{30 Before 30} :: Have a Fun Girls' Day with my Nieces

I have 3 beautiful nieces, and I thought it would be fun to have a fun girls' day. I had all kinds of fun ideas, but the busyness of the year kept me from actually planning this. While we are all in the DFW metroplex, it's hard to get everyone's schedule together! 

So while I didn't get to plan a specific girls' day {but maybe still will this year}, I definitely just enjoyed the time I had with them when I could have it. Whether it was enjoying pajamas and pancakes at a birthday party, going to see ICE!, having a tickle fight at Uncle Ben and Aunt Lindsay's house, bowling at Main Event, playing games at Granny's sleepover, or just going out to lunch, I am thankful for the time I have with my nieces {and nephews!}

{30 Before 30} :: Take Up Yoga

Disclaimer: I want to be sensitive to the fact that I am a Christian {and a pastor's wife} talking about yoga. Please understand me when I say that I am not advocating any form of yoga that pulls you away from the Lord. Some would argue that all yoga pulls you away from God, but I believe that the American adaptations of yoga, which focus on stretching, breathing, and exercise, can be separated from the Eastern spiritual forms.

While some say that "yoga is just stretching," I cannot be naive and brush off something without doing my research. Yoga has its roots in Eastern religions, and seeks {for many} to be a path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. It would be foolish to think that all forms of yoga are harmless; there are many classes and forms of yoga that I would not be comfortable in/with. I personally would not recommend yoga to a young believer. I think every individual believer needs to test their convictions and concerns against the Word, and truly seek the Lord's wisdom before pursuing anything that could run counter to things that honor Him. 

I think this is a great article on how Christians should approach their decision whether or not to practice yoga as an exercise routine.

That being said, I personally have used yoga to stretch and relax; there is no spiritual aspect of my exercise, other than taking care of my body as a temple of the Lord. To be mindful of the controversy and my younger brothers/sisters in the faith, I made the {personal} decision to not attend public classes, and choose instead to do my yoga workouts at home. I evaluate every video, staying away from any that include meditation and chanting, and stick solely to the physical exercise. My husband is good about helping me affirm truth {out loud}, in contrast to the self-seeking fulfillment and inner peace that a lot of yoga {falsely} teaches.

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I have wanted to do yoga for some time. I have done pilates for several years, but wanted to try something new. Since I have had to rethink my exercise routine anyway because of Crohn's {focusing more on low-impact exercises since I never know how I will feel that day}, I thought it would be a good time to try it.

Ya'll, I have never been flexible in my whole life. Even when I was 6 and in gymnastics, my teachers always got frustrated with me for my lack of flexibility. Haha. So I figured yoga might help with that. Yoga is also supposed to have good health benefits for Crohn's; I can even do my yoga exercises when I am having a flare. It may not be as comfortable or enjoyable {at first}, but it actually helps me feel better. Win!

I also just really enjoy the relaxing aspect of yoga. It really does help to reduce stress, which is helpful in preventing flares. And I love that I can do it at home, any time of the day, regardless of what the weather is like. 

I decided to get a few DVDs to get me started on learning the technique. I started with Easing into Yoga with Linda Howard, just so I could get a handle on what this whole yoga thing was. It helped me learn the poses and was a great beginner DVD. {Warning} :: this DVD kind of reminded me a little of Sit and Be Fit at first. Haha. But it got better, I promise! You just have to get past the fact that the average age of the participants on the video is about 50 :)

While it might be overly simplified for some, I personally needed the progressive lessons so I could 1) learn the beginner basics of yoga, and 2) literally ease into yoga. Remember...not flexible here. The best part about this DVD is that it has a long list of modifications: fatigued, overweight, elderly, pregnant, chronic conditions, knees, back, etc. So it shows you how to modify your yoga routine based on your specific {and potentially ever-changing} needs. Which is awesome.

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I then started using the workout DVDs from Tara Stiles. These have some great routines, and I have enjoyed the variety of sessions.

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I have also used some of the free yoga videos on Amazon Prime; because they were free and available on my TV at home. Just for some variety and additional instruction :)

I haven't been as consistent with it as I would like to be, and I want to be better about making it a routine. But I am glad that I tried it, and that I have the DVD's to use whenever I do have more time to be more consistent with it. I enjoy it when I do get a chance to do yoga, and I am glad I put this one on my list!

{30 Before 30} :: Memorize One Bible Verse a Month

I have never really been good with Scripture memorization. It's not the memorization part; it's the discipline part. I really need to be better at it. I didn't have a new one every month, but I did spend more time meditating on His Word.

{February} :: Proverbs 31:10-12, 20, 25-26, 30

I was doing a Bible study on the Proverbs 31 woman, so I chose a few of the verses that really stuck out to me. There is a lot in that passage, but I wanted to specifically remember these verses.

{March/April} :: Lamentations 3:22-25

This is one of my favorite passages, a go-to verse for encouragement and comfort. I felt like I referred to these verses a lot these months, so I decided it was a good one to officially commit to memory.

{May/June} :: 1 John 1:5-9

We started our study on 1 John, so I decided to pick a few verses as we went through the study. I have loved these epistles; I am so encouraged/challenged by reading John's evident love for Jesus.

{July/August} :: Psalm 126:5-6

I love that the Lord turns our tears into joy!

{September/October} :: Habakkuk 3:17-19

{November/December} :: Psalm 66:19-20

The Lord hears our prayers.

{January} :: Isaiah 55:8-9

{iPhone Rewind} :: January

I have debated back and forth on whether or not to do this every month, but I find it helpful. It's a good place to dump the photos I take on my phone, without having to write a whole blog post. So here we go with year 4 of {iPhone Rewind}!

Sasha has become quite the snorer! Mike and I were working on doing some organizing and cleaning around the house, and Sasha decided she was done following us around. So she enjoyed a lazy Saturday, curled up on her pillow, snoring the day away :)

Obviously not an iPhone photo, but I still liked it anyway. It finally got cold outside, and boy was it COLD. I think this is a good principle to live by  :)

I was excited when I read the letter that we would be getting a refund. And then I saw the check. They're thorough, I will give them that...

Flowers from my love. Just because. He knew I wasn't feeling well and thought they would make me feel better. He was right :)

A night-cap latte a la my hubby. LOVE our nespresso!

75 and sunny on January 27th makes this warm-weather-loving Texan happy :)

{30 Before 30} :: Write a Letter to Myself to Open on My 39th Birthday

This was kind of a goofy one, but part of why I have a blog is so I can look back and "remember when." I figured this would be a good way to remember what I was thinking and learning as I entered my 30s. It might give me a little perspective as I enter my 40s :)

Since the point is to open the letter on my 39th birthday, I will not be posting it here. Instead I have written and sealed it and placed it in a safe place {that hopefully I won't forget in 10 years!}