Wanna know why I smile a lot?

Smiling is my favorite.

Wanna know why I smile a lot? It's not because my life is perfect or because everything always goes my way. I smile a lot because it's worth it! I actually had a member of one of my classes ask me why I smile so much. He asked if I was really THAT happy. My simple response was, "Why not?! Life is too short to be anything but happy." Don't get me wrong I have days where my mood is far from happy but when I really stop and think about it, I have no good reason not to smile and be happy. I mean, think about it:

•  Just waking up in the morning is reason enough to smile.

• Smiles are contagious. I love smiling at strangers and seeing their expression instantly change.    Smiling at children is my favorite. Imagine a world invested with smiles :)

• Smiling improves your mood. The next time you find yourself in a not so great mood just try smiling more. It's much harder to stay in a bad mood while you are smiling. Fake it till ya make it!

• Smiling not only improves your mood but it will improve the mood of the people around you. A lady walked into my office this week and told me that my beautiful smile made it worth coming to class. Members of my classes are constantly expressing their appreciation for me smiling while I teach. The fact that my simple act of smiling can make others happy makes smiling all the more worth it. The next time you go to a store pay attention to the person at the register. I have found that when I'm distracted or not very attentive to the person helping me then they are distant themselves. On the other hand, if I walk up with a friendly smile on my face they tend to be much more talkative, friendly and willing to help.

• Smiling is a universal language. No matter where you go and no matter what language you speak, everyone knows the meaning of a smile.

• It takes more energy to frown than to smile.

• Smiling excessively gives you great laugh lines on your face. I have a lot and I'm proud of it!

It's a great day to be alive!

A simple smile can make someone's day, it's free, and never runs out. Let your light shine onto those around you. Be a bright light in the dark places of this world. SMILE! :)

Making Waves

Recently I was walking along the banks of the Neuse River as the sun was rising when off in the distance a small fishing boat went by. The vessel broke through the water, which was as still as glass that morning, barely making a disturbance to the serene view.

It wasn't until minutes later that the waves came loudly crashing to the shore disrupting the quiet of the morning and it got me thinking, there are many things that we say and do in this life that we will never see the end result of. You may speak a kind word to a stranger at the store one day and never know how you greatly impacted their day or maybe even their life with the words you spoke. Taking time to talk to a friend in need or lend a helping hand can go so much further than we might even know. Most of the time you will probably think that something you say or do is so small and isn't a big deal at all. The truth is it could speak volumes to someone else in ways that you can't even imagine just like it took several minutes for the ripples made from that small boat to make big waves on the shore. What I'm trying to say is it is always the right time to do the right thing. Never stop loving and serving others, even when it's hard and even when it's not convenient. You might be the person that God has sent into another's life to start that ripple effect. If you are the person who has been greatly touched by someone else then go tell that person. They may have no clue that they have had a profound effect on your life. Maybe knowing that is just the encouragement that they need at that moment.

Every day you have the opportunity to change the world around you and impact the lives of the people in your circle of influence. Whose life will you touch today?

Happy Adoptaversary!

Nine years ago today I walked into the Connecticut Humane Society and walked out with my best friend. Due to the fact that I lived in a small apartment I was there looking for a cat to adopt. Each shelter that I went to I couldn't help but to visit the dog section and the day prior to this was no different. I walked into that loud, smelly room to see cages full of tail wagging pups excited to see another visitor. Some jumped around and barked hoping to get my attention. Others sat politely by the kennel door, tongue hanging out hoping to win me over. However, the one that caught my eye and heart was the sad little dog lying in the corner of her kennel uninterested in all of the commotion around her. I crouched down to her level and looked her in the eyes. She didn't come any closer, she didn't wag her tail, she just simply stared back at me with eyes full of sadness. I honestly cannot explain my thoughts and feelings in that moment but I knew that she was mine the minute I laid eyes on her that Lilo was mine. I asked to have her brought into one of the play rooms so I could interact with her better. She stood there looking so scared. Her tail was between her legs, her head was cowered low, and she shook slightly. It took about 5 minutes of rubbing her head and talking to her for her to relax and let the tongue hang out and tail wag.

After talking to one of the workers I learned Lilo's story. She lived in the home of a frequent adopter with many other animals for the first 3 years of her life. Lilo and one of the other dogs got into a pretty bad fight. Lilo's shoulder was shaved and she was recovering from having stitches. Her owner decided to get rid of her after that incident. Lilo had been in the shelter for less than a day and was already beginning to show signs of depression. One of the notes on her kennel said that she was not suitable for apartment life. Because of her quick decline in health they decided that she was better off in my apartment than in that facility. I got the paperwork and went home to fully think about this decision. I was afraid to call my mother and tell her my plans because I just knew that she would talk sense into me and remind me how much work owning a dog can be. I was fully prepared with my counter argument but to my surprise she didn't try to talk me out of it at all. Completely shocked by this I filled the paperwork out and was back at the shelter the next afternoon.

Lilo voluntarily spent most of her time in her kennel for the first couple weeks that she was home. She warmed up to having me and my roommate Joe around fairly quickly but was extremely shy when visitors came over (hard to believe, I know.) It didn't take long for her to realize that this was her territory and she became our ferocious sounding guard dog. ;)

I look back on the past 9 years I have spent with my sweet girl and I truly believe that bringing her into my family was the best choice I ever made. We have been through many seasons of life together and she has always remained by my side. She has licked away tears and sat quietly with me during hard times with her head on my lap. She has jumped for joy every time we are reunited, whether apart for days or hours. She trusts me, protects me, and loves me more than anything in this world, expect maybe peanut butter. I can't imagine my life with this sweet girl by my side. She overflows her joy onto everyone she meets. I may just have the world's best pooch. and the bond between this girl and her dog is unbreakable. She is my child, my family, and this girl's best friend. Nine years ago I walked into a shelter and chose a dog, but the truth is Lilo chose me that day as her human. I thank the Lord each and every day for the blessing that I have received in her.

A Girl and Her Dog  <3

Sweet Victory!

Hallelujah! The Lord is risen!

 The tomb is empty!

 Death has been defeated!

Jesus is alive!

As I woke up this Easter Sunday I headed down to the river to watch the sun come up on the day of Jesus' resurrection. I read the scriptures and joy filled my heart as if I were reading it for the very first time. Those words never get old. Oh happy day!

New life is found in Christ through the cross. Impossible things can be done through Him. Old things can be made new again. Fresh starts, new beginnings, lives renewed.  The battle is already won and we have become more than conquerors. I still stand overwhelmed at the fact that He did all of that for me.

Celebrating this amazing day with my church family made my heart happy. From the little ones all dressed up in their Easter best to new faces coming to hear God's Word, we all come together for Him. I couldn't hide the big smile on my face as we sang songs of praise and worship.

Thank you, Jesus for all that you've done for me - Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I will continue to fight the good fight, finish the race running into my Savior's arms, and keep the faith along the way.

HAPPY EASTER!

By this time next week...

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem. The day that starts Passion week. Oh, what a week it will be. As I sat in church this evening for a youth group event I couldn't help but stare a little longer at the wooden cross hanging on the wall in front of me. The one with the purple sash to signify the Lenten season. By the end of this week Jesus will suffer as He is crucified on the cross. The cross where He takes the place for me and you and all of mankind. I can't even begin to imagine the pain, the cruelty, to stand helpless in the crowd. The sinless man will die for our sins. Every.Last.One.Forever.  He will die so we can live. He will be buried. We will mourn.
What a great time to slow down and remember the real meaning of Easter. What a great time to reflect on what Love really, truly means. Unconditional, unshakable, unwavering Love.
Oh, how He loves us!


 But this time next week, that's a different story!

"Living He loved me,

Dying He saved me,

Buried He carried my sins far away,

Rising He justified freely forever,

One day He's coming,

Oh glorious day, oh glorious day."

~ Casting Crowns ~

Life is Better with Friends

I find that the older I get the easier it is to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Between work schedules, church obligations, yard and house work, and friends with husbands and kids, it's very easy to lose touch with those you care about. How many times do you run into someone whom you haven't seen in a while and say "Hey, we really should get together soon!" I say it All.The.Time. but very rarely do I make those plans. The thought is there but I don't slow down long enough to make the time for it. Before I know it a couple weeks have gone by and I figure the moment has passed.


I just finished reading The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst. Great book if you have a hard time saying no to people and tasks and constantly feel overwhelmed. In the book she says, "Relationships nourish us in ways that nothing else can. It's the relationships that help unrush us." We are not meant to rush through this life neglecting our relationships with those who matter. I have been blessed tremendously with amazing friends who are my sisters in Christ. They are my support when times are bad and they are who I celebrate with when times are good. But what about the in between times. I recently spent a couple hours with a sweet friend at a local pottery painting studio. Nothing fancy, just a little girl's night to catch up with on another. We talked about the most random things but I left there feeling so loved, encouraged, and refreshed. It really did nourish my soul to make the time to share my life with someone I love.

Friend date at Accidental Artist

 In a generation so focused on social media and other technologies, I see a huge disconnect in building and  maintaining relationships. One of my Love Languages is quality time so it should be no surprise that Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and even texting just don't do it for me. I need one-on-one face time with my people. Phone calls are the next best thing for my far away friends. There is something so uplifting about receiving a phone call from a friend. That they would take time out of their day to have an undistracted conversation with me means so much. I've decided to start intentionally taking the time to make time to nourish my relationships. A phone call, a walk, a cup a coffee, painting pottery, meeting once a month to watch the sunrise together. I'm committing to strengthening the bonds that God has created in my life and reminding myself that sometimes the housework or errands can wait until later. Pick up your phone and call a friend today and make that date!

Sunrise, Coffee, Friends

Hurts So Good!

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) - the kind where it hurts to sit on the toilet and it's a struggle to hold your arms up to blow dry your hair. This is me today! Some weeks I feel like I live in a perpetual state of soreness. I work out for about 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Doesn't seem like much right? Let me tell you, more is not always better. I've recently graduated to 30lb weights (I still can't believe it) and have been finding myself sore after only a few hours from finishing my workout as opposed to not feeling it until the next day. Hurts so good!

               

 At work I've been called Killer Kira. One client even came up to me after class last week and asked if I had a special degree in torture. LOL! If they only knew that I put myself through the same kind of "torture" maybe they would feel better. At least they can blame me for their soreness. I have no one to point a finger at. My workout buddy is too sweet :)

I'm a member of the 5am workout club and let me tell you, 5am comes quick. There are many mornings that I would rather hit snooze and stay in bed than pick up my weights. After all, no one is there making sure I get it done. Some days I even try to convince myself that I am going to do just that but I always give in and end up in the garage. What makes me get out of bed? My commitment to myself to stay healthy. I remind myself how great I will feel when I'm finished, filled with all of those lovely feel good endorphins and hormones. They energize me for the day. Starting my day with a workout helps me make better choices with food throughout the day and that is huge for me. The assumption that I can eat whatever I want and stay fit is so far from the truth. Working out also keeps me honest. How can I effectively motivate and teach others about healthy habits if I'm skipping workouts for no good reason?



As far as goals go I'm finding that as I get older they are not so much about vanity as they may have been before. I'm not trying to have the best set of abs or the nicest legs. My workouts are geared towards fat loss. So yes, while it is nice to see my dedication and hard work pay off by losing fat and gaining muscle , I  simply want to be healthy. The active older adult population at the gym inspires me. Many of them are there most days of the week. They prove that staying active and maintaining muscle mass decreases so many health issues that much of the older population faces. I want to be the grandmother who can still lift weights in the gym and keep up with the youngins'.

Let's not forget the most important reason I stay disciplined. It's because I have been gifted with a body that is capable. My body was created and designed by God and keeping it healthy to the best of my ability honors Him. Often we hear that our body is our temple. If my body houses the Holy Spirit I think I should do my best to provide a good residence. I want to respect what has so graciously been given to me.

Staying fit makes me feel good and when I feel good I can help others feel good. I'm thankful that this comes easier for me because I know it doesn't for many people. I only hope that I can be an inspiration for them, that by living a healthy lifestyle I can influence those around me. to do the same. Not every workout is easy, but every workout and every sore muscle is worth it.


So for all of you currently renovating your own temples....this plank is for you!