Beautiful Life!

 It's early Tuesday morning and, I am in the coffee shop again -  I know shocking right as this has been my perch all week while I complete work for my current class. Next to me is a group of ladies couponing. It is intriguing to watch and hear as they barter back and forth over which coupons will work for their family. There are eight ladies in the group today. In the midst of their chatter and the general hum of the barristas preparing java for the coffee enthusiast A.K.A addicts :0) there is the beautiful and often faint gurgle and cry of a little baby. One of the mom's brought her son to this week's couponing session. As she walked in carrying the sweet child on her hip - him in one hand and her couponing back in the other I could not help but think about my own baby boy at home. My heart begins to flutter and tears well in my eyes as I think about his introduction into this world. He was unexpected - by his parents that is and sadly I was less than enthused to find out I was pregnant again (he is our fifth sweet baby). Fear mixed with selfishness are more along what was in my heart at the beginning of his journey. I had just started a new job when I found he was coming. I enjoyed my work and was super excited to be doing what I loved most (outside of my family) -helping others in their fitness journey. I felt like I was paying forward the fitness freedom I had been given everyday - and then the news - I'm pregnant! I was speechless.
My heart trembles as I hear this little baby because I remember asking God to let it not be real - I wanted to only be dreaming that I was pregnant. I shudder at that thought now - ashamed. I look back now and realize how selfish I was - God has blessed me (and continues to) in spite of myself. When my sweet Emmanuel (God is with us) runs in my room and hops in the bed to give me morning hugs and kisses some days it is bitter sweet for me, bitter because I remember how I felt - behaved at his beginning and sweet because I am reminded that not because of me, but in spite of me God loves me (you), uses me and that His will, will always be done.
I have been blessed with four other beautiful babies each uniquely talented and blessed in their own way, and Joshua is no different he is simply my daily constant reminder of God's grace, mercy, and love.
The life of a child is truly beautiful - and in a world where human life is treated as yesterday's trash I am thankful for my little reminder of this truth.
No matter where you may find yourself today, your life, and the life of your children is special to God. Psalm 139 gives a glimpse into just how much God loves us, "we are fearfully and wonderfully made". God took a lot of time making us and please believe He does not make junk. No matter what you've done or what you are in the midst of He loves you and He cares, you can not out sin God's love. Give it to Him today because it really is not your beginning that matters - His mercies are brand new EVERY morning.
Much love
Tam.

It Ebbs and Flows......

All Journeys have ups and downs, it may be said that it would not be a journey without them :0). I have noted on this journey (in other blogs) that taking a good look at yourself can be hard and usually uncomfortable because often times what we find when we look in the mirror is not nearly as pretty and neat as we once thought. I am learning that the best medicine is to look, examine, then take it to God for clarification (in the event some of you are like me at times and in denial of what you see) and help in working on it. All issue/flaws (as it were) are not bad, some merely need to harvested and reshaped so that they are better used. I think Willie "P-dub" more said a mouth full when he asked that we "listen to what our haters have to say" because in hearing their words we can learn much about ourselves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxwVvmhMWvE
As an honest look at yourself  relates to health and fitness,the fact that 60% of Americans are overweight or obese should let you know that you will get no where in your journey if you are unwilling to face yourself and be accountable for your actions or lack thereof. If you stress eat admit it, if you don't exercise, yet you are constantly wondering why  you have not lost weight, it may behoove you to be honest with yourself. Whatever, your issue is admit it then attack it, do not merely be a bystander in your journey instead take the helm and become an active participant because it is by this action that change happens.
 I believe that it is in AA that they tell their participants that admittance is the first step, irregardless of where that statement comes from it is the truth. The first thing we have to do is admit we have a problem acknowledge our part in the issue and then get a plan together to attack the problem. You will never accomplish anything by whining and complaining about it (in your fitness journey or otherwise) - believe me I am preaching to the choir! :0)
If you want to run a marathon - get up seek out the steps to begin to train for it and get it done. If you want to lose those last 30lbs off - get up and get a plan together, find a class or a trainer, whatever and get it done! You are the only one standing in your way. One thing is for sure nothing will change if you continue to sit on the couch or whine about the issue.
One of the biggest waste of time is to long for what someone else has or has achieved when you yourself are just as capable of achieving that or greater.
Greatness is in you because of Who created you, you can not deny it, you can only run from it. Stop running, the price that was paid for you was too high for you to give up or worst of all not try at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKU7a4mOWco
No matter what you find when you look in the mirror, you are loved more than you can imagine. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Move out of the way and get MOVING. You CAN do IT!
Tam.

Get back up

Hellooooooooooo