Afraid

Someone came into my work a couple of weeks ago with one motive.  She had no business to do, no questions to ask, or problems to fix.  Instead she wanted to spread warmth, joy, and happy things to everyone she could find.  She sat at my station, holding my hand, and expressing over and over again how special, important, beautiful, and desired by God I am.  She went on for roughly 20 minutes at my window alone, and EVERYONE within sight in the building received the same message.    

It was weird, annoying, and beautiful all at the same time.  She kept proclaiming what she believed to be God's call on her life: to ensure everyone she came in contact with understood how loved and special they truly are.  After she left, we all had a good laugh; however I could tell everyone had been touched by her words, even if they were too embarrassed to admit that what she did was a good thing.

It made me think.  I have always felt God's call on my life is to show people true, unconditional love. I fail at this miserably, and the only reason I can figure is that I am afraid.  I'm afraid to be that weird, annoying lady who walks into a building and tells everyone they're special.  Silly, right?

I think so.

Of course, there's this thing called tact; but I know there have been times I've felt that nudge to talk to someone, tell them they're beautiful, special, and loved - but I don't.  I am afraid.  "What will they think?  Will they consider me another weirdo with nothing better to do than annoy the crap out of people?"  Probably.  But that should't be an excuse.

Love deeply, my friends.  You never know what God is going to make out of the few moments you may have with a stranger.  This lady made a lasting impression on me, and I am thankful.

A brief hiatus and zero regrets!

Wow. The last two months have been a whirlwind of weddings, birthdays, baby showers, family reunions, and other social events! Anyone on a strict diet understands just how difficult it is to stick with it during social events! Lets just say I slipped a bit. Or a lot. Whatever. 

Back in the day I would punish myself when I failed my diet. I would beat myself up emotionally and deprive myself of anything enjoyable until I was 100% back on the bandwagon. However, this never ended positively. I would accept I was a failure at life who deserved to be fat and miserable forever, and then I would resort to eating bowls of cookie dough while watching Bridget Jones' Diary on repeat for days on end. 

Not anymore. I told myself when I started this Ketogenic lifestyle that I was NOT going to let myself become so self focused that I would let the "diet" rule my life. Of course, I have to be focused when making healthy decisions, and it is a big part of my life; but I will not let a "slip" become a "failure", if you know what I mean. I have not been focused on my diet these last couple of months, and that's okay! All I have to do is start again, which I'm excited to do! 

It really is a freeing feeling when the pressure of a diet no longer rules your life! Now that things have slowed down, I'm ready to jump back into my healthy keto lifestyle. I've learned from the last couple of months, and I refuse to regret them. 

Until next time!

Dog Lady

We've all heard of the crazy cat ladies!  Well, I am the crazy dog lady.  Look out!

Future Relationships?

Today's thoughts as I avoid my business law studies:

From now on, all future potential significant others will be required to take "How to Treat a Woman" lessons from my youngest brother.  My reasoning?  Because my 17 year old brother has a better understanding of how a woman needs to be treated than any of the men I have EVER attracted.

No more believing I am not enough, or feeling like I'm too much.  I won't be treated like an object, nor will I feel like something that should be shoved in closet until life is at its upmost convenience.  

Whew.  Back to the books.

Dog-Child...

It was an exciting day at my house.  Not only did my dog-child find something gloriously dead, she also rolled in said dead thing, giving me no choice but to turn in my brownie points and endure stink eyes and silent treatments for the remainder of the afternoon. 

Enjoy :)

Bath Time?  We're not friends anymore.

I seriously hate you right now.

Remember:  Payback's a b****.

I will cut you.

A powerful lesson on love...

Romans 12:9-21

"Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.  On the contrary:

'If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

This is my personal lesson for the week.  My prayer this week is that God will show me how to apply this to my life.  I feel an incredible urge to love people.  This is my calling.  It is my job; my reason for life on earth.  I am to show love to the world around me, accepting everyone as they are.  God will take care of the rest.  

Isn't that great?  My only job is to love others as Christ loves me.  I don't have to worry about judging, reprimanding, or showing the world what not to be.  I get to love people, REAL people, with open arms and an open heart.  

God is good.  All the time.

BABIES!

I just realized I haven't updated you all on the latest addition to my family!  

Take THIS...

Add THIS...

And a little bit of THIS...

And WALLAH!  My little baby Willow :)

She's equally the cutest mutt and the biggest brat in the entire world...

...and I love her to pieces.  

THE END!