60 miles to make me happy? Sounds about right. At least yesterday that is what it took. The week leading up to the 17th was long - factoring in the time change, the weather change, squirrely kids, work, church, funeral, birthday party - sure I forgot something - but that's how my week played out. But Saturday was my day. I earned it. And I chose to spend my day doing something that makes me truly happy. Biking.
I bet you are all Green with Envy that you didn't spend Saturday biking 60 miles to Forest Lake and back (with some side trips built in)! But why should you be jealous?? Perhaps because it wasn't "your day" to do what you love? Have you every felt that way?
I texted my NEW buddy on my ride and told him how far I had gone and how much farther I was going to go and his response was "I wish it was me." Guess what? I knew exactly how he felt. Last Sunday was my Do unto others day. I had committed to helping at church, taking my mother in law shopping, running my daughter to a Girl Scout event, working for American Greetings and whatever else came up. It was not going to be My Day. That same day, my NEW buddy was doing his own triathlon at his health club. Swimming, biking and running. I was so envious that he had the opportunity to do that. A beautiful day weather wise and the freedom from other responsibilities to have time to test your limits. That day I didn't really want to be Shari the good kid - I wanted to be off working out and doing what I love. Pushing myself - not pushing a shopping cart!
So when my NEW buddy texted he wished it was him during my bike ride, I got to thinking - Why should we be jealous of each other? It isn't that I don't ever get to workout and push myself. And I am sure he feels the same way. He has plenty of opportunities to exercise. I think at times we all feel that Life should be perfect and we should be able to be happy all the time. But what if that were true? What if no one had money issues, or depression or physical pain? What if everyone got along? What kind of world would it be if all was right? It might be nice. And I believe that is how some might describe Heaven.
But if the world was perfect, how would we be able to grow as Christians? What opportunities would there be to serve others? Or to offer prayers? What need would there be for us to sacrifice as Christ did? I believe that for us to grow as Christians, we have to make sacrifices in our lives to help others. We need to feel pain - ours and theirs - and to be able to work through that pain. We need to feel sadness and turn to God to bring us through those difficult times. Life is not going to be perfect - at least not until we get to Heaven - so we need to look at the imperfections as wonderful lessons in growing in our Christian Faith.
My Faith in God tells me that He knows what is happening in my life - before it even happens. So God knew I was going to be jealous of my Buddy's triathlon day. But I have to believe that God also knew that I needed a lesson along the way - and that is what I got. Through my journey to this NEW Shari, I have found that it is easier for me to be open to listening to God and paying attention to His desires for me. Things that I may have ignored in the past, or brushed off as coincidence, I now believe those are messages from God. Sometimes it would be nice if they were just big billboards with the words right there telling me what to do - but that isn't the way it happens. This time it was 5 little words in a text that got me thinking (and learning!)
The Bible tells us that we are to have the
perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It
does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). This verse to me is one of the best reminders of what God wants for us. The perfect love that He has for us is what we should have for others. And surprise - Jealousy is not part of it!!!
So don't be jealous of my 60 mile ride. Don't be Green with Envy of your friends new car. Don't be jealous of your coworkers extra day off. Be Happy for them. Show them God's perfect love. Make that commitment in your life to push jealousy out of your life and let God's Love take its place. It took me 60 miles to figure that out. How long is it going to take you???
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
P cubed
Patience, Prayers and Peace. That is what P cubed stands for today. This revelation came at the Perfect time!
I suppose my week of ups and downs could be blamed on the time change. Or the fact that Minnesota has jumped straight to summer. Or that I worked a lot more this week than usual. Or the stress of starting a basement remodel. Or...????? Whatever reason I pick, it doesn't matter. What matters is that I apply my P cubed theory to today and let God give me a fresh start to the day.
Patience! That is a hard one sometimes. I would love to lose 10 pounds this week. Or have my house clean in an hour. Or have the basement remodel done today. But everything in life takes time. And it isn't on my schedule - it is in God's time. I can usually convince myself of that but it isn't easy. I can get my coffee at McDonald's in less than two minutes - why can't my house be clean in an hour (and stay that way?) The weather in Minnesota right now is perfect for long distance biking. I would go every day if I could. But I need to be patient and finish what needs to be done first - cleaning, American Greetings work, church commitments - before I can enjoy myself on the road. There will be sacrifices made today so that I can hopefully have tomorrow to myself on a 40 or 50 mile ride. And for me it will be a great test of my patience to see if I can get things done and make it through the day with out becoming "crabby!"
Prayers! There are days when I get to the club in the morning and right off the bat I am focused on my prayers. Then there are days when I get to the end of my workout, with my mind still cluttered and realize I haven't taken the time to pray and give my problems to God. Today was one of those days. Two nights of less than adequate sleep, three days of go go go, and a list a mile long of things that need to be done now plus the requests of friends and family - spoken or unspoken - for needs in their lives - and my brain was overwhelmed this morning. I struggled to make myself do an easy day in anticipation of my ride tomorrow but it took me a good hour before I realized I hadn't given anything to God. I was so focused on what I thought I could do to help everyone and "Fix" things in their lives, that I had pushed God aside this morning and crowned myself "Superwoman!"
I am so happy that God has patience with me. And that He will listen to my prayers. When I finish a workout and don't feel any better mentally - I know I forgot something. That is when I realize I NEED to take time to pray. I know I am not Superwoman - nor do I really want to be. But there are times where I just get so focused on what needs to be done and think that I can do it myself that I lose sight of who can really get it done - and that I need God to help me. Prayers went up and on my drive home I felt that weight coming off my shoulders, that clearing coming into my head and that feeling of God being there with me and that leads me into Peace.
Peace! I have a friend who signs all his emails with the word Peace. One word - a powerful word - that is a wonderful reminder that we can have Peace in our lives. But it isn't something that just happens. I find that Peace comes usually after Prayers have been sent up and when I have found the time to be Patient in life. Allowing God to take on my struggles brings me Peace. Surrounding myself with a serene setting in the great outdoors brings me Peace. Watching the joy my children bring to me and others brings me Peace. Knowing that God will keep me on this wonderful journey to a NEW Shari brings me Peace. There are so many opportunities to find things to bring me Peace, I just have to remind myself to make the effort to look.
P cubed. That's my motto today. My workout is done, Prayers have been said and I know that God is already working in me to bring me Patience and Peace.
Peace to you my friends.
I suppose my week of ups and downs could be blamed on the time change. Or the fact that Minnesota has jumped straight to summer. Or that I worked a lot more this week than usual. Or the stress of starting a basement remodel. Or...????? Whatever reason I pick, it doesn't matter. What matters is that I apply my P cubed theory to today and let God give me a fresh start to the day.
Patience! That is a hard one sometimes. I would love to lose 10 pounds this week. Or have my house clean in an hour. Or have the basement remodel done today. But everything in life takes time. And it isn't on my schedule - it is in God's time. I can usually convince myself of that but it isn't easy. I can get my coffee at McDonald's in less than two minutes - why can't my house be clean in an hour (and stay that way?) The weather in Minnesota right now is perfect for long distance biking. I would go every day if I could. But I need to be patient and finish what needs to be done first - cleaning, American Greetings work, church commitments - before I can enjoy myself on the road. There will be sacrifices made today so that I can hopefully have tomorrow to myself on a 40 or 50 mile ride. And for me it will be a great test of my patience to see if I can get things done and make it through the day with out becoming "crabby!"
Prayers! There are days when I get to the club in the morning and right off the bat I am focused on my prayers. Then there are days when I get to the end of my workout, with my mind still cluttered and realize I haven't taken the time to pray and give my problems to God. Today was one of those days. Two nights of less than adequate sleep, three days of go go go, and a list a mile long of things that need to be done now plus the requests of friends and family - spoken or unspoken - for needs in their lives - and my brain was overwhelmed this morning. I struggled to make myself do an easy day in anticipation of my ride tomorrow but it took me a good hour before I realized I hadn't given anything to God. I was so focused on what I thought I could do to help everyone and "Fix" things in their lives, that I had pushed God aside this morning and crowned myself "Superwoman!"
I am so happy that God has patience with me. And that He will listen to my prayers. When I finish a workout and don't feel any better mentally - I know I forgot something. That is when I realize I NEED to take time to pray. I know I am not Superwoman - nor do I really want to be. But there are times where I just get so focused on what needs to be done and think that I can do it myself that I lose sight of who can really get it done - and that I need God to help me. Prayers went up and on my drive home I felt that weight coming off my shoulders, that clearing coming into my head and that feeling of God being there with me and that leads me into Peace.
Peace! I have a friend who signs all his emails with the word Peace. One word - a powerful word - that is a wonderful reminder that we can have Peace in our lives. But it isn't something that just happens. I find that Peace comes usually after Prayers have been sent up and when I have found the time to be Patient in life. Allowing God to take on my struggles brings me Peace. Surrounding myself with a serene setting in the great outdoors brings me Peace. Watching the joy my children bring to me and others brings me Peace. Knowing that God will keep me on this wonderful journey to a NEW Shari brings me Peace. There are so many opportunities to find things to bring me Peace, I just have to remind myself to make the effort to look.
P cubed. That's my motto today. My workout is done, Prayers have been said and I know that God is already working in me to bring me Patience and Peace.
Peace to you my friends.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
What have you done in the last 500 days or so?
Think back over the last 500 days (or roughly a year and 4 1/2 months) and ask yourself what you have done. Have you tried to make the most out of each day? Have you made healthy choices? Have you exercised? Have you helped your fellow man when he needed it? Have you prayed for friends and family and asked God to bless them in their lives?
Well I have spent the last almost 500 days on my journey towards a NEW Shari. I made a commitment to go the Lifetime each day and put in a full workout. (I say almost because -1. I have 13 days to go still and 2. due to various circumstances, it has not been 500 consecutive days. I have defined it as days that I have had access to the club I have gone and worked out.)
My journey started as a weight loss program but honestly I had little hope of it working because others had failed. 5 days in one week - harder than you might think. It was summer, I was enjoying the great outdoors and didn't want to make time to go to the club, workout and then come back home and pick up whatever project I had set aside. But I did it. I huffed and puffed my 15 minutes on the bike and walked the track. No way was I going to tackle anything more than that. Bike, walk and row - because the rowing machine was hidden in a little alcove behind the racquetball courts and I figured no one would see me struggle to row. That is how I started.
The first few weeks were such a struggle physically - making my body do things it did not want to do. But it was also a mental struggle. I knew how overweight I was and to walk into a health club with people who are in much better shape than you have ever been - let's just say it takes a lot to push yourself to overcome that feeling that everyone is watching you, pointing you out, making comments about you. (And looking back I realize that most people aren't doing that because they are just too busy working out - but that is the mental game you play with yourself!)
So struggle I did. I did my 5 days and then worked out enough to get my 12 times in for the month for that wonderful insurance rebate! The next month I did the same. But by September, I was being to notice that the workouts weren't as hard as they had seemed in the beginning. My heart rate wasn't skyrocketing the moment I started pedalling. I didn't feel like I would pass out if I pushed a little harder. The fear of having a heart attack in the middle of the workout room was slowly fading *yes that was a huge fear!* I have to admit - I was becoming a little addicted to this working out thing.
Some of those who know me know I set little challenges for myself along the way. And no - 500 days was not a challenge I set for myself. But biking for 2 hours on the stationary bike, or taking on the elliptical and making it for an hour, or my newest one- rowing to Chicago (410 miles)- are some of those challenges that have made my workouts almost fun! Finding ways to motivate myself and keep from falling into that dreaded repetitive workout trap has been a little bit of a struggle from time to time - but I haven't given up.
And along the way, I have experienced somewhat of a parallel in my relationship with God. My Faith has been there all along but now it is growing. I have never doubted the existence of God and have lived as much as I thought I could in the way He expected me too. But until I started this NEW journey - I had not truly experienced MY FAITH in GOD or what a wonderful life you can live for HIM. Little by little, He has changed me - physically, mentally and spiritually. Inches have come off, some pounds too - people have noticed and commented. That has led me to work harder at that. The physical part is what started it but the spiritual side is what has been truly transformed.
If you know me personally, you know that I am a giver and I will do just about anything to help out. That is just the way I am. My parents are great examples and I grew up doing for others without question. And that hasn't changed. But I find now that when I serve others in His name = the reward for me is so much more. Whether it be reading with my special kiddos at North Park, or making popcorn for classrooms at Highland, or baking apple crisp for the staff, I come away feeling such a wonderful sense of pleasure from God. And once you experience that feeling, you want to feel it again and again. I guess you could somewhat compare it to that exercise high you get after a great workout - but this is so much deeper in you.
Day 500 is almost here. I am thinking up a little challenge to celebrate the day - 2 hour swim or 40 mile bike - who knows. What I do know is that I am already looking forward to what the next 500 days will bring and wondering how God will be using me this time around.
Well I have spent the last almost 500 days on my journey towards a NEW Shari. I made a commitment to go the Lifetime each day and put in a full workout. (I say almost because -1. I have 13 days to go still and 2. due to various circumstances, it has not been 500 consecutive days. I have defined it as days that I have had access to the club I have gone and worked out.)
My journey started as a weight loss program but honestly I had little hope of it working because others had failed. 5 days in one week - harder than you might think. It was summer, I was enjoying the great outdoors and didn't want to make time to go to the club, workout and then come back home and pick up whatever project I had set aside. But I did it. I huffed and puffed my 15 minutes on the bike and walked the track. No way was I going to tackle anything more than that. Bike, walk and row - because the rowing machine was hidden in a little alcove behind the racquetball courts and I figured no one would see me struggle to row. That is how I started.
The first few weeks were such a struggle physically - making my body do things it did not want to do. But it was also a mental struggle. I knew how overweight I was and to walk into a health club with people who are in much better shape than you have ever been - let's just say it takes a lot to push yourself to overcome that feeling that everyone is watching you, pointing you out, making comments about you. (And looking back I realize that most people aren't doing that because they are just too busy working out - but that is the mental game you play with yourself!)
So struggle I did. I did my 5 days and then worked out enough to get my 12 times in for the month for that wonderful insurance rebate! The next month I did the same. But by September, I was being to notice that the workouts weren't as hard as they had seemed in the beginning. My heart rate wasn't skyrocketing the moment I started pedalling. I didn't feel like I would pass out if I pushed a little harder. The fear of having a heart attack in the middle of the workout room was slowly fading *yes that was a huge fear!* I have to admit - I was becoming a little addicted to this working out thing.
Some of those who know me know I set little challenges for myself along the way. And no - 500 days was not a challenge I set for myself. But biking for 2 hours on the stationary bike, or taking on the elliptical and making it for an hour, or my newest one- rowing to Chicago (410 miles)- are some of those challenges that have made my workouts almost fun! Finding ways to motivate myself and keep from falling into that dreaded repetitive workout trap has been a little bit of a struggle from time to time - but I haven't given up.
And along the way, I have experienced somewhat of a parallel in my relationship with God. My Faith has been there all along but now it is growing. I have never doubted the existence of God and have lived as much as I thought I could in the way He expected me too. But until I started this NEW journey - I had not truly experienced MY FAITH in GOD or what a wonderful life you can live for HIM. Little by little, He has changed me - physically, mentally and spiritually. Inches have come off, some pounds too - people have noticed and commented. That has led me to work harder at that. The physical part is what started it but the spiritual side is what has been truly transformed.
If you know me personally, you know that I am a giver and I will do just about anything to help out. That is just the way I am. My parents are great examples and I grew up doing for others without question. And that hasn't changed. But I find now that when I serve others in His name = the reward for me is so much more. Whether it be reading with my special kiddos at North Park, or making popcorn for classrooms at Highland, or baking apple crisp for the staff, I come away feeling such a wonderful sense of pleasure from God. And once you experience that feeling, you want to feel it again and again. I guess you could somewhat compare it to that exercise high you get after a great workout - but this is so much deeper in you.
Day 500 is almost here. I am thinking up a little challenge to celebrate the day - 2 hour swim or 40 mile bike - who knows. What I do know is that I am already looking forward to what the next 500 days will bring and wondering how God will be using me this time around.
Monday, March 12, 2012
220
What is it about the number 220 that bothers me?? Could it be that it is the weight that I am always unable to surpass? For all the positive changes I have made in my life and how hard I have worked - I have yet to get past that number. And it is frustrating me to no end.
I have no problem telling anyone who asks what I weigh because that is what the scale tells me every time I get on. No point in lying about it. I have had people tell me to quit weighing myself - go by how you feel. Which I can do - for about a day. The number on the scale is part of life. When I go to the doctor, the first thing they do is weigh me. When I go to the DMV, I have to put my weight down. I am participating in a 90 day weight loss challenge at the health club so of course weight is important. When looking at a medical procedure I wanted done, I was told I had to lose 30 pounds to qualify. That was two years ago. I still have yet to hit that 30 pound mark. I have lost 40 inches in the last 5 years but am stuck at 25 pounds.
Part of it I know is that a benefit of my workouts is that I have gained muscle that I never had before and muscle weighs more than fat. But that is just a cruel mental game your body plays on you. You are trying to lose weight, exercise more and in return for that added strength, you get to weigh more! I love the muscle - don't get me wrong, but my body has yet to figure out how to shrink those remaining fat cells and get me below 220.
Today I was 219.9 at the club. Yes that is below 220 but it won't last the day. Tomorrow I weigh in - do I dare hope that I will be below 220 for the official recording? I have prayed many times that I would get past that number - and maybe that isn't what I should be praying for. Perhaps I should focus on thanking God for the opportunities I have had on this journey, the positive changes in my body, the fact that I have been moving in the direction I want but it has to be in God's time and most important is that overall I feel like a new person.
So here it is God - I leave it in your hands.
But if you hear a YIPPEE Tuesday morning - that would be me breaking that 220 barrier! Finally!
I have no problem telling anyone who asks what I weigh because that is what the scale tells me every time I get on. No point in lying about it. I have had people tell me to quit weighing myself - go by how you feel. Which I can do - for about a day. The number on the scale is part of life. When I go to the doctor, the first thing they do is weigh me. When I go to the DMV, I have to put my weight down. I am participating in a 90 day weight loss challenge at the health club so of course weight is important. When looking at a medical procedure I wanted done, I was told I had to lose 30 pounds to qualify. That was two years ago. I still have yet to hit that 30 pound mark. I have lost 40 inches in the last 5 years but am stuck at 25 pounds.
Part of it I know is that a benefit of my workouts is that I have gained muscle that I never had before and muscle weighs more than fat. But that is just a cruel mental game your body plays on you. You are trying to lose weight, exercise more and in return for that added strength, you get to weigh more! I love the muscle - don't get me wrong, but my body has yet to figure out how to shrink those remaining fat cells and get me below 220.
Today I was 219.9 at the club. Yes that is below 220 but it won't last the day. Tomorrow I weigh in - do I dare hope that I will be below 220 for the official recording? I have prayed many times that I would get past that number - and maybe that isn't what I should be praying for. Perhaps I should focus on thanking God for the opportunities I have had on this journey, the positive changes in my body, the fact that I have been moving in the direction I want but it has to be in God's time and most important is that overall I feel like a new person.
So here it is God - I leave it in your hands.
But if you hear a YIPPEE Tuesday morning - that would be me breaking that 220 barrier! Finally!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Who's your Faith Buddy?
Faith Buddy. Not sure that I have ever heard that phrase used - so maybe I will start something new. But that is how I would describe my friend - without whom I know I would not be where I am in My Journey.
I did not set out looking for a Faith Buddy. I didn't set out looking for a No Excuses Buddy. I wasn't looking for anyone to help me on this journey because I didn't know I was going to be going on a journey. I have done the diet and exercise thing before and it never worked. So I didn't tell anyone that I was trying to lose weight. I just started walking - daily - to and from school with the kids. It wasn't hard to do but I also didn't expect anything to change. So we walked each day, up the hill to school and down the hill home. It was a nice mild winter so we continued as often as we could. I guess my No Excuse Week had its roots there because I would tell the kids there was no reason why we couldn't walk the half mile to school.
Finally spring came and one day I walked to school without my BIG winter coat. My son made this comment on the way up the hill - " Mom, I think you are getting skinnier." Let me just say that those are some of the nicest words that he has ever said to me. The scale may not have said that I was losing weight, but all my walking had started firming things up. So this lady kept up the walking - still not knowing exactly what was in store for her.
Later that spring, a remark was made by someone who would come to play a big part in my journey - a positive remark that they probably don't even remember - but that finally sparked something in me to make the effort. And with the support of my now NEW buddy, I began the exercise portion of my journey. Little did I know that GOD has a great way of working in someone without them knowing it (at least with me that's how it began).
I have been a Christian all my life. I accepted Christ when I was 8 and I have always tried to live my life as I had been taught. But I never felt like I was doing it exactly right - if there is such a thing. I guess I was looking for those Hallelujah moments, impressive answers to prayer or an overwhelming desire to drop to my knees and praise God. I hadn't witnessed this really but thought that if God was working in me that I would experience these things. Guess what? It really doesn't happen that way.
For me it began with talks about exercise with my NEW Buddy. Supporting each other in our challenges at the gym. I knew he was a Christian - and occassionally we would talk about things going on at our churches. But the first time he asked me to pray for something happening in his life - was the first time I actually felt led to do it. At church they ask you to pray all the time = prayer requests are sent out on emails or phone calls, or announced during services. I don't think I really ever felt that my prayers would make a difference - so I didn't put much into them. Words - simple words was all that they were. But this time there was something different - God made sure that I understood that He was listening. I honestly can't remember if my prayers were answered that time because that wasn't what I was focused on. I was focusing on the fact that someone else had asked me directly to pray for them - that they believed that my prayers would help them. It was that first step in pumping up my Faith. Imagine a flat basketball - new out of the package. It takes quite a bit of work to get it to a usable condition - and that is what is happening on my journey. God has been using me to help others and in the process those actions have helped pump up my Faith.
To define my Faith Buddy- is hard to do because he is also my NEW Buddy and my friend. But he is the one I can openly ask for prayers -without getting into specifics. I can share my frustrations and doubts (and yes I still have doubts - even God related ones but I am working on that) and believe that he won't judge me because of them. I can tell him when I feel I have had a cool God moment and know that he will share in the praises to God. When he asks me to pray - he knows I will and that I put all my faith in God in those prayers. When someone thanks me for inspiring them to make better choices in their life, he and I both realize that it was God working through me to get to them.
As for my Faith Buddy - whether or not he knows that I am calling him that - I am thankful that he is part of my journey. We have had some wonderful chats about how God works in our lives as well as those around us. We have both had struggles - physically, mentally and spiritually - over the last few years. And prayers, talks and tweaking our workouts have gotten us through so far. I can't imagine where I would be on this journey without my Faith Buddy. I am so glad that God knew where He wanted me to be with my Faith and what and who I needed to get going on the right path.
So - who in your life is your Faith Buddy?
I did not set out looking for a Faith Buddy. I didn't set out looking for a No Excuses Buddy. I wasn't looking for anyone to help me on this journey because I didn't know I was going to be going on a journey. I have done the diet and exercise thing before and it never worked. So I didn't tell anyone that I was trying to lose weight. I just started walking - daily - to and from school with the kids. It wasn't hard to do but I also didn't expect anything to change. So we walked each day, up the hill to school and down the hill home. It was a nice mild winter so we continued as often as we could. I guess my No Excuse Week had its roots there because I would tell the kids there was no reason why we couldn't walk the half mile to school.
Finally spring came and one day I walked to school without my BIG winter coat. My son made this comment on the way up the hill - " Mom, I think you are getting skinnier." Let me just say that those are some of the nicest words that he has ever said to me. The scale may not have said that I was losing weight, but all my walking had started firming things up. So this lady kept up the walking - still not knowing exactly what was in store for her.
Later that spring, a remark was made by someone who would come to play a big part in my journey - a positive remark that they probably don't even remember - but that finally sparked something in me to make the effort. And with the support of my now NEW buddy, I began the exercise portion of my journey. Little did I know that GOD has a great way of working in someone without them knowing it (at least with me that's how it began).
I have been a Christian all my life. I accepted Christ when I was 8 and I have always tried to live my life as I had been taught. But I never felt like I was doing it exactly right - if there is such a thing. I guess I was looking for those Hallelujah moments, impressive answers to prayer or an overwhelming desire to drop to my knees and praise God. I hadn't witnessed this really but thought that if God was working in me that I would experience these things. Guess what? It really doesn't happen that way.
For me it began with talks about exercise with my NEW Buddy. Supporting each other in our challenges at the gym. I knew he was a Christian - and occassionally we would talk about things going on at our churches. But the first time he asked me to pray for something happening in his life - was the first time I actually felt led to do it. At church they ask you to pray all the time = prayer requests are sent out on emails or phone calls, or announced during services. I don't think I really ever felt that my prayers would make a difference - so I didn't put much into them. Words - simple words was all that they were. But this time there was something different - God made sure that I understood that He was listening. I honestly can't remember if my prayers were answered that time because that wasn't what I was focused on. I was focusing on the fact that someone else had asked me directly to pray for them - that they believed that my prayers would help them. It was that first step in pumping up my Faith. Imagine a flat basketball - new out of the package. It takes quite a bit of work to get it to a usable condition - and that is what is happening on my journey. God has been using me to help others and in the process those actions have helped pump up my Faith.
To define my Faith Buddy- is hard to do because he is also my NEW Buddy and my friend. But he is the one I can openly ask for prayers -without getting into specifics. I can share my frustrations and doubts (and yes I still have doubts - even God related ones but I am working on that) and believe that he won't judge me because of them. I can tell him when I feel I have had a cool God moment and know that he will share in the praises to God. When he asks me to pray - he knows I will and that I put all my faith in God in those prayers. When someone thanks me for inspiring them to make better choices in their life, he and I both realize that it was God working through me to get to them.
As for my Faith Buddy - whether or not he knows that I am calling him that - I am thankful that he is part of my journey. We have had some wonderful chats about how God works in our lives as well as those around us. We have both had struggles - physically, mentally and spiritually - over the last few years. And prayers, talks and tweaking our workouts have gotten us through so far. I can't imagine where I would be on this journey without my Faith Buddy. I am so glad that God knew where He wanted me to be with my Faith and what and who I needed to get going on the right path.
So - who in your life is your Faith Buddy?
Monday, March 5, 2012
Spring Training - A Simple Pleasure
Tonight - to my surprise - the Twins spring training game is on the radio. And I must apologize to my dogs as I postponed their walk when I found out so that I could enjoy the game. I suppose a baseball game on the radio should not take precedence over a walk with my girls but tonight it did. Twins games on the radio are one of those simple pleasures in life.
I enjoy baseball. Played it in my youth and was usually the only girl on the team. I would not call myself a die hard fan but if the timing is right and the game is on the radio - I will take the time to listen. Two years ago, my husband built a deck on the front of our house. It quickly became our summer evening retreat - to visit with neighbors, to catch up on the day, to just sit and relax as the kids played outside. With a change in his work schedule, it became my retreat. I spent many evenings last summer, by myself, just listening to the Twins game and debriefing my day with myself.
As I would sit, I would think - I tend to do that a lot - maybe too much sometimes - but this is one way I feel that God gets through to me. I wondered what it was about baseball on the radio that brought me so much peace. And I remembered my childhood. How carefree life was. We always had food on the table, clean clothes, parents that loved us, friends a plenty to play with and Twins games on the radio. We spent our summer days just playing - anything and everything. Not a worry among us - except perhaps who got to be which Charlie's Angel or which Duke boy we would marry! How can you not experience peace when you have nothing to stress over?? It makes perfect sense to me - too bad I didn't realize back then how good I had it!
As the mom of two children and having a husband working nights, I find I have more worries that I ever thought I would have. Part of that is inheriting the Worry gene from my Grandma T. But as a Christian, I have been taught not to worry - which sometimes is a lot easier said than done. In Philippians 4:6, we are commanded, “Do not be anxious [do not worry] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Have you ever tried to make a conscious effort not to worry? To stop the minute you feel the worry start and give it to God? Give it a try. I find it is something that I struggle to do on a regular basis - mostly because I am who I am (or at least who I think I am) and I want to fix everything on my own.
But there are things I can't fix - I know that I can't heal anyones cancer, or make the perfect job appear for a friend out of work, or take away someone else's anxieties and fears. And when I began my workout journey, I felt that I couldn't fix me. What would be different with this attempt to lose weight that would enable me to be successful? How would I overcome my fear of having a heart attack or stroke while working out? How would I be able to stick with any part of it?
Well God knew how to fix me. But it wasn't an overnight fix. It took me months to realize that just because my heart rate hit a certain number, I wasn't going to keel over and die. It took the support of my NEW buddy to keep me committed to visiting the health club for the whole week and to keep it up to get my insurance reimbursement. And it took God working in me to get me to give my worries to Him and to realize that I can't do it on my own and that I don't have to. And to my amazement - it is working. Although I will honestly call myself a work in progress!
Part of God working in me to give up my worries is my ability to feel less stress and to take time to enjoy simple pleasures. So that brings us back to the Twins game on the radio tonight. Prayers were sent up earlier today and along with them went my worries. And now I am able to sit back and enjoy the simple pleasure of listening to the Twins game and know that God is taking care of things for me.
I enjoy baseball. Played it in my youth and was usually the only girl on the team. I would not call myself a die hard fan but if the timing is right and the game is on the radio - I will take the time to listen. Two years ago, my husband built a deck on the front of our house. It quickly became our summer evening retreat - to visit with neighbors, to catch up on the day, to just sit and relax as the kids played outside. With a change in his work schedule, it became my retreat. I spent many evenings last summer, by myself, just listening to the Twins game and debriefing my day with myself.
As I would sit, I would think - I tend to do that a lot - maybe too much sometimes - but this is one way I feel that God gets through to me. I wondered what it was about baseball on the radio that brought me so much peace. And I remembered my childhood. How carefree life was. We always had food on the table, clean clothes, parents that loved us, friends a plenty to play with and Twins games on the radio. We spent our summer days just playing - anything and everything. Not a worry among us - except perhaps who got to be which Charlie's Angel or which Duke boy we would marry! How can you not experience peace when you have nothing to stress over?? It makes perfect sense to me - too bad I didn't realize back then how good I had it!
As the mom of two children and having a husband working nights, I find I have more worries that I ever thought I would have. Part of that is inheriting the Worry gene from my Grandma T. But as a Christian, I have been taught not to worry - which sometimes is a lot easier said than done. In Philippians 4:6, we are commanded, “Do not be anxious [do not worry] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Have you ever tried to make a conscious effort not to worry? To stop the minute you feel the worry start and give it to God? Give it a try. I find it is something that I struggle to do on a regular basis - mostly because I am who I am (or at least who I think I am) and I want to fix everything on my own.
But there are things I can't fix - I know that I can't heal anyones cancer, or make the perfect job appear for a friend out of work, or take away someone else's anxieties and fears. And when I began my workout journey, I felt that I couldn't fix me. What would be different with this attempt to lose weight that would enable me to be successful? How would I overcome my fear of having a heart attack or stroke while working out? How would I be able to stick with any part of it?
Well God knew how to fix me. But it wasn't an overnight fix. It took me months to realize that just because my heart rate hit a certain number, I wasn't going to keel over and die. It took the support of my NEW buddy to keep me committed to visiting the health club for the whole week and to keep it up to get my insurance reimbursement. And it took God working in me to get me to give my worries to Him and to realize that I can't do it on my own and that I don't have to. And to my amazement - it is working. Although I will honestly call myself a work in progress!
Part of God working in me to give up my worries is my ability to feel less stress and to take time to enjoy simple pleasures. So that brings us back to the Twins game on the radio tonight. Prayers were sent up earlier today and along with them went my worries. And now I am able to sit back and enjoy the simple pleasure of listening to the Twins game and know that God is taking care of things for me.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The ride of a Lifetime - or so they say
Today my friend Cheryl and I participated in Lifetime Fitness' Ride of a Lifetime. A two hour spin class held at the Rivercentre in St. Paul. I will be honest - not sure if it was worth the $50 I paid for myself (She had to pay $60 because she is not a member.) Over 1000 people were there to push their bodies to the limit on the spin bike. But to call it the Ride of a Lifetime is so misleading. I have done two other 2 hour spin classes at Lifetime - a great workout but not anything to warrant that title.
Those who know me have followed my new found obsession with road cycling. I love it. It started with my cheap Fleet Farm mountain bike and some great trail rides while camping. To be out in nature, on my own, pushing when I felt like it and finding out what I was capable of - now that is a ride. And each time, I pushed a little farther - not only in distance but physically pushed my body harder - working different muscles, pedalling faster , tackling new hills (still not my favorite part!)
I even tackled the Minnesota Ironman on May 1st last year with that mountain bike. Now that I might call The Ride of a Lifetime. 25 degree windchill, 25 mile an hour winds, ice pellets and a great head/chest cold as I hit the road. I had signed up for the 30 mile loop and it may have taken me 4 hours and a few walks up hills but I finished. Several people who had signed up for the 68 or 100 mile loop opted to drop to the 30 because of the weather conditions. That was the first ride where I really felt I had challenged my body and mind - you should have seen the smile on my face when I finished and collected my Ironwoman t-shirt. I was so proud of myself that day - and yet I felt that I could do more. Even on the drive home, I was trying to think up my next challenge.
And challenge I did. At the end of May, I became the proud owner of Sheba - a Specialized Dolce Comp road bike. Stylin red and white - lightweight and beautiful. And so the challenges began. From Heights to Mounds View, then to Shoreview, then to Lino Lakes, then loops around the many lakes in that area. 20 miles, 30, 40 and finally on September 24th, I finished a 62 mile ride on my own - out to Lino Lakes, laps around the lakes and then back home. Took me 6 hours - not the fastest biker out there - but I did it. With that ride, I completed 400 miles during the months of June, July and September!
Every ride I did last summer (and this January too) could be called the Ride of a Lifetime because each one was a challenge I set for myself and a challenge that I met. And each one has been part of my journey to this NEW me. I find time on each ride to pray (with my eyes open!!) To thank God for the opportunity to ride, the ability to ride, safety on my ride. But I also find that once I am in my groove, I take the time to pray for others in my life - friends, family, fellow church members - things just pop into my mind and I pray. And I have seen so many of those prayers answered. It is such an incredible feeling to be pushing your body physically and yet have your mind and spirit focused on God and helping others (guess some might call it another way I multi-task!)
When I first started working out, all I could focus on was me and how much I hated working out, how my body hurt, what good was it really going to do me, etc. But now I have come to this incredible point in my journey where God is showing me how it isn't about me - it's about Him using me to help/serve others in His name. It's a feeling I hope you all get to experience at some point in your life - there are no words to describe it. And once you do experience it - you will know you are on the Ride of a Lifetime!
Those who know me have followed my new found obsession with road cycling. I love it. It started with my cheap Fleet Farm mountain bike and some great trail rides while camping. To be out in nature, on my own, pushing when I felt like it and finding out what I was capable of - now that is a ride. And each time, I pushed a little farther - not only in distance but physically pushed my body harder - working different muscles, pedalling faster , tackling new hills (still not my favorite part!)
I even tackled the Minnesota Ironman on May 1st last year with that mountain bike. Now that I might call The Ride of a Lifetime. 25 degree windchill, 25 mile an hour winds, ice pellets and a great head/chest cold as I hit the road. I had signed up for the 30 mile loop and it may have taken me 4 hours and a few walks up hills but I finished. Several people who had signed up for the 68 or 100 mile loop opted to drop to the 30 because of the weather conditions. That was the first ride where I really felt I had challenged my body and mind - you should have seen the smile on my face when I finished and collected my Ironwoman t-shirt. I was so proud of myself that day - and yet I felt that I could do more. Even on the drive home, I was trying to think up my next challenge.
And challenge I did. At the end of May, I became the proud owner of Sheba - a Specialized Dolce Comp road bike. Stylin red and white - lightweight and beautiful. And so the challenges began. From Heights to Mounds View, then to Shoreview, then to Lino Lakes, then loops around the many lakes in that area. 20 miles, 30, 40 and finally on September 24th, I finished a 62 mile ride on my own - out to Lino Lakes, laps around the lakes and then back home. Took me 6 hours - not the fastest biker out there - but I did it. With that ride, I completed 400 miles during the months of June, July and September!
Every ride I did last summer (and this January too) could be called the Ride of a Lifetime because each one was a challenge I set for myself and a challenge that I met. And each one has been part of my journey to this NEW me. I find time on each ride to pray (with my eyes open!!) To thank God for the opportunity to ride, the ability to ride, safety on my ride. But I also find that once I am in my groove, I take the time to pray for others in my life - friends, family, fellow church members - things just pop into my mind and I pray. And I have seen so many of those prayers answered. It is such an incredible feeling to be pushing your body physically and yet have your mind and spirit focused on God and helping others (guess some might call it another way I multi-task!)
When I first started working out, all I could focus on was me and how much I hated working out, how my body hurt, what good was it really going to do me, etc. But now I have come to this incredible point in my journey where God is showing me how it isn't about me - it's about Him using me to help/serve others in His name. It's a feeling I hope you all get to experience at some point in your life - there are no words to describe it. And once you do experience it - you will know you are on the Ride of a Lifetime!
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