Blessings

This might sound harsh but in America we really need to get over ourselves. We live in this place were we have so much and we get use to the idea of comfort. And honestly I am guilty of this as well. But I have found that going through hard times in my life have helped me see and experience God in new and amazing ways. There always seems to be a moment or a breath after hearing or understand how hard or terrible something is when we have a choice. Are we going to choose to be upset with God or trust God? The rest of your experience with the hardship will be colored by this decision. It is so easy to think that being mad at God and stomping our feet is the best way...and maybe it is how we feel. But I have found that in the moments (where sometimes I have taken time to stomp my feet at God) when I choose to trust everything changes.

I always feel and believe that God is waiting to crash into our lives, hoping we will ask Him to come into the situation. Sad when we turn our back and try to find our way through it with out him. We live in a culture were every message is that life is all out you...God didn't create that message, we did. Life is hard and there are tons of difficult things we will all have to face. I really hope and pray that people will learn to get over their lives of comfort to find God waiting to wipe their tears. To find out He is holding them through the arms of others. To feel God's love through the quiet moments when you are crying and feel alone but choose to trust you are in God's arms. Because in those moments are when I have found God's love to overwhelm me, to feel his soft voice whispering that He will be with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there...which is a huge blessing and usually what I need the most.

I had a friend post a song on Facebook that I have fallen in love with. As I listened to the song I thought, "This girl gets it!" Because the song is true and I hope it can be true for you too. We live in a fallen world where people get hurt and hurt each other. I'm not trying to diminish the pain but offer hope because there is always hope. Be encouraged to know that God is in everything, even when we don't understand how or why.

Laura Story- Blessings

It works

Since my post in Feb I have been working hard to eat better, exercise more, and over all choose healthier living...and it works. I have lost almost 10 lbs in the last 6 weeks. It hasn't been easy but I have also found that what motivates you can help carry you through. For Lent I have given up sweets and the first week wasn't bad but temptation shows up in different forms all the time. But I don't want to give up. I feel like I have my body back and feel good about how I look and how I feel. When you eat right, get good sleep, and exercise it is amazing how life looks and feels different. Be encouraged if this is something you are struggling with because change can and will happen!

Being in it

One of the things that God was telling me this year would be about was Belief. I am never sure how these things will play out during the year but right now I feel full of belief. One of the desires of my heart was to meet a guy and start building a relationship and in this season of my life God is allowing that to happen. And in true God fashion this is more then I could have imagined. This guy is someone who is willing to walk with me where I am, he is respectful, and caring. He is someone that I am excited to journey with to see where God is taking us.

Do I know right now if this is the guy I am going to Marry? No...and that is the best part. I am tired of feeling the pressure of Christian relationships and the idea that if you date it means you are going to get married. I am with this guy because he makes me feel safe and right now that is all that matters. He is someone that I want to learn and discover things together with, someone I want to spend time with, and someone who brings so much joy into my life. This is what I have been holding onto belief for...because not just any guy was going to be able to come into my life and make me feel this way.

I love that God brings things into our lives when we need them and when we are ready for them. I am still believing God for things and right now living in this belief has been making my heart bubble over with joy and happiness. Every broken heart and tear from the past doesn't seem to matter...because God is bigger then all those things and has helped me move past the baggage. I am living in belief and love the road so far.

Cold

A couple nights ago as I climbed into bed I was wearing flannel PJ pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, warm fuzzy socks, and knitted hat. My bed had flannel sheets, blanket, quilt comforter, fleece blanket, and another quilt on top of it. I was not too warm and slept snugly in all my layers. Maybe I should get my box spring mattress so I don't have to sleep on my mattress on the floor...that too might help :) When will summer be here?

Half Marathon

On Sunday I ran in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. This was tons of fun! They had bands, music, and characters through out the whole course. They also set off fireworks for each group as they passed through the start line. We even got medals when we finished....so much fun! Plus I got to run it with my cousin. It was fun getting to spend time together for a whole week. Here are some pictures.

Right after the race

We made sure to have time in the parks and in two days saw three of them. My parents even got into the spirit of things with the Mickey and Minnie Aprons. The weather was great, the oranges yummy, and it was nice to be warm for a few days ;)