So Sarah and I had been doing fairly well at getting up four or five times a week…for two weeks running…and doing exercise.  And then it dropped to nil.  Part of that can be helped by going to bed earlier (which I’m not helping now by staying up to type this, but…) is just pure ol’ motivation.

…and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” — 1 Chronicles 28:9

So if something as serious as serving Him is supposed to be done with wholehearted devotion — because I want to do it, not because I have to do it – wouldn’t something that I have to do for personal health be much easier if I applied my energy to it?  While it may be a leap for some, this is something that is (now) a no-brainer for me.  Not that it will make the first days any easier, but having a purpose and reasoning always helps.

And besides, those days that I do sleep in will now be all that more special!

 The last year and a half has brought quite a few blessings — a new daughter, a continued healthy family, better personal health, and a promotion, to name a few — and I haven’t exactly done anything to thank Him for it in a meaningful, lasting way.

So the word that came to mind to research was thought.  I thought this fitting as I feel I’m starting to actually do this again.  Thought, according to Dictionary.com, has some of the following (interesting) meanings:

1. mental activity
2. a consideration or reflection
3. intention, design, or purpose

These are interesting because if I haven’t been thinking for the past year (or more — and I truly don’t think that I have), then not only have I not reflected on happenings in my life, but I have also had no mental activity, no purpose.  This troubles me, to say the least!

The Bible, in Proverbs 14:15, says, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.“  In Chapter 21, Verse 29 of the same book, “A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.“  So by not thinking, not only am I a simple person who doesn’t work towards following Him, I’m setting myself up for wickedness.  Not the path I’m choosing, m’friends.

1 Corinthians 13:11 reads “When I was a child, I talked like a child.  When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.“  So, yet again, it is time for me to grow up and think.

But…wow.  It’s a great feeling.  I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to be there for the birth — me being really sick for two days before, but all was well by the time the birth actually came.  Mother and daughter (and mother-in-law!) are at the hospital during the nights, while Josiah and I have some bonding time at home.  Don’t want him to feel left out!

This little kid is just like her big brother Josiah in that she was waving her hands the entire time we were looking at her!  And then we got to see her alien little face (I say that lovingly, if you couldn’t tell)…

So there you go — enjoy!

 If you didn’t already know, Sarah and I found out last week that we’re expecting baby #2!  And wouldn’t you know it, it’s due July 3rd.  Yep…another summer camp baby!  I promise we didn’t aim for that date!

I’ll try to do either the same or better job in posting updates on how Sarah and the New Little One are doing!

So…now you might (or might not) be wondering why I’m burning Enviro-logs. I’m heading down to Alabama for a couple of weeks, and instead of staying in hotels, we’re taking the cheaper option and camping out at some state parks along the way.

Ok…now it’s time to go roast some marshmellows!

Do you really think that putting your hazard lights on will make your driving in the breakdown lane any less illegal?

I think not. Thanks for making my long commute even longer down the road, while you try to force yourself back into a regular lane at the next exit.