Dirty Girls Unite!

Dirty Girl with a Clean Conscience

     I am loving all the fun adventures in my life! Every quarter I strive to do something out of the ordinary. Last weekend I competed in a Dirty Girl Mud Run in Copper, Colorado with couple of my girlfriends. I have never felt so alive and free. I, today, don't have as much baggage as I use to, which is so nice. There has been so much toxicity around me that I thank God for removing these circumstances and cleansing my heart, mind, and soul. Well, mud all over my face and body isn't actually a cleansing process but there is such a thing as mud facials.

     I feel so great in my own skin and body even if I'm surrounded by dirt. God sees me and my heart and I am not ashamed. There are no skeletons in my closet, nothing that I haven't confessed or repented, amends that have been made, and restitution complete. I am not perfect and I don't try to be anymore. I will speak my truth in love with grace and no one will ever silence me anymore. I am strong. I am smart. I am beautiful. Hear me R O A R... signing off, God's lioness. 

P.S. I encourage you to look into your heart and free yourself from the things that entangles you and holds you in bondage. Live in the light; there is no freedom, peace, or joy to remain in darkness. Then, you may go into the world and be who you really are. No longer a prisoner! And, have some fun, laugh, run in the rain, cry out loud, curse, smile, don't smile... however you feel, express it. That's where one finds the Sunshine in the Spirit! (Even though we're socialized all the time and we socialize others. You just can't get out of it in this life.)

The Three A's: Where are you?

It's been a long time since I ____________. (fill in the blank)

The first thing that comes to mind is "rock and roll". 

I remember my Dad sharing with me a couple years ago to get ready for some punches. Hold your head up high and don't let'm knock you down. Wow! How his words have kept me going when all I've wanted to do is stay down, lay low, play dead, and hope that bad things will just go away. 

When times are just plain frightening I suggest you turn to the Rock. I'm not referring to Dwayne Johnson. Go to Jesus! I 'roll' in His Power, Strength, Grace, Love, Courage, Joy, Forgiveness, Mercy. What He offers goes on and on and on. What do you need? I say 'roll' with Him. Are you thirsty? Then, drink. Are you hungry? Then, eat. Are you lonely? Then, reside in Jesus. I dare you.

So, what are the A's for? Awareness, Action and Acceptance in this order. So many months and so many days are set aside for awareness of different things, special events, themes, both good and bad. I like the good days, myself, to remember: birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, etc. Bad days - not so much! Unless it spurs you on to taking action(s). When we're sick, we really appreciate the times we're healthy. When we're sad, we look forward to laughter and joy. When we're alone, we can always turn to Him and feel His presence and engagement.

Make a move. Draw near. Fake it 'til you make it. My biggest fear so long ago was being alone. I can say that this is not true anymore. I thank God that He has taken this deep-seeded fear away from me.

If you don't have awareness, get some.

If you haven't taken any action(s), then decide. Get some accountability around it.

If you aren't accepting of yourself, others, situations; then pray until wisdom and discernment comes.

If it's been a long, lonely time. Do something about it. Until then, enjoy a 'lil Led Zep by clicking below.

https://youtu.be/qyivczZI5pw

Picking up where I left off (5 years later) - time flies when you're traumatized!

No, I didn't get an actual facelift

but it feels like I have

and it's cost me so much more than I thought it would.

So much has happened in the past five years that it's hard for me to even face the truth of my current situation. I've refrained for way too long that I'm finally coming out and sharing my story. It's interesting! I assure you.

I have re-titled this blog as we have had a major face-lift. I had wanted to use words such as re-framed, refurbished, restored, reformed, relaunched but I really want to use another 'f' word that followed Falkinburg Family so I chose 'Face-lift'. When times are hard, that's what I've done is lift my face to no other except God. He has been there, here for me, constantly and will continue to be ever present!

May my story lift your head on high...

to Him and Him alone.

Falkinburg Family at Flatirons!

Flatirons at Chautauqua Park at Sunrise

 We are so thankful for our first family portrait this year! 

We were tired, we were cold & we were struggling to smile 
at 7 am in 20 degrees weather. 

I want to thank NOT only my husband, 3 sons and new puppy but to 

Jess Michael for making my dream come true!

Seth is a SENIOR!

I can't believe it! 

Our first-born son is almost out of the nest...

Many blessings to you for a wonderful life filled w/ family, friends and God's Unfailing Love!

We love you so much,

Mom and Dad

Flatirons in Boulder

Thanksgiving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Lake Michigan was beautiful to visit a couple of times 
during our Thanksgiving vacation.

I had to remind myself over and over again that we were not at the ocean. 

We were able to visit my Dad's side of the family and stay in my cousin's beautiful home in Mequon for 5 days.  

We had a wonderful time with our family up north...

 and it's not as cold as you would imagine. 

Don't let my down coat with the Eskimo hood fool you!

Darcy at 3 months old

Here he is relaxing on Joanna's porch in Longmont, after finishing his breakfast.

Darcy's favorite chew-toy is still the hardy pig ears... 

he chews 2 a week 'til they disappear completely.

His scheduled feedings are 8 am, 1 pm & 6 pm. Our boys & I take turns feeding him daily.

Trevor takes Darcy for his morning runs & Ian does the late afternoon puppy zoomies.

Newell takes Darcy out for the late night outings before he stays in his kennel 

ALL NIGHT LONG!

No accidents these last couple of weeks. 

He even rang the bell on the door twice this week 

to let us know that he needed to relieve himself.

Can I just say that we have the PERFECT PUPPY? Really!

He knows: outside, go potty, uh-uh (no), all done, let's go, sit, stay, drop it, leave it.

Now, he's learning "down" & "say hello".

Loose leash walking, WALKING, is challenging for him as he wants to explore the world

NOW & f-a-s-t. Swoosh!

 

On Father's Day, we decided to go up to Estes Park for the day. It was Darcy's first mountain hike with us. He did amazingly well... sniffing all the various scents up there!

Darcy's First BFF-Lazlo!

Mr. Darcy loves people... adults, children and even, strangers!

When it comes to other dogs,he's been unsure and hesitant or barking his head off.

Not when we had his first meet and greet w/ the Chase's Imperial Shih Tzu, Lazlo.

They ran in circles in the backyard, shared treats and water.

Darcy even enjoyed Mr. Chase's white socks as a chew toy.

Ahhh... a new "Best Friend Forever".