My 100th Post!

Hard to believe this is my 100th post. I really had no idea where this blog was going when I decided to start it. Honestly, I was just looking for a creative outlet, 5 minutes to myself to type out the noise in my head, a way to evaluate that noise and push forward as a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and student of God. But because of this blog, I have made some amazing friends & have learned so much more about myself than I could have ever imagined. My sincere thanks to all of my followers, readers, fans, even the stalkers (you know who you are) for sticking with me and encouraging me to keep moving forward with this small blog which has big things in store. This 100th post would not have happened today if not for all of you! *tear*

Enough of the mushy stuff, let's have some fun! I got this idea from Living Proof Ministries blog and thought it very entertaining and perfect for today's post. So I get an 'F' for originality today. Boo. Off we go!

In Beth's words: "What are 10 things - right off the top of your head - that we would only know about you if we knew you really well? 10 random things ranging anywhere on your personal map that make you a tad distinctive? Or just plain weird? Think quickly. Don't go for deep. Go for quirky. Don't try to put them in any kind of order and don't make them long. Just start typing."

I'll go first!

1. I'm mildly obsessed with Elvis Presley and have been since the age of 4. (My daughter's name is Presley)

2. I love history. I can totally get into anything if it has a little history behind it.

3. I hate oreos. HATE THEM!

4. I'm about 13 credit hours from finishing my bachelor's degree in psychology/criminology and I have no intentions of finishing.

5. I absolutely LOVE to travel. Even with two kids. Take me anywhere. I want to see the world!

6. I've been known to stay up all night long to finish a good book.

7. I've developed a new passion for photography and web design out of left field. Never saw it coming. (and I'm just starting out - don't judge)

8. My biggest pet peeves are sock balls. You know those wads of socks taken off incorrectly and come out of the dryer still wet? GRRRR

9. I have serious texture issues with food. I can't eat the following because of the way the feel in my mouth rather than the taste: ham, mushrooms, dumplings (or anything that makes bread soggy), too ripe bananas, oysters, clams

10. My guilty pleasure is a Reese Cup and I will fight you to the death for it. Presley was almost named Reese. It was a toss up.

Now it's YOUR turn! GO!

So Long, Insecurity

I've recently become a member of BlogFrog, a great online blogging community. While browsing around in there, I hopped into Kate's community and found that she was starting an online bible study on Beth Moore's book, So Long, Insecurity. I'm a huge Beth Moore fan and a long time follower of her blog, Living Proof Ministries. I think she is truly an amazing woman; a huge inspiration in my life. As for the book, I had heard of it, seen the discussions going on within Beth Moore's blogging community but quite honestly didn't think it pertained to me. I have always considered myself a confident woman with good self-esteem, self-worth. But someone who knew her limits - at least that's what I chalked them up to be. Limits. Anyhow, I was simply excited to see a bible study and immediately felt pulled to join in. I rushed out and bought the book the next day and began reading, elated to get involved in a conversation of any kind with other Christian ladies. So what if the book really didn't have much to offer me? I don't have any insecurities. Now, those of you that have a close relationship with God are probably laughing your tails off right this moment. Have I learned nothing about how God works in our lives? Right. I don't have any insecurities. Let the lesson begin....

After reading Chapter One, I immediately recognized that my "limits" are hidden insecurities. Insecurities that I have not faced, but have buried deep and gotten really comfy and cozy with over the years. As Beth Moore would say, we're friends. And Insecurity, you've been a bad friend. I am realizing that I've been afraid to try all sorts of new things for fear of looking like a fool or not being good at it. How many great things have I missed out on because of this? I'm terrified of making bad choices for my kids. I worry about how clean my house is and what it looks like if someone stops by unexpectedly. I worry how my children act out in public and if they act out how people perceive me as a mother. My husband and I worry constantly about financial security and making sure we have ample savings in times of crisis. And most recently, I am recognizing that I have a HUGE worry over what kind of friends I'm allowing into my life. All of these things are insecurities. And they need to go. I'm listening, God. Teach me.

I am thrilled to have found this group of women at BlogFrog and am eager to delve further into this study. I highly recommend the book for anyone experiencing any kind of insecurity and your always welcome to jump into the discussion at Living Proof Ministries or at Blog Frog!

On another note, thanks to all my new followers and for all the beautiful comments you've left!

Happy Friday everyone!