Fun New Things

Ok, for some reason I'm not able to upload pictures! This one is the only one that worked...but its a pretty good representation of Costa Rica. Totally laid back, beautiful beach, sunny...PERFECT! I'll try to upload some more, but there will be a whole album over on the facebook : ) Mmmm, just looking at this picture makes me wanna lay in a hammock and read a good book (what we did almost EVERY afternoon in Costa). It also reminds me of the giant Cockroach that lost its life inside the room that this picture is being taken from - a room that we quickly vacated for an air-conditioned, cockroach-free room up the road. But, hey, the view was killer!

So, at the Living Well Conference, I picked up the book "The 4:8 Principle." Its all about training your mind to think on things that are good and positive, and the effect that this can have on our lives. It is SUCH a good book so far - super practical and really makes me pay attention to the thoughts that float through my mind throughout the day. The "4:8" refers to Philippians 4:8 - the verse in which we are instructed to think on "whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue and praiseworthy." I'm only through the first chapter right now, but I can completely see the value that this type of thinking can have in everyday life. Especially in the area of worry...One thing the author said that really stuck out to me was, "Joy is an outward sign of inward faith in the promises of God." Wow. The more I worry and think on the negative things or the things I hope don't happen, it just shows how little faith I have in the promise God has given to me that He's got my back. That He has a good and perfect plan for my life - no matter what that might look like. Needless to say, I'm loving the book and can't wait to share more about it. : )

On a completely different note - I have an announcement to make. I have decided to try to pick up a new hobby : Sewing. I do not have a sewing machine, nor do I have ANY sewing skills. However - I love clothes and pretty things; therefore I have a great reason to want to try! Besides, the talent has gotta be hidden in my womanly genes somewhere right? This could be a disaster, but I'm going to use my positive thinking to convince myself that I can do it! ; ) I am in the process of researching sewing machines and figuring out where to take a few classes. I'm excited to try something new! Nana, my dear sweet grandmother who used to sew matching outfits for the two of us, will be proud.

I'm also going to try to go to Yoga on a regular basis. The only time I've gone was in 100 degree heat and I almost passed out. So perhaps I'll take a few steps back and try the not-so-ungodly-hot yoga class. Yes, that sounds good.

Another development in the lives of John and Ash : we're officially saving for our first home! We have started Financial Peace University and are putting together a plan to save up and we're really pumped about it. A budget is a hard thing to change - especially with the "envelope method" of paying cash for most things. Its so easy to pull out the debit card and swipe it - but with cash, we pay SO much more attention to the purchases we're making and how much we spend. And I have a little envelope specifically for clothing...something I thought would NOT be a good thing. However, I'm really surprised and happy to say that it gets me excited to save up and know that in a few months, I will have cash that is specifically for spending on clothes or shoes or whatever I want! And I don't have to feel guilty about it! Yep, this budget thing is really growing on me. : )

Well, goodnight for now my friends. Thanks for stopping by!