3.21.2011

Miscellany Monday - Welcome Spring!!!

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

1.  Hello friends.  Can I just say I am SOOO thankful it is spring?!  It has been one long, though blessed winter for me!!!  My cracked rib is finally starting to feel better, (we're going on 6 weeks here!), and the sunshine is soothing my soul.  I feel like I've waited and prayed over and over for days like these.  New life is on the horizon!  Kevin and I have taken a few walks at our favorite park after work and it has done wonders for my body, my mood, and my marriage.  So sweet to spend that time with him on these beautiful days.

2.  Speaking of exercise.  Since my rib is finally almost healed, I've been able to get back to trying out some prenatal workouts.  Within the first few days I found out I was pregnant I picked up Erin O'Brien's "Prenatal Fitness Fix", which I enjoyed a lot before I started getting nauseous, which was not long after.  A couple weeks ago I saw "Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga" by Element" on sale for $10, so I picked that one up too.  I had been researching yoga videos for awhile, because I've never done it but heard it's really good for you in the way of breathing and stretching.  I did it for the second time today and loved it.  I was very relaxed afterward, and felt like my body got a great stretch.  It is a little "yogi" (whatever that is), but during the meditative parts I just used the time to offer prayers and praise to God for my baby and my health.  There are a couple more dvds I've been looking at and thinking about, including one for pilates.  Any thoughts out there on what you have used or liked?


3.  Pressure.  I very easily put too much pressure on myself at any given time.  With the growing baby in my belly it has lately been all about how to honor God by caring for him or her right now, while spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically preparing myself for being a mom.  (Whew! Much more about this to come!!)  Due to the nauseousness, I've struggled to feel like I am eating healthfully enough during this time.  We end up going to the grocery and I buy only the things I think I should eat and that fit in the budget.  But then I don't want anything to do with them.  That is, until yesterday.  I realized I was making myself crazy with all this thinking...so instead I wondered up and down every aisle searching for anything that might sound somewhat good (which is not a lot).  The most random item was probably Velveeta shells and cheese - nothing too exciting.  But I've definitely had a much better eating day with my new found freedom! :)

4.  Baby Names.  Kevin and I had the most hilarious time on Saturday going through names in the baby book.  We haven't done this for a long time, so it was fun.  I know I said we have some strong front runners, but as of now, we're still discussing all kinds of options.  Definitely the funniest moment was an hour into the conversation (we were driving), when we got slap happy and started suggesting any and every name we saw as we drove by it.  Here's where I would insert what we would consider funny...but I'm not about to risk accidentally hurting anyone's feelings!!

5.  Bible study.  The Lord has certainly been working on my heart lately.  I love having another little life to consider while I'm reflecting on my walk with God.  Though this does up the responsiblity factor quickly!  Kevin and I both have had a deep desire lately to spend our times in "bible studies" or small groups learning how to handle the word of God and study scripture.  Many studies are topical which can be awesome, but there is no replacement for digging deep into the bible and learning what the Holy Spirit has for you there.  My group recently finished the study, "God Seeker," which is an amazing study that leads you into intimacy with God in your daily "tent of meeting." It's based on Moses in Exodus, and his regular meetings face to face with the Lord.  Wow.  What a privilege.  Yet the bible says that he was "very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth."  (Numbers 12:3)  I strongly suggest this study for any and all believers, new to faith or long time Christians.  I know the author and her family personally, and they are truly an example of what it looks like to live by the spirit.  Be encouraged by her blog here.  Next my group is doing Kay Arthur's "That I May Know Him: Philippians and Colossians."   Kay Arthur's whole ministry is about learning how to study the word of God...and she teaches it in an amazing way.  It's simple in appearance, but solid in substance. I'm excited to see what will come and all that we will learn during this one!

That's all for this Monday!  I look forward to being in much more frequent communication with all of you!  I feel like I'm getting a tiny bit of rhythm and routine back!



2 comments:

Venessa said...

Oh the joys of picking out baby names! We had to each make our own list because we could not agree on anything! We finally did but it took awhile!

So glad to hear that you are feeling better!!!!

Leigh Anne said...

oh yum velveeta shells! those are one of my hubby's favorites -- its a treat when we get them! and how fun picking out baby names -- after teaching you hear lots and lots of the funny ones and the "how in the world did they think of that" ones :)