Words

We all talk a lot, therefore we use a lot of words. We have all heard (and know from experience) that it takes 100 good, positive words to cancel out one negative word. What we say has a lot of meaning and most of the time I just say whatever comes to mind, my filter isn't what it should be. But, it has been on my heart lately that I need to be more intentional about what I say and how it represents what I believe and how it's impacting the recipient.

James 3: 4-5 comes to mind,
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

We have a great opportunity to build one another up with our words, I hope that I can seize my opportunities and not take my gift of gab for granted.

Thoughts about snow...

As a child there is nothing more exciting than snow. It's fantastic, you get to play outside, throw snowballs, make forts, snowmen and snow angels and after you've been dragged inside, you get hot chocolate! Whenever it was in the forecast, I would wake up and race downstairs to look out the front door, on a lucky day there would be a few inches of pure, white goodness! I love snow, always have, always will!

However, as an adult, I have become a little more practical. For instance, if we get the predicted foot of snow, how will we get to church- we're scheduled to teach Sunday school, how will we get to work, how will Moose go to the bathroom (he's a bit prissy and doesn't like being cold)? I suppose we will just have to find out...but for now, I'm going to be excited to play in the snow! Maybe Moose will learn to love it as much as I do. 

When I look at Facebook, it seems like everyone is racing to the store to buy milk, bread and eggs. I'm not too sure why everyone thinks that milk, bread and eggs will save them, but to each their own. If I were going to the store, I'd be picking up marshmallows and hot chocolate, wouldn't you?! 

Be kind to yourself

Happy New Year! Whether we're ready or not, 2014 is here. With a new year comes new resolutions and goals. We always start out with good intention's to become more organized, lose weight, learn something new, get out of debt, etc.

The goal most people struggle with (and fail) is losing weight or getting into shape. I'm not a nutritionist or fitness guru, but I do know that we can be too hard on ourselves. Yes, eating well is important and yes, exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle. But, be realistic. You're probably not going to look like Gisele Bundchen or Brad Pitt within 2 weeks or even 2 months. I know that I am my own harshest critic and while I may see only one flaw, some one else will see something totally different. So, this new year be kind to yourself. God has blessed us with bodies that are designed to worship Him, not beat up on ourselves.

I'm sure that you know that Dove has a Real Beauty campaign, this video is very telling of our harsh nature. 

Enjoy and Happy New Year!! 

2013: What a Year!!

This year has brought a lot of excitement and change! I think we have been busier this year than any other year....combined! It has flown by in a whirlwind!

2013 in a Nutshell: 

• AW Insurance became a live operation in January

• We began attending Trailhead Church and have developed several awesome relationships and are now official members. 

• We began training for a half marathon and loved it. We ran the Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon on Alex's birthday in October through St. Louis. 

• We began helping lead Trailhead Students

• We traveled to New York City with my (Abby's) parents and had an awesome time.

• We finished our basement which was quite the process (I promise I'll take pictures soon).

• We spent a week in Northern California exploring wine country and the hills of San Fransisco. 

• We hosted a murder mystery dinner party which was a very fun evening and will become an annual event!

• We welcomed our newest niece, Jansen into the world in October!

• I quit my hygiene job and got licensed to sell insurance to work with Alex!

• AW Insurance has opened a store in downtown Edwardsville! 

I'm sure that there is so much more that I have left off, but it's been a great year and I'm very excited to see what 2014 has in store for us! We are truly blessed with our family and friend's love and support! I am unbelievably grateful for all that God has blessed us with and provided for us and I look forward to continuing serving Him with Alex in the New Year!

Happy New Year!!