fat bottom girls make the rockin' world go round

Folks, I've come to a sad (pitiful really) conclusion recently. As I was thinking I was getting good at the killer pushup/side-raiser-thing on my snazzy new Wii Fit, Marc informs me that I am doing cheater pushups. So, he shows me how correct form should be, and then shows me what I've been doing (for years, thinking I was doing pushups! geez!). As it turns out, I cannot do even 1 single stinking pushup. Starting from the ground, I cannot push myself up. Not once. Pathetic!!! Agh!!!

Alas, it seems that a lack of self control and discipline has worked its way into every aspect of my life. That is a very frustrating realization to come to. BUT, the good news, as my husband who is firmly anchored in reality reminds me, is that my lack of arm strength and my freshman 15 and my total addiction to all things full of sugar and my seeming inability to go to bed earlier so that I can wake up with enough time to read my Bible at least somewhat coherently before leaving for work with enough time that I can get there on time without bringing out the speed racer routine, are all just facts of reality. (That was a long sentence!) And, being facts of reality, they don't dictate future potential. In other words, I can do something about them. While a little bit overwhelming, this is still good news. Just because I cannot currently comfortably squeeze myself into jeans I wore a mere year ago doesn't mean that I will never be able to. And while I currently cannot do one measly pushup, that doesn't mean I never will. In fact, what a party I think I'll throw the day I can do 1 pushup! Because just a little bit of success will breed more success I'm pretty sure.

The pastor at our church has been talking lately about a verse that compares believers to farmers and it has been very convicting, and also very encouraging. The farmer does all he can to plant the seeds and pull the weeds, but at the end of the day he has to pray for rain. In other words, a changed heart is truly up to God to work in me, but there are weeds that I need to be pulling in the meantime. So, on that note, those of you who love me - keep me accountable please. Ask me if I'm waking up on time, or if I've made it to the gym, or just exactly how many cookies I've downed. I'll be working on these weeds, some of which have some mighty long roots. Fortunately for me, God will be doing the changing. What a relief!

08 in pictures

A trip to see dino footprintsFlying kites for EasterA fun day at a Medieval FaireA gorgeous day spent hiking in the mountains north of Albuquerque A crazy week spent at Disney World

Lots of rock bandPlaying Apples to Apples and waiting for Brandon to be born

Brandon is here!!1st Anniversary

A quick visit from Luke

Lots of concerts, this one in a botanical garden

Playing music - this time for the fam, but also at church this fall

Marc's 10 yr high school reunion

Camping with our wonderful home group (Marc caught a fish!)

Skiing and snowboarding at Pajarito over Christmas break (Christmas in Albuquerque and Hewitt this year)

A gorgeous sunrise we saw
A prayer for 2009 from The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions:

O Lord, Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory. Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from thee, but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth thy praise, testify thy love, advance thy kingdom. I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, with thee, O Father, as my harbour, thee, O Son, at my helm, thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails. Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning, my ear open to thy calls, my heart full of love, my soul free. Give me thy grace to sanctify me, thy comforts to cheer, thy wisdom to teach, thy right hand to guide, thy counsel to instruct, thy law to judge, thy presence to stabilize. May thy fear by my awe, thy triumphs my joy.