Monday Oct 6th

I have been thinking a lot the past couple of days about goals.  I haven't ever been one to set goals.  In the past, I just haven't been good at hitting whatever goal that I set.  I guess I would set them and do nothing; then wonder why I didn't hit it. 

In the new book that I am reading - Act like a Success - Think like a Success by Steve Harvey.  In the chapters that I read this weekend really emphasized setting goals.  That is really is important.  This is what he says in the book:

Goals are essential because they give you realistic, measurable, and specific targets.  They are necessary benchmarks that give you the energy, confidence and assurance to keep moving in the right direction toward your dreams.  They can also serve as a handy map for attaining your dreams.

So, I am going to sit down and write out me some goals.  I do have several areas of my life that I am working towards a specific thing.  One of the things I am working on is losing weight.  This is a journey I have been on for awhile.   But something that I really want - really bad.  So, goals I will set.  In this area, I am going to set small goals so that I can use them as stepping stones to keep going. 

I do have other areas, but I think I will concentrate on this one at the moment.  I can do this ....

The goals shapes the plan - The plan shapes the action - The action achieves the results and The results brings success.

From Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell

Now to get busy .... to be continued

Sept 28th

I know I have asked or said this more than once, but where does the time go?  It is hard for me to believe it has been over a month since I have posted a post.  I know I have been extremely busy the past couple of months.  

For one, school started back and it is always crazy the first few weeks of school.  The hardest part is getting back into a routine.  During the summer months I am so use to sleeping in some and then I have to get use to getting up early.  Plus all the meetings that we having right before school starts and during the first few weeks.  I guess I am back into the swing of things.  I did miss some of my kids over the summer months.  

Second, I took over as President of our local Recreation Association.  I have been treasure for many years, bookkeeper and concession stand manager.  It was election time and I had several people ask me to run for President.  At first I really didn't want to because I thought my calling was being the treasurer.  So, I told them I would pray and think about it.  I did and the Lord gave me peace for taking this one position.  I am firm believer that when it is your purpose and it is God's will ... well all the pieces will fall right into place and they have for me.  I am doing things that I never thought I would be able to handle.  I am saying things that I am not sure where those words came from - but I know exactly where they came from.  

Even though I have been overwhelmed with taking over as President and then school starting, I have found time to read.  I have read some amazing books in the last few months.  One, is called "God's Healthy way to Live" - which is helping me so much see where I need to make changes in my life so that I can live for God and be healthy.  I am changing my eating habits.  I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies.  Get more exercise.  Drink more water.  Get lots of rest and less stress.  I know that the changes will come and even though I may fail some days, I am just getting back up and starting again.  I am proud of the changes that I have made so far.   Shoot the biggest thing right now, is keeping my stress level down.  Each day for me is filled with stress - I drive a school bus - I am President at a Recreation and plus all my family duties.  I continue to pray each day that the Lord will take over in the areas that He isn't and to help me with my stress.  

This journey is still amazing.  I love what I do and I am so thankful that God has given me the ability to do what He is having me do.  I pray that God will use me to do His work and reach others.   

Tues Aug 5th

I am trying a different approach to my blog. I always think I have to be a fancy writer and I really am not.  I hate feeling like I have to come up with a title and something good to write about to do a post.  So, I am just going to write about my life and my day.  The date will be my title.  I think this will be easier for me and I will want to post more. 

Here goes my first one ....  Tues Aug 5th

The past couple of days have been awesome.  Yesterday was the best.  I love the days that I have the most energy and I get the most done.  That was yesterday.  I got up and started my day off with reading the Bible and of course, drinking my spark.  

After breakfast, I got a few things done in my office while I waited on my daughter to get ready to go run errands with me.  Off we went - chiropractor, post office, county office, to the bank and then to lunch.  I enjoy when I get to eat lunch with one of my kids.  When we got home it was into the office for a couple of hours.  Man, at the work that I got done.  Even washed, dried, and folded a couple of loads of clothes through out the day.  Dusted and picked up too - all before supper.  Someone with hypothyroid, this is an amazing day. 

I cooked a big supper, pork tenderloin, mac & chs, green beans, broccoli and corn.  My oldest son and my grandbaby came over for dinner.  Lisa was out of town with the softball team.  I love it when they come over, especially my Mary Grace.  Love being a grandma. 

I have learned over the years to enjoy days like yesterday when they come around.  They use to only come around every once and awhile.  However since I started taking the Thermoplus, I think it is really helping.  I have been having some pretty good days the past couple of weeks. 

Having a good day today.  Actually took some time to rest.  Hope you are having a great day ... enjoy!!!

#thyroid #energy #Advocare

Vacation

My family has just gotten back from a much needed family vacation.  It has been 14 years since we have went on a true family vacation.   All the other times, our vacation was centered around baseball. 

We decided, as a family, to go on a cruise this year.  I have always wanted to go on one, but had some doubts about going.  I was always concerned about getting sea sick because I have a time with my inner ear.  Also, I was afraid I have trouble with the small rooms.  None on these things happened. 

It was the most incredible vacation we have taken.  I so loved the cruise.  People have asked me what the favorite part was for me.  There are so many things, the wonderful food, entertainment, the being waited on, and the list goes on and on.  However, the most amazing part to me was NOT having use of our cell phones - no texting, no facebook and no talking on the phone.  This was not only hard for my kids but for me as well.  The amazing part was we had conversations with ourselves!!  Especially at meal times - NO PHONES!!  I think this is something we will have to carry out at home - during meal times. 

The cruise was so relaxing.  If you need to get away from things, a cruise is the way to go.  You are so cut off from the world.  It is great!!  I highly recommend taking one. 

Now ... back to reality and back to work.  I am so thankful that God worked it out that we got the chance to take the cruise and I got to relax - even if it was for just a week.  I am truly blessed!!

One day at a time ....

I try so hard to be positive and not be negative.  However, there are times when I just want to cry and yell out that I don't feel well. 

I cant' do it anymore.  I think people deserve to know what a person with thyroid issues really deals with in a day.  It isn't easy.  Some days are so hard to just function and then other days it is easy. 

I know I had said before that I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism over 25 yrs ago.  To be honest, I can't remember when it was - I just know it was before my oldest son was born and he just turned 26.  I had  my thyroid removed in 2001 and it was cancerous. 

My family is the only one that knows what I go through on a day to day basis and there are times I even hide it from them.  There are days I just don't want to get out of bed.  I have a hard time focusing on getting anything done.  If I read or watch TV - most of the time I dont' even know what is going on.  I will have to re-read pages so it will sink in.  I make myself on those days do the lest amount that I can do. 

Then there are days that my legs, hips and back hurt so bad it is hard to walk.  I just want to sit and cry.  But I get up and do anyway.  I feel like an old woman on these days. 

I know one thing for sure.  I am so thankful for Advocare and their products.  (**) I know what I was like before drinking my first spark.  I was a total mess.  Instead of having a day here or there it was every single day.  I know with these products I am having more energy, my brain fog is gone, and my joint pains are not as bad. 

So, even though I still have some not so good days, with my Advocare products they are not as bad as they could be without the products.  I wont' be without my products.  I don't want to go back to the way it use to be.


(**The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

Strength

I found strength that I didn't realize I had .... but I realized I have had it all along.

For months now, I have been going through some trials.  I was being accused of something that I wasn't doing or nor I have ever done it.  One of the bad things about this one was a friend of mine told me they were checking things out behind my back.  They were trying to find something.  Not once did they ask me and still haven't asked me.

Just when I think maybe things are calming down something else happens and it totally throws me.  Different group of people but once again being accused of doing something that I didn't do.  I am being accused of doing something to hurt someone else.  They are saying that I did it intentially to take something from them.  This hurts me to the core.  This is suppose to be a friend of mine or at least I thought.

The past few months has really broken me and taken me down.  It has really showed me that we can only put our trust in God.  People will lie to your face and pretend that they are your friend.  I think that is what has hurt me the worse is thinking someone is your friend.  Then I realized that money was more important to them than our friendship.

At my lowest this week, I cried out to God - that I couldn't take it anymore.  That I was at the end of my rope and I was barely hanging on.  That is when I felt things change.  I knew God was right there with me and that whatever someone threw my way I could make it through.  He reassured me that I had done nothing wrong in either situation and that he would take care of things.

I have always known that things that happen in our lives happens for a reason.  I kept wondering why I was going through all that I was going through ...  So, I asked God what was I suppose to learn out of all this ... "Strength"  was the one word that I kept hearing.  That I was strong enough to get through this .. .that I was strong enough to keep going.

We are strong enough. When we put our lives in God's hands.  No matter what the trial we are facing God will give us the strength to overcome.  I am living proof of this ...

I am truly GRATEFUL for God's grace, mercy and faithfulness.  Thank You God!!  I truly could not have made it through the past couple of months without you right there with me. 

Summertime - June

It is hard to believe that today is the first of June.  Time is going by way too quickly.  However, with June comes so many fun things and summertime.  What all do you do in the month of June?

For my household it means so many different things.  My daughter that is in high school has basketball all month of June, from camps to fundamental skills time.  My sweet granddaughter's 1st birthday is in June.  Hard to believe she is already turning a year old.  She is so sweet & adorable.

June also includes my sisters birthday.  My oldest sons 26th birthday.  Can I please say it again?  Seriously, where has the time gone?  I really remember the day that he was born.  I cherish everyday with my kids and they do grow up way too quickly.  Also, the month of June is my anniversary.  It will be number 29 for us.  They have been some good years but we have been through our rough times too, but we never gave up.

Even with all that we have going on in the month of June, I love the lazy days of summer.  I love finding a pool for us to go to.  My dream is to have my own one day.  I love grilling out - hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks and the list goes on and on.  I love making a fire in the backyard at night.  Making smore's is the best.

Got to say that Fall is actually my favorite time of year, but summer is fun.  I hope that you and your family will take advantage of these long lazy days of summer to enjoy each other.  Get outside and enjoy the weather.

Would love to hear to somethings that your family loves to do special in the month of June and even summer.  Can't wait to hear .....