accepting.

I've accepted the fact that I have a problem with redesigning my blog. All. The. Time.

I like things that are festive.

You may be thinking, "Why Kristen, (because we talk in such a formal manner) don't you know you live in Houston where the weather is like living on the surface of the sun? How could you possibly be thinking of the crisp Autumn leaves and the brain freezes you get from walking outside into 30 degree weather?"

But because I'm stubborn I will choose to ignore this, no offense.



Moving on! This weekend I am turning on those tunes that you save on your iPod for road trips and heading to Austin. My favorite place! Why you ask? Because it has my two favorite things: good food and Jonathan. Sometimes the good food surpasses the latter. Don't judge me.

This weekend has wonderful things already planned and I haven't even gotten there yet! Basically, if you can't already tell, I am so excited. The thought of getting out of Houston for a few days is relieving so much so that I'm willing to overlook the heat, as there is like a two degree difference. (Houston has been in the hundreds, once again. My great weather ended a little too quickly.)

I have much to do before I leave, I'm talking long to-do lists filled with everything I've been putting off. Things like:
replacing a tire (no fun),
picking up contacts (the drive itself is the obnoxious part),
cleaning the house (we have a guest coming next week, more on that later!),
getting a shot (so that I can apply for the OTA program)
& renewing my registration tag

It's a tad overwhelming, especially when your free time is limited, but I'm being optimistic in the hopes that I will be productive and get it done! (That's the spirit!)

Prayer request? These fires are getting out of hand, we had a fire break out in George Bush Park today. It was about 20 miles away and we still had smoke hovering over our house with ashes falling out of the sky, like rain. Sadly, I don't know what rain is like anymore. So please pray with me for an end to the wildfires, rain and for those who have lost their homes! You are still able to donate here!

I am wishing everyone a wonderful day today!


Until another time and with lots of love,

Preparation.

                                                                {source}

I feel thankful for Honduras.

I reflected over my lifestyle today and now I am begging for this mission trip to enlighten me and my unproductive mindset. I have all these opportunities around me right now to serve and be loyal to my God. I somehow keep hitting and missing in making the 'serve' part an every day service. Remembering to wake up everyday and understand and fully accept the amount of grace that has been poured into my life because of Jesus Christ.

Why must I cling to earthly idols that are filled with no satisfaction?

For example, I love food. I doubt I am alone in this thinking since it is Survival 101 to eat. We need food. However, sometimes I plan my day around what food I will be eating. Silly right? I can get pretty high maintenance too, i.e I hate sandwiches. I pretty much dislike cold food because I think warm food tastes better. Weird.

I am absurd. The thing is, I have always been able to be this way. I am lucky enough to have not only an oven, but a microwave, a Chick-Fil-A so that in desperate need I will have a good meal close by. I find myself not being able to just settle. The more I think about it, the worse it really is.

Now am I going to stop eating? No, let us not talk crazy. The thing is, must I really spend so much money on meals all the time? No, and not for financial reasons either (though my bank account is sighing in relief) but because in order to give my time to my Lord, I need to serve Him. When I have all this money left over, what on earth will I do with it?

Glad you asked.

I follow this lovely blog written by Annie and when it was lent she decided to do random acts of kindness, here's some examples :

1. Mail off surprises to a friend who's far away.
2. Do some spring cleaning and make your trash someone else's treasure.
3. Introduce a friend to a favorite movie or song.
4. Pay for someone's dinner.
5. Go to your favorite store and instead of buying something for yourself (like you know you would), pick out a "just because" gift for a friend or loved one.
6. Hang out with someone who could use the company.
7. Sacrifice time out of your day to call a long-distance friend.
8. Buy $5 McDonald's gift cards to keep in your glove compartment. Next time you're at a stoplight, use one to help someone in need.
9. Share a recent read with someone you know would enjoy it too (I just did this with One Thousand Gifts).
10. Purchase the meal or drink of the person behind you in the drive-thru line.
11. Make a care package for someone who is sick or shut in.
12. Create a playlist for someone you know would appreciate it.
13. Bring home a small surprise for your spouse or roommate.
14. Send flowers to a friend on a random day.
15. Bake a sweet treat or pot a pretty plant and leave it on your neighbor's doorstep.
16.Buy flowers for your mom.
17. Cook dinner for a few friends, maybe invite someone you might not normally.
18. Offer to help babysit for couple friends in need of a date.
19. Plan a date for your significant other. 
20. Say "thank you" to a teacher, coworker, or volunteer who normally gets ignored. 




 I think these serve as a much better use of my money and time, don't you? What other acts of service would you add to the list?

Inspired.

Healthy. 

Creeps up on me all the time.

Why is it so hard to eat things that make my body happy? Not that I eat a bunch of crap all the time, I don't.  It's just that I wouldn't say I eat particularly healthy all the time. I'm picky, I love pasta. I love starches. I'm always in a hurry. 

Those are my lame excuses.

Now here's the thing. Is it honestly worth paying seventeen bucks a month to have Weight Watchers monitor my intake? Part of me says yes for the accountability, and I'm afraid if I don't try then I will resort back to my shameful ways of eating Pop-tarts for breakfast and Bagel Bites for lunch -- thank you Jonathan.

I would love to eat beautifully organic things like granola, veggie burgers and goat milk (don't ask, it sounded pretty healthy) but have you seen how expensive it is to actually eat healthy? It's crazy! 

So where do I start? How does a picky eater eat things that aren't necessarily bland, but quick to make in my hectic schedule? And not too expensive.

I will ponder over this. Sweetdreams!

By the way, I leave in 9 days.