Heart Choices: 2013-10-13 -->

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Five Minute Friday: Laundry


It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with The Gypsy Mama. We receive a one word writing prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is: LAUNDRY.
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GO

Laundry seems like such a chore. Every week for years I've done laundry.  What I've discovered though is ...it's all about attitude.

When I was a young bride, I used to walk to the laundromat with my cart on wheels.  The guy who owned the place used to tell me he never saw anyone enjoy doing laundry.

Through the years, I continue to do my laundry.  I love the smell of freshly laundered clothes.  Instead of mindlessly doing a mundane chore, I find I enjoy completing this weekly task.  Maybe that's part of the secret of not minding laundry. I only have to do it once a week.  :)

But I also remind myself that whatever I do ...do it as unto the Lord.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." ~Colossians 3:17

STOP

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Why I Will Never Stop Striving Towards a Healthy Lifestyle


I will never give up!
I will never stop striving towards a healthy lifestyle.  I refuse to give up!  Yes, my sneakers may be wearing out.  But I still have my treadmill and my weights. And I have a good mind.  I am determined.


When I was a teenager, I was active and always moving.  My Aunt Ruth taught me how to twirl as a young girl. So I was very excited when I made my high school's twirling team and eventually became the captain for two years.  I was determined to do a good job so I found a summer twirling camp in upstate New York so I could learn more.  I have to say I was very intimidated since I knew nobody.  My bunk mates were state champions in the National Baton Twirlers Association.  But I learned so much and was able to share what I learned with the other twirlers on our team.

  • I am a nurse.  When I graduated from nursing school, I was amazed at how much chronic illness was caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Talk about the cost of healthcare. It's only become worse over the years.


  • I have a family history of heart disease.  My grandfather died at the age of 70 of a sudden heart attack.  My dad suffered a heart attack when he was in his early 60's.  He is still living but has endured numerous heart procedures.  He has an implantable defibrillator and pacemaker but keeps on ...walking and living his life.  Way to go Dad!

Norwegian waffles

  • I enjoy good food.  There are a few Norwegian recipes that I continue to make and enjoy from time to time.  They are a part of my heritage and I enjoy eating them ...in moderation.


  • I want to have energy. I know that if I stop exercising for any length of time I will lose what I've gained over the years.  As we age, we lose muscle.  I don't want to become weak and be susceptible to falls.  After all, I'm not getting any younger.  I have to keep up with a classroom of 3 and 4 year old children.  And believe me, they are quite active.

  • I want to age gracefully.  I'm not trying to act like I'm 30 years younger than my actual age. But I enjoy looking good and fitting into my clothes well.  I enjoy working with younger healthy women.  They help to keep me continuously striving to be active.
  • I recognize who I belong to.  The Bible tells me as a Christian my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.  I was bought with a price so I will honor God by taking care of my body.  After all, I want to be used by Him for His purposes.  

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

So I will continue to strive towards a healthy lifestyle as long as I live.  And along the way, I hope to inspire and encourage you to join me in this journey.

I'm linking up with Kim of Just For Clicks for Weigh-In Wednesday.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Who I Am In Christ


There seems to be much emphasis today on self-esteem.  But I want to tell you about God esteem. According to the world's standards, I may seem to be a good person.  I don't break the law (except for the occasional speeding but only when I'm late).  I try to be kind. But all of my good deeds are not enough.

God is holy and cannot come into the presence of sin. Sin isn't a popular word these days.  But Paul writes in Romans 3:23:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

That means you and me.  Jesus came to earth and led a perfectly righteous life. He never sinned.  His death and resurrection enables me to receive His life in me so I can come before the Father.  I can have peace with God.  I am free from sin and death.

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So I can be confident in who I am in Christ.

Day by day, I'm learning to abide in His presence.

Day by day, He changes my heart's desires.

Day by day, He draws me closer to Him as I read His Word.

As I count my every day blessings, I'm so thankful for His presence in my life.  I get to live my life sharing His love with others.

I had to include this photo of little Lizzie enjoying her peanut butter at school.  I can't help but think how fun it would be to not care what others think.  I somehow think that peanut butter would taste even better! :)

#985 The reality of who I am in Christ
#986 Fun with good friends
#987 A long restful weekend
#988 Being spoiled by my husband
#989 Watching Alaska: The Last Frontier on Discovery with Greg
#990 Relief from my joint pains
#991 Getting back into my exercise routine
#992 Recognizing that my gift is one of encouragement to others
#993 More time to write on this four day weekend
#994 Flowers that are blooming in my front entryway
#995 Amazingly beautiful weather in Phoenix
#996 Norwegian waffles that I made this weekend
#997 Experimenting with Picmonkey for my photos
#998 Brunch with my friends at Chompie's Deli
#999 Almost reaching #1000 which I'll save for next week

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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