tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49113701826041920742024-03-13T12:06:34.767-05:00Simple Veganlifestyle blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-53159030702879373082016-08-10T11:14:00.000-05:002016-08-10T11:17:41.827-05:00The Reality of Child Birth After a little under 12 hours of labor, Isaiah Michael Glenn made his debut on July 31st at 12:45 p.m weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 in. long. He truly is our gift from God. Perfect and healthy and not to mention the most beautiful baby we have ever laid our eyes on...granted we are very biased.<br />
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I had every intention of having a natural birth until the contractions got to be closer and stronger and I realized there was no way I'd be able to relax through them, which scared me knowing that it may slow down my progression. So I got the epidural, and let me just say...I am now in full support of the epidural. All you women who had a natural child birth...you are AMAZING. Labor is out of this world. As my doctor perfectly put it, "You can really feel humanity's sin."<br />
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At the beginning of a contraction I'd be telling myself I could do it and to just breathe and by the end of the contraction I was spewing out words that I don't even remember thinking and holding onto my husband so hard just hoping that the pain would go away. You enter into a zone that you've never been in before.<br />
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Women do not get enough credit through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. Creating a baby, housing a baby, changing your body to deliver the baby, then pushing a baby the size of a pumpkin out of a place on your body that is really just not big enough, and then having to recover from 9 months of changes while taking care of your baby and feeding them from your body every 2-3 hours, which hurts for a week or so.<br />
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From my experience, the world has really dumbed down pregnancy, child birth, and recovery. And I fully admit I was totally naive until I went through it. It simply is not talked about enough.<br />
This is not meant to scare anyone but the reality is that postpartum is real and raw and painful...but on the other hand it's beautiful and breathtaking.<br />
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A new mom is not just tired because her baby is waking up in the middle of the night to feed. She is tired because her body is recovering from 9 months of her organs being shifted around and healing from her bottom region trying to go back to the way it was. Healing requires rest. Isaiah was directly on my bladder for the majority of my pregnancy, which meant I was literally going to the bathroom 6 times in the middle of the night. Now Isaiah only gets up about 2 times in the middle of the night so you would think that would be better than 6 times...yet I'm still exhausted. Why? Because my body is still healing.<br />
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Going to the bathroom is not only not the same, it's painful. Now that I say that can you imagine why?<br />
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Walking up the stairs was a very slow process and even walking around was uncomfortable. Not only does my bottom hurt but my back and my ribs and my abdomen all are sore. Pushing a baby out is serious work. Don't believe me? Try doing it yourself.<br />
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On top of physical pain, there's the pain of missing your baby being in your belly. I was told I would miss my belly but never believed it as I just viewed it as being uncomfortable and thought that I'd be happier with him in my arms. I was definitely wrong. Once I met Isaiah, cliche as it is...my world literally shifted. And now that I know him, I now realize that he was the one in my belly and the one that I was laying with in the morning as he was rolling around and kicking me. I miss him being there at all times to the point of tears.<br />
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Speaking of tears, sometimes I just cry. I cry because I love him so much, I cry because I'm scared for him, I cry because I miss my husband when he's at work. I just cry. The world would love to tell me that I'm being crazy, but I know this is totally normal. My hormones are raging right now and with everything I've gone through it is enough reason to have a good cry.<br />
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I am the first of all my friends to have a baby and go through this and that makes it difficult. But it's good so I can sort through all of my emotions and figure everything out without trying to run and escape them. It's also difficult because I know once you reach of certain point of your children's lives you tend to forget a lot of things that happened after you gave birth to them. I am only 1.5 weeks postpartum which means everything is very real and open right now. I still haven't forgotten about the pain of labor or the pain after labor because I am still going through it. However, when I think back to my labor, it was so beautiful I'd do it over and over again to get to have my baby in my arms.<br />
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There are so many emotions that overcome me when I think about these past couple weeks, and they are all okay. Don't let anyone tell you any different.<br />
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God created women knowing that they could endure child birth. God created women to be strong yet loving beings. Don't forget that.<br />
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Oh, Isaiah, how you are loved.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-27373767777960777082016-05-11T08:40:00.000-05:002016-05-11T08:40:59.228-05:003 More MonthsLess than 3 months until we get to see and hold our baby boy for the first time. I have never felt so many emotions at one time in all my life. Happy, excited, nervous, anxious...you could blame it on the hormones, but it could also be because I know that this tiny human is going to change our lives forever.<br />
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Laying in bed and feeling him rolling around and kicking is such an amazing/crazy experience. Until I was pregnant I never really realized how mind blowing pregnancy actually is. A woman's body literally creates and houses a baby INSIDE her body. <i>Like, what? </i><br />
Sometimes I actually forget he's in there during the day, but quickly remember when picking something up off the ground isn't as easy as it used to be.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, among all of the beautiful things pregnancy is, pregnancy is also really hard. Before I was pregnant everything was go go go and I didn't have to think about it. I always sped around getting the chores and miscellaneous things done and never had to worry about getting tired or finding time to rest. Now my cleaning regime has decreased quite a bit and the amount I can get done in a day is split in half. My workouts have gone from 60 intense minutes to 20-40 slow paced minutes. Walking up the stairs is even tiring. I understand that every pregnancy is different so not everyone experiences this, but it is definitely the biggest change among them thus far for me. Even when they said the 2nd trimester was supposed to be full of energy, mine was not so much.<br />
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I do have to say there were times in the 1st and 2nd trimester where I was feeling sorry for myself. Why didn't anyone tell me pregnancy is not all about looking cute and buying baby clothes?! But honestly, as I move into the 3rd trimester I am full of excitement. I do have hard days, but at the end of them I know we are that much closer to meeting our baby, and that is amazing.<br />
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When we first found out we were pregnant I was scared. I was scared that I wasn't ready, I was scared I wouldn't be a good mom, but mostly I was scared of the unknown. I knew having a baby meant that we will no longer be able to get up and go when we please and we will no longer be able to go out with friends on a whim. Our bed times will be even earlier and our income will become smaller. However, it has really taken all this time for me to say and truly mean, "I do not care."<br />
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God has blessed us with this tiny baby to raise and take care of. This baby is a <u>gift</u>.<br />
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Society tells us that babies are work. They cry and take up all your time and money. You won't have any time to yourself and your relationships will suffer. But I say, screw you society. When has listening to you done any good for my soul anyways?<br />
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This baby will cry, and this baby will take up our time and money...but this baby is <i>loved</i>. This baby is chosen by God and gifted to us. How amazing is that?<br />
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Though pregnancy is hard, it has only been preparing me for the days to come. Some days will be hard but the joy of this child will far outweigh the bad times, which will also happen at the end of this pregnancy (thank goodness). It's easy to focus on the bad and negative and get caught up in the what ifs. However, when you focus on the good and the positive...that's life changing.<br />
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I'm not going to pretend that everything is going to be perfect, but I am going to cling to the fact that we have a GOOD and LOVING God and that he will bring us through anything that comes our way.<br />
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I may be young, but God gifted us a baby...and I am grateful.<br />
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<span class="text Ps-139-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>For you created my inmost being;</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i> you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i> your works are wonderful,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i> I know that full well.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>Psalm 139: 13-14</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-19820131985744828152016-05-04T09:33:00.000-05:002016-05-04T09:33:04.145-05:00Top 8 Tips for Being VeganOne of the top questions I hear when asked about being vegan is, "Is it hard?" To be honest, I can always respond with a confident no, but through the years I have definitely developed a lot of tips and tricks. Just like any new lifestyle change in your life, veganism is learned and practiced, but through consistency it's as simple as getting dressed in the morning.<br />
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Here are my top 8 tips for being vegan:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Invest your time in educating yourself through documentaries/YouTube/books.</span></b><br />
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Now that you've decided to become vegan, one of the best things you can do is to educate yourself on why you've become vegan. You will be asked many questions about your decision and you will want to be prepared with how to answer those questions.<br />
One of the main reasons I have been able to stay vegan and have confidence that I will always be vegan is my conviction of animal cruelty, environmental concerns, and health. Through my own experience I know these topics were rarely, if ever brought into a conversation while growing up, therefore it was all about going beneath the surface and educating myself. Because I have educated myself and continue to educate myself, the thought of anything that isn't vegan repulses me. Cheese, eggs, and dairy are so out of my realm that I don't even care how good something could potentially taste because I am able to associate abuse and sickness on top of it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop caring about how other people view you.</span></b><br />
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In our society, people get very defensive about food/food choices. If you aren't eating what they are eating, there is a tendency for them to get upset and have the sense that you attacking them, although that is the opposite of what you are doing. Food is food, and especially in America we should know that what you choose to put in your body is your choice whether you are vegan or eating a standard American diet. Do not let this get to you. People will look at you funny and may say rude things to you, but it is YOUR choice. Be confident in your decision and through educating yourself this will get easier and easier. However, I would like to point out that just because someone is getting defensive with you doesn't give you the right to attack them as tempting as it may be. Always remember to stay calm. This will give them no reason to keep attacking you. Getting defensive or attacking someone will only do more damage than good, especially with your loved ones.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eat real food.</span></b><br />
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Eating real food means skipping all the vegan meats, cheeses, etc. These foods are nice and convenient if you are transitioning into veganism and you feel the need to eat something similar to what you used to eat. However, most of these imitation foods are not even good for you and can be very costly. Through time your taste-buds will adapt and you will learn to love healthy food. Or, if you are wanting something similar to a hamburger, learn how to make your own. Sticking to whole foods will not only make you feel better but it will be cheaper as well. Keep the imitation foods as treat foods.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Make health a priority.</span></b><br />
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When I see a lot of vegans fail, I can't help but notice that they weren't making health a priority. Just because you are vegan doesn't automatically make you healthy as there are plenty of "junk-food vegans" out there. The problem in this is you will eventually start to feel sick and could blame it on the diet instead of recognizing that you were just eating the wrong things. Eating enough food can also be a huge problem as plant foods are naturally less calorically dense vs. animal products, therefore you need to be eating bigger portions. Make sure you're getting in lots of greens, vegetables, fruits, plant based starches, plant based proteins, and healthy fats. Veganism should make you feel GOOD. If you are starting to feel sick, reevaluate what you are actually putting in your body and what you could be missing.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Buy groceries and learn how to cook.</span></b><br />
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One of the things that won't be as easy for you anymore is being able to go out to any restaurant you want and order anything. This is especially true if you live in small town, USA like myself. Therefore learning to cook is KEY. Cooking may seem like a big stride for you, but honestly I am one of the laziest cooks around and can usually get my cooking done within 15 minutes...which is potentially faster than getting in your car and driving somewhere. Learn how to make rice, potatoes, and pasta and make a stir-fry on the side or to go on top of your carb source. Start researching new recipes that you would like to try and make a collection. Cooking will get easier the more you do it as I didn't even know how to cook until I met my husband 3.5 years ago. On a even bigger plus side, you WILL save money. There is a big misconception that you lose money in buying groceries. This is only true if you waste your groceries, but if you are eating at home every night there is no reason you should be wasting anything.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Always be ahead of the game (restaurants, snacks, drinks...etc).</span></b><br />
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Just because you may not being going to restaurants as much doesn't mean friends and family won't want to go out to eat on occasion. In this case, find out where you are going and look up their menu. If you find that there is essentially nothing you can have, either find another restaurant and give that suggestion or pay attention to what they have for sides. A lot of the time you can get a baked potato and vegetables (with request of no butter) with no problem. It is also easy to talk to your waiter/waitress and tell them that you are vegan and most of the time the chef is more than willing to work with you.<br />
It is also important to plan your snacks ahead of time. If you are going to be outside of your home all day, pack snacks. If you're already grocery shopping, you'll have nuts/seeds/fruits on hand that you can just throw in your bag. <i>Another tip: Cliff Bars and Larabars are lifesavers.</i> Trust me, putting in a little more effort will go a long way.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Find other vegans/watch other vegans on YouTube/follow vegan blogs.</span></b><br />
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It's easy to feel alone when you are the only vegan you know. There are many vegan meet-up groups you can be apart of or you can find other vegans to follow on YouTube or follow vegan bloggers. This will help you feel like you're not alone and knowing that there are many like-minded individuals helps in the transition process. This will also help you stay on track as many vloggers/bloggers are posting new and valuable information about being vegan and how they live a vegan lifestyle.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have a supportive partner.</span></b><br />
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From experience I know that having a supportive partner makes the transition way easier. I was lucky enough to even have my husband (boyfriend at the time) become vegan with me. However, I do not think that your partner needs to go vegan with you for you to be successful. The best thing to do is to let them transition when they are ready and not make them feel like you are pushing them. It is important to educate them and let them know why you are doing what you are doing and tell them that their support is important to you. It would be hard however, if they were the one in your ear telling you that what you were doing was not a good decision. The key to any relationship is mutual respect and communication. Let them know that you need them to respect and support your decision. <br />
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Veganism is a journey and by no means will you learn everything in a day or even a month. I've been vegan 3 years strong and still learn knew things everyday. Consistency is key and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.<br />
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Now, go on and you do you!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-65809032369528406822015-10-27T09:21:00.000-05:002015-10-28T08:36:57.600-05:001.5 Years Post GraduationIt's been 1.5 years since I've graduated from college. After those 4 <u>long</u> years (4 was long enough for me) of blood, sweat, and tears I was out the door, degree in hand, ready to head into the "real" world running at lightning speed.<br />
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I was <b>DONE</b>. I was <b>SO</b> done. Papers, and homework, and midterms, and finals, and on and on and on. It never ended. I was always preparing, or studying, or writing a paper, or working on a group project and...who even likes group projects?<br />
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It never ended and I was over it.<br />
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As over it as I was, what I didn't realize was that since I had been 5 years old, <i>school is what I knew</i>. School was the constant in my life and it's what I did. I perfected my note taking, my study skills, and my organization skills so at the end of each semester I could go online to look at my grades and see A's. It was as if I was only going to school to get A's.<br />
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I mean, I knew that the real reason I was in school was to get to the end of the tunnel where the bright lights and graduation sign were, but what I didn't realize was that these classes I was taking were supposed to be teaching me about what I would be doing AFTER school not just something I needed to get through school. I was studying fashion because it was supposed to be my passion and what I wanted to spend my life doing.<br />
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What I realize now that I was blind to then, is that fashion had never been my passion and ultimately I was just going through the motions to get to the day where I wore my cap and gown and walked across the podium. Day after day I'd show up to class, take notes, study, turn in my assignments and get A's. Why? Because I was in school and that's what you're supposed to do...isn't it?<br />
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There were signs I didn't actually want to study fashion. BIG signs. For one I hate retail. Nights, weekends, and cranky customers every day of your life are just not my thing. And no, it wasn't just from one bad job experience. I tried it 4 times. Yes...that means 4 different jobs. With each job I tried to tell myself it would get better and I'd like it....well, it didn't and I didn't.<br />
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I also never really found an interest in big name designers or designers in general and I had no desire to go and spend all my money on clothes. I also considered changing my major quite a few times, but after the initial changing my freshman year from art to fashion I just couldn't bite the bullet again.<br />
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And as enormous as these signs were I just ignored them because I could force myself to like fashion, couldn't I? And I really just wanted my degree.<br />
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Fast forward to 1.5 years and I now have a degree. Do I have a job in fashion? No.<br />
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I did for about a year after school and as hard as I tried to like it...I just couldn't. As much as I want to say I have a deep passion for the fashion industry and designing I just can't...because I don't. Don't get me wrong, I love the thought of loving fashion and I love the thought of designing, but when it comes to following though it doesn't complete me as a person. It just leaves me feeling empty.<br />
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So what now?<br />
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Was it all a waste? Did I waste my time?<br />
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This may be surprising to some, but I can confidently say that I did anything but waste my time.<br />
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School was one of the most challenging things I've ever done. Living by myself, working multiple jobs, and graduating was something that I never thought I could do. I learned more about myself in those years, than I had in all 12 years of schooling before college.<br />
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Not to mention all of the people I met during that time who influenced me to grow deeper in my faith, challenged me to a deeper relationship with God, and not to mention meeting my husband (the best thing that has ever happened to me).<br />
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I learned lessons that textbooks don't teach.<br />
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Now, I am a nanny.<br />
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It is one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. No, you don't need a degree to be a nanny, but I can say going through everything I went through, all the jobs I had to have to support myself, all of the lessons I learned from the mistakes I made, not only has made me a better nanny, but a better wife, sister, daughter, and friend.<br />
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Yes I could look back and regret it all and think that I wasted my time, <u>or</u> I can look back and thank God for everything he has blessed me with.<br />
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I may not have ever pictured myself in the position I am in now while I was working my butt off in school, but when I connect the dots of my past I know where I am right now is where I am supposed to be.<br />
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GOD is GOOD.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Jeremiah 29:11</i></blockquote>
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<i>"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</i></blockquote>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-87447654542980004962015-08-21T10:58:00.000-05:002015-10-15T13:04:50.734-05:00Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your FearMy husband and I celebrated our 8 month weddi-versary yesterday, that's what's up!<br />
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I know I know, 8 months seems like minutes when you compare it to those 20-30 year-ers. We're still newbies at marriage, but so far married life has treated us well.<br />
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We knew that when we set our wedding date, December 20th, it would fall extremely close to Christmas and New Years meaning we would have to post pone our honey moon until a later time. Well...thank the Lord, our tickets are <b>now</b> <b><u>booked</u></b>!! Which means in just 2 short months we will be sitting on the beach, cocktail in hand, enjoying the warm sun on our faces.<br />
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You would think booking our tickets would leave me with nothing but excitement and joy, because what could be better than warm sun and the ocean to prepare us for brutal Midwest winter? But honestly, as ashamed as I am to say it, the first emotion I felt after my husband booked them was <i>fear</i>.<br />
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I've been struggling with fear and worry for quite some time, and with all that's been going on in the world my fear/worry/anxiety has been on an all time high.<br />
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It's also good to note that I've never been that person who thinks, "Oh, that could never happen to me" or "There's a one and a million chance that would happen." Oh no, I'm the type of person who ALWAYS thinks I'm the exception to the rule. I AM the ONE in a million...don't you understand!?<br />
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It's actually very exhausting, and you know exactly what I'm talking about if you too struggle with fear in your life. Because of this I've spent the last month or so reflecting on fear.<br />
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Did you know the phrase, "Do not be afraid" is written in the Bible 365 times? I've seen this written in blogs, on pinterest, and even mentioned in YouTube videos SO many times since I've been trying to surrender my fearful thoughts.<br />
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The thing is, I've "known" this. I knew that God doesn't want me to be afraid, I knew fear was a waste of time and gets me no where...but, for some reason I just couldn't rid of it.<br />
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It wasn't until I didn't just scan through the words, "do not be afraid" but when I actually let it sink in.<br />
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As Christians, we know that God does good for all those who love him, and we know that God doesn't make mistakes and as I said, I "knew" that. I've read those verses a hundred times and have heard sermons/messages about them over and over....but "knowing" something and <u>believing</u> it are two different things.<br />
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I can have, "Do not be afraid for I am with you" memorized and know exactly what page and what book and chapter of the Bible it's in and then just go on and do my daily things and not even let it completely register. But when I let that verse really settle in my heart and I truly believe it, it takes on a whole new meaning.<br />
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You know and acknowledge God,...but do you <i>really</i> believe and trust in him? Do you <i>really</i> believe that he sent his one and only Son to the earth to save you because He loves you more than anything? Do you <i>really</i> understand what that means? Because if you did...you would understand there is <b>nothing </b>in this world that is bigger than God. If God is for us, who can be against us? We TRULY have nothing to be afraid of because God, the creator of the universe, is on OUR side.<br />
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Just let it sink in.<br />
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It's amazing what a month can do. It's even more amazing what God can do when you surrender and let him take over.<br />
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Now, with all of this burning in my heart I still managed to smother it with fear. The difference between this time and all the times before however, is I can turn the fear off. I can turn to God and know he is good and go through all of his truths and <i>truly</i> believe them because they are in my heart...not just something I memorized. I believe it.<br />
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We don't know when our last day is going to be, but we do know that whenever it is, God is waiting for us with open arms. Isn't that a relief??<br />
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We will never be perfect. We know that and God knows that, but each day we can strive to be better. To fill our heart, mind, and souls with truths to create our path towards heaven.<br />
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God did not give us fear. We create fear when we decide not to trust God.<br />
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<i>Lord, thank you for always being with us giving us the freedom from fear.</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-5247599827716651242015-08-13T13:17:00.003-05:002015-08-13T13:39:05.335-05:00God is PerfectPsalm 103: 17-18 (MSG)<br />
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"...God is <u>sheer</u> <b>mercy</b> and <b>grace</b>; <u>not</u> easily angered, <b>he's rich in love</b>. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">As high as the heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset he has separated us from our sins.</span> </div>
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As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. <u>He knows us inside out</u>, keeps in mind we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom. But a storm snuffs them out as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. <b>God's love</b>, though, <b>is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him</b>. Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his covenant way and remember to do whatever he said." </div>
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When I read these verses, my heart literally fills with joy. How amazing is it, that our God <u>is</u> love. That our God does not treat us as we may find ourselves treating others, but he treats us as we would want a best friend to treat us. But the difference...God is unchanging and constant. Our best friends and ourselves may have moments of weakness...but God, never. </div>
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I, sadly had let this truth slip from my heart.</div>
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For some time I've been in a pit. I had been slowly digging each day thinking that I was protecting myself by hiding my heart from God. I was watching myself do it, shovel in hand digging deeper and deeper, yet I still couldn't stop. Each day was harder then the day before but I just ignored it, filling my mind and time with school and work. I ignorantly had the logic in my head that if I just protect my heart from God, it could never hurt as badly as it had hurt before I started digging.</div>
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The deeper I was digging myself away from God, more and more lies would fill into my head and consume my thoughts. I started thinking I wasn't good enough so I turned my face because I was convinced he wouldn't want to hear from me anyways.</div>
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I would still go to church, read occasionally, and pray every once and awhile...but it was nothing compared to when I had the joy and love of God burning in my heart. I let myself believe that by doing these things I was trusting in God and still had my faith...but it was a lie. </div>
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My faith was broken.</div>
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Let me tell you something...when you don't have God the world is a very scary place. Every problem is magnified and evil seems never ending. My personal worries were miles high and most of the time I found myself going to bed at night with fear in my heart and waking up with it being in the same place. I was exhausted.</div>
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So, I broke.</div>
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I sat in the Target parking lot on the phone with my husband and broke down. Both my heart and voice screaming that I just couldn't do it anymore. I could not be without God and I knew I had to change.</div>
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<i>I surrendered.</i></div>
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I realized that this had all been <i>my</i> choice all along. It was <i>my</i> decision to run away from God...it <u>wasn't</u> God running away from me.<br />
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<i>God never moved. I did.</i><br />
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I don't know how to explain it, but I knew from there on it was going to change, and for the better.</div>
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After all this time that I had been sitting in my self-dug pit, I let lies fill in my head that God was angry with me, he was disappointed in me, and I will have to pay for my sins sooner or later in a horrible way. That was half the reason I just kept sitting in there. </div>
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It's like when you're a kid and you know you did something wrong, like breaking a glass or you said something mean to your sibling. You don't want your parents to find you because you might get in trouble, so you just hide in your room...that's exactly what I was doing. I felt ashamed and I was afraid, so I hid.</div>
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But, it was when I surrendered to these lies in my head that I could see God's hand at the top of my pit waiting patiently for me to ask him to help pull me out. I now realize His hand was always there...I just was choosing to not look for his help. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">"...God is </span><u style="text-align: center;">sheer</u><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">mercy</b><span style="text-align: center;"> and </span><b style="text-align: center;">grace</b><span style="text-align: center;">; </span><u style="text-align: center;">not</u><span style="text-align: center;"> easily angered, </span><b style="text-align: center;">he's rich in love</b><span style="text-align: center;">. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs."</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">God <u>wants</u> to help us, all we need to do is ask. He </span><span style="text-align: center;">isn't looking to nag on us for our sins rather he wants to help us to get past those sins so we can be closer to him. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The reason I was so discouraged was because my heart was broken, but I can now see that it was broken in such a worldly way. God knew that where I was, was not right and I needed to move. What happened was for the best and what came out of my life because of it is absolutely amazing. I was just dwelling on what God said no to instead of praising him for giving me what he gave me instead. But he's not going to hold the grudge against me that it took me this long to realize it. He loves me just the same.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Everything that happens in our lives...is for a specific reason and it's for our good. Every door that gets closed is because there's another door open, and what is on the inside is far better than we could've ever imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">"...As high as the heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset he has separated us from our sins..."</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">We are not chained to our sins because Jesus died for them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Praise Jesus!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">I was dwelling on my sins that Jesus died for therefore I was running from God for no reason. God knows our hearts and he knows when we are truly sorry. When we turn to him and ask for forgiveness it brings us that much closer to him. Because of Jesus we don't have to dwell on the past, rather move forward, learn from our mistakes, and grow closer to God, freely.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Praise God!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Sometimes we unknowingly compare God to ourselves, thinking that he will act in a certain way because that's what we would do, but this is 100% untrue. <b>God is perfect.</b> He's everything we would hope to be...slow to anger, abounding in love, patient, kind, forgiving...so on and so forth.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Long story short, thank you God for being you. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Every day may not always be butterflies and rainbows, but with God on our side...life is good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Amen.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-4178506788225287952015-08-06T11:21:00.001-05:002015-08-06T11:27:56.577-05:00The Power of WordsI've always been the type of person who lets the words I hear or see throughout my day rest in my soul. If I have a conversation with a friend, the words we spoke between each other replay in my head throughout the whole day.<br />
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I rarely take what people say lightly (unless of course it's a joke...because we all need a good laugh). I take it all in and analyze what they said, why they said it, and how I should respond.<br />
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It sounds so funny typing it out when really it all happens in a split second.<br />
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But, it's because I believe words are so <i><b>powerful</b>.</i><br />
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Everything we think or say comes from a deep place in our heart whether we realize it or not.<br />
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If you surround yourself around dark things your words and actions are going to reflect it the same way as when you surround yourself with positive things and your words and actions reflect it.<br />
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<b>Being a Christian, this resonates with me so deeply. </b><br />
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There was a time in my life when I surrounded myself around bad everything. Bad choices, bad people, bad substances...you name it. It was the lowest point of my life. I didn't realize that what I was surrounding myself with was poisoning my heart. I could no longer see what I was doing wrong. These things I once thought of as bad suddenly seemed okay and I didn't understand how what I was doing could affect anyone else. This affected the thoughts in my head which turned into the words I spoke out loud.<br />
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But, because God is so good and forgiving and loving, he lead me to my faith despite all of that. A faith I never really had before. He introduced people into my life that changed me for the better and I was finally in place of light when I had been in darkness for so long. It was as if there were layers getting taken off of my heart one by one that had been building up over time. I started surrounding myself with positive people, uplifting music, and inspirational books because it felt good and it felt <i>right</i> in my heart. In turn my thoughts were positive and my words were softer.<br />
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This is why I analyze words so frequently, because even though you don't realize it...they <u>always</u> mean something deeper than they first appear.<br />
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However, I am still human, and I fall into bad habits. One of my bad habits being that if I hear something I think came from a bad place I tend to let my heart turn angry before it turns to understanding.<br />
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<i>This happened last night</i>.<br />
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Now, I don't find the need in explaining the whole situation, only that some things were said and I knew that they were coming from a dark place.<br />
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My first instinct was to become angry with this person because how dare they right?<br />
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But as I sat there in my anger, I realized that was not something I should be doing as a Christian who should be reflecting the love of Christ.<br />
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So, I reached for my bible app.<br />
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I searched "slow to anger" and Proverbs 14:29 came up.<br />
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This kind of bit at my heart a little bit because lately, I have been so quick to anger and slow to understanding.</div>
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And although I have read this verse many times, it was in this moment that I had a deeper understanding for it. It's funny how the bible does that huh?</div>
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I started to then think about this persons situation. How they may be in a dark place in their life, and they may not even understand how the words they speak affect other people. </div>
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<i>Who am I to judge when I too once went through a dark period of my life? Who am I to get angry when God himself was so patient and understanding with me?</i></div>
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Instead of getting angry I should be praying that they will allow Jesus into their heart. I should be praying for their soul. I should be <b><u>praying</u></b>. </div>
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It's <u>not</u> about me....it's about the soul of that person and how I can act in a way that will bring them that much closer to God. How does God want to use me in this situation?</div>
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Surely anger isn't going to help anything. </div>
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In all of this, I came out with the knowledge that we should be just as <u>understanding</u> about words as we are <u>careful </u>with them.</div>
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How amazing is it that we serve a God that loves us despite our selfishness and fallen ways?</div>
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<i>Thank you Lord for showing me understanding even though I'm slow to understand others. Please show me to be more like you.</i></div>
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"Because even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you." <span style="text-align: center;">Natsuki Takaya</span></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-132070369072746432015-08-03T10:59:00.000-05:002015-08-03T11:31:40.853-05:00Motivated Monday-Short but Sweet"Overthinking leads to negative thoughts."<br />
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I should probably write this on everything I own because...<br />
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My name is Alyssa and I am an over thinker and a chronic worrier.<br />
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I hate to admit it and I hate to think about it, but it's <u>real</u> and it's <u>life</u>.<br />
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I tend to get caught up on certain thoughts and replay them over and over throughout the day until it completely overtakes my mind.<br />
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This being said, I'm ready to pound this problem into the ground.<br />
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It's Monday and I'm motivated.<br />
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God is too good and Jesus is too awesome for me to let silly, negative thoughts ruin my day.<br />
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"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." </span></span></div>
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<i>Colossians 3:15</i></blockquote>
We are not here to worry and we are not here to be unhappy.<br />
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We are here to love and to be happy.<br />
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Each day is a new day. Each day we have the choice to wake up and choose to trust in God and trust in his plan.<br />
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I am going to choose to trust in God.<br />
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I hope you all choose to do the same.<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<span class="verse-25" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? </span></span></div>
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<span class="verse-26" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?</span> </span></div>
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<span class="verse-27" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?</span></span></div>
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<i>Matthew 6:25-27 </i></blockquote>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-37977149783102540512015-07-29T10:59:00.002-05:002015-07-29T11:47:46.375-05:00Do Your ResearchAs I was scrolling through my Facebook page this morning, I noticed an article that someone had posted. It was about how organic foods are a hoax and there is no difference nutritionally between organic and non organic. It also talked mentioned a few other things about organic farmers. If you want to read the article, click <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/henrymiller/2015/07/29/why-organic-agriculture-is-a-colossal-hoax/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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If this would've been a couple years ago, I would've believed it right then and there, doing no actual research myself. But, because I have learned from my mistakes, I immediately started researching the background of this article.<br />
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Here's the deal, I am an organic consumer.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Because it looks better, it tastes better, and I know that it was cared for.<br />
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But, let's cut to the chase and <u>get real</u>.<br />
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The reason I have a hard time reading/believing articles like this is because most of the time, the person writing it is probably doesn't know a lot about actual health or lives a healthy lifestyle.<br />
<br />
Okay, that's not completely fair seeing as I don't know the author personally.<br />
<br />
So let's just do a little research about them.<br />
<br />
Henry I. Miller is his name.<br />
<br />
According to an <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2012/10/23/monsantos-lies-and-gmo-labeling-battle" target="_blank">article</a> on commondreams.org, which is a non-profit organization committed to informing the public about the truth, Henry I. Miller was the "primary face and voice of the 'No on Prop 37' campaign in California." Which, if you are not familiar with Prop. 37, it was a California ballot measure in 2012 that would've required labeling on genetically engineered food.<br />
<br />
(please read <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2012/10/23/monsantos-lies-and-gmo-labeling-battle" target="_blank">this article</a>)<br />
<br />
It turns out pesticide companies were funding "No on Prop 37" ads, spending more than $1 million dollars to convince California voters that it was not necessary to know whether their food was genetically modified or not.<br />
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This makes you think...<br />
<br />
Why would pesticide companies be so invested in California not passing this law? What would it matter to them if the California public knew what was in their food? If they had nothing to hide, what would be the problem?<br />
<br />
So Henry I. Miller teamed up with the pesticide companies, later writing an article against organic foods, which, oddly enough, don't support pesticides.<br />
<br />
<i>Interesting.</i><br />
<br />
To say the least, this article is not convincing.<br />
<br />
Frankly, I don't support factory farms that use unethical practices and excessive amounts of pesticides. Not only because I don't want to put that into my body, but because I don't want to support putting that into our environment.<br />
<br />
<i>Here are some articles that talk about pesticides and the environment:</i><br />
<a href="http://www.panna.org/issues/persistent-poisons/environmental-impacts" target="_blank">Environmental Impacts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.toxicsaction.org/problems-and-solutions/pesticides" target="_blank">The Problem with Pesticides</a><br />
<br />
Every dollar we spend is important. A lot of us have lost sight of this, but if you decide to spend your money on a certain brand or a certain type of food, your dollar is supporting that brand and growing that company/business.<br />
<br />
Therefore, we support local and organic foods.<br />
<br />
In our house, buying organic foods for our health is only among one of the reasons we support it. We support organic for the environment/reducing farm pollution, for building healthy soil, to support small/local farms, and more.<br />
<br />
We have the power to say no to manipulation.<br />
<br />
Just because one person says something, does not mean it's the truth.<br />
<br />
Throughout history we have been being manipulated by big business.<br />
<br />
<i>Wasn't there was a time when they said smoking was healthy?</i><br />
<br />
At the end of the day, we need to understand that we have the right to know the truth. We have the right to know what is actually going on and not just believe someone who is getting paid to tell us differently.<br />
<br />
<b>Do your research.</b><br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-24034840436580807082015-07-23T11:04:00.005-05:002015-07-23T11:04:56.324-05:00Vegetables are Underrated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, my husband came home with some local vegetables that he had bought from a vegetable stand that was on his drive.</span></div>
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To say the least, I was thrilled.</div>
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Although I was in the middle of folding laundry, and had two loads just sitting on the floor...<i>by the way</i>, I dropped it all and started assembling all the vegetables out on our kitchen table to start taking pictures.<br />
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Such colors and vibrancy that you just can't get in a grocery store that gets their vegetables from Mexico.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b03EKbqPzYw/VbEF9eclwmI/AAAAAAAAARQ/6z-3RvSVDsg/s1600/2015-07-22%2B17.19.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b03EKbqPzYw/VbEF9eclwmI/AAAAAAAAARQ/6z-3RvSVDsg/s640/2015-07-22%2B17.19.04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I was oo-ing, awe-ing and taking picture of these beauties, I couldn't help but think about how vegetables don't get the praise they so <u>rightfully</u> deserve.<br />
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These things are magic, baby.<br />
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Fiber, antioxidants, and talk about flavor! Everything that will leave your stomach in a happy place.<br />
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The real problem is, our society has grown...dun dun dun...lazy. Yes, yes I said it. But, it's the truth.<br />
<br />
Our culture has told us that it is easier to buy boxed or canned items than it is to buy vegetables. Therefore, so many people don't even know what to buy in the produce section let alone know how to shop in the produce section.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal, with anything...it takes practice. Do I think it's hard to buy produce? No...it's one of the most easiest things in the world. But, I've been there. Before I met my husband, I never stepped foot in the produce section, unless it was to buy apples or bananas. Now, I only shop in the produce section...and the drink section occasionally to grab a kombucha. <i>Okay I do that a lot</i>.<br />
<br />
It just feels <i>unnatural</i> to some people which makes them feel <i>scared </i>and <i>uncomfortable.</i> It's something new. Call me crazy, but throughout my life I've noticed that people don't like change.<br />
<br />
Another thing I feel the need to point out is there is a HUGE misconception that buying fruits and vegetables is expensive.<br />
<br />
<b>LIES</b>.<br />
<br />
You see that box of precooked food you just bought for $5? Yeah, you just bought about $1 dollar worth of vegetables that you paid 5 times the price for.<br />
<br />
It's a trick.<br />
<br />
Let's look at this, when you buy a pizza it's about $10-$20 depending on whether it's frozen or if you went to a restaurant, right? Next time you do this, take a look at how many vegetables or toppings are actually on your pizza. That's pennies worth.<br />
<br />
<i>Side note...we don't eat cheese, but if you do factor in about another dollar.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now, you can go out and buy your ingredients to make pizza at home, heck, even buy a pre-made crust, and you'll pay fractions of the cost verses when you buy it already made. Yes, you're grocery bill may be up to $20 dollars, but you could make like 4 more pizzas out of it.<br />
<br />
Just because you hear, "buying healthy is expensive" or "vegetables are expensive" don't believe it until you do a little research yourself.<br />
<br />
I mean, if you're buying strawberries in the middle of winter, that's going to be expensive. Buy seasonally and you'll be just fine, probably even cutting on your grocery bill...not to mention medical bill.<br />
<br />
When thinking about living a healthy lifestyle, I always think to myself...do I want to pay to be healthy now, or do I want to pay later? Meaning, if I take care of myself now and care about what I put into my body and care about moving my body, then I won't have to pay for my health later in the hospital paying for medications for heart disease and diabetes.<br />
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Now, if you're to this point of the blog I would like to thank you for listening to my rant and I would also like you to go enjoy some vegetables because they are good for you.<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-42498538764462327862015-07-22T11:07:00.002-05:002015-07-22T11:52:56.820-05:00Molasses Bread: Bread MachineHold your tongue and say, "molasses on the table..."<br />
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My grandparents taught me this joke when I was younger, and I'll never forget it (I love you grandma and grandpa). But, I couldn't have even told you what molasses was if you were to ask me. <i>Maybe I was ignorant, but my family never used it.</i> Since then, I hadn't thought twice about molasses until I recently stumbled across a few YouTube and Instagram posts mentioning it.<br />
<br />
Of course, after a number of times seeing it being used in recipes or someone talking about how great it is, I did a little research.<br />
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I found that molasses is a powerhouse of nutrients, believe it or not. Containing iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and copper to name a few.<br />
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This sweetener really kicks butt.<br />
<br />
There are many varieties of molasses, but the type you'll typically see in your grocery store or want to use is blackstrap molasses, which is actually the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=350" target="_blank">byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-molasses.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is a site listing all the amazing benefits of molasses with detailed explanations.<br />
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Naturally upon finding all of this mind blowing information, I went to our local grocery store and bought black strap molasses, <a href="http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-206" target="_blank">organic</a> and <a href="http://www.fairtraderesource.org/downloads/top_10_reasons_to_support_ft.pdf" target="_blank">fair trade</a> of course.<br />
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So..."What should I use molasses in?" I thought to myself.<br />
<br />
I started by putting it in my oatmeal, but quickly found out that less is more. <u>Man, that stuff is powerful</u>. I also found a zillion recipes using it in cookies, cakes, sauces, and just about everything gingerbread.<br />
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<b>But then</b>, I stumbled upon a bread recipe that had called for molasses. It was non-vegan, but it got me thinking. Later that evening, after a very short conversation between my husband and I, which pretty much consisted of me asking if we should we make molasses bread and him responding with a quick look of excited agreement. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands and alter a traditional bread recipe and turn it into something great. <i>Not that it wasn't great before because....bread.</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20wSsP5jce0/Va-9UxUKA5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BGevdbVhc3I/s1600/2015-07-22%2B10.44.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20wSsP5jce0/Va-9UxUKA5I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BGevdbVhc3I/s640/2015-07-22%2B10.44.30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This recipe is for a bread machine because frankly, I'm a bit lazy in the kitchen, but if you want to knead everything by hand and do it that way, all the more power to you.<br />
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So here we go....<br />
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<i>This makes a 1 1/2 lb loaf.</i><br />
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Start by placing all of your wet ingredients in the bottom of your mixer. These are...<br />
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<i>1 cup warm water</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp vegetable oil</i><br />
<i>3 tbsp molasses</i><br />
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Then place...<br />
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<i>3 tbsp raw organic sugar</i><br />
<i>1 tsp salt</i><br />
<i>2 cups white flour</i><br />
<i>1 cup whole wheat flour</i><br />
<i>2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast</i><br />
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Add to your bread maker, set your settings for personal preference, and press start.<br />
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About 4 hours later you have yourself an amazing smelling, delicious tasting, loaf of molasses bread.<br />
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Please enjoy!<br />
<br />
P.S. Go buy yourself some molasses...it's good for you.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-58098843780999798412015-07-21T12:54:00.003-05:002015-07-22T11:53:39.186-05:00How To Make Homemade Lara BarsI love Lara Bars.<br />
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I love that they have limited ingredients, yet they are so delicious.<br />
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We used to buy a box of them every time we went grocery shopping because I love how easy they are as a quick on-the-go snack. I also love that the list of ingredients is very small and you know exactly what went into what you're about to consume.<br />
<br />
But seriously, if they are around, I <u>will</u> eat one every day because they are delicious, duh.<br />
<br />
I love supporting awesome companies such as Lara but the only thing is, they don't always fit into the budget.<br />
<br />
<i>So I'm sorry Lara...it's not you, it's me.</i><br />
<br />
So, for all of you out there who feel the same way, here's a recipe that will help with the budget and also satisfy your taste buds.<br />
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Here's what you'll need:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLYDQkoojJU/Va5zLNywyFI/AAAAAAAAAO4/8oHGdGjY1Cc/s1600/2015-07-21%2B10.33.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLYDQkoojJU/Va5zLNywyFI/AAAAAAAAAO4/8oHGdGjY1Cc/s640/2015-07-21%2B10.33.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>10-12 dates</i><br />
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<i>2 Tbsp organic cocoa powder</i><br />
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<i>2 Tbsp PB2 (or regular peanut butter)</i><br />
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That's it....awesome right?<br />
<br />
Of course, you can make any flavor you want, but the peanut butter cookie is my personal favorite, so that's what I like making, and adding cocoa powder amps it up that much more.<br />
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With this recipe you can be really creative or as simple as you want.</div>
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That being said, I decided to add chia seeds.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zKKUtvwIw4/Va515VTgV3I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/HQUMm3SoDw8/s1600/2015-07-21%2B11.00.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zKKUtvwIw4/Va515VTgV3I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/HQUMm3SoDw8/s640/2015-07-21%2B11.00.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Why chia seeds?</i> </div>
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Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, omega 3-fatty acids, and so much more. They are an easy add-in and they don't have a flavor, meaning they won't overtake your recipe. </div>
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I add them in my oatmeal, on toast, and basically into anything I bake. </div>
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So real question is...why not chia seeds?</div>
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Pit your dates and add them into your food processor along with your cocoa powder and PB2, and in my case, chia seeds.</div>
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I find it is easier to make them in a food processor, but you could definitely use a blender as well.</div>
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Blend it up.</div>
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You want to blend until the consistency is thick and sticky. If it is too thick to the point that it won't mold together, add a bit of water.</div>
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Take your "dough" and spread it out in a small cake pan. I used a small bread pan, because that's what we have in our home, and I'm thrifty like that.</div>
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Stick your bars into the fridge for about 15 minutes until they are easy to cut. I also find that they taste better after being refrigerated. </div>
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Cut your bars into whatever shapes you'd like, and <b>boom</b>...</div>
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Delicious bars using simple, healthy, tasty ingredients.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbb-fhkB68I/Va6BcnrNpKI/AAAAAAAAAPg/-kNQdF0fpqc/s1600/2015-07-21%2B12.38.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbb-fhkB68I/Va6BcnrNpKI/AAAAAAAAAPg/-kNQdF0fpqc/s640/2015-07-21%2B12.38.48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, they may not look as perfectly sculpted as those Lara bars we all know and love, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.</div>
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I love taking mine on road trips, or just having them ready to go in the fridge when I'm needing a snack or for a quick fueling before the gym.</div>
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They don't leave you full, bloated, or with a stomach ache, so basically...they are perfect.</div>
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I'd also like to note that if the bar thing isn't working out for you, you could roll them into balls, which I have done. Same taste different shape.</div>
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So there you have it! Now, it's your turn.</div>
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If you like this recipe, comment and let me know. Also if you have other flavors you like, I'd love to hear.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-72277764051145524652015-07-17T09:07:00.001-05:002015-07-17T10:22:42.500-05:00Dream BigMy whole life I've been different from those around me in how I think and how I feel.<br />
<br />
I've always had big goals and dreams that seem unrealistic to the realists out there, but in my heart I always feel connected and motivated to follow up on them.<br />
<br />
When I was younger I wanted to be a singer/songwriter/actress/model. Those dreams slowly faded as I realized I was crazy afraid of attention being put on me.<br />
<br />
From there I wanted to be an artist. I still wanted to be an artist up until I went to school for art and learned that I didn't like people telling me what to do, due to a bit of stubbornness. And from there I changed my major to fashion with art and business minors.<br />
<br />
I've been told time after time that what I'm doing is going to be really hard if I want to make it and I've even had people laugh at me when I tell them what I went to school for.<br />
<br />
I remember this happening even dating back to high school when a specific person told me that they didn't think I was going to go anywhere with my life.<br />
<br />
To some, this may upset them deeply, maybe even making them consider changing their mind on what they want to do, but it only made me fight <b><u>harder</u></b> and continues to make me fight <u><b>harder.</b></u><br />
<br />
By being stubborn, I've found that there's a good and a bad side to it.<br />
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The bad being that it has the potential to start many arguments, especially when your husband is stubborn too, so watch out.<br />
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The good being, no matter what anyone says or does to you, you WILL do what you set out to do NO MATTER what.<br />
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I have goals that some say won't happen, I have dreams that some find silly, but that's what makes it fun when you achieve those goals and prove them wrong.<br />
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Don't ever doubt yourself just because someone who thinks they know everything tells you differently. God made you for a reason and set you out to do <u>great </u>things.<br />
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Prove the haters wrong and follow your dreams.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-34881244674440622892015-07-15T11:11:00.001-05:002015-07-17T10:23:21.968-05:00Why am I Vegan? <div>
My heart is so heavy writing this, as I know that many don't understand.</div>
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Roughly 2 years ago, I made the best decision of my life, to become vegan.</div>
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Becoming vegan wasn't an option for me. It was something I <b>had</b> to do. </div>
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The stereotypical view of vegans are that they are hippies eating salads all day long and know nothing about actual health. They push their opinions on you, they deprive themselves, and they are only doing it to be different than everyone else.</div>
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First of all, if anyone knows my husband and I, the last thing we do is eat salads all day as we know that is not sustainable. We do anything but deprive ourselves as we eat more than anyone else we know, and we definitely do not push our opinions or do it just to be different.</div>
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Yes, we don't eat any animal products...this means no meat, cheese/dairy, or eggs. We don't eat animal fat, gelatin (as it comes from bone marrow) or honey. We don't wear leather, wool, or suede. </div>
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Being vegan is about the animals, but it's also so much more.</div>
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Being vegan is about taking down the blindfolds that have been put in front of our eyes by society and seeing the world for what it really is. It's about knowing and understanding what is going on with our products, instead of taking the easy way out and hiding. It's about knowing what is in our food, skin products, and cleaning products and not participating in evil.</div>
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Most importantly, it's about being <i><b>compassionate.</b></i></div>
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Many seem to think being vegan is just a diet, but that is not true as being vegan is a lifestyle. </div>
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I don't miss anything that I'm not eating or using because I know the <u>truth</u> behind it. </div>
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The problem is, as consumers, we are completely blind to what is going on before we get what we are buying. We don't raise, kill, or butcher our meats. We don't see the animals getting tested before we buy our shampoos and soaps and we don't listen to the cries of the enslaved animals. When we buy our products in a nice little package, we don't think about what it really is or how it could affect us.</div>
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This is a lifestyle. </div>
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We choose to live compassionately towards animals, the planet, and the people around us.</div>
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We choose to reduce our carbon footprint and to make the best, most educated decisions on what we buy.</div>
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We choose to be vegan.</div>
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This is a topic that I am very passionate about, but I feel that without being exposed to what I've been exposed to, it's difficult to truly understand.</div>
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I challenge anyone who has not already to watch these YouTube videos and documentaries.</div>
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-Gary Yourofsky: Best Speech you will ever hear- </div>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4</div>
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-Earthling </div>
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-Cowspiricy</div>
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-Food-Inc</div>
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-Forks over Knives</div>
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In no way is this a post trying to make anyone feel badly, or judged against. This is only to open up minds about veganism, to eliminate hateful stereotypes, and to expose the truth behind our food.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-4208642483439152972015-07-14T17:14:00.001-05:002015-07-17T10:24:04.553-05:00Let The Past Be The Past"You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one."<br />
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Isn't that the truth?</div>
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Time after time, I find myself thinking about and reanalyzing the past. "I wish I would've done this, or if I could go back I'd do this..."</div>
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But that's impossible and you can't change what happened as much as you want to, as we all know.</div>
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The truth is, even if we were to go back in time and say what we wish we would've said, or not said the thing we did say, how much would it change our current situation?</div>
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There are situations being played on replay in my head, and in those situations I would act differently or say something more profound or not say anything at all, but I know that deep down, what I did do or what I did say brought me to the place I needed to be.</div>
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Whether that place was a new job, a new relationship, or a new friendship, I was always in the place I needed to be.<br />
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When I think back to the previous chapters in my life, it was the things that hurt the most and that I wish I could change that actually brought me to the best places in my life. Break ups and heartbreak, being broke to no end, or even a fight with a friend....I think about them and as much as they hurt and as much as they left me feeling broken, I learned some of the biggest lessons of my life.</div>
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Funny how that works huh?</div>
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I believe that everything happens for a reason. I know that God has his wonderful ways that as humans, we can't even comprehend. He puts us in the right places, at the right times, with the right people, and we don't even think about it while it's happening.<br />
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We think we know what is best for us, and we think that we can avoid all of the bad in our lives. But what if the bad is supposed to happen? What if it is only from the bad that we can learn some of life's most valuable lessons?<br />
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It's a joke between my husband and I that we wish we would've met when we were little. We wish that we could've shared all of the monumental moments in our lives together instead of filling each other in on them now. But honestly, we weren't ready to be with each other back then, as much as I wish we could've been. There were lessons we needed to learn and people we needed to meet before we met.<br />
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It was because of all of my heartbreaks and all of my failed relationships that I learned what I wanted in a relationship and how I should act in a relationship. Without those lessons, I'd be a completely different person.<br />
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It's easy to re-open past chapters in our lives and think, if we would've just done that one thing, everything would be better now. But, we should really just accept our pasts for what they are...lessons. There's no need to dwell when we can just accept the past for what it is and move on with our lives.<br />
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My past may not look the prettiest as far as I'm concerned, but it has moved me forward to the most beautiful places I've ever been.<br />
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Everything happens for a reason, so let's embrace the present and make each new chapter better than the last, learning from the past chapters and nothing more than that, leaving them where they belong.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-48296233617286886062015-07-13T14:07:00.000-05:002015-07-17T10:24:57.578-05:00I'm Free"...and I said to my body softly, 'I want to be your friend.' It took a long breath and replied, 'I have been waiting my whole life for this.'" -Nayyirah Waheed<br />
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Do you ever read something and you feel a warmth over your whole body? As if your mind, body, and soul all line up the moment after reading it?<br />
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That is how I feel about this quote.<br />
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My whole life, I've only been fighting my body. Starving and manipulating it, trying to make it into something else...something that somebody else thinks it should be.<br />
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It wasn't until recently, when I really started to give my body a chance. Avoiding triggering thoughts and things that would only bring me envy and self-doubt.<br />
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What did I find?<br />
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<b>Freedom.</b><br />
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Freedom from others opinions, freedom from my fears, freedom from my doubts...just soul quenching freedom.<br />
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In the past month I have experienced more self growth then I have in years and it is because I decided to listen to, love, and appreciate my body just the way it is.<br />
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I stopped excessively going to the gym, I walk instead of run, I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full, and I eat that piece of chocolate if I want that piece of chocolate, dangit.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I fall back into bad patterns here and there, but the thing is...I recognize it. I know what I'm doing and where it leads and from there I can change those thoughts and actions.<br />
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Why do we need to look a certain way to be happy? And why do we let these thoughts hold us as prisoners?<br />
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There was a time when there was minimal fat on my body, I could run more than 13 miles without getting tired, and I worked out 2 times a day. Some would say that sounds like an awesome life. But guess what? I was so <u>unhappy</u>. Food and exercise ruled my life. What I ate affected my workouts, I needed to workout everyday, and if something interrupted my workout my day was ruined. My relationships suffered and so did my well-being.<br />
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It's been a hard lesson, but I've learned that if we don't love ourselves now, in this present time, in this moment....we will never love ourselves, even if we do have "the perfect body."<br />
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When we love ourselves, we shine a light of confidence that no diet and health plan could ever do.<br />
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We should work out because we love our bodies, we should eat because we love our bodies, and we should think good thoughts about ourselves because we love our bodies.<br />
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So, I urge anyone who is having a difficult day today and thinking bad thoughts about themselves, to go...look in the mirror and tell yourself that you <b style="text-decoration: underline;">are</b> good enough and you <u style="font-weight: bold;">do</u> love yourself.<br />
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Your body works hard everyday keeping you alive, so free yourself from negative thoughts and fill yourself with love. It will only thank you for it.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-22175398318349621972015-07-09T09:58:00.003-05:002015-07-17T10:25:41.181-05:00Comparison is Ugly"Comparison is the thief of joy"--Theodore Roosevelt<br />
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I'm sure you've heard this a million times, as have I. I hear it and repeat it...yet I probably compare myself to someone at least 10 times a day.<br />
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The problem with this is that it leads us down a dark and lonely road. First we compare, which leads to jealousy, which leads to hateful thoughts about the person, which leads to self-hate, and on and on and on.<br />
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Whose to say that we aren't good enough? Whose to say that each one of us doesn't have something new and different to offer? Who on earth is <u>bigger</u> than <b>God</b> himself to tell us we aren't good enough?<br />
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The answer is...no one.<br />
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Magazines, television shows, movies, and modeling agencies....they all think they have the answer to what someone is supposed to look like, talk like, and dress like....but they know far less than we give them credit for.<br />
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<b>God</b> made us. <b>God</b> created us. <b>God</b> knows us. <b>God</b> cares for us.<br />
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Can I get an Amen?<br />
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God doesn't care if you go out and buy the newest fashion item nor does he care if you are the clumsiest person in the world. He loves you and he cares for you just the way you are and just the way he made you, which is a million times more than any magazine can say.<br />
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This being said, I completely understand that anything in life is easier said than done. I open up my computer and go on Pinterest and all I see are skinny, beautiful women wearing the clothes that I want, they are in the places I want to be and there is not one flaw in their skin.<br />
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But then I stop myself and remember, <i>this is not real life.</i><br />
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All of these pictures are staged at the most perfect moment, with the perfect sunlight, with the perfect breeze, because people pay to see it. That's the business folks. People go to school to figure these things out....they are paid for this!<br />
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Don't get me wrong...I love fashion, I love modeling, I love pretty colors, I love it all. I was a fashion major for goodness sake.<br />
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The bigger picture is sometimes it all can lead us down an unwanted path of comparing ourselves and thinking we are not good enough, if we are not careful.<br />
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Most people take Proverbs 4:23 which reads...<br />
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"Above all else, guard your heart, from everything you do flows from it."<br />
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...and think of it only in the way that you should guard your heart from boys/ girls to make sure that they don't break it. Which, I get to an extent, but that's a different rant.<br />
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But, the way I see it, is to protect your heart from evil and protect your heart from worldly desires. If that fashion magazine you're reading only makes you feel worse about yourself and your body, then close it. If that television show is triggering bad thoughts and making you think thoughts of self-hate, then shut it off. <br />
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This isn't to say you can never buy magazines and never watch t.v...but just protect yourself and be careful. Be aware that these things are making you feel ways God never intended you to feel, and don't take them seriously.<br />
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When we start consuming our hearts and minds with ugly thoughts, it reflects in the way we speak and act towards others. And no one wants to be ugly, am I right?<br />
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God loves us. He loves you for being clumsy, silly, artsy...and he just loves you for you. This is what we need to cling to when we start comparing ourselves to others. Who cares what they think? It's about what God thinks.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-27369303726179686702015-07-08T11:58:00.000-05:002015-07-17T10:26:12.167-05:00BreatheBreathing is an area in life that I find most difficult. It sounds weird to say that, as it is an instinct we all have, thinking little about...just doing. But I mean....breathing, really breathing.<br />
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Taking a deep breath in and exhaling out slowly.<br />
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Anyone who really knows me, knows that my mind goes at bullet speed never really stopping to take a second and relax. It's what I do best. Multi-tasking, moving, thinking up new things for myself to do. However, in the recent month I've had to stop moving and start breathing.<br />
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To some, this may sound like the most amazing thing in the world. But, to me...it was like taking me out of a place of all I've ever known and throwing me into a blank unfamiliar room where I'm forced to do something I've never done for an unknown period of time until I figure out what it is I need to do. That's a lot of uncertainty if you ask me, and frankly...that makes me uncomfortable.<br />
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I got my first job when I was 15 because I wanted to work. In high-school I played multiple sports, participated in extra curricular activities such as orchestra and drama and worked by my choosing. I always had a place to be and always had something that needed to get done. After I graduated high school I went straight into college where I took no less than 16 credits per semester while juggling jobs and internships, sometimes having up to 3 jobs at once. I changed my major my freshman spring semester, and took on an art and business minor along side my degree and still graduated in 4 years going into college with 0 credits.<br />
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If you talked to me about it then, I was probably stressed, of course...but, to be honest there was a part of me that loved it. I loved the challenge of needing to get things done at a particular time and keeping my mind busy. I loved knowing that I was choosing to be busy and that it was my choice to work hard.<br />
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After I graduated my boyfriend asked me to marry him, which was the happiest moment in my life...up until we got married when that changed to be the happiest moment in my life. I moved to where he was living and we were married 5 short months later.<br />
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Now, I'm married, settled down, and jobless. It's safe to say, I'm 100% out of my comfort zone.<br />
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Each day I look into something new. I change my mind hourly on what I want to do and where I want to work. I've applied for countless jobs...I get calls back but usually it's for a job I only applied for because I feel this sense of desperation. <br />
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I want to do something that <b>matters</b>...I want to do something that means <b>something</b>. But, I understand it's going to take time to find that.<br />
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So here I am, sitting and waiting....practicing my breathing. It's good though, really. There's a reason and a season for everything. If God wants me here, I'll be here waiting for his direction.<br />
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So cheers to all of you on the same boat as me. We have a purpose, so let's find it and in the mean time....<i>just breathe</i>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-27125716809518088972015-07-06T12:08:00.000-05:002015-07-17T10:26:39.111-05:00What is love?My husband and I have a very special relationship. We love each other for who we <i><u>are</u></i> not who we <u><i>want</i></u> each other to be. This has been very clear from the beginning of our relationship. We were ourselves, never pretending to be something we weren't. If we got upset about something, we told each other. If we had a problem, we talked about it. We communicated, and always knew what our intentions were.<br />
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It was so easy. We didn't have to think about it....we just did it.<br />
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But, I used to think love was <i>complicated</i>.<br />
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We tend to make up rules and complicate things when it comes to relationships. We can't do this or that and we have a specific "type" of person we want. They have to look a certain way and act a certain way and if they don't add up to our specifications we won't look at them twice.<br />
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I used to try follow these complicated made-up rules. All it resulted in was my hiding my true self and acting like someone I never was. I never wanted to be myself in fear I wasn't guarding my heart enough, which led to me being afraid to be myself altogether. I read way too far into situations and tried to be the person I thought someone else wanted. I was afraid to share my thoughts and ideas in fear I would become too open.<br />
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I was complicating love, love wasn't being complicated.<br />
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Now, I couldn't be happier in my marriage, and it's because it's natural and it's real. We love each other with our whole hearts and minds and we <b>don't</b> complicate it.<br />
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If you have something to say, say it. If you're upset about something, talk about it. Share your hopes and your dreams. Don't hide who you are because someone else told you you weren't good enough. Be confident in who you are because the person you are supposed to be with will love everything about you.<br />
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Go with the flow.<br />
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Love deeply.<br />
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Love freely.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763240653121956670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4911370182604192074.post-23262380825446183122015-07-02T11:39:00.001-05:002015-07-17T10:27:04.896-05:00Sorry, not sorryWhy is it that, everyone feels entitled to their own opinion, but if another person disagrees with that opinion suddenly that person is wrong? This is a backwards way of thinking don't you think? I mean, saying one person is right 100% of the time seems illogical.<br />
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This is where I'm coming from...<br />
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I'm in my early 20's, graduated from university a year ago, married, vegan, and I've been out of a job for 3 weeks.<br />
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I am the definition of someone living outside of the norm.<br />
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Do I care? Absolutely not.<br />
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Should you care? Absolutely not.<br />
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I'll take myself being a vegan. If I'm on Facebook, Instagram, or out in public for that matter I hear that vegans are weird, meat is awesome, why would someone deprive themselves of meat, eggs, and dairy (because apparently you shouldn't live without them) and if you're offended you should just get over it because you're the odd one out. BUT, if a vegan walks in the room and talks about their meal all of a sudden people are offended because by you not eating meat, eggs, and dairy you are bullying them. I mean....really.<br />
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I'll also take myself being in my early 20's and being married. There are posts all over everywhere talking about this topic but even by being out in public you can hear the conversations about how young people are ruining their lives because they are getting married. <i>Stop. Right. There.</i> When did it become some kind of sin to love someone unconditionally and want to spend the rest of your life with that person? When did moving in with someone and deciding to do everything together start ruining peoples lives? The thing is...I'm not into pushing love. I'm not into pretending to love someone just to get married and have a wedding. What I am into is loving and taking care of someone because they are more important than your "happiness" or your "relationship goals". If you haven't found the one yet, that's okay! Live your life to the fullest and take one day at a time. If you don't find them until you 50, that's still awesome. If you don't have the desire to find someone, that's great! Just do you.<br />
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Which brings me to my final rant, not having a job. Forcing yourself to work a job that you absolutely hate and that makes you a terrible person, is not doing anything for anyone. Sure we all need to make a dollar. I for one, know exactly how this is. I've had more jobs than hands and feet and I'm young. I've had more jobs than some 80 year old's can say and it's because I needed to eat. But...if you have dreams, aspirations, something you're working for...being in an environment where you aren't happy....isn't going to send you on your path.<br />
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I've had a job since I was 15...sometimes having 3 jobs at once. Not having a job right now is out of my comfort zone. I thought I knew what I wanted to do but it only took me to a dead end. So now I'm here. It wasn't until now that I'm realizing and trying to figure out what I really love, what I'm passionate about, and where I need to go all because I was forced to stop, breathe, and really think. Being out of your comfort zone is sometimes the medicine you really need.<br />
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The point of all of this is just because someone isn't living the life that <u>you</u> set out to live, does not mean they are wrong. Each one of us has different paths, different goals, and different passions. We are all here to follow those dreams. Just because you hit a speed bump, doesn't mean you crashed and burned and that also doesn't give someone the right to judge you. God doesn't make mistakes. If we all did the same thing, this would be a boring world wouldn't it?<br />
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Prove the haters wrong. Haters are going to hate, but you...you do you.<br />
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