2012 Motto:
Stick With It

I was thinking about the Upcoming Year and how often I set goals for myself for the next year. Then its not always that I fall off the wagon, I just get defeated when I can't loose those last few pounds or if something I have been praying for doesn't happen the way I want I just sit back, and let me be Honest- I might Just Pout about it.

I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am about 2012. It's a fresh, clean, with a Brand New
start- Out with the Old-in with the new phrase ring a bell. Maybe I am excited about this year because I have set goals and committed to things I have never done before. Or Maybe I am so Excited about this Journey that the Lord is taking me through. What if we sit back and ask the Lord what he would have us do this Upcoming Year.
Such as: who should we pour into this year, how long should we spend time with the Lord daily, what about relationships that need to be restored, or what can we change about ourselves to be more like Christ.

Believe me, I have asked the Lord alot of questions, because I am sooooo Far from Perfect, I do make mistakes daily, but I am becoming more aware of those and trying to change.
So All that to Say- 2012 Is all about Sticking with IT- The goals I have set, and being obedient to what the Lord tells me to do and what is has in-store for me.

In wrapping up I have had several of you email me, text, or call about the scripture memory. So I have decided every Sunday I will share the scripture I am memorizing for the week on the blog, and if you want to memorize it with me- YOU CAN!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
Stick with it,
Jenn

Back and Forth

I woke up in the middle of the night with this saying stuck in my head. This is the phrase I could sum up for the last 2 weeks. I have been going with Aunt Nan back and forth to Either The Woodlands or MD Anderson.

Here are my Praises from these trips:

• Quality Time with my Aunt Nan
• Traveling Grace each day
• Beautiful Weather(If you know me I hate driving in the rain)
• All of the Staff at MD/Woodlands- in each appt that we went to they were always very helpful and caring
• I am thankful that our car trips were easy for Aunt Nan to get to daily(2 hours one way is not bad and its a pretty drive)
  

Now from these trips my eyes were opened even more as I saw hundreds of ppl waiting for the blood work. I have never in my life seen so many ppl waiting to get their levels checked. On this day I had taken my bible to read and just wanted to read when the Lord said, Close it and Look at the people around you. So I started observing ppl who were so sick but had a smile on their face, a woman with her 3 daughters as they had just found out she had the C-word and they were going through all the appointments, this family was just devstated. Then their were the women/men in wheelchairs bc they were just too weak to walk.

I never realized how many people could be so sick, and just hurting or worn out from all the back and forth appts. As Pop says I never meet a stranger so I was able to start chatting with different couples. As we waited in the doctors office about an hour into waiting, the sweetest couple came along who heard another lady telling me about the sales. So he moved over to sit beside me, and let his wife relax in this big comfy chair. I learned in this office you are prepared to wait! They immediately start sharing their story, of how they had rented an apt in Houston for her to have daily treatments. While her husband flew back and forth from Destin, Florida. Then the lady on my left had come from Colorado-had been in remission from cancer, but now she had a rare type of cancer they can not figure out where it is coming from. Every word that came out of her mouth had nothing but joy. She was determined to fight this nasty ole cancer. Now the couple of the Right of the Floridians- were from out of town. They were the sweetest little couple but they looked scared to death as this was their first appt with this doctor. I was so fascinated how each person shared with them about how wonderful this doctor was and very through. It seemed to ease them for a bit.
Now I share this because in the time I was in this appt not only did I get to hear their stories and their Journey through the C word, the Lord showed me how people want to share their story. They want someone to just listen when they are having a rough day or just want someone to talk to. My new goal is slowing down to hear other peoples stories they are pretty Fascinating.

Of course, during this time I got to learn so much about my sweet Aunt Nan, that I never knew. Here is my favorite moment of the trip: Aunt Nan how did you meet Uncle Rob.
Aunt Nan: Well, I called into the radio station where we worked and made a request. We just started talking and thats how it all started.....

By going Back and Forth I had opportunities and blessings by just having the time with her- with pretty much no interruptions.

Slowing Down and treasuring the time in life,
Jenn

Jason Aldean- Dirt Road Anthem
When I hear this song it really makes me think about Lufkin. It brings back lots of memories, especially as I drive to and from Lufkin on 2 lane roads. I love riding 4 wheelers, getting dirty, CRAZY Hayrides, going to the lake. When I was a little girl I would love to go fishing- Im sad to say I have not been in forever. Maybe this next year I can get back out to Sam Rayburn!

Having Memories on the Dirt Road,
Jenn

My New Favorites

• Stevia- In the Raw it is the Brother of Sugar in the Raw. Now I have given up drinking Diet drinks but every now then I need something to add a little something to my water or tea besides lemons or limes.

Blue Almond Silk- Chocolate- Unsweetened

I can not even begin to tell you how much I love this drink! Especially since you can have it for 45 calories for 8 ounces. Now here is what I have started doing I fill up a cup of water and add the almond breeze in my to go cup. Next I heat it up for a minute so its like hot chocolate or coffee.

Texas Grapefruit

This has become my morning snack, and it has helped me stay full longer than other foods I have chosen.
Fruits and Veggies

I recently read an article that eating more fruits and vegetables will help you stay full longer, and cut down on the amount of carbs we in-take.

Greek Yogurt- Plain
At Christmas I made a Spinach dip but instead of using sour cream I sub with Greek yogurt and it was YUMMY!!
Looking forward to sharing more of my Favorites as I find them!!
Blessings,
Jenn