Revitalize

So at church Craig just finished a sermon series called "Revitalize." It was all based on a survey that you could take on the Hope website where you gave feedback about your life, and what you needed to hear. Craig addressed every issue imaginable. Well yesterday he tied it all together and I heard somethings that I definitely need to hear. I have to change some things about myself. It won't happen over night, but it will be MY work in progress. Anyway, some major points that Craig hit that really struck close to home for me was "Identifying your road blocks." He spoke about surrounding yourself with people and things that are uplifting and make you a better person. However, he also mentioned the "road blocks" and doing your best to avoid him.

"Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2

Wow. Powerful stuff huh? Surrounding yourself with positive things. Positive people. Positively positive!

I know that I mention all the time about how busy I am. How much that seems to be going on right now, however; rather than letting it drag me down, I am determined to find the positive in everything.
1. I am going through grad school. It's tough, but when it's all set and done, I will have MASTER'S DEGREE. That's exciting. Plus I can technically put M.S. after my name...ha!

2. Jazzercise. I CHOSE to go through the Jazzercise workshop when I did. Little do I know how busy it would make me. But here's the positive in that: Jazzercise completely changed my life. I'm happier, healthier, and in the best shape I've ever been in my life. It is my duty to give back to something that was so life changing for me. Plus, I love it...and I now get paid to work out!

3. Graves Elementary: Those two words right there equal stress but here's the thing...I have a job. There are SO many people out there struggling to make ends meet without a steady income. Every year I have had to worry about the threat of being surplussed, but God takes care of me each time. He might have plans to move me...but I will be blessed no matter what. In addition, what an amazing task God has given me. I'm teaching at-risk children and could very well be the only positive influence in their life. Wow.

4. Planning a wedding: This can also be stressful, but it's fun too. I'm planning a special day because I'm marrying the man of my dreams. He's someone who completed the part of me that I didn't know was missing. I can't wait!

So, my life feels revitalized right about now...plus I'm stomach virus free. If that doesn't revitalize you, I don't know what does!

Yesterday I finally felt like myself again so Chris and I went to church with my mom and then we went to Lowe's to get some ideas for his house that will eventually become our house. Chris has a house in Olive Branch, MS...and while we were hoping to be able to buy some land and build a new house, things really aren't working out in that direction. So we are going to save money and fix Chris' house up the way I, I mean we, like it. (HA!) We looked at flooring, paint colors, tile, counter tops, light fixtures....the works. His house will become my summer project. Grad school will be over and I'll be a mean, lean, painting machine. I'm really excited to do this!

Anyway, I guess I better go now...I have a few things to do for Grad school and then I promised myself I would learn a new abdominal routine for my class tonight. But aren't you proud of me? I'm still blogging!

Happy Blogging!
Katie