Inspiration May: Day 21

Today my boyfriend and I went to the movies. There are so many good movies out now at the end of school and start of summer vacation, so we had a hard time decided which one to see. My inspiration for today is the movie that many liberals have commented as anti-feminist and really shot it down.

Just a little background on the movie: It was filmed in Alabama (mostly in the metro-Birmingham area). It's about a stay-at-home mom who plans a night out with 2 of her friends, who are also moms. The dad's are left in charge of taking care of the kids. Well, lots of mishaps occur, but it is a clean, comedy movie for the family that includes Christian values. This movie inspires me because lately I have been down and out about some things. A few weeks ago, if you remember, I read "You're Already Amazing" by Holley Gerth and it talked about how God loves us as He made us. Trace Adkins plays a tough biker guy (Bones) but is a softy at heart. He reveals this same message to the main character who feels stressed out and like she just isn't good enough for her husband, kids, church, friends, etc., but Bones tells her she doesn't feel good enough for herself but she is enough for God and He thinks she was amazing enough to be her kids mommy and her husbands wife. It was a great reminder to me during times when I don't feel enough to remind me that I am enough for God. If you haven't see. This movie, especially if you are a mom, I recommend you to do it. Go see it with your gal pals or your daughter(s). It is a great and inspiring movie!

Inspiration May: Day 20

Lately, my boyfriend and I have been on a journey to being healthier as we are watching our calories and going out to walk which has inspired me.

This is a picture of my walking/running shoes. For the last 2 days, my boyfriend and I have walked 1.32 miles each night while eating healthier. Walking gives me time to think and clear my head. Having someone to do it with me makes the motivation stronger and the will power easier to do it. Some days it is very hard to not go over my calorie intake or get my butt up and walk, but having someone holding me accountable makes it much easier. Our goal was to do just 1 mile, but actually getting out and walking inspired us to keep going. I know this post is short, but I don't want you spending all your time sitting and reading on your phone, computer, tablet, etc. Get up and move. Let walking inspire you even if it is just for 15 minutes.

Inspiration May: Day 19

Today I write about something that not only inspires me, but many people as well.

Love. It inspires people to feel, think, act, etc. I am blessed to have a life full of people I love and people who love me. Love is unconditional and has no depths or ends. It inspires us to wonder, to dream, to hope, to be full of life, and to have happiness. Jesus even commanded that we love one another and to love The Lord our God with all our hearts. After all, Jesus showed He loves the greatest by dying on the cross for our sins. The Bible even lays out how we are to love in one of my favorite parts in the Bible.

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!... Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13 NLT

Let's open our hearts to love, and love like Christ does.

Inspiration May: Day 18

Many people might think I am a little weird for today's inspiration when they first see the picture, but hopefully you will read on to see why it inspires me.

Today was a rainy day for the most part here where I live. Most people do not like the rain for many reasons, me included. It is impossible to dress nice for church with a raincoat on and carrying an umbrella. I probably looked like a fool today in my new heels trying to carry take out boxes from a church luncheon fundraiser, my purse, my Bible, my umbrella, and my keys in my hands. But today I thought about how refreshing the rain is. It is a free car wash from God. It renews and restores life in nature. It is an example of how Jesus is in our lives. As a Christian, we love living in the sunshine and having our good days where life seems perfect and nothing could go wrong. But, Jesus brings the rain and the days are just dreary where everything that could go wrong does go wrong. The amazing part is that after the rain, the air is clearer, flowers burst with new color, and it provides a clean atmosphere outside. That is the same way when Jesus brings the rain in our lives. We see things clearer as we begin to see God's Will and understand why He sent the rain. We begin to have new life with Him (especially true for those who just become Christians) and focus on Him instead of the world or ourselves. He restores our pain and fills us with His goodness. He gives us a new start and forgives us of our sins. I mean, how great is it to walk outside and take in the cool crisp air after it has rained!? My favorite part after the rain is when you drive down the mountain to Leesburg, and you see the mountains straight ahead. You can see every curve and line that God made, and it is so awesome to see His creation like that. So next time it rains, let the rain inspire you. Rest. Take a nap. Breathe in God's wonderfulness. Trust me, afterwards you will love what God has planned for your life.

Inspiration May: Day 17

Today my inspiration comes from a woman who is very near and dear to my heart.

My grandma has always been my biggest supporter my whole life. I have always been her little girl since the day I was born because I was somewhat of a miracle baby and was born the day right before her birthday. She has spoiled me rotten throughout the years, but my most favorite times spent with her don't really cost anything. As a young kid, I would stay with her a during the day. I loved climbing the dogwood tree in her front yard and absolutely refused to come out when mom or dad would come pick me up. My favorite art craft involved coffee filters, markers, and a spray bottle with water. I would doodle all over a million filters, and then grandma would give them a little spray and hang them up to dry outside. I started to learn to love to cook as we made homemade biscuits, cakes, cupcakes, icing, cookies, and brownies together. When she looked away, I would definitely have my fingers in the icing, batter, or biscuit dough. I still do it today when mom cooks. My grandma has lived a very long life as she is now in her 90s. Whenever a new grandbaby is born in the family, she does her best to make a blanket for the baby. For most of my life, she has been the only grandparent I have had. Both of my grandpas passed away before I was born, and my maternal grandma passed away before I was 10 (and I loved her dearly as well). My grandma is my inspiration because she worked hard to provide for her family, remained faithful to her husband even after the many years he has gone on to Heaven, and loves unconditionally.

Inspiration May: Day 16

Today for my inspiration, I choose two very special women who have greatly impacted my life throughout the years.

My Aunt Kat and Aunt Bay have been great, Godly role models in my life and like another pair of mothers. Aunt Kat is my mom's twin sister, and Aunt Bay is their older sister. They have always been there for me through all the important events in my life. Both attended my 6th grade graduation, high school graduation, and college graduation. I love everyone on both side of my family, but I am extremely close to these very special ladies. They inspire me to do my best, aim high for my goals, and reach for all my dreams. They have encouraged me, given me advice, and treated as if I was their own child ever since I was born. I love them both very much!

Inspiration May: Day 15

I am almost half way complete with my inspiration May challenge. Today, I chose my inspiration as a very special man in my life.

My daddy is my greatest hero. He has been there for me through heartbreaks when I cried and to hug me when we rejoiced over good news. He has always provided for me and all my needs. I was always his little girl growing up always wanting to go to work with him when he worked at Builder's Supply. I get a lot of my personality from him: wit, sense of humor, planner. Whenever I needed him, he was always there for me day or night, rain or shine. He inspires me to love The Lord, be strong in who I am, and love others. Love you daddy!