Are You Committed?

I read somewhere, “Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.” I know every year I take the time to reflect on the year past & hope for the future. I realize my failures and I make promises to myself with a twinge of guilt. I know myself. I know another year has gone by with the extra 10 pounds of baby weight. I know I still leave the laundry sitting in the baskets for days. Last year’s resolutions? February they were shoved in a drawer (the one on my list to clean), forgotten. Why do I even bother?

Yet, here is another new year. Here’s another fresh start. Maybe this year will be different. As I meditate on 2009, and when I say meditate, I really mean in between cleaning spilt chocolate milk, breaking up a squabble, administering a Hello Kitty Band-Aid, scrubbing out black marker from our bedding, and fixing lunch I mentally sort through rambling thoughts of this past year.

What have I learned from this past year? Lately, I’ve been reading the best book by Brian Klemmer, The Compassionate Samurai. It talks about being extraordinary in an ordinary world. In the book he talks about the history of the samurai warrior. They lived by a strict code of values. In fact, there are 10 codes: commitment, personal responsibility, contribution, focus, honesty, honor, trust, abundance, boldness, and knowledge. In essence their lives were full of purpose & their commitment to themselves and others allowed them to live a life of value and fulfillment.

Klemmer states, “Commit to things that are meaningful to you because you were born to make a difference in life. They only way you’ll ever see that coming to pass is when you start to make commitments”.

Where does that leave me with this New Year looming in front of me? Where do I start?

Commitment. That’s my resolution.

Committed to God. Committed to family. Committed to myself. Committed to my future. Committed to friends. Committed to the things that matter.

You were made to make a difference. Are you committed?

Should We See Each Other Before the Wedding??

The holidays are traditionally a time for love and family. From that love engagements result. Newly betrothed couples start the new year with excitement and anticipation for their up coming wedding. Immediately the girl breaks out her three ring binder with clippings from the past 8 years of dresses, flowers and cakes. Inevitably the question comes up,


SHOULD WE SEE EACH OTHER BEFORE THE WEDDING??

This is such a sacred cow that many couples have a hard time killing. Well, an incredible photographer from Southern California, Jasmine Star, was approached by Glamour.com to share her experience with couples seeing each other before the wedding. Since I have not been asked by Glamour to write any articles, I thought I would share her article with you.  Hope this helps.

jasminestarblog

The Best Italian Dressing Ever!

Personal


I have to share my love for Ken's Steakhouse Lite Northern Italian Dressing. I am so in love it. Don't get just the regular Italian; make sure it's the Lite Northern. Lately I've been eating it with a fresh spinach salad and chicken breast. Since it's made me so happy lately I thought I would pass it on to you.
Includes:
1 boneless chicken breast covered in Greek Seasoning from Old Town Spice Shoppe
2 cups fresh spinach
2 Tblsp of my favorite Ken's Steakhouse Italian dressing.

I cook the chicken breast for about 6-8 minutes on my George Foreman. Cut it into bit size pieces. Add to my fresh spinach and dressing for one of the yummiest meals. I've eaten it just about everyday for a week. You should try it. I think it has about 200 calories!

Let me know if you try it and what you think!!

Merry Christmas!

Lori & Mike are having a baby!

Lori braved one of the coldest days ever to have her maternity shoot.  She is so cute and fun to shoot.  They decided not to find out if it's a boy or a girl.  This is something I've never been able to do, but I do think it's so romantic.  I can't wait to meet the addition to your adorable family.

Stop Biting Your Nails!!

I am so tired of saying these words, like, 800 times a day, so here is our new endeavor to stop the madness. Charis' poor little nails are nothing but nubs and it pains me just to look at them. We've tried so much stuff to no avail. If you have any suggestions that have worked for you please share the love.

My Reason for Getting Up Everyday!

I pray this holiday season you rekindle your love for those who you've been entrusted to cherish and honor.    Spend this next year strengthening the bonds, so that they may never be broken.