Get me off this rollercoaster ride!

Life is so unpredictable. Emotions are up and down. I feel tempted to stick my foot out and ask the world to stop turning for a minute. Sounds rather dramatic doesn't it? To tell you the truth...it doesn't feel dramatic enough. I have been wanting to loose weight. But here is what happens, Open fridge, see a pop, hmmm...nope, I'm not having it. close the fridge. Few minutes later, open the cupboard, I'm hungry... see the chips, nope I'm not having any. Close the door. How many times do I go through this every day?? Too many to count. Do you do it? If only I could get some weight loss each time I say "NO" to something I would be in great shape.

I am looking for some suggestions here. I know I am an emotional eater. How many of you are too??
Something upsets you and you go for the ice cream, chocolate, Super sized McB, a beer?? If I could get everyone to talk about it, maybe we could figure it out. Maybe we could stop the habit? What do you think? Too tired to commit, yeah, me too. Too lazy to change, yeah, me too. But if there is an expert out there, maybe they wouldn't mind sharing. I would post it...not to lazy for that.

Here is the scoop, I stopped at the donut shop and I said to myself if there is a parking place right in front I will know it was meant to be. So I drove around the parking lot. Sure enough about the 8th time around ,there it was. Right in front. It was meant to be :-}

Sandy

Tightrope or Balance Beam ?

What level of stress do you place on yourself every day? We tend to say things like, work is so stressful, my kids are running me ragged, my family is demanding... what is it that is causing the stresses in your life?

What would cause you more stress... walking on a tightrope or a balance beam? 
How high do you want to get off the ground?
How good is your personal balance ?
How far are you willing to reach ?
What will happen if you fall?
What do you wish you could do?
What did you say caused you more stress??

I have always been the tightrope walker in life. How about you??  Are you doing the things others are not comfortable doing? Lots of people want to be on the tightrope. Why aren't they? Fear, stress, worry. It's what we tell ourselves about the stress it will cause us. Or the stress we "think" it will cause us. The changes we would have to make to get up on that tightrope for some seem unsurmountable.

Here is the "AH HA moment" when someone takes you by the hand and helps you onto the rope, shows you all the tricks of the trade, and helps you work through your fears until you can do it by yourself...You can do it. WHY???? Because now you believe you can. You worked through the stress with someones help.

So I challenge you to get off the balance beam. Sure it's safe, low to the ground and the worst thing that can happen is a twisted ankle. But the excitement, the future of your life can be the thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone and achieving what your heart desires. Your own personal success is a HUGE reward that awaits you. Discover what that is and experience it!

The Chocolate Chip Cookie

When my children were small, I remember making a deal with God one day. It was the first time I had done such a thing and it was the last. I had 2 small children and was babysitting 2 others in my home to make ends meet. I was determined to be an at home mother as long as possible. It was a typical day. The kids were all playing and I found myself looking around at all the things that I felt needed to be done, all the preperations I needed to make to teach at the Wednesday night Pioneer Girls meeting at church, all the laundry, all the dishes, the meals for the children and supper for my husband....on and on the list in my head went until I found myself crying with the overwhelming sensation of exhaustion. It was at that point that I said to God, if you help me get it together and get everything done each day , I promise I will spend time each day with you in prayer. Here was His reply...You must first spend your time in prayer with me and then I will be certain you accomplish all that needs to be done.

So I will never forget that very first day. It was 26 years ago and still reminds me of God's faithfulness.
I have the type of faith that I believe things happen for a reason. I may not know what it is right away but I know It will be revealed eventually. So I plopped the bible on the dining room table with great anticipation. I decided to let God reveal the days lesson and let the pages open on their own. It turned to Proverbs 31:15 which says, "She gets up while it is still dark: she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." I had time just before the children came to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Everyone seemed so happy to smell the delicious aroma as they descended the stairs and the same with the children and their families that dropped them off  that day. It didn't hurt that a couple of those cookies made it to their hand to take off  to work. Something so simple. The power of God's love and care reflected in a chocolate chip cookie. There is power in asking God what He wants us to do for our children, our spouse, our friends, our community. That day and every day that I took time with God first, I was not only able to get all of the things done that day, but I had extra time!! I had energy, a positive attitude, alot more patience and creativity. I had time to organize playful, learning activities for the children. I think you must be getting a feel for the difference it made.

The next time you bite into a chocolate chip cookie, think about your creator and His love for you. Ask for His guidance and take time with Him each day!

He has given me an opportunity to share my story with you today and chocolate chip cookies with everyone. Who would have guessed? For your free chocolate chip cookie, email me at: sandrabullard11@gmail.com.

Blessings,
Sandra

Blonde with Hazel eyes

It's amazing to me that we go through so many changes in our lifetime.
Each change makes us just a little different.
Until one day we look at ourselves in the mirror and wonder who we used to be and how did we get this way.

I never want to let go of the way I was. I still want to be that carefree spirited girl with the blonde hair and hazel eyes. Despite what I want, even the blonde hair has changed.  Somehow I am not sure how life would be right now if I had stayed the same.

I know I did alot of painting walls this week and not doing any physical work in YEARS... showed up by a tremendous aching all over. Including parts I wasn't even aware I had used. Up and down the ladder, rolling non-stop for hours. Way out of shape...unless round is the shape I was going for. :-/
Thank goodness for the pain. It will remind me to exercise more often. It has to hurt less as time goes on. Just say "YES" on that one.

I have had time on my side lately. Time to reflect on my life, how I have affected others in my life, what I want to change about myself. As I reviewed some of my past habits, I realized that I had changed so much from the person I started out to be that I no longer could even remember how I once thought about things. I do know that, without realizing it, I captured quite a few of my parents bad habits and possibly even improved upon them. That started me thinking about my children and the habits they have picked up from one parent or the other. I think that is when I realized, I had to stop judging myself and focus on the changes I want to make. ( This time really making those improvements) I might as well continue with the physical improvements. I lost 4 pounds. Not an earth shattering amount...but absolutely in the right direction:)

The next thing I am changing is the lives of those who are friends of mine. I want them to live a long healthy, happy life. I recommend and encourage them to purchase nutritional supplements from my diamondhealthshop.com. It's what I do because it inspires me every day. I would appreciate your support. If you would like to know what you should be taking for your symptoms or what you need to to stay healthy and active (Both men and women need something) I will be your personal health coach. Everyone needs a coach!! Even me!! Email me today at sandrabullard11@gmail.com.

Stay Well and Active!!
I'll be excited to hear from you!
        Sandra