Walk on the Water

I really wanted to post yesterday and today, but in between my crazy-busy errands/doctor's appointment yesterday and a funeral this morning in another town, I haven't had much time:(

I knew my Sweet Husband and I would be heading to New Castle, PA for an 8:30a.m. funeral, so we woke early (5am, early) and headed to the gym. I did an hour of cardio and Hubbs lifted. BTW--doesn't it feel GREAT to get a morning workout in? Knowing I could check "Cardio" of my list felt fan-flippin-tastic! Afterward, we headed home, ate breakfast, showered and were on the road by 7:30am.

When we got to New Castle, we spent time at the Wake and it was really sad to see so many people mourning the unexpected loss of a loved one. I'd never met Tom (May he rest in eternal peace) but I found myself tearing up to see other family members cry. To see others' grief moved me and I felt empathy and compassion toward his family. After the wake, there was a lovely Mass and I cried a little more, but I prayed a lot for Tom's soul, as well as comfort and peace for his loved ones left behind...

Leaving the church, I did have one prayer request for myself. I prayed to live a life with purpose. I believe death really puts life in perspective. I thought to myself, "What if this were my own funeral?" and "What would they say about me after I passed?". It really made me think about my life, my goals, my dreams and what is really important in life--my relationship with God, my husband, family, friends and neighbors. I want my life to have meaning and be purposeful-- not as the world sees, but as God, my Creator and Father, sees. I don't want to show up to life half-asleep, as I feel I have most of my life:( I want to live, and by live, I mean, have Christ live within me. My husband and I pray together already, but we both feel we could be spending more time in prayer and reading the Bible and really want to be firmly rooted in Christ Jesus. Our Faith is a relational faith, meaning we have to spend time with God, just as we would spend time with each other or a loved one.

The funeral was touching (even though I never even met the man or his family until today!) and it really made me appreciate the fact that I woke up this morning and that I am SO BLESSED to be alive and have a loving husband, an incredible family (including my in-lawsloves) and good friends in my life. I hope you all (whoever is reading, that is!) realize what a blessing it is to even wake each morning. Our days are never guaranteed so I hope you wake each day with purpose and meaning:)

Anyway, that was just on my heart to write. I'll be back to my wisecracks, sarcasm and silly quips tomorrow :)

On a happier/healthier note, it was nice to hear positive comments from my husband's family who hadn't seen me in a few months. Two relatives noticed I'd lost bodyfat and commented. They said I was "skinny", but I think they were just using their own words to take notice that I have leaned out. When I see myself everyday I don't necessarily see the changes as they come, but it's great affirmation when others who haven't seen me in a while take notice:) My friend from the other night also mentioned that I was getting "skinny" and it was kinda nice to hear (though "lean and toned" is really where I'm headed! Skinny-OUT; Lean and toned-IN! After all, I don't lift heavy in the gym to be called "skinny"! I'm slinging "guns" these days. Watch out;)

Anyway, when the Hunk and I returned from New Castle late afternoon, we changed and headed back to the gym so that I could do an UBWO and he could do HIIT/LBWO. It was KILLER!!! Just the way I like it:) I burned close to 700 cals, can you believe it?!) Directly after, we chugged protein shakes and I now have a new fav-- Lean Body On The Go- Bananas and Creme (No sugar). I don't even really like banana, but this is YUM^2!)

After we came home from the gym we grilled a fantastic, healthy dinner and watched a movie. Now I'm tired and need to get sleep so I can wake and do morning cardio before my busy day tomorrow, but I'll be back manana with pictures and a little something I want to share about my bikini competition prep!

I leave you with a song that really tugs at my heartstrings:


"Walk on the Water" by Britt Nicole