Long time, No blog!

I realize that I haven't updated in a really long time. There are many reasons. I will give you two. 
1. Finals took over my life. Then after I survived those (3 A's, 2 B's and a C WOO!!), I got a week long summer break, then it was back to school... and just when you thought it couldn't get any worse- I was introduced to physics. There is no way that physics is of God, because it is bringing my life great stress! But I determined to do well- I'm almost half way over with physics! *insert happy dance* 
2. I have had nothing to write about. If I am going to write something, I want it to be memorable, challenging and impactful. (Is impactful a word? Oh well, it is now). 


Last night I was laying in my bed, hanging out with Jesus. The last few weeks I have struggled with distractions and haven't been hanging out with Jesus as much, but I feel like this summer is huge. I read this passage, and it about knocked me against the wall. 


"When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben  for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me." She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing." 
       Genesis 29:31-35


Okay, so you just read that passage and you're thinking to yourself, "Sarah, what in the world? How is this passage about child bearing impactful (there it is again, impactful, seriously is it a word?" 
It's not the child bearing part that's impactful (yet again), silly! It's the fact that when Leah bore her first and second child, she thought she would finally be seen as good enough. Then finally, after bearing her third child, she gave the glory to the Lord! 


Here's my point:
Lately I've been checking my motives. What are my motives when I study, work out or decide what to wear in the morning? Is it to bring Jesus honor? Or is it so people think I'm smart, in shape and pretty? I'm not saying it's bad to want to look nice, be intelligent and take care of yourself, but what is the ultimate motive of doing all that? If it's to bring glory to the Kingdom of God, then great! Keep doin' your thing! There is so many things that God wants each of us to do with our lives, but they have to be done with the right motives in order to make the ultimate impact! 


In other news:
I successfully ran my first 5K! My time was not so great, 37 minutes, but I didn't quit! It was great to run a 5K with my family! We have decided to make it a tradition. My cousins live near the beach, and every year we have a family reunion weekend. During this weekend we donate money to a charity. This year the family (and friends) ran a 5K and donated money. It was a great time! Here are some pictures from the event!

 The kids decided to bike the event! 

headed to the two mile marker!!

A lot of family and friends showed up for Swamp Fever!

It was a great time! I think I am going to make an attempt at a mini-triathalon in September with the ladies in my family and a few friends!

In addition to taking physics during this first summer session, I am also taking Group Fitness. It is one of my favorite classes of my college career so far! I think I am developing a passion for it! The majority of my class is fitness majors, and we really challenge and push each other! Today was the hardest day of the semester so far. My class experienced "Les Mills BODYATTACK." This was probably the hardest workout I've ever done. An hour of non stop high intensity, high impact physical activity. The average person will burn anywhere to 500-800 calories in one class. But trust me, it feels like so much more! Here is a promotion video of BODY ATTACK, just in case you're ever interested in taking the class! 

It was tough, but I had a blast! I would love to be in good enough shape to one day instruct the class! 

Don't get lazy this summer! Now is the time to push yourself farther than you ever thought you could go! Challenge your mind and your body to change! It may be uncomfortable, but it is worth it in the end! There is no better feeling than knowing you're healthy! 

I celebrate you, mommy!

Even though I believe Mother's Day should be celebrated every day of the year, I am glad that there is a special day set aside to honor the miraculous women I know who are mothers!

I don't even know how to put my mom's greatness into words. I do not deserve a mother like her. She quit a successful, well paying job to raise me and my siblings. She has sacrificed day in and day out anything she could to make my life wonderful. She is soft spoken and slow to anger. She has more grace, compassion and understanding than just about anyone I know. Why did God give me such a wonderful mother? I guess He knew that amongst all of my mess, I would need a stable and Godly woman on her knees praying for me daily. I got caught up in so many different things growing up and my mom never once gave up on me.

I would have given up on me a long time ago. :D

I believe the love of a mother helps reveal the Father's heart for us. There is no love like a mother and no one can understand what it's like until they are a mother (sorry boys). A mother shows nurture and love like no other. Yes, many people show grace and mercy, but not like a mother to her child. Much like Jesus.  I am confident of this: my mother has shown me how to walk in a daily, intimate relationship with the Father. She has shown me how to one day be a good wife and a good mom. There is a large part of me that is not afraid to grow up and learn how to live in the real world because I am confident in how my mom has raised me.

Thank you, mom! A million times over... thank you.

Thank you for washing my clothes when I come home from college (and for all the years before)! Thank you for cooking for me and for teaching me how to cook (and get killer deals at the grocery store). Thank you for teaching me how to be a lady (and for bringing it to my attention when I'm not being lady like). Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for punishing me when I was a kid. Thank you for teaching me the Word. Thank you for making me go to church. Thank you for teaching me what it means to have an intimate relationship with Christ. Thank you for going shopping with me. Thank you for buying me that cute purple dress yesterday (no, seriously, it's adorable)! Thank you for loving daddy and showing myself and others what it means to have a happy marriage. Thank you for being you.

There's a million things that I could say thank you for, but my blog wouldn't  be able to contain so much greatness! You are awesome, Mom! One day I hope to understand the love that you have for me, but until then, I will continue to find ways to show you how great you really are. You are the definition of GREAT!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have dealt with my junky-ness (junky-ness, is that even a word?) and have fought so much spiritual warfare on my behalf. Thank you for loving me no matter what!

Thank you for being my mommy. (Even though you really had no choice)! :D

I hope I am making you proud!

I love you so much!