#Determination

I have joined over 40,000 other women in the current Online Bible Study, Made to Crave. It is a six-week journey via Proverbs 31 Ministries in which you devote time and energy to studying about God, deepening your faith, and quite possibly changing your life. Head over to Proverbs 31 to find out more. It's also not too late to sign up, if you're interested. 
LINKING UP FOR WEEK 2'S BLOG HOP.  This study is all about satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food. I turn to food on so many occasions, it's pretty much ridiculous. I'll almost never turn down food when it's offered {unless it's spicy and/or contains cilantro}. I'm an emotional eater, but along with 40,000+ other women, I'm determined to crave God instead of food. 
This week, we're talking determination. 

de·ter·mi·na·tion

diˌtərməˈnāSHən/

noun

firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

Honestly, the word of the week could not be more fitting for me, personally. It was a tough week all around.
I haven't been doing too well with this study. There, I said it. I've found that it's been difficult to keep up with, but mostly because there is so much else going on, and the time that I want to devote to it just isn't there. There's always something else to do or that needs to be done. But I'm not letting that get me down. I'm determined to break free from the cycle I've created for myself and not only catch up on this study, but spend the necessary time to relish in what I'm reading. #determination
Part of my difficulty with the study was that I was reading the wrong book. Epic fail, y'all. See, the author, Lysa Terkeurst, also wrote a version of Made to Crave, minus the food aspect and is geared specifically toward young women. I wasn't understanding how the material that I was receiving in my email wasn't adding up to what I was reading. But seeing that I was already struggling with keeping up, I didn't pay any mind to it. Well, this week, I've been determined to catch up and truly devote time and energy to the study, as I knew it could change my life. By finally doing so, I realized I had the wrong version of the book {the cover art is exactly the same!}. I was defeated and had a huge moment of weakness. My determination was gone. I was ready to throw in the towel and just forget about the whole thing - I was behind anyway, what would it matter? It mattered. I was uplifted by several people to not be discouraged or allow Satan to take over. Several people from the study itself offered to purchase the book online and have it shipped directly to me. Y'all, the generosity hit my heart like a ton of bricks! I also looked into purchasing the book in store, as I wanted to get back on the wagon as soon as possible! It was in stock at Barnes & Noble, but it was $16.99. I couldn't justify paying that {again} for the book. So, just for fun, I looked to see if the Family Christian Store had a copy. Not only did they have a copy, it was on sale! On my lunch break, I headed over to pick up my copy and finally get back on track. I purchased the book for $8.11. Is God good or what?! I was determined to fight against the odds and not break the bank. #determination
Determination also played a key role in other areas of my life this week, not only with this study. I have several other commitments that I've been giving excuses for not keeping up with, but this week, I've been determined to change that. I'm OVERRULING my excuses. No more, "I'll do it tomorrow." No more, "It doesn't matter when it gets done." No more. #determination 

I'm also determined to be more organized in my life - to really use my planner and feel more at peace that I know what all is going on and when things need to be done. Working two jobs, plus overtime has really spread me thin, so being organized is truly going to help every single day. #determination
As always, Colten has been so unbelievably amazing through all of my long nights, tired fights, and all around lack of energy to do anything but eat and sleep. I'm determined to not only manage my work schedule better {B12 is my hero}, but to also make time for my husband. Whether he needs me to just help around the house more or to listen to how his day went, I'm determined to be there for him and be a better wife. #determination
I'm also really trying to focus on myself. As important as it is to be there as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, it's more important to not lose myself in the process. I'm determined to take the time I need to make myself better mentally, physically, and spiritually. If I need to recharge, I'll do it and not feel guilty for taking that time for myself. That doesn't mean I have to neglect my loved ones, but I can do both, and I will. :) #determination
Most importantly, I'm determined to deepen my faith and better my relationship with the Lord. I've steadily gotten better at studying Scripture and attending mass on Sundays, but I know there is much more that I can and will do. God has great plans for me, and I plan to live according to His will, wherever the path may lead. #determination
What are you determined to do?