END OF THIS JOURNEY

Kevin & Elizabeth in Ohio

Far too often, we are quick fixing or patching up something with or within ourselves, whether it is our health, a situation from the past, the present or even our personal shortcomings. As a result, we become physically ill, emotionally drained and spiritually off balanced.

During the last 90 days I embarked on a spiritual, emotional and physical journey. Did I succeed? It is hard to say but what I revealed was the importance of taking responsibility for my own journey. I do know at the end of this journey, I was left with a sense of victory and triumph, but also an understanding that the journey continues. I also understand and have a sense of comfort through my spiritual journey that difficult times serve a purpose in our lives. They prepare us to move on to the next level of faith where we grow and ultimately enjoy the life that God has prepared for us.

I found that the few people who joined me in this journey were more focused on the physical aspects of the journey rather than the emotional or spiritual. I found the spiritual journey to be most beneficial, which to me is THE most important aspect of the entire journey. In the past, I would have gone gung-ho on the physical part and let the others trail behind, but this time around, I really concentrated on the spiritual side. And it paid off.

It is not the first time I have read the entire Bible, but is the first time that I really concentrated and studied it. And I will be honest with you, there were parts of the Bible, when reading through the genealogy that I was bored senseless, but I pushed through it. The New Testament is by far my favorite Testament. I cried more than I can ever remember. Christ’s suffering for our sins… we definitely are not worthy but I am sure glad He believes that we are. :)

The emotional journey was also wonderful. I had to come up with two things I was grateful for every single day. Now, you all are thinking that isn’t so difficult…. but you couldn’t be repetitious. I am not a person who takes things for granted. I try and focus on the ordinary moments of life that bring me joy and thankfulness. I truly believe that we are to give thanks in the good times because giving thanks makes us appreciate what we have been given. A person who is always complaining and never grateful is a person who does not know the richness of life. When we take the time to count our blessings, when we make it a point to focus on the wonderful things we have been given, we appreciate life more.

The physical journey was sub-par. I am a person who thrives on results and the last 90-days were not what I would consider my best physical journey BUT the last five weeks were pretty intense and amazing. I cleared my head and got back in the zone which will make the next phase of my physical journey better. Simply put…. I am a work in progress and the journey continues.

Little Boy All Grown Up

Our little boy is growing up and the life of this puppy is oh so exhausting and tough. You know he eats, chews, poops, runs, walks, jumps, chews, eats, poops some more, and the cycle goes on and on.

When we brought him home, he was not quite 20 lbs. Today, at 7 months old, he is almost 55 lbs. He goes to the vet on Thursday to be groomed and for a checkup. I would not be surprised if he has grown even more.

Remy has brought us a lot of joy and constantly makes us laugh. Everyone who meets him just adores him and he loves them back. To date, he hasn't met a stranger.

His favorite thing to do in the evenings is to jump on the bed and roll onto his back where he proceeds to put his paws up in the air because he wants a massage. I know that he thinks he NEEDS it but really….. who does he think he is! ;) Since he is spoiled rotten, we oblige and give him his body massage. He usually falls asleep. Some day I will video tape it because it is really quite humorous. In the mornings, he wants to “snuggle” and yes, he usually gets his way! He definitely should have been a cuddle bunny instead of our puppy!

This past weekend, Remy spent a lot of time outdoors and has learned to sit and enjoy it rather than dig a hole in our garden or yard. :) He is learning, slowly but surely!

He really hasn’t barked much YET. He barks at silly things. Like helium balloons that get stuck on the fence or his own shadow but he doesn’t bark very long. I am sure in time he will, but for now we are enjoying the peace and quiet.

For a dog who didn’t know how to walk on a leash when we first got him, he sure does love his walks. He can’t wait to go on his walks. He is very patient though and will sit until we get his leash on and will wait for us to get our shoes on. He has come a long way in that regard.

And CHEESE, oh my, he loves CHEESE and will obediently go sit on his mat to get a slice of pure heaven! ;)

And did I tell you his favorite movie is Marley & Me..... :) So cute when we are watching the movie, he cocks his head to the side and stares at the television like he fully understands what is going on.

Enjoy the latest pictures.

Stunning Weekend

This past weekend was a PERFECT weekend, blue skies and lots of SUNSHINE. Finally is the word that comes to mind. After weeks of rain, the sunshine was certainly a nice change. We shared a nice breakfast out on the deck with the sun shining down and warming us. We felt blessed that God gave us such a glorious weekend. We are alive, healthy and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the weekend.

Springtime is when we get to see the gardens bursting into colour and fragrance and watching everything fill out. It sure didn’t take long for everything to become lush and green.

Raccoon wondering if it safe to come out to eat

Enjoying the time we spend together is not something we take for granted. We truly treasure the little things in life, basking in each other’s company, the pleasure we share in sharing silly moments and the happiness it brings to both of us. We embrace the life that God gave us.

We also enjoyed watching the baby raccoon play in the bush. It was looking for food and was trying to get to it up at the neighbor’s fence but the neighbor’s dogs kept scaring it off. I took several photos of it before it scampered away. Remy, of course, in his usual calm way, just sat and watched the action.

It was a gorgeous perfect weekend and yes, you betcha, we took advantage of it!

Enjoy the photos!

THE CLIMB

This is my favorite song right now on the radio. Even if you aren’t a Miley Cyrus fan, the words should hit home:

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I Am taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I am gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on'

Cause there's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be a uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing

Keep the faith, baby

It's all about, it's all about the climb

Keep the faith, keep your faith

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What is your dream? Where do you see yourself tomorrow, next week, next month, 6 months from now, a year from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now? Mind boggling if you really let yourself think about it. What I have learned through the years is that if I want something to happen, then I MUST take action and not expect things to fall into my lap. I have to plan. It is a necessity in my life. If I don’t then I set myself up to fail.

We must ensure that we do not get side-tracked or put off on a different tangent. Some of us fall into that pit and somehow easily allow ourselves to make up excuses not to achieve our dreams or goals and eventually cheat ourselves of the very best of ourselves and what life can offer if we but persist.

I remember reading somewhere one time that success usually comes to those just past the point where they would have given up. Meaning just when it starts to become difficult and you feel like giving up IS the time you shouldn’t because right on the other side of that mountain is where success is. Don’t give up.

Place your hopes and dreams in the forefront of your mind. Recommit to them every single day. Don’t be one of the people who end up in pain, defeat and despair. Be one of the few who digs deep down and be the one who doesn’t get distracted from achieving your dreams.

It truly is all about the climb! ;)