Praise God!

​Praise God. Praise God. PRAISE GOD. PRAISE GOD!!!

This morning has been SO EMOTIONAL, yet grounded in Christ, leaving me completely blown away by the goodness of God. It has been an intense couple of weeks (ok, it seems like it is ALWAYS intense - but in a good way).

We’ve been getting ready for the start of school, preparing for a crazy sports season, planning for the kick-off to the next LES45 Challenge, and making progress on heading BACK to the DR. Through it all, God speaks to my heart and reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus, being led by the Holy Spirit.

We dropped our oldest off for her first year of high school this morning. I was going to let my husband do it, but I couldn’t. I simply couldn’t miss the first time she headed off to high school and miss out on the moment! Then we headed off to drop off our youngest, in the middle of her junior high career. Where has the time gone? My husband and I decided to take moment to have a cup of coffee together, just the two of us. And I started crying. JUST a short while left. A short while…

We talked about how incredibly proud we are of BOTH girls and how hopeful we are for the two of them! Our oldest made the varsity soccer team and was even voted in as a captain by her teammates. We’re told this is a first. Our youngest made the volleyball team, and has been on cloud nine – happy she wasn’t faced with rejection. BOTH are excited to be doing something they love, and of course spend more time with their friends!

​Me? Among their moments I’m gearing up for the next challenge and excited to see what God has in store. Since the live announcement last week, I have had a flurry of emotions. Folks I wouldn’t have imagined are reaching out and expressing their interest, while others say nothing and I pick up a somewhat threatened vibe, 

others just keep paying attention with curiosity, waiting to see what is going to come of all this…
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And I don’t know. Just like I don’t know what is going to come of the new project going on at work that actually has me going BACK TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC this Fall. In the research phase of an effort to provide a clinic in an underserved area of the world, I’m ecstatic God is opening doors for both my husband and I to learn more about the needs related to my professional field – and actually making MORE connections as it relates to the unique endeavor of nutrition and fitness. I do know good things are on the horizon.
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As if this isn’t enough to praise God for, He keeps blowing me away by all that goes on in the lives of others – and their living testimonies! Friends who are there for our family, continued encouragement by mentors, authentic and genuine conversation, examples of other women connecting with one another, seeing the smile and laughter of my dear friend fighting cancer, a mother who simply wouldn’t accept anything other than to watch her daughter walk again. I am so blessed to be a part of a group of women and community willing to rise up and stand out in Christ, for the betterment of those around them. Incredibly blessed.

I see this and it stokes a fire in my soul. I see this and it affirms two things: the goodness of God and the praises He deserves, and the importance of choosing to every single day, be the woman He needs me to be.

I pray you’re fired up and ready to rise every day too!

​On a side note: my summer time debauchery (drama emphasized) caught up with me and my pants are a bit tighter (that or my kiddos dried them on high heat ;) ), and I don't care! Seemingly resting in God's sweet spot far surpasses any pants size or number on a scale. PLUS - I know it's all about to come off as I get heavier into my ToughMudder training!