Happy Birthday to Me

I'm officially 28 and I'm so excited for a new year! 

So much has happened this past week.

1. My ladies group threw a mini surprise for me last Tuesday

2. I walked a "fun run" on Sunday 

3. My wonderful friends threw me a surprise dinner the night before my birthday

4. I decided to keep the dog I found a couple weeks back.

5. Celebrated my 28th Birthday yesterday.

Sadly, not many pictures were taken, but here's what I have.

All a wonderful start to November! I'll share my 28 before 29 soon!!

Welcome November / November Goals

I love the Fall. It's my favorite season. Maybe because my birthday is in Autumn.

This Summer and some of Fall has already passed by. But I'm excited that in Arizona "Fall" is just beginning.

I've missed blogging. I always have ideas for my blog, it's always evolving in my head, fear and time prevent me from executing them.

I'm sick of fear. I'm sick of not having enough time.

These past few months I've:
Tried online dating - I need help in this area... My poor, poor profiles.
Had my church, basically start over.
Fallen in love with YouTube makeup tutorials.
Learned I want to head towards a minimalist lifestyle.
Thrown a mini-surprise party for my not so little-little sister.
Found a local gym and working with a physical trainer.
Found a beagle who has been staying at our house.

I have so many dreams and goals - It's time to start walking in faith.

So, welcome Birthday Month! Welcome November, I'm so glad you're finally here.

My goals for November need to be simple, not stressful, and attainable.

5 Simple Goals

1. Finish at least 3 books.
2. Get into the routine of going to the gym.
3. Start planning a capsule wardrobe.
4. Have all my Christmas shopping done.
5. Keep my room clean.

These are all attainable -

1. I have some "overdue" books from friends that need to be read. 
2. My trainer and I are working on a schedule this upcoming week.
3. This upcoming weekend, which is the weekend before my birthday, I plan on going through my closet and getting rid of at least 60% of my closet.
4. Christmas always sneaks up on me. Not this year, I will not be shopping on Christmas Eve.
5. This is the hardest one, but as I continue to purge, I'll have less to keep track of!

What are your November goals? Have you been as busy as me?

31 Days of Intentional Prayer: Day 3

Today was a hard day!! Working 50+ hours a week wears on me body, mind, and soul!

But I'm working to "live like no one else, so I can live like no one else." Thanks Dave Ramsey!! More on that later!

My prayer comes from one of my favorite redemption stories!! Paul, formerly known as Saul.

Well it's not a prayer, but I'm basing it on his words in Romans 7:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Romans 7:15-25 ESV

Now this is a long passage and quite deep. But the prayer is simple:

Lord, help Your desires become my desires. May I die to my flesh daily, more of you and less of me! God, may my sinful nature not get the better of me! Lord, may you be the true Lord of my life! I'm getting off the throne and allowing You to do what You will in my life!

In other news my prayer journals came in!! I have over a years worth in here so, I can't wait to share them with you!!

31 Days of Intentional Prayer: Day 2

God, if You don't want me to have it take it away.

This is the most painful, because this prayer usually comes when I really want something, but I put it in God's hands.

31 Days of Intentional Prayer: Day 1

We are the light of the world, we are the city on a hill.” 

 

Those words ring true today on the first day of October. Say What!! It’s October.

I love the 31 days of blogging. It challenges me to be intentional. It challenges me to write every day.

 

I was praying about what I wanted to share for 31 days. I could talk about my fitness routine, or lack there of.

I could talk about my “hardships” at work and how to overcome them.

Then I just felt overwhelmed, and realized, I should pray to see what the Lord wanted me to talk about.

You may say, wait that’s a little weird. Why would you pray about this?

Because I believe God has a plan, even in the things we believe are mundane.

Then I felt a peace and knew what my subject would be. 

 

PRAYER!

 

My prayer life is suffering, thus my whole life is suffering.

I’ve decided to change that. I ordered some prayer journals to get me through the rest of the year and all of next year.

But, just because I have something doesn’t mean I’ll use it.

So, I’ve decided to blog 31 days of intentional prayer.

What does that mean?

It means that I will intentionally pray every day – and share the prayer or the subject, or just how my prayer life is changing my life.

Prayers have power, I believe that with my whole heart.

God hears my prayers.

 

Day 1:

Prayer @ Work

Each day I may share a prayer that I wrote, from the Bible or somewhere else. Today's prayer has been made popular by AA and other 12-step programs, but is very applicable to my job. It's called the serenity prayer: 

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference."

Wow, how good is that? I will be saying that prayer until it becomes a mindset! I hope you'll join me for the next 31 Days!!

 

Sermon Notes

Just these 3 core values are exactly what I needed to hear this month morning!

Life

They say honesty is the best policy.

I really hate that phrase. Not because I like to lie. I just don't like sharing the "dirty laundry" of my life.

But I also don't believe in just sharing the good things in life.

Next week, I'll have been in AZ for a year. I still have the same job, and have been attending the same church since January. But, I still feel like I just moved here. I still don't have a core group of friends who "get me" and I just feel lost and alone. I know I'm suppose to be here that's about the only thing I know without a shadow of a doubt.

I was talking with my younger sister last night and I looked at her and said "Life sucks right now." She gave me that look everyone gives a single person look - "It will get better." But, it may not. The bible says you will go through trials and tribulations. It doesn't anywhere share the "prosperity gospel." I think I've had too many positive people talking in my life.

Don't get me wrong, we're suppose to "count it all joy." But if I hear any of these phrases one more time, don't get upset with me if I react in an unpleasant manner.

"Oh Lauren, your time will come."
"This will be you in a few years."
"He's out there."
"When you stop dwelling on it, it will happen."
My personal favorite. "Have you..." (the answer is always 'yes')

There's no one to ask what I'm doing wrong. So, I rely on just hearing from the voice of God. But in this area, I feel like I hear absolutely nothing.

What am I doing wrong? I'm tired of limbo. I know my life doesn't revolve around relationships - friend or romantic, but it also doesn't mean my life doesn't involve them.

It hurts when you thought the people who were there for you give no reaction to your negative response to life... Maybe I'm looking for Jesus in others. When I have the opportunity to just look for Jesus.

With tears in my eyes - I'm honestly saying life is really hard right now. But hey, c'est la vie, that's life.

july goals and other things

Work has been busy. Hard. But I can't complain. I have a job and am provided for.

Life has been busy. Hard. But I can't complain. I live in a country that allows me to worship my Jesus.

Church has been busy. Hard. But I can't complain. I love my church.

There are many things that are making my life miserable, but I don't really have control over those things, so I can't get upset.

I went on vacation (now two weeks ago). It was nice. It was the break I needed.

Re-started my fitness journey, you can read about it here.

Here are my July goals:

1. Contentment Challenge - Kate Monroe's blog challenges readers to live without. She says give up what's taking over.
1. I'm giving up shopping! I order so much stuff online it's ridiculous! Let's see how much I can save in July, August, and September.
2. Of course I have 3 exceptions:
1. Food and any other bills that are directly taking out of my account.
2. Anything to do with my new Lia Sophia business! (I'm selling jewelry, I'll share more soon!)
3. Any supplements - see #2 on the list, or She Reads Truth - see #3
2. LiveFit - I shared on my fitness blog that I'm starting a new fitness plan via bodybuilding.com (great website by the way). It's 12 weeks long with 3 phases. The first phase is 4 weeks long - thus Phase 1 is on my goal list! Each month I'll need to order supplements. I ordered my first batch, and they taste great!
3. She Reads Truth - I've been slacking w/ my Jesus time. I need to catch up on all missed reading plans and work on the current Sermon on the Mount Series! Besides the supplements, which I need, I'm allowing myself to spend money on these studies, because they have been beneficial - and the app comes out soon which I'm so excited about. Day 2 starts on July 2nd for the Sermon on the Mount - I'm starting it then. Join us!
4. Read 2 books - Insurgent and Allegiant (easypeasy lemon squeezy)

Do you have any July goals? What are they?

currently v7

watching: the mindy project - i caught up in less than a week. i think the show is pretty funny.

reading: finished the fault in our stars a few weeks ago.

listening: classical music (back on that kick)

wishing: for my vacation to start (next week)

thinking: i'm going to need a lot of caffeine this week!

loving: that the pool is not freezing anymore.

praying: survival of this week

what are you "currently" doing? 

want to see what i'm up to? 

check out my instagram and twitter!

hello, are you out there?

I'm back! Life has been so busy. But it's turning around - and I have some big news for you!

I'm starting an online advice blog!

I've already purchased the domain name! It's launching on the first day of summer. just working on all the wonderful content

Most of my time in the blogging world has been spent on working on the new layout! I'm pretty excited to share it!

Some other new things in my life:

• new work schedule - this new schedule will give me time in the afternoons to work on my writing and blogging
• I've currently been leading a small group at my church
• I finally got a new windshield  - rock chips in Arizona (inevitable)
• new ipad mini!
• going on vacation soon

What's new with you? 

summer tv

i don't watch a lot of tv in the fall, winter, and spring -
but summer is a different story, that's when i catch up on all the fall tv and the new summer dramas...

here's my summer tv list:

1. new girl (catching up)
2. modern family (catching up)
3. world cup (not a show but the best sports event in the world)
4. food network star (hello, best reality tv show ever)
5. suits
6. graceland
7. vampire diaries (catching up)
8. the originals (catching up)
9. hart of dixie (catching up)
10. parenthood (catching up)

what are you watching this summer? anything i should check out? do you watch any of these shows?

currently v6

watching: scandal - it's getting quite, you know, scandalous. gilmore girls - i'm starting from the beginning again, i haven't seen the last two seasons, so don't giveaway what happens. i'm currently on season 2.

reading: why has my reading fallen off of the face of the earth? it's time to renew my love for reading!

listening: have you heard the acoustic version of oceans? it is my favorite! my favorite magazine, had a stripped down version! i'm gonna record this version, just saying!

wishing: that april becomes the month i really strive towards my goals!

thinking: slowing down and simplifying.

loving: mason jars. i bought a case and use them all the time. may they never go out of style.

praying: for simplicity

what are you "currently" doing? 

want to see what i'm up to? 

check out my instagram and twitter!

rambles, races, and reality

we all write these scripts of our daily lives. to-do lists of all our dreams and goals. saddened by the end of the day of all our wasted time spent on what, we can't even remember.

then it hits us. if i plan a little bit longer and try a little bit harder, i will accomplish my goals.

the cycle continues until you've abandoned everything. you've traded in your schedule for another evening lounging watching tv. all those well thought out plans slip into oblivion, the only reminder left is the scribbling in your planner from weeks before, reminding you of failure.

i can't be the only one. i know i'm not.

back in january i posted a mini-post on instagram about keeping up with the Jones'. forget the Jones'. my life has revolved around them. my bank account, or lack there of is dwindled down each month trying to find something to help me fill the void failure has left. the pile of books left untouched. the list of books itching to be bought. the tabs on my iphone kept, to remind me of all that "they" have and accomplished.

slowing down. taking a step back, realizing i've had the same goals for almost ten years and i'm not accomplishing them. life is funny in that respect. it's like a race that has no end, and we're allowed to take as many breaks as possible. if there's no end, then what's the point.

what's the point? the point is start a race that has an end or you'll be forever failing at a race that never ends.

2014: february in review

no instagram pictures this month... didn't take many.
how did february fly by so fast??

how did my february goals go?

let's recap:

1. start running again - i did, it's not as consistent but i at least ran 5-6 times and have started strong in MARCH!
2. use my camera more - i'm currently working on a nicole's workshop class that i'll have time to finish after my work exam
3. read 2 books (i got halfway to my goal - i finally finished the catcher in the rye)
4. have $45 in my house of rose challenge - i promise to blog on this soon!

february's goals were a lot better than january's. how did your february go? did you accomplish everything you wanted to?

2014: March Goals

My march goals are simple.

1. lose 5 lbs
2. finish at least one book
3. pass my test
4. start creating again

currently v5

CURRENTLY I'M...

Reading: a million little ways by emily freeman - i had started reading this back in the fall of last year, for whatever reason, i've just not been interested in reading... :(

Watching: Sons of Anarchy, The Best Man, and The Best Man Holiday
Listening: the radio... and of course Relevant Podcast

Wishing: for a good week

Thinking: about all the studying i have to do this week
Praying: for less of me and MORE OF HIM

Loving: This past weekend - the weather and the moments.

What are you CURRENTLY doing?

want more currently? i am an avid instagrammer!

age is relative, being focused, and jibber jabber

i've gotten this more in az the anywhere else.

you're 27 (or whatever age), no way? i don't believe you! you've got to be kidding me. stop lying.

i don't know why it bothers me so much.

sometimes i brush it off with a laugh.

but in the back of my mind all i can think of is...

is that why i'm still single? because guys think i look like i'm still in hs?

that can't be the reason. but sadly, anything and everything seems to point in big letters that i'm still single.

it hurts. that i'm still single.
but whatever God is doing in my life, i don't want to stunt because i'm focusing on the wrong thing.

focus. that is my word for 2014.

but what exactly does God want me to do with that? that's a hard question to answer, i mean i know what he doesn't want me to do...

i shouldn't focus on:

• the fact that even though i'm 27, i'm still very single
• i have no idea what God has for me next and i'm not sure if i should be stepping out or staying put
• the fact that my some of my friends are brushing me off
• my life isn't how i "dreamed" it would be

it's hard to stay focused on passions when you're eyes are set on circumstances you can't control

so what am i trying to get at? 

27 is just a number. but this number honestly scares me. because i feel that i've had the same goals since i was 18.

like - 

• lose weight
• read a lot of books
• start working out
• master an instrument
• find a craft and keep at it
• etc

and that's when i realized why focus is such a big word.

i haven't been focused. i've been just the opposite, DISTRACTED. as i mentioned last saturday - i'm always looking for the next thing. but there are so many things i can and need to be doing right now.

so, i lauren, promise to stay focused on the goals set before me. not wishing for more, not yearning for the future, but living in the moment. because honestly as much as i hate this saying:

it's about the journey, not so much the destination... (my own interpretation).

2014: February Goals

january goals were a bit sad and i know it's already the eleventh, but it's not ever too late for monthly goals!

1. start running again
2. use my camera more
3. read 2 books (already finished with 1)
4. have $45 in my house of rose challenge (i promise to blog about this soon)

saturday devotion v3

i know as humans we are always looking to the next big thing.

when i was working in the Summer of 2012, all i could think about was going to YWAM.

when i was in the training phase of YWAM, all i could think of was when we would go to Cambodia.

when i was in Cambodia, all i could think of was going back to Nebraska.

when i came back to Nebraska, all i could think of was what did God want next for me?

when i was focused on the future, i missed the present.

God has called us to live in the present. yes we should prepare for the future, but that doesn't mean we should ignore what is right in front of me.

there are so many things that i'm waiting patiently for - marriage, kids, etc. but what does God want for me right now?

i was reminded of a devotion i completed earlier this week. it revolved around the verse Philippians 2.1-11:

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God ra thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (ESV, Biblia.com)

this passage is beautiful, but one major thing I got out of it was verses 3-5. wow, did i feel a slap in the face. all that time wasted, thinking about something that wasn't happening and it was focused on myself. i was definitely ambitious, selfishly thinking about myself. i put myself before others. how many relationships did i weaken by not being present? who was Jesus pointing out to love that i just turned a blind eye to?

basically, all i'm saying is it's not about me, it's not about you, it's not about us.

it's about Him and about others, here and now.

currently v4

CURRENTLY I'M...

Reading: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger and The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel

Watching: Downton Abbey and Sons of Anarchy
Listening: Classical Music - This has been a great soother. I'm also listening to my favorite podcasts.

Wishing: I took a longer break from work.

Thinking: About all I want to do with the blog!
Praying: That my temper would calm down.

Loving: Flappy Bird - C'mon, i'm just saying what you were thinking

What are you CURRENTLY doing?

want more currently? i am an avid instagrammer!