On to Diagnostic Evaluations...

Eek! Today is my last day of class for Abnormal psychology. We literally used the DSM-5 (and it's purple) to learn how to navigate through it, and discuss different disorders of course. (my last course merely mentioned it as a tool in 1 paragraph of notes). Instead of diagnosing everyone around me, I felt like a hypochondriac during that class. Ha ha! I hadn't really looked at my schedule, but my class starting tomorrow is DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION. Yup, feel free start lining up. ;)

Kidding. ❤️‍

Study Habits!?

The hardest part about taking classes online is being disciplined. Especially after being out of school for 10 years. I stumbled across this verse and found it very fitting.  Right now, I'm just a full-time student. While I'm involved in different activities that keep me busy, I'm still getting use to fitting in time for school, even after a couple months. Any suggestions? To my fellow students out there, what are your healthy habits? (No pun intended!)

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Who Inspires You?

The million dollar question! Everyone asks me this. After watching my maternal grandfather and my father die from complications from diabetes, I know I have to take action. They inspired me. Rather than blame my wonderful genetics or bad habits I was taught, I want to be different. I'm taking responsibility. Both the Fravels and Sutherlands have a stubborn streak, so I know I'm capable of this. Determined. I thought this is only fitting for #tbt!! Please feel free to share in the comments! ❤️‍

Back in the Saddle Again...

Time to be honest. In the last few months I've gained weight back. More than I'm willing to admit. That is behind me, no reason to dwell on the past. I know what to do, I just have to figure out a healthy balance. So I'm taking it slow this time. 20-30 minute Zumba classes instead of a full class. 20 minutes on a TREADMILL. PT sessions that are more focused on the core and strengthening my spine. Not all of the above in one day. Week 1? I'm down 5 lbs. For the amount of work I put in, I will take it. Gladly. Clearly not the weekly winner, but not a loser! After a week, I'm feeling better, I have more energy. I'm not eating crap, so I don't feel like crap. I went out to dinner tonight with family and the ladies were really supportive and didn't let me make bad choices! Yes, I know I post a lot, especially on Facebook. But the encouragement helps me and gives me inspiration.

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Not My Will But Yours

I should be celebrating today. A little break for Labor Day weekend before a new class starts. However, I find myself frustrated. MY plans are taking longer than I anticipated. Does this ever happen to anyone else?

I've been emailing my academic advisor a lot this week. I thought my schedule would only take me year. Now It looks like I won't be done until Spring or Fall 2017, not Spring 2016. I'm frustrated - almost to tears. I have finally figured out a path... I know without a doubt in my heart, this is where I'm headed, this is God's plan for my life. ME, ME, ME. While I have an idea about where I'm going, have I really focused on how I'm getting there? I've taken steps, but I have I prayed about the process? Maybe I've felt God saying ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE these last few months, because He knew all along it was going to take this long? That I was getting the cart before the horse?

God's timing, not mine. God's plans, not mine. God's will, not mine.

I read a few devotions in the morning. They are accessible on my phone. I love the accessibility. I can worship anywhere. One of them is from the Bible App called "Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith." Today's message? From 2 Kings 3: 1-27. If you want to see some water in your life, then dig a ditch. You must be willing to start small. The size of your vision isn't intimidating to God. Many don't think big enough, but even more won't start small. I find sometimes I limit my capabilities. Limit how God sees me. Anyone else? But God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25 

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PS - If you're looking for devotions, the ones I use are:
Breaking Free Day by Day - by Beth Moore 
Jesus Calling - by Sarah Young
My Utmost for His Highest - by Oswald Chambers 
Elisha: A Tale of Ridiculous Faith 
 (not all at once, usually 2 or 3) 

Peach Frozen Yogurt

So I was browsing Pinterest and I found this recipe and thought I would give it a try. I'm very particular about yogurt in food. I think it's a texture thing because I don't like blue cheese, cottage cheese, etc. I generally do fruit-based smoothies because I can't do yogurt-based. I just can't.

When I was house sitting I couldn't find the food processor so I opted for the blender and it works just as well. If you're Rachael Ray fan like myself and estimate your ingredients sometimes this is not the recipe to do so. First, don't buy a large container of yogurt when you really only need one individual size. I used plain Greek yogurt instead of “plain yogurt” and it turned out fine. My preference is the Oikos brand. Remember that lemon juice comes out a lot faster than honey. Just saying.  

It was fantastic! 

Peach Frozen Yogurt ~ 4 Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 min

Ingredients:

1 (16-oz.) bag frozen peaches or 4 cups fresh peaches, frozen solid
3 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or whole)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Add the frozen peaches, agave nectar (or honey), yogurt and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor. Process until creamy, about 5 minutes.

Serve the frozen yogurt immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/201254677074087280/

Integrity

I clearly remember a lesson from when I was very young. I was walking out of the IGA and I found money in the gutter. I was maybe 4 or 5. I was so excited about finding money, I said, "Look Mom, I found a dollar bill!" Mom replied, "That's not a dollar bill, that's a 5 dollar bill!" I remember going back in and returning it promptly with my Mom. That's something I will never forget. She told me, "What if that was someone's last $5?" I've always been an honest person. I try to do the right thing (I'm not perfect, ask my sister). That's what we're suppose to do whether or not we are a Christian, right?

This week, I was excited to get my grade back on a paper from Week 1 (it's Week 3). Low and behold, I got 116%. I didn't know my professor gave extra credit. 93/80. I'll take it! I could use those extra points!! Then it struck me - I didn't realize extra credit was possible for this assignment? Not to my knowledge. Wait - what if it was a mistake? I will admit, I briefly contemplated not saying anything. I am human. That's not who I am. I try not to be prideful, but I take pride in my integrity. This isn't Survivor or Big Brother. So I quickly sent an e-mail to my professor. It was a mistake. While I didn't get extra credit, I knew I would have felt enormous guilt if I hadn't said anything. I was the first to come forward. I'm NOT posting about this to brag.

Remember, your little ones are ALWAYS watching. 

"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:13
"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." Luke 8:17

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