Pray

So my church did a survey titled, "If you could ask God one question..."

They took all the answers and compiled the sermon and lesson series for the last few and next few weeks.

Some examples: Why is there so much suffering? When will the world end? What is my purpose?

Today's question was: What is my purpose?

Now, I think all people want to know what their purpose is. I know I do.

I know that God has planned this life for me.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV).

This Bible verse has special meaning for me. When I graduated from 8th grade at a private Lutheran school, it was our class verse. It is a very fitting verse. Each and everyday God has mapped out. But, as pastor B mentioned today in the lesson, is it a manuscript that God has written word for word or is it a brief outline or draft? I like to think of it as an outline in manuscript form. Of course he knows exactly where I will end up. But if I were looking at it, I know it would look like a messy outline or chart. Go this way or that way, He knows what I might choose, but I don't.

With all that being said, I don't know quite what my purpose is, other than to serve and follow Him; love my enemies and my friends; obey His commands; pray often; and listen to what He has said to me.

Finally, although I don't think the answer to the original question was ever really spoken about in church today, it was important the information about praying. We should always be praying. Praying when we are happy and when we are sad; when we are in need or while we are eating; if we're showering, using the restroom, or brushing our teeth. He doesn't care when we pray, just that we do it. We should pray together, and we should pray alone. It should be long and it should be short.

"Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I may not know exactly what my purpose in life is, yet, but I know that I should be praying about it any everything else.

Fitness Goals

Okay, it is official. I haven't lost any poundage, but I've lost major inches.

I'm getting my waist back, you know Stella got her groove back and Lindsay's getting her waist back.

Anyway, its about the time where I kick it into high gear.

That's right. I'm going to be a running machine (I'm passing 3.5 miles a pop and heading to 5 miles).

I'm going to do 30 lunges (which I hate, more than I hate anything, except for maybe a migraine) each workout, or each day (forward one day, reverse the next, side the next, etc.).

Oh and I'm going to start doing push ups, because, hello, how cool do people look who can do push ups? Yeah, that's what I thought, they look awesome.

So, here's my list. Let's see if I can keep it up.

1. By September 1, run 5 miles straight.

2. 10 push ups a day (increased by 2 each week).

3. 30 lunges a day.

4. Stretch, stretch, stretch.

5. Use the stairmill like I own it. (AKA as getting past the 10 minute mark).

I'm starting somewhat small, but I'm pretty excited.

I finally have the utmost motivation.

I Love Summer, but Its Almost Time...

Yes my dearest friends.

Since the Lockout ended, today was the FIRST day of practice open to the public for the:

San Diego Chargers.

We're big fans, obviously.

I'm a big fan of Dolla Dolla Phil, commonly known as Philip Rivers.

I love football season for many reasons.

1. You can drink lots of beer, and it is socially acceptable.

2. You can be extra loud and rowdy, and it is socially acceptable.

Here football season is generally warm.

We've thought about bringing our TV to the patio in December.

I just really love Chargers football.

GO BOLTS!

I Miss These Guys

These are my siblings:

This is my little sister Danielle.

She is working at a camp in Idaho.

She drives a cute little green car.

She used to be a full-time ice cream scooper and cake maker at Baskin Robbins.

She's going to school to be a teacher (total copy cat of her big sister!)

I call her one of these (rarely Danielle):

Dani Benz, Dani, Danielly, and other family nicknames.

This is my dog Lucie.

She's a little old lady.

She does not like to cuddle (although she did cooperate for that photo).

She can't really see, she can't really hear, but she's the best.

My family has had her for almost 14 years, since she was a little puppy.

She follows my mom around like crazy.

She also will not come downstairs or stay downstairs until everyone upstairs is awake and downstairs.

This is my dog Ricky.

He is Lucie's son.

He and I really love each other, he's just really bad at showing it.

He likes to bite me and bark at me.

I call them love bites.

He likes to cuddle.

He's pretty fat, so he gets stuck behind the couch.

He used to be fun and calm, but now he's just wild and slightly neurotic.

My dad calls him Phil and Dick, as well as Ricky.

He responds to all three.

My family has had him for 10 years.

Yes, my dogs are my siblings.

Yes, I miss them all.

And I will get to see them in September.

One week of time with me, I bet they can't wait!

Making Old Things New

I love my Ipod.

He looks like this:

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I am not an Apple person, but I love my Ipod.

I've had other MP3s, but for whatever reason, they just don't work as well.

However, Apple has somewhat screwed those of us less computer literate and less Apple buying.

I can not add songs from multiple computers.

Meaning, my old, ancient laptop is where my music must come from.

It however takes more than a decade (wait, you didn't realize I'm now 34???) to add songs.

In fact, it took twice as long to even start.

So what am I doing now you ask?

Taking all my music from my old laptop and moving it to the new one.

Via one very small little thumb drive.

I'm really a special person.

In fact, it is never going to work for me.

I never used to be a TV addict

I used to tease my mom and my sister for needing two DVRs.

Now I understand.

I never thought I really watched television.

Example, the TV is not on right now.

However, I've recently compiled my can not miss list and if I miss it, I better be able to see a repeat or watch it online.

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And if I had to pick a favorite, "Parenthood" would win, hands down.

The night Chris and I decided to stay up and watch it on a whim was the best decision we ever made.

Do you ever?

Watch a ridiculous movie and actually really like it?

Well I watched this today:

I liked it because my mom's family is from North Dakota.

If you are not up on your geography, it is right by Minnesota where this movie takes place.

Anyway, it definitely reminds me of them.

Minus the fact that nobody said "Uff da" in the movie.

It made me smile.

Cheesy, yes.

But who doesn't like cheese, right?

Sometimes

in the world of beauty queens...

and drama queens...

bad hair days...

listening to what mom says...

pretending to be happy...

and working all too hard...

well all just need to pick up our freak flag, and hold it high:

I love this movie.

Please ignore that the movie is not in English.

Give a Little Bit

I can not begin to tell you how great it is to get something off your chest.

No matter how big or small, when the weight has been lifted, no matter the outcome, you ultimately feel better.

Chris and I had a big talk, no we're not getting married, no we're not breaking up, no we're not having kids, etc.

Sometimes, in life, you just have to lay it all out on the table.

Take your shields down and put it out there.

We both finally did, after dancing around a subject for a million times.

And now we both feel better.

I know that nobody reads this yet, but if you ever do, you don't get to know what we talked about, its private relationship talk.

We're both feeling good about it, well I am, and I think he is.

Two thumbs up.

Have a great weekend!

Just Another Sunday

After going to church today, Chris and I decided our afternoon would best be spent at the beach.

Here are some lovely photos.

That's me being obnoxious.

Chris debating on whether to go into the water.

He chose to jump in.

I chose to go back and read.

We had a wonderful afternoon. We spent 2.5 hours at the beach.

It was just wonderful.

Hope you had a great Sunday!

FREAKS

1. I found this video about "Freaky Eaters"

These people are so weird.

Here is one video you might enjoy

2. Here is another kind of Freak, I prefer being this kind.

3. Oh and I am a running freak. That's a good kind of freak.

I'm upping my runs. Woo hoo, I can't run that far, but 3.4 miles is perfect.

Three thumbs up.

Am I the only one...

Am I the only one who really, truly hates taking a nap?

I fell asleep for over an hour and thought well I must be tired.

Now I feel even more tired; I feel sick; my body aches; oh and I think I am beyond dehydrated.

I should never be dehydrated, I drink so much water as it is.

It just feels awful.

I think, shower and bed is in order.

Blech.

Gracias

I am too lazy for photos.

But I do have things to say.

Thank you legs... You let me run as much as I can (which isn't much!) but I appreciate that you carry me everywhere I go.

Thank you arms... You lift things, you let me write and type. I appreciate all you do for me each day.

Thank you abs, core, and back... Without you, I would not be able to stand, walk, sit, or anything. I know that I have a lot to carry, but even with scoliosis and all, you do a pretty good job.

Thank you brain... For letting me think and do all the other things I do throughout the day. None of it is possible without you.

Muchas Gracias.

She's Got Legs

She knows how to use them.

Thanks ZZ Top.

I like to us my legs.

I like to run.

No, I don't run that much.

But I totally understand why people would want to run this:

Bad to the Bone

This is the Badwater Ultramarathon starting in Death Valley and ending at Mt. Whitney.

Oh and it is in July? Yeah, so 100 miles in 110+ degree heat.

But I know why they run it. I know why people run marathons. I know why they run 5Ks. It is all for the feeling of air in your lungs; your legs carrying you and not giving out; sometimes running to cure cancer or end child abuse; but it is for that feeling you get running. Whether you are running 1 mile or 100. It is an indescribable feeling. Or at least I think it is.

I had a good run today.

Now I am ready for bed.

It's In the Bag

I'm fascinated by what people carry in their purses. So, here's a sneak peek into mine:

This is it full to the brim and not zipped up. I rarely zip it.

It is a brown leather Coach bag with a jacket style zipper.

I know they have it at the outlets, but I don't know if they make this color anymore.

Wallet. Thin, simple, from Target.

Matches wallet. This has pens, chapstick, and lipgloss in it. At least a million of each, as well.

Came connected with the above pouch, as well as the one below.

This has medicine in it.

This has hair things (bobby pins, claw clips, hair ties) and some earrings.

Gum, because I like variety: Berry Red, Watermelon, and Wintermint.

Mirror.

My pink Blackberry. Simple and classic.

When inspiration strikes I like to be able to write it down.

You never know what my sunglasses mood might be.

Both are from Forever 21.

My Ipod and headphones.

It is usually pretty clean and organized. Occasionally there are receipts or gum wrappers.

It is really heavy though. I might be switching to my smaller summer purse.

A Day of Disasters & Summer Schemes

The trusty steed aka our car (yes we only have one, my car did not feel like making another 500 mile drive so it is relaxing in front of my parents' house) needs a new fuel pump. It costs $750. Yeah right. We spent 4 hours waiting and waiting and waiting for the diagnosis. I did some shopping and found this:

I did not get it, but really wish I would have. Oh well.

I also just remembered that I used to really love Feist, so have a listen.

My List of "Schemes" for the Summer (or just plain things I want to do):

1. Go to Santa Monica and peruse the boutiques.

2. Watch a sunrise and sunset on the beach.

3. Make peach cobbler or homemade peach ice cream.

4. Spend a day in a completely unique part of San Diego.

5. Go camping in Carlsbad.

6. Roast marshmallows; drink ice cold beer; and lounge on the patio.

7. Barbeque a delicious steak, and make every side homemade, including grilling corn.

8. Eat my body weight in fresh fruits and vegetables.

9. Walk more, drive less.

10. Ride bicycles on the beach; near the beach.

11. Dance under the stars... Reminding me of the time Chris and I made dinner and danced in the kitchen.

12. Enjoy being youthful.

13. Outdoor concert, preferably country, but really, any kind.

Those are just some of what I plan on calling my Summer Schemes...

Little Bits of Lovely

These are a few lovely things that I wish my budget would allow for... Thanks Anthropologie for making me jealous of all those who can afford such luxury as to purchasing these skirts and dresses.

All From Here

Not only would I love to own these, but can you imagine if my whole wardrobe was new with that vintage silhouette? Do not get me wrong, I love that vintage-y feel and look, but I never can pull it off. I feel as though I am playing dress up, rather than actually dressing. I do not want a beehive hair do, I want my modern waves aka mess on top o' my head, with the old school clothes.

I think I might go thrifting tomorrow. You never know what kind of gem I might find. I like things classy and old, yet comfy and warm, and calm and relaxed. Oh yes, I am a mixed bag o' fun. I actually just told Chris that someday, when we have a house, that I want all the rooms to have a theme. Example:

Bedroom = Beach

Living Room = Cabin

Kitchen = Diner

Dining Room = Fancy Restaurant

Bathroom = 1950's powder room

Ok, I assume he would never go for it, but a girl can dream right?

This page was updated today.