Getting Answers to Prayers and Actually Exercising

Unfortunately, our first cycle of fertility treatment didn't work. While that wasn't really a surprise (after all, the chances are only still about 20%), it was still a disappointment. And the day the blood test came back negative for pregnancy, all of my doubts and fears came flooding back to me. 

For a couple of days, I felt very little hope that anything would work. But, Heavenly Father is aware of us and He answers prayers. A few nights ago I felt so hopeless, and so when I prayed that evening, all I did was ask for hope. I explained that I knew how important it was for me to have hope and that I knew it could give me peace and joy, but that I just wasn't feeling it on my own. And since then, I've begun to feel more hope creep back into my heart. And it has been wonderful. 

Another thing that has brought me peace and joy the last week or two has been the fact that I've actually been feeling motivated to exercise! Part of me has always felt like maybe we wouldn't get pregnant until I was at a healthier weight. But somehow, that feeling just wasn't enough to get me moving and working on it. And all the while I felt so angry and disappointed with myself, because this is one thing I can control that affects our fertility and could affect the health of a pregnancy when it does happen. 

That disappointment was one of the things that came flooding back a couple weeks ago, but this time (perhaps because of the extra affect of a failed treatment cycle) it finally seemed enough to move me to action. Of course, it also helps that we had just recently gotten a Wii U, and also the Wii Fit U game that is all about fitness. And along with that, a Just Dance game and Zumba game for me. 

So, I am quite proud, and frankly amazed, to say that I have exercised every day for the last 11 days or so! And I honestly feel that a large part of the reason I've felt so motivated is another answer to prayers. Last Sunday was fast Sunday, and I decided to fast that I would continue to feel motivated to exercise. I mostly fasted for this because I know that getting healthier can help with having a baby. But I also know that I can be capable of doing more of the Lord's work if I do my best to be healthy. And I truly feel like my continued desire to exercise has been an answer to that fast. I just hope and trust that He continues to help me out with feeling such motivation. 

As of right now, that's what I'm planning on, and therefore you can probably expect to see more updates on how I'm doing on the being healthy/losing weight front. I know there have been numerous times when I've said I'm going to finally lose all my extra weight, but I'm determined that this time I'll actually do it. I know that if I continue to ask the Lord for His help, it is possible. 

So, that is what is going on with us lately. I've been doing excellent on the exercising front, but I know I have lots to improve on when it comes to eating healthy. So if you've got any pointers or delicious healthy recipes, throw them my way. 

Five Things Friday: Songs I'm Obsessed With

I've decided to do a new thing called Five Thing Friday, where on Fridays, I tell you about five things. That may be five songs I currently love, five books I've read over and over, five random facts I've learned at work, or something else entirely. This won't be every Friday, but just when I feel like it. Kind of just a way to let you in on what I'm thinking/up to, but the little things that I wouldn't normally post.

So this week I thought I'd start off with five songs I really like lately.

1. Fight Song by Rachel Patten

Basically this is just a great motivating, empowering song. It's a great reminder that you are in charge of your life and you can make it what you want it to be.

2. Bright by Echosmith

I just really like this, not really for a specific reason, except maybe that it's a good reminder that life is meant to be good, and that the people in your life should help make it that way. I know the best things in my life are my loves ones, and they make everything else a little better too.

3. All Our Lives by Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness

Chances are you've heard this band's song "Cecilia and the Satellite" on the radio, but I think this one is even better. I think the lyrics are powerful and like the thought of how we might use our experienced to help those around us.

4. Live Or Survive by Tren

So this song was first written by a couple of girls for a BYU class. Their assignment was to write a song that could go in the last Hunger Games movie. The two girls then grouped up with a couple of other BYU students who helped them out with the orchestration, etc. to get a more polished song. Now they're trying to actually get it into the movie. I think it's pretty sweet, and if you check it out, you help get it out there!

5. Fear Not This Night featuring Asja (from the Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack)

So, some of you may not know that a couple years ago Jacob got me try out a video game called Guild Wars 2. I loved it. It sounds strange, but it was just what I needed while I didn't have a job and didn't really feel like I had many friends nearby to spend my time with. I joined a "guild" of other players and have made friends with people from all over the world.

Anyway, back to the song. The instrumental version of this song is used a couple times in the game, and I always thought it was beautiful. But, the lyrics are totally awesome too. While the song obviously relates to the scary/dark things that take place in the game that your player fights against, I think it's a great reminder that even when everything seems dark, dawn is close at hand and things will be okay.

So there you go,  my first Five Things Friday. What are some of your favorite songs right now? I'm always on the lookout for new music.