Back in Public View

I decided it was time to make my blog public again.  One of the reasons I decided to write in this blog was to journal my journey; my transitions if you will, being on private almost defeated the purpose.  I've taken time to heal from past events and am ready to move on.

My apologies to anyone who might have wondered what happened to me.   I'm still around and will be more active here now.  I have almost 2 weeks worth of Photo 365 to catch up with posting.  I have that on my schedule for this week. 

See ya then....
~*Melody*~

Walking Down Memory Lane

Tonight I've been studying some for the middle school girls class I teach on Wednesday nights.  I was surfing the web for some resources to help me with the next series of lessons I'm teaching.  Such strange feelings go through me sometimes.  I pulled up my old Crossed Out Youth Ministries email account.  Crossed Out was the youth ministry that my husband and I pastored for 5 years.  I deleted its website several years ago, but I never could bring myself to delete the email account.  All youth related things are still directed there and there are so many memorable emails stored there; emails from students, parents, and fellow peers in youth ministry.

Anyway so I'm sitting here tonight and this feeling comes over me.  The only way I know how to describe it is an intense sudden sense of purpose.  The passion bubbles up so quickly within me and its so easy to go back into youth pastor mode.  Recently our youth pastor empowered all the youth leaders to act as youth pastors over their particular small group.  I'm not exactly sure I understand the logic behind that, but on one hand it does feel nice to have that kind of confidence behind us.

I know that God took RL and I out of youth pastorship for a reason.  I have yet to discover that reason and sometimes I greatly struggle with that.  But it's nights like tonight that reassure me that God has not taken my passion and zeal for youth away.  Albeit strange, I am thankful that God allows such feelings to flood my heart and mind.

ETA:  After I posted this the first time, I glanced up at today's scripture of the day...
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) ...... Thanks for that reminder Lord. I love you too.

~*Melody*~

BTW:  I'll be catching up with posting my Photo 365's in the next couple days.  I have taken them, but just haven't taken the time to blog them.

This Is My Year !

I believe this is going to be my year.  I'm bound and determined like I haven't been in a long time.  This belly will be leaving me in the near future.  I have decided that I'll no longer be attached or defined by it.  It's going to take this determination to make it.  I will need help along the way so please do send those encouraging words.  I need every single one of them. 

Tonight I did a 20 minute ab workout on my exercise ball with a DVD.  It's a 45 minute routine, but I thought I'd start slow and try my best to keep up with the pro.  I did well keeping up, which I'm very happy about.  Hopefully soon I'll be able to get all the way through the video.  I did get to the harder part of the workout; ball pushups with pelvic tucks.  So at least I got past the basic crunches.  BTW, if you've never worked out on an exercise ball, I highly encourage you to get one or at least try it out at the gym.  They really help a lot in supporting your back and allow a broader range of motion.  I've gotten more success in the past through occasional ball workouts than I ever did with crunches. 

So here's my planned routine for the next few weeks:

• Ab Workouts at least 3 days a week
• Cardio and Weights at least 3 days a week
• Running on the treadmill each weekday  (attempting this will depend on timing)

I have access to a small gym at my leisure.  It's very small and I'd have to bring my own entertainment, but at least its something.  I'd have to wait for my hubby to go with me because he's the one with the key, but I'm sure he'll help to encourage me.  There's WiFi so I'll probably take my laptop and pull up something on Netflix or Hulu to watch while on the equipment.  It'd be a great time for a good old podcast or two as well.  I'm not agile enough to knit while on the treadmill yet...boo. 

Maybe soon I'll get to buy some cute new workout clothes.  :-)  'Cause you know a girl always look for a good excuse to shop.  Plus I've got a Broadway-inspired Sweet Sixteen party to attend this coming summer.

~*Melody*~

Photo 365: Day 13

Photo 365: Day 13
Originally uploaded by hibiscus_ballerina

Fun times in the library with Lou.

~*Melody*~

Photo 365: Day 12

Photo 365: Day 12
Originally uploaded by hibiscus_ballerina

Out for a ride near my stepdad's property...goodness I could lost in that dreamy light. I wish I could have just stood out there for hours watching those horses and daydreaming.

~*Melody*~

P.S.  I'll post Day 11 soon.  It's a picture of a gift that the recipient had yet to see.

Photo 365: Day 11

Photo 365: Day 11
Originally uploaded by hibiscus_ballerina

The finished money hat I made for Grayson. I just think it's the cutest thing. I was inspired by the BlaBla brand and made my own. The hat is knit from cotton yarn and is lined with fleece. There's earflaps and a velcro strap there as well, you just can't see it in this picture.

~*Melody*~

Photo 365: Day 10

Photo 365: Day 10
Originally uploaded by hibiscus_ballerina

A view from my workspace today....I looking out my windows up toward the mountain covered in snow. Some days I face the other wall, but today the snow helped inspire me.
~*Melody*~