So, this is kind of random, but I'm just wondering...does anybody else feel the need to lose 30 pounds or get their teeth whitened when they get online? I mean, according to all of the advertisements popping up on my pages (and maybe it's just my pages) I've got a lot of work to do. Of course, I already knew that. I just would feel a little better if I didn't look so much like all of the before pictures.
It's the internet now, but a few years back it was infomercials. When Josh and I first got married he was working ALL the time and I spent way too much time watching TV. Without fail, every Saturday would be infomercial day. I have never been overly confident in myself as it is, but let me tell you after a day of infomercials you become aware of insecurities you didn't know you should have!I have to be completely honest and say that I worry way too much about how I look. I have to also say that I haven't met a girl yet who doesn't. It's hard in the world we live in. We are constantly bombarded with beautiful people and their $39.99 secrets to beauty. We are also a society obsessed with makeover shows. We makeover people's houses, cars, wardrobes, and even do plastic surgery for the ultimate makeover. Somehow we've all decided that things that look good can fix the things that make us feel bad.
Lately I have been having a come to Jesus meeting with myself. That's a Mississippi term for a time when you just get it all out there in the open. Anyway, I've had to accept that wrinkles have come and will stay, stretch marks don't fade as much I'd like, and it takes time to recover from bad haircuts. But, I've also realized that those wrinkles have come from laughter and stretch marks from bringing 3 people into the world (okay, and eating a case of honeybuns at a time!). You see, I'm having to learn about a different kind of beauty, the kind they don't sell creams for. Authentic beauty. My friend Karen passed this quote on to me from the book Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy. I want to pass it on to you...
"Authentic beauty may very well be one of the rarest earthly treasures today. It holds a magnetism far beyond the loveliness of a properly painted face, and it possesses a charm that towers over the enchanting grace of a sweet personality. It is not ever to be discovered in the pomp and polish of high society, nor in the silk and satin of those conformed to popular culture. Rather it emerges only rarely in each generation, and that in the life of a young woman-a young woman who is deeply in love with the Prince of her soul."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Love of My Life
Okay, Lori tagged me so here it is in case you were wondering!
1.What is his name? Joshua Stuart Fidler (Josh, Bro.Josh, Scooter)
2. Who eats more? He eats more at one time, but I probably eat more because I eat all the time!
3. Who said, "I love you" first? Josh says that he did b/c he wrote it in a letter one time, but I say that doesn't count. So, I did...He had asked me out several times and I kept saying no b/c I was afraid it would ruin our friendship. Then one night he just totally ignored me after church and even though I was the one just wanting to be "friends" I couldn't handle that. So I told him. It was a beautiful moment complete with me hitting my head trying to get out of the car. :)
4. Who is taller? Josh
1.What is his name? Joshua Stuart Fidler (Josh, Bro.Josh, Scooter)
2. Who eats more? He eats more at one time, but I probably eat more because I eat all the time!
3. Who said, "I love you" first? Josh says that he did b/c he wrote it in a letter one time, but I say that doesn't count. So, I did...He had asked me out several times and I kept saying no b/c I was afraid it would ruin our friendship. Then one night he just totally ignored me after church and even though I was the one just wanting to be "friends" I couldn't handle that. So I told him. It was a beautiful moment complete with me hitting my head trying to get out of the car. :)
4. Who is taller? Josh
5. Who is more sensitive? We are both a little on the sensitive side. He's more caring and sweet, I'm more hormonally challenged!!! :)
6. Who does the laundry? That would be me. He does the ironing though.
7. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Josh.
8. Who pays the bills? We're still trying to figure that out! Ha! J/K. Josh works hard for the money. I work hard to not spend it all. :)
9.Who cooks more? I do, but he's got some skills too.
10. Who is more stubborn? Definitely me!
11. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? 99% of the time I am the one who is wrong and Josh is usually still the first to apologize. He's too sweet!
12. Who has more siblings? Me. I have a brother and sister, he has a sister.
13. Who wears the pants in the relationship? I try to let him. I'm a big believer in the whole head of the household thing. Luckily, I have a good head of my household!
14. What do you like to do together? Anything! Watch movies, play tennis(okay, attempt to play tennis), go for walks, EAT!!!, take naps...we're kind of lazy! Ha!
15. Who eats more sweets? We both have a sweet tooth, but I definitely eat way more.
16. Guilty Pleasures? Peanut M&M's, yea we live on the wild side... :)
17. How did you meet? We were actually in 5th grade together, but Josh says he knew he liked me when we talked to each other after a football game at McDonald's. I should've known I would fall in love at McDonald's!
18. Who asked whom out first? Josh asked me out.
19. Who kissed who first? He kissed me.
20. Who proposed? He did -he actually left me in the parking lot at the mall while he went in to get my ring and I had no idea. Then we went to our favorite park across from the beach and he proposed at sunset.
21. His best features and qualities? Beyond his baby blues and awesome good looks, he is the most amazing person I've ever known. I know lots of people say that about the person they're married to, but really he is. You can ask people. :) Josh is completly sweet and sensitive and yet totally manly and strong. He is genuine, sincere, and thoughtful. He is incredibly intelligent in a book smart kind of way and extremely bright in a real life kind of way. He has been the best earthly example of Jesus I've ever known, and I can say that after living with him for 7 years. He is also a loving daddy and my best friend. Did I mention his good looks?? :)
22. Tag you’re it. Who do you tag? Kim Thomas, Melanie Grimes Hardage
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Great Adventures in 2009
Okay, I've had lots of deep, spiritual thoughts I've been wanting to share, but my brain can't seem to keep or organize thoughts long enough to get them here, so maybe I'll share those later. I thought I would just give a little update about what is new in the Fidler household in 2009.
Unfortunately, there aren't as many new things as I would like! This is the first year in a long time that I remember actually setting resolutions. The last few years have been so crazy that usually my goal for the year is to just survive! This year I had definite plans about child raising, weight loss, and some other random things. But, honestly my first few weeks of 2009 just didn't start out the way I planned. (Haven't I addressed the issue of when I try to plan before?) Anyway, I started out the new year with a court appearance (that is a whole other blog), a bladder infection, sick kids, and 10 pounds I gained over the holidays. Yes, you heard me right. 10 pounds. For the life of me I cannot understand how it takes 2 months to lose 10 pounds and 2 weeks to gain it back!! So, I was faced with the reality that as good as my intentions for new things are, my ability to achieve them is still a bit lacking.
So, I've adapted my resolutions. I know that sounds like I've decided to abandon them right? I haven't. I've just decided to approach them a little differently. Josh has claimed Isaiah 43 for our church this year and I am claiming it for myself. Isaiah 43:18 says, "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing." I love that! Don't you? In this chapter God goes on and on about the things He will do for His people, the things only He can do. So, I've decided this year I want to forget the former things and get ready for the new! The things only God can do. I think losing weight and keeping my house organized seem like the most impossible tasks known to mankind. But God said, "I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19 So, I've decided not only can I keep my resolutions with God's help, I'm going to expect more. Weight loss and clean floors will pale in comparison with the changes that I'm expecting God to make in my heart and mind. He can do that!
So, we're only a few weeks in. They have not been stellar weeks that I would like on file for future generations to observe. I started homeschooling Sarah last week. That was a very difficult and much prayed about decision for us. I cannot tell you how many times I have said even just a few months ago that I could never homeschool my children. Have I ever told you what happens when I tell God the things I will not do? I have also in years past said that I would never work with youth or live in the parking lot of a church. Ha. Enough said. While getting sick and having sick kids was not part of my lesson plan for the first two weeks, I am already seeing the lessons I am being taught through this process. I'm sure you will be hearing a lot about our homeschooling adventures in future blogs to come!
Right now I am very excited about some upcoming events in our family. My sister Jenny who has been living in Alaska for the last 3 years will find out by the end of this week where they will be moving in June. I am sooo excited because anywhere will be closer than Alaska! I got so excited in the store the other night because I found a present I wanted to get my nephew for his birthday and I realized that I might actually get to give it to him and not have to mail it!
We are also looking forward to gaining a new family member as Josh's sister Leah just got engaged this past weekend. We will get to meet Brad, her fiance, next week and are really looking forward to that visit. And can I just say that nothing provides weight loss motivation for me like the thought of a bridesmaid dress! :) We are so excited for them.
In this last week of sickness and homeschooling, I also decided that I would organize my 10 year class reunion for my high school. What kind of meds was I taking anyway? :) Just kidding. While I have felt a little overwhelmed by this task I am also really enjoying reconnecting with old friends and looking forward to having a reason to dress up!
There are definitely so many things to be excited about and look forward to this year. While I am a little late, I want to wish all of you the very best in 2009 and offer some encouragement as we keep pressing on!!
Unfortunately, there aren't as many new things as I would like! This is the first year in a long time that I remember actually setting resolutions. The last few years have been so crazy that usually my goal for the year is to just survive! This year I had definite plans about child raising, weight loss, and some other random things. But, honestly my first few weeks of 2009 just didn't start out the way I planned. (Haven't I addressed the issue of when I try to plan before?) Anyway, I started out the new year with a court appearance (that is a whole other blog), a bladder infection, sick kids, and 10 pounds I gained over the holidays. Yes, you heard me right. 10 pounds. For the life of me I cannot understand how it takes 2 months to lose 10 pounds and 2 weeks to gain it back!! So, I was faced with the reality that as good as my intentions for new things are, my ability to achieve them is still a bit lacking.
So, I've adapted my resolutions. I know that sounds like I've decided to abandon them right? I haven't. I've just decided to approach them a little differently. Josh has claimed Isaiah 43 for our church this year and I am claiming it for myself. Isaiah 43:18 says, "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing." I love that! Don't you? In this chapter God goes on and on about the things He will do for His people, the things only He can do. So, I've decided this year I want to forget the former things and get ready for the new! The things only God can do. I think losing weight and keeping my house organized seem like the most impossible tasks known to mankind. But God said, "I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19 So, I've decided not only can I keep my resolutions with God's help, I'm going to expect more. Weight loss and clean floors will pale in comparison with the changes that I'm expecting God to make in my heart and mind. He can do that!
So, we're only a few weeks in. They have not been stellar weeks that I would like on file for future generations to observe. I started homeschooling Sarah last week. That was a very difficult and much prayed about decision for us. I cannot tell you how many times I have said even just a few months ago that I could never homeschool my children. Have I ever told you what happens when I tell God the things I will not do? I have also in years past said that I would never work with youth or live in the parking lot of a church. Ha. Enough said. While getting sick and having sick kids was not part of my lesson plan for the first two weeks, I am already seeing the lessons I am being taught through this process. I'm sure you will be hearing a lot about our homeschooling adventures in future blogs to come!
Right now I am very excited about some upcoming events in our family. My sister Jenny who has been living in Alaska for the last 3 years will find out by the end of this week where they will be moving in June. I am sooo excited because anywhere will be closer than Alaska! I got so excited in the store the other night because I found a present I wanted to get my nephew for his birthday and I realized that I might actually get to give it to him and not have to mail it!
We are also looking forward to gaining a new family member as Josh's sister Leah just got engaged this past weekend. We will get to meet Brad, her fiance, next week and are really looking forward to that visit. And can I just say that nothing provides weight loss motivation for me like the thought of a bridesmaid dress! :) We are so excited for them.
In this last week of sickness and homeschooling, I also decided that I would organize my 10 year class reunion for my high school. What kind of meds was I taking anyway? :) Just kidding. While I have felt a little overwhelmed by this task I am also really enjoying reconnecting with old friends and looking forward to having a reason to dress up!
There are definitely so many things to be excited about and look forward to this year. While I am a little late, I want to wish all of you the very best in 2009 and offer some encouragement as we keep pressing on!!
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