Wednesday's Waking Thoughts: 'ComfortZone" pt.2

     I have been challenged to break out of my comfort zone lately.  But I have also been challenged in another way.  Breaking out of it in a "non-comfortable" way.  Confused?  So was I, but here's what I've figured out.
     Usually when I want to "break out" I change up my workout.  It's safe and pretty much guaranteed to be a success.  But I wasn't really breaking out.  In order to break out risk needs to be involved.  If I am guaranteed a success, I'm not really taking a risk.  I am pretty secure in fitness & nutrition, so while it is doing my body good, I haven't really changed my situation. 
     The thing is if we are really risking it all, we have to rely on God to get us through.  That is what He is asking of me: to do it through His power, not in my own.  Realizing that I am better if I surrender to God and release all the 'control' I think I have over my life, is a daily process for me.  I continually pray, "I can't do this.  I am not [strong, smart, talented,etc.] enough.  God if you want me to do this then You need to move through me.  I give up!"  And I do.
     So for me the challenge has been to figure out in which areas I need to take a risk in order to become "uncomfortable" and rely on Him.  That is what I have been trying to do these last few months. 
     Remember my fears of rejection and failure?  I have decided to face the head on.  I have shared my infertility & breast cancer story with a large group at my church and through FB and twitter.  I have reached out to make new friends.  I have started taking Bible Studies and training in areas that really stretch and challenge me-ALOT! And you know what?  Although I face rejection and failure in these areas, God had carried me through and I am finding that I enjoy life so much more by getting out of my comfort zone!  My confidence is better, I am feeling bolder and am seeing success in areas that I hadn't before.
     But now I am becoming comfortable here, so I am already looking for other areas of growth, so I can step out and stretch! Good bye again, comfort zone!

Wednesday's Waking Thoughts: 'ComfortZone" pt. 1

     Good Wednesday Morning. 

     Today I woke up with a thought running around in my head.  I came from something I said in a conversation on Monday.  The thought is, "Our comfort zone is where the enemy does his best work."  Why?  Because we become complacent, comfortable, unmotivated. I spent many years living in my comfort zone and the enemy had a field day keeping me there.  He loves head games...I was afraid of failure, making a fool of myself, rejection.  Not a 'comfortable' place to be after all, is it?  I think our comfort zone is where the enemy is MOST comfortable!

     Over the last few months, I have done nothing but live OUTSIDE my comfort zone.  And it has been amazing.  I've taken risks and they've paid off.  I've made myself vulnerable and instead of being mocked or hurt, I've been surrounded by an amazing group of people and friends.  That's the last thing he wants-ME.  Confident, bold, strong, and walking with a group of people who are the same.  Not so comfy now, are you enemy?????

     I love watching the enemy squirm!   :0)

I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Thanks to Martina for such an amazing song & video supporting those affected by cancer!

Tags: I'm Gonna Love You Through It, Martina McBride, Martina McBride Videos

Motivational Monday: Abraham - From One to Many.

I had planned on starting a challenge to myself today to blog for 30 days straight!  I figured I'd start with "Motivational Mondays" as most people seem to need motivation to face another week ahead.

Wouldn't you know it?  I have been completely unmotivated this morning!  This is the first day in a very long time that I haven't felt like even planning on doing anything.  I wasn't motivated to rise when the alarm went off, but I finally did.  I wasn't motivated to get on the treadmill, hit the heavy bag, or do upper body strength training this morning, but I did.  I hoped a good rush of endorphins would kick that feeling right out of me.  But still, nothing...

But then, something occurred to me.  This was also the first morning in a very long time that I didn't take the time for my Quiet Time, first thing in the morning.  (I slept in late - remember the alarm?)  It couldn't be that simple, could it??  So I did sit down, read today's passages, and talk/listen with God.  I discovered something.  I am not feeling motivated because I am feeling overwhelmed!  There are so many things I have on my to do list; so many things I want to accomplish and every now and then I feel paralyzed.  I am not unmotivated - I just don't know where to begin & what to prioritize.  I can't do it all.

That's just where God wanted me today - to say, "I can't do it.  I don't know where to start. Take over for me!"  I always make plans, feel overwhelmed about making them happen & then invite God along for the ride.  And I am sure He laughs!  Then I read Isaiah 51:2b, "Abraham was only one man when I called him.  But when I blessed him, he became a great nation." (NLT) I am feeling like I need to be an entire nation to get everything done, yet I am only one person.  Yet with God, one person can do amazing things!  If I simply rely on God, and focus on His plans - through Him everything will get done to His glory!  My focus isn't to be on the to-do list or my grand plans, but for what He has for me to do.  Abraham responded to God's (very different) plans and was blessed beyond measure.  Can I say that about my life?

I am so glad that I took time to get that priority right.  No more skipping the QT because I'm in a hurry! Now, I'm motivated to face not just today but the rest of this week - I am not doing anything in my power, but through His.  I will focus on His plans for me and I have a feeling everything else will work itself out!  

It's going to be an amazing week!

30 for 30: Day 3

      Day Three of 30 for 30 brings a morning of errands, a trip to the park (a wee bit cool), and then working from/at home.
     Brown sweater dress (Twiggy from Nordstrom Rack): $19 several years ago.
     Brown cordouroy Newsboy cap (the Limited): <$20.  I bought this at least 20 years ago while I was working there so I know I couldn't have paid any more than that.  But this hat has been my 'go-to' for bad hair or cold days for YEARS!
     Jeans (Not Your Daughter's Jeans from Nordstrom Rack): $29

     Axcess:
     Yellow, Orange, Brown striped scarf (Old Navy): $9.  I love my scarves.
     Gold & Stone Necklace (From Fiore): $29.  I felt like I needed to fill in some space at the neckline and thought this would be fun!
     Gold, Orange, Green Bangles (H&M and Premier Jewelry): H&M $5.95 and Premier Jewelry one of my free gifts for hosting a party.
     Brown straw & sequined bag (Calypso St. Barth for Target): $29.  LOVE this as my new summer 'go to' bag!
     Gold metallic snakeskin flats w/ Rhinestone accents (Sam Edleman @ Nordstrom Rack): over $30.  But I wear these all the time so I figure current CPW is down to $10.
    
     So that's it for today.  Looking forward to see what I can put together tomorrow.

30 for 30: Day 2

     Today is ALL about comfort!  It is a work from/at home day with very few errands.  Like most moms I turned to my tried & true sweats & t-shirt (with a twist) to wear around the house.
     Olive burn out T-shirt: (H&M) $7.95
     Sweats: (Da-Nang). Current cost per wear: $0.  I got these because of the cool factor.  They have great "hieroglyphics" down the left leg, front pockets, cozy drawstring waist and are made from the softest fleece I have EVER felt!  They were part of a clearance sale at Elements of Three boutique in Cumming before they closed.  The sale was buy 1 piece get a second for 10 cents!  I paid the full clearance price for these ($45) and got a sweater for a dime.  So if you average what I spent, they still fall under the $30 mark.  But I wear these at least once a week, so my CPW is non-existent at this point as I've had to have worn them 50 times by now!

 

     To run errands this morning, I topped off the T with my military inspired Olive Drab jacket from rue 21. With all discounts included, I got this great jacket for under $10!
     The clogs are from Dr. Scholl's and are super comfortable!  I got these on clearance at Dillard's for $29.  They are the closest you'll ever see me come to wearing crocs!
     So all in all, a very cost effective comfortable day!
     Until tomorrow...

30 for 30: Day 1

     Today is Sunday.  Which means that I am singing in choir at church today (and sometimes seeing myself on the large screen!) So I get to 'dress up' a bit!
     I LOVE this outfit!  It nods to the nautical feeling that is always so prevalent this time of year without being "themey".
     White jeans are LEI (from Walmart):FREE - that's right, FREE.  I got these from a clothes swap held at a church women's ministry event.  I had to be talked into taking them, but I love them!
     Red sweater is Jessica Howard (Khol's): $19.  I originally purchased this to wear through the Christmas Holidays and have worn it a lot more than I ever thought I would.
     Black & White striped blouse is from H&M: $9.95.
     Necklace is from White House/Black Market. It is silver chains and pearls with red & pink enamel flowers.  The proceeds from this necklace were donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.  Current cost per wear:  $8
     And the black patent shoes are Stuart Weitzman.  Current cost per wear: $4.
     This would be a good time to discuss cost per wear as these last two items cost over the $30 limit when I purchased them. However, I have worn them so many times that the cost of wearing them is really inconsequential.
     To figure cost per wear (CPW) just divide the cost of an item by how many times you think you will wear (or have worn) an item.  It's a great way to see if something is really a bargain when you are shopping! A $19 blouse worn only once has a CPW of $19.  A $60 blouse worn once a month (12 times) has a CPW of $5.  So sometimes it does pay to spend a bit more if you are going to enjoy something in the long run! And the best thing about CPW is, if you wear something enough, it drops to $0!!!
     See you tomorrow!