A more natural, greener life (Part 1 of 2)

So over the past few months I have found myself spending a lot more time in the organic, natural parts of the grocery store. Normally I would buy a few natural items, but these days I am being much more conscientious about what I am bringing home. Why the change? No, it's not because everyone on TV seems to be talking about the more natural route. It is because of my 20 pound beauty (my daughter Eden). I have read that babies consume 4-5 times more fruits and veggies for their body weight than adults. That fact really made me think. It made me realize that if she is eating significantly more fruits/veggies than adults, then it is significantly more important for her to eat clean, pesticide-free foods. So about 90% of the time Eden eats only organic baby foods (unfortunately not all baby foods have an organic option).

My revelation about my daughter's food has had a trickle-down effect into my eating as well. I realized that I wanted her to continue to eat organically after she has outgrown baby food. Therefore, I needed to switch to a more organic diet now. (Notice I used the phrase "more organic"...I can never go 100%. I love certain processed foods way too much!) I have started this process slowly. Every time I go the grocery store I focus on one area where I can improve. The first change I made was organic produce because it was the easiest switch. Now I have switched to natural chips, popcorn, cereal, granola, as well as other snacks. I must admit I was skeptical if the food would be tasty, but so far I have liked it all.

I will never be a completely all-natural kind of gal. My hope is just that by making these changes I will have a girl who is healthy and who enjoys good nourishing foods.

Part 2 of 2, my journey to "green." :)

Marriage Builder

Several months ago the pastor at our church gave all the married couples a copy of the book Devotions for Couples: For Couples Who Want More Intimacy in their Relationships by Patrick Morley. He said it was a great devotional, and he really wanted the married couples in our church to work through the book. My husband and I laid the book aside and kind of forgot about it. Several weeks ago, I found the book while dusting our bedside tables (this gives away how often I dust those tables..lol). That evening my husband and I read the first lesson together and found ourselves laughing a lot and really enjoying the questions.

Since that time, we have made this a nightly ritual. I have to admit many of the lessons and questions don't leave us laughing like the first did, but from each lesson I feel closer to my husband. This book helps us communicate better; it tackles questions and topics you would not discuss on an everyday basis. There have been numerous questions that I feel uncomfortable about answering because it forces me (and him) to discuss definite areas of weakness, selfishness, and inadequacy. However, confession is good for the soul. Confession is good for marriage.

So this post is written to say that I recommend this book to you married folks out there. It has been good for my marriage, and I pray that it will strengthen yours as well.

New blog

Throughout the years I have always kept journals and even other online blogs. However, over the last few years I have let this go. I stopped writing because I stayed busy; however, now that I have a daughter I'm not sure what I stayed busy doing. :) I feel that at this point in my life I need this blog. I need to share the joys and trials of being a new mother. I want a place to share with others what God is doing to my life because He is doing many new and big things. Many new and big things... So anyways, this blog will most likely be therapeutic. A place for me to sit and hash out thoughts, fears, prayers, and joys. I'm interested to see what it will become.



"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praises instead of a faint spirit; that they may called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified." Isaiah 61: 1-3