Faith over Fear

I am a control freak when it comes to my daily life. This is not a secret to those who truly know me. I like stability, schedules and consistency. I love knowing what time were going to bed and getting up. I even love knowing what nights we will be watching a particular television show. I love knowing at 630 every evening my 12 year old daughter and I will compete solving puzzles on Wheel of fortune. I do not like surprises in any way shape or form. I contribute my almost OCD level of this to my childhood. As a child there was so much chaos, instability and uncertainty in my world. It always left me feeling confused, tired, fearful, unfocused and without peace.   Even now when things get chaotic I get anxious. Something as simple as cutting my hair, having my nails done or uninvited guest cause anxiety attacks. Yes, this is something I've dealt with for years. I've turned it over to God and I've let him or so I thought. I live a peaceful life in Waco far from family. I do have a few select friends here. I have a daily routine and it's the same day in and day out. I love it this way. Well last Friday my boss and owner of the company I was employed at informed me the doors would be closing Monday. Yes, in a brief forty-eight hours. This was completely unexpected. At that moment my peaceful scheduled life was thrown into a downward spiral of chaos. I was in shocked, anxious, nervous and worried. And that is just the tip of the ice berg of emotions.

I had to stop and calm down I vowed I would prayerfully fast and read my bible. Along with applying for position in various cities and states. Appling for unemployment.  I even have gone as far as purchasing a new bible, which I've been wanting for a while. I bought new pens and took out an old empty journal. I've jumped head first into prayer, fasting and studying. I know there are times throughout the day when I feel overwhelmed by the circumstance or fearful of the unknown God has shown me in scriptures he is still here. He has not left me, nor will he. He will not forsake me. I am reminded in Ecclesiastes 3:1  " To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". I've been sure this is just a season and this too shall pass.

Then this morning I check my email and there is a message stating I don not qualify for unemployment. I didn't make enough. Very frustrated I drove to the Workforce office to inquire about this decision. I was given a paper to apply for appeals. The sweet elderly man who helped me said it may have just been a typo or error entered on either end. So, I asked how long the appeals take. His reply "if all goes well or as planned it'll take five to six weeks".  Another spiral of chaos in my new world of uncertainty. I felt the fear, anxiety, frustration and tears starting to overwhelm me. I called my mother who immediately calmed me down.  As I drove home I was quickly reminded by God the bible says in  Isaiah 42:16 "when God says he will, it's a guarantee he will". I have been faithful to turn to him and his word he is working on my behalf. See a few years ago I would have immediately  look at the situation and reacted out fear. And, yes usually making the worst decision possible. Causing the domino effect to my circumstance. So, I sit here today with uncertainty in my future employment and residence. But I chose to put my faith, hope and trust in God. I chose to not let my circumstance pull me away but drawn me closer to God. No, I am not perfect and I do have those moments in which I stand and say "God I need you to take over". And guess what he does, EVERY TIME!  And I challenge you today. If you are facing uncertainty have faith and let God work for you.

What is a Veteran?

 

November 11th, 2013  the 11th day  in our 30 day thankfulness challenge. It has not really been a challenge finding things I am thankful for. Today is extremely easy. It's veteran's day and I would like to take the time to Thank all Veteran's and their spouses who have been apart of any armed forces. Past, current and future. Sometimes Your selfless sacrifices seem to go so easily unnoticed. I know this as an Ex military spouse. Today, I want you ALL to know your scarifies are noticed not only today, but everyday. The husbands, wives, children and parents of these soldiers are 100% in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. If you have not been the wife, the husband, the child, the parent or the solider you cannot understand the worry, heartache, loneness, the struggles of geographical single parenting. Each person has their own part with their own joys, struggles, their own feelings of pride. There is not one of these roles you can minimize the emotions.  As a proud mother, sister, daughter, cousin, ex-spouse and granddaughter of an armed forces member who has or is serving. I salute you ALL for you daily selfless sacrifices! I pray you and you loved ones are blessed beyond measure not just today but everyday. And remember when you see a service member not just today but everyday Thank them for their service. We are only the home of the free because of the brave.

 

Thank you to All Veterans, spouses, children and parents of the brave.

Remember Life is short, God is good and coffee is your friend.

Hollie Kate.

 

Don't be afraid to try new things.

I was always told if it's healthy it has no flavor, it's bland or it is like cardboard. Well through my journey so far I have discovered healthy low fat, low calorie foods are truly tasty. You can make some pretty amazing dishes that are good for you and would want to eat again. No holding your nose when chewing or gaging as you swallow it down. This is not our grandmothers diet food. It is healthy, tasty, I want to eat some more food. It is all in the spices you use. I have a few suggestions for you that have helped me so far.

1. Buy lots of herbs and spices, experiment see what you like. (Sam's is a great place to buy in bulk. once you've tasted what you like you will need bulk)
2. Visit your local Farmers Market. Once you have had the fresh homegrown, everything else taste like poo! (okay, not that I've tasted poo)
3. Herb garden of your own a small herb garden can be grown year round. I have a balcony at my apartment I will be using in the spring and summer. I have found on pintrest (Thanks, Crystal) easy ways to grow herbs even vegies in a very small space. Herbs can also be grown year around in your home.(this is the time of year to buy, most gardening products are clearance. Even if you have to store them till next spring. The savings is worth it)
4. Don't be afraid to try new fruits and  vegetables. I have discovered Eggplant, Mangos and avocados and guava are very healthy and very tasty.
5. Don't be afraid replace your cheese on a burger with avocado, pineapple or even a homemade pesto. (I will be posting recipes later)
6. Eating healthy is more  costly than processed unhealthy foods. I am a single parent who has no form of child support or state assistance. It can be done.

These are just a few suggestions I have tried or plan on trying to help with my journey to being healthy and fit. Here some pictures of dishes I have made and were low fat, low calorie and delicious.  I will in the near future be posting recipes, tips and updates in hopes you can and will be blessed by them. Until later, Remember God is good, life is short and coffee is your friend .