God Provides!

I have been down on myself for a little while because things have not gone as fast as I thought. I even jumped a little on a few things in anticipation of things hitting (Dave Ramsey would be very angry). Having put stress on myself and my family we really responded and got back on a plan! It has been super tough but it has brought Kelly and I closer.

Then this weekend.... We got a check that will allow us to get in front of our debt! We are going to make it! I feel better and it shows in everything I do! God gives us everything we need even when we create holes to be drug out of!

Thank you God for showing Kelly and I that you are strong when we are weak. Thank you for providing when we are desperate! Give us strength to stay on the right path and rely solely on you! AMEN!

Motivation

Just read an article on motivation! Very interesting ideas on how to trick yourself into doing things. I guess trick may be a strong word but it is implied in the article.
I have made real progress in regards to leading the Family in budgeting, weight loss, and work production. The real key is the motivation of game playing! My competitive juices get going when I make things a game and compete. However the competition raging in me is interesting from the aspect of winning. If I win the competition I feel great but if I lose I have to rationalize myself. The rationalization is the part that is dangerous.
Having high self-confidence is important in the games I have chosen but starting in a position of weakness is difficult. The game leads to highs and lows that are sometimes difficult to push through. I may have taken on a few too many personal and professional projects for my level of attention. The reality is there is no turning back!

I will put my faith in God and let him lead me!
I will put Kelly, Addison and Elle in their proper place in my life!
I will continue to work out every day!
I will continue to develop myself personally/professionally!
I will continue to lead my family out of the darkness of obligation!
I will make life long friends on the phone today! (Weird to think about that possibility!)
I will.......

How to focus?

The question that keeps me up at night is "How to Focus?" Some people have almost extraordinary ability to tune out the world organize and simply do. This is my greatest struggle. Staying on task and keeping my nose to the grindstone.
I have been able to take baby steps in training my mind on getting things done like: Everything becomes a task or a calendar event in outlook, a timer to structure time per task, and increasing my inner monologue. Yes, the third one sounds crazy and maybe it is but it helps me stay on task.
This blog also helps to gather my thoughts and discipline myself.

Yesterday, I did not feel well all day because I got out of rhythm because I ignored my morning routine. My whole day was thrown off and my focus was not there. Today I feel great because I am back in rhythm!

Goal updates-
237.2 today WOO HOO
Almost done with Insurance Commander
production way up on CC's and X's
Kelly and I are examining every dollar on our way to more secure financial footing.
Budget round 1 done!

Scheduling Priorities

Today I have to do something I never thought I would do. I RSVP'd to attend an event for my dad but in order to do that I must miss Addison's Christmas program. For sure an interesting conundrum. I do not feel like I am choosing a person, I feel like I am ranking importance. Addison will have dozens on programs and recitals for me to attend but my dad will only be triumphantly rewarded for his service to Dyersburg once.

The bank event is a real closing of a chapter for the Edwards' in Dyersburg. The magnitude and importance of the event cannot be understated. I do feel bad for missing the program but that is just the way life goes!

God grant me wisdom to know and understand exactly what the right decisions are in my everyday life. Then grant me the serenity to live with any hurt feelings because of those decisions. AMEN!

Feeling Alright!

I am really starting to feel better, look better and become better. I have recommitted to the fundamentals of taking care of my body and mind first. It makes all the difference in the world to have short term pain for the long term gain. After about a week and a half of being consistent I am staring to feel the difference.

Yesterday I was hitting on all cylinders and could not be more happy!

More tomorrow!

Progress

Today I feel better than I have in weeks! Kelly and I have a financial plan that is budgeted. I have worked out 6 of the past 7 days and lost weight. My diet has improved with regard to calorie intake. I still have progress to make as far as the content of the calories. Everyday has been better than the last.

Kelly and I are also making progress in finding a church home. We loved our time at Highlands but Kelly had a hard time fitting in and I have been inconsistent in leadership. Kelly and I really like Madison Heights as we have found more people that we feel have things in common with us.

All of these things require consistency and endurance to continue on the path. Jesus please give me strength to lead my family well. Help us to honor you in all that we do and guide us through this season of uncertainty that we have built. Thank you for the plan that you have given us to get this far! Please continue to bless us and help us with our daily struggles of inconsistency. Give us strength to live life with people around us and help us to remember the reason for the season of giving. AMEN!