Love Notes

I woke up yesterday morning to a note from Trevor on the kitchen counter. A sticky from him is not out of the ordinary, but I was so surprised and touched when I read it because he had gotten very little sleep the night before (and mornings are not his happiest times on normal days), his usual lovingly made lunch was nonexistent this morning, which left him rushing to put something together himself.  In all his lateness and hurry, though,  he took the time to tell me how much he loved me and was excited to come home to me!..............  Love Note.

Went for a jog,  I was on my way home when, on the other side of the road,  I saw a pile of junk (to take for free) outside one of the mansions on my route. I was just gonna keep going by.... (like Trevor would want me to)....... I just couldn't resist getting a closer look (My dad would be proud).  There were some old chairs, and tables, and a basket....... what was in the basket you ask?......... Jewlery.  Not just a little bit either, lots and lots of costume jewlery, most still with the tags on!!
I rummaged through and picked out an huge handful............... Love Note

Also, I was visiting my mother in law on the weekend, and she gave me some of her old jewlery (which she made most of).......... Love Note

Sooo, these are my two day findings..... Price tag $0.00

Sweet!

I had to walk the rest of the way home cuz I was so loaded up with my finds.  I think I was grinning ear to ear, and must have looked so silly, but I didn't care.  It was such a love note from God.
I also stopped and picked these flowers (weeds?) in the ditch.

I love to look at fresh flowers on my table while I eat breakfast....... Love Note

That was yesterday.........

Today,

I went for a walk/jog in Campbell Valley Park, which is becoming one of my favorite places here.
It was another morning of unexpected love notes from God............

I had just parked, getting my I pod ready, shoes tied, when my friend Karlie texted me this picture...

Man, she had no idea just how much I needed to see this picture and read those truths this morning.  This weekend, I weighed myself.... for the first time since Mercy.  I wish I hadn't (of course) now, because I have gained a few pounds.... 5 to be exact.  I have been trying to not dwell on it, trying to tell myself that I'm beautiful, healthy and strong, full of life and energy, trying to not let the number I saw influence my current choices (as far as diet and activity).  Although I'm trying, I'm not gonna lie, I feel the nagging fears of this becoming a pattern, and the heaviness of feeling like a failure.  I feel the weight, knowing that the 5 pounds has a lot to do with some careless food/sugary, creamy beverage selections in the past couple of weeks..... and the lack of exercise, as I have been so tired from sleepless nights that I have hardly done anything.....

This picture was a reminder to my heart this morning, that the number on the scale.. is just a number.  Christina, its just a stupid number! Its not who you are.  In the same breath, the choices you made in the past few weeks that don't mesh with the healthy lifestyle that you desire......... Christina, it's okay.  It's does not determine your future. You have the power to learn and choose differently. You are not a failure.  You are learning what works for you and what doesn't, and you are stretching these legs of freedom......... and I think God likes that.  In fact, I think it's beautiful to Him.
............ Love Note


I was like the only one in the park for awhile and it was stunning!  I had my Ipod in, but quickly decided to take it out so I could hear... the sounds of nature ... lol... sounds cheesy... but it was way better music this morning!

Here are some pictures I took.

........... Love Notes

This little guy followed me... forever... it was really cute.  After awhile, though, I started getting sketchy.  Remember in Jurassic Park 2, when that little girl was feeding those cute innocent little dinosaur things.. and everyone was thinking "aww.. isn't that nice" then they started attacking, and eventually devoured her. I couldn't get that out of my head and had to keep looking back to make sure he wasn't  going to come charging, attach to the back of my leg, and eat me alive!

The best part was finding wild Raspberries!  They are in our fridge now.  I'm saving them to try with Trevor.

............ Love Note

So there you have it.  

I'm so very thankful for moments and treasures like this in my day!

Two of my favorite quotes:

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it"

Confucius

"There are Flowers everywhere, for those who bother to look"

Henri Matisse

XOXO