199 Days Later...

199 Days ago...that does not seem possible, but it is. 

My word for 2014 is "NEW" and I am all about that! Last year was the toughest year of my life and I am ready for the "NEW" things God has in store for this Jesus girl in 2014! 

I had been on a "health kick" two years ago. I ran my first 5K! I couldn't believe it! I was 40 and I did it! I lost about 25 lbs and was feeling really good. Then everything happened with Dave and my focus was off of me and turned to him. Over the 9 months from the time he was told he was terminal until he passed away, I gained about 35 lbs. 

I knew taking care of me had to become a priority, but my attitude has been "baby steps" with what I wanted to do and what needed done. In July last year, I gave up pop. You have no idea how big of a deal that is! I would get up in the morning and drink my cup of coffee and the rest of the day was pop. I was so proud of myself to give up that very-bad-for-me beverage! I knew more changes needed to be made, but also knew not to do more than I could handle at once. I have learned to extend some grace to myself and do what I can do as I am able to do it. 

I had some friends at church begin using a product and they were having amazing results with weight loss and other benefits. So as, I sat back listening to what they were doing and watching the affects of this, I started getting curious and wondering if I should give it a try. I started looking into it and decided at the end of November I was going to jump on the Isagenix train! 

It has been about 6 weeks for me and I am not just dropping pounds, I feel amazing! I have had 3 people comment that my skin looks so good! I gotta admit when I first looked into this, I didn't believe I could do it. But I am. What I love most is that it is changing my perspective on food. When I want to eat, I ask myself "Why?" I am learning to fuel my body instead of feed it. I still go out and have a meal with friends occasionally. But I make a wise choice in my splurge. 

I also gave up my favorite...coffee. I am still in mourning over giving up my favorite drink! I miss my warm cup of coffee in the morning when I sit at the table and do my devotions. I miss the smell. I miss the taste. I miss feeling "happy" as I sip it each day. But I am doing it! I am 6 weeks with no caffeine going into my body!!! MAJOR accomplishment!

I have missed running since I stopped. I have wanted to start again. But I haven't...until today! I started the couch to 10K program. I look forward to getting outside in the fresh air this spring to run, but until then, the treadmill in the corner of my dining room will do! 

I am excited and determined to do this. I have goals in mind and I am learning "NEW" things about me. I am learning "NEW" things about fueling my body! It is exciting!! 

God is doing some really exciting things for me right now and I need energy to keep up! I need the self confidence to do what He has called me to do...and this is helping immensely! 

Just thought I would share one of the "NEW" things that is happening in my life. There are others, but I will save that for another time. 

This Jesus Girl is embracing the life God has given her! I am looking forward to a fantastic year full of "NEW" adventures with my Abba Bridegroom! 

Isaiah 43:19 "See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland!"

God's streams are flowing into the wasteland....and I am thankful for his redemption!

6 Months, 184 Days Later...

6 Months...

When I think about that it blows my mind. In ways I feel like it was yesterday and in other ways it seems like forever. 

6 months...

I have made it for half of a year. For some reason, that thought seems monumental. Like some major accomplishment. I have a lot going through my mind and heart today.

I went to church this morning and we started a new sermon series, "Promises"! Such an appropriate theme for my theme (New) this year. Many of the promises that I am clinging to have been promises of redemption for pain. Hope when life seems Hopeless. Beauty for the ugly things that come into our lives. It was so encouraging to have the truths, the hopes, the sure thing of the promises that God made spoken of today. What He says, He WILL do! Thankful and clinging to that hope. 

We sang a new song today. And as we did, I felt like it was for me. "I Will Trust You" by Bryan and Katie Torwalt...the first words rang in my ears:

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death 

I will fear no evil thing. In this life I have seen your faithfulness. 

In this life I have found your grace God.

I will Trust you

All my hope is found in your love

I will trust you

My whole life is found in your love

Though my eyes cannot see every single step and my heart feels unsure again
I remember the strength of your love, O God

I hold on to the peace that you bring.

I will Trust you

All my hope is found in your love

I will trust you

My whole life is found in your love

I will Trust you

All my hope is found in your love

I will trust you

My whole life is found in your love

And your goodness, kindness, faithfulness persist through the night

And your goodness, kindness, faithfulness persist through the night

And your goodness, kindness, faithfulness persist through the night

And your goodness, kindness, faithfulness persist through the night

I will Trust you

All my hope is found in your love

I will trust you

My whole life is found in your love

Tears stung my eyes with the beautiful truth of this song...God has been so good and kind and faithful to me through this whole process. Even when I didn't "feel" Him, I know He was there holding me and getting me through. All I need is found in Him and I am truly thankful and blessed.

We then went on to sing a song that I LOVE...a song written about Heaven and the vision Isaiah had about the throne of God. It speaks of his holiness...but as we began singing, for a moment, I felt like I joined Dave at that throne, worshiping our Jesus! Just maybe in that moment, we were there together again...tears again...

6 months...what am I feeling right now?? 

Joy. Joy that Dave is where he is, and his cares in this life are over. He is with Jesus.

Joy, in that I have made it!!! I have done the widow's walk for 6 months and I am ok. Honestly, I am better than ok...I am living in anticipation of what God has next for me. I am excited about my future and promises that God is going to fulfill in my life. 

Love. I am wrapped in the arms of my Father. I have dear friends that I love and I know they love me. I have a church that has embraced this widow and looks out for me. 

Hope...hope assured that God has plans for me and they are GOOD!!

6 months...and with God's help, I will make it each and every step of this journey. 6 months and this widow is joy filled and loved! ONLY JESUS!!!