Sunday Worship Song

This is a new worship song we've been singing at church, and I was so excited when I found this video to share with you all. The things of this life are fleeting, friends. Nothing that we hold to in this life, on this side of heaven, is a guarantee. Jobs are lost, homes are foreclosed, back accounts are emptied..the list goes on and on. But, of this one thing we can cling to...our salvation through Jesus Christ. That is a wonderful gift, my friends, that can be never be lost or taken from us. Praise God for that! My favorite part of this song is, O Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose. That is my prayer. It's a prayer of trust and obedience and one that I hope you will pray as well. Have a blessed Sunday!




I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Chorus
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
O Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

Sunday Worship Song

I love this fun, upbeat song by Britt Nicole, and the truth within the lyrics. As women, (and men) it can really easy to let society shape us and tell us how we "should look." But the truth is, we are all beautiful and worth more than gold in His sight. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image and our beauty goes far beyond outside appearances. Happy Sunday!

Back on the Bandwagon

As with every new year, one of the things I really want to focus on this year is eating right and exercising. I know that sounds so cliche, but the reality hit me around one week before Christmas, when I was sick, yet again, with a nasty stomach virus. You see, it seems I get this virus at least twice a year, sometimes three, and I had a very bad case in September that lasted nearly a week. As you could guess, I was shocked when I got it again only a few months later. Then, my husband so graciously reminded me that it's probably due to the fact that I didn't exactly have the healthiest diet. He asked me how many fruits I eat in a day, and my answer was, "Some days, none." Sad, I know, but I'm just being honest :(  So, in hopes of taking better taking care and nourishing my body, I've decided that things have got to change. I've been making sure that I eat at least three servings of fruit a day (still not enough, I know, but it's a start) and the same goes for vegetables. One way I've been doing this is by making these delicious Green Monster Smoothies...

Source: Money Saving Mom

 

 

Yes, you heard me right, I said delicious! I have to modify the recipe a bit, simply due to the fact that I have only a single serve blender, and cannot fit all the ingredients in one cup by following the measurements given. (Oh, and I also use regular vanilla yogurt and almond milk-not unsweetened.) But, if you have a regular blender then the recipe below would be fine for you to follow...

 

Ingredients:

1 frozen sliced banana
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Nutritional stats:
350 calories, 10g fiber, 21g protein
Source: Iowa Girl Eats

Now, for the working out part...

I have found that I really enjoy workouts that involve lots of cardio, strength training and plyometrics (jumping, hopping, etc.) That is why I was so excited to come across Claire's blog, at Peak 313 Fitness! And, bonus- she is a very Godly woman. Since I am a very visual learner, I love the fact that she has instructional videos that she also posts. Here are a few of my fav's so far...



I did a few of these last night, and am starting to feel it!




Haven't tried this one yet...but it's coming!




I'm going to try this one this weekend.



Do you think my neighbors will think I'm crazy when they see me doing this one?! Oh, well, let them think what they want! Haha!

She has many more videos, but these are just a few that I really enjoyed. When I really get into a routine of working out, I enjoy it so much. And, let's be honest, seeing the results of your hard work is also exciting, right? Believe it or not, but I secretly would love to become a personal trainer one day, and this woman inspires me so much. I hope you are encouraged as well and will try some of these workouts.

Sunday Worship Song

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”-John 8:12

2013 Craft Projects

Can you all believe that it's already 2013?! I know I can't. I am so excited about these craft projects and hope to complete them throughout the year.




First up...this super cute Valentines wreath. You know I love my yarn wreaths :)




I think it would be really cute to make something like this for spring/summer decor.


 
I love this burlap flower arrangement and the fact that you could display it for multiple seasons by changing out a few colors.



And, of course, my list wouldn't be complete without a Christmas craft ;) This Christmas Light Topiary would be a perfect addition!


Well, there it is...my list of projects for 2013. I plan to get started on the Valentines wreath this weekend, so hopefully that will mean I'm off to a good start :) Here are a few of my favorite projects from 2012. (I apologize for the lighting in some of them. I'm determined to get a DSLR camera one of these days!)

 

My very first canvas! The words come from a David Crowder song, and if you can't tell it reads, Yet will He bring dark to light, and, yet will He bring day from night.

 

 

 

 

The chair re-do! I wish I would have taken a before picture, but to give you a visual, it was a really ugly and worn out plain black office chair. I was so pleased with the final product! (Thanks to my husband for helping me take it apart and put it back together.)

 

 

 

 

 

A baby girl yarn wreath for my best friends little one! She is so precious :)

 



And, last but not least...our chicken coop! (Not really a craft, I know, but it was a huge project and Jeff and I are really pleased with the outcome.) This was by far the most challenging, but completely worth it!

 

(I also made a super cute interchangeable burlap wreath, but for some strange reason I can't upload the picture of it. Ugh! Gotta love technology, sometimes. )

 

Happy crafting :)

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, friends! I pray that it's a blessed one!