If you have yet to notice, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately. Today’s reflections came in the form of blog stuff. You all know my commitment to this blog. It serves as my special space and I truly hope to continue building and writing Faith Fitness Fun for a long time to come. I put my trust in God’s plans, because they are the best for me and my family, but I certainly have dreams to continue blogging years from now.

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For that reason, I enjoy putting effort into my blog. I love sitting down at my netbook and allowing the thoughts I want to express transform from mental ramblings to a cohesive post to share. In the time I have been blogging I have found my voice, my niche, and my greatest interests to share. I have also figured out a posting schedule that worked well for me. Yet, that must change. Part of the beauty of blogging is the flexibility, right?

Things have gotten busy in these parts and I need to cut back a teensy, weensy bit – aka go from two posts/day to one. I prefer writing two shorter posts, but I’ve realized that does not suit me best right now. Part of me fights doing so because I want to do all I can to make this blog what I desire. Then again, I have to remember that forcing things and adding extra pressure do not fit this blog either. Which is why as soon as I felt the need to pull back, I have decided I will. I like having a schedule and that schedule has to adapt to current needs. I knew I would have to cut back after baby B arrived, so I guess I’m just doing so a little earlier.

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I hope this doesn’t come across as me trying to justify anything. I actually wrote this with the intent to help organize my own thoughts about my priorities and time. I also wanted to give you all a heads up and share that we have to blog in a way that works best for us individually. Sometimes its hard to give up that control of trying to do what we think we should do, instead of what we know would work in our best interests. So cheers to a slight change, but one that keeps Faith Fitness Fun true to itself, and me true to myself.

Also, while on the topic of blogging, the NEXT button for Google Reader is my hero! ADD IT if you haven’t already. Click for a video how-to.

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• Do you follow a posting schedule for blogging? I enjoy having a schedule to keep me organized, but will adjust it as necessary.
• Have you started using the Next button yet if you use Google Reader?

Happy Monday morning! Did you realize I have actually been gone since Thursday afternoon until last night? With no access to the internet…or even to a phone, camera, watch, etc. I literally unplugged myself from the world.

Remember the church “retreat” Peter went on two weekends ago? Well, this past weekend was my turn to go. We attended the Walk to Emmaus, which is a 3 day experience to truly focus on the love of God and learn more about all He offers. What was it like?

I spent three days being served by other women who wanted to help my sole focus be on the experience. I spent three days discussing and learning from others who had so much to share. I spent three days laughing and chatting with amazing women who quickly became friends. I spent three days crying off and on as the beauty of God’s love became even more apparent to me than ever before. Those three days recommitted me to everything I hope in and believe, stronger than I thought possible.

I cannot share specifics because these types of retreats exist all over and who knows whether or not one of you may attend something similar one day. Each experience is meant to be personal with no prejudgment. I also cannot share specifics because no words can describe it. Maybe a vague powerful, humbling, inspirational, fun, or…full, as there was much to eat. Sorry, no food pictures. No camera, remember? 😉 I did get lots of “swag” as you call it. Though it was “agape”, aka pieces of love, for us this weekend – books, teas, treats, ornaments, scarves, and so much more.

Would you believe this weekend even affected the blog? It recommitted me to Faith Fitness Fun and that all I put into it is worth it and something I am meant to pursue. Sometimes I have felt guilty for the time and energy it takes. However, after talks with others this weekend (hi, ladies if you are reading!) and a few special letters I received from loved ones (INCLUDING Lisa, Em, and even Lisa’s mom!), I know without a doubt that it is a good thing.

I can share here and reach out to others with love, support, and kindness for whatever their needs may be – body image, relationships with food, past struggles, a desire to love life, whatever! I’m not saying I blog with the purpose of changing others or inspiring others, but if doing something I love can have that impact on occasion as a side effect, who am I to deny that?

Thank you for listening to my long ramble! I will now leave you with a Q+A I have been waiting to answer and now seems like the perfect time:

I know you are a Christian but does that mean you feel like someone who isn't is not going to Heaven? I know this is very personal but I struggle with this. My husband and I are Jewish and it makes me sad to think that someone else thinks that about me and my family.

I do NOT think this, plain and simply because I do not think ABOUT it. I am not God and I know it is not my place to try to decide anything related to that. I believe God is loving, so all I hope to do in this life is love others, no matter what. I can only say that I have never felt more love, peace, joy, hope, and GOOD in my life since I have come to a Christian faith. The mercy and grace from those beliefs changed my life for the better. I will openly share that, but will never judge others (or their futures) for believing differently.

Now, I have a lot of catching up to do, so please be patient as I get back to emails, comments, etc.and understand why I have not been commenting recently. Time to live my life the best way I can.

• What would be the hardest for you to go without for 3 days? Phone, camera, computer, watch/clock/any way to tell time? I missed my camera!
• Do you ever unplug completely? What does it do for you?