Resolutions...

2011 was a really good year! Things weren't always perfect- but for the most part... I'm happy with all of the outcomes!

For 2012- I want to start off right! I am making some resolutions for myself here to keep up with during the year! Feel free to ask how I'm doing on them!

1. 12 in 12 in 2012- I want to read 12 books in 12 months in the year 2012. I have no idea where to start, but I would love any opinions on books!! I also want to write a quick review of each book here!!

2. Get to 100- I have lost 40 pounds so far and would like to lose 60 more to get to 100! I'm not giving myself I time frame to do this in- just by the end of the year! (However I would like to be down more by summer! I may enjoy the beach more if I did)

3. 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2- I want to compete in a marathon! I will work up to this by doing a 5K, then the Bridge Run (a long time dream of mine), a half marathon- 13.1 miles and a whole marathon- 26.2!! I don't care if I run the entire thing or just walk- I will complete it!!

4. John 16:12- "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear."- I want to work more on my relationship with Christ. I want to be committed to my quiet times each day and grow more in the Lord.

5. ORGANIZATION IS KEY!!- This year- I will be organized! I do sooo much better when I am on a schedule! Down to the days that I clean certain areas of my house! Well, by golly- I'm going to do it! I ran on my lunch break and bought this handy dandy little planner and have already began to organize my runs! :-)

On God's Plan For Your Mate

I found this while blog surfing and just fell in love! How true are these words! My heart has been heavy at times wondering who God has planned for me and when He will have me meet him... but these words are like a reminder from Him of what He is planning for me! I will continue to pray for my future husband! That God will continually work in his heart and prepare him to be a husband who loves the Lord more than he loves me!

On God's Plan For Your Mate

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deeper soul relationship with another - to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But God says to a Christian: "No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with living, loved by Me alone -- with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me-- to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone...I love you My child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found - you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me - exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing - one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction knowing that I am taking care of you. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. You must wait.

Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have gotten or that I've given them. Don't look around at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off away up to Me, or you will miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready, I am working even now this minute to have both of you ready at the same time - But until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me, and the life prepared for you, you will not be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, which is the perfect love.

And, dear one, I want you to have this most perfect and wonderful love. I want for you to see in the flesh a picture of Me, your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you always. Believe it and be satisfied."

I am God Almighty

Kally and Julio

Oh I am so excited to link up to Kelly's Korner today! It's Show Us You Life: PETS!!

If you know me- you know I love my babies! There's about 1001 pictures of them on my facebook and ten thousand more on my phone. So here they are...
First is Kally:

This is the day I found her at the JASPCA- before it was Charleston Animal Society! I was bored one day and went to look! Well- friends, this doesn't end well for an animal lover. I texted my cousin and then roommate and begged asked if she could come home with us! Thankfully, she said yes! She hasn't always been with mommy and through some time at college had to stay at her Gramps house- but now she's home and loving life!

She knows she's a pretty girl....

She loves to smile!

And even indulges me and lets me dress her up!
She loves snuggling with mommy and sleeps in the bed with me. I don't think she knows she's a dog, and also thinks she's her brothers size....

Speaking of, here's my Julio!

If he doesn't make you smile... nothing will. Julio was added to our family after I broke up from my ex. He was originally my friends dog, but wasn't working so well with her dobermans or kiddos... so I took him home with me one night for a "trial" and her son and husband were happy with him being gone- so he became my boy! He has really got a great personality. I never, never, never thought I would have a chihuahua. My Papa had several when I was growing up, but they were always "those yappy dogs". Well I just fell in love with this sweet boy and his cuddles.

He lets me dress him up too! But I think he likes it more b/c he gets cold in the winter!

He loves to snuggle too! I may or may not treat him like a baby!

He loves being close to me! And I love that!
He really was a blessing in disguise. I do NOT believe in reincarnation- but I definately think he is my reminder of my Papa. My Papa would have LOVED him and ate him up, so I love that I have that reminder of him every day!

Best part of all is to see these two interact...

They just love one another and eat each other up!

And they are always the best sports for what ever mommy has planned...

The Great Shoe Debate....

Phew- I am living sitting down and writing in my blog. We have been so busy at work- blogging was not even in my repertoire. BUT- thankfully, things are slowly calming down and I have started working on ME again!

That being said- I have started back at the gym! *pause for gasping and belief*
I have and I am LOVING it!! I love the feel I get when I can get in my own little world and just escape!

I'm bragging on myself because I have a problem tho!! My poor wittle feet! I am definately needing some new shoes! Right now I have Sketchers Shape-ups and I'm sorry Kim Kardashian- but these SUCK! Which I laugh because I wanted them so bad!

I need to go shopping- really- I do! This is not just an excuse to shop- I'm gettin blisters and all! The back of my ankles are hurting! Blisters on both.

I have big, wide feet and would love any suggestions! Adidas? New Balance? Nike? Definately staying away from Sketchers and with my big, wide feet- shoes from Walmart and Target are really a no go.

What's the best? If you work out alot? Let me know! This is a need!!

Thanks and I'll see ya at the gym!

"Cyberbully"

WOW! My heart is aching right now. I am watching this move on ABC Family about cyber bullying. I would HATE to be a teenager today! I don't think I would have the strength. I'm going to go there- I'm gonna say it- but "kids these days just know too much"! WOW! Someone get me a cane and some dentures!

OK, but seriously- it was hard enough on me as a 15, without the hassle of internet and social networking. Today's teens get it at every angle.

When I started my sophomore year of high school at Northwood Academy- I thought it was going to be great. I thought it was going to be a fun year and I was going to have lots of friends. Never in my life had I hurt so bad as when I came home from school that FIRST day and wanted to die! That was after ONE day!
My saint of a mother got the application for School of the Arts the next day and I spent the next 4 months in agony until I got accepted to SOA and I knew I could move and leave the torcher.

This post is not a rant about who hurt my feelings, and it's been over 10 years! I am friends with someone of those people (OK-facebook friends) but they may very well read this and I don't really care!

This post is about how my heart aches for the "youth of the nation". My heart has been craving the Lord in so many ways! One is the women's ministry that I am trying to start. I have given it to God and feel that it will be a success if He wants it to be. The other thing I am missing is the chance to work with students. My best friend recently was a counselor for a week long camp. I was so jealous of her- in a the best kind of way. I was also thrilled for her to experience a close connection with God. In that jealousy (still not the right word), I found myself having more of a desire to work with students more. I just want each student I encounter to know what a precious creation to God they are. To know that someone, whether they think so or not, loves them- with a pure heart and that they have this rock in the Lord that they can lean on at any time.

My wish would be prayer is that no person be subject to the pain given to them from others; from persecution from being different, shorter, fatter, a Christian, not a jock, a gamer. I want them to see how special they are and how God has a purpose for each one of them.

My prayer for myself is that God will find a way to use me the best way He sees fit to work more with these wonderful students so they can know just how awesome they are!

Linking myself! :-P

Decided to link myself to Kelly's Korner Blog for singles. I tell everyone I am looking for the man God has for me- so you never know! 

Watergate Salad

I am linking with Kelly's Korner Blog today to share a favorite summer dessert!
Watergate Salad

• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 

In a large bowl, mix together pudding mix, pineapple with juice, marshmallows, and nuts. Fold in whipped topping. Chill.

I always double my recipe to make it go farther and last a little longer! :)