My Three Favorite Words

If you've ever been or ever will be around Will and I, you will probably hear us say 'I love you' ten-fifteen times...in an hour. Well maybe not that many, but we do say it quite often and in spite of people claiming that it cheapens the meaning by overusing it.

NEWSFLASH:

YOU CAN'T OVERUSE I LOVE YOU.

The trick is that each time you say it, you have to truly love the intended more than the last time you said it. For me that's easy, because every day I wake up and am surprised to find my heart harboring more love than it did they day before. I know it sounds like a fairy tale, but after four and a half years of  marriage I'm starting to believe that fairy tales are real. With love, compassion, and humility anything is possible.

We also use it as a sort of love language. Sometimes we say I love you at the end of a conversation, with a question mark at the end to ask if everything's okay, definitely before we go to bed, and most importantly...when we are in a fight. Those three little words really are the most powerful in any language and can reduce a fight to nothing in the blink of an eye. I guess you could say it is an implement for peace in a world full of sticks and stones.

"Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you." Tell your family, your friends, tell a stranger by simply sharing a smile. Just believe that it is impossible to overuse I love you as long as you mean it, and in case no one tells you today...I love YOU! Mean it ;)

I Ran For Lauren

Other than a 5K I did with my mom when I was five, I have never actually run a race. I'm either in a lazy stage or don't know when they are {Ahem Megan, you should have told me about the one at Garden of the Gods}, but this time... I was all in!

Kristine came up with a genius idea where we run a 5K on our own time and using our own devices and then link up our recap. It was such an inventive idea that I just has to play along. Not too mention the fact that I simply adore her ;)

I still haven't gotten back to running yet, so I knew that I was just going to have to dominate the AMT Machine.

I don't know if it was the excitement or the Spark energy drink that Sarah sent me, but I had the best time and mileage that I have achieved since starting this machine. I know that the Slam energy shot got me through a looong day at work, so I would assume that Spark worked it's magic here too.

I dedicate my run to Lauren, and I think this also made me push myself a little harder. I run hard because I am blessed to still have the chance to run. I love you Lolo!

Have you tried Advocare? A TON of Bloggers are participating in the 10 Day Cleanse with Raven and Sarah, So I'm thinking that tons of people are jumping on the Advocare bandwagon. Are you getting your healthy on?

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If you have a spare moment, feel free to hop on over to the Hersheypark Happiness Photo Contest. Two of my favorite nuggets are pictured with their parents in the fifth picture down. Colby and Cam are by far the cutest kids, so they are easy to find. PS. BOTH of their parents are police officers in Florida, so that should get them a sympathy vote too.

I Have Hope For Future Generations.

Glow Golf?...I thought, "What the heck is that?"

First of all, when I agreed to go I didn't realize that it wouldn't start until 9pm due to the long days we have at 6,000 feet. My first thought was that I am normally in bed at that time on a Friday. Sheesh. We even had to leave the house right after dinner because we knew we would end up backing out. We walked around Sportsman's Warehouse,  got some Starbucks, and then it was time to partay!

Lezjustsay, there was more than Caramel Latte in that cup. In case you are wondering, Smirnoff Caramel Vodka is bomb.com in this type of situation. Not only was it delish, it also warmed me up for the cold night air. We made some new friends, had some great laughs, and definitely want to try this again.

Saturday, was a BBQ at our friend, Anthony's.

Where his daughter put on an AMAZING magic show. I was blown away that she watched that new movie Now You See Me, and the very next day she put together a legit magic show. I'm talking a 30 minute routine with audience participation and all. Totally gives me hope for the future generations.

And Sunday, I did my "run" for the Virtual 5K. The link up is Tuesday, so feel free to get in on the action! You can run, bike, jump on the Elliptical, or even walk. All that matters is that you have some fun, get the miles in, and link up with us all. Yeeeaaah boy.

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One more thing that might be a bit heavy for a Monday...Let me tell you a little story.

There once was a youth program at Cokesbury United Methodist Church that was the hangout for the Middle and High Schoolers of the best church in town {Hey, I'm partial}. Through fellowship and fun, the group grew a strong bond and supported each other through thick and thin. Eventually, they all grew to be doctors, scientists, teachers, Hooters girls {okay, so maybe that doesn't count, but it's the truth}, and one was even called on by God to continue with the Ministry she was filled with. It was as natural as could be with her sweet nature and obvious that it was meant to be. She even had articles written about her because her story speaks to people.

Unfortunately, not everyone can know Mary Ann personally, so judgement has fallen upon her shoulders. Instead of giving her a chance to inspire, motivate, teach, and share her love, they are denying her candidacy to be Ordained and not even giving her consideration. Doesn't sound very Christian like to me...As such, I have answered the call to action, and this is what I emailed the Bishop:

Dear Bishop Dorff,

I was raised in the Methodist church with Mary Ann Kaiser, and I have always been inspired by her spirituality and devotion to helping others. I was not surprised at all when she followed the path of becoming ordained, because it was obvious that she was answering the call of a higher power. It was such a natural decision, that it has stunned us all to find that The Board of Ordained Ministry has rejected her as a candidate. 

We ask you to reevaluate the root of this decision, as it is against the love and justice that Christianity stands for. "This is a case of grace interrupted; we are creating barriers between a person’s call and God. Even Wesley understood that proof of God’s call is found in visible fruits of ministry and believed none who produced such fruit should be barred from ordination." If nothing else...ask yourself if you want to be the one standing in the way of one of God's children or the one exalting a vessel of his love and teachings. She deserves that much.

I hope that you truly reflect on this, and find the spirit of true fellowship and Christianity.

Sincerely,

Janna Renee

Perception Is Everything

http://perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com/

I am sorry that I am not sorry if this story offends anyone. If you take offense it is your own fault, as I am promoting love and equality and nothing else. I hope that you all know that I NEVER judge any of you and try to support everyone in any way I can. I have never been able to stand by and watch someone hurt or helpless, and I'm not about to start now. Mary Ann can run circles around 99% of the people I know with her huge heart, selflessness, and spirituality, and we can only hope that she will be allowed to spread that to our future generations.

If you would like to email the Bishop find more information here. If not, I hope you at least take this to heart and send some positive thoughts and prayers. You would want the same if you put yourself in her situation.

Mary Ann...We got your back!!

For The Smile Of Eli

As I sit here eating my late night snack of Vanilla Cupcake Goldfish and pretzels, I am so very thankful.
I am thankful that we live in a world were we can rally prayers, find support in strangers, and raise money for hope. Social media can be shallow, negative, or counterproductive, but only if we allow it. Instead, lets focus on being positive, bettering ourselves, and improving the lives of others.

Like little Eli...

Source: gofundme.com via Janna on Pinterest

He is the son of a friend of a friend, and he has leukemia.
He was just diagnosed in April, and his parents want to get him home to California where he has a support system. Little man is only $700 from his goal, so visit here to donate. Let's make sure this sweet babe gets home where he ought to be!

Prayers are also acceptable currency ;)

I am turning comments off for this post, so go forth and be merry.
I think we all need to enjoy this weekend.
{{HUGS}}