Monday, January 23, 2012

I get a little bit stronger...

So I'm taking a class called "Family Foundations". It's a religious class and it's required for my general classes at college. Go figure, since BYU-Idaho is a religious school. Anyways. I've heard a lot of different opinions about this class and how difficult it is, how much reading there is, how boring it is... BUT I am actually starting to like this class. For this class there are 6 units that last for two weeks. For each of these two week units we are to set goals according to the topic that we're given in each unit. The last two weeks I was focusing a lot on scripture study. That was part of the unit. I'm so sneaky... hehe. I'm combining my "becoming courageous" resolution for this year with my class goals. It works. 
Now that I've explained that, for the next two weeks we are learning to become healthier. We're focusing on our goals for a more nutritious diet and exercise. At first I wondered Why in the world would our personal health be in a course focused on building up our families? Then it hit me and I'm surprised why I even had to wonder. After being inspired by my mom and those other amazing people on Team iPhysique, it would seem apparent how important being healthy was to create healthy families. My lifestyle choices are going to effect my future family. They will effect how long I stick around, and how active I will be in my family's lives. My choices will also influence my children's choices, creating that ripple effect that is so often seen in my life... (I should do a post on that someday... moving on). Anyways.
These next two weeks I'm to work on my diet and my exercise. Both of which I'm a little stumped on. I think I eat generally healthy. I don't eat too much junk food, I like fruit, and I'm always sure to have grains and protein because my mom has influenced me to make those kinds of choices. However, upon analyzing my diet a bit more I noticed some flaws. There are two that are pretty prominent and therefore, they will become part of my nutritional goal for these next two weeks. 
1. I definitely don't drink enough water. On a good day I'll drink one, maybe two, 24 oz water bottles. The problem I have here is that I don't like the taste of water on most days. Here in Idaho especially. I also am not a huge fan of water flavors like crystal light. I'm kind of stumped as to how I'm going to fix this problem... So I'm looking to my audience for a little inspiration. And if I don't get anything, then I'll just figure it out on my own. Tough it out. Maybe that's what I really need to do. 
2. I don't eat nearly enough veggies. Now this is a little more of a financial problem than it is a whether or not I like them problem. Eating healthy is actually anti-poor college student. I actually love vegetables. My top favs are cucumbers and squash. BUT I find myself having to limit myself to the bagged frozen vegetables. So for these next two weeks I'm going to put in a little more into my veggie section of my grocery budget. But here's my question to all of you out there: What are your favorite cheap vegetables? And any good recipes to go with them? 

Ok, so now that we've gotten the nutrition portion of the goals down, it's time to talk about the second part. Exercise. Oh boy... I am actually pretty active if I do say so myself. I am currently taking 4 dance classes and participating in the Independent Colorguard in Rexburg, ID. I am finding that sometimes though, I'm running out of breath at the end of the day. This could be due to natural fatigue but it also could be due to the fact that I'm not in the best shape I could be in. Apart from my exercise I get from class and guard, I don't like exercise. I worked at a gym and I don't even like to work out. Go figure? Anyways. I'm thinking though that for my goals there will be a couple of small ones. 
I want to someday be able to do all of these moves... 
1. Stretching. I'm trying to work on gaining flexibility that I've lost in the past years. I will stretch at least 30 min every day. That is my goal. This one is actually a goal that I am going to enjoy. It's relaxing to stretch. 
2. Cardio. I know that I'm bad at running and I hate running. With a passion. I'm wondering to all you iPhysique ladies who are also not too inclined to skip your way to the treadmill, What do you do? Like the water issue, do I just tough it out? It's unfortunate that the outdoors are kind of out of the question because it is FREEZING here, but I'm willing to try just about anything. And maybe even try some interesting treadmill workouts. 
Here's to my roomie, Karen.

3. Arms. My arms... they're twigs. And I know this. BUT I wish to change that. I'm thinking of doing a push-up challenge. I'll do 10 each night and increase that by 15 in the second week. Starting small I know but it's more about forming a habit. I could be totally off on this one though but we'll try it. 
I know that I could just look up different exercise routines and cheap healthy dishes and such but I want to know your favorites! I want to know that there are other people who are like me and hate cardio, or don't like water. I know it's not going to just take two weeks and like magic I'll be perfectly healthy. This is to start getting me into healthy habits though. I'm thankful for the examples that I've had in my life. Specifically my mom and her teammates. They are the most inspiring people I have come across, each with their own unique but equally amazing stories. 
So here's to these next two weeks as I try to establish a healthier lifestyle. We'll see how this goes!
Just another What are you Crazy?! moment for me.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Scripture Power: Week 2 Day 5

I think the week has been wearing on me. Maybe I haven't been focusing enough on my scriptures. I find that when we feel we are lacking in life, it's because we are lacking in some basic principle of truth. Today I felt like I had so much to do, and not enough time to do it. Yet I did have time to spend with friends and see Chandler perform as an opening act for a comedian at a sandwich shop in Rexburg. I'm thinking that I'm becoming too busy for the things that really matter in life. It's a struggle for me to balance these things for some reason. I don't know why and I'm just trying to figure it all out. It's something that I guess we all learn with time.
Yeah I actually did my hair today... anyways. 
I wasn't able to share my scripture from yesterday but I think I will ask people "What was your tender mercy of the day?" instead of the regular "How was your day?". I'm thankful for the inspiration that I occasionally get when I remember old scriptures and think of how they relate to my life now. Scriptures are kinda like Dial soap. Aren't you glad you have it? Don't you wish everybody did? :D Maybe with our influence as Christians following Christ's example and representing him here on Earth, we can help others find what they may be looking for through the scriptures. Think about it. Think about what you could (should, would, etc) change so that you can add a little bit more of Christlike attributes in your life. Sorry this kinda went on a tangent but I felt it needed to be said. Most likely for my sake. Anyways...
Just another Love Like Crazy moment.

Scripture Power: Week 2 Day 4

Ok. Word of warning. This will either be a touching video, or a boring video. I didn't actually want to post this but I did like my very small testimony at the very end (you can just skip to the end if you'd like). I also like this scripture. I've already told you my view on 3 Nephi. So... here it is. The product of a long day and a late night.
I had forgotten about my scripture thing completely until like 30 minutes ago. I almost didn't do a thought but then I thought back on one of my favorite quotes from "Time Out for Women" (see post about it). It says, if you remember, if you are too busy for scriptures, then you are busier than God wants you to be. So I guilt tripped myself into doing this. Sad, but it worked. And I got a fairly good scripture thought from it. So I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Even a few minutes of sleep. So goodnight all. Hopefully I'll do better tomorrow. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment at 1 in the morning!! 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Scripture Power: Week 2 Day 3

So today was more successful than yesterday. I was able to use my scripture! Whilst talking with a good friend of mine, he said he was having some troubles deciding what to do in his life to make him the happiest. So I asked, "Have you inquired of the Lord?" Yes, yes I totally used scripture in everyday life! It's actually not that hard when you're thinking about it. If the scripture is in your head, I feel you are more likely to use it. So this memorizing stuff is actually applicable. Sad that I'm learning this when I'm 20 right? Oh well, better late than never right? Onto today's scripture and tomorrows application. 
Ok, now these thumbnails are just getting ridiculous. Anyways. I like this scripture a lot again for simplicity, but also because of it's usefulness. I also enjoy whenever the Savior speaks. This is also one of my favorite stories. Here is a picture of what happens after Jesus says "Be not afraid, only believe."
This picture is very inspiring to me. You can see what Christ meant by "only believe." I also would like to note that this probably only happened because her parents believed in Christ. Today our parents worry about us and later in life (like WAY later...) I'll worry about my children as well. If I believe in Christ though, he will be able to keep me and my children safe. That is very comforting. I'm sure it's comforting to my mom too (Love you momma!). I also find it comforting to know that even though things may seem hopeless, they will get better if I "only believe" and not let my fears get in the way of my progression in life. Fear is definitely something that holds me back occasionally. But this weakness humbles me and helps me turn to Christ (remember Ether 12:27?) 

So that's your thought for the day. I'll try to use it tomorrow! :D 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Scripture Power: Week 2 Day 2

So today I was supposed to use Ether 12:27 in conversation... Didn't happen. I totally forgot. However, I will relate it to the events of today. Today, I was able to go to Devotional. For those of you who are not nuts and don't go to the arctic tundra to obtain an education, Devotional (aka Devo) is basically a lecture. We call it a talk. It is meant to spiritually enlighten and uplift us. I usually love going to Devo and listening to the speaker's teach me something new. Occasionally, however... on those days where I haven't gotten enough sleep, I tend to drift off into my own little world. Today was one of those days. Good thing that today I was supposed to be thinking about putting my faith in Christ so that my weaknesses can turn to strengths. This is something that is going on my list of "courageous" activities. I'll trust that with effort on my part, Christ can help me with my short comings. 


Today's scripture is awesome. Even though I do not look that awesome... ANYWAYS, I'll try to remember using it in conversation tomorrow. We'll see how this goes. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment. 

Monday, January 16, 2012

Scripture Power: Week 2

So this week I am going to continue to memorize scriptures but take a brave step and try to use it in conversation at least once during the day. It may be a bit easier now that I'm in BYU-Idaho, but none the less, its definitely out of my comfort zone. 
More on the scripture that I totally cheated on... It was definitely needed in my life. Like I said, the whole "have faith in me" part is what stands out the most to me. Living by faith kind of goes hand in hand with my becoming courageous challenge. I can't do it by myself. But I can do it with Christ's help. It will be hard. It's already been a little challenging and that's a good thing. The most important part is that it is possible. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be better. And I'm certainly thankful for the scriptures. And wonderful friends who inspire me. :D
Just another Love Like Crazy moment for me!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Scripture Power: Day 6

And here is your Saturday's scripture! Even though I'm posting this after midnight... I made the video before midnight so it counts!
What made me choose this scripture is that I was looking through the old testament, looking for scriptures that I've marked in the past and I happened upon this one. It reminded me of an email I got from a friend of mine. He talked about his goals for this upcoming year and decided that he was going to become what God wanted him to become because after all, "His ways are higher than my ways". I admire that. Hopefully I can accomplish  what God wants me to accomplish. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Scripture Power: Day 5

Still no luck with these thumbnail pictures... oh well. 
This scripture comes from the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi. I LOVE 3 Nephi. It's probably my favorite because of it's similarity to the New Testament. I love it when Jesus is speaking in the scriptures. His ministry on Earth is where I like to draw from the most when I read and study scriptures. It's fun to read the New Testament and 3 Nephi side by side. They're so very similar but the feeling I get from 3 Nephi is that it fills in the cracks that were made when the Bible was rewritten and translated multiple times throughout the years. It's like reading two sides of a story and I like knowing all the sides of a story. 
Anyways... Just another Love Like Crazy moment. Happy Friday the 13th ya'll!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Scripture Power: Day 4

Ok this is a little better... I talk a bit more in this video. Another scripture from the New Testament. I like that book a lot. I'm thinking of taking requests? So if there's one you'd like to hear me memorize (please no page long ones, I'm not that good yet) then just give me a shout out! Facebook it or comment on this post. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment. :D

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Scripture Power: Day 3

Ok, I don't know what is up with the dumb looking thumbnails. I think YouTube does it on purpose. Anyways!
I love this scripture. I have it marked with one of those photo things from Costco that has all the photos you printed out on one little photo card. You know what I mean right? It's the digital version of negatives. It's like a mini album all on one piece of paper. Yeah. I remember to be happy and seek for things that fill my soul with joy. Those pictures are memories that fill my soul with joy. That's why it's marking the place of that scripture. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment for this little nerd. :D

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Scripture Power: Day 2

To explain: the glasses are not real. They are however, my focus glasses. They really do work and I actually kind of like them. Maybe I'll find some cuter ones in pink. ANYWAYS, on to more spiritual topics. Here is today's memorized scripture!

OK so the thumbnail for this one is SUPER DUMB, but I promise that I look nothing like that at any point in the video. Oh well, at least I did it. Sorry for no Monday scripture BTW. But I got it done today right? That's what counts. :D
Just another Love Like Crazy moment for me. 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

It's a Brand New Day

SO. First off, I'm going to apologize for the not posting for what.... four-ish weeks? But it's a new year and I'm back at it! Back to being courageous; Continuing on my journey to becoming the best I can be. There was a line from today's hymn that reminded me of my challenge.... and how I've been slacking. Hooray for motivation!
"And silently we pray for courage to accept thy will, to listen and obey" (Hymn #169)

It works. Anyways...

The last weeks I had been working on prayer. I'll be continuing to build upon that this next week. But as life moves on, so do I. I'm picking another from my list of things that will make me more courageous.
This week I'm working on:
 studying scriptures. 

Yes, I'll be reading every day (at some point in the day). BUT, I'm adding a little twist. The way I'm making my studying more courageous is by memorizing! I'll be posting a video of me saying the scripture of the day. First one will be uploaded Monday. It's going to be great.  :D 

Anyways. Sorry this is short but that's ok because there will be more posts this week. Due to the fact that I have 7 videos to do. This is going to be a great week. Crazy, but great. 
Just another Love Like Crazy moment.