tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68129439707273082602024-03-21T13:20:10.043-04:00the virtuous journeyof @toyathevirtuousvirtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-89245441112054682582021-09-09T09:44:00.003-04:002021-09-09T09:47:52.331-04:00<h1 style="text-align: left;"> When the moment you're in or your current situation does not bring good feelings, look up. </h1><p>You have to <b>choose</b> to look up instead of looking at what's happening in front of and around you. It is definitely a choice you have to make and the sooner you make it, the sooner you are on your way to recovering your joy, your peace and the strength to love the people in front of you. (What about loving myself you ask? You did that when you successfully made the choice to turn to God's open arms!)</p><p>There are many, but one way I do this is with music that glorifies God by specifically calling out what Jesus has done for me. I stay there as long as I need to - focusing my attention on Jesus and off of whatever is bothering me. At times, this leads to quality time in the Father's presence, where I can talk to Him freely, tell Him how I feel honestly and He takes the heaviness from me - Hallelujah! He takes my heaviness and gives me my smile back, gives me peace, comfort and the feeling that I can go on being a light and glorifying Him with my thoughts, my words and my actions!</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here are some songs that help me and, maybe, can help you too. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MjoMFWNMDOA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><span></span><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2021/09/the-moment-youre-in-or-your-current.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-65194853500553641222021-03-08T14:15:00.004-05:002021-03-08T14:17:11.648-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwD1Mancx5Wv-6grxdLiYg5Iv8W2tYMQC2VaBmisCclhmvWqaJqqqcaxwZo-DiBA4fqlaT2MD0HwyZ41jBrduKS5dfGwlXRvSGSQtdTmvREBi1LUBDdQDuCXg4whnkGEpls83TuqvoZ8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwD1Mancx5Wv-6grxdLiYg5Iv8W2tYMQC2VaBmisCclhmvWqaJqqqcaxwZo-DiBA4fqlaT2MD0HwyZ41jBrduKS5dfGwlXRvSGSQtdTmvREBi1LUBDdQDuCXg4whnkGEpls83TuqvoZ8/w480-h640/IMG_5116.jpg" title="Peeking through" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maaaaaaan, it has been a while! I haven't blogged since 2017 - 4 years ago. To jump right into it, I feel like I have my voice back. Not that anyone took it away, but circumstances helped my voice to get softer and softer. Circumstances also helped me to spend quality time with my Father in heaven, creating a better sense of who He has made me to be. As a result, my voice is back, with the intention - or purpose - of representing Him in everything I do. So what'sup!?! The virtuous journey continues...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh...and Happy International Women's Day 🥰</div><p><br /></p>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-57910522824760578632017-02-17T20:21:00.003-05:002021-03-05T18:11:44.483-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltDhDphDtmX7bHyYUwcGe1nth65HMuHfV1Qy0H6gwNpVvpramVqVnH4_mvTWVd1hISeSOMKqTC3tf4_6WALK9K2l9wzc2hyphenhyphen6sOseY1emqZuD_mC1TZc7mOsVaYGPRkEvdsYqR4_aSLik/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+3.10.16+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltDhDphDtmX7bHyYUwcGe1nth65HMuHfV1Qy0H6gwNpVvpramVqVnH4_mvTWVd1hISeSOMKqTC3tf4_6WALK9K2l9wzc2hyphenhyphen6sOseY1emqZuD_mC1TZc7mOsVaYGPRkEvdsYqR4_aSLik/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+3.10.16+PM.png" title="BeastMode" width="640"></a></div>
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My Laila is the sweetest ever. Hands down. She's sweet even when it comes to sports - and I can't have that, lol! I've been trying to get Lai to see that on the field/court it's ok for her to get aggressive! This year, something clicked - not <i>all</i> the way, but the beast is waking up. <span></span></div><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2017/02/my-laila-is-sweetest-ever.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-17972946278238352672017-02-15T11:04:00.004-05:002021-03-05T18:13:25.675-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9svmLa-LthfkjkOcGla38_7ywtp2R4GwP4WnA2jhKu0W9rcgyJQZ4ZOjMhgtTcvSFpjHeuicjOnVHv06zXUou2DZWNF9wNEmtWIypDfl1QeVAol8MDZSU_Iz0w9Dr3uao9NgnoD-d6v4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+3.09.36+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9svmLa-LthfkjkOcGla38_7ywtp2R4GwP4WnA2jhKu0W9rcgyJQZ4ZOjMhgtTcvSFpjHeuicjOnVHv06zXUou2DZWNF9wNEmtWIypDfl1QeVAol8MDZSU_Iz0w9Dr3uao9NgnoD-d6v4/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+3.09.36+PM.png" title="I'm so tech, lol" width="640"></a></div>
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My father in law bought me the Smart Rope and my heart was so happy because I really wanted one. I jump in the winter as an alternative to running and it keeps my endurance on point for when the weather is right and I can get back on the road. I'm truly late with this post but...here it is!<span></span></div><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2017/02/my-father-in-law-bought-me-smart-rope.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-56810811121655278152017-01-30T07:00:00.001-05:002021-03-05T18:14:24.663-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7jP1IKeJq-ee5Z8yeuye-1E0GYn3JuraNkwKxvSm97fkK_ngFFXq-uuPcMI3eIZBfmD2912iyK-5XgiFV8n51PCaiVagYCQVyacswYZZflwh-ONBn9cjMqvuRKOTeJGR9eCs1iyNKRo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+2.40.21+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7jP1IKeJq-ee5Z8yeuye-1E0GYn3JuraNkwKxvSm97fkK_ngFFXq-uuPcMI3eIZBfmD2912iyK-5XgiFV8n51PCaiVagYCQVyacswYZZflwh-ONBn9cjMqvuRKOTeJGR9eCs1iyNKRo/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+2.40.21+PM.png" title="Back @ it!" width="640"></a></div>
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My goodness! In my last post I talked about juggling things and some things falling. One thing that falls, and I do NOT like when I drop it, are my workouts 😔 </div>
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A day or two before this pic was taken, I was motivated by a fellow runner to get a run in. It felt SO good to get back on the road. It always does after a brief hiatus. I had a lot of other priorities to attend to, which is crazy because, this is a priority to me! <span></span></div><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2017/01/my-goodness-in-my-last-post-i-talked.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-23742542574957178592017-01-28T14:39:00.003-05:002021-03-05T18:15:37.310-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76nV_8qeNNdDrQpfQjGVMmoUeKyVV__dkiUN4pA8KP2sqYpdeuI5zRebFgvsNIMwAJWGfmzuIzOXF7VN-ruImyt54RLI0EFep3RHAKmqdENtTWij2AyyGUH8L0QwoLiPkpSi5PhlZnsk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+2.23.58+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76nV_8qeNNdDrQpfQjGVMmoUeKyVV__dkiUN4pA8KP2sqYpdeuI5zRebFgvsNIMwAJWGfmzuIzOXF7VN-ruImyt54RLI0EFep3RHAKmqdENtTWij2AyyGUH8L0QwoLiPkpSi5PhlZnsk/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-28+at+2.23.58+PM.png" title="Election Day 2016" width="640"></a></div>
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Forgive me for the delay in posts - a TON has been happening. As much as I strive to be (and in doing so appear to be 😉), I am not a super woman and that means some balls fall when I'm juggling ten at a once 😄</div>
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This is November 8, 2016 - Election Day. This is a day that most of us will remember, forever. I've made it a point to take these little people with me any time I vote.<span></span></div><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2017/01/forgive-me-for-delay-in-posts-ton-has.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-62870451610138223792016-11-08T07:00:00.000-05:002016-11-08T07:00:35.195-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN7tyhIYAnRcarK1cF11ex0tzYPMCJ2V9LFfSxH2fizO1ZoZrsvVl-7tUCxmHWW0X_q1KoDW3W07NLhojZ7YHNZr2aV2XoC1j6LEL2cWSlgohyzbqJSY_8Z9vlKrry8JzR5Q2YYuRKF8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-06+at+11.04.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN7tyhIYAnRcarK1cF11ex0tzYPMCJ2V9LFfSxH2fizO1ZoZrsvVl-7tUCxmHWW0X_q1KoDW3W07NLhojZ7YHNZr2aV2XoC1j6LEL2cWSlgohyzbqJSY_8Z9vlKrry8JzR5Q2YYuRKF8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-06+at+11.04.19+AM.png" title="#squad" /></a></div>
I love this picture. We were on the way to practice for Manny and Jaelie. They weren't supposed to smile, but Laila can't help it 😊<br />
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These are our athletes. Life is our sport. We live to glorify God.<br />
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Like any sport, life presents challenges, adversity and opposition which promote arising, overcoming and teamwork. We win some, we lose some, but neither affect our drive to persevere. While we hope for a positive outcome, we know that the journey is the true gift because it's what molds us into greater athletes - into greater witnesses for the King.<br />
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Eternal Life - we're here for that. (shout out to Sho Baraka)virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-41606253512458579152016-11-07T07:00:00.001-05:002021-03-05T18:16:27.353-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF5hraFRR4Qys3oMVHysYbcL15Y91k-J6BFRXXClxj_ANKYIZC4UfxFPSwCY4GB06AazlQsSftUonSe9NKqVrVFVHjxApLXVjgEAWQnovUuJcDXh8zro-JBL-wvDE_IoEc45AhGgB-Jc/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF5hraFRR4Qys3oMVHysYbcL15Y91k-J6BFRXXClxj_ANKYIZC4UfxFPSwCY4GB06AazlQsSftUonSe9NKqVrVFVHjxApLXVjgEAWQnovUuJcDXh8zro-JBL-wvDE_IoEc45AhGgB-Jc/s640/IMG_2035.JPG" title="brownie cookie dough cake - mmm!" width="640"></a></div>
Kaelin, our oldest, turned 14. Every little person gets to choose what cake they'd like for their day and I bake it. They have challenged me, but I always rise to meet it.<br>
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This year, Kae asked for a brownie cookie cake - which we've done before, twice - once for him and once for his sister. Each time it was done differently so this time we'd have to switch it up again. But I used google instead of my brain, lol.<span></span><a href="http://www.virtuousjourney.com/2016/11/kaelin-our-oldest-turned-14.html#more">Keep Reading...</a>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-49051636241393785192016-11-05T08:00:00.000-04:002016-11-05T08:00:37.560-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qc1HjHk6FpOdEUCinrAu-pfAyQ-07r9aiqLrHf8_8-fIPjtqKR2H9pRhL1Si-V42qBtAUPoomj4Wl85Z_KRXgd-BFxUcdKVJen92WIhrZxiQ6bEjGW3oZrrFrCl7lLGtKPIz_wZDRX4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-04+at+10.11.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qc1HjHk6FpOdEUCinrAu-pfAyQ-07r9aiqLrHf8_8-fIPjtqKR2H9pRhL1Si-V42qBtAUPoomj4Wl85Z_KRXgd-BFxUcdKVJen92WIhrZxiQ6bEjGW3oZrrFrCl7lLGtKPIz_wZDRX4/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-04+at+10.11.15+PM.png" title="my biggest fan - my mama" width="640" /></a></div>
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A lot of people told me they love this video of my mom passionately rapping my song. If you missed it, definitely check it out <a href="http://instagram.com/toyathevirtuous" target="_blank">@toyathevirtuous on IG</a>. She almost didn't share this with me! I needed it, though, and God's timing for me to see it was perfect.</div>
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It encouraged me to keep going. I used to rap. I love doing it. I love being able to share my faith through music. I haven't done it in forever. I stopped. Why? Life.</div>
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Life has a way of sucking the life out of you, lol - but you can't let it. Though I may not rap much anymore, whatever I can do to be a witness of Jesus, I'm going to do it, passionately. </div>
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Check out some of my music by pressing play below. Click the forgiven link to hear more.</div>
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=2635117086/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 442px; width: 350px;"><a href="http://pazzion.bandcamp.com/track/forgiven">forgiven by PazZion</a></iframe>
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virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-60994095485617127992016-11-04T22:02:00.000-04:002016-11-04T22:02:50.326-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvYc7d-4jUHWe2HahlBPlc-XzYaiAyzDGd6z-5BTnQnnIK0B7UHjjJnsPK6cwSmNKSbQEulpMbommYk3gGyOWMwt4C1eVSUu0IZEiRGYfAR1ELxLxgUIabd1zHYeWGXW27bQLNUU3kHM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-04+at+9.42.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvYc7d-4jUHWe2HahlBPlc-XzYaiAyzDGd6z-5BTnQnnIK0B7UHjjJnsPK6cwSmNKSbQEulpMbommYk3gGyOWMwt4C1eVSUu0IZEiRGYfAR1ELxLxgUIabd1zHYeWGXW27bQLNUU3kHM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-04+at+9.42.08+PM.png" title="McFlight" width="640" /></a></div>
ArtofMBB at the Jenkintown Festival of the Arts. We had a great time there - meeting people and selling artwork. This is one of my favorite pieces; it's called "McFlight". The gentleman who purchased it came back and picked up another one of my favorite pieces called "Fire and Ice". A lot of my Sweet 💙's artwork are my favorite pieces 😏 To see more of his work and to order these and other or your own custom artwork, visit <a href="http://mbbowens.com/">mbbowens.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQOMz0WnfDxRi3atfcx0NZ9l-uIoMtJuk2zj_brPeUcQXlC0caqBOCDhhUDhIrpnN_9EeZCfHHoYF8-X8srOWfditUO_Doa8R3diqXlCFw7XqZa06LgtgWhTUVtbEiJBmNvl62EJLXZc/s1600/fireandice11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQOMz0WnfDxRi3atfcx0NZ9l-uIoMtJuk2zj_brPeUcQXlC0caqBOCDhhUDhIrpnN_9EeZCfHHoYF8-X8srOWfditUO_Doa8R3diqXlCFw7XqZa06LgtgWhTUVtbEiJBmNvl62EJLXZc/s320/fireandice11.jpg" title="Fire and Ice" width="216" /></a></div>
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Shoutout to Back 2 the Future for almost predicting the Cubbies winning the World Series 👍🏽</div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-49655380423435758462016-10-28T07:30:00.000-04:002016-10-28T07:30:13.967-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDaJfgZGZLvVoVv2ULGpZJyFNW3YGghyphenhyphennHm5YBF7C9c0wxhkD9TgBKm2JIht1PE3pbDvsObBjO-aUpwyXP7BJXcCistjgYIuuk4G6GU3yYdG-OHqk-qVDhosITx1ZKMpbxu_-HeRgKjo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+11.34.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDaJfgZGZLvVoVv2ULGpZJyFNW3YGghyphenhyphennHm5YBF7C9c0wxhkD9TgBKm2JIht1PE3pbDvsObBjO-aUpwyXP7BJXcCistjgYIuuk4G6GU3yYdG-OHqk-qVDhosITx1ZKMpbxu_-HeRgKjo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+11.34.13+AM.png" title="i ❤️ running" /></a></div>
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This run felt great. I still haven't got back in a nice rhythm but I took advantage of a beautiful summer-like day in the fall. My heart truly smiled the entire 4.56 miles. </div>
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Running is so good for my soul.</div>
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It helps me physically, mentally, emotionally and definitely has tons of spiritual parallels. The conversations I have with God during my runs are the best. Running clears my mind so that I'm tuned in to Him and He shows me things that I can use immediately in real life. I thank God for the ability to run and for protecting me from injury.virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-74766457822652056452016-10-27T18:01:00.002-04:002016-10-27T18:01:25.627-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfmwvob3watB4u_tFVethebgctLjcMyk_M6yE1D1EHpjpx72EcRhYwmQKkubUQbVGJYXjYuCUbMir3u8VU7dFi33wA68UnB8Sc7q2HlRo5xxceQAeThQkT7lkNVpUX4_vL_B0tLQl6u8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-27+at+4.33.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfmwvob3watB4u_tFVethebgctLjcMyk_M6yE1D1EHpjpx72EcRhYwmQKkubUQbVGJYXjYuCUbMir3u8VU7dFi33wA68UnB8Sc7q2HlRo5xxceQAeThQkT7lkNVpUX4_vL_B0tLQl6u8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-27+at+4.33.16+PM.png" title="my 3 rings" /></a></div>
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I began this post - like all the others - on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/toyathevirtuous" target="_blank">@toyathevirtuous</a>) so I'm picking up from there. </div>
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And then there's my engagement ring and my wedding band. My husband and I are married without these symbols, but the presence of them around our fingers means more to me than I realized. </div>
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Just like my smiley ring, I lost my engagement ring before my Sweet💙 and I were married. To this day, I remember the sick feeling I felt in the pit of my stomach. I dreaded, absolutely dreaded, the idea of having to tell my Sweet💙 that I lost my ring. But I did and was relieved to be met with grace and understanding! His response was huge and made me love him even more. My ring was found very randomly and in a way where God was undoubtedly in control. I was absolutely amazed that He allowed me to have my ring again!</div>
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Now we're married.</div>
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Marriage is beautiful because, like us, God created it and wants to show Himself through it. However, we have many ways of showing our ugly flesh instead of allowing God's Spirit to lead us and marriages tend to do the same. Ours did. There was a time when I removed those rings from my finger, but my Sweet💙 id not remove his. Grace and understanding was needed again, from both of us. I prayed harder than ever during this time. I also got to see more of God's characteristics; I got to know Him in different ways and deepen my relationship with Him. The same way God miraculously brought my engagement ring back, He performed a miracle in our marriage. My Sweet💙 and I will honor God through our marriage and will not allow challenges of any size to deter us from completing the race. I'll be honest, that is easier said than done, lol - but glory to God, it CAN BE DONE!</div>
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Themes.</div>
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Something can be completely gone, but God can do the impossible. </div>
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Prayer works. Big Prayer, Big Power. Little Prayer, Little Power (I got that from James McDonald)</div>
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How. </div>
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This post came about after watching I Am Second videos and as I listened to worship music. The past two weeks we talked about pride and humility with the little people at church. Today, God showed me that I need to check my pridefulness. I cried and asked Him to forgive me. Then I took my rings off to wash dishes and saw that they both represented significant occurrences in my life. Situations that shook me to my core and forced me to run to my Father, my Protector, my God. </div>
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Significance.</div>
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I thought I lost my engagement ring forever.</div>
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I felt super sick and prayed.</div>
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God brought it back.</div>
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I thought my marriage was done.</div>
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I felt despair and prayed harder than ever.</div>
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God brought it back.</div>
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I lost my joy and felt like it would never come back.</div>
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I prayed fervently for God to restore the joy of my salvation.</div>
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God restored it.</div>
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I thought I lost my smiley ring forever.</div>
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I was super sad and prayed.</div>
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God brought it back.</div>
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Pride comes in many forms and most are not obvious. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Please don't let pride sneak up on you. When God reveals it (pray that He does), act immediately. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</span> 1 John 1:9 </div>
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Tuck that one in your heart, for real.</div>
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Grace & Peace.</div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-69428036658471529062016-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-26T08:00:19.061-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmVg5_k96Azj0hDJN989I096DTXyStILLInCeh7PKtr0oPzC1FHCZMJ3yN9Bp676-lxEecekvfbmL37P0byVEQcPQuVhITsXIe3qDGToC1jNF6KjPOKxGSQqBSBHu22qkbksnQVqzu1g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+11.17.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmVg5_k96Azj0hDJN989I096DTXyStILLInCeh7PKtr0oPzC1FHCZMJ3yN9Bp676-lxEecekvfbmL37P0byVEQcPQuVhITsXIe3qDGToC1jNF6KjPOKxGSQqBSBHu22qkbksnQVqzu1g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+11.17.30+AM.png" title="beastmode" /></a></div>
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Last weekend, Kaelin scored a goal with a header and my excitement was comparable to if he'd scored during the World Cup! This kid loves soccer. He plays passionately and gracefully like an expert cellist in an orchestra - able to move slow and methodically and ferociously fast when necessary. I truly enjoy watching him play the game. </div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-40488983631928727212016-10-24T11:05:00.000-04:002016-10-24T11:43:39.575-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw2LfQmrlBT_TDafNrdsaKJmexVRiKJ6qe3ctv2DfaGBzMuse3gPT5MGtj9Dvh6UpSyN88-lX_XJsHxxWwomgxHUxFhK41Ox1YPH0AVkfwDk2bgqBPyK5YOn-ZGZmawbPlEOqlYVR1TQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+10.11.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw2LfQmrlBT_TDafNrdsaKJmexVRiKJ6qe3ctv2DfaGBzMuse3gPT5MGtj9Dvh6UpSyN88-lX_XJsHxxWwomgxHUxFhK41Ox1YPH0AVkfwDk2bgqBPyK5YOn-ZGZmawbPlEOqlYVR1TQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-24+at+10.11.05+AM.png" title="go Jaelie!" /></a></div>
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Jaelie played soccer last year and it was fun. Jaelie is playing soccer this year and she's a beast! Her aggressiveness has jumped 100% this year and it's so exciting to watch. </div>
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My Sweet💙 has dubbed them the new Sheryl and Reggie Miller. They are fiercely competitive against each other which makes them greater on the field.</div>
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This year they had to play against each other and Jaelie's team won. She also scored her 1st goal ever in that game. The play above is her 2nd goal.</div>
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She's focused. She takes a ton of shots on the goal. Once she gets her accuracy on point...oh boy!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwttbbqTw0xMfd4EDvH4m9sLL3HJIFMRgaLSEl9Wg03-s46coq2UImQyF7y_PvXhDIo6RuyJBjtT3M6xcknUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-61380848932804961532016-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:002016-10-21T07:00:21.911-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiXmpdC2xB1p4V9-sw63tYvIMHtJgyOQWjWNdRag0fndVkoW4G8UDjGhBLj2-sAS1WE8zwCEKViiPD52nS53CPkGnrDsbwwgtS45-7nC4pLNif6G2mqFj8fAgdXCkvl_OhXN1mmqDJ28/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-20+at+8.42.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiXmpdC2xB1p4V9-sw63tYvIMHtJgyOQWjWNdRag0fndVkoW4G8UDjGhBLj2-sAS1WE8zwCEKViiPD52nS53CPkGnrDsbwwgtS45-7nC4pLNif6G2mqFj8fAgdXCkvl_OhXN1mmqDJ28/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-20+at+8.42.06+PM.png" title="manny mcfly" /></a></div>
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This particular Sunday, Manny ended up dressing like Marty Mcfly - which makes him Manny Mcfly. Ha ha, cool.virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-48007560338902772262016-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-20T08:00:22.702-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s7Bao2mSkL6z5-H91xQT8bSGGG0Yp7fL8y-UHxJKWojM5zDRwJY2CmjqOconIIi78tIScUnscZLMrsgQLh6kYk_e4lwJIfNow8EMVTaEmIu8kxkbER9f_CkqPgV2f5x1HgIQDJADODg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+6.05.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s7Bao2mSkL6z5-H91xQT8bSGGG0Yp7fL8y-UHxJKWojM5zDRwJY2CmjqOconIIi78tIScUnscZLMrsgQLh6kYk_e4lwJIfNow8EMVTaEmIu8kxkbER9f_CkqPgV2f5x1HgIQDJADODg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+6.05.31+PM.png" title="my laila 💕" /></a></div>
10 years? 10 years! That was the quickest 10 years ever.<br />
I knew she'd be my height or taller one day and one day is right around the corner.<br />
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I pray so hard for this girl. That she knows God in an intimate way that gets deeper and deeper still. That He protects her in ALL ways.<br />
sigh.<br />
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love you, little one.virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-73142868588357554882016-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-19T08:00:01.575-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeWCDxrjbeaD5O4jNvur9aNmCCvNVGAE11s5HLGRYFOngqkwTdpVdroQ4UsoCbiRHkc8oVCcNOPenhFCUc-6-6_25rvBlqsCqw1e7u6fqOhCRbwR3KPgPLmWrC8ARPlFbO1sL3QVXnNc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.40.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeWCDxrjbeaD5O4jNvur9aNmCCvNVGAE11s5HLGRYFOngqkwTdpVdroQ4UsoCbiRHkc8oVCcNOPenhFCUc-6-6_25rvBlqsCqw1e7u6fqOhCRbwR3KPgPLmWrC8ARPlFbO1sL3QVXnNc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.40.02+PM.png" title="TYL" /></a></div>
This was such an exciting night - mentally. I prayed that God would give me the strength & wisdom to carry out the visions and that my joy would remain high!<br />
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There are times when God shows you something and, later, the excitement fades. Later, you don't think you can do what He clearly showed you could be done.<br />
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I don't have time for that. My family doesn't have time for that. The Kingdom doesn't have time for that.<br />
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Stay excited. Stay focused. Stay humble. Stay driven. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep dreaming!virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-81270313089660253822016-10-18T17:39:00.000-04:002016-10-18T17:43:18.214-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhE7_GSJ_cLft99h2elSSXlcG6mkP5m1thQ8KQFL-rrX8ZmL8_j-tSR50JVKcRPjayf76V8xiPOu1CWI5W3pt85wBNa20DS9SQOQY3PD6PII0Jz9Q-lKEXP3bIwlGakjsKZYL6yvi52s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhE7_GSJ_cLft99h2elSSXlcG6mkP5m1thQ8KQFL-rrX8ZmL8_j-tSR50JVKcRPjayf76V8xiPOu1CWI5W3pt85wBNa20DS9SQOQY3PD6PII0Jz9Q-lKEXP3bIwlGakjsKZYL6yvi52s/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.23.46+PM.png" title="loving the accountability!" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to take a running break. I didn't want to, but life demanded it. Back to school brought back to structured chaos! Life seems to be getting busier as these lil people get older - and I guess that makes sense, lol. </div>
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I felt guilty not running. Like, I really felt like I was letting someone down. To erase the guilty feeling, I purposed to take a month off; a busy September would give way to a calmer October.</div>
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And here we are! October came and I ran again. It felt so great to be on the road again. My running hasn't been as consistent as I've wanted, but the drought is over. Now...consistency. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsyP3L0t3EVrbKFbOvOY_gxQrvfnhfwbOq_OqK4VFN4uyW2SyrSsDdaApRm86gq0fdbVhb8hqblIBABYFKrxYu6w0y5Ac1ezXOanpcDe7t3d7qyoitn3T9kAgG9PwfsW41S2K2wyTjXs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.24.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsyP3L0t3EVrbKFbOvOY_gxQrvfnhfwbOq_OqK4VFN4uyW2SyrSsDdaApRm86gq0fdbVhb8hqblIBABYFKrxYu6w0y5Ac1ezXOanpcDe7t3d7qyoitn3T9kAgG9PwfsW41S2K2wyTjXs/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-10-18+at+5.24.40+PM.png" title="my 1st run back" width="400" /></a></div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-4735496807065015352016-10-03T07:30:00.000-04:002016-10-03T07:30:13.615-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl-SYRowdE1i7LAXXlXk5Bw8kXWoE7VGc7YvGkrcF6R8iP1SRQWhyphenhyphenVCDlF0XEOhuQocx4ZjQI3iQXf-PGI7OH8e3WAUcibcC841xoWLZeZlSN0dRfHd6SQEkmUkZv7uy9DBLrv21k2cE/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl-SYRowdE1i7LAXXlXk5Bw8kXWoE7VGc7YvGkrcF6R8iP1SRQWhyphenhyphenVCDlF0XEOhuQocx4ZjQI3iQXf-PGI7OH8e3WAUcibcC841xoWLZeZlSN0dRfHd6SQEkmUkZv7uy9DBLrv21k2cE/s640/IMG_1644.JPG" title="thanks, lil ppl" width="640" /></a></div>
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My guess is Jaelie, the 7 year old 2nd grader. </div>
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She likes to voice her whatevers publicly on the dry erase board in the kitchen. I happened to catch this one evening and the next time I looked, it had been erased. </div>
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They did let me rest. They always do when I need it. The little people that God placed in our care are so...wonderful. Truly, they are great human beings and I thank God daily that he allowed me to be their mom. </div>
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What cracked me up, again, while looking at this later are the three dots after "feeling". Ha ha, did Jaelie really put those there on purpose? </div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-36191796454496256602016-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:002016-10-01T09:00:35.220-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1E03pMoRNI9br71w3k6zjM8lJbHEteMBnOZLDAEDndy7NOH0LuqnVsJQEGBdf3Lg4PT14SPpzwH36nZNcYlWsQVKe0arjtrSl8Va8BlxnJNGPGd2EZh0-sqe5WgDXJh-3vNEMxtNQXo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-29+at+10.09.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1E03pMoRNI9br71w3k6zjM8lJbHEteMBnOZLDAEDndy7NOH0LuqnVsJQEGBdf3Lg4PT14SPpzwH36nZNcYlWsQVKe0arjtrSl8Va8BlxnJNGPGd2EZh0-sqe5WgDXJh-3vNEMxtNQXo/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-29+at+10.09.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I was feeling this combination of AI Answer IVs - you know, the ones he was wearing when he stepped over Lue in the Finals - and my MayPac tee by <a href="http://mbbowens.com/illustration" target="_blank">BBSketch</a>. The Word of God is powerful and I think it chose my outfit this day!<br />
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I had been reading Hebrews and the 27th verse of chapter 12 stuck with me:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.</blockquote>
The verses before and after are very relevant also - the entire chapter actually - but I'll let you check those out when you can. Verse 27 specifically hit me as a call to be Unshakeable.<br />
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There is beauty in winning and in what seems and feels at the time to be a loss. We feel very victorious after a well earned win. What I'm finding is that after a well fought fight, I have the ability to still feel very victorious even when the world sees a loss. They see the small picture. My God shows me the bigger one. As my relationship with my Father deepens, I'm able to stand firmer and firmer because of the example that Jesus set.virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-67421805867816130532016-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-30T08:00:12.419-04:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">I speak with more confidence as I get older. I like that. </span>virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-52280166606357603282016-09-29T22:03:00.004-04:002016-09-29T22:13:12.922-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RXWuR_pxD6rmVoCwz_XqcqhDtWiG5lIvHqIDNbixmX5QCtjIT8yXRywf9gXVpAOKvN15OSSuR-oXklJg1NJdPLI2kxqy9Zb-aKveTkzNv_khFRKxQ8nwvhKCGtHdnu8_ko0ksyVDSgg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-29+at+9.43.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RXWuR_pxD6rmVoCwz_XqcqhDtWiG5lIvHqIDNbixmX5QCtjIT8yXRywf9gXVpAOKvN15OSSuR-oXklJg1NJdPLI2kxqy9Zb-aKveTkzNv_khFRKxQ8nwvhKCGtHdnu8_ko0ksyVDSgg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-29+at+9.43.01+PM.png" title="Hi, my name is CHILE RELLENO CON QUINOA" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found it! The restaurant where I ate this delicious meal is called <a href="http://lichascantina.com/" target="_blank">Licha's Cantina</a> in Austin. We ate outside - which is not my favorite thing to do - but it was cool. When I went into the actual restaurant, I was wow'd by the atmosphere they created. It was cozy, it was southern, it was Mexi-merican, it was lit, lol, and I found myself looking awkwardly around just trying to catch the vibe.<br />
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The mason jar touch was one of my favorites because it felt very authentic. I'd definitely visit this jewel again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahixelOxNN7jHrAz8Uka8DrZDbloZiTAJ4TedkT2m1jSCETz3-pzd9CslPP3qHotMxA93_TTBOrtAMhtAgmO0hlgun75hMYYyFmrXiYwt_wPsNmXHRXPSbl3skQIOgMLxgT3gEDnCrgM/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahixelOxNN7jHrAz8Uka8DrZDbloZiTAJ4TedkT2m1jSCETz3-pzd9CslPP3qHotMxA93_TTBOrtAMhtAgmO0hlgun75hMYYyFmrXiYwt_wPsNmXHRXPSbl3skQIOgMLxgT3gEDnCrgM/s640/IMG_1333.JPG" title="keepin' it southern" width="640" /></a></div>
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And afterward, I was instructed to go to thee best ice cream spot in town, <a href="http://amysicecreams.com/" target="_blank">Amy's</a>. Amy's did not disappoint. I had a flavor combo called "All about the Butters" (I think) which had mexican vanilla, golden oreos, butterscotch and homemade whipped cream - Oh Em Gee!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s4Q13Q-BItdwtkeAsae1JzH7cwwYYHASwiJH2TPMp4y8tE6etb1d5_T8Ct48S_pTN8fOGkAhwU26VOxv0merAa-P9REYktuaX2kOYUSOUddINHOfKC9f0TYCOYptieHRSjWXtkgm4jI/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s4Q13Q-BItdwtkeAsae1JzH7cwwYYHASwiJH2TPMp4y8tE6etb1d5_T8Ct48S_pTN8fOGkAhwU26VOxv0merAa-P9REYktuaX2kOYUSOUddINHOfKC9f0TYCOYptieHRSjWXtkgm4jI/s400/IMG_1356.JPG" title="this was so nice I had it twice - different nights, though" width="400" /></a></div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-72708943403434628092016-09-25T22:08:00.001-04:002016-09-29T22:54:25.295-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi_Y8SlxT1mzWgz9n-yFXP-gN7VMb6aCsKgZ_61ptTs1XoUfZPKwDgWeToI-MUQmFvwDYk5Diq5RFCa4hC2GXM6zyxCzE1S1NEsqu0wvSGlM9F4RDn7FIFpwheJJAS1GSmOR0aws5Rm4/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi_Y8SlxT1mzWgz9n-yFXP-gN7VMb6aCsKgZ_61ptTs1XoUfZPKwDgWeToI-MUQmFvwDYk5Diq5RFCa4hC2GXM6zyxCzE1S1NEsqu0wvSGlM9F4RDn7FIFpwheJJAS1GSmOR0aws5Rm4/s640/IMG_1487.JPG" title="Lord, help me!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Challenges are a part of life. Taking them on is like fighting in a boxing match - after each round you're so ready to go to your corner to get what you need to continue the fight. This day, I was ready to go to my corner.</div>
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All I could do was look up and cry out to my Father in heaven. I know He sees the challenges facing me. I know He hears my cry for help. I know He's directing my feet and giving me strength to take and deliver blows. Most importantly, He told me I'd win the fight so I can confidently keep fighting no matter how defeated I feel. </div>
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While in my corner, I got some much needed hugs, sleep (so necessary) and encouragement from my Father to keep trusting Him and keep fighting the good fight! And then the bell rang...it's go time.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3</blockquote>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-91358800345160343632016-09-21T12:35:00.002-04:002016-09-29T22:53:02.199-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViIeTQ-Eda2_6Km4WQZC9gqwnwlh6mq6hIis7h2LnBrFN6w9ofn44rnwCAHLTC8pCyJzKQMSpV08xbSj3_6qcQLAgf7iQlKowo9OY04v_ghEQBzEL_0uemKQapXK5aDSOC6e5CrUwjQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-21+at+11.32.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViIeTQ-Eda2_6Km4WQZC9gqwnwlh6mq6hIis7h2LnBrFN6w9ofn44rnwCAHLTC8pCyJzKQMSpV08xbSj3_6qcQLAgf7iQlKowo9OY04v_ghEQBzEL_0uemKQapXK5aDSOC6e5CrUwjQw/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-21+at+11.32.19+AM.png" title="Manny!" width="635" /></a></div>
This past weekend was one of the busiest of the year! Logistically, Sunday was a challenge and I am thankful for grandparents' - our parents - willingness and excitement to help. While my Sweet💙 and I were at an arts festival, selling his amazing artwork and meeting people, the youngest lil people had soccer games. Actually 3 lil people had games that day, but thankfully the oldest can get around himself.<br />
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While working at the festival, I started to receive game texts from my mom. Btw, my mom is one of the greatest fans I know - if she's a fan of you or the team, she's the biggest. Soccer is important to Manny and his team lost their first game so I knew he was taking this game seriously. Well...the text above says it all. This is how it ended:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA_iTn8LzpRr8VOhjd7JkkvAMKSNKD48LNsn8-6qbHW-Ce6bPitCUq5wllTFF1PY1LReRrmDYY77ThGPq7Yr-GpHu5GdbV1aucqZFNnm8Gs0lCcV-c9xZyHNSgX1qUa2YaXRMJJJT7WA/s1600/IMG_1533.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA_iTn8LzpRr8VOhjd7JkkvAMKSNKD48LNsn8-6qbHW-Ce6bPitCUq5wllTFF1PY1LReRrmDYY77ThGPq7Yr-GpHu5GdbV1aucqZFNnm8Gs0lCcV-c9xZyHNSgX1qUa2YaXRMJJJT7WA/s640/IMG_1533.PNG" title="that's my homie" width="360" /></a></div>
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Ha ha, that third goal must've really been nice since my mom sent that text twice! I was so happy for Manny; I wish that I could've been there. Since this isn't the first time this has happened, I'm sure it won't be the last.</div>
virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6812943970727308260.post-35646984272427891612016-09-16T07:30:00.000-04:002016-09-16T07:30:09.977-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOi3ZaGVaTLB8pQxr6xwRt_AnvFoCbgPABWqr1eDRAbWWgQq2PTSTwKcS-8fTR1zMAJXpqysbK1WdVONyZY-qpeTXXmSmRqwYBKHy8gMWoEF1eKFXaGYMTU7seAWZ-kL6LBgKNeOq9ro/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-14+at+5.05.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOi3ZaGVaTLB8pQxr6xwRt_AnvFoCbgPABWqr1eDRAbWWgQq2PTSTwKcS-8fTR1zMAJXpqysbK1WdVONyZY-qpeTXXmSmRqwYBKHy8gMWoEF1eKFXaGYMTU7seAWZ-kL6LBgKNeOq9ro/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-09-14+at+5.05.48+PM.png" title="⚽️ heads" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(continued from <a href="http://instagram.com/toyathevirtuous" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, @toyathevirtuous)</span><br />
So, like I was saying, it has now been about 3 weeks since my last run. It's frustrating and freeing at the same time. I beat myself up for not getting out there and taking advantage of beautiful running days, BUT I've been able to accomplish so many things that need to and <i>have</i> needed to get done. These days, sleeping and running compete for my precious time. Two handsome choices are courting me and...it's complicated.<br />
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I'm in a place where I refuse to lose my peace and my joy. This means I had to find a way to make not running "ok" in my brain during this busy back to school, everyone is playing soccer and I chose to be an assistant coach, the oldest lil person is playing two sports at once and wants to apply to a really nice boys only high school, work gets crazy at this time of year and crazier as the year comes to an end and there is just always a ton of things to do time. Ha ha...'tis the season and soon this season will be over - meaning the lil ppl will be grown and all this running around will cease.<br />
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Time does not come back. Yes, I love running and Yes, it's ok to take time for myself to run and stay healthy. Priorities have to be set. God gave me such a gift in the family that I have - from my Sweetheart to these beautiful arrows he gave us to fill our quiver. If taking a month off from running means creating memories and pouring into lives that will one day impact our world and the Kingdom, it's more than worth it. The ROI is priceless.virtuous journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07424738568093599676noreply@blogger.com