new year’s – The (Not-So) Newlywed Lefebvres

Good Morning Folks!

Is everyone back to work and settled into their routines this morning? I know we are! Craig and I got up bright and early this morning at 4:15 AM. He headed to work, and I raced to make Pure Barre at 6 AM, then on to my office at 7 AM. After two weeks of short work weeks, road trips, vacation days, family, too much food, and too many presents, “real life” has returned and we are blessed with a new year. I don’t know about y’all, but I wasn’t ready. Not yet. A few more days, please! 🙂

As we all know, new years are ‘supposed’ to start with resolutions – commitments we make to live better and differently, changes for a more fruitful year ahead. I know one of mine is to finish reading straight through my Bible. (The Learning Bible is one of our favorite versions of the Bible to read with and study from.) I’ve just begun 1st Samuel, but I dilly-dallied and getting to that point took all last summer until now. Getting into daily Bible reading means developing my relationship with the Lord. Craig and I are in the midst of one ‘heavy’ devotional right now, plus two daily devotionals – and while, to some, that might sound like ‘more than enough’, it just isn’t.

As Christians, we are blessed with this amazing gift of being able to spend time with God, our Creator, our heavenly Father – to spend time with Him! Wrap your head around that one…

Shouldn’t we take as much advantage of that as possible? Is reading a chapter or two from our Bible each day really too much to ask – even if that is in addition to studying His word with our spouse or friend or family member daily? A dear friend of mine said something to me about 20 years ago (oh my goodness that was so scary to think it’s been THAT long), that has always stuck with me… She said, “Think of the Bible as a long love letter from the Lord, written especially to you.”

Wow.

I challenge you in this new year to develop a new habit, not try to kick one. Get in the habit of beginning with just one chapter of the Bible per day – just one, followed by a short prayer of thanks – and see what amazing changes God will make in your life, just with this one little addition to the daily routine.

Here are a few verses to get started (beginning with Craig & I’s favorite – God spoke these words to me on a bike ride almost a year ago, and they have been a banner over our household ever since):

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Peter 2:2

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

I’ll leave you with this verse and corresponding song, sung by Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith:

Psalm 119:105

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Enjoy your 2nd day of this glorious new year, and check back in with us tomorrow for Food For Thought Friday!

Much Love,

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

I may sneeze my way into 2014 the way things are looking right now, and since I’ve had more than a few people acknowledge they’re suffering the same illness, we decided that today’s “My Choice Monday” should be about cold remedies!

1. The Neti Pot

I’ll have to admit, when Craig and I first tried this, we were both a little bit nervous…Intentionally putting water in your nose…Well, that’s just a tad nerve-wracking. However, we were faced with the necessity of having to do SOMETHING prior to boarding the long flight to Rome, Italy earlier this year, and to avoid eardrum-popping madness, we would have done just about anything. This turned out to be step #1 to freedom!

2. Comtrex Day & Night

Folks, this stuff is wonderful. I have been dealing with each and every one of these symptoms and this is the only over-the-counter medicine that really helps! Plus, it’s convenient to buy one box and have both daytime and nighttime relief!

3. Aura Cacia Peppermint Shower Tablets

I don’t know about you, but one of the things that seems to help the most when I’m really congested is a hot, steamy shower! Add a peppermint tablet to that steam-filled bliss and you’re on your way to congestion recovery!

I also found a DIY option that I think would work marvelously – I just haven’t been able to locate one of the ingredients in a brick and mortar store (Kind of essential when you have a cold now!). Maybe you’ll have more luck? You can see for yourself here, at the blog Rebekah’s Corner. If you have any clue where to find Menthol Crystals, let me know! We would love to try making these!

Hopefully, you won’t be celebrating this New Year’s Eve like this member of the Newlywed Lefebvres – but if you are, try these recommendations to banish your cold before 2014!

Until Tomorrow…

Lots of Love,