Beauty...

My church family gave me these roses in celebration of our church's FOUR year anniversary. I was touched by their thoughtfulness and moved by their kind words.
I can not get over the beauty of these roses. I took a bunch of pictures, but just could not really capture how amazing they are. Made me think about beauty and how this world's view is so twisted sometimes when it comes to what beauty really is...

Proverbs 31:30~"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

“Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful."

“Beauty is not caused. It is.” ~ Emily Dickinson

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses."

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die for...

You're beautiful
You're beautiful in His eyes...
~Mercy Me "Beautiful" The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Cross-Fit? *wimpers*

So, I have an awesome cousin who, besides being beautiful, sincere, a Jane Austen fan, lover of food, deeply spiritual, compassionate, strong, etc, etc... is a personal trainer at her gym, CrossFit Center City , in Philadelphia.
At my request, she has written up a month of work outs for me. I am only on day 4 and I was brought to tears.
How did I get to this point? I will be 40 this year. I weigh waaaaay more than I should and even though my mind feels fit, my body laughs cruelly in my face. With every squat and lunge, I can feel it mocking me. Ugh. Today, I really wanted to quit. It hurt and I still had another AMRAP to do.
I finished. Not because I wanted to, but because I knew I'd have to text Erin to let her know how I did. So...I finished. My legs are wobbly. I'm a sweaty mess and I cried a little.
It was worth it. Just one day closer to looking and feeling better.
I mentioned in my last post that I don't like to try things if I am not sure that I can do them perfectly. I think that is part of my fear. I know this will be work. I know that I will fail on some days.
Last week, I posted this as my status: "The key to change...is to let go of fear." ~Roseann Cash
I don't want to be afraid. I need to do this.
Even better than the quote is this verse: Isaiah 41:10~Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
I thought about the verse and then I needed an upbeat song that was at least 3 minutes to get me through my squats. This is the song I played and it was perfect. Great lyrics. It's called "Move" by Mercy Me from their newest album "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" I know I'm not alone in this journey. I just have to remember it when it gets hard.

At a loss for words...

Sometimes, I am at a loss for words. Very rare, I know. Seriously though, my heart just feels so heavy for a family far away that is grieving the passing of their 5 year old son. One day, he was healthy and fine. The next day, he is gone. What do you say in moments like these? All I know is that *I* do not have the words. I do know who does though. My Savior knows and He cares.
This song by Mercy Me has always comforted my heart. I have no words. Just listen. Read the words. Pray for Donnann and her family. To know more about Danny, go to Desiree's blog by clicking HERE.

Word of God Speak by Mercy Me

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice.

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay



Make sure my playlist music is stopped before you play the video so that you can hear this. Playlist is in the righthand bar.