Music Love

It's time to share some new music love, and this one has me on my knees and in tears. But some days I just sit in silence listening. Listening to the lyrics. Listening to the music. Listening to, hopefully, God's small still voice. Some days I'm belting it at the top of my lungs, hands raised, worshipping the Father.

I hope it moves you, too. I pray it comforts you.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Music Love

My latest music obsession.

I went to bed singing it, I woke up singing it. Heck, I think I might have been singing it in my sleep. However, you cannot ask Mr. B to verify this because he's a deep, deep sleeper. I mean, a car could hit our house and he wouldn't know. Oh, wait.... ha ha.

Anyhoo, my latest listener is Maren Morris' "My Church." Finally, the official video came out, so sit back and enjoy her voice and this wonderful country-country song. And turn it up. Loud. LOVE THIS.

Can I get an amen?!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Music Love

I'm a huge lover of music.

Country and contemporary Christian are my favorites. Forget all that pop stuff (cough, and I could really do without the pop in my county, cough). With that being said, I wanted to start a new monthly post series featuring my latest music obsession. Right now that is Thomas Rhett's new one, "Die a Happy Man." I just can't get over the beauty of the lyrics and simple guitar chords and the video is beautiful. His wife is GORGEOUS. If you aren't familiar, I hope you enjoy!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Lately

1. It's National Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day. Three cheers for that, I say! It's always fun at my job, and today my kiddos are making bunny masks for preschool story time. We're reading books, playing with puppets, practicing rabbit yoga poses, shaking eggs, and jumping and counting. All before noon, I might add. It's FUN. Yes, the library is a RIOT.

2. These past few days my afternoon treat has been a mason jar of iced coffee instead of an iced La Croix. Not sure why the switch; I guess my morning coffee isn't enough. I suspect it may have to do with my busy afternoons and coffee seems more filling than water when I can't grab a snack.

3. Who is ready for Spring Break? Hands waving over here!! I have dreams of sipping an iced beverage on my deck. Maybe weeding the garden. Praying for sunshine. Starting some spring cleaning. Possibly a day trip to who knows where. Ahhh, Spring Break. We get one of those in the adult world, right?

Wait. What?

4. Keith Urban and Eric Church. Love 'em. I'm hoping they perform their new song on the 19th at the ACM Awards. "Raise 'Em Up" is just perfectly wonderful. A beautiful song. The radio needs to play the heck out of this. ASAP.

5. I was super excited to see Brooke Boon featured in May's Yoga Journal. Actually, I squealed. Finally! I was so happy to see YJ highlighting various yoga practices that are available to yogis, like Holy Yoga. This practice is a combination of yoga and scripture, meditating on God's Word. And it's the way I've always practiced even before I was introduced to Holy Yoga last year. I get on my mat to relieve stress, to stay fit, to stretch my body, but mainly it's where I seek my Father. It's where I listen for that still, small voice. It's where I find peace and comfort. It's where I converse, relating my gratitude and fears.

"We practice with our minds set on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Phil 4:8), not with our minds emptied. We meditate on the wisdom of God's Word (Psalm 119:9-16, 26-27), not on man's wisdom. We seek the transcendence and glory of God, not our own." (holyyoga.net)

6. Mr. B and I are in desperate need of a date night. And by date night I mean dinner and a movie. By movie I mean an actual theater and not Netflix. I need this because there are so many movies I want to see right now and I don't want to wait. Like Do You Believe? and Insurgent and Furious 7 and Cinderella and do I need to remind you it's almost AVENGERS time?!?!

Has anyone seen any of these?

7. And BASEBALL. Mr. B's Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail predicting the Cleveland Indians will win the World Series this year. Am I dreaming?! You better not have just jinxed our season, SI!

I will hunt you down.

I know people.


With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Virtual Coffee Date

Thank you, Jesus, for the sunshine!

I see many, many, MANY iced coffees before me. And I am in love.

It's been a bit since our last date.

Here it is March. Did anyone else think January and February dragged on and on? It felt like there was no end. Maybe it was the snow. Maybe it was the subzero temperatures. But spring is slowly peeking its head. Time for a wardrobe change. Time for spring cleaning. Time for spring vegetables. Time for walks through the park. Time for a change.... ?

Maybe.

If we were having coffee right now, I'd tell you how I feel God is laying a change on my heart. A change to do more and be more to people. More to my church. More to my community. More to my friends. More to my family.

I am struggling with this.

If we were having coffee right now, I'd tell you I'm struggling because I am an introvert. I know, you're shocked. So am I. I truly am. More often than not I'd rather be at home. With my husband. With our dog. I'm a homebody, and although I love having people over at my house, playing the hostess, and love visiting friends and family, I don't want to put doing more for others over doing more for my husband and our home. Right after God, my family is first. I don't want to give up my time, yet I feel God is telling me to do more with it.

How do I accomplish this without risking time with my hubby?

We could do things together, you say. Our schedules are quite different. It can be hard. My homebody side doesn't hold a candle to Mr. B.'s. He loves being home. And I love that he loves being home. I love that we wouldn't choose anyone else to spend time with if asked. But....

But I feel this is very important to me. Friends have said it's much easier to get involved with fellow church members, neighbors, and the community once you have kids. I see there's truth in this advice.

While contemplating this, I heard these Hillsong United lyrics:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior.  --- "Oceans (Where My Feet Fail)"

And then later on that night, amid my late-night Bible study through the YouVersion app, I read, "Resolve to tune your ear to the Holy Spirit's voice and when He asks you to do something that makes you nervous - step out and do it!"

I am hearing you, Father.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. --- James 1:22 (KJV)

Any suggestions on juggling both? What community services, if any, do you all do with your family, spouses, and/or friends? How are you doing more with your time? I'd love to hear from y'all!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Lately, I'm Obsessed

1. I.cannot.stop.drinking.LaCroix. I.am.obsessed.with.this.sparkling.water. My current favorite is the Peach Pear. I mean you should see the recycling bin at work....

2. My last few Sunday mornings have been spent poring over my latest cookbook purchases. How Sweet Eats and Dashing Dish (plus the Dashing Dish Devotional), these girls did amazing jobs with their books. Which, of course, comes as no surprise. Have you checked out their blogs?! I've been following these chicas for years and am super excited for them.

3. So, Mr. Darcy has his own Instagram account. You can follow him here @thedarcychronicles.

This is completely ridiculous, I know. You can blame Mr. B. It was his idea. He was jealous of all the other corgis out there with accounts, and I mean a plethora of corgis with accounts. Where do people find the time to manage it??! When I walk through the door, Mr B is all "Have you posted a photo today? Have you seen his number of followers? You need to post for them! They want to know what he's doing." Hello? I don't even know what I'm doing. He is getting crazy.

4. Reading all of the new Youth Media Award WINNERS. They were announced this past Monday. I must get on this. Drop everything and put these suckers on hold. So said every present (and past, ahem,) Youth Services Librarian.

5. Ummm, did I mention I'm going to see GARTH BROOKS tonight??!!!!! GAHHHHHHHH! I can't sit down. I can't focus. I may just put on some music and feed the preschoolers sugar for story time today.  We all need to get excited! I think his "People Loving People" would be appropriate.... I'm sure it's best I'm only working half a day. I'm sure it's best for all. GAHHHHHHHH!

And if this happened?

I.Would.Have.Died. Right.There.Y'all.

AFTER the song, of course.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Wishing You a Christmas to Believe In

I pray y'all take time to cherish today, count your blessings, hug your loved ones, and remember God loves you....so much so He sent His son to save you. Jesus. The most perfect gift.

Matthew West's Christmas song is my new favorite this year. I just cannot stop listening to it, and I tear up every time.

Please take a few minutes to listen to it this Christmas Day, and have a very Merry Christmas

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  ---Luke 2: 10-14 (NIV)

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Merry CHRISTmas Eve!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  ---Isaiah 9:6-7

Wishing you a very Blessed Merry Christmas!

LOVE. One of my all-time favorites :)

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

A Little Wednesday Inspiration

Because I need a whole lot of Jesus today. And maybe someone else does, too.

Newsboys' "We Believe" came on the radio today as I made my drive into work. There's no better feeling knowing God is bigger than whatever difficulties, struggles, differences, annoyances, hurts, or dilemmas I may be facing. No matter how copious or trifling.

Hebrews 12:2  says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy set before endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV) There are no truer and comforting words, my friends.


With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Mid-Week Inspirational

Hope has been weighing heavily on my heart this past week.

Why? I have no idea. I can't say for certain. But I do know the hope filling my heart is for this world we wake up to every day. For my hometown, my state, my country. For every country.

Maybe it's because the last few weeks Mr. B and I have been watching the news every night. (Actually, he watches the news, it's just I can hear it from the kitchen. And I'm not sure if he's actually watching; he's the kind of person that needs background noise while doing something else. I prefer silence.) I know it's important to watch the news, to know what's happening in my community and in the world, but I don't like it. It's one bad story, one negative view, one complaint, one terrifying possibility after another. And it's the same disheartening segments night after night. I don't want to watch the news. I know bad things are happening all the time. Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world. Because we have free-will. Because people make bad choices.

But here I am, waking up morning after morning for several days now with nothing but hope. Hope. Hope for...I can't even explain it. Hope that we're not all bad? That today nothing catastrophically devastating will occur? That tonight's news might feature more positive stories than negative ones? That there's the slightest chance there is more good happening in this world, if only we'd look for it and focus our evening news on those deeds...?

Hope. I have it for the big and small. For struggles within ourselves and our community. I found the following image on Pinterest and printed it out. I keep it in my Bible so I can go directly to the scripture I need when I'm at a loss for words, reason, understanding, when I'm confused or hurting. Imagine this world if we turned to God's word first, if we remembered his promises.

I found this prayer on understanding, as well.

The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 was the first time I realized I lived in a big world. I was 8 years old and, on April 19, I became fully aware that the news is for more than just weather updates and school closings. A big world existed around me and it's not nice. It's hard. It's mean. It's selfish. It's judgmental. It can be downright awful (leaving me screaming and crying for Jesus to.come.back.right.now. <--- I understand why he hasn't; that's a whole other post and would require a lot more of your time and patience). In case many of you can't remember what happened that day, here's a snippet from the Oklahoma City National Memorial web site:

On the morning of April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh parked a rental truck with explosives in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and at 9:02am, a massive explosion occurred which sheared the entire north side of the building, killing 168 people...Following the investigation which resulted in the execution of Timothy McVeigh and the sentence of life without parole for Terry Nichols, the surviving structure was demolished with explosives on May 23, 1995. The entire 3.3 acre site subsequently became home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a place to honor the victims, survivors and rescue workers, and to learn the impact of violence.

We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.

After, I remember vividly Garth Brooks' musical tribute to this devastating event. Click here to watch his heart-wrenching video, The Change, and have your tissues handy. It's here to remind us to look for the good when tragedy strikes. There is always good. There is always hope for change, for more good.

As long as one heart still holds on then hope is never really gone.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

CHRISTmas Sunday Inspirational

It's so close to Christmas I can taste it. It tastes like hard candy, cookies, and hot cocoa.

It smells like Christmas trees and cinnamon. It sounds like "'Twas the night before Christmas...," bells ringing, "Silent Night," and Merry Christmas well-wishes.

It feels like big hugs, warm blankets, Grandma kisses, and cozy fireplaces. It looks like twinkling lights, pretty paper, and rows of Christmas cards.

What it does not look like: WHITE.

Where is all of my snow?! We just had a ton of snow and freezing temperatures, and now it's rain, Flash Flood warnings, and 60 degrees?! Mr. Green Christmas, feel free to move on at anytime now--and quickly. Christmas is in 3 days. Mama told me the saying goes, "if you have a white Thanksgiving then you have a green Christmas." Phooey. (Side note: I told my friend this and she said "I'm sure your mom is a wonderful person, but she's wrong." Haha. Here's hoping Mama is wrong, but the odds appear to be in her favor. However, there has been too many green Thanksgivings AND Christmases.)

On this Green Sunday Before Christmas, we're celebrating Christmas with my family, so Merry Christmas! Enjoy this beautiful Christmas carol, "Mary, Did You Know?" by Rascal Flatts...arguably my favorite version.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. --Isaiah 7:14 (KJV)


And, of course, my favorite song this season :)

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Inspiration for Your Week

Happy Monday!

Happy Short Work Week!

(or, I'm hoping everyone has off at least Thanksgiving.)

I don't like the fact that some people have to work the holidays. My husband is one of those people; crime doesn't stop just because it's a holiday. Fortunately, he was able to get Thanksgiving off this year, and we will be spending it with my family. CHEERS!

I understand some people don't celebrate the holidays, or have no family (or family they want to be around, which I find very heartbreaking) and do not mind working. But retail stores opening up early Thanksgiving night just to get an early sale....why is it so hard to wait a few more hours until midnight or 4 a.m.? I admit, my family and I are guilty of Black Friday shopping. It's been a tradition for a couple of years now, but last year we kind of called it quits. We refuse to interrupt our Thanksgiving. Last year the hubby and I went out around 2 a.m. to snatch up a good deal on some new kitchen pans and some pillows, but that was it. The earlier the stores are opening is all the more reason I want to not participate. Not to mention all the camping out at stores a week before...ridiculous.

I'd rather be home with my family. And I think that is what's wrong with our society today. Spending time with our loved ones should be much higher than anything else, especially a great deal on a TV or boots. (My family actually did the shopping with each other; it was a nice way to extend our holiday together....but now it's a little much.)

We need to spend more time inside the home.
We need to spend more time with our families.
We need to spend more time with God and His Word.

Second Timothy 3:16 reminds us "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (KJV)

My pastor is doing an awesome series on "Talking with God." You can view past sermons on the church's web site here.

I've had Randy Houser's "Back to God" in my head all weekend, and felt it was on my heart to share with you all. Enjoy.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Lately, I'm Obsessed

Jeremy Renner.
He's a cutie. I can't help it. He's my favorite. And he's a great actor; I was re-watching The Unusuals episodes and am still sad the show was canceled. I really, really would have liked to see what the writers, and Jeremy, did with his character. Oh, and he can actually sing. SWOON.

Via Protein Shakes.

These things are addicting. I wake up every morning and instead of reaching for my morning mug of coffee, I'm fumbling with the blender trying to get this delicious shake into my body as fast as I can. Soooooo good.

Getting organized.
Now that Summer Reading is over, I have a little downtime at work, and I'm determined to get that office organized, cart-free, and ready to go for fall. I can see my desk, the floor around my desk...and my co-worker is even inspired to organize ;)

Straight No Chaser.
A college friend and I used to listen to this acapella group all.of.the.time instead of studying for our exams while we studied. The other day I found a mixed CD from those days and popped it in. We were reunited and I downloaded almost everything I could get my hands on.

Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Bars.
These are my favorite ice cream bars. creamy. Fluffy. Light. Delicious. Healthy-ish. Yet, I have not been able to find them anywhere, in any grocery store, at all this summer. So I settled for WW's Giant Latte Bars instead. Yes, delicious. Yes, addicting. No, I still prefer the fudge bars.

Trader Joe's Dried Mango Slices.
These things. Why isn't there a Trader Joe's in the Tri-County area?! I must make the hour plus drive to find one. I feel like I need to replenish my co-workers stash.

Young Adult Fiction.
I just finished Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and WOW. I'd definitely recommend it to any teen or adult...it's a quirky teen romance. I liked it. [A review post of my latest reads will be up soon!] Also, my book club is reading John Green's Looking For Alaska (which I just finished re-reading; I'm a big John Green fan and would suggest his book, The Fault in Our Stars, to absolutely anybody...the audio book is fantastic). I just put in the audio of Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution. I read this a few years ago and remembered I couldn't put it down. The audio is a 2011 Odyssey Honor-winner so I'm re-"listening" to that. But I've heard good things about Donnelly's A Northern Light, as well....it's somewhere on my loooong list of must-reads.

I always liked YA, but when asked what I mainly read, YA never crossed my mind. It's apparently gaining ground....

Image from Good Reads

 Award Winners.
Now that I finished reading every.single.Caldecott. I'm working on the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winners...why, I have no idea. Other than the fact they're mainly picture books and quicker to get through. However, I'm discovering most are poetry and quite lengthy....

Netflix.

Mr. B and I decided a month and half ago to get rid of our cable. We've been spending a lot of time watching movies through Netflix. I don't miss cable at all. I miss being able to "watch" my Cleveland Indians. Though, Netflix is helping me fuel my Renner obsession (see #1). There's a balance there somewhere.

And apparently, Zucchini Bread.
Within the last four weeks I  made six loaves. Friends and family are quite demanding. And the neighbor brought over one the size of Mr. B's arm, which I baked three loaves out of AND was left with plenty of zucchini slices to freeze. (*For the record, five of those loaves were Blueberry Zucchini, and I put my foot down declaring I was trying a new bread: Yogurt Walnut Zucchini. Well worth Mr. B's objections.) If you're looking for a way to use up your zucchini, check out my Blueberry Zucchini Bread.

With Love and God Bless,

Brindi

Sunday Worship

Carrie Underwood is amazing with one of the best voices to ever grace all of music. And never does she sound better than when she is giving God the glory. Her version of one of my all-time favorite hymns on praising the almighty Father, "How Great Thou Art," is stunning, emotional, heartfelt, and utterly uplifting. It's one of my favorite performances, hearing this beautiful blessed voice. I pray Carrie's passionate performance is a blessing to you on this Sunday morning. Enjoy!

Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 
Psalms 145:3 (NLT)

Also, Happy 19th Anniversary to Mama and Daddy! Love you both to the sky and back, and wishing you many more happy years together.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Inspirational Friday

TGIF!!!

Here's my latest musical inspiration to carry you into whatever great weekend is ahead!

You know my every longing.
You've heard my every prayer.
You've held me in my weakness
'Cause you are always there.
So I'll stand in full surrender, it's your way and not my own.

"We Won't Be Shaken" by Building 429

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. --Ephesians 6:10

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

It's Friday!

...and that means the weekend.

But not for me. Not this week.

I have to work today and Saturday because I'm helping a co-worker with a Pinkalicious Tea Party at the library. To say I'm excited is an understatement. When I saw the program on the calendar, I guess I showed my excitement a little too much and it was decided I would help. It's not necessarily the Pinkalicious part; it's the tea part. But there won't really be any tea....hmmmm. But I get to wear pink and ice cookies.

Anyhoo, I'm helping out and won't be able to enjoy this beautiful weather (however, I was off Wednesday and it was gorgeous). I hope you get the chance to, though!

So, I thought I'd share some Lady A motivation to kick start your weekend, no matter your plans. Enjoy :)

*I promise to share photos from the Pinkalicious party.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Mid-Week Inspirational

It's Thursday!!!!!!!!!

And I have so much to do here at work. I have new books (finally!) to review, Summer Reading programming blurbs to write, picture books to weed through, and a bounty of yoga programs to plan (yay!), but I thought I'd take a few minutes to listen to a little motivation. And then I thought I'd share it with you.

So, here's TobyMac's "Me Without You" (one of my favorites), and I promise it will get you moving!

You rescued me, 
Now you are mine and I am yours.
You rescued me and I am yours forever.
You saved me, remade me 
Where would I be...

I'd be packin' my bags when I need to stay...


With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Glorious Day

I pray you are having a very blessed Easter.

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."  

Mark 8:34-35 (NIV)

 Today I'm sharing one of my favorites, Casting Crown's "Glorious Day."


One day the grave could conceal Him no longer.
One day the stone rolled away from the door.
Then He arose, over death He had conquered.
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore.
Death could not hold Him.
The grave could not keep Him from rising again.



With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Mid-Week Inspirational

Here's a little motivation, courtesy of Royal Tailor, to get you through the rest of the week.

"Make a Move" is also a perfect workout song. So get to it!

We don't need permission, 
To go outside of these doors, 

And dream some crazy dream 
No one else has dreamed before.
To show love and compassion,
Whatever way it may be.
To put faith into action, 
Do more than just believe
We are hope to those who have been broken.
We were made to make a difference


Enjoy!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

The Lenten Season

Giving up all electronics one night a week.
Fasting after 7 PM.
No television.
Fasting from dairy, meat, or bread.
Not wearing makeup for 40 days.
Quitting smoking, or swearing.
Not giving out my opinion unless asked for it.

These are some of the answers I received when I asked others what they were doing for Lent this year.  (Read last year's post here.)

I like to remind people that while you are giving up something that takes you away from the Lord, it's important to add something that brings you closer to Him. And you don't even have to go that far. As I say with any fast, you must return to the Father whenever that temptation arises. For example, in January when I fasted from eating after 6 PM, there were many days my stomach wasn't in agreement. Instead of breaking down and filling myself with food, I filled myself with the Word. I turned to God and drew closer to Him. When that late night TV show or cigarette or negative remark is calling your name, close your eyes and bow your head. Call upon the Father in prayer. Lose yourself in Scripture.

On the way to work in the mornings I listen to a great Christian morning show. Today they were talking about the Lenten season and spoke about accordion words, like "good-bye" and "hobo." These are words that stood for something but were shortened. The phrase "God be with you" is where we get good-bye from, and hobo comes from "homeward bound." (Civil War Vets were called hobos as they made their way back to their families.) The hosts were mentioning how people observing Lent can be looked at as hobos, because we're on our way home. We're using this time to bring us closer to God. I really liked this visual.

This year I'm adding something in honor of Lent. Scripture says, "What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV)

I really enjoy NIV's translation: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

This scripture has been speaking to me over the past few days. God has laid it on my heart, and I'm encouraged to be proactive about it. I haven't been glorifying Him with my body lately. Although I'm always health-conscience about what I put into my body, I'm lacking in the physical part. This past month, I have no motivation when I get home from work. (I partly blame it on the cold weather and the cold house. All I want to do is curl up in a blanket on the couch.) I fear I've become lazy (!) in this department. Even my yoga hasn't been doing it for me. I'm stuck in a rut and need to do something about it.

And, most importantly, God knows I'm in this rut. One thing I know about my Father, he cares about everything involving his children. Even the tiniest things, like my workout routines. He knows how they motivate and de-stress me, how my yoga practice brings me closer to Him, and how I haven't been doing them lately. There's an "answer" for everything in His Word. For this season, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is mine.

For the next 40 days I'm glorifying the Father with my body. I'm leaning on Him for the strength and motivation to add 20 minutes of physical activity (not counting my yoga or story time programs at work) every day this Lenten season. I need to get out of this rut! My body needed a wake up call, and I got it.

Are you observing Lent? What are you giving up or adding this season?


Enjoy this video by Matt Maher. "40 Days" is a cartoon-like/illustration video on Maher's interpretation of Jesus' 40 days of temptation in the desert.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi