Pregnancy Essentials + Believing in God's plan

Happy Hump Day! 

I am excited it is half way through the week! Wednesdays feel so far away sometimes, but it's finally here. I am officially 19 weeks preggo, and if you have been reading you know that we are finding out the sex in two days! :) I told my family that we would have a revealing party on Sunday (If I can hold it in!)... We are going to have it either way, for me it's just a reason to get together and EAT. Since that's one of my many pleasures nowadays. 

I thought today I would share a few must haves that are especially important for me, this week at least..

1. Comfy, loose clothing. I seriously feel like dresses are the best way to go, they are light which is great for our current weather and they help you feel free *in all the right places* Ha!

2. Sunglasses. Of course with 97 degree weather and counting the sun is shining down. On top of SPF you must have some stylish shades. Also to hide the fact that you don't really want to wear makeup, you know what I mean!

3. SNACKS! I keep a few different snacks in my bag at all time. Because the little one is taking up space in my tummy, I can't even those big meals I love. I must nibble all day. White cheddar popcorn is my all-time fave. 

4. Cocoa Butter/Belly Cream. Smells so good and helps with those marks on the bod. Gotta take care of the bod. 

5. Water. Gotta stay hydrated, and its important to make sure you have a cute water bottle with you for it. You can always count on VS to get the job done. 

6. A fan. I often feel extremely exhausted and overworked after doing absolutely nothing. Like for example, after I eat. I feel like I've just run a mile. Fan is a must to keep cool as it's still smoltering hot here in MN. 

7. Last but certainly not least, cute comfy shoes. My feet are starting to look chubby.. And although I haven't packed on many pregnancy LB's yet, I know their coming so I gotta get comfortable. 

Exciting News!

So, I don't think I told you guys, but I have been looking into an opportunity to work in the marketing/interactive area at my job. Jesus actually led me to this position. Well, I got it! Got a raise! And start next week! AHHH! I'm super excited to get going, but I am obviously going to miss my girls in my current area! 

Jeremiah 29:11 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

What I wanted to point out is the importance of following God's plan for you. Jesus told me back in January that sometimes we are not given things that we want, when we want them. This is because we are not always ready for them. Taking God's lead in everything will always lead us into the right direction, right on time. You see, He doesn't need any help. In fact His plan is so perfect, it already has a beautiful ending. We have to trust in God's plan, not our own, and know that He has the best plan for our lives. 

Have a great day!

Having Faith: I am Real, I am Human.

Most days I feel like I am a very strong person. I can do anything and my head is held high,

with all doubts and fears beneath me. 

Other days I feel overwhelmed and like I am unable to continue to be strong. 

This morning was a test of my strength. 

Not the first, and certainly not the last. 

Ever since my struggle began with Lupus, six years back, each day has been a testimony in every way shape and form. 

I woke up with this morning, exhausted, 

like I had run a 15 mile marathon a few hours before. 

Unable to pick up my cellphone and turn off the alarm, due to the pains of arthritis in my hands, the fears and doubts flooded me. This is a familiar morning to me, as most of my days begin like this. 

But, today was different.

 As I rose to my feet I noticed pain and inflammation in my right knee and ankle. 

Oh, Great. 

This week was already going to be trying, as spring break is over, and any of you that work full time and go to school full time know the stress of balancing school, work, and life. 

Now unable to walk myself to the bathroom to take on the day, 

I felt defeated. 

As Adrian lifted me off the bed, and helped me dress myself, 

I let out a tear and told him,

"I am feeling discouraged." 

He looked into my eyes, and said,

 "Don't feel discouraged baby, you're body just needs to warm up. Everything will be fine." 

Unable to get into my doc, I know Adrian is right. 

I prayed to God. 

Sometimes, I needed to find the faith in me to take on the day. There were so many things that I needed to do, but my body was just not cooperating with me. 

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Faith can move mountains.

 I've seen people in my life believe in God, when there was nothing left for them. 

Believe that things would get better, that they would find the strength to carry on. 

I know I can do it. 

I am a strong, independent woman. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

I am grateful for the amazing people God has placed in my life, Adrian has seen me at my lowest of lows, he has stood by my side through it all. 

I know God has placed him in my life.

My parents and my siblings are always there whenever I need anything. 

They try to understand what is going on with me, even when I don't. They have been there to lift me up when things aren't going as planned.

I have good friends that are able to offer support. 

I try not to ever ask anyone for anything. I think I get that from my mom. She has always been strong, and figured things out for herself. I have found out that although I never want to depend on them or anyone for that matter, all of these people will let me depend on them. They will help me when I don't ask for it.

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I am thankful for another day, I am thankful through it all. I know that my hard work and dedication in my life is not in vain. 

I will make it! 

Happy Monday!