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all mine.

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Sometimes when I see a picture of all three of them by my side it’s hard to believe they are mine. And they aren’t babies anymore. It truly happened in a blink of an eye. They are their own people with unique personalities, likes and dislikes and quirks about them. And they belong to me!

How did this happen?!

It’s a joy and gift and long hours and a hot mess at times all rolled into one. What a privilege it is to guide these little people of mine in some sort of direction that points to the One who gave them to me.

I am humbled each day by the task at hand. I cling to my “mom verse” with each morning I start.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

What keeps you going in your parenting journey…besides lots of coffee?

God-sized Dream…What are you waiting for?

 

Here we are on Tuesday, dreaming again. Are you dreaming with me? I sure hope so. I don’t want to be dreaming alone here people! I’m linking up with my fellow God-sized dreamers about what is the one thing we have been putting off doing with our dream. Well I just don’t have ONE, I have MANY things I have been putting off. Oh how the fears and doubts can take over and keep me paralyzed from making a move.

BUT… I was reminded of this truth last week

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

 

And with that being said one thing I want to do is make a list of friends, acquaintances whoever comes to mind that might be interested in a local running group. I just need to get that list made and then I’ll draft the email and then eventually send it out to potential runners but I need to start somewhere, right?

So there it is, my goal for the week in taking a step of faith towards my dream. I am counting on the fact that I am weak, I will mess up and I will fail in some way or another but HIS grace is sufficient for me and all my mess.

And moving forward is surely better than standing still. 

God sized dream team

 

5 on friday.

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So you may or may not have heard about this crazy phenomenon going on around YouTube called the Harlem Shake. A couple of college student made a random 30 second video of one person dancing with others in the room but paying no attention to the dancing then the video cuts and everyone is wildly dancing with crazy costumes and props. There is no purpose to it whatsoever other than it is FUN.

Well the our family made one and it was awesome! Here are five reasons why I think you should do the same with your family.

1. It’s fun! It’s good to show our kids that we as adults can be silly, crazy and fun. Those are all good qualities to have and ones we want to show our kids.

2. It’s creative! We loved seeing the kids come up with ideas of how the wanted to dress and dance. They all had their own style.

3. Teamwork! It’s good to learn to work together as a team when you are family.

4. Be spontaneous! All too often I get caught up in our schedule and what we should be doing when. This little deal was not planned but merely discussed over our Valentines dinner and then we just decided to do it. Right. Then.

5. Why not?!? Do something that has no purpose but that will be a great memory maker for your family.

What are you waiting for? Go make your own Harlem Shake video and please link it up here in the comments. Have fun and make memories!

And without further ado….The Harlem Shake Barela style!

happy valentines day.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day friends! Hoping your day is full of the little things that mean the most like hugs from little arms, handmade cards with scribbles and misspelled words, slobbery and maybe snotty kisses, a smile from a friend, a tight hug from those you love, a simple note that says you are loved and appreciated. It’s the little things that matter the most. Enjoy your day and know that you are infinitely loved by the One who knows you best.

(in)courage! It’s time to get your sweat on!

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Are you looking for a place to join other women and pursue a healthy lifestyle within an encouraging, motivating community? Are you ready to get your sweat on? Well then read on….

maryprofile 1:22:13

 

 

 

 

 

I am partnering with Mary Bonner to lead the Fitness/Healthy Living (in)couragers community group!!  I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful online community! If you are not familiar with (in)courage community groups you can read all about them here.

First, let me tell you a little about me. I’ve been married for 11 years and we have 3 kids. Our son is 7 and we have twin girls who are 5. I have my Masters in exercise physiology so this is something I am passionate about. Like everyone else my life is full of taking care of my family and all the things that come along with that. But I have always felt it is necessary and important for me to carve out a little “me” time.  Exercising is just that- “me” time. It is my stress reliever and the one time during the day when I can just focus on myself. I found that not only do I benefit physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. I am a better wife and mom because of exercising.

My main thing is running. I have done 7-8 1/2 marathons and 3 full marathons. There are many mornings I throw on my running shoes and head out the back door before my eyes are barely open. I also do a strength and conditioning  2x week.  And if I am getting real crazy I will do a swim workout or a spin class. I love challenging myself, setting goals and working hard to accomplish them. I am excited to help others do the same!  I am so looking forward to this group and not only encouraging the members, but being open to what the Lord wants to say to all of us about our lifestyle and how we honor the temple of our body.

Our mission for this group is… 

to encourage and empower women to work toward a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting some activity.

As a group we will recognize that we are all at different places on our healthy lifestyle journey.

As your leaders we will:

  • do our best to encourage, motivate and give you knowledge, tips and help when we can.  But you are ultimately responsible for doing the work to see results.
  • facilitate conversations within the group but we want everyone to be actively involved in mutually encouraging and helping fellow members. You will only get out of the group as much as you put into the group.

Mary and I will be hosting a private Facebook group.  We will be posting an article, a question…something to encourage all of us and make us think about our healthy living journey.  And remember – healthy living is a JOURNEY, not a DESTINATION.

If you are interested in this group, e-mail me at aubsbarela@gmail.com or Mary at mbonner1021@yahoo.com. Please put (in)courage group in the subject line. Or click here and go right to the facebook group we have created. Or the find a friend at incourage.me

We are so excited to meet you!

Lessons from a seven year old.

End of the game didn't go so well. Broken wrist. Such a tough guy.

We had a first this weekend. A trip to the ER with Mason. Honestly, I can’t believe we made it seven years! He’s quite the hustler on the basketball court and this time going up to block a shot resulted in a broken wrist. Ugh. It was one of those moments as mom you just know by the cry that this time it’s something more. My usual “It’s ok, get up! You’re ok!” was not going to cut it this time.

As we drove to ER and I sat in the backseat helping him hold his wrist and trying to console him he managed to share some profound words between his cries of pain.

He said, “Mom, God knew this was going to happen today. So it must be ok.”

Hello, childlike faith.

I know this. I do. In my heart of hearts I believe in God’s sovereignty, in His perfect timing, in His infinite wisdom.
But there are times when the plan gets a little unclear, when the time of waiting for answers is stretched way beyond what I think I can endure, when I am pushed to the edge a little more closely than I prefer.

And the doubt creeps in ever slowly.

But why? He has proven Himself time and time again. He is never surprised or caught off guard like we may feel at times. He remains in control. We just have to let Him be and follow.

And believe like Mason so clearly said this weekend.
“He knows, so it must be ok.”

So how about you? Are you believing in Him that it will be ok?

 

5 on friday…kind of.

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Happy Friday friends!

1. We got a fun friday going over here. We are celebrating my husband Brian’s birthday today! Woo hoo, 35! Yes, I am the older (and wiser, hehe) of the two of us!

2. My parents came to visit for the weekend. Always fun to have Grandma and Pa here for the kids, not to mention the free babysitting that is about the happen tonight. Date night. Boom.

3. It’s also time to announce the winners of my first ever giveaway for Praying God’s Word for Your Husband

Here we go!

The winner are:
Comment # 8 Jennifer from thesimplepen 
Comment # 14 Sheila from deliberatereader
*** I’ll be contacting you soon to get your info!!!

4. Thank you to those who commented on this week. I wish I could give you all books! You all made me feel so loved!

5. And last here are a couple pics of my kiddos because I just love that much and want to show them off. They are the cutest and the greatest gifts!
These girls... #loveit

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Have a great weekend!