Thankful Thursdays---Lessons from Little Ones

     During the month of November, I thought it would be fun to reflect on what I'm thankful for. Today, I am thankful for all the sweet children at the school where I work. Rarely does a day go by that I don't hear a "Hey, Ms. Candace!", get a random hug, or see someone waving at me from the bus. These things may seem insignificant, but it really makes me feel special and loved. And, I don't always know the children who do these things. I think that is what catches me off guard, because I know I've done nothing to deserve that child's love. Just today, I was in a classroom while the children were lining up to go somewhere. One sweet girl left the line, came to me, and gave me a hug. Did I know who she was? No.  Did I deserve it? No. Did she have to do that? No. But as I am writing this, I am realizing something. The same is true of Jesus! I've done absolutely nothing to deserve His love. He left heaven, came to this world, and gave His life. Did I know who He was? No. Did I deserve it? No. Did He have to do that? No. But He did all of it anyway because He loves me and He loves you. We can have a relationship with Him even though we don't deserve it. He offers us freely this blessing. He wants us to accept Him and love Him. I couldn't be more amazed right now! I never expected to get a picture of God's love for me from a simple hug from a child. But that is just how God works. He does big things in the seemingly small. I'm thankful for those precious children and the lessons that God teaches me through them. I hope He uses me to be a good influence on them and make a difference in their lives. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Little Ladybug Effie! :)

Happy Fall!!!

     It seems as though I'm at a loss for words these days. So, I thought I would post this picture. Happy Fall!!!

Update!

     Well, today is the day to give an update on my weight loss goal. Honesty is the best policy, right? Unfortunately, no weight loss was achieved this month. :( But, I am not giving up! These things take time. Some good news is my doctor was pleased with my overall weight loss and the fact that I have maintained it. Also, my friend Elizabeth and I have been running! This has been very challenging for both of us, but I think it  is worth it. I also decided to get hardcore about counting calories again today. (which is soooo not fun) I will reach my goal!  

Believe, Trust, Expect, Wait

     The Lord knows my heart and wants me to place my desires before Him and believe He will accomplish His will. These verses from His Word are very precious and I wanted to share them. 

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14 AMP

Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life. O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in you. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; Psalm 25:1-3a AMP

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. Psalm 38:9 NKJV

But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10b NKJV

     I truly believe a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing ever. He is my Savior, Friend, Counselor, and so much more! By giving Him my heart's desires and depending on Him for them, I get the greatest blessing of knowing Him more. Even if He doesn't give me anything else in my life, I still get to have the amazing privilege of personally knowing Him. He is teaching me so many things that I can't fully understand or describe. All I know is He wants me to believe Him, trust Him, expect Him, and wait on Him. And to do that I must seek Him. His word says when I do that, I won't lack any good thing. And that is proving so true, because I can get closer to Jesus, and He is certainly GOOD!

Finishing What I Started

     Around two years ago, I started my weight loss journey. I set a very high goal to lose X amount of pounds. I have lost two-thirds of my goal. I never dreamed I would actually come this far! I feel wonderful. But I really need to finish what I started. I can't quit now! I have to give it 100% effort and achieve my goal. I know I am going to have to work extremely hard to reach my goal. I decided I needed some motivation. So, I created colorful inspirational quotes to place around my apartment so when I see them I am reminded to exercise wholeheartedly, eat healthily, and most importantly to not give up!!! I also found a couple of fun ideas on Pinterest. The first one is a visual reminder of the pounds I have lost and the pounds I need to lose {glass stones in vases}. The second one is a binder with tips, recipes, workout ideas, notes of when I make good decisions, and weekly progress. My blog will also be motivation because I will come back in one month to record my progress.
     As I am writing this I am also watching The Miracle Worker which is a movie about Anne Sullivan teaching Helen Keller who was deaf and blind. She never gave up and all of her hard work and perseverance paid off when Helen finally understood her first word. I know that was a completely different situation than the one I am in, but that same perseverance can be applied to my weight loss efforts. Hard work pays off.....So, here I go! Wish me luck!!!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fu-un!

     My friends had the fabulous idea to have a "spa" day this weekend. Not actually go to a spa, but a DIY spa! So, we gathered at Elizabeth's house for a fun, relaxing afternoon. First, Becky and Elizabeth enjoyed pedicures. After that we took turns doing each other's hair and makeup. Then, we went to dinner and continued to enjoy the night. Our night included lots of laughter. Nothing like a fun day with your girls!