What I'm Loving Wednesday

1) I am loving that Minneapolis/St. Paul was named the "fittest city" in America! Yeah!

" Which city is considered the healthiest, fittest in America? It's not a sunny, bikini-weather spot like Miami Beach or Malibu. It's a city famous for its frequent sub-zero temperatures, where residents need snow coats and ear muffs for months of the year: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minn., according to the American College of Sports Medicine's most recent American Fitness Index." -today.com/health 

"According to the American College of Sports Medicine's most recent American Fitness Index, the Twin Cities tops the list when it comes to most healthy and fit.

      Bre Johnson, of Lifetime Fitness, says that Twin Cities residents value good health. She thinks that's why you see brave and hearty souls continuing to bike and run outdoors despite the cold.

      "There's a different sport for every season," she said. "Maybe in the summer they're a marathon runner? In the winter, they're a cross country skier. They always have something to look forward to." -kare11.com 

If you couldn't tell by now I LOVE the state of MN and I agree with Bre...it is so awesome that Minnesotans participate in different sports every season and there are so many brave souls who love to run and workout even in the freezing cold winters. 

Posing with my medal after the St. Paul "Turkey Trot" 10k this past November 

2) I am loving Yoplait's 100 calorie vanilla Greek yogurt!So delicious. Don't mind the computer in the background of my picture below...I was enjoying a yogurt at a work meeting this morning :)

3) I am loving this mug that I got from the Hockey City Classic last weekend. The University of Minnesota men's hockey team took on the Ohio State Buckeyes outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium. 

Despite the 10 degree weather, it was a fun event and the Gophers won 1-0.

...I am loving the memories from hockey day Minnesota 2014. I might sound a bit obsessed but I cant help it, hockey is truly a passion of mine. If you know anything about Minnesota you know that hockey is pretty big here. It is my all time favorite sport to watch and play. This past Saturday was "Hockey Day Minnesota" and I did not pass up any of the opportunities to watch hockey that day. I started by going to the outdoor gopher game Friday night followed by going to the U.S Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis all day Saturday. I also watched the gopher game and wild game Saturday night on T.V...and they both came through with a victory :)

Me with my beautiful friend Jackie

Gotta love outdoor hockey

Pond hockey tournament on Lake Nokomis was such a fun event

Nice photobomb by Noel

4) I am loving the book we are currently reading in our small group Bible study. It is called "20 Basics Every Christian Should Know" by Wayne Grudem. 
"Theology is important because what we believe affects how we live. If you're a relatively new believer in Jesus, or if you're a more mature Christian looking for a quick brush-up on basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. This readable guide to twenty basic Christian beliefs is a condensation of Wayne Grudem's award-winning book on systematic theology, prized by pastors and teachers everywhere." -John Piper  5) I am loving this at home circuit workout from the amazing Julie who blogs over  at http://www.pbfingers.com/    If you have a spare 30 minutes I recommend trying it. You don't need any equipment and it really gets your heart pumping and your body sweatin'! 

6) I am loving the fact that the wonderful Becky from From Mrs. to Mama is giving my blog some love in the sidebar of her blog. Be sure to check it out :)

If You Really Know Me :)

You'd know that I LOVE comfy clothes :) yoga pants and a sweatshirt anyone??

You'd know that I love everything about the fall...the smell, the leaves, the crisp air!

You'd know I love simple things.

You'd know that I am shy at first...but after awhile of being around me you will realize that I'm not really that shy at all.

You'd know that I LOVE a good bonfire and some s'mores 

You'd know that I think diet dew, a 6-mile run and watching Christmas Vacation are some of the greatest things ever 

You'd know I LOVE sports...especially hockey :) I think I was possibly the biggest gopher hockey fan growing up...I mean my room was painted maroon and gold with hockey sticks on the walls. 

You'd know that I love fishing and ice fishing. Being on a lake in Minnesota, no matter what season it is...is amazing. 

You'd know that I'm a Christian...I want my lifestyle to reflect the love and teachings of Jesus.

You'd know that I want three or four kids...maybe 5?? :)

...and you'd know that I already have their names picked out ;)

You'd know that I love my family and friends so so much!

You'd know that if  a friend called me at any moment I would be there for them. For WHATEVER they need. I CARE. 

You'd know that my favorite color is green and that I love Christmas and Christmas movies

You'd know that mich golden light is my favorite beer and I like to enjoy a glass of wine here and there 

You'd know I like all kinds of music...but especially country music with the windows down in the summer. ...I love AMERICA!

You'd know that I am a teacher and that I love children...I don't go a day at work without smiling

You'd know that I am studying to become certified by NETA as a group fitness instructor...I would love to teach exercise classes on the side and in the summer. I love running and working out :)

Getting my study on...hope to be a fitness instructor!

Me with my Grandma Diane on Christmas Eve

My beautiful mother :)

Bob is a beauty

Bre! best friends since 2nd grade 

I want to hang this in my home someday...love it

AMEN.

Played some hockey with my youngest brother this Christmas

LOVE my niece to pieces

You'd know I will be a Godly wife :)

Light Has Come!

I feel moved to share today's reading from She Reads Truth, an online blog/daily devotional for women to read God's word together as a community. You can find them here: http://shereadstruth.com/ The current reading plan is called Emmanuel. I read the devotional email each morning when I get to work and it really starts out my day on a bright note. It was on my heart to share today's devotional...it really helps to remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. 

your light has come Text: Isaiah 60:1-5, John 3:16-21, John 8:12 Arise, Shine! For Your Light Has Come Reflection “We are not left on our own. God is there. How simple and how infinitely wonderful.” - Ramond C. Ortlund, Jr. A candle in a dark room. A baby boy in a stable. Both tell the same truth. Darkness cannot survive where there is light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). Dear Sisters, that star shining above Bethlehem means we no longer have to live in the dark.. That cry in the stable means we are not alone. The light has come, and not to condemn but to save! Our darkness may be thick, but it is forever transformed by the brightness of Christ. Our secrets are no longer secrets. Our shame is no longer hidden. We don’t have to fear our frailty or the dark corners of our hearts. Because of Jesus they have been brought into the light and covered over with redeeming blankets of grace, grace, grace. Advent is a season of preparation, a season for making room in our hearts once again for this simple, profound truth: Christ is the light of men. (And women! And children!) He is coming, He has come, He will come again. And you can stand up, right where you are. Whatever you hold, whatever you dread. Whatever is behind or before or around you. Whatever your condition, just as you are. Arise, shine, for your light has come. Prayer Father, thank you for bringing us into the light. Thank you for Jesus, the Light of the World. Thank you for that night in Bethlehem when Christ became Emmanuel, God with us, and pierced the darkness forever. We will never be the same. Thanks be to God. Amen. Advent Action Light a candle in a dark room and rest in the stillness for a moment. _______________________ For an added layer of worship and study, we chose a beloved Christmas song for each day of our Advent plan. We invite you to listen to Arise, Shine, For Thy Light Is Come today as we dwell on the truth of God’s word together.

Thankful

"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation"

Happy Thanksgiving this Thursday! I am SO thankful for all of God's blessings. I am thankful for my wonderful family, supportive friends, my job, my health and for the journey that I am on. I am thankful for life. I am thankful for this holiday season and to be able to spend it around family and friends. I am thankful to be able to spread the good news of Jesus and to bring him glory. Life is precious and I never want to take a minute for granted.