Spill: Your Relationship Ponderings

Boo! The rain washed away all our snow! EXCEPT of course for what is right outside our door. I nearly fell going to work this morning. Except I didn’t.

Took my breakfast to work, because time was of the essence.

And breakfast was portable! what what!

I LOVE rainy/snowy days at work, because no one works but a few of us little office people and it’s so relaxing. I caught up on SO MUCH.

Leftovers!!!

+ green beans and green coleslaw.

Made for a yum lunch.

I seriously have eaten like 247584 oranges in the past few weeks. I am searching for new snacks. If you hear of any applying send them my way.

Milady, tis teatime! Before CharlotteOne, I had 4 [four] crackers, each dolloped with peanut butter as you can see. On the side I had my cuppa tea. High tea, it was not. Of course, more snackies were had upon arriving home, but they went unpictured.

CharlotteOne was so good tonight!!! I know I say that every week, but it’s true! Tonight was on love/sex/dating, which can be awkward, but Dave did a pretty good job with it.

You can’t be truly satisfied in a relationship until you are satisfied by God.

Some can argue that point, but being a Christian, I fully believe it. I believe that when your relationship with Christ is whole, then he will show you that special person, that does not fill a void or complete you, but rather makes you more of a person or adds to the person you already are.

Right now, I am happy being single, having fun and loving God. I do believe that when the right person comes along, God will show him to me, but that is not the focus of my life. It’s so important to be happy with yourself before you are happy with someone else.

Even in non-Christian relationships, I believe that is true. You really have to know and love yourself before you can love someone else.

Thoughts? Agree, disagree?

Spill.

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The Way of Love

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)

¹ If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. ²If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. ^3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. 
   Love never gives up. 
   Love cares more for others than for self. 
   Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. 
   Love doesn’t strut, 
   Doesn’t have a swelled head, 
   Doesn’t force itself on others, 
   Isn’t always "me first," 
   Doesn’t fly off the handle, 
   Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, 
   Doesn’t revel when others grovel, 
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 
   Puts up with anything, 
   Trusts God always, 
   Always looks for the best, 
   Never looks back, 
   But keeps going to the end.

^8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

¹¹When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

¹²We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

¹³But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

 

Because sometimes we just need a reminder of why we are here.

Love somebody today.

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The reason for the season

Dad: What is the true meaning of Christmas?

Cecily: Jesus’ birthday!

Dad: And what is your favorite part of Christmas?

Cecily: JESUS!

Good answer kid.

 

Merry Christmas to All!

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Spooooooky

S’mores bar, that is!

I finally got around to trying one of the Z-bars Holly sent me for a snack today.

 

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Holly, you adorable little lady, you.

After work, ‘twas CharlotteOne of course!

Our speaker tonight was James-Michael Smith and wow, did his message hit close to home! It was called ‘The Dark Night of the Soul’ and was about dealing with depression. It was, in a word, amazing.

I have touched on my own struggles with depression here, so you guys know what this subject meant to me. I was nearly in tears by the end. I wish I could have heard this message two years ago! It was so ME. I just wanted to go up to the pastor and thank him, but unfortunately I couldn’t find him afterward. It’s just as well, I might have gotten blubbery.

Just a reminder:

If you feel any of these symptoms or emotions, please, please see a doctor immediately. A good therapist can get you through a lot.

• you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
• you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
• you feel hopeless and helpless
• you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
• you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
• you are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
• you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Remember, you are not alone. You do not have to face this monster alone. Please, ask for help.

Ok, PSA is over.

On a lighter note, here is a gorgeous photo of my friend Powell who went to CharlotteOne with me tonight.

Doesn’t he look convicted with the spirit? I adore.

Just as I sat down to eat my [unpictured] dinner of a Shrimp + Crab tower [described as: fresh avocado, crab meat, tomato and poached shrimp in lemon mayonnaise. Accompanied by fresh grilled flatbread.] I heard it. You know the noise. The dreaded sound of…a BUTTON popping off your shirt! And in a most pertinent button it was!

LOOK!

AUGGGGHHHH!

I desperately tried to cover it up:

Um, yeah. Not working.

So I treated my new friends to a peep show all during dinner.

So me.

So klassy.

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good appetite

I had a good appetite for Starbucks this morning.

Grande non fat latte w/ 2 pumps pumpkin spice.

And a good appetite for learning. 

The seminar I attended was in my favorite part of town, Ballantyne.

It was rainy and grey up in these parts.

But Ballantyne has gorgeous tree-lined streets. Also, please note my inspection sticker peeling off the windshield.

I used to work over on this side of town, and while I love my job I have now, I miss working in this area. It’s so nice.

BUT, my sisters still work over here, so I got to have my packed lunchie with those gorgeous things. Made my day. Also I found some ketchup for my carrots. That made my day as well.

As the afternoon progressed, my appetite for learning gave way to actual hunger.

This was my first time trying one of this flavor, and I must say I am not really a fan. It was too sweet, me thinks.

After the seminar wrapped up around 4, the skies cleared up as well! YES! I managed to get 7 miles in this evening, as well as a shower. Believe me, it was warranted.

Dinner was also warranted, as running 7 miles worked up a huge appetite.

More grapes!

I love crispy, crunchy grapes!

And crispy, crunchy slaw.

As well as creamy, soft pasta.

nom, nom, nom.

Now, I am off to do some homework for my class tomorrow, but I leave you with this thought:

Matthew 5:6 (The Message)

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

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10 on 10

I did a wonderful 10 mile run after work today. Seriously, this may have been the best 10 miler of my entire running career. The weather was perfect, my pace was perfect, everything was just great. I am so glad that I have my long run behind me for the week, because Saturday is looking busy, busy, busy.

This afternoon I had a snack of yogurt+granola.

I forgot what a great snack yogurt makes. I will have to do this more often.

On my run I also had some apricots at the 7 mile mark. I discovered that in lieu of gummy bears, dried fruit will do as a pick me up. Fueling during long runs is really key to a good run I think. I just started, and really my runs have been better and better.

After my run I made a quick meal of toast topped with pb+honey,

and a bowl of strawberries and coconut on the side.

The strawberries and coconut worked really well together for the perfect fruit salad.

Does this photo look blurry to you? It’s like the toast is hiding. Oh toast, come out and show yourself.

Don’t be so shy.

As well as doing 10 miles on the 10th, I did Level 1 of the shred on the 10th. I am glad it is the last day of Level one. All those push ups are getting tiring. I am excited for Level two tomorrow. I think Level three is my favorite, but Level two will do for a change.

Romans 12:21 (MSG)

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

I read this verse today when I was feeling a little controversial. It really helped me see that the devil was trying to get me down. I just repeated, ‘don’t let evil get the best of you’ in my head so that I could get my focus back. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, the devil will sneak in and trick us into arguments, disagreements and controversy. Don’t let him get the best of you. Kick that old bully to the curb. Remember, God is love, and love is the answer to ALL things.

Have a lovely evening my friends!

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30 days hath September

YUM!

Juicy nectarine.

I’m so sad that summer is coming to an end and with it fresh fruit season.

But…

Fall means pumpkin spice lattes. Except I had to get a frappe because the latte machine was broken. Who has a broken latte machine on the first day of the pumpkin spice latte? My Starbucks, apparently.

It also means plaid.

Yes, I would buy that same shirt in all those colors. It’s so classic. And cute. And preppy. I love it.

It also means apple cider, bonfires and jack-o-lanterns. I love jack-o-lanterns.

Enough about the upcoming change of seasons.

Or just one more thing. Due to the slightly crisp cool air, I had the most phenomenal 5 miler after work. The weather was PERFECT, and I just zoned out and RAN. I was a good bit faster than usual, especially at the end, but I don’t have any way to calculate my splits. Me need a Garmin.

Now on to dinner.

Egg+Avocado meets Great Harvest jalapeno cheddar bun.

So delicious! I loved this bread. Thank goodness Kath gave me two. The last one shall be rationed accordingly.

On the side I had baked butternut squash.

Yet another reason I love fall. Butternut squash and pretty gourds. Not that anyone eats gourds, but they look so pretty as a centerpiece.

I spy an ELEPHANT!

For dessert, I topped a greek yogurt with MixMyGranola.

Very filling.

I then proceeded to knock out Level 1 of the 30 day shred with Meredith. We decided to start September out on the right foot. 30 days hath September; 30 days hath The Shred.

Psalm 30:4 (The Message)

All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.

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suds and shampoos

Clif Z-Bar says hey.

Hey girl, hey!

Upon arriving home from work , (late I might add) I discovered much to my dismay, that Skipper was limping about the pasture. Actually, she wasn’t limping so much as just standing there looking all sad.

So I gathered her up and set her foot to soaking.

While that was going on, I decided she could use a bath.

All soapy and sad, foot in the bucket.

Yes, that is human shampoo.

Mama D.’s in fact. Shhhh, don’t tell.

Luckily for me horses dry pretty quickly.

Like new, she is, and Mama D. shall never know her shampoo went a-missing!

Of course one look in these eyes and how could she say no?

Soon our photo session was over, so I returned my love to her stall where she could chat with her friends.

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Give me some of that hay!! How did you score a stall!?! Ol’ Gimp Leg.

That taken care of, I set out on a ride. A bike ride, that is. I went 10 miles, and came home, sweaty and hungry.

I knew just what I wanted.

Pesto + Penne!

After seeing Betsy make pesto with broccoli, well that was right up this chick’s alley, so I knew where my bag of broccoli was going.

I didn’t use the whole bag. Just half.

The other half is for lunch tomorrow.

I added an orange to the side.

It was on it’s last leg. I did it a favor. It was surely headed to the compost otherwise.

I ended my meal on this sweet note:

A fantastic fruit and oatmeal thing baked by Mama D., supplier of horse shampoo.

What a jack lady of all trades that woman is!

And she doesn’t even know it.

Proverbs 25:21 (The Message)

If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.

I’m hoping Mama D. feels real generous with her shampoo when she reads this.

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give it back

I made today Cookie Friday on Monday.

Well, maybe not an actual cookie, but it tasted just like the real thing.

I deserved it for the many reports I prepared, as well as the many reports I have to prepare tomorrow. Bleh.

Spaghetti was a cookin’ when I walked in the door.

Mama D. even made it veggie + whole wheat for me. I think I’ll keep that lady around.

I piled on the melons AGAIN.

Juicy melons, how I love thee.

A wondrous dinner only deserves a more wondrous dessert.

Banana softserve, peanut butter filled pretzels, coconut and SPRINKLES!

There may or may not have been more peanut butter filled pretzels devoured straight from the bag.

Klassy.

Philippians 4:17 (The Message)

…Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

My church is doing a ‘What if Everyone’ program next month where we have a volunteer day, and we also fill up a grocery bag with items for the needy. I am so excited, because I LOVE volunteering. I have volunteered with the MS Society multiple times, as well as the American Cancer Society. It makes me feel so good to know that I am making a difference.

What do you do to make a difference in your community?

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stuck in a rut?

Parties are a great source of nutritious eats.

Me + my klassy dinner.

Josh + his klassy dinner.

Also a great source of peeps I love.

 

Btw, Josh and I are in love. It’s true.

Meredith and Scott are not.

*Note: He did not actually hit her. I am just great with timing. That’s all.

Good thing Meredith and Scott are not in love. She might have to answer to his girlfriend.

Who was busy trying to steal Josh’s meat.

I think that is a good note to end the party recap on. Don’t you?

*****

This morning I awoke to grey skies which put a cramp in my lake plans. Sob story OF MY LIFE! Will these clouds EVER go away?

I made a breakfast of two of my favorite things.

Oikos and Trader Joe’s Trek Mix Granola. The granola is a new fave, but a fave all the same.

It has cranberries, cashews and yummy granola mix. It was a great addition to my strawberry Oikos.

I know, you’ve been looking everywhere for that flavor too. Well I found it!

I also found the Lord. On a back bleacher at the Branch Church early service this morning. Yes I did.

The topic was Perseverance, and the notes read like so:

6 Threats to Perseverance:

1. Deadly Drift – Hebrews 2:1 – Motivate yourself to keep going by frequently reviewing the reasons you began.
2. Disillusionment – Hebrews 3:12, 14 / Romans 8:31 – Draw the line between stubborn foolishness and perseverance. Develop a conviction through the Word, prayer and peers as to what the will of God is for you. When the will of God is known… Faith comes!
3. Stalemate – Hebrews 6:1 – Envision by faith the end result and believe you are moving toward that goal in spite of what you see.
4. Laziness – Hebrews 6:11-12 – Force yourself to take some small action toward your goal regularly.
5. Isolation – Hebrews 12:1-3 – Don’t go it alone! Draw help from the Lord and those He has placed in your life.
6. Self-Pity – Hebrews 12:4 / Romans 8:18 – Pursue your endeavor with a realistic view of the difficulties to be expected. Seek the wisdom of those who have been where you are.

I found a little something in all of the points, but most especially stalemate. I am so bad to get stuck in a rut. In my faith, in my family, in my social life, my career…

It gave me a lot to think about, that’s for sure.

I came home and mused over it while writing this post and enjoying this:

Coffee, stale or not, is always welcome in my life!

 

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut? What did you do to get out?

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