{feelin groovy}

Have you ever had one of those months where you are ridiculously busy but then you look back and can't for the life of you remember what you did all month? That's what February has been for me. Other than the half marathon (which I will get back to in a sec!!) I can't think of any big things that happened this month but I was SO busy!

First off- the half MARATHON!?!?! Last weekend I completed my very first half. In better time than I thought I would as well- 2:44. I'm so proud of myself that I did it, that I started something three months ago and saw it through. I'm kinda bummed about my time, but hey- there's always next year! ;) Jeremy was AMAZINGLY supportive, constantly telling me how proud of me he was, and he even ran the last three (uphill) miles with me!

Second- my wisdom teeth out, SNOW IN TEXAS, and some Houston birthdays. The first weekend in February was a whirlwind. I had a five day weekend but two of those days were spent in a hospital getting my wisdom teeth yanked. When I woke up to be released though, Jeremy picked me up in a sea of white dust! It had snowed several inches in this crazy city!?! Then we trekked (literally) east-bound to Houston and Jeremy was a champ and drove in some pretty serious snow for us southerners. We made it there safe and sound and in time for some Gringo's (I figured the margarita would help soothe my teeth ;) ) and then Miss Rylee's birthday party. Sunday was spent celebrating Jeremy's mom's birthday then heading back. WHEW.

Overall its been a crazy month, and I can't believe it's almost March! Work is still nicely busy and I'm going to keep up with my running, but I can't wait til summer gets here and every weekend can be spent on the lake or camping. It's what I LIVE FOR.




Happy Friday loves. :)

be happy. be thankful. love life.

Saw this wonderful article that I would love to share from StumbleUpon. Please enjoy and take to heart.

"21 Habits of Happy People :

1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships

Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word

Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate

Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business

Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism

See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally

Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence

Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive

Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care

Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence

Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility

Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they’ve made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.

Most of all: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF."



“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

i'm forgiven, because You were forsaken

I am having a hard time with guilt this week. I don't know why, perhaps because of a sermon I just listened to on hell. I think fear I could end up there. I know if I am a believer, I trust the Lord as my one and only Savior, and I am forgiven. But for some reason I can't seem to forgive myself. I went through some really tough times in the past year. I did and thought some things that I feel God shouldn't forgive me for. I don't know when it is ok to let myself be forgiven. Jeremy told me one time that in God's eyes one sin is the same as any another. There is no escalating scale in proportion to how "bad" the sin. Why can't I let it go? I know I am loved and I know my sins were certainly not the most horrible things imaginable, but for some reason because it is the lowest I have been in a very long time, I feel I'm not worthy of His forgiveness.

Hopefully time will heal my pain and I will allow myself to be forgiven.

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, andthe blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:1-9

Prayers for calming my heart and my mind on this topic would be much appreciated...