Monday, October 20, 2014

Devotion for Mom2Mom meeting 10/20/14 - "Believe in the Impossible"

This blog post was inspired by an amazing friend of mine, Anna Whiston-Donaldson and her 
New York Times best seller book, Rare Bird. By writing this devotion, my hope is to inspire you.


The definition of fear is to be afraid of the unknown. What are you fearful of? How has fear stopped you from beginning a feat that may appear impossible? Has fear held you back from pursuing your dreams? Are you a helicopter parent with your children because of fear? Are you always trying to stay in control instead of letting things go and seeing what happens?

It is so easy to get wrapped up in our simple lives, with our simple activities and our simple relationships. But tonight, I ask you, to remove the bubble that keeps you and your family safe and be amazed at what can happen when you purposely step outside of your comfort zone.

Luke 1:37 - "For nothing is impossible with God."

Once you make the decision to let go of fear and stop trying to control the outcome of situations or other people's reactions, you will discover harmony and peace.

Life happens. Wonderfully awesome events that make you smile and laugh. And then, a curve ball is thrown, just when life was going exactly how you wanted it too. 

Our tendency to control leads us to a path of failure. If we collaborate and listen and let go and most importantly, trust God, things will work out, somehow, someway. The funny thing is, the more you let go and give back to others, that goodness always finds its way back to you.

Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

We must seek God daily in our lives, in the big moments, the small moments, the awesome moments, and the horrible moments that blindside us. I find comfort in letting go of my fears and my worries to Him. We are His vehicle to carry the light into the world and to help make the world a better place. 

 

Every. Single. One. Of. Us. Sitting in this room tonight, has a Gift from God. It should be our Purpose and our Passion to discover that gift. But you must not be fearful as you allow Him to work through you. Your life will will be transformed by His love. 

 

 I am a witness of this phenomenon.

 

 Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

 

I invite you tonight to let go of your fears and to discover your magical Gift from Above. Be a magnificent, shining light in the world! 

 

Matthew 5:14  - "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

 

God Bless!


Tuesday, October 7, 2014

My Fall Bucket List 2014

I've decided to accept the #TDCLBlogtober14 Challenge! I need to start exercising my writing muscles more frequently and thought this would be a perfect way to do this, as well as, meet some new cool, hip, fancy DC Blogger Ladies! We were asked to write our Fall Bucket List, so here it is!

1. Wake up early on Wednesday, October 8th to witness the Total Eclipse of the Blood Moon.

2. Explore our favorite pumpkin patch, Cox Farms, with the kids. 

                   Cox Farms 2013

3. Go on long runs and admire the changing color of the leaves.

4. Buy fresh apple cider instead of the processed stuff and support the local farmers markets.

5. Read "Rare Bird" - a memoir of love and loss, written by my brave friend & fellow Mommy blogger, Anna Whiston-Donaldson. (I can check this one off the list! I finished this inspirational book today)! 

6. Chaperone the kids Fall field trips, always a fave activity of mine. 

7. Run the Army Ten Miler, the Marine Corps Marathon, the Parks 10K, and the JFK 50 Miler! 

                    JFK 50 Miler 2013

8. Fundraise for the National Capital Lyme Disease Association 
THANK YOU for your support!

9. Our family will volunteer to serve the community - i.e. serve food at a homeless shelter, volunteer at an animal shelter.

10. Attend a VA Tech home football game!

       I can cross this one off the list too!

11. Donate to the Giving Tree at church.

12. Make time to visit friends and family during the holidays.

13. Reach out to those who are lonely or missing a loved one.

14. Take the kids and the dog on  more spontaneous adventures, like the Lab Rescue reunion we went to last weekend! Our Lucky pup was reunited with 7 of his furry siblings and his Mama! 

15. Study for my NASM CPT (certified personal trainer) exam!

16. Hug my kids in the morning, at night and sneak in a hug when they aren't looking.

17. Write more. At least twice a week.

18. Cherish the big and the small moments.

19. Go on a date night with the hubby at least once a month. We celebrated our 17th wedding Anniversary at our alma mater, VA Tech, on September 13, 2014!

20. Love more. Give more. Do more.