Today barriers were broken...  Today I spent a good part of the afternoon with a very special person.  She has no idea what happened today or what she even did to have such an impact on my life.  This person I don't even know that well, but I have a huge desire to know her more... to tell her that today, she showed the compassion, the attitude and the friendship of Christ.  How did she help... what did she do?

My whole childhood I was told by people who loved me I would never be an athlete.  I needed to play low impact sports, sports that didn't require speed, sports that didn't pertain to running.  I know why they told me this.... they did this to protect me.  They did it out of love...they didn't want me to be disappointed with the "results."

I spent most of my elementary school gym class hearing the sounds of laughter as I ran during those so common relay races, being picked last for the kickball team and even then with complaints, and I how can I forget all of the duck sounds... My feet turned out when I ran...so of course a duck sound would only be appropriate for middle school behavior.  Then "My Girl" became the most watched movie of my school class.  Guess who ran like Veda Sultenfuss?  I know that life as an elementary or middle school student is tough, but the words, the laughter and the insults played a huge part in my athletic ability as a highschooler and even as an adult.

I have spent most of my life avoiding the action of running... choosing the treadmill that backed up to a wall as opposed to a mirror or window, waiting until the track was empty, being afraid to run after my child and of course the dread that lay over me when thinking about being a mother of a hopefully a one day athletic child.  My biggest fear... one that she would run like me or two, she would laugh at her mother for the way that she was.  Both of these brought nauseousness to my stomach.  When I should have been praying for my daughters soul mate or her future career, I would often pray for her athletic ability. I know that every child will have things that they succeed at and things that they need to work on...that is how we become who we are.  And don't get me wrong, I have sooooo much to be thankful for.  But I am writing this to let you know that your past doesn't determine your future.  You can let those years of dread, embarrassment and even those words that "stung" go and move on and do the things you so desperately desire to do...

Which leads me to today...  My God sent friend, knowing that my New Years Resolution was to start running, called me in efforts to help.  Knowing that she too was a new runner that had just worked her way up to a half marathon... she wanted to share her tips, her advice and encouragement.  She had no idea that she was going to break barriers in my life and free me of something that had so much weight on me that it was stopping me from doing something I wanted to do.

Today, I ran with someone else besides my husband.  Today, I didn't worry about what I looked like, how fast or not fast I was going or what she thought of me.  She didn't care... her goal was not to judge me, but to bring encouragement to me.  I am no longer afraid to run... to hopefully teach my beautiful daughters that sometimes life throws hard balls at us, but we should never let it discourage us from doing the desires of our heart.  Isn't that how Christ is?  He is not with us to judge us, but to encourage us, to lift us up and to carry us.  Isn't this how we should be as believers... to run for the goal. not allowing our past, or falls, our troubles to define our future as God Believing disciples being called to do His will?

I am thankful for today.  Thank you to my God sent friend.  Thank you that we are redeemed from our past through Christ.  Thank you that even though I may not feel like a runner or even look like one, that I am no longer afraid to call myself a runner, Because I am.   

Due to all the snow days that we've had in the Carolinas... New Perth Preschool celebrated Christmas in January!  The program was titled, "A Bunch of Gifts" ... teaching that Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift, not just at Christmas, but everyday.  The stage was filled with BUNCHES of PERFECT GIFTS... toddlers and kids dressed to impress in their Christmas attire and ready to sing their little hearts out! 

I am a little bias...but I think my EJ is ready for Broadway!  We were so proud of her and are very excited to watch her grow up as a strong woman of God. My lovely husband could stand to use a little practice on the handheld video... bless his heart, he just gets sooo excited!  I hope you enjoy...

They all did a fabulous job praising Jesus, dancing and of course bringing a room full of smiles and laughter to everyone in the sanctuary. 

Remember the Walkman?  You know... the first portable tape player that had the big headphones (yes, they were called headphones because they were the same size as your head).

Well, I didn't bring out the Walkman, but I did dust off the MP3 player this morning in hopes that it would motivate me for my workout on the elliptical. 

My MP3 player may be more advanced than the ancient Walkman, but the music was definitely "Old School'...  It has been years since I had used it, so the song choices were selections that aren't played on my now 24/7 choice of K-Love Christian Music.  I have to say, the lyrics may not have been the best, but it sure did "light a fire" in my workout mode... 

Who can't work up a sweat when Ice, Ice Baby, Hammer Time and Sir Mix Alot (you know the song) are being blasted in your ear?!?!  Some old school country and of course some much needed, Dirty Dancing soundtracks were also nice!

Needless to say... my workout was LONG, but went by super fast!  However, I may have to do some song editing and add some more encouraging music, but I think is is safe to say that I will be keeping some of my Old Favorites...

Yesterday marked my husband's 31st Birthday, which I like to refer to as his "9 years from 40" birthday (no insults intended for anyone older, I just love giving him a hard time each year). 

This was the most time that we had ever spent together on his birthday out of any other year...  That's because we were awake when the clock turned 12:01am.  Except there was no celebration or even birthday wishes at this point, due to the screaming, sick child that we had been up with since 8pm.  At 5am, we decided to take action and that we needed to take Miss Lela in to see the doctor.  So not having insurance, we decided to go to the ER.  After a diagnosis, some meds. and gracious staff that quickened our trip we were on the way home and Lela was asleep for the first time in over 12 hours.  She slept the whole way home and continued her much needed nap into the late morning.


So, Wade's birthday wasn't off to the best start... but it soon turned into a wonderful day!  With a baby that woke up much better and quite the appetite, our morning was soon delighted with a letter in the mailbox stating that the girls had just been approved for INSURANCE!  Praise the Lord... it couldn't have come at a better time.  So now, we were able to buy the much needed nebulizer and other needed equipment to help our baby girl stay well.

ahhhhhh... sound of RELIEF!


What started out being a not so good day, turned into a wonderful family day, good lunch, a short nap, and did I mention that I got a job?  That's right... a job!! I wasn't even looking.  A former colleague called me and asked if I would be interested in working as a Reading Tutor at my previous school for 3 hours/day, 3 days/week.  Of course!!!  It is perfect for our family during this season of our life and they even are okay with the fact that we may be moving in the upcoming months.  Wade and my dad are going to rotate keeping the girls and I will be home just in time for lunch everyday.  Plus, I love to teach READING!  God is so good, so creative and so ON-TIME...

Did I mention that my dad has NEVER changed a diaper??!!??!!

The day ended so much better than it started...  I was making the bed yesterday afternoon (we took naps, remember?) and I found myself pondering why does God allow you to go through hardships?  Why does it seem to "POUR" down at once...  and then after many prayers, time, and sometimes frustration, when you LEAST expect it suddenly changes...for the good?  As I finished making the bed, I found rest in what my mind concluded...  If we didn't have hardships in this world...would we really need God?  Would we ever call upon a higher power?  Would we praise Him?  Probably not.  So although HE is not the creator of hardships, he allows things to happen and it is up to us to "Call on Him" and then give Him the Glory, when things SUDDENLY change.

So, HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY... yesterday, to my dear husband.  I wish you many, many more and know that life is much sweeter because I have you all to myself.

Just in case you didn't get enough pictures... here is some bath time fun!

My NEW favorite thing... Truth Cards!  As a stay at home mom, I try my best to use a portion of the day playing, teaching and equipping my girls for the upcoming years of school.  One of the most common ways to teach young children is the use of flash cards...  Which is why I absolutely love this concept!  Why not teach the "TRUTH" while also teaching words, sounds, comprehension and symbolism. 

I stumbled upon this treasure when my good friend, Ashley Moore, gave these to us for a Christmas gift.  My girls absolutely love them and so does mommy.  From the words of the creator, Jenna Surratt

I have had some questions about why I chose 21 days to fast from the social network, Facebook and what was the relevance to 21 days...  I honestly chose the number because that is was the number Life Community Church in Wilmington had suggested and I knew that other churches also participated in a 21 day fast this time of year. 

So not much thought was put into why I chose 21 days to fast until these questions/comments arose from my readers.  So I decided to look it up...

It is based on Daniel 10: 2-3.  I had heard of the Daniel Fast, but was only familiar with the types of food it entailed and not the time frame or time of year it was often practiced.  Here is a BLOG that has some really great ideas and more information about the Daniel Fast if this is something you are interested in doing for you and your family.

I will say, 2 days without Facebook has taught me so much already... Can't wait to blog about it!!!

This New Year is off to a great start so far for the Nagy Family.  If you read our New Year's Resolutions, then you are familiar with some of the things that have been going on in our life the past two weeks.  I wanted to write an update to encourage you in your New Year, New YOU Resolutions and remind you that if you've "dropped the ball" on doing what you've set out to do, then it is not too late... Just DO IT!

#1- Get Healthy.  I am proud to say that I have ran/walked everyday, except for 2 resting days.  I feel better, I have more energy and my confidence has already improved.  Although, my running is no where near where I want it it to be, which you can read about in my past blog, I am improving everyday.

#3- JOB.  Wade had an interview with the Durham City Fire Department last week.  He said that it went well and that he is hopeful about the position.  He also received a letter from Samaritan's Purse saying that he was a Potential Candidate for a Construction position that he applied for a few months back.  The position he applied for was the Construction Manger who would oversee the renovation and construction of the African Bible College in Liberia, Africa.  Yes.. you read correctly.  Wade and I ask for you to pray for us on this matter and agree that God's Perfect Will, will be done. We are open to the possibility of both jobs and know that wherever the Lord puts us, it is to serve and help others in need.

As for the rest of my resolutions...

Wade and I went to church this past Sunday in Wilmington and I brought home some valuable lessons that I believe the Lord was trying to teach me.  The preacher said that the Enemy will sometimes use "business" in our lives to distract us from what really matters.  Like the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10: 38-42)...  Martha thought she was doing what Jesus would have her do by all of the preparations she was making for Him, but really what she needed to do was spend time with Him.

How many times have we thought to be doing the right thing, when really we need to "be STILL and know that he is God?"

The preacher spoke about creating "margins" in our life, so that we can live a more stress free life.  Creating time so that we can do the things that really matter in life.

Therefore... In order to focus on my resolutions that I am lacking in, such as digging deeper in His Word and reading more, I am going to create some bigger margins in my life.  I am going to FAST for 21 days from something I love to do, something that adds some fun to my day, but also something that takes up too much time and without it would allow me to have more "Margin"...

I am going to fast from Facebook for 21 days. 

With that being said, I will touch base with you in a few weeks and hopefully I will be able to tell you what I have been able to accomplish or even learn by doing so.  Please pray that God will speak to me during these "open margins" and continue to show us His Will for our family.

What are some of the things you can delete from your life to create some margins? I challenge you to ask God and see what he has for you...

After relentless hours of patience and trying everything to get the idea across to a two year old toddler... Emma Jane finally peed in the potty!!!

So for those that our in the "potty training" phase of parenting you may want some expert advise, tips or even some inspirational stories of how to become a successful potty trainer...  well you have come to the right blog, because I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA! 

That's right... no idea.  I have tried every tactic in the book, sat in the bathroom floor, overindulged her with endless amount of water, rewarded her with candy and stickers, bought her favorite Dora panties and even tried straight up discipline...  but it wasn't until she got lucky that it happened. 

She was sitting on the potty playing her computer game when... "UH OH, Daddy!" happened.  Yes, I said daddy.  Because that is the way it works... Mommy spends all the time preparing and daddy is the one that gets to experience the outcome... ha!  I ran into the bathroom during all of the commotion, but she had finished.  A little scared of what had just happened, I immediately praised her, clapped my hands and almost peed myself from all of the excitement!  Even though I missed the main event, at least I got to experience the after party and the excitement of getting her M&M's and Reese Cup!   Regardless... the joy of having her finally peepee in the potty for the first time was priceless. 

Now, let's just hope that we can do this everyday!

Wanted to share some pics from our beach trip this past weekend.  Lela is not in any of them... she was warm and snug in her crib at Mamaw and Papaw Nagy's house.  Emma Jane was very excited to go on a seashell hunt...

A new day, a new year... I woke up this morning feeling, well the same that I always do... except one factor.  I had made a commitment yesterday in my resolutions to get healthy and with that came some action.  Already dreading the idea, I dressed and got myself mentally prepared to venture outside for a morning run.

Just so you know... I haven't REALLY worked out since college.  With that being said, I was mentally prepared for this run, but as for physical... well, it was just ugly. 

I started off pretty good.  The cool, brisk air, clearing my thoughts, the quietness of being away from the kids... soon turned into coughing, knees aching and the feeling that my lungs were going to pop out of my chest.  Not to mention the wobbly legs that kept tripping where the road meets the grass.  Yes... I know, UGLY!

I finally made it home.  I have to say I was very happy to have my husband and oldest daughter cheering me on when I walked in the door. 

So why am I writing this blog as I sit here exhausted and still coughing?

Because...  If you are waking up this morning regretting your last night resolutions or feeling like you can't do them....  I am here to tell you that you CAN.  It may be hard, it may just be down right ugly, but you CAN do it.

I did...