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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A New Milestone

The way my body is shaped, pants are a challenge! Generally too short. Jeans have always been difficult. Really difficult. Partially because I refused to buy the ones that are all elastic. I stopped by my favorite store Tuesday and imagine my surprise. Not only did they fit, but they are the right length. They might be almost slimming. Say what? Yay yay yay!

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Gardening Tips?

So here's the secret to my gigantic plants. Pinterest.



First, I literally tore apart Kroger diapers and put the stuffing in the dirt. It holds moisture.

Tips: Do this outside. Little white stuff gets EVERYWHERE! Have an empty bucket to put the white stuff in and a trashbag for the leftover diaper parts. The stuffing is biodegradable.

Second, I cut holes in the sides (just slits) of a 20oz plastic bottle and placed in the middle of the pot, surrounding it by dirt, but leaving the top free. I would pour the fertilizer/water mixture in it, so it would disperse better into the soil.



Lastly, I tore off the bottom of my above ground pots so they could leak excess water. I did all of this before anybody realized we would have over 20 straight days of rain this summer. Also, I killed every plant at least once. Every single plant. Too much shade, too much water, but I finally figured it out. Trial and error. Apparently plants don't like to be watered every other day in April. Haha.

Personal Training :)

Today I went back to personal training! ツ

Since I'm just focusing on school right now, I have extra time. Maybe I should clarify. My time management is entirely different! I don't have pain, so I don't really have any good excuses not to be working out more. Don't worry, I'm taking it slow still. One zumba class a week, one personal training session - low impact. I trained with Bruce today and he was great to keep things below the shoulders and very light weights. Last thing I want to do is mess up the healing progress I've made. Slowly increasing my step goal. It was so good to be back and work up a sweat! ツ

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It's Good To Be Back!

My fellow Fitbit friends would understand this...

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