here ya go....

Well I've been over a month as a NON SMOKER. I'm pretty proud. I've made it through girls nights, back yard BBQ's and working in the same office as a smoker.... I AM PROUD.

I will confess, I've lit a few cigs for friends...
I've even had a couple of puffs...but the good part for me is that when I did take those puffs, it wasn't b/c I was "gonna die if I didn't". I wouldn't be me if I didn't push the envelope a little. I wanted to see what I could get away with...does that even make sense to you?

Anyway, I still feel strong. I had a couple of puffs tonight for the first time and I don't want anymore. That's good right? I feel really strong...really empowered. The mind is an amazing thing... It truly has me contemplating what else I could accomplish/overcome....

Thank you Jesus for your strength.

whats up people

I'm getting close to ONE MONTH smoke free. Even though this is clearly just a plain old good decision....I still think I need to be rewarded. :) sooooooo......
Here are the things I want.I want feedback...what do u think I should do/get??? NO FUNEATERS may vote.

1. A jeep (#1 I would look ADORABLE in one #2 I have always wanted one #3 just cause)

2. Skydiving again (obviously the most fun eva)

3. Trip to Hawaii to visit my friend Erin (only cost plane ticket + food and drinks)

4. Weekly pedicures for ONE year (just cause I think I would REALLY like that)

So....cast your votes people!!!

thought for the day

I want one. I want one. I want one. I want one. I want one. I want one. This sucks.

day 23

Well here we are at day 23. I think its funny when people realize that I actually have not fallen off the wagon. It actually motivates me even more. It's my way of saying "suck it". It my new form of rebellion. I will show all you nay-sayers that I can in fact do this. That I AM in fact doing this. I'm not claiming to be perfect or saying that at some point I won't slip up, but I am saying that I am committed to doing this.
At church last night I was challenged to "remember". That's right, remember. I am challenged to REMEMBER God. We so often trust God, see his incredible work, then put him in a box the very next moment and try to take control of situations/struggles/relationships etc. Ourselves... No bueno.
I am remembering that God got me through these first 23 days and that he will get me through the next 23.

DAY TWENTY

Wow... I can't believe it's been twenty days. I've had a lot of ups and downs over these 20 days.... some days have been easy and some have been hard....

There have even been some days where I have requested that a friend actually blow smoke in my face :)

L-A-M-E

Don's effort to quit has been tough. While so far he has been successful...he is really really struggling with the cravings. Prayers for him would be so appreciated.

When we have struggled, we have spent time on websites reading stories about people that have suffered the effects of tobacco use. Not only has it scared us to death, but it has motivated us to keep strong....

This is one of the stories that hit us hard....
http://www.killthecan.org/facts/jennykern.asp

keep praying.....

DAY THIRTEEN

Just wanted to write a quick update saying that I am still SMOKE FREE! Haven't been having too hard of a time. Definately had some cravings the last few days but have managed to keep myself busy doing other things. Don has decided to quit dipping as well. He is on day 6 of not dipping. Prayers are appreciated as he is having a much harder time that I am.

Thanks for all the support people!

DAY NINE

2 Samuel 7:28
"O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant"

God doesn't want me to have a crutch. Smoking is just that. Recently I have been tested. I have been having DAILY struggles with issues that cause me stress. How did I deal with these situations in the past? Well I smoked of course. :)

God is showing me that when I am stressed, when I am having trials....these are the times I should turn my eyes to him. Not go light up.... I have found that in my quest to quit smoking, i have found God in a way I didn't have him before. I am truly relying on him. I am relying on him for strength, the courage, for the will to fight and I am also trusting him to resolve the issues that are causing me stress.

The crazy part is...when i do immediately go to Him and seek his will in the situation...I almost IMMEDIATELY feel better. It's amazing how "healthful" it feels to be in God's will....