Well, this Sunday is the 1/2 marathon my husband and I have been training for. The next couple of days consist of hydration awareness, diet, and rest. We will be traveling tomorrow, which can be taxing on one's body, but we've been packing and getting the house ready to leave all week, so that there really isn't much to do- except leave. Understand, this is NOT the way I used to pack when I was single... I'd wait to the last minute to get everything done then leave stressed. My husband and I have made it a goal not to have this be the trend before we go on vacation. In fact, I believe we will enjoy a round of golf this evening and get our vacation started a little early. It pays off to plan ahead=).
Running a 1/2. I have run a full marathon in 2005, because it was on my life goal list and my dear friend Sarah and I put our mind and legs to the challenge and did it! So, a half you'd think wouldn't be a big deal. In my mind, I know I have completed this mileage before but due to my injury I wasn't able to complete the long mile runs I was hoping to... and there is some anx about the race and my time completion.
So the reflection part... I have mentioned a little bit about running and how it not natural for me and in fact a lot of work and dedication. But, I was thinking and discussing with a dear friend this week where I have come from... When I was in nursing school, I let my body go and weighed my heaviest. Since that point, I have lost 32 lbs. and am currently in my BMI. (Boy, this is vulnerable to state~) I have a personal weight goal I'd like to be at before I have children, and I believe I will get there. But, there are still days that I look in the mirror and see the "old" me weighing 30 lbs heavier, and the old tape recorders come and play over and over of negative, failing thoughts. These are the days that I really have to take every thought and make it obedient to Christ and stay steady with the better habits I have established in my life. I then think back and remember I wouldn't have run 1/2 a marathon 30 lbs heavier, nor would I have the desire to do so... So, when the thoughts of not completing in record time start to creep in and convince me I have already failed before I've started... I remember where I have come from and where I am going!
...I will cross the finish line on Sunday and enjoy the victory of not only joining in on the race, but the lifestyle changes I have made to make it across the finish line.
Psalm 108:13
With God's help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
It is well...
"That is what beauty says, All shall be well.
And this is what it's like to be with a woman at rest, a woman comfortable in her feminine beauty. She is enjoyable to be with. She is lovely. In her presence your heart stops holding its breath. You relax and believe once again that all will be well. And this is also why a woman who is striving is so disturbing, for a woman who is not at rest in her heart says to the world, 'All is not well. Things are not going to turn out all right.' 'Like a fountain troubled,' as Shakespeare said, ' muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty.' We need what Beauty speaks. What it says is hard to put into words. But part of it's message is that all is well. All will be well."
Captivating by: John & Stasi Eldredge pg. 38
The words It is Well has sent me to look at the words of the familiar hymn:
"It is Well with my Soul"
By: Spafford, music by Bliss
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Anyone ever considered this Beauty?
As I write this post in deep thoughts. It is a beautiful, foggy morning and I am sitting in my favorite spot at home sipping a cup of coffee. I am still. Relaxed. My heart has room to breathe. In the background, I have Pandora.com playing from one of my favorite mixes, and the following song came on:
"At the Foot of the Cross"
At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
Yes You've won my heart
Now I can
Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death You bore for me
I'm laying every burden down
I'm laying every burden down
Music and lyrics by Kathryn Scott© 2003 Vertical Worship SongsCCLI# 4157353
A big sigh and smile... God is so good.
And this is what it's like to be with a woman at rest, a woman comfortable in her feminine beauty. She is enjoyable to be with. She is lovely. In her presence your heart stops holding its breath. You relax and believe once again that all will be well. And this is also why a woman who is striving is so disturbing, for a woman who is not at rest in her heart says to the world, 'All is not well. Things are not going to turn out all right.' 'Like a fountain troubled,' as Shakespeare said, ' muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty.' We need what Beauty speaks. What it says is hard to put into words. But part of it's message is that all is well. All will be well."
Captivating by: John & Stasi Eldredge pg. 38
The words It is Well has sent me to look at the words of the familiar hymn:
"It is Well with my Soul"
By: Spafford, music by Bliss
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Anyone ever considered this Beauty?
As I write this post in deep thoughts. It is a beautiful, foggy morning and I am sitting in my favorite spot at home sipping a cup of coffee. I am still. Relaxed. My heart has room to breathe. In the background, I have Pandora.com playing from one of my favorite mixes, and the following song came on:
"At the Foot of the Cross"
At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
Yes You've won my heart
Now I can
Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death You bore for me
I'm laying every burden down
I'm laying every burden down
Music and lyrics by Kathryn Scott© 2003 Vertical Worship SongsCCLI# 4157353
A big sigh and smile... God is so good.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The answer to my desperation cry
A couple of weeks ago, I sent out a cry for an encouraging book for the feminine heart. Well, I did pick up Captivating (again) by John & Staci Elderedge and it's been great. But my sister sent me another recommendation of From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife by: Marla Taviano. I only read the forward and I am excited and encouraged! For any new bride, I'd encourage you to check it out here.
I will give a more thorough review after it's completed.
I will give a more thorough review after it's completed.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Photo Booth
On Sunday night, hubs and I went on a double date with a couple friend of ours. Our friends had a babysitter in town for the week, and they were making every minute count. Well, after a great dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. We took them to the Penny Arcade... and laughed the night away. We were kids again, hooting and hollering trying to win tickets for... what?... a plastic toy? We played skee ball, derby, Deal or No Deal (this game we won 108 tickets), but our favorite was the photo booth.
I know you all remember taking your BFF to the photo booth and cherishing the 4 (well 2, because you had to share) black and white pictures FOREVER! Well we were BFF couples that night and now you get 8 pictures (so do the math... 4 pictures when you share) that our proudly displayed on our refrigerator. They are hilarious, and bring a smile to my face every time I look at them.
The night wasn't over after the Penny Arcade. Afterwards, we walked across the street to an old Victorian hotel in the area to "take a look around". Well, when we were about ready to leave, our husbands decided it would be fun to start a game of hide and seek. We had the front desk clerks helping us locate them as they gave us clues via text or cell phone. We did end up finding them in "the dark room by the kitchen" hiding under the table. Laughs all around.
My challenge to you all, is go out and be a kid for the night (or day) with other adults, for we are all kids at heart.
I know you all remember taking your BFF to the photo booth and cherishing the 4 (well 2, because you had to share) black and white pictures FOREVER! Well we were BFF couples that night and now you get 8 pictures (so do the math... 4 pictures when you share) that our proudly displayed on our refrigerator. They are hilarious, and bring a smile to my face every time I look at them.
The night wasn't over after the Penny Arcade. Afterwards, we walked across the street to an old Victorian hotel in the area to "take a look around". Well, when we were about ready to leave, our husbands decided it would be fun to start a game of hide and seek. We had the front desk clerks helping us locate them as they gave us clues via text or cell phone. We did end up finding them in "the dark room by the kitchen" hiding under the table. Laughs all around.
My challenge to you all, is go out and be a kid for the night (or day) with other adults, for we are all kids at heart.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
In need of some recommendations.
Hello Women,
I am in need of a good, nurturing book for the feminine heart. It's been a day feeling overwhelmed by all the roles I feel I need to fulfill by being a wife, having a career, and keeping up a home. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks from a desperate soul.
I am in need of a good, nurturing book for the feminine heart. It's been a day feeling overwhelmed by all the roles I feel I need to fulfill by being a wife, having a career, and keeping up a home. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks from a desperate soul.
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