I am strong

Friday!!! Yay! I always like Friday because it means we get to have daddy home for two days. It means farmer's market & fun stuff with the kiddos. It usually means sleeping in (for me). We're hoping to make it to the pumpkin patch tomorrow :) YAY! Friday!!!

Here are some favorites from this week :D

As I've shared before, I have been in community with some seriously Jesus loving women over the internet. We've now gone through multiple books of the Bible together. Prayed for one another and some were even able to connect in person at a conference last week. cue jealousy. I'm kidding. Sort of. This past couple of weeks we worked our way through Ephesians. What a blessing it has been! The Lord is reminding me again how desperate I am for Him & his grace. I am secure in the gospel. I know that much. Here's my issue:

Ephesians 5:8 "for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

It's the walking part. Do my children see light in me or do they see grouchy mama? Does my husband receive grace and love from me or darkness and frustration? Am I serving others in love or for self gain? Don't get me wrong; I'm not beating myself up. The truth is, I'm prideful and selfish and seeking. I am growing. He's already done the work, I just need to walk in it. Prayerfully, intentionally, walk. BAM! 

Speaking of walking... how about this...

We just passed our 30 day mark in the Lurong Paleo Challenge. 30 days, clean eating. NO CHEATS! No cheese, no sugar, no creeeeaaammmeeerrrr. for.30.days. Still another month to go but it's good. I am so proud of my hubby for sticking with me on this. He has seen SO many benefits from it, I don't know why he would even want to cheat anyway :) I've kicked the caffeine addiction. Sugar, gone. I still want cheese but we're doing well and eating GOOD FOOD. Next is to work my kids into this but that is a lot of work for this mama so we'll have to see. 

Also: This morning, I performed a 105# deadlift! Got that thing off the floor like 21 times! I'm far from the strongest in our gym (probably one of the weakest) but this is such a HUGE accomplishment for me! Channeling that inner athlete :) I'm sore but so proud. Watch out... Mama Cain is gettin' serious. Mama Cain is gettin' fit!

And while we're on the subject of favorites & proud moments...

Check out this sweet moment I walked in on the other night. I had gone to get jammies or something for the girls & came in to find Malakai "reading" to his sisters. Such sweetness. My children bring me such encouragement when I am graced with moments like this. It wasn't planned or coached. He loves them and they love him. And it is so precious.

Hope you enjoyed your Friday & enjoy yet another beautiful fall weekend :) Take a moment to stop and remember some favorite moments from this past week and offer up some thanksgiving :)