Goodbye, Adios, Ciao, Au Revoir, Sayonara

I cannot believe it is the last day of 2015.  I think it is true that the older you get the faster time goes! 2015 has been a good, but challenging year for me.

Yesterday was a really good day!  I got to spend some awesome time with my family.  We did some shopping together and I spent some of my birthday and Christmas money and bought myself some Beats headphones!!! I also got myself an iPad case I needed! We also had lunch out at our favorite BBQ place

Then last night I had bible study with my favorite group of ladies (we call ourselves the Joy Club). In my 39 years, I have never felt like I fit in with a group of women like I do with these ladies. We are different ages and in all different stages of life.  And each one of them are like my sister.  I feel like every single thing I have ever tried to get over my anxiety; medicine, therapy, etc has never worked.  But meeting with this group of ladies each week and being able to open up and know that I will still be loved no matter what has been the best thing for me.  I encourage all of you to find a group of friends that will unconditionally love you for YOU!!!  True friends are hard to find, so when you do don't let go.  And last night, they surprised me with a delicious hot fudge cake and ice cream and lovely gifts for my birthday! I felt so special and so blessed!

We took down all of our Christmas decorations today! I was so sad! I love having up all of the lights and decorations. I seriously considered leaving my tree up all year and decorating it for all the holidays, but we took it down! Now my living room looks bare :(  

Our big party plans for tonight? We are staying home!! We are going to watch a movie and play board games with the kids!  If you are going out tonight, please be safe!

So what are my "resolutions" or "goals" for 2016?

I really don't know, but here are a few graphics I have saved the past few days that spoke to me, so I thought I would share them.  I just want to be happy and I just want to be me!

Today's Bible Verse:

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 NLT

Sending you love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Why Me Wednesday?

Today has been an awesome day! And I will share more about it with you tomorrow!! HAHA, I will make you wait!

But for now, I want to share something else with you. This morning I was looking back at my Facebook memories and I came across a note that I wrote 5 years ago on this day. As I read through it I was brought back to some things that I am still going through and the things I was thinking during those times that I needed to be reminded of today. So I thought I would share it here:

Why Me, God?

Have you ever asked God, “Why Me?” I know I have more times than I can count. I wonder why on several things such as:

• Why did I have to watch my husband die when he was only 29?
• Why did I lose half of my eyesight when I was only 30?
• Why do I struggle with this pseudo tumor every single day?

I think it is natural to question the events that happen to us sometimes. We wonder why God allows bad things to happen to good people. I have really been struggling lately with my health and I wonder why God does not just take the problems away from me. However, when I was in the shower this morning as I was asking myself a long list of why questions, God answered me with scriptures I had memorized.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28 (NIV) – The word that sticks out to me here is ALL. He works ALL things, not just the good, but the bad as well. Everything we go through is for good even when we cannot see it at the time. I hold onto the promise that one day my why questions will be answered and I will understand, but if not I hold onto God’s promise.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) – Wow, my troubles sure do not always feel light and momentary, but when I think about what awaits me in the end it feels worth it. Each time I remember this verse, I think of Christ and his suffering on the cross. He took all of that punishment for me and for you because He knew what it would achieve. That gives me a hope that my life here is achieving something more.

Do these scriptures answer my why questions? No, but they give me hope and remind me of God’s promises. The Bible promises “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV). God’s peace will provide enough for me even if I do not receive the answers to my questions.

Do not feel bad about questioning God, but be open to the fact that you may not receive the answer you are looking for, but an answer that guides us to God’s promise of eternal life that will far exceed any answer we could receive here on earth.

“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.” ~Mother Teresa

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Reflections:

I am in no way a writer. I am not poetic or literary in any way shape or form. However, if my troubles and struggles can help someone else, then they are worth sharing. Maybe, just maybe, God gives us troubles so we can continue to let his joy shine through us so others can continue to have hope. Let your light continue to shine (even when it is hard and does not feel worth it). You never know who can take comfort from knowing that you have overcome your problems and that there is hope that they can too.

In Christ,
Kari Goodman

I hope my rambling thoughts can help someone reading these words today!

Verse for the day:

Sending you love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,
Kari

A Boring, But Productive Day

I am tired day, proof is in my picture today.  I am not sure why, but I have just not been sleeping well and it is catching up with me.

Today was pretty boring, but I spent the day catching up on my housework.  I had not really done much since all my family left after Christmas and some TLC was needed here today!

I am also excited to report that I signed back up for the new Weight Watchers program today! I am planning on using the next few days learning the ins and outs of the new program and starting in on Monday, January 4.  As of now, I am planning on doing the program online, since I am not able to drive to meetings.  I am ready to get back to some accountability! I have also slacked with my Plexus products and some of my oils and Young Living products I was using every day.  I am planning on starting a new routine to incorporate all of those as well!  

And tonight we ordered pizza and rented movies!!! A nice relaxing evening at home!

Today's Bible Verse:
Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!

Psalm 99:3 NLT

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Year 39!

I know it has been ages (well really like almost 2 months) since I have last blogged, but I have needed the break.  I have enjoyed not having the pressure of always coming up with what to write and how many people will read and will it be any good and blah, blah, blah.  Well today is my birthday and I am turning 39.  My last year before I turn the dreaded 40, which honestly does not really bother me at all.   So I have decided that this year I am going to blog my year! I am just going to journal my year.  I am going to write for me and take the pressure off of who else reads and if no one else likes it then OH WELL!  

Today is also my 8 year anniversary with my handsome hubby Cliff.  He never gets the excuse to forget my birthday or my anniversary!!!

Today started off with a trip to the chiropractor for my adjustment and then off to Starbucks for my free birthday drink.  And of course, I got a Venti because, well DUH it was FREE!

Then it was up to Bloomington where we went to the Half Price bookstore and then to my consult at the IU Health Spine Center.  I was very impressed there and left feeling positive that I may be able to get some non-pharmaceutical treatment to help my back pain!

Then we went to Olive Garden for my birthday/anniversary dinner. I ate light with just soup and salad so I could enjoy splitting this tasty black tie mousse cake with my hubby!

Then we headed to the theater to see the new Star Wars movie.  It was really good!!!  And now we are home sweet home and I got to give Cash his new squeaky toy I bought for him at PetSmart today! He is in heaven and the boys are loving it while they try to watch the Pacers game! Lol!

I had a very good day! I am so excited to see what year 39 brings to my life! 

Today's Bible Verse:
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!"
Psalm 40:16 NLT

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari