Thursday, January 6, 2011

Warm Thoughts of Spring

Sometimes I just have to stop and remind myself how grateful I should be in life. Honestly. I've got probably the best, most exciting months ahead of me. There is something about the spring semesters of college that get me excited. Maybe its because I know that warmer, more delightful weather is coming my way so there seems to be a "spring" in my step. (Pun on the word intended). Maybe it's because this particular spring semester is my last one of college.  or just maybe it's because Jared's parents were gracious enough to help us buy a house that we get to work on all semester. hmm but it also could be because I'm getting married to my best friend and man of my dreams after this semester. [yes, i think thats it :) ]

I have finally stepped back and realized how incredibly blessed I am at this very moment. Honestly, there is so much going for me right now... I don't want to mess it up. But all of this means nothing unless I point it all to God and say "I'm extremely humbled, Lord. Thank you."

Spring is so inviting. So exciting. Fresh air. Warmer weather. Jeans and a blouse or maybe even a tank top embellished with these cute little flowers that I'm going to learn how to make before long...

This Spring will be the best one yet. My most disciplined season yet. A season of expectation and hope. 

So, I get caught up with the ideas of Spring and look at the calendar and remember that it's only the beginning of January. Spring semester hasn't even started yet (only 4 more days of break). And I lean to get my blanket, fleece, and cozy up on the couch until my hot chocolate is done warming up.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

She's at it again, folks!

Goodness, life is hard...
txt that I got from my sis today: "You'll make the choice to forget today and then make the same choice tomorrow or the next day but only in the power of the Holy Spirit will you overcome."

I'm starting over a couple of things this new year. For most of this past year I have relied on myself to try to fix problem-areas. Relying on self and determination, I thought I could get anywhere I wanted to be. Oh how this is NOT TRUE! I had a perfect little picture of what my life was going to look like when I graduated college when I was a senior in high school. I was going to go to Bradley to study multimedia, I was going to be a straight A student, and be married by a certain time. Well, the Lord had other plans for me and THANK GOD he did! Now, here I am, a senior at Illinois State University, celebrating my very last semester of formal academic education. I'm getting ready to marry the man of my dreams. Although it isn't always easy-- in fact, it's mostly hard-- I know that the Lord has put us together for a high and mighty calling that will blow our minds and glorify His Kingdom.

But on top of everything, I'm mostly looking forward to get back into routine and schedule. Last Spring was a really good semester for me, and I hope this upcoming Spring semester will be the same. I haven't really told anybody this and no one will still know because no one reads my blog lol.. but I've decided to sign up for the 12-Week Challenge at Gold's Gym. The winner gets a cash prize for their age group and are entered the win the national golds gym challenge-- which is $75,000! I'm cutting back on hours at my two jobs (Aerie & Oakwod) so that I can make time to hit up the gym during the evenings and shape up my lifestyle. I have a gut feeling that this is it. That this is will be the time that I can finally do it. Finally make my goals. Go after what I know I need to do and do it! Like I said -- I haven't told anyone really about this. Like honestly, no one knows. I've kept it quiet in case I fail - which is kinda of odd. But I'd like to surprise friends and family with results rather than say what I'm doing and see no results. But anyways, with this challenge, I get to meet with trainers for weekly weigh-in's to keep me on track for the next 12 weeks! I'm so excited!

Honestly, my prayer has been that I could thoroughly enjoy these next 5 months as a single woman and not wish away the time! I pray that I am intentional with my time here on earth and understand my life is NOT about me -- it's about HIM.

To Him be the glory.
Julie