Saturday, November 26, 2011

Getaways...

I recently returned from a getaway to San Juan PR, to celebrate my husbands birthday!

Lemme tell ya. I think I found my 2nd home. I've never considered myself a "beach" person, but I may have had a change of heart. The weather was perfect, bright sunshine, nice breeze and great food.


I enjoyed every part of Puerto Rico, except for the traffic heading down to old San Juan. But, it was somewhat of a fun experience, but not one I'd like to repeat anytime soon. I think next time I'll just stay on the beach :)


We went snorkeling, which was a first for me. It was a great experience and if you've never snorkeled I highly recommend trying it!  It was just a peaceful experience. Alone out in the ocean, swimming with the fish and just hearing yourself breathing. Very relaxing!



Well, the trip is over and I'm back in the 'real world', but at least I still have my memories that I will think on when I need to find my 'happy place'!

Blessings!

1Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

12 Rounds...


Many of you will probably be huddled around the big screen with friends watching the Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez boxing match. I've watched previous fights of Pacquiao and he's a tough little fella.


I admire these guys. They battle until they're bloodied, tired and barely able to stand but they keep punching until one of them gets knocked out or the final bell sounds.

Life and achieving your goals/dreams are alot like a boxing match. You start out pursuing your goals with vibrant energy, bright eyes, smiling faces and full of optimism. Which is a good thing, but what you don't realize you're just in the first round. It's easy to maintain high hopes that the victory is yours. But what happens when the enemy sneaks in a left hook, or uppercut and pops you on the chin. You may get a little wobbly, but you stay on your feet and try your best to regroup.

You stay in the fight and during the next several  rounds you continue holding your ground, throwing some of your best punches. You  bob & weave, implement your best attempt at the Ali shuffle to try and avoid your opponent. But, in spite of your best defensive moves he tags you again. This time he gets you against the ropes and just pummels you while your high hopes of victory begin to wane. With each punch, you feel your knees begin to buckle, your eyes swell, your nose bleeds. You just want to give up. But off in the distance you hear your trainer yelling instructions, and encouraging you to keep fighting. Somehow you find the energy to reach down deep inside, to stay in there, not give up and continue to fight for the victory!


Today, I'm your trainer/coach **grabs you by both shoulders and looks you straight in the eyes**

1) You can do this!
2) Never give up! Never, never...Nevah!!
3) When you feel like you can't go on. Take a step back, re-group and get back in there!
4) Have Faith!
5) Dig Deeper (--Shaun T)
6) The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.

Which round are you in?

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.