Happy Fathers Day!

In His Steps…

Ephesians 5:1-2
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 11:1
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

The Bible is very clear that we are to be followers of Christ, living a life striving to become more like him. Not only is the Bible clear of this command it is filled with examples of how we can live our life. Our heavenly father is the PERFECT example of how we are to live.

With father’s day coming I can’t help but think of my own father and the example he has been for me my entire life. His life motto could be “follow me, as I follow Christ” As I reflect on my earthly father these are examples of how he follows Christ daily and what we can take from His example.

1. I have yet to witness a morning where he is not in the word. Whether its reading through his one year bible or reading on his phone as he waits patiently
2. He exudes patience that can only be learned from Christ. He is patient with people, he is patient with the process of life, and he is patient with decisions in order to be wise.
3. Wisdom is something I clearly remember my father praying for. He asked the Lord to give him wisdom, which took him through several trials forcing him to the lord in Prayer.
4. Prayer is a daily part of my father’s life, he is following Christ through his daily conversation with him. I don’t remember a meal that has not been blessed or decision that has not been prayed over diligently
5. Diligence is a trait that takes time and can be hard to come by. My father is diligent each day to his work, his church, his family, and his faith.
6. His faith is shown by example not by forcing the subject. He shares his faith in Love.
7. Love is the ultimate example as Christ first showed love and like Christ, my father’s love is Unconditional.

It would be my prayer that no matter what example your earthly father displayed to follow your heavenly father. To live your life as an example to others, become the example my father was to me, to those in your life.

My wedding Day... My Dad giving me jewelery to wear that day!

Friday

Its friday! We made it to the end of the week! Fridays are my FAVORITE DAY!!!

I get to relax the rest of the day, so something fun with my Hubs and tomorrow is FARMERS MARKET!

Des Moines Farmers Market is my favortie and I mean FAVORITE part of summer! I love seeing all Gods creations, whether that is food for our bodies or watching all the interesting people!

On my Farmers Market List for tomorrow!
Asparagus
Strawberries
Summer Squash!

What is your favorite part of Summer? What do you do to relax and enjoy on the weekends?

Hope you have a great one!

Beautiful!

Last night was BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE! It was a perfect night! Hubs couldn't stop saying it is perfect outside. Not to Hot, Not to Cold!

We had decided to try a new restaurant in town called Americana, its a mere 7 blocks from our house. So perfect night, meant perfect walk! We walked down and met my dad for din din! I had salmon, Hubs had Cobb Salad plus Salmon, Dad had Burger and Fries (he is the all American boy) After dinner and a quick walk home...

Hubs didn't want the night to end... so we called a friend and night capped on the patio!

Perfect night ran into a perfect morning as the sun rose and the orange glow shined in our windows... we were up and ready for a new day!

Tonight should be another wonderful night as we have the Wine Fest Prima Dinner at Proof! Another fabulous restaurant just a few blocks walk! We are excited!

Happy Hump Day!

It is a happy day! Hump day of the week and hump day of the month!

Hump day reminds me of two things...
1. My 3rd grade teacher making us hump over in our chairs so we all looked like little humps to celebrate the day! Haha...the good old days
2. Being half way done with something... The half way point is always the hardest. When you start off on a quest; whether it be a goal, a week, a road trip, a run. You start with enthusiasm and excitement. Motivation to get to the end. Then you half way point comes, you have worked hard, but only HALF WAY! The second half is much easier... "its all down hill from here" per say. But, what gets you over that hump?

I know in my own life, I have started out on many journeys, set many goals, and haven't always made it over the hump... but I have learned that if you work hard enough, keep your mind focused, and keep working towards the end; you will get over the hump and reach the end!

When you find your self stuck on the hump, remember how good Friday feels!

Breakfast, Books, Budgets

I guess its a "B" day! Not, Birthday (SOON) rather I am posting about something I LOVE, something I ENJOY and something I DESPISE!

Breakfast: I LOVE
Today's was a great combination of Oats, Almond Milk, Almond Butter, Vanilla Protein Powder, and Cinnamon! All combined into a gooey mesh that taste like a yummy cookie! PERFECTION!

Books: I ENJOY (sometimes)
This summer I am trying to read for enjoyment and not because I have to. So I have a book on my desk at work Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst and a book at home R12 by Chip Ingram. Both I have enjoyed so far and am praying they will draw me closer to the Lord.

Budgets: I DESPISE! SERIOUSLY!
Hubs and I had our monthly budget meeting last night, which I always dread and he gets giddy about it! Seriously! He was singing into the office last night! I do feel we need to have them for accountability to each other and to Lord. We want to be good stewards of our money. Budgets can tell a lot about a person...where you spend your money...what does mine say about me? I like to grocery shop! No surprise to anyone who knows me. I love the experience, the creativity, the colors, the hunt for a healthy option, and getting home and organizing my fridge! Because I have such a love for the grocery store I go often. This summer I am going to try to go less and pay with cash. We will see how it goes!

Have a great day! Off to read!

JR

Back by Popular Demand...

By Popular Demand, I mean my sister and my mom! This past weekend our entire family road tripped to Wisconsin for my cousins graduations party. It was a PARTY! With lots of YUMS including... make your own quesadilla and an overwhelming amount of SUGAR!

Boy did I fall off the band waggon of no SUGAR. With so much temptation around, I fell head deep into the custard! Really it wasn't that bad, but boy did I feel the Sugar low the next day. I felt NASTY!

As Hubs said tomorrow (meaning today) is a new day and we have to jump back on to our health train. So that is what I am doing!

Because I am so passionate about healthy eating and healthy living all rolled up into a balanced life. I have decided to have you send me your not so healthy recipes and I will remix them! Make them more nutritious, few calories, and over all healthier! So send me some recipes and I will post a remix after my Ginny pig husband tries them out and gives the thumbs up!

Hope you have a great Monday!

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