“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live fully in its total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring. Consequently, the actualizing of our potential can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.” - Herbert Otto
I am seated in perhaps the most expensive house I have ever found myself in that wasn’t a Parade of Homes home. I should be excited, amused, just loving this... and yet I’m not. I’m angry, tired, and grumpy as ever. The house is completely empty of people and silent, and yet this is not my house, my life, and doesn’t have me loving the fact that it is on a lake since it is so cold outside. Ben is with me, and still I am not my happy, calm self.
At my “small fraction” I am not at peace. I am frustrated with myself beyond what I know. I constantly have two lives fighting over my future as though one might be the angel side and the other the devil side. I don’t know what I am doing, and so I run from the one that will lead me into the spotlight. But then again, it is everything in moderation, right?
Balance training is what I am currently studying in my sport training class, and it’s completely relevant. Balance is something I don’t have a lot of in my life. Balance occurs by itself quite naturally. There are things I know I need to do, things I need to get done that are just not getting done on their own. I need to get to those things or I will not be satisfied, will not be happy.
I haven’t been enjoying myself lately. I need to be able to reward myself, and I just haven’t been. I need to take time away from work and studies to just be me away from any struggles, people, or worries. I don’t do that enough. I need to get out and run or spend some time in the gym. But then again, being at the gym makes me angry because I work there; I am constantly interrupted by people who recognize me from the morning staff. I need to get out of my head.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
"When the night has come..."
"...And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me"
[Sara now has GOOGLE SEARCH!
Feel free to use the search above instead of pulling up
a new Google page (as I have been doing for so long)!]
Often I wonder to what great extent that we are all connected. I wonder what life would be like if we all lived in small communities where caring for others, cultivating the land, and living on minimums were a priority. I wonder how much better our lives would be to work together to live and learn and not be slaves to our governments, or at least not in the sense we are today.
I would love to live in a home where the electric company paid me every month. I would love to live in a place where fruits and vegetables could be planted and would flourish for fresh meals at home. I would love to live in a community where a child's morals, health, or life were not at risk by simply stepping outside.
I shouldnt worry, though. My faith is in the Lord.
I have research to do and prayers to be said!
"If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me"
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me"
[Sara now has GOOGLE SEARCH!
Feel free to use the search above instead of pulling up
a new Google page (as I have been doing for so long)!]
Often I wonder to what great extent that we are all connected. I wonder what life would be like if we all lived in small communities where caring for others, cultivating the land, and living on minimums were a priority. I wonder how much better our lives would be to work together to live and learn and not be slaves to our governments, or at least not in the sense we are today.
I would love to live in a home where the electric company paid me every month. I would love to live in a place where fruits and vegetables could be planted and would flourish for fresh meals at home. I would love to live in a community where a child's morals, health, or life were not at risk by simply stepping outside.
I shouldnt worry, though. My faith is in the Lord.
I have research to do and prayers to be said!
"If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me"
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Doing the Dave Ramsey No. 4
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV).”
Blessings. Blessings, blessings, blessings! Waiting with purpose brings blessings. I have seen so many recently including in my relationships with Holly and Char, getting contacted by Camille, being loved by the members of MVP, and having a family that stretches all throughout western Michigan. Praise God! It’s a really tough challenge to wait, to struggle while waiting, and to pray when all seems rough, but it is certainly worth it.
Sometimes we’re thrown big challenges and who can be sure just why we have to face what we must. I’m in the midst of having a lot of repairs done on my car. Spent over $600 this last week on repairs, and there is still so much to be done. [I’ll be testing myself again with frequent kidney bean soup again for the next month.] I am grateful for my two jobs, for having money saved for emergencies, and for the support of family and friends when my car is not the most reliable. Car repairs every year seem to be the biggest charge on the credit card, and it looks like this year I will be mostly prepared throughout the big repairs.
Most who know me well know how much I keep a constant eye on my finances. Having done some bookkeeping at work has had me in the habit for years now in keeping a budget in a spreadsheet. I must enter in values for every account at least once or twice a week. I have gotten better about saving money using coupon and seeking out great deals; I thank Sarah for helping me learn. (Check out her website here: http://sarahsdeals.blogspot.com/ ) I was hoping to have one more of my (now four including college loans [was seven]) negative accounts paid off this month, and before the car repairs I was getting close. I now plan on having two of the four paid off by August, and it will happen. I will continue to stay on track and make progress despite temporarily taking a step back.
I was struggling the last couple weeks, especially with prayer and trusting. I need to pray and trust and to keep a solid foundation with a relationship with God in my life. I struggled, and I believe God has been using certain people to get be back on track. Who knows where I am being led, but I am so excited for the paths I am facing towards. Pray and trust. Please continue to pray that God lead me in the direction He wants me to go.
With continued thanks,
Sara
Blessings. Blessings, blessings, blessings! Waiting with purpose brings blessings. I have seen so many recently including in my relationships with Holly and Char, getting contacted by Camille, being loved by the members of MVP, and having a family that stretches all throughout western Michigan. Praise God! It’s a really tough challenge to wait, to struggle while waiting, and to pray when all seems rough, but it is certainly worth it.
Sometimes we’re thrown big challenges and who can be sure just why we have to face what we must. I’m in the midst of having a lot of repairs done on my car. Spent over $600 this last week on repairs, and there is still so much to be done. [I’ll be testing myself again with frequent kidney bean soup again for the next month.] I am grateful for my two jobs, for having money saved for emergencies, and for the support of family and friends when my car is not the most reliable. Car repairs every year seem to be the biggest charge on the credit card, and it looks like this year I will be mostly prepared throughout the big repairs.
Most who know me well know how much I keep a constant eye on my finances. Having done some bookkeeping at work has had me in the habit for years now in keeping a budget in a spreadsheet. I must enter in values for every account at least once or twice a week. I have gotten better about saving money using coupon and seeking out great deals; I thank Sarah for helping me learn. (Check out her website here: http://sarahsdeals.blogspot.com/ ) I was hoping to have one more of my (now four including college loans [was seven]) negative accounts paid off this month, and before the car repairs I was getting close. I now plan on having two of the four paid off by August, and it will happen. I will continue to stay on track and make progress despite temporarily taking a step back.
I was struggling the last couple weeks, especially with prayer and trusting. I need to pray and trust and to keep a solid foundation with a relationship with God in my life. I struggled, and I believe God has been using certain people to get be back on track. Who knows where I am being led, but I am so excited for the paths I am facing towards. Pray and trust. Please continue to pray that God lead me in the direction He wants me to go.
With continued thanks,
Sara
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Becoming "New and Improved!"
There is nothing like the feeling after a great workout, where the mind screams "that was awesome," where the heart and lungs scream "that feels so good," and where the eyes say "did I really just do all that?"
I ordered P90X, despite the fact that I already work at a gym and am becoming a personal trainer and already teach some group classes. I wanted a new challenge, a way for me to stay on track with one video a day and a meal guide. I've fallen off my own charts in a sense and just want back on the wagon. I've started the program at 130lbs and 20% body fat. My ultimate goal is 130lbs and 15% body fat. I'll give myself the 90 days. Today is day 2, and I still have a workout to complete. For more progress history visit my Bodyspace page, but do not forget to bookmark this one while youre still here. This page you are currently on will be my primary page for updates!
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Nutmegpeach/
In other news:
I am getting some repairs done on the car this Saturday, which I am not too happy about. Still, I want the car to run for a few more years. But, I also know that I have a grand more of repairs to put into the car before the end of the year. Good thing I have been saving extra money along the way!
I have also been sticking to the budget this is layed out for the rest of the year, but I have a lot of work to continue to do, and I will have to cut back a bit so the cost of the car repairs will not hinder my progress.
I ordered P90X, despite the fact that I already work at a gym and am becoming a personal trainer and already teach some group classes. I wanted a new challenge, a way for me to stay on track with one video a day and a meal guide. I've fallen off my own charts in a sense and just want back on the wagon. I've started the program at 130lbs and 20% body fat. My ultimate goal is 130lbs and 15% body fat. I'll give myself the 90 days. Today is day 2, and I still have a workout to complete. For more progress history visit my Bodyspace page, but do not forget to bookmark this one while youre still here. This page you are currently on will be my primary page for updates!
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Nutmegpeach/
In other news:
I am getting some repairs done on the car this Saturday, which I am not too happy about. Still, I want the car to run for a few more years. But, I also know that I have a grand more of repairs to put into the car before the end of the year. Good thing I have been saving extra money along the way!
I have also been sticking to the budget this is layed out for the rest of the year, but I have a lot of work to continue to do, and I will have to cut back a bit so the cost of the car repairs will not hinder my progress.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Doing the Dave Ramsey No. 3
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Yes, I am almost there! Two accounts down, two to go, the second to last should be paid off in the next month, and the last should be near paid off (if not completely paid off) by April! I am ecstatic! Life is grand!
Working my two jobs and tackling full time college status has me about at the end of my ropes and burned out. Gratefully my boss gave me Monday morning off, and I am hoping to get some catch-up done around the house this weekend. I currently [still] have no social life, but I am willing to pay this price during the winter months. Once summer arrives this better be a little different of a story!
I missed church last weekend, so I am thoroughly looking forward to Sunday! I began attending at Plainfield Christian, and I like it so far. If I move out of Rockford in the near future, then I may still look for another place of worship. But, I need to find a place for me that I can commit my time to and have fellowship. I need that more than ever. I need to grow in my faith, and I need the help of others to keep me accountable in my readings of the Bible.
So, I am hoping to have paid off by April... my last two credit cards and most of my borrowed-money-from-mom loan, which is another $800 I borrowed for tuition last spring. Then all I will have is two accounts for student loans, one that is under $800 already. Rarr. It all seems like so much, but I am getting closer to my long-range goals! Goals are a great thing to have.
I do not want to get married with debt. Though I do not feel as though I have met THAT person yet, I figure it will still take me a couple years to get the college loans paid.
I am probably saying the same thing in this note as I have past notes, but I don't much care. This is what is important to me. I have work to do for the Lord, and I do not want the debt of this money-hungry world over my head. Who knows where I will be in one, two, and even more so five years, but I know I will continue to work hard to get out of debt! I know some of my relatives who are so deep in debt they will probably never come out of it. I see how it affects them. I do not want that for myself. What good is that for your character?
Today my boss's boss at the great ol' Meijer said thanks and way-to-go for all my recent guest compliments; it seems I am racking up quite the collection. I may not always mind the clock, but I know people and what customer service should be. If they want to do some real good, then they will have me give some lessons! Hah. I just do the work I need with a heart for Christ. When you treat others as if they were Christ himself, then the work comes easy with a gentle and giving spirit. It's that simple.
If you pray add me to your prayer list. Ask that God lead me in the direction He wants me to go.
Many thanks!
Sara
Yes, I am almost there! Two accounts down, two to go, the second to last should be paid off in the next month, and the last should be near paid off (if not completely paid off) by April! I am ecstatic! Life is grand!
Working my two jobs and tackling full time college status has me about at the end of my ropes and burned out. Gratefully my boss gave me Monday morning off, and I am hoping to get some catch-up done around the house this weekend. I currently [still] have no social life, but I am willing to pay this price during the winter months. Once summer arrives this better be a little different of a story!
I missed church last weekend, so I am thoroughly looking forward to Sunday! I began attending at Plainfield Christian, and I like it so far. If I move out of Rockford in the near future, then I may still look for another place of worship. But, I need to find a place for me that I can commit my time to and have fellowship. I need that more than ever. I need to grow in my faith, and I need the help of others to keep me accountable in my readings of the Bible.
So, I am hoping to have paid off by April... my last two credit cards and most of my borrowed-money-from-mom loan, which is another $800 I borrowed for tuition last spring. Then all I will have is two accounts for student loans, one that is under $800 already. Rarr. It all seems like so much, but I am getting closer to my long-range goals! Goals are a great thing to have.
I do not want to get married with debt. Though I do not feel as though I have met THAT person yet, I figure it will still take me a couple years to get the college loans paid.
I am probably saying the same thing in this note as I have past notes, but I don't much care. This is what is important to me. I have work to do for the Lord, and I do not want the debt of this money-hungry world over my head. Who knows where I will be in one, two, and even more so five years, but I know I will continue to work hard to get out of debt! I know some of my relatives who are so deep in debt they will probably never come out of it. I see how it affects them. I do not want that for myself. What good is that for your character?
Today my boss's boss at the great ol' Meijer said thanks and way-to-go for all my recent guest compliments; it seems I am racking up quite the collection. I may not always mind the clock, but I know people and what customer service should be. If they want to do some real good, then they will have me give some lessons! Hah. I just do the work I need with a heart for Christ. When you treat others as if they were Christ himself, then the work comes easy with a gentle and giving spirit. It's that simple.
If you pray add me to your prayer list. Ask that God lead me in the direction He wants me to go.
Many thanks!
Sara
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