My Attempt to Get Fit Has Begun...

So I’m not so fond of exercising mainly because I don’t like sweating. I wasn’t always like that, in fact, I use to really enjoy running and would run about 3 miles every day. However, between my college years and working in too many call centers sitting on my rear-end, I became a little sedentary. However, I heard a message from Elizabeth George on the radio a few weeks ago that motivated me to get in shape (along with some other reasons). The way we manage our bodies affects our quality of life.

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

After meditating on some important factors I told myself I was going to exercise. Today I finished day 14 of my exercise program. I do a 45 minute workout followed by a 1.5 mile walk. I do this 6 days a week and take 1 day to rest. I wasn’t sure how in the world I would fit a work-out into my day, but somehow Tim and I have figured out a schedule that works for us. Wish me luck because this has been tough…lol. So far, I have lost 0 pounds! That’s right, none at all, but I’m building some muscle and feel better overall. I know this has to be doing some good on the inside. I’m going to do my best to stick to it. There have been many days I just wanted to come home a sit on the couch, but instead I chose to push the ‘play’ button. It’s all about a choice. My choice.

I really look forward to our family evening walk. It is the perfect time for Tim and I to talk about how our day went. There are no distractions such as the TV, computer, video games, or cell phones. Makayla loves riding around the neighborhood in the stroller. She kicks her feet up, leans back, and gets ready for the ride. She is so cute! We also get a chance to chat with our lovely neighbors, and boy do we have great neighbors.

So, just when I thought I didn’t have time to help myself to help my future, God made a way. Isn’t He Great!

God Bless,
Shawna

Our Lil Lovebug is Almost 10 Months Old!

Makayla is almost 10 months old! I cannot believe how fast time is flying by, and my sweet baby angel will be one years old in only 9 weeks! I’ve already been looking for birthday party ideas online because I know it will be here before I know it. I am cherishing every moment with her and love watching her grow. She is doing so many new things now that I want to share with everyone (especially my out-of-town relatives that don’t get to see Makayla very often). So here we go…

Makayla still loves, loves, loves looking at books! She can even point to some things on the page correctly like car, ladybug, and banana to name a few. She has been crawling for about 3 months now, and really wants to walk. She can also stand all by herself! She tries to take a step, but lands cLuPlUnK! Lol, She will get it soon enough. She claps her hands and squeals very loudly when the music is on. She seems to have a favorite singer already, and it’s not her Mommy…it’s Kari Jobe….but I’m perfectly okay with that. 

Makayla Stats  for the 9 month well baby visit

21 lbs 12 oz

29 inches

That is the 90% friends! Yay for my healthy baby!

What is Makayla Chatting About?

Mama

Dada
Hi
Bye-bye (with a wave)

Granddad

Nana

Jazz

And a whole bunch of other stuff I haven’t quite figured out yet, but it is so darn cute. 

According to Aunt April, she can also say Cincinnati. It’s okay, I laughed too.

Well, there’s the update on Makayla Grace; she is my happy, active, snuggly, cuddly, bright, joyful, beautiful, smart, adorable, giggly baby girl.  She is our little lovebug and a true blessing from God.

God Bless,

Shawna 

Craving More of a Servant’s Heart

As I watched Tim mow our neighbors yard the other day, I began to think about what a servant’s heart really is. It’s about showing Christ’s love through your actions and words. It’s about touching the lives of those around you with a gentle kindness. It’s helping that person with a need; God put that person right in front of you for a purpose…to serve them.  The Bible tells us that Jesus served ordinary people; He changed their ordinary lives, and sacrificed His time on earth to save us. Matthew 20:28 says, "…The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus is the ultimate example of a man who desired to serve others. He did everyday jobs that were commonly left to the servants, like washing feet. John 13:5 describes an event where Jesus served His disciples: "After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." On this Good Friday afternoon, I meditate on the life of Jesus, and pray that I will have more of a servant’s heart for people; those in my everyday life and the ones who ever-so-quietly cross my path. This is not for my glory, but for the Lord’s glory; not only for what He has done for me, but what He has done within me.

God Bless,
Shawna

A Simple Conversation

Yesterday I was so excited to get my Shutterfly photobook in the mail, only to find it was damaged during shipment. I called Shutterfly and ended up speaking with a kind man named Mike. Mike’s real name is Ameesh, and he lives in India. We had a little chat about the weather, and then I asked him if he had to work tomorrow since it was Good Friday (there are Christians who live in India). This was his response, “There are many different religions here in India. We do have some Christians and we try to let them have the day off. If you ever come to India, we can show you all the different religions and what we believe. We have many festivals.” I knew right away that Ameesh was not a Christian. Ameesh was done with the new order and was ready to take another call; our conversation ended as quickly as it had begun. The simple conversation got me thinking about just how many opportunities I have to share The Gospel every single day. It might be a phone call like the one with Ameesh, it may be a chat with a neighbor as I’m out for a walk, in the line at the grocery store, at the gas station, or even with the waiter at the restaurant. Do I always take that opportunity? The answer is sadly “no”. Not because I don’t want to, but usually because I don’t make time to; I may be in a rush or just focused on what needs to be done at that given minute. While my personal relationship with God is a priority, I need to rearrange my thinking to make expanding God’s Kingdom a priority in my life.  I heard a great saying on the radio which said, “God instructs us to be fishers of men. If we catch them, He will clean them.” 



In Awe of God’s Love and Mercy,
Shawna