Handling

   I believe that the Lord allows our world to be shaken up to remind us that we don't make the rules. It's not a cruel game. It's not a form of punishment. It's a way to renew our minds. A way to condition our strength. 

Think of this passage in John 9.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes

My breakfast yesterday morning was extra yummy and sweet. Some days I just wake up and decide that it's pancake day. Sunday was one of those mornings. I then realized that my family actually had chocolate chips! What a perfect combination. I love to make my pancakes with oats and flax seeds, so I knew adding some peanut butter would be the perfect touch.

Gatsby: The Movie of the Year

Last Friday I was talked into seeing the Great Gatsby in 3-D. (no spoilers ahead)

Chasing the Wind

Do you ever get so drained that you just stop and look back at everything you ever dreamed of... or wanted.... or deemed important... and you realize that these things aren't as important as you realized?

I feel like this happens to me all of the time, and perhaps in the peak of my breaking points. I look back in frustration at my present priorities or my perception of things, and suddenly Ecclesiastes is ringing in my ears. A lot of people find Ecclesiastes depressing. I enjoy reading it, and it brings me peace.

Today, as I was overwhelmed and frustrated, my mind wandered back to this verse: 

Week #4 H54F

1. One of my best friends got engaged!!! That makes two! And another one newly married. Nope, that is definitely NOT my finger or ring... don't worry ;) I've realized that by the time I am engaged, most of my bridesmaids will actually be bridesmatrons. They are all pretty annoyed at that since none of them have been bridesmaids before. However, I feel like their end of the stick is the better half anyways. ;) Oh, young love. But back to Brittany. We have been best friends for 10 years! I will never forget our phone conversation 4 years ago this month when she first met Ethan. She was crazy about him, and I will always remember our little sixteen-year-old excitement when we realized that one of us would most likely be getting a boyfriend soon. It's amazing how fast time has flown. I am so happy for her- I've always loved her guy too. :)

2. A friend came over with her DISGUSTINGLY DIRTY (not gonna lie) car, and asked if she could use our vacuum to clean it out. Since I like cleaning what's not mine especially.. I enjoyed this time. I really can't begin to name the amount of random we found in her car. I think the funniest find was a mini trashcan full of trash in her front seat. Really? Who has a trashcan for their car? She cracks me up. We actually ended up throwing away the trashcan because it was so dirty.

3. This week I got back on the extra-healthy train. I realized that I need more greens and started frying some broccoli- yes, frying. Boiling sounded gross at the time. Any who, I suddenly felt a craving for Pasta Salad so I threw a bunch of stuff together and created a seriously delicious recipe. I've had it for lunch everyday this week, and I believe that it has contributed to my weight loss. Have I mentioned that I am now 2 lbs away from my high school weight?

4. Okay, so I know it's a bad habit,  but every time I get paid I suddenly feel a need to shop. Last weekend, I stocked up on my vitamins and picked up Cayenne Fruit supplements for the first time. Let me just say, I have had a lot more energy this week! Usually when it's grapefruit season, I use that as a natural source of energy- and I definitely feel a difference. Now, grapefruits don't taste so good anymore. These supplements are a great substitute. My metabolism is happy!

5. Gas went up from $3.40-something to $3.89! My friend in California said that gas is $3.89 there too.   I am a huge planner when it comes to spending money on what I dread. Like I said, not so much when it comes to fun stuff.. like vitamins? ;) So I use the app "Gas Buddy" to view updates from stations in the area. As my tank was nearing empty, and as I was kicking myself for not buying gas the previous weekend, I started my planning. "Gas Buddy" said that the town-next-door had a few stations set at $3.48... while all other towns were at $3.89. I decided to drive out of my way to get gas. I trusted Gas Buddy before, and what do you know... it is VERY reliable. This girl was extremely happy to fill her tank at $3.48 a gallon. And what do you know, as I was driving away the guy bumped the price. Thank you, God!