So much and a moment

As I start this blog I shared in the first post how I choose the name for the blog. Now the name did come from the extra 4 miles I travel home, but it also stands for the journey that I am about to embark on. For those that know me, know that I need to lose weight. It is no secret. Lets me real, how can you not know. So I have shared with those close to me that I have, from an early age, low self esteem. Elementary school I had boyfriends, middle school- one or two, high school one or two until I meet my husband the summer before my senior year. I am not complaining at all. It was what it was. However, hearing that you are beautiful, pretty, all those words girls want to hear is not words I heard. I tell you this not because I want the awe, poor thing, but because I want to share a moment that for the past 20+ yrs have stuck with me. One afternoon, when I was in high school (not sure what grade, but would say 10-12), a young man stopped by my house. He had been a friend of mine for awhile. Just a friend that I spoke too, but did not spend a lot of time with. I remember thinking it was odd for him to be stopping by my house. We sat outside and talked for awhile. I have no idea what we talked about, but I do remember the fact he told me I looked pretty or beautiful. It still to this day makes me feel good inside. One young man, one positive comment, one moment that has lived in my heart for 20+ yrs. I pray that I can teach my son to pour positive, encouraging words into his friends. He may never know what a simple comment will do for a girl. To this young man, I do hope that I am not dreaming this happened, THANK YOU! I do hope you know who you are! No it was not my husband that said this to me, and yes, he does tell me that I am beautiful.

Extra 4 Miles

Let me beginning by explaining where the title for this blog came. For the past year or so the access road to get to our home has been closed. Now it takes me an extra 4 miles to get home. It has become frustrating to just think of the extra time it takes to get home, especially when you are just ready to be home! Around 2 days ago I decided that I would no longer be frustrated about the 4 extra miles. Instead, I would use this time to pray. I decided I would pray for people that I am friends with on Facebook. I have been amazed at what has happened. As I have prayed and posted that I have prayed for certain people, they have responded. Responded with "Thank you, I needed that today", "Thank you, I am going through this and I felt your prayers". It has amazed me. I know that we pray for each other. However, I realize that people find strength and comfort in knowing that someone has prayed for them by name. Why do we not tell those that we love and care for that we prayed for them? I challenge you to pray for someone and then tell them you prayed for them. See there reaction. I remember when I was in high school, I had a friend who had went away to college. One night I felt a strong need to pray for this friend. So I did. I had no understanding of why I needed to call out to Jesus for her that night. Until I spoke with her a while later and told her I had prayed for her. She told me that on the night that I prayed, she was about to do things that were not who she was. That she was convicted that night and did not go against who she was. I would have never known that my prayer was so important to her until she knew I prayed for her. These past two days have strengthened my faith and understanding of how important prayer is for us. Pray for someone today, and then share with them.