A lesson in aerobics class

I have taught aerobics for over 10 years and one great thing about it is that you have a job no matter where you are!! I usually have the routine memorized for that class but always have a cheat sheet in case I forget. I put my cheat sheet up front with my water bottle on it to keep it from blowing around. This particular day I forgot my water bottle and just set it up there. Towards the end of class the ladies got hot so they turned on the fan...and there went my cheat sheet. I didn't think it was that big of a deal because we were on the final few combinations and I thought I had it memorized. As I continued to cue the moves aloud, in my head I went ahead and started to think of the next combination instead of the next step and I went blank altogether. I just stopped, the ladies and I laughed and we just picked up where I messed up. As I finished the routine and started our stretch time, I heard God remind me that getting too far ahead of Him messes up the right now. Even thinking too far ahead takes me out of this moment and what He has planned for me to experience or accomplish just for today. I just smiled at God and thanked Him for His patience in continuing to teach the same lesson in different ways to ensure that I get it!!

Wanted to share

I enjoyed this post from Perry Noble and wanted to share. (for some reason it's not highlighting his name, so click on his name to get to his post!)

College Grad

This past weekend my brother graduated from college. It was neat to watch him walk across the stage and receive his well earned diploma in International Business!! As all the graduates started the processional into the auditorium we saw one person with white writing on his cap. Mom leaned over and said "Tell me that's not Blake!" Oh, yes, it was Blake. He had written "Thanks Mom, I love you" on his cap which made it so easy to spot him in the crowd, so that was nice. Once mom read what it said, she couldn't get mad at him. :) After the ceremony, we all went for sushi and back home for cake and gifts. It was so nice to hang out with the family and enjoy this special day.

To Blake:
I am so VERY proud of you! You have never been conventional and have always brought your own personal style and flare into all that you do and yesterday was no different!! I know that as you enter into the business world you will keep that special quality and that it will set you apart from the others. I love how, as you told us your plans for the next few years, you even had in there a time to "re-evaluate your plans." You are smart to anticipate having to change your course if need be! Keep your spark and your dreams and know that I am behind you and here for you to help you reach them if I can! Congratulations on a great accomplishment!! I love you!





The tassle went a little crazy, but I love this shot!




my first taste of sushi!

Plan B

Ok, so a few days have passed and I have had a chance to formulate my thoughts. This post may still be all over the place, but I hope you get the gist of where my heart is.

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

I feel like the divorce is bittersweet. Yes, it is sad that my marriage has come to an end and my family is broken, but the man I have been legally married to for the last 8 months is not the man that I married years ago. So, in a way, I feel relief; a sense of freedom. I fought to sustain my marriage, I honored my vows and I not only kept the faith, but I grew my faith! So now that the race is over I will hang up my wedding ring and look towards the future.

By the divine arrangement of God, a friend sent me a book to read called 'Plan B'. I am only about half way into it, but the timing was perfect. The front cover reads "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?" And as I stare down the path that doesn't look so paved anymore I find myself asking that very question. I was so sure God was going to... or maybe He would...or He might even... As I look back on all those assumptions I realize I was still putting God in a box with my finite mind. Again, where is my abundant mind set that I started with as the year 2010 opened? So, I will resolve to adopt that mind set, yet again, and give God the freedom to work however He wishes.

As I think about my Plan B and giving God complete control, I remember a book I read in college titled 'When God writes your love story'. The theme was preparing yourself for a Godly spouse and also choosing a Godly mate, and I spent a year or so reading and studying this topic to be ready to be the wife God called me to be. Even as I write this I hear Satan whisper, "that didn't work out too well for you, did it?", but I also hear God say, "I can not force anyone to love Me, and I work all for good". But anyways, I will once again put the pen into the hand of the Author of romance for Him to script the next chapter in my love story. In most novels there is that moment of sadness and then the rest of the book is building up to the happy ending!

As I think about my "happy ending" my first thoughts go to getting remarried. But that would imply I needed a man to be happy or even to complete this story. Now, don't get me wrong, I can't wait to have someone to spoil and love and adore, but that doesn't make my happy ending, that's just icing on the cake. Isn't the happy ending being released from a marriage where the head of my family is behaving like an non-believer, isn't the happy ending being available to move forward with Christ with nothing holding me back? I never would have choosen this route, but here I am in Plan B and God has done nothing but protect me every step of the way, so my happy ending is now!! I know I will have the love story I dream about and the man that will serve as head of our family just as Christ is, I just have to wait for it and be confident that God knows my heart and has given me the desires in my heart.

I want to thank all of you that have been following the blog and me the boys through this. Your prayers and support have been invaluable! I hope that you will continue to check in on us from time to time because I would hate for you all to miss the next chapter God is busy writing.

I currently have no words

September 14, 2003 - May 12, 2010

Triathlon

This Mother's Day I decided I would do a triathlon. It's been about 4 years since I've done one but I had a few church friends doing this one, so I thought it would be great to do it with them. We had so much fun...minus the race!! Well, just for me I think. We started in the lake, which went really well. Then you run out of the lake to your bike. About a mile into the bike I felt my shoe lace get caught in my pedal, so I came to a stop to fix it but forgot my foot was connected to the pedal so I slowly just fell over. It was quite comical. It didn't hurt or damage anything so I just retied my shoe and hopped back on. Then, at mile 8 the ride got really difficult, but not because of the terrain, but because I had a FLAT!! I just knew I was done. True triathletes stop and fix their own flat, but there was no way I could do that so I just figured an aid on the course could drive me back. Well, there was no one ahead or behind me for as far as I could see, so I decided to just pedal slowly til I saw someone that could help. I pedaled for a good 10 minutes before I saw anyone so by then I decided I could ride on the flat, just go slow, get to the transition area, and then take off on the run to make up some time. The funny/frustrating part was that people were passing me that I had already passed telling me to "keep up the good work" and "you're almost to the finish, keep going!" I wanted to scream "I have a flat" but then everyone would think I was dumb for riding on a flat tire, so I didn't say anything and just wanted to get back to the transition area as fast as possible. I finally made it and sprinted the whole run to try to make up my time from the slow bike ride. It was alot of fun and after the race is the best part; eating, visiting, talking about your race and taking pics. It was a great mother's day and I can't wait to do another one and NOT get a flat tire and see what my time would be!

6am Sunday morning

almost time to swim




me, JD, Rachel and Chrissy...we all finished!!

an AHA moment

I love AHA moments...kind of. I mean, I love seeing something so clearly, but then looking back I feel stupid it took me so long to see it in the first place. Over the last week I have been really seeking advice and praying about the upcoming signing of the divorce papers.

In my frustration over the last 8 months of this ordeal I have found myself saying "I'm done!" ALOT!!! My AHA moment came today when I said that again and felt bad. I think the phrase "I'm done!" brings with it an attitude of giving up. I would say that phrase and then a few days later feel guilty for giving up on my marriage and would resolve to be strong again. Please understand, when I would say "I'm done" I would mean I'm done striving; not honoring my marriage vows or trusting in God or praying constantly, just that I'm done with trying to focus on Daniel's return, I guess. So today I felt God telling me that I need to change my internal dialogue. I am not "done". I would NEVER be "done" with a marriage. What I need to say to myself and others is "I'm okay with what God has next for me." The 'I'm done' phrase has held me captive to the fact that it would be ME who was dissolving the marriage. God has made it clear that that is no where near the truth so why am I letting that control my thoughts.

Also, I believe it is the next step in relinquishing all control to God. If I continue to say that I'm not done and I will keep fighting, is that not me trying to control the situation for what I want. Instead, I can put it in His hands and be eager for what is next...could be Daniel's return as a changed man or it could be a strong follower of Jesus as my new husband?!? Who knows, but either way I know it will be good because it will be from God!!

The song I have on the blog is my new favorite. The line I like the most is 'the pain you're feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming.' So I will wait expectantly to see the joy God has in store for my future!

Mother's Day Breakfast

Today I was able to have Mother's Day breakfast with Troy at his school. They had a table set up with place cards for all of us and then we were served kolaches and scones and juice. At each mother's spot there was a card and a heart tin. Inside the heart tin was the bracelet he made for me. He was so excited for me to put it on and showed me which bead was his favorite! It was really special and I love his comments on the card! He got my favorite color right!! And it's neat to see what your child really enjoys about you. I know I will treasure that card and bracelet forever!

A new addition

I have been thinking about getting another dog for a month or so and decided I wanted to adopt one from a shelter here in town. I have been visiting the shelter about once a week and really didn't see a dog that looked like it would fit into our family. I feel like I have high expectations after Chip. I wanted a larger dog, who doesn't shed too much, that is good with kids and other dogs, not a puppy, loves to go to the park and camping and run, etc... The ladies at the shelter knew us by name when we would go by and look at the dogs. About a week ago I saw two that were prospective adoptees, McKenna, a rottweiler-lab-hound mix and Chloe, a doberman pincher. McKenna caught my eye because she was the only dog to just sit and look back at us instead of jumping and barking as we walked from kennel to kennel. I asked to see her outside her kennel and they let us take her to a big fenced in area to get to know each other, walk and play. She did very well with Teague and Troy. I still wasn't 100% sold on her, but before I could ask to see Chloe they told me that Chloe was not good with other dogs, so she was off the list. A few days later I thought I would go back and see if McKenna was still there. She was and the ladies at the front told me that a few other families have visited with her and none of them were as good with her as Troy and Teague. I decided to get her out of her kennel again just to double check how we interact and again, she was so sweet and gentle. I decided to go ahead and put in an application on her. A couple days later the manager called and said that she talked to my landlord and he does not allow aggressive breeds on his property, so I couldn't adopt her. I was so sad.

About a week passed and I went back to see if they had gotten any new dogs in and there was McKenna, still there. The manager was there this time and the ladies at the front desk introduced me to her and told her how well McKenna did with our family and that it is a shame the landlord has that policy. I agreed with her and told her that I had already left a message for him to call me with what breeds were allowed so I didn't become attached to another dog too soon. She then told the lady behind the computer to change McKenna's breed to a Bernese hound dog. I laughed and thought she was kidding and told them if they do change her breed to keep me in mind because she is the one I want. She then said, "No, I'm serious, ask your landlord if you can have a hound dog." I was so excited!!

That was a Friday night so I was going to have to wait til Monday to call him and see if that would be okay. Well, what seemed to be a God moment to start with in them changing her breed, soon turned into something that felt dishonest. My thoughts were racing through what if they found out or saw her or made me give her back. I would be heartbroken. So Monday I decided to tell the shelter that I could not lie even though I know she is not an aggressive dog. But before I had time to call the shelter my landlord returned my message about what breeds he allowed. He asked if I knew the name of the dog I wanted at the shelter, and of course I said McKenna. He said that he was out at the Poppy Festival (a big outdoor fair with lots of booths) this weekend and the shelter had a booth and he met McKenna at their booth. He said she is a great dog and he sees no problem in me getting her despite her rottweiler genes! I was speechless!!! I was going to get McKenna after all and I wasn't even going to have to be dishonest about it!! I feel like this was just another lesson from God about where my heart truly is and Him asking "How badly do you really want to be like Me??"

Here are some pics. She loves to play ball in the backyard and just sit and have her belly rubbed. She is a great addition to our family and I am so glad we are able to give her a good home.

A special day

Today I got to spend the afternoon with the girls. There are really no words to express what these girls mean to me or the intimacy we experienced with each on this special day. It is rare that all four of us can get together without the kids but this afternoon we made it happen. We enjoyed pedicures, lunch, yogurt, and a time of talking and praying. It was amazing!

Here we are getting our toes done!!



Lunch at Chuy's


Our prayer table

It was so nice to share the good, the bad, and the stuff you think you would tell NO ONE because they would never understand. We shared it all, and I am so blessed to have women in my life who support me no matter what and are always there to remind me of God's promises, no matter what subject we are talking about. During our prayer time we lifted each other up, quoted the Word, and asked God to heal, bless, rejuvenate, strengthen, revive, protect, and love. The power of prayer is amazing in many ways, but the Word says, "where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there also" and I truly felt Jesus was with us today, listening as we poured out our hearts to Him.

Thank you girls for making today more than memorable! I love you three!

Disney on Ice

Last night Becca and I took Aby and Troy to see Disney on Ice. The featured performances were Tinkerbell, Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Cars, with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald as the hosts. Troy had a BLAST!! He was on the edge of his seat and his eyes were so big trying to take it all in.

Here they are before the show, Troy had to bring his Lightning McQueen.



Once inside there were a million things to buy!! Troy choose a flag and Aby choose a crown!


Of course, Cars was his favorite. Mater and Sally and a few other cars came out first, but then Lightning McQueen came out with two fire shoots on either side!! The kids went crazy!!

Troy was waving his flag and yelling "Go Lightning McQueen!"

Tinkerbell
Lion King
The Little Mermaid

Mickey and Minnie ended the show. It was such a special night, and I don't know who had more fun me or Troy!!

He promises to do something

I know I have written before about how when God wants you to know something it's EVERYWHERE!! I do a morning devotional and also read alot while the boys nap in the afternoon. Today someone posted Psalm 9:9 on Facebook so that is where I started. I ended up in Psalm 12 and it went right along with what my morning devotional had said but that was out of Deuteronomy. I feel like others out there need these devotionals as much as I needed to read them on this particular day, so let me share...

Psalm 12:5
But you, Lord, tell them, "I will do something! The poor are mistreated and helpless people moan. I'll rescue all who suffer."

Ever heard anyone say, "We're just waiting on God to do something"? Well, they are waiting on the right person, because God promises to do something. Does your future look bleak? Is the outlook grim? Feeling helpless or mistreated? Do you need to be rescued? Do you need God to do something?
Well, you're at the right place, because through this psalm God promises to rescue the suffering and do something for the helpless and mistreated. The assurance is that when we are at the absolute end of all we can do, God can do more. When you are tired, he will take over. When you begin to stumble, God will pick you up. When you can't possibly see a way through, God breaks in and rescues you. So be encouraged, everyone who's already given up. This is one of God's best things - He can always do something when you can do nothing.

Here is the next one.

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

My Brave Bride,
My courageous Princess, allow Me to fight any and all battles this life brings you. I don't want My Bride to exhaust herself fighting in her own strength. The battle you face, My love is already won! Now step behind Me and let your powerful Prince shield you from the attacks of the enemy of your soul. Yes, I am your warrior and protector. As long as you stand behind Me and let Me fight for you, there is nothing that can or will overtake you. It is My pleasure to go to war for My beloved Bride.
Love,
Your Prince and Protector

It couldn't be anymore clear! Thank you, Lord!

Bluebonnets

One thing I love about Texas is all the bluebonnets and with all the rain the wild flowers are gorgeous this year. We had fun taking pictures in them out at the lake.






They were captivated by a boat racing across the lake.

Extravagant Love

Have you ever given the perfect gift to someone? It was thoughtful and what they really wanted, but it was practical too because they really needed it. You wrap it and you wait til the day comes when they can open it, but you can barely keep quiet about what you've selected for them because you are so excited for them to open it. And then the day comes and they open it, and the reaction on their face is priceless and, in turn it creates a reaction within you. You almost get more joy out of giving it then they do out of receiving it. I guess that is where the saying comes from "it's better to give than to receive." It's a great moment, and I can only say I have had a handful of gifts that I have given that were that special, but last weekend I was on the receiving end. I imagine the above scenario is exactly how God felt as He saw me walking to the mailbox and opening my mail.

As I thumb through all the bills and flyers an envelope catches my eye. I have one boy on his bike and the other in the wagon, but I figure I will just open that one piece quickly and we will walk back to the house to go through the rest. As my eyes quickly scan the letter I first think it is a joke, so I read it again, and can not finish the letter without the tears spilling over.

"Dear Brittany,
This past Easter weekend you were chosen, along with a number of others, to receive a $500 blessing from our church in the name and to the glory of Jesus Christ. Someone who cares for you and knows of your need entered your name in a drawing. Please receive the enclosed blessing and use as you see fit according to your needs. We hope this will be a testimony to you of God's presence and provision in your life, as well as a living reminder that our God meets all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Grace and Peace to you,
Chris Seidman
Farmer's Branch Church of Christ"

I did not have any words in the moment, just a reaction at the mailbox.

After I let it all sink in and thanked God a million times, I thought I would do some research to see if I could figure out who entered my name. I sent an email to my cousin and sure enough it was her family. Here is a bit of her email. She says it better then I ever could.

"At the end of the service he wanted us to turn our papers into the offering basket and they would draw four names that would actually be sent the money. When I wrote about you, I felt so strongly that God was going to bless you with the gift. At the end of our service, I put my hand on that paper and prayed over it and over you. Then as I waited for the offering basket, a "random" thought popped into my head. I laughed to myself because I thought of how your granddad and grandma use to always enter various contests and they always won. Morris used to tell me that it was all about folding the corner of the paper just enough that the edge would stick up just a bit. So in honor of your granddad, I thought, you know what, I am going to fold that corner just the way he always teased me about. Brittany, you need to know that there were probably 400-500 people in that service and they only drew four names that night. Ours was the first one announced! I was so overcome with emotion. Our whole family was doing the happy dance in our pews. It was awesome."

The obedience to God of all those involved not only furthers His kingdom, but it also takes care of the Body of Christ. I envision the Gift Giver with a huge smile on His face as He watched me walk to the mailbox, and I bet Granddaddy was right there with him.

As my Husband and Provider, why do I still doubt?? He has never failed me and you all have been witness to that time and time again!! Please know that my God is your God and He can be just as personal to each of you as He is with me. I am not special, we are all special in His eyes!

My passion

I have always had a passion for running. I enjoyed running hurdles in middle school and distance running in high school. Through college I got hooked on teaching aerobics, but then when Daniel and I met we realized we both had a love of running. We started with small races around town and ventured all the way up to a marathon, then switched sports a little and tried triathlons and loved those as well. When Troy came along I never raced again and let Daniel do all the training and racing. I figured I would get back into it eventually. Looking back I am not sure why I let so many years go by without racing and after this weekend, I realize how much I really miss it.

I participated in the Capital 10K in Austin with some friends and it was just like I had never missed the last 3 years. I set a pretty lofty goal for myself and was so surprised to look at my watch and see the finish line and realize that I can meet my goal if I sprint, so I did! The best part was running down the final stretch and hearing the kids yell Go Mommy Go!! My place was 2370 out of 7598 finishers and I was 633 out of 3806 women, so I was faster than 3172 women!! Hey, I'll take what I can get in a race this big!! Here are a few pics!




Troy and Piper standing at the fence cheering on all the runners!!

Testimony

This Sunday my testiomony will be shared at church. Below is the video clip. Thanks for all the prayers that were said for me on the day when I shot this. I feel it came out perfect and from my heart. If you are in the area and want to see the whole sermon, please join us at NewChurch Georgetown at 9:30am or 11am or you can always check it out online at www.newchurchgtown.org

One year stats

Teague is now 22.5 lbs and 29.5 inches long. Both of these put him in the 45th percentile. He is right on track with all his accomplishments and here is his latest!!! I love how he is hesitant at first and then how Troy just lets him fall. Rough and tumble boys I guess!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wordless Wednesday