A Challenge

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great challenge, really makes you think, but difficult to get into... partially due to a very random thought process.

Would recommend to others, even passing it on to a good friend!

Will you take the challenge to see 
the little gifts all around you?

Something Interesting

60 Small Ways to Improve Your Life in the Next 100 Days

Reading this article helps you remember that the small things can make a big difference and a positive attitude goes a long way!

~ Complain Less, Do More ~

"Everyday might not be a good day, but
there is something good in each day!"

Running Encouragement... Blog Encouragement?

Well, I can't seem to find the boost I need to keep up with my blog, but I do want to share two great blogs that will help you keep up with your healthy lifestyle!

Fit Chick in the City

and

Skinny Runner

I spent all weekend reading their posts all the way back to January! Both blogs are encouraging and helpful! I enjoyed every moment and can't get enough of their posts! I would like to say that my running keeps me from posting, but I don't log near the miles these ladies do!

We could all learn something from this...

Voices of Haiti by Jeremy Cowart

There is so much to learn from people with so little...

Inspiring Article by Charles Stanley

http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/intimacy_with_god

Great article to keep our minds focused on who/what matters the most!

Sticking to the devotional book... "The One Year... Women's Friendship Devotional" with my friend Amanda! We are miles apart, but through commitment to this challenge and Facebook we have been able to daily find time for Him!

Dreaming of Summer Vacation...

 

Dreaming of Summer Vacation and BEACHES!

Interesting Fact:

About 80% of all vacations are completely charged and the average cost of a vacation is $3,155.  – Third Age Survey

Glad I have my July cruise booked and paid for even before the money is due! I believe we all deserve a break, but don't put yourself into debt over the belief you deserve that high priced trip. There are many ways to get away without even going anywhere! 

Save your money up and have it paid for before you book that trip! 

Truly an amazing concept taking pictures of... 

By: Eric Holubow

 rundown buildings that still show their beauty. 

Check out the story on Yahoo!

 

Enjoying my first day of Christmas Break!

Random Thought for the Day

You never know which doors may open,

unless you try! ~ ME

Admiration

Admiration - as I have said before I have been very busy with many different events happening in my life. One that has taken me awhile to talk about is that of a good friend of mine had to head back over to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty. He left close to the end of September and had to say goodbye to his wife of one year. She is one of my best, dear friends and all I can say about her is how I admire her strength. We went with them and their families to see him off at the airport... it was one of those life changing moments to see all the families, loved ones saying good bye to their soldiers for the year.

I am truly grateful for both of their friendships and know that this will get better... each day leads to one more closer to him coming home. One thing that has stuck with me is that her and his family all asked me to take care of her... I am at lost to how I can help. I try to find ways to keep her busy, but I know that nothing could make this situation better. The only answer I have is prayers lots of prayers. They are both truly an inspiration and a great example of how we should not take our relationships for granted!

I also caught this article and this story is truly inspiring... I admire this woman's strength to forgive and to let go. She has taken something that most people can't imagine and let it bring her strength instead of letting the pain consume her. I hope these two stories give you hope through out your day...

Remember what your thankful for even when it is not Thanksgiving season : )

Making it a Habit

One thing that had been keeping me busy was training for my first 5k race : ) From Sept. to Oct. I was trying to "love" running, but let me just tell you there is NOthing to love about running... ha! I was running mostly on the treadmill and I was really trying to stick with it this time. I have not been able get into a running routine before, I just prefer the e-machine. However, I was challenged to do a 5k and I CANNOT turn down a challenge ; )

During the month of training I continued to become frustrated b/c I could never find a passion for it, but I finally accepted the idea that NO one "loves" running, but it becomes a habit. You learn to use that time to think over the day, de-stress, for me talk with the LORD and be at peace. I am proud to say I over came my hatred for running and had an AMAZING time running my first 5k on 10-10-10. I really like the idea of accomplishing something that most people have never even consider doing. I AM A 5ker ; )

P.S. I was REALLY inspired by the half and full marathon runners, but I NEVER plan on doing that! If you ever want to be inspired to run just go watch the ending of their races and cheer them on to the finish line... it is AMAZING! Now I just have to keep up with my running and I definitely plan on doing another 5k run!

I Challenge YOU to take on a Challenge for yourself! 
What have you been putting off lately?

Too Long - Still Inspired

It has been way tooo long since my last post... During summer it was easy to keep up with this and to keep up with my photography. Now with school I get so busy grading papers, preparing lessons, attending small town functions, and READING so many amazing books I never seem to be able to sit down to post. (Currently reading The Host, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda ; ) and The Five Love Languages.)

I will post more updates of what has been keeping me so busy lately... first I would like to share this awe inspiring artist that is working on 50 State Dresses, amazing work and photography. The Willow Creek Dress in Wyoming is AMAZING!

Current Dilemma - What to be for Halloween?

Awe Inspired by New Dress a Day

Check out this amazing journey...
New Dress a Day: 365 Days. 365 New Outfits. 365 Dollars
Inspiring and SO CREATIVE...
I really wish I knew how to sew like that!

BEFORE

AFTER

 

I also love that she loves EAT, PRAY, LOVE which I have 

ALMOST finished!

I hope you are finding things each day that 

inspire your creativity!

It may come in unusual ways ; )

Trying New Things - Food Rants and Raves

Came home today to find my flaxseed in the mail! Super excited about trying to use it in my Green Monsters! I am just trying to find small ways to become a healthier eater and trying to see food more as fuel for my body than just something I consume!

Well, that inspired me to post about some of the  new foods I have tried this week... Bagel Thins, Sandwich Thins, and Greek Yogurt. I love, love, love the bagel thins... everyone tells you to stay away from bagels b/c of high calories, however now I can enjoy one at 110 calories (BOTH SIDES) and consume some whole grains. I even found Philadelphia Low-fat Strawberry Cream Cheese at 2tbl./40 cals. Really hit the spot for my craving of bagels. Also, been eating 1/2 of a bagel with PB for breakfast along side a small green monster, great way to start the day!

A lot like the bagel thins is Sandwich Thins which I enjoyed with avocado and turkey for lunch the other day. It was yummy and another way to get in some whole grains! However, there are many breads out there that are low in cal like Nature's Own Honey Wheat Light 2 slices/80 cals. So, its a toss up on the healthy side, but a good way to change up the sandwiches!

One last new food item Greek Yogurt... I have heard SO much about this product and how great the protein is in them, but I was hesitant to test it out. I just was afraid of the taste and texture. However, I was surprised by the texture was not strange at all... the yogurt just tastes very plain. Thought I had the plain flavor, but I actually picked up the honey vanilla and did not find it to taste anything like its name. I just added some fresh raspberries to the mix and enjoyed this high protein snack after working out. Don't think I will pick this one up again at $1 6 oz/130 cal. I'll probably just stick to my light regular yogurt.

Well, again I would like to just point out I am NOT a healthy nut nor workout junkie, but I know its the small things that can turn into bigger things and maybe just maybe become a habit! I hope I did not bore you and instead inspired you to think about what you are eating and why you are eating it.

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Okay this post maybe random, but I warned you ; )

So I am starting to find joy in the simple things for example working out. I know this sounds crazy, trust me I am not the workout type. However, I have begun to enjoy it b/c this time I am doing it for ME! I am a short person with a short torso and there is only one place for fat to go... well I have tried many times over the years to get into working out and I believe I just haven't done it for the right reason... its been for weddings, my wedding included, beach body, being single, looking good for a boyfriend, etc. Now, I am doing just for me! Simple thing turned from hatred to joy in each step!

While I was at the gym today the World Cup was on, I am not one to get into this, but I noticed something... when a player makes a goal there is pure joy on their faces after wards. It was amazing to just watch the joy take over the team, the coaches, the fans when someone scored a goal! May I also add that those soccer boys look good doing what they find joy in. I just wonder how do they keep their hair looking that good while playing!?!?!

Tonight the husband is away so I am going find joy in the Chipmunks Squeakquel ; ) I know sounds childish, but when I was little I ALWAYS thought there should be a Chipmunks movie and now there is two!!

Find joy in the little things, happiness doesn't "just happen" you have to make it happen. A pessimistic person can make anything a chore, but an optimistic person finds joy all around them!

~Picture of a salt/pepper shaker set that I HAD to buy b/c I thought it was cute, but now I just see pure joy!~

Jamaica

Last night I had yet another dream about being back in Jamaica. We truly enjoyed our honeymoon at Sandals Montego Bay. I really hope that we can make a trip back sometime soon! Here are some of my many inspirations from Jamaica.

Here

I do not know where this may lead me, nor do I know what it will say. However, I hope to be captivating and inspiring. "Aspire to Inspire"

As long as this is productive not destructive I will continue to post and attempt to put into words what my mind is contemplating.

I love photography and do not believe that I am a photographer. I just feel more comfortable behind the camera than in front. Therefore, I will post time to time pictures that inspire me. Again, it may not be amazing and I agree that there are too many "photographers" out there in cyberspace!

I do not believe that I am all knowing nor perfect. I do however take a stance on many subjects and therefore some of what I post may be strongly opinionated. If you agree or agree to disagree I accept other thoughts on any topic.

~Photo by ME - Colorado 3/2010