Christmas Tree Lighting

It has ALWAYS been a dream of mine to go to the Christmas Tree lighting in Rockerfeller Center in New York.... unfortunately New York is kinda a long drive from San Diego. Instead, every year I attend the Carlsbad Christmas Tree lighting at the Forum shopping center. Its definitely not the same, but for now it will have to do. There is just something so fun and cozy about being in a long coat, scarf, and gloves with a big cup of coffee (or tea for me :-) and listening to carolers while a HUGE tree is lit by Santa. It's moments like these that make life fun. Well, I'm off to join in on the festivities.... life is too short not to act like a kid sometimes!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What a wonderful year its been... so much has happened and there is certainly so much to be thankful for.

I'm Thankful for:

1. My relationship with the Lord as I continue to grow in Him daily


2. My parents who have loved, supported, and provided for me these past 20 years


3. My wonderful sister who makes me laugh, listens to me when I need to vent, knows me inside and out, and understands who I really am.


4. My beautiful niece and nephew who have given me one of the best roles I have ever played..."Aunt"


5. My Point Loma girlfriends (Kayla, Lauren, and Becca), who loved me and supported me through one of the darkest times of my life, my eating disorder.


6. My recovery! I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to not only experience anorexia, but through His grace, also allowed me to come out on the other side.


7. My "recovery team".... Healthy Within, Kate my therapist, Kelley my yoga/pilates teacher, and Kourtney my After Care therapist.


8. My health (I no longer take it for granted)


9. My Mentor Julie who has provided me with countless support and much need prayers


10. My friend JaNay who has been an incredible example of living a life sold out for Christ.


11. My adorable apartment :-)


12. My body.... curves and all!


13. My flaws, after all its our flaws that make us all different and unique right?


14. My job. Being a nanny is such a blessing.

The list of things I'm thankful for could go on.....

Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Well I'll be darned, its National Peanut Butter Lover's Month!! Let's celebrate the goodness that is peanut butter...yum!

Here are some funny peanut butter facts:

1. Arachiutyrophobia = the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth


2. It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18 oz jar of peanut butter!


3. The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he/she graduates high school.


4. Peanut butter is excellent for removing chewing gum from clothing and hair.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter:

1. It is an EXCELENT source of protein


2. Provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, Niacin, Phosphorous & Magnesium


3. Is Cholesterol Free and can help improve your HDL-LDL ratio


4. Contains fiber, offering about as much as ½ cup of broccoli


5. Good source of natural folic acid, an essential nutrient during pregnancy and in the prevention of heart disease

I can remember eating peanut butter and jelly on soft white Wonder Bread when I was a little girl, and just thinking about it makes my mouth water. There is no doubt, peanut butter is delicious, fun, and an all american classic... lets celebrate by indulging in this yummy (and healthy) treat! I encourage you to be a kid again and have some fun with peanut butter!

Fork in the Road

It's funny how life can take such abrupt twists and turns sometimes. It seemed as if for the first time in over a year, my life had just begun to settle down, when all the sudden I found myself at a fork in the road where I was faced with a decision that would change the course of my life... not to sound to dramatic or anything, but the decision is no small one to say the least. I'm tempted to blurt out to everyone just what it is I'm wrestling with, but in the end, I don't want anyone to influence my decision, therefor I'm keeping it a mystery, and am requesting your prayers regarding this matter (the Lord will know what your praying for even if you don't.) As for now, I've decided not to rush into anything, but instead give it to the Lord completely, after all, its His will I seek for my life, not my own. A wise friend and counselor recently gave me a scripture that I've been praying daily, and would appreciate your help and support if you would do the same. The verse is...

Jeremiah 6:16
"This is what the LORD says, 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'"

Study Day

Studying stinks! I have two huge tests tomorrow, please be in prayer that I do well. Thanks everyone!

One of Those Days

Ugh, what an exhausting day! God showed me once again that His plan is not always my plan, and while I'm free to kick and scream about it, in the end what He has planned is always far better than anything I could imagine for myself. Unfortunately, today was the day all college students dread most... registration!! Yuck just hearing that word makes me cringe. Anyway, as I battled to get the last of my pre-nursing courses, I discovered that two of the classes I need most are both completely full and closed. And while I was frustrated and annoyed initially, my sister so wonderfully reminded me that no matter what happens, its all apart of God's plan, just let it go and put it back in His hands. Now as I wind down from what feels like a never ending emotional roller coaster, I realize that in the big scheme of things this is simply a little bump in the road. No use in worrying, its a wasted emotion. After all, its impossible to worry and trust the Lord at the same time... I'm choosing to trust the Lord.

Proverbs 16:3

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

Well, my favorite season is approaching.... that's right, CHRISTMAS!!!! I know what your probably thinking, its not even Thanksgiving yet, but if I had it my way I'd celebrate Christmas from November through January. I love everything about this holiday, from the smell of mom's home made apple cider heating on the stove, to opening presents under the tree surrounded by the warmth of family.... not to mention the most important part of the season, Christ's birth! This year happens to be the very first Christmas in my apartment, and while I wont actually be celebrating in my apartment on Christmas day, I couldn't help but decorate!! There's just something about Christmas decorations that makes a house feel like a home. For the next month and a half I plan on soaking up every last bit of this wonderful time of year, and what better place to do so than in my quaint little apartment? Here are the pictures of my newly decorated place, enjoy....

New Favorite Song

This is my new FAVORITE song!!! I found the video and the lyrics that go with it so here it is... enjoy....

Beautiful Life - Fisher

Hey child up and go-

Big world is out there waiting for us to

live in every day

Outside you will find

there is love all around you

-Takes you, makes you wanna' say

That it's a beautiful life

and it's a beautiful world

and it's a beautiful time

to be here, to be here, to be here

The sky's blue-just us two

Side by side we'll see the world

that surrounds us

Hey, seize the day

Each road every mile's a photograph in motion

to astound us, carry us away

into a beautiful life

'Cause it's a beautiful world

and it's a beautiful time

to be here, to be here

Leave all your cares behind you

The sun is rising

Turn around

-it's right in front of you

and it's a beautiful life

and it's a beautiful time

to be here, to be here, to be here

A New Outlook

If you knew that for the rest of your life your body would NEVER change, that it would remain the exact same regardless of how hard you exercised or how much you dieted, would you live the same way your living right now?

I dont know about you, but I've recently realized that I no longer have the desire to waste my life hating my body, trying to improve my body, or envying someone elses body. This is what God gave me... period. Today is a new day. No more torturous diets, no more stupid elliptical machine, and no more trying to fit into a size 5 jeans and x-small shirts. God made my body exactly the way He wanted. I'm taking my focus off "thinness" and redirecting my focus to that of heath. If you desire to be free from negative feelings about your body, then join me in vowing to treat your body as a temple to the Lord. Eat well, but dont deprive yourself of treats, exercise, but dont do something you hate just because it burns more calories, and talk with God often... after all who better to talk to than the one who made you? Love your body TODAY, not ten pounds from now.

One of Those Days

At the end of everyday I have a habit of labeling that specific day as a "good" day or a "bad" day. This might not sound unusual to most of you, but there's something I haven't yet told you. These good and bad day labels refer specifically to what type of body image day I've had. You see, there are days when I feel wonderfully at home and utterly at peace with my body, but there are also days where ED ("Eating Disorder") looms over head feeding me lies about how horrible I look and how fat I've become. Sad isn't it? It's true that I no longer struggle with anorexia... but instead I fight daily with body image issues.

The moment I woke this morning, I could tell this was going to be one of those "bad" days. Ugh I despise these days! When I feel moments such as these creeping up behind me, I do the only thing I can...turn to the Lord. This is not my battle to fight, its His. Right now it's only 9am and already I feel exhausted just thinking about the work that lies ahead of me today. All day I will be forced to fight every negative thought, taking it captive and making it obedient to the Lord. All day I will be in prayer, fighting Satan's lies. All day I will avoid mirrors, scales, and the media in order to prevent myself from slipping down that oh so slippery hill. Nope it wont be easy, and it wont be fun, but I cling to verse that says "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."

About an hour ago I sat alone on my apartment balcony as large thunder clouds formed above, which seemed fitting for the kind of day I knew was to come, anyway, I opened an old book of mine titled Embracing Your True Beauty In Christ. As I flipped through the pages, I came across some quotes and scripture that I had highlighted, which I thought I'd share with you...

1 Peter 3:3-4
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

1 Samuel 16:7
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man Looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."

Song of Solomon 4:7
"All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you."

Beauty tips by Audrey Hepburn:
1. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness
2. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people
3. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
4. For Beautiful hair, let a child play with it often
5. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone

Procrastination is My Middle Name

YAY what a productive day I've had! I just love those days when everything on your "to do" list gets accomplished. My family could attest that although I love having a clean apartment, I absolutely hate to clean. I usually put "clean apt" on the very top of my list of things to do everyday, but it somehow always falls to the bottom of the list and inevitably makes its way onto the next days list instead. Before I know it, a month has gone by and my apartment remains untouched (yuck!). Sometimes I wish there was a little cleaning fairy that could just follow me around all day.... unfortunately I live in the real world where there is no such thing. Anyway, I woke up this morning and told myself that my day to clean had finally come. The longer I put it off, the messier it will get. So I got down to business. It wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't fun, but as I sit here typing on my computer surrounded by a spotless and clean smelling apartment, I feel as if a weight has been lifted... I can finally breath again. To top it off, I even had extra time to do a little grocery shopping and pick up some hors d'oeuvres for tonight. Being the wonderful daughter that I am ;-) I invited my parents over to my place this evening for some wine, cheese and crackers, and of course my family's favorite... olive tampenade! Yep all in all today has been quite the productive day, and I couldn't feel better. Its funny how something so simple can make you feel as if all is right with the world again.

I Love Being A Nanny

Let me just say, I absolutely love my job! I'm currently working as a nanny for a wonderful family with two children. James is 16 months and Brooklynn is 4. Today really wasnt much different than any other day at work, but as I found myself down on the ground playing for the millionth time, I was reminded again just how precious these children are. Even on the days when I'm exhausted and dont feel like going to work, the moment I'm greeted at the door by two smiling faces... everything else just seems to melt away. Today Brookie and I were playing around with the video recorder on my phone. Brookie was having the time of her life being goofy in front of the camera, when out of nowhere she suddenly came up with the idea to create a series of video messages to each member of her family (mom, dad, and little brother James). In each video she told them how much she loved them and what she loved most about them. When we had finished all the videos she turned to me and told me she wanted to make a video for me as well. I felt so honored to just be thought of. In the video Brookie so sweetly told me that she loved me because I am "the best nanny in the world!" How adorable is that?? That simple little moment brought so much joy to my day. Once again, I LOVE MY JOB!!! :-)

A Day of Mourning.....

Today my sister posted a scripture that felt fitting for the day following Obama's presidential win, so I thought I'd too share it with everyone....

"..and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."

Mathew 24:11

Enough said.....

Day of Change... Good or bad?

Today is the day our country will change forever. After you vote please join me in spending the day in prayer for:

1. Our future President

2. The restoration of marriage (YES Prop. 8)

3. The protection of the unborn by making abortion illegal

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY... GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!!!!

Stand up and be counted

With the presidential elections only days away, I simply couldn't ignore the part of me that was screaming to join in and unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Sure I could go into my booth on election day and vote what I believe... but sometimes Christ calls us to more than that. Sometimes, He wants us to stand up and be set apart. About a week ago I felt the Lord telling me to rise up and join the fight against the legalization of gay marriage. Yes my voice is small, but I would be a fool to believe it is insignificant. And so on Saturday (Nov. 1st) I made the decision to go out on the corner of El Camino Real and Leucadia and stand up for what I believe to be true. I thought I'd be nervous going out there and joining all the Yes on 8 ralliers, but to my surprise, the moment I stepped onto that curb, I knew I was doing the right thing. The hundreds of honks and thumbs up from locals were more than enough to keep me going. Even through the various names I was called, fingers I received, and obscenities that were shouted, I knew I was doing what the Lord had asked of me. I truly believe the quote that states, "As California goes, so goes the Nation". As a Christian I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman...period. This isn't about discrimination, hate, or a lack of tolerance. Most could attest that I would be the first one to befriend someone who was gay. I believe they too are created in God's image and deserve to be treated with nothing but love and respect regardless of their lifestyle choices. The gay community argues that by denying them a legal and recognized marriage, we are denying them their civil rights... but this is not so. "Complaining about discrimination, the gay lobby is trying to position the Massachusetts ruling as a logical expansion of the civil rights movement. It isn't. No one has the right to marry whomever he wants. Gays can already get marriage licenses on exactly the same terms as anyone else. Everyone is equally barred from marrying another person who is under a certain age, or too closely related, or of the same gender, or already married to another. Sound reasons underlie all these requirements, which apply equally to everyone, male and female."

Will Yes on Prop 8 pass? I have no idea. But the best I can do is publicly stand up for what I believe in and spend time in prayer regarding this issue. Please join me in prayer for our community and country over these next few days. Our world is about to change regardless....