman furiously working away on his laptop... What's his story? It goes on and on and on...person after person after person. I'm realizing as I'm sitting here how little time I actually take in my day to day life to just take in the world around me. I get so wrapped up in my own world many times that I don't take the time I should to invest in those I come in contact with on a daily basis. I'm not talking about just sitting down and having coffee with a friend, but offering a kind word or smile to those whom I may never see again. Everyone has a story... Some are stories of hope, but many are not. I know there's a lot of hurt and anxiety in this world and I don't know anyone who couldn't benefit from coming in contact with someone who's just nice and uplifting and willing to take the time to look them in the eyes and show them human kindness...I'm going to work on that in mynown life. I'm thankful for this time I've had to sit and take it all in...and to share a smile with some people with whom I'll never know their story...Layovers may not so bad after all:)

From doctor's daughter....to pastor's wife: Let the party preparations begin...change is in st...

From doctor's daughter....to pastor's wife: Let the party preparations begin...change is in st...: Cody's cap and gown Graduation announcements Well we're just 6 weeks away from Cody's graduation and reality is setting in like i...

Let the party preparations begin...change is in store!

Cody's cap and gown

Graduation announcements

Well we're just 6 weeks away from Cody's graduation and reality is setting in like it or not.  Cap and gown is in...we ordered and received the announcements in the mail...hotel arrangements have been made for family coming to town...and I'm now starting to plan his party.  Let me just say, I love to plan parties, but this one is different.  I have not been ready for this day to come so I've not been as anxious to plan it.   It is a huge milestone in Cody's life and I know he's ready and excited to graduate and go to college, but for me I see it also as the end of a season in our life....and that's hard for me.  I don't like letting go and that's what I'm having to do in a way.   I will plan a great party though and it will be a fun weekend of celebration...afterall, it's about Cody and not me right??:)

So in preparation for the big weekend, we are busy getting the house ready for our friends and family...  touch up painting will be done...carpets will be getting cleaned...flowers will be purchased and planted around the house...all for this once in a lifetime event for our son.  I mean he only graduates from high school once!!  It's crazy what we do to get ready for these big events!!  I'm excited that my house will be, after four years of living in it, almost just as I would want it:)  Of course, I'd like to get some new furniture too, but Scott is making me draw the line somewhere...he's no fun:)

As we prepare for this exciting time, I can't help but think about the next several years and what they hold.  We will be going through a lot of change and, although I'm sad in many ways, I'm anticipating God to do great things.  Zach will graduate from high school in 2014 and as well, around that same time, Scott will be finishing up his doctorate.  As much as I'm ready for Scott to be finished, I'm not ready for Zach to graduate and to be an empty nest...so I really don't want to wish the years away.

In my life, there has always been change...and with each change, I've been able to look back and see God's hand at work.  I lived in one town practically my whole growing up years.  Since marrying Scott almost 21 years ago,  we've moved 6 times all over the US!!   I've had to learn to adjust to each change and I know with this next chapter in our lives, I'll adjust as well.  I know that eventually we'll move again (I'm hoping to the place we'll retire:), and when we do I'll be ready for the next big adventure???  As unnerving as it can be at times, I know that once again, it'll all be ok.

Obviously, moving isn't as overwhelming as the thought of Cody going away to college, but change is change and I know from experience that it's hard.   Although it can be difficult, it can also be a really great thing!  I'm excited to see the direction that Cody decides he wants to take in his life and how God is going to use him in amazing ways.  He's a great kid (ummmm...young man:) and I am so proud of him!!  Instead of focusing on how sad I'm going to be when he heads off to college (as well as not embarrassing him or myself by being a blubbering mess:), I want to focus on the good things that are in store with yet another significant change in our lives.  I want to enjoy life today and anticipate, not dread, what the next few years hold...I know it'll be so much more enjoyable that way.  These ARE exciting days...so let the party preparations begin!!

        

 

Stepping out of my comfort zone...

So very true!!

Do you ever feel like you want to do more, but don't know what to do or where to even start?  That's where I feel like I've been living in the last year or so.  I am very blessed to have all that I have and am passionate about what I do!  I love having my own business that allows me time freedom and flexibility while helping and educating others about skin care and nutrition.  It's a blast and so rewarding!!  So, for me,  it wasn't about wanting to change what I already do...it was more about expanding my plate and finding more ways to help as many people as I could.  I just didn't know what that meant for me and I was really struggling with it.  I know a lot of what drives me is in my personality...I'm a free spirit and can get antsy at times, always looking for something new and exciting!  There is good and bad in that I guess...and one thing is that my mind always seems to be on overload of crazy ideas (no comments please:).

Yep...this is me:)

It was actually my husband who, a couple months ago while discussing this with me, brought up the idea about me using my Exercise Science background to help others since I love fitness and working out...brilliant!  He's so smart...that's why I married him...:-)  So we began to brainstorm and I got excited about the possibilities!!  I was so grateful when I met with the pastor of my church to talk about what I wanted to do and he was on board too!  The reality is that many people will not go to a gym, either because of intimidation or not wanting to pay a monthly fee, so by offering a program where people can pay just for the classes they want to attend at a greatly discounted cost, we can help people reach some of their physical fitness needs.  I love that!

So, as I posted previously, I got my Zumba certification last month and began preparations to start a fitness program at my church.  The week after I got my certification, I told my husband that I wasn't sure I could teach Zumba and that maybe I had made a mistake in thinking that I could.   I realized how out of my comfort zone it was and I kind of freaked out!!  I don't like to be up in front of people at all....EVER!!!  And dancing??  What was I thinking??  But then I went back to why I wanted to do it in the first place...to help others get off the couch and get moving...and have fun doing it.  When I went back to thinking of it that way, I began to enjoy coming up with a playlist and learning the moves...even if I didn't move as smooth as the people on the videos:)  Last week was the first week of classes and they went very well!!  It was so much fun watching everyone, of all ages and fitness levels,  laugh and smile as they tried to learn and follow all of the moves.  I'm excited to begin a boot camp sometime soon as well and am finding other people who are interested in teaching other classes as well!

I'm glad I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something I didn't think I could.  I don't want to look back 10 years from now and wish I would have done more to impact the world around me or do something I was too scared to try.  I've realized that nothing in life is going to just come to me while I sit back and dream about it...I have to get out in this big, scary world and do something...even if it pushes me beyond myself.  I've learned that I can't be all that God intended for me to be if I stay inside of my comfortable little box (or circle:).  I believe that God wants all of us to try and make a difference in the world around us....no matter how insignificant or small we feel we are.

Step out of your comfort zone and see what happens:)

             

Sitting in the back seat....

My youngest son, Zach, has his drivers permit.  I can't believe the baby in our family is now driving!!  He will be 16 in June and I can't believe it!!  Once again, I'm reminded that I'm getting old:)  It's different this time around because he hardly ever rides with Scott or I....he's always with Cody.  At this rate, it's going to be really hard to get the needed hours of driving he needs with one of us before he can get his license.  I think he's only driven a couple hours total since he got his permit back in January.  When Cody got his permit, he always wanted to drive everywhere!  On the other hand,  Zach could care less about driving...he's just like his dad!!  I have to make Zach drive...he'd just as soon be a passenger.  It's really funny how completely different my boys are...but I love that about them!  

A few weeks back on Scott's birthday, we went into Columbus to celebrate and decided to have Zach drive us.  It's a 45 minute drive so we figured it's a good way for him to get some of his hours in.  I wanted Scott to ride up front because, to be honest, I was a nervous wreck!!  After the first 10 minutes of the 3 of us telling Zach what to do, Scott finally said, "Would you two in the back seat be quiet and let me work with him please?"  Can I just tell you how hard it was to sit back there and not say anything???  I had to bite my tongue trying to stay quiet!!  I know those of you who know me would agree that being quiet is not my thing:)  We did make it to town safely though....and, overall, Zach did ok.  We've decided that having all of us in the car was probably not the best way to work with him.  I think we made him more nervous....we're going with the one on one training from now on:)

That car ride reminded me so much of how I live my life though.  I told Scott I wanted him to ride up front and tell Zach what to do and where to go, but I just couldn't stand not being or feeling in control.  I know that, often times, I really struggle with wanting to be in control of things in my life, but the reality is that I can only control so much.  I can control my attitude and actions, but I can't always control tragedy or heartbreak.  Scott could tell Zach where to go and what to do, but ultimately Zach was the one behind the wheel and in control of the car...he just had to listen to Scott and follow his directions.  I believed for many years, through the tragedy and heartbreak in my own life, that God was to blame and I really struggled with trusting and "letting go and letting God," as the saying goes.  I can often worry about the things that I can't do anything about...the todays and the tomorrows of life, but I've since come to believe that no matter what happens in my life, God is with me in every moment and every circumstance.         

I realize that I need to continue to focus on riding more in the back seat.  I don't want to live in fear of what could happen today or tomorrow.  I can't control everything...no matter how much I'd like to.  I want to rest in the peace and assurance that God is with me and knows my every concern and fear.  

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.” 

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free