Let's [Not] Workout!

Every day for the past couple years, I have thought - at some point during the day - I should really work out... I really need to get active and get in shape and lose some weight. And when I say every day, I really do mean every day. So, yesterday was no different. I awoke in the morning, grateful I didn't have to go straight to work and was able to veg in the morning. I relaxed, watched tv, took my time waking my mind up. All the while thinking I'm going to do my Jillian Michaels dvd this morning! With my excited-can do attitude, I pounced off the couch!

This is what happened.

I grabbed the phone and dialed my sister.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Oh I'm trying to encourage myself to workout. What are you doing?"
And we talked for an hour or more.
We hung up, only because she was at her destination and meeting a friend. Otherwise I could've talked to her about each strand of my hair to avoid getting off phone.

I walked into the kitchen to fill a glass with water (in preparation for my workout).
I spied a container of chocolate chips cookies I had baked the day earlier (I really am the source of my own downfall).
Of course, I had to eat one! Which means two.
Then I found the perfect cookie. I set it right on top for me to eat at the end of my workout... I need a little incentive, right?!

I walked to my room to get the weights and put on more comfortable clothes.
Coming back into the family room, I realized I had forgotten the weights.
Go get the weights.
Grab my Bible while I'm at it.
It's ok, I can eat the cookie now. I'll have another one at the end.

Oh, lets do some quiet time! I mean, it is most important.
Read my Bible.
Lord, I'm spending time with you. I love you. Please make me skinny. This should be worth more than crunches!
That didn't work.
Another cookie.

At some point, I did end up doing a brief workout. But usually, I end up showering and once I'm clean, I can't get sweaty! Needless to say. I hate working out. It never gets easier. It never becomes likable. But it is needed, relatively. I was the only person in college like this, cuz I was surrounded with Kinesiology-workout people. But hopefully now, those around me understand more. At least my mom does. We've devoured those cookies.....

Faithful Promises

Today is October 23. Which means its day October 23 of Jesus Calling. Now. I'm not going to pretend I read every day of Jesus Calling. But every now and then I'm curious to see what the Lord is telling me. Truly, every time I open that little book I discover - yet another - reason why I love it. I don't open it enough. And I don't know why I don't go to that over other, for lack of a better term, non-inspiring resources. But that is not my focus today.

If you read Jesus Calling religiously, you know what today was about. If you don't, I will tell you. Or rather, I will type up what the day says.

"As you turn your attention to Me, feel the Light of My Presence shining upon you, Open your mind and heart to receive My heavenly smile of approval. Let My gold-tinged Love wash over you and soak into the depths of your being. As you are increasingly filled with My Being, you experience joyous union with Me: I in you, and you in Me. Your Joy-in-Me and My Joy-in-you become intertwined and inseparable. I suffuse your soul with Joy in My Presence; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore."

Then it gives two verses to further dive into the meaning of the words and help you create an even more impacting and joyous image. John 17:20-23 and Psalm 16:11.

I wish so bad I was this person who, after reading this, just smiles and sits back, closes her eyes, and feels the joy of being in the Presence of the Lord. Sits in silence and peace, with a heart that just pours over with joy. But, I'm not. I never have been. Despite how hard I try. I think that is what my sister and my grandma do. And I am so jealous of them for that. They provide so much incite about what they are reading in the Word and they want to dive even more into it and share about it. Awesome right? My mom is insightful about what she reads, too, but I think she understands where I'm coming from (which is still not evident yet - I'm sure).

So as I sat back, I imagined the Lord sitting next to me, staring at me. Like a child who made his mom a mothers day card and was eagerly awaiting her response to viewing it. And I managed a smile, because it is a wonderful feeling and scene to picture - being one with my Creator. But I still didn't feel that overwhelming joy almost everyone on earth experiences... Or at least, those are the people who talk about their quiet times with the Lord. Always describing it as "rejuvenating, enlightening, fulfilling, joyous, captivating,..." you get the picture.

This is a big reason of why I don't openly discuss my quiet time. Who wants to hear that they read the Bible and it just wasn't quite what they needed or they are still not content? So I began to ponder a different way to approach my readings. And though my thought process started to drift from October 23 of Jesus Calling, it still relates. I also read Psalm 91 - which is still slightly in line with Jesus Calling. Promises to those who dwell in the shelter of the Lord.

And I began to realize something. The Bible is filled with promises. Nearly every time I open it and read, I find a promise. Not just any promise - God's Promises. My family taking promising very seriously. You can't go back on a promise. And you can never - NEVER - lie if you promise. But with all these promises in the Bible comes something that isn't guaranteed or offered anywhere else in the world. With God's promises comes fulfillment. He follows through on what He promises. Even when we can't feel it, even when we don't see it, He follows through.

So as I read through Psalm 91 as the Lord is promising that if we dwell with Him and use Him as our place of Refuge and safety, He will protect us. He will be with us in trouble times. He will send His angels to guard us. These are promises that we can trust and have faith in. Jesus Calling doesn't say "As you are immediately filled with My Being, you experience joyous union with Me." It says "As you are increasingly filled with My Being, you experience joyous union with Me." Just because I didn't feel joy instantly doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It means I need to seek Him more - increasingly being filled by Him. Then I will experience joy. 

I choose to feel reassurance and peace. Many feel such joy when talking with the Lord, I'm tired of not feeling it. And I do feel reassured and comforted knowing one thing is always constant. People constantly let us down. They break promises, they fail. We are human. We are not perfect. But only One makes promise after promise and will hold true to all of them. Maybe we don't see it or feel it today or tomorrow, but we know we can trust in Him. 

I don't know where I'm headed in life. I don't know if I will ever feel pure joy in my life. But I can feel comforted knowing that I have someone who promises me things and will always hold up His end of the bargain. 

It's my turn to hold up mine.

Pioneer Woman... In Training...

I have a bit of an obsession. Its been growing - it isnt NEW, but it has sprung within the last year. And its going to sound slightly stalkerish, but its truly not. It is a fascination with a person. Not a "typical" celebrity, but I guarantee you if I ever meet her, Im fairly positive I will be star struck. Some people have heard of her - if not on their own, then definitely by me.

Her name is Ree Drummond. She is better known as the Pioneer Woman. 

I found her on Food Network. Another obsession I have. [Obviously] she has a cooking show and makes all kinds of amazing things! Ever since the whole Paula Deen scandal (which - lets not even GO there) and Food Network cancelling all her shows (ya, she was once on half the day), its obvious theyre trying to find a new 'Paula Deen.' I feel they have been elevating the Barefoot Contessa. Wrongly so. I believe, Pioneer Woman should be the new face of Food Network, as Paula Deen once was. 

Anyway. PW lives on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma. A HUGE ranch. With her husband and kids. She cooks for her family while they manage the ranch. She takes them food, sets up picnics, has steaming hot meals ready at the end of the day... Plus all other mom/wife duties a mom/wife does. She calls herself an accidental country girl and is not ashamed to say she still hasnt gotten the hang of ranch-life. Yet she seems like a pro. 

And truly. I just want her life. I want to be her. She is just the perfect woman. I love the country, I am a country girl at heart. I love that life style. But since I cant actually be her, I just really really want to know her and be her friend. Let me tell you why. 

She is genuine - just so real.

She cooks incredible food! And isnt afraid to go a little heavy with the cream or butter. I love it. 

She is honest - whether it be on her show, confessing she licks the brownie bowl during commercial breaks, or on her blog when she tells stories about how she cannot dance. 

She is kind. 

She is welcoming - constantly having company over and hosting all types of functions. 

She is humble. She has the coolest life, but she never acts like she has it all. (Partly because she cant go down the street to grab a Starbucks.) 

She is funny! Shes a little corny, but thats part of why shes so captivating!

Shes adorable! She wears the cutest shirts and the cutest boots, always has her hair and makeup done. Always looking flawless. On a ranch. Im sure - its not an easy task.
Did I mention she is an amazing cook??
She loves her dogs and always has them be part of her show, blog, or cookbooks. [She also loves all the other animals on her ranch, but her Bassett Hound, Charlie, is always with her.]

You have to watch her show, or at least read her blog (a posting or two). Youll quickly learn why she is so great and youll fall in love with her too. You can find her website here:http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Itll entertain you for hours and make you super hungry. Youre welcome. =)

I can only pray I have little characteristics of Pioneer Woman... since I dont see a cowboy taking me to a life like hers anytime in my future...