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What are you fighting for?

Published by Aubrey

On Wednesday mornings I go to a 5:30 am spin class. It kicks my butt and I love it. It is a fight all the way. But I do it.

It’s a fight to get up in the morning, especially if I didn’t get to bed at a decent time or I was up with the kids for whatever reason. It’s fight to get a bike. It is a popular class and a limited amount of bikes. I have to get there a good 20 min early to get on a bike. That’s a good chunk of time when we are talkin the wee hours of the morning. I know, craziness. The instructor pushes us from the moment we start riding until the big hand finally reaches the 6:20 mark. He says “Just because you added resistance doesn’t mean you slow down your pace. You keep moving.” That was good enough for me this morning when I was on my bike to keep me going but I got to thinking (while I my lungs were burning and my legs felt like noodles) “Do I do the same thing in my relationship with Jesus?” Do I fight just as much to keep my relationship going with Him? When life gets hard or busy or I just don’t feel like it. Do I fight to be close to Him, surrendering all to Him? I would like to say yes! of course! But I don’t. The honest truth is sometimes I fight harder to get a good work out in than I do in my relationship with Jesus. I instantly see the results of my physical workout. I’m sweating, it gives me energy, the endorphins are flowing and I’m feeling pretty good when I leave the gym. But I don’t always “see” the results of spending time with God. I don’t always “feel” better when I give my all to Him and surrender my day. Sometimes it is really hard to surrender all, to put Him first, to fight through the resistance. And so I let it slide at times. The effects quickly show up in my attitude, my choices, my motivations, my thought life. Not pretty.

Reality: I just don’t fight for complete obedience like I do to get a good bike in my spin class. Ugh. That’s some honesty for you.

I don’t want that to be true. I want Him to be what I fight for most. Because He is worth more than anything I can feel or see. He fought for me. He gave His life for me. He gives more than I ask for, He loves, He is eternal.

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy! Psalm 4:6-7

And so I ask, “What are you fighting for most each day?”

that’s what they said.

Published by Aubrey

Almost everyday one of the kids will say something that cracks me up. I’m sure they do not intend on being so funny but it sure does make their mama laugh. And each time I tell myself “Don’t forget that. Write that one down.” And you know. I don’t. And I forget it, within .2 seconds.

But…

Last week I was intentional about writing down their funny, little comments. For me to remember and to keep laughing and to now share with you.

Mason- After talking about bears hibernating “So where do they keep their food? In their bottoms, their belly, their legs?”

Theia- After reading a Star Wars book that says R2D2 knows every language she asks if he knows Amish.

Kaia- Out of nowhere she asks me “Do you like sitting in chairs?” I answer with a simple “yes” and off she goes.

Theia- “Even though Daddy sometimes spanks me I still love him infinity.”

Kaia- “I’m hungry. I’m hungry. This is the time I get hungry: 97 38 4 miles.” Do you know that time? Yeah, me either but apparently that’s when Kaia gets hungry.

Kaia- After we told her she cannot blow bubbles in car she said ” But we can’t do it outside. It’s so cold out. Winter will burst our bubbles!”

Mason- After praying at bedtime I told him I’m thankful for him he replied “Me too. I am thankful for me too.”

Oh I love my kidders!

Happy Monday!

5 on friday.

Published by Aubrey

1. On Monday, MLK day Mason’s school rented out the ice rink for all families to go skating. It was a first for the Barela family. Although my back is still seizing up (gosh, I feel old!) we had a great time. I think Miss Theia might have some hidden ice skating talent. By the end she was skating on her own and can’t wait to go back. Kaia on the other hand, not so much which is mainly the reason my back is hurting so much. We basically held her up the entire time. Mason looked like such big boy “skating” around the rink with his 3 little buds from school. Ahhhh! Hold back the tears. We laughed a lot, fell some and really enjoyed our time together!

2. Have you watched America’s Funniest Videos as a family? It’s our family fave to watch most nights before bed. It’s mindless TV that everyone enjoys and has us all laughing before bed. It makes those last dreadful minutes before bedtime go that much quicker. It’s a good way to end the night.

I got some new running shoes. Nike Lunar Swift 3. I haven’t ran in Nikes for a long time but was wanting to try something new. I have a lot of miles to log in with the start of my marathon training. New shoes are a good way to get motivated. Let the fun begin!

New artwork we have hanging up with our verse of the month. I have 3 of these hanging up. Look at those little feetsies! Love.

A picture of the latest creations being made. Mason did a work of symmetry (his new word that he uses very well) on his battleship board and a little lego house built by the girls for Ni Hao Kai Lan. I love that are kids like to create, build and think outside of the box. Some of the most peaceful times in our home is when the music is on in the background and everyone is quietly building. Yes, I cherish these moments.

Have a great weekend!

All in the name of love.

Published by Aubrey

Have you ever met someone that just click with? From the moment you meet you just kinda get the feeling that your going to be good friends for the long haul? It’s a good feeling, isn’t it? Yes, one of the best blessings from God I think. Especially for a girl transplanted from California to Indiana not knowing anyone. I had that “feeling” when I met my friend Jenni not even a year ago. She was one of the very first people I met when we moved to Indy. Our husbands met through Twitter (isn’t that cute?) and she quickly became more than an acquaintance, but my first true friend in Indy. We share many similarities: mommies of twins, runners, love to bake and craft and most importantly a love for Jesus and our families. Jenni is one of the most passionate people I know and I love that about her. This passion of hers is leading her and her husband to South Africa this Spring to care for children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Jenni and Andy wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary in a memorable, meaningful way and this is how they are doing it. Pretty cool, huh? To help fund their trip Jenni is selling up-cycled tshirt scarves. Read more about their story here and how you can help them. I am so excited for Jenni and thankful I get to be a small part in this amazing opportunity!

C’mon you know want to be sporting a super cute tshirt scarf. Confession: I wear one like everyday. It just makes you feel little cuter and that you have some style even when you haven’t showered. In fact I’m wearing one now with my comfy pants. So go right now and buy a scarf or two or more. They would be great gifts for any reason or occasion with a special meaning behind it. All in the name of love.

Run2Him.

Published by Aubrey

This week I’ve started a new bible study along with my “get up and get some time with God before the little people wake up” group. For the next 13 weeks I will be diving into the Psalms. A new one each week. I’m liking this. It will balance me out as I make my way through the early part of the OT. Still keeping on track for my goal in reading through the bible in a year. Sure it’s only the third week in January but this is where I usually start to sputter out. I’m not gonna lie, I don’t get everything I am reading in Exodus and sure the details of family lines and plagues of flies and gnats don’t apply to my everyday life. But I know that God will use my time in His word for His glory. It’s not going to waste. His Word fills me up, it pushes me through.

I am reminded of this truth this week in Run2Him. We are looking at Psalm 1. It talks about delighting in the word, meditating on it day and night. If so, we are strong, fruitful and do not wither. We prosper and He blesses us!

Good stuff friends. Good stuff!

5 on Friday.

Published by Aubrey

Haven’t done this for awhile…thinking about bringing it back. Thoughts?

1. Tonight we had a much needed night in as a family. My non attractive, all grey, super comfy outfit came on about 5pm and I was a happy girl. Gotta love nights in.

2. Tomorrow night I’m surprising the fam with homemade banana pudding. Pinned it on pinterest a while back and it’s been calling my name. Can Not.Wait.

3. Our mild winter finally broke (at least for a few days) and we saw snow and temps in the 20s for like the 3rd time this winter. Crazy, it’s mid January! Just hoping we don’t get a blizzard for Easter. That would not be cool.

4. Doing a date night swap with our good friends Sunday and Monday. Have you tried this? They watch your kids one night and another night you watch theirs. No babysitter to pay, kiddos are happily occupied and you get some all important one on one time with your love. I think it’s brilliant. Sunday is our night out and I’m looking forward to it!

5. I’m trying a new daily planner from Ann Voskamp. I haven’t used it every day, but most days. It’s helps me pick just a few things to focus on throughout the day and not get overwhelmed by the whole list that is constantly growing in my head. It also organizes some other things I like to keep track of- memory verse, relationship to focus on for the day, bible reading etc. If you are looking for something I would recommend this one.

That is all my friends. Enjoy the long weekend!

for the love of pinterest.

Published by Aubrey

Up and coming on the craft to-do list. All ideas from Pinterest. We shall see…

Source: seeyoutheredesign.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Source: theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Aubrey on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Source: ragsbysockmonkey.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

the spin cycle.

Published by Aubrey

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You know those times when doubt, fear, comparison fill your mind? It can come out of no where. Suddenly, so quickly your mind is filled with questions, comparisons and lies. And you are left spinning. Spinning downward.

How am I going to do this? Why are my kids acting like that NOW? What is she thinking of me? I don’t know what I am doing and I’m pretty sure everyone else does. Why can’t we have that? Why don’t I look like that after 3 kids? Why don’t I act that graciously when that happens to me? She probably doesn’t struggle with that. Yes, that family has it all together. I should do this, act that way and be a part of that. I’m sure she always does that and never does that.

and. the. list. goes. on. and. on.

It’s ugly isn’t it? And it can take us out like that! It happens to all of us. It’s true. Yes, even the seemingly “perfect person” that you constantly compare yourself too. They do the same thing.

And I do it too. I so easily can fall into this ugly spin cycle that gets me know where but feeling worse than where I started.

So what do you do to stop the spin cycle? One word. Truth. You set your mind on truth. You go to his Word. You talk to Him. You tell him it all. He listens. And slowly as you let it all out. Let it all go. The lies are replaced with truth. The anxiety is replaced with peace. There is grace and compassion for he knows. And yes, once more he stops the cycle and brings your focus back on him, where you can rest in him.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:5-7

we are called.

Published by Aubrey

Act justly.

Love mercy.

Walk humbly.

Micah 6:8

A goal I have for my family this year is to memorize a verse together each month. I want to choose verses that display characteristics I desire to have in myself and in my kids. This is the verse I have chosen for January. Something short and simple but so powerful. If they memorize the verse that is a bonus. More than the memorization I would love to see a heart change, a change in their character because of the verse we are learning. I know it starts with me. Acting justly when I don’t really want to or think it’s necessary. Showing mercy when I’m all “mercied out” for the day. Walking humbling when my pride fills the room. Yes, it starts with me. Thankful He has gone before me and prepared the way.

2012 words for the year.

Published by Aubrey

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The past couple of years I have picked a word or two for the year. Something I want to focus on, study, make a point to remember and practice as the year rolls on. I take some time to pray and think about it at the end of the year/start of the next year. I don’t really know how to explain how I decide it’s just something I feel in my heart. So without further ado…

Let the drum roll begin…..

My words for 2012 are obedience and humility.

Obedience. I want to strive for obedience in all that I do. How I act, talk, my motivations, how I treat others, respond to my husband and parent our kids. I want to be obedient to wherever God calls me to, whatever he calls me to do and be. I want to practice obedience even when it’s uncomfortable, or when I think I know better. Abiding in Him in all that I do, with all that I am.

Humility. The longer I am a Christian the more I see how much I need help. How I can’t do this thing called life on my own. How as much as I would like to have it altogether… I don’t. Nope, I don’t. And I’ve come to the hard realization I never will have it all together. I need others and most importantly I need Him. I want to continue to grow in humility before Him and before others. It’s messy at times and causes more feelings of uncomfortableness. It’s scary too when you just let it all go and stand there with your messiness in front of others, in front of Him. But I am convinced, yes I believe good, good things come out of that messiness when we aren’t afraid to show it. When we take down the walls, open up our heart, peel back the layers and are truly know by others. Most importantly by the One who loves and knows us most.

So there it is, obedience and humility.

Let the journey begin…