Reader Poll: Christmas Cards

I want to send out Christmas cards this year. I didn't last year b/c I had too much going on around the time that cards needed to be sent out, but I am determined to this year. The thing is, I can't decide who to send them to (just family? family and select friends? everyone I've ever known?), and I also can't decide what to do with the cards. I have cards I bought last year on clearance after Christmas, but I feel like it would be lame to just sign our names, but I also don't want to write a note in every card.

With all of that being said, my questions to you, my dear readers, are these:

1. How do you decide to whom you'll send cards?
2. Do you just sign your cards? Or do you type up a family update type thing? Or do you send a photo card?

Please help me out by offering your best Christmas card advice!!

It's NEVER Too Late

Today has been rough; all week has been rough, actually. First came muscle pain and then came work-related stress, and today it all came together in a way that left me feeling drained, exhausted, and completely frustrated. So what did I do? I had a breakfast sandwich from McDonald's, a piece of pumpkin pie, and several other less-than-stellar foods. Around 9 p.m. this evening I was feeling totally dejected and gross, since I haven't worked out since Tuesday due to aforementioned muscle pain and stress, and I had just spent the day making poor food choices. But instead of heading back to the fridge for some more pie or some ice cream or whatever else happened to be tempting enough for me to eat (and right now it doesn't take much to tempt me!), I stayed away. I stopped myself from believing the lie that if I've failed once today the whole day is a failure.

I will not be a failure. I will not.

So I did a 20-minute cardio workout, and while it wasn't a lot and I've definitely pushed myself further at other times, it is what I needed today, right now, to remind myself that I am worth it. I am worth every minute spent bettering my body and saying no to wrong choices; I am worth every early morning workout and drop of sweat; I am worth every tear of frustration and victory; I am worth every pound and inch lost. I can do this; I am worth it.

It's never too late to begin. The only way to fail is not to try at all.

I'm grading again, so no blogging. I should just shut down the blog, but then that would really devastate the 5 people who actually read it. Decisions, decisions.

I will leave you with a little teaser for the next time I blog: I spent some quality time with over 100 wasps on Monday night. Story to follow...

What I Did Instead of Grade Papers

Sometimes...

Sometimes I fear I'll never reach my goal weight.
Sometimes I fear I will reach my goal but that I won't be satisfied.
Sometimes I think I'll never even reach my goal of 50 pounds.
Sometimes I think I'll reach my goal and MORE.
Sometimes I think I'm fooling myself for thinking I could ever be smaller.
Sometimes I remember I'm foolish for caring so much about what other people think of me and my weight loss.
Sometimes I feel discouraged because my weight loss has been so slowly achieved.
Sometimes I am glad it's taken me so long because the longer it takes, the longer I'm proving to myself that I can do this.
Sometimes I really need an extra push to work out.
Sometimes working out is all I want to do.
Sometimes all I want to do is eat whatever I want.
Sometimes all I want to do is say no to all that tempts me.
Sometimes I just want to quit.

But I ALWAYS know that in the midst of my doubts and uncertainties and ever-shifting emotions, my God is the same yesterday, today, and always, and His mercies are new every morning.

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

Real Posts Coming Soon

Maybe. But until then, amuse yourselves with this fabulous poem my friend Renee sent me:

Did I miss anything

P.S. I finished grading papers on Monday, but it seems all the grading has fried my creativity for the time being, hence the lack of posts.

Election Night Reminders

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” ~1 Timothy 2:1-4

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." ~Daniel 2:21

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." ~Romans 13:1

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 63:5-8

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On CHRIST the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."