Realignment

Surprise, surprise (to no one) - I'm on here more! lol

Studying is overrated.  Just kidding - but breaks are lovely.

Today marks 3 months post surgery - a milestone worth celebrating!!  I'm currently down 58 pounds and 11 BMI points, tapering down on blood pressure pills, and feeling more energy and confidence!  This has by no means been a smooth or perfect journey, as those who follow me here know pretty well.  But over the course of three months, I have actually come a long way.  I am working with Emily (my counselor/coach) on building better mindsets and habits and systems, untangling from old shame patterns, and processing new things that come up in real time.  I feel proud of the internal growth and deeply grateful to be seeing real progress on and off the scale!! ❤

Blossom patient #7 on June 7th - still makes me happy! ❤

Today was also the OSU game with Chet and Karli - fun times - more on that in a later post!

Cheesy as it may seem, this was a timely meme for me... I LOVE that it's about butterflies (the most well-known metaphor for transformation from the lowly caterpillar to beautiful butterfly - but they can still feel fragile and need shelter and rest).

In the midst of big decisions and major studying (and fun with family and friends), I find myself thinking about spiritual warfare.  Our spiritual enemy knows our weaknesses and shame points, and he loves to target them.  I feel pretty aware of the main limiting beliefs I've wrestled with... and I have worked hard over the years to reprogram those core beliefs with God's truth and wisdom, but Satan has simultaneously worked hard to reinforce them through conflict, rejection, disengagement, and disinterest.  Over and over and over.  His schemes and patterns are predictable enough that we should expect it and be prepared for it, but most of us don't do a great job with that...

It does help to step back and remember that he is our real enemy - that we are never wrestling or warring with flesh and blood (fellow flawed human beings), but with dark principalities and powers genuinely seeking to divide and destroy us, so having "eyes to see" those attacks and having a heart to align our thoughts with Christ is VITAL.

Positive change is fun, but any change is hard work.  Humans naturally resist it.  I have a ways to go, but even now, my mind has not really caught up with the physical changes, and it's all happening in the middle of a 3-year stretch that has held more life change and big, courageous decisions than any other period in my personal history.  And now I'm ramping up to a potential career transition sometime in the near future, which feels daunting.  Mostly good things, but it's been a lot in a relatively short time frame, and I tend to be a slow processor.  The enemy would love nothing more than to convince me that none of these changes I've made really matter and that I will never really matter without a husband and/or family.  The one thing I know in the depths of my spirit to be true is that I cannot take that bait right now.

In this season where my confidence and growth feel fragile and my counselor-voice is just beginning to have more power and influence, the enemy would love to convince me to stay quiet, to believe my story is uninteresting, that I'm no good at relationships, and that I will always struggle to command respect and engagement.  Choosing wisdom and alignment with Christ is essential.

"I was playing in the beginning; the mood all changed." ;-)

For real, though, I feel this intensely right now.  He attacks each of us in the seasons/areas of life where we are most vulnerable - I see that in my life and in others' - and we cannot afford to casually give him more ground.  We have to armor up and fight back with truth - for ourselves and for the people God puts in our lives and for the cloud of witnesses cheering us on from Heaven.  So I'm reminding myself today that I am enough just as I am right here (in my quiet nursery room with no baby) - I am loved and seen and chosen by God - and I'm taking a minute to feel that as a spiritual reality, not just a hollow platitude.  My priorities and my life timeline are not set by the world, and God has a creative plan and a purposeful design for my future.  My life has God-ordained meaning, and all the work I have put in lately matters - it matters.  God wastes nothing - the good, the bad, the painful, the embarrassing - He uses it all for our good and His glory.  There are better things ahead here on earth.  There are better things ahead for us in Heaven.

There are better things ahead.

Forgetting what lies behind, I am pressing forward.

In Christ.

With Christ.

Resting in Christ.

Healing in Christ.

Powerful in Christ.

Secure in Christ.

❤

Sunrise, Sunset

A peaceful sunrise view on my neighborhood walk this morning...

And a serene sunset with a cute little duck-couple to accompany my 30-minute Eminem Peloton walk last night. lol  I did laugh about the music not quite matching the setting, but gracious, musical genius!!  I also missed Kristin Michelle, who was sickly this week - praying she recovers ASAP!

Side note: That line in Lose Yourself is one of my all-time favorites -- you can feel the energy change, and I love the grit and force behind it! #nomoregames #maximumeffort

I'm currently studying for my NCE (National Counselor Exam) on September 21st and the CPCE (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam) on the 28th.

(In theory, that means I won't have much time for blogging this month, so I wanted to let you know that.  In reality, it may mean I'm here more than usual. lol)  We'll see.  These are both major exams, if that wasn't clear from their titles.  Thankfully, I have a good memory and don't really struggle with test anxiety or brain fog there.  Indecision has been more of a problem for me, so I am praying for peace and wisdom with all the big future-focused decisions I'm facing ahead - feel free to join me in prayer.  That's all the time we have for today. ;-)

Happy Friday! ❤

Thankful Thursday 204!

"Don't be dejected and sad,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
~Nehemiah 8:10

Today, I'm thankful for:

1.  Mel's daily videos!

2.  My new computer - love the red and pink!

3.  Fun with the fam in Tulsa!

4.  Peloton classes - finally upgraded my subscription, and it's been worth it!

5.  Donald Miller's book and Coaching webinar!

6.  Realizing after I took this pic that my name was on the Wilson fam's Tuesday dinner plan (when I had my hair appt)!

7.  Making good progress here!

❤ ❤ ❤

Labor Day Weekend Recap!

Labor Day weekend 2024 was full of fun events, (which I can quickly write about now that I'm back at work for the first Tuesday afternoon in over a year!!).  Dad got 3 club-level tickets again, and Saturday was OSU's opening game this season.  It was a fun road trip, delightful buffet, excited crowd, and a win for the Cowboys!  We got a nice table through the first half, endured the summery heat for the 3rd quarter and Friends in Low Places, then left a little early. =)

Sunday was the annual pool & pizza party at the Wilsons... fun times, good food, and adorable kids! ❤

*My first Costco pizza experience... yum!

An entertaining eHarmony extravaganza...

Group pic! ❤ (The Weatherfords and Youngs left before this.)

We missed the Foster fam - this cute pic of Hope and Miles makes me happy!

Monday was a family Tulsa trip inspired by Kyndal Faith's craving for The Brook! lol  Yay for swimming with J&K at the Wilson pool... Tate got out just before this pic, but both of Parker's Ariel toys made the cut!

Jace as Jafar (his Cobra Kai shirt works well for that)... Jace being unable to just swing normally on the tree swing, and Kyndal and Parker becoming cute friends!

Group pic with the fam and 2nd fam... in the same Wilson kitchen spot, just for good measure!

Parker and her delicious cup of Ranch dressing! lol ❤

We also stopped by The Big Dipper after dinner. Everyone loved it, and I'm sure I will too in October!  ;-)

❤❤❤

My Launch wall ready for Project Sprint #3 (in progress now - this was taken Friday, August 31st).

I also saw the Sight and Sound live-streaming of Daniel on Friday night... so powerful - they really do an excellent job, and they had a lot of strong material to work with in that book (and Jeremiah and Ezekiel, which they wove in seamlessly)!!

I'll end this with a timely quote from James Clear (author of Atomic Habits):  "Dreams are fun when they are distant.  The imagination loves to play with possibilities when there is no risk of failure.  But when you find yourself on the verge of action, you pause.  You can feel the uncertainty of what lies ahead.  Thoughts swirl.  Maybe this isn't the right time?  Failure is possible now.  In that moment - in that short pause that arises when you stand face to face with your dream - is the entirety of life.  What you do in that pause is the crucible that forges you.  It is the dividing line between being the type of person who thinks about it or the type of person who goes for it.  When I really think about it, I want that moment to be my legacy.  Not that I won or lost.  Not that I looked good or looked like a fool.  But that when I had something I really wanted to do, I went for it."  ❤

Photo Friday!

Happy Friday!!  Posting a few photos here just to stay caught up.

First things first, I adored this audiobook.  Rented it purely because I loved the name - hadn't heard or read anything else about it - but really connected with the characters and loved their stories!  I hope they make a movie, and I have already put Clare's other books on hold.  Yay for finding a new author I like!

A few more serious memes I've saved lately...

Donald Miller's Hero on a Mission book was the catalyst for me pursuing adoption, moving, and starting graduate school.  Now his Coach Builder book may very well be the catalyst for me finding the courage and developing a legit marketing plan to start my own business!  Love him - wanna befriend him and Betsy - very grateful for his influence in my life!!! ❤

The courthouse closed at noon today - I was confused by that announcement and figured it was just a little extra time for Labor Day weekend, but today it became clear that the Norman traffic is going to be insane for OU's first game day in the SEC!  The courthouse even raised a special flag for it, which cracks me up.  But if it gets me out of work earlier... Boomer!! lol

(Having said that, I'm super psyched about going to OSU's opening football game tomorrow with Dad and Charlene - Go Pokes!!)

P.S.  Grammar reminder - people misuse this one often!

I finally got to see The Forge... I still prefer War Room, but it was pretty good.  I thought it was clever that they made Priscilla Shirer's character a twin with her character in War Room (to have different storylines but incorporate some of the same characters).  Then I thought it was hilarious that Mom and Dad didn't realize they were both played by Priscilla - they didn't even try to hide it with a Hannah Montana style wig!  I found this meme for Mom when she doubted me. lol

My friend Kacie out hiking in Colorado... such a pretty state, and it makes me feel like I could be outdoorsy if I lived there, but that's probably false. lol

Mom asked if I've had any issues with dogs or anything scaring me in my neighborhood or at The Station/Central Park.  I told her I'd never seen a dog off leash... then this fierce little guy came to greet me and Kristin on our walk Wednesday morning (his owner was nearby in the grass feeding a bunch of ducks). lol  All in all, I'm very thankful for relatively safe walking trails where any animals we've encountered have been cute and friendly!!

Annie and Eddie did a 2020 recap this week (they're recapping the past 10 years month by month since it's the 10th anniversary of her podcast) -- I freaking love them and their friendship, so this episode was super fun!

Ben and Leanne got married last week (London Peloton instructors) -- love them, and so happy she is cancer free and they seem to be thriving now! ❤

The FB ad for this inspired me to buy a shave set, mostly because I love that it looks like whipped icing. lol  I'm a pretty easy target for the marketing algorithm.

A few more memes I've saved lately. =)

And now, I'm off to conquer a 20-minute neighborhood walk then have a relaxing night ahead.  I have several September goals, including a TV-free month, so I'm getting all of that in while I can. =)

Anywho, I love you and believe in you, and I hope you enjoy the long weekend ahead!

Thankful Thursday #203!

"They are justified freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
~Romans 3:24

Today, I am grateful to God for...

1.  The wonderful Wilson fam, who are consistently uplifting and fun... this was after dinner at the Bixby CFA on Tuesday night!

2.  My new red hair and fun bangs for fall (pic above)... and my friendship with Janelle, who owns the Wildflower Blu Salon in Tulsa and has been my hairstylist for approximately the past decade.  *Also thankful for fall being right around the corner - Janelle and I are manifesting that it's here already!! lol

3.  Feeling refreshed, rested, and READY for Project Sprint #3 in Mel's Launch course (September 1-30). #bringiton

4.  Katherine Claire's cute first day of Pre-K pics... makes me happy that Steve has stepped up to do her hair and set up the Star Wars figures photo op (while Sarah is in Kansas for her DNAP program every Monday-Wednesday).

5.  My sparkly new Betsy Johnson boots from Mom - YAY!  Chet said they're "very fun and very Lindsey." lol

6.  CHA finally having an elevator - honestly, it's very big and exciting news!!

7.  Sophie and Melanie... for their friendship and laughter, and for Sophie's new book -- the release date feels well-timed by God, which is a kindness I don't wanna take for granted!

Happy Thursday, friends and fam!

And Happy Labor Day weekend ahead!!
❤❤❤