Mandii's Muse

I am not entirely sure when a book has touched me more. If I could have highlighted this entire book, I would have. The Confident Heart by Renee Swope is a book that every Christian woman should read. To preface, I am a worrier, a comparer, a feeling not enough-er. I would almost always doubt myself saying things like "I'm not pretty enough," I'm not smart enough or qualified enough to do this particular task." I believed these lies I was telling myself. Until I read this book, and it completely changed my way of thinking. For example, I have always had this hang up about what other people think of me. Do they think I'm weird for knowing a lot about sports? Do they think I'm strange because I am trying to save money and still live at home with my parents? What do people think that I am substitute teaching still, 5 years after graduating college?  I read this quote: 'We become overly concerned about what others think of us instead of what God thinks ...

The month of February is Heart Month. This month is designed to educate you on heart disease, and general heart health. This is personal for me, because I have a heart condition. Here is my story. (I'm giving you the cliff notes version!) Here is me wearing my red! I was born with a muscle bundle on my heart. When I was three years old, I had open heart surgery at Children's Hospital. During the surgery, the doctors nicked my aorta, and I have a small leak. I have had countless EKG's, electrocardiograms (which I lovingly refer to as a jelly belly!), and chest x-rays. I never complained, and loved my cardiologist when I was younger! Luckily, I remember the good parts, the playroom, and the strollers you could lay down in. I am proud to say that aside from the small aortic leak, and a lifting restriction (to further prevent more aortic leakage) I am healthy. I can live my life without worry. Being an adult now, I try to take care of my heart. I've lost weight, s...