Love Day!

Valentines day...probably the most dreaded holiday I look forward too, other than Mother's day. It started out rough....I was sitting at church, and the tears just started to flow after they asked all the married couples to stand so they could pray for them. I mean, what about the singles? Divorced? Widowed? These people need just as much prayer as those who have been in relationships for any amount of time. I guess I just get frustrated. And Ella held a baby the entire service, which slept peacefully in her arms, and I just wondered, "When is it going to be my turn?" It's pretty depressing to want something so badly for sooo long, and wonder if it's in God's plan for my life?

Anyway....on to greater things about this day. I had Bible study in my home for the youth gals, and Lesley-anne spent the day with me. We made chocolate covered strawberries, and choc. hearts. It was delicious! I just love these girls, and am excited that they are being diligent with their homework and asking questions. I'm really going to miss this when I leave.

When Bible study finished, I jet over to the Embrees, as the kids were patiently waiting for me all day so they could open their presents. (James and Elle give gifts on this day, because they feel they get so much on Christmas from grandparents, relatives, and friends) We were eating dinner, and Hannah says, "Jess, what are you going to name your cape buffalo?" And I saw James and Ella's faces....ugh, there goes the surprise. I've been wanting this buffalo from the build-a-bear workshop, and that was their gift to me, along with a cd and bracelet. So, so much for the surprise. But, I am stinkin' excited to go make my little guy, who is gonna be cuter than cute!!

Opening up their digi-pets. I think this was a highlight. Hannah has been wanting one for so long, and my mom found them really cheap at TJ Maxx, and sent them for the kids. They LOVED them!

Oh, and these 2 wanted in to celebrate the day as well.....this was the closest they managed to get. :)

Butt-kickin' madness

So today, Elle and I had an argument. (well, it was more of a "knock-it-off" situation) I won't go into detail, but I will say this. I really struggle with the way I re-act when I am upset or angry at another person. I ususally go into an, "I'll ignore you" attitude, or I'll tend to just keep to myself and not say or want anything to do with that person for a couple days.

After the incident, I grabbed my Bible and headed outside to do my devos. I read from Genesis, and had a confession time. It boiled down to this.


I'm a complainer. And I REALLY hate working out. (this incident was during our workout time in the am) I know it's good for me, and to be honest, I've never really done hard-core (which some may say this isn't even hard-core: But for me...it is-I'm dead after 45 minutes)

I remembered back the last couple days, and I'll admit it...I do complain because this just drives me nuts.

-I'm not coordinated, so I hate videos that have so many crazy moves that I can't even keep up with them.

-I don't have the strength to do several of the excercises, so I get frustrated that I can't do it.

-I see no results. (Now, I know you have to wait awhile, but I don't care to wait)

-I want to sleep past 6:15 a.m.

So those are all really lame...and excuses at that.


What are the pros?
-feel better

-more time in your day

-spending time with friends

-building up strength and muscle

-and I'm sure plenty more.


So, what do I do?

Complain less. (actually work on not complaining at all)
Just do it.
Be happy to have someone like Elle who kicks my butt and tells me I need to do it.

As far as Elle and I? Well....we are like sisters, so it doesn't surprise me that we get into these 'tifs every once in a while. We both end up talking and apologizing. I'm actually thankful for them....because I think we both can grow through them.

God, help me with my complaining-to have a good attitude despite how I feel about things. I really need you.

And Elle...thanks for pushin' me and for your encouragement. You're a gem!