Living on a Prayer

Yesterday I went to see Rock of Ages (totally freaking awesome movie, btw) with my step sister. I'm pretty sure I got on everyone's nerves because I sang every single song that played (I'm a little 80s rock obsessed). And I'm not just talking a quiet hum or sweet whisper, I was belting it as if it was my movie debut. I felt I had a right to since I have not only seen the stage version first (it's waaaayyyy better than the movie), but I've been jamming to those songs since I was like 10, when Daddy introduced me to the good kind of music.

Anyways, it got me thinking on what I want to do with my life. I've always wanted to be some type of performer, whether it be a singer, actor, or stand up comedian. I just like being in front of people on a stage. Well after realizing that Animal has a better voice than me, becoming a singer became a running joke in our household, which sucked because that's what I had my heart most set on. Instead of taking singing lessons or learning to play an instrument (other than the flute), I just gave up. But it's not like I had anyone pushing me to follow my dreams.

But during the movie, my passion for music was revived, and someone told me I actually had a decent voice. I realized, though, that I can still be involved with music even if I'm not singing or playing in a band.

I want to work for a record label. I want to be the person who finds the talent and then makes their dreams come true. I want to be the person who sees the stars in someone's eyes; the person who gives someone the things that I couldn't.

So what's my new life plan? Ditch school and move to L.A.? No, but eventually I'll get there. Because everyone deserves the life that they want, even the people who quit too early in the game. Never give up on a dream...at least not twice.

Peace and blessings,
Kristin

A Moment on the Lips, Forever on the Hips

I have never been a size 2 type of girl. I think at my smallest, I was a 5 and that was in the 8th grade. But that doesn't mean I'm lazy. If I was playing volleyball, marching in the band (don't judge; it's actually a lot of work), or dancing in theatre, I've always had some sort of physical activity going on. It kept me balanced and from gaining like 20 pounds in one year. But within the last two years, I haven't had any of that.

Now, being the biggest I've ever been (not that I would tell you how much that is), I'm starting to realize that I took all that for granted. I wouldn't say I'm eating more than normal, but I'm definitely eating differently (that college student, drive thru kind of diet), and it's really started to sink in how it's changing my body. But most importantly, it's changing my health. 

Diabetes effects more and more people every day, and since my grandmother is a diabetic, I am at higher risk for developing diabetes. Honestly, this scares the living mess out of me because I have an impact on whether or not I end up having diabetes. According to The American Diabetes Association, "Currently 16% of children ages 6 to 19 years, a total of 9 million youths, are overweight. Along with obesity, other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include lack of physical activity and an unhealthy weight." That just blows my mind! 

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 is a powerful statement reminding us that our bodies are not our own. They are temporary housing, but they are to be taken care of and to be used as God sees necessary. But if you're body is not able to due weight limitations, then how are you to fulfill the things that God has planned for you? 

My motivation to lose weight came yesterday, and so far, I've done a good job of sticking to it. I'm tired of my weight being an excuse or something to hide behind. I'm not looking to be the next top model; I just want to be healthy. I have so much that I want to accomplish in life to end it early because I don't want to take care of myself. 

For more information about Diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association's website at: http://www.diabetes.org/

Peace and blessings,

Kristin

Do you know what you say?

First off, sorry for going on like a 3 week strike there. Life became a little too much, and blogging became a distant luxury that I didn't have time for. With that being said, you can expect to have new posts at least 3 times a week (hopefully more) from now on.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend and I had a sit down discussion because she heard that I started spreading nasty rumors about her. This really upset me because first off, I don't have time to just sit around and talk crap about people (I mean I don't even have time to blog), and secondly, talking about people behind their backs is so elementary school it isn't even funny. I'm also the type of person who has no problem telling it like it is, so why would I even need to run my mouth about this poor girl?

Anyway, she and I met for coffee one afternoon and cleared the air. At the end of all of it, I was really glad she and I talked because not only did I save a friendship, but I also learned that I don't always have the nicest things to say to or about people.

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that "Kind words are as honeycomb; sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." So if my words aren't sweet or healing, why should they be leaving my mouth? One thing I know for certain about myself is that I don't have a filter. What ever comes to mind, comes out my mouth, and a lot of the time, it's either vulgar or hurtful.

So I'm challenging myself to say only the things that will uplift and encourage others. You never know what kind of day someone has been having or what inner demons they are battling, and the last thing you want is to make it worse by joking on them or pointing out a flaw or just being down right mean to them. So the next time you feel yourself wanting to put someone down, how about offering some words of encouragement or a good old-fashioned compliment; everyone loves those.

Peace and blessings,
Kristin