Monday 11/30

Well, friends.... I am home.... (Sort of.) The past few weeks we have been transitioning, once again. We made the long trip home from Scotland. After traveling (and being awake) for about 24 hours, we were finally back in the U.S. Now as far as "home" goes--we are in the process! There is an end in sight, it's just a couple weeks away. The kiddos have been absolutely amazing through all of this! (Seriously, I don't know how they've done it!) But I can say this much, we are all ready to be in our own home and getting settled. I have gotten little intentional exercise these past few weeks, but the scale has been going down (when I check it anyway). So, I think the stress and busyness of the season (and craziness of our transition) is keeping me going with little time for food. Even through last weeks holiday, every time I got on the scale it said a smaller number! CRAZY, right?!

What I really want to share today is this... In the past few weeks, for whatever reason, I have been doing some serious thinking. There are words that I have tried to preach to others and to myself--about having a healthy body image and seeing myself through God's eyes. And while I have always forced myself to believe that, I can say for the first time in my life that I truly believe it! This is huge for me. The way I described it to my husband was this, "I feel comfortable in my skin." I am dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle and having consistent exercise in my life. But I also realize that I am built how I'm built, and I am happy with that! And I also realize that according to what God has called me to, there is only so much I will be able to do as far as exercise goes at certain times--it can always be a priority, but sometimes it gets less time than at other times.

I actually think this change in mindset for me will help me enjoy and be more committed to exercise. There will be less guilt and more commitment. Less hate and more love for doing something good for me--instead of something I have to do if I want to look a certain way....

It's late. And I feel like I'm rambling. But I felt like sharing this with all of you out there who are in the same boat as me--or at least a boat nearby (if you're reading this you must be). I hope it brings you some encouragement! I can say that it feels wonderful to feel this confidence for real. I read a post earlier where a woman spoke about wanting to use her own journey to healthy living to glorify God and further His kingdom. I have always felt the same, but even more so now. So, that is my prayer as I close this post today.

Lord, use me to minister to others, to bare their burdens, to encourage weary souls, to lift broken spirits. Help us all to be concerned about all areas of your creation--including our own bodies. Grace and peace to all... Amen.