Today's verse reminded me where to put my hope and where to find joy.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again. Psalm 42:11, NLT.
This really hit home as I consider the death of a friend's father. I don't understand how you grieve without the comfort of the Father. And this verse was encouraging on a daily level as a reminder to praise Him even when the days feel long.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ghouls on the Run!
I ran a 5k on Sunday! It was called Ghouls on the Run for the Girls on the Run program. We ran with a whole bunch of upper elementary girls and their families and coaches. I think it's great that they have this program in their schools to encourage exercise.
Sorry there will be no pictures because, we didn't want the pressure. Some of us (Heather) get nervous at these events. So the goal was to view this as just another practice run.
Heather, my mom and I started out together but it didn't last long. It was so windy! Thankfully they changed the course so we didn't have to run across the dam Holmes Lake. But we still had to run across the bridge and I thought I was going to blow away! Even though I walked some, I really happy that I finished. I think Heather ran the whole thing and Mom ran most of it. Great job girls! We'll have to do some more races next summer.
Next time we schedule a race, I plan on practicing a lot more. I was so sore earlier in the week. I could barely walk down stairs and I walked like a little old lady. Sadly, this shows what bad shape my thigh muscles are in. Oh well, I have a whole winter of Pilates to fix that! :) I didn't start running regularly until this spring and it did drop off a little mid summer but I am so happy that I started. Now that I know I can finish these races, I'm excited for spring so I can start running again with the hopes of doing better on next year's races. So if you feel that you're not really a runner, try it! You might be surprised.
Sorry there will be no pictures because, we didn't want the pressure. Some of us (Heather) get nervous at these events. So the goal was to view this as just another practice run.
Heather, my mom and I started out together but it didn't last long. It was so windy! Thankfully they changed the course so we didn't have to run across the dam Holmes Lake. But we still had to run across the bridge and I thought I was going to blow away! Even though I walked some, I really happy that I finished. I think Heather ran the whole thing and Mom ran most of it. Great job girls! We'll have to do some more races next summer.
Next time we schedule a race, I plan on practicing a lot more. I was so sore earlier in the week. I could barely walk down stairs and I walked like a little old lady. Sadly, this shows what bad shape my thigh muscles are in. Oh well, I have a whole winter of Pilates to fix that! :) I didn't start running regularly until this spring and it did drop off a little mid summer but I am so happy that I started. Now that I know I can finish these races, I'm excited for spring so I can start running again with the hopes of doing better on next year's races. So if you feel that you're not really a runner, try it! You might be surprised.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
2 Timothy 1:7
I get a verse of the day sent to me and this was today's verse. Here are three different versions and I found they each bring more meaning to the verse.
NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
NIV For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
NASB For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
AMPLIFIED For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Being a NKJV-er, I had always heard this verse with the words "of a sound mind". But hearing it with the words "discipline" or "self-control" is so much stronger and impacts me more. Discipline and Self-Control are things I have to work towards having instead of something God just gives me. I realize that it says that God gives us these things but clearly I have to use them.
So just wanted to share my thought illumination from God for today!
NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
NIV For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
NASB For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
AMPLIFIED For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
Being a NKJV-er, I had always heard this verse with the words "of a sound mind". But hearing it with the words "discipline" or "self-control" is so much stronger and impacts me more. Discipline and Self-Control are things I have to work towards having instead of something God just gives me. I realize that it says that God gives us these things but clearly I have to use them.
So just wanted to share my thought illumination from God for today!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Good Eats
We spent this past weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina for GD's annual Ethics Film Festival. J and co-worker K's video was a finalist again. Friday night we ate at a great new (or new to us) restaurant in Downtown Charlotte.
Here's the hype: Zink American Kitchen’s creative menu and “speakeasy” décor offer Uptown Charlotte guests a unique and memorable experience. The menu, which is overseen by Executive Chef Tom Condron and Chef de Cuisine Jon Fortes, takes traditional American comfort foods and reinvents them into “cool” dishes that give this restaurant its distinct style. From small plates of Maryland crab fritters to sushi and Artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, apple cider pork chops, and grilled burgers and steaks, guests are presented with a variety of New American cuisine to consider. As “cool” as the food, is the restaurant’s deep crimson décor which offers a relaxing ambiance that’s both modern and fun. This chic, understated elegance is the perfect backdrop for the restaurant's impressive 30’ Zinc bar and bustling patio which overlooks the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Zink’s impressive menu together with its extensive wine list, beer selections and specialty drinks makes it a great place to dine anytime.
J got the American Wagyu Burger. Apparently Wagyu Beef is like Kobe Beef from North Carolina. I ordered the special which was the same kind of meat but in steak form and with a side of mushroom gnocchi. So yummy! Find more info at their website. I wish I would've taken pictures!! But really, how weird would I be for taking pictures in a nice restaurant.
It was a great trip and we have all good food! We were full after Zink's, a great luncheon at the hotel and a night full of eating catered food at the races.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Inspired
I've been inspired in a few different ways recently...
This is Customer Service week at my work. As a receptionist I've been in charge of going through all the nomination emails that have been flooding in. As I enter them into a spreadsheet, I have the opportunity to read what people are saying about their co-workers. There have been emails coming in that are just ridiculous and funny because some people just want to nominate their friends. But there have also been truly inspiring emails. I think it's sad that it takes reading about how other people are being praised for a job well done for me to want to do better at my job. I've never been the worker bee type. I've always wished I could stay home and be a home maker and mother. This has led to a lot of discontentment in my job situations. There is never the right job if I don't have the right attitude. Anyhow, I have been inspired my the dedication of my fellow employees. And I have been reminded that as a believer I should have a better attitude about the daily routine.
I am inspired by my mom. She can run like 3 miles! She started running this year and I never ever remember her running. She did the race with me in the spring and has faithfully continued. I even saw her wearing her "skinny jeans" the other day. Go MOM!! Another area that she inspires me is as a wife. Before I got married, I never realized what a thankless job it is. It's hard to serve my household by cleaning and whatever else is asked of me without expecting a thank you. I now realize the perseverance she has shown in our home.
Heather also inspires me in a similar way. She is always striving to be a good housekeeper. I admit I am not. I hear Heather talk about how she cooks and cleans and does her family's laundry while she works at least 40 hours a week and has a social life. I'm impressed! I think I'm going to start taking notes.
Abby inspires me with her dedication to growing spiritually. We are doing a Bible Study once a month on the names of God. I know how busy Abby is with her family but she still finds time to spend with the Lord, searching through His Word. We have a month, a MONTH between each study and I still manage to wait until the night before and hope to have something valuable to share. It's not that I don't want to study, I actually enjoy it a ton when I get going. I love studying my Bible with my Strong's concordance! I just don't exercise the discipline to set aside time to dig into the Word this way. Thanks Abby for inspiring me with your openness and words of wisdom.
This could get long if I go through everyone I know! But these are the people that have been on my mind and I've noticed in recent days. I'm also noticing a trend... I keep talking about exercise both physical and spiritual. And I'm sure I need emotional exercise! Don't we all! :)
This is Customer Service week at my work. As a receptionist I've been in charge of going through all the nomination emails that have been flooding in. As I enter them into a spreadsheet, I have the opportunity to read what people are saying about their co-workers. There have been emails coming in that are just ridiculous and funny because some people just want to nominate their friends. But there have also been truly inspiring emails. I think it's sad that it takes reading about how other people are being praised for a job well done for me to want to do better at my job. I've never been the worker bee type. I've always wished I could stay home and be a home maker and mother. This has led to a lot of discontentment in my job situations. There is never the right job if I don't have the right attitude. Anyhow, I have been inspired my the dedication of my fellow employees. And I have been reminded that as a believer I should have a better attitude about the daily routine.
I am inspired by my mom. She can run like 3 miles! She started running this year and I never ever remember her running. She did the race with me in the spring and has faithfully continued. I even saw her wearing her "skinny jeans" the other day. Go MOM!! Another area that she inspires me is as a wife. Before I got married, I never realized what a thankless job it is. It's hard to serve my household by cleaning and whatever else is asked of me without expecting a thank you. I now realize the perseverance she has shown in our home.
Heather also inspires me in a similar way. She is always striving to be a good housekeeper. I admit I am not. I hear Heather talk about how she cooks and cleans and does her family's laundry while she works at least 40 hours a week and has a social life. I'm impressed! I think I'm going to start taking notes.
Abby inspires me with her dedication to growing spiritually. We are doing a Bible Study once a month on the names of God. I know how busy Abby is with her family but she still finds time to spend with the Lord, searching through His Word. We have a month, a MONTH between each study and I still manage to wait until the night before and hope to have something valuable to share. It's not that I don't want to study, I actually enjoy it a ton when I get going. I love studying my Bible with my Strong's concordance! I just don't exercise the discipline to set aside time to dig into the Word this way. Thanks Abby for inspiring me with your openness and words of wisdom.
This could get long if I go through everyone I know! But these are the people that have been on my mind and I've noticed in recent days. I'm also noticing a trend... I keep talking about exercise both physical and spiritual. And I'm sure I need emotional exercise! Don't we all! :)
Healthy Ideas
I just read this interesting article from SELF Magazine via the Today Show. Please read the full article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27069944/ for more info and to find out where their research is from. I just outlined the main points.
9 ways to lose weight without dieting
Self magazine on how to shed the pounds and not stress over a single bite.
Great news! You can ditch your diet for good and still hit your happy weight. Science has finally proven what you've probably suspected for years — that following a restrictive food plan can make you more likely to overeat. We at Self have a better way to slim down: nine simple lifestyle switches that will help you shrink your waist effortlessly!
Eat more good stuff. Focus on healthy foods and eat fiber.
Go to the dogs. Volunteering at the pound could help you lose pounds.
Sleep it off. Getting enough sleep can keep your body from storing fat. Sleep deprivation increases cravings for sweets and starches.
Spice things up. The spices like garlic and pepper make people focus on the sensory characteristics of the food — its smell and taste. The foods were more enjoyable, so people felt fuller faster and didn't eat as much.” Sniffing the dishes was key because 90 percent of what you taste is determined by what you smell.
Give yourself props. Simply applauding your everyday calorie-burning activities can help you shed pounds. Previous research suggests that having a positive attitude may help reduce overall stress levels — which can make eating healthy easier.
Eat when you're hungry. Women who eat when hungry and stop when satisfied have a lower average body-mass index than those who eat for other reasons. Women who are satisfied with their body are more likely to eat when they're hungry, and vice versa.
Breathe away weight. Inhale, exhale and then step on the scale. Meditating before and during meals helped the dieters eat less and enjoy their dishes more. In other words, enjoy your food instead of scarfing it down.
Surrender the salt shaker. Salt may be calorie-free, but it can still contribute to body fat — and not only because it piggybacks on greasy snacks such as fries and chips. Salt leads to thirst. So if you indulge in something salty, don't wash it down with something sweet.
Savor a good laugh. Watching a funny show caused adults to experience a 20 percent jump in heart rate and resting metabolism in a study at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Laughing uses up a lot of energy because it engages a variety of muscle groups, including your abs.
For more health and fitness tips, visit Self.com
So I found this article interesting. I feel like most of the 9 steps are helpful even though some of their suggestions are silly. And they're all such easy and obvious tips. I mean, who doesn't need to laugh some more! I've been trying to exercise more and be more conscious of what I eat. I never paid much attention to what I ate or how much exercise I got as long as my jeans still fit. But my husband has pointed out that fitting in your clothes or staying at the same number on the scale doesn't mean your in shape. Earlier this year I did my first "competitive" run. Even though I waited until the last minute to start running was still happy to participate. I was proud that I ran the entire 3K without stopping. Believe me, I wanted to stop. I hadn't run consistently since a few early morning bleary-eyed adventures with my roommate and before then not since Jr. High track. I was hoping that this would inspire me to have a love of running and a desire to do it a few times a week.
Sadly this didn't happen. I found that I do enjoy running but only when it's not too hot or cold. I enjoy the fresh air and the sense of accomplishment I feel went I make it back to the house in one piece. But I am very easily distracted and fill my time with other things. So this month, Heather asked me to do another race. I am once again putting off preparing to run until the last minute. This time it's a 5K so some training might really come in handy. I am praying for discipline and nice weather for the next 2-3 weeks! :)
9 ways to lose weight without dieting
Self magazine on how to shed the pounds and not stress over a single bite.
Great news! You can ditch your diet for good and still hit your happy weight. Science has finally proven what you've probably suspected for years — that following a restrictive food plan can make you more likely to overeat. We at Self have a better way to slim down: nine simple lifestyle switches that will help you shrink your waist effortlessly!
Eat more good stuff. Focus on healthy foods and eat fiber.
Go to the dogs. Volunteering at the pound could help you lose pounds.
Sleep it off. Getting enough sleep can keep your body from storing fat. Sleep deprivation increases cravings for sweets and starches.
Spice things up. The spices like garlic and pepper make people focus on the sensory characteristics of the food — its smell and taste. The foods were more enjoyable, so people felt fuller faster and didn't eat as much.” Sniffing the dishes was key because 90 percent of what you taste is determined by what you smell.
Give yourself props. Simply applauding your everyday calorie-burning activities can help you shed pounds. Previous research suggests that having a positive attitude may help reduce overall stress levels — which can make eating healthy easier.
Eat when you're hungry. Women who eat when hungry and stop when satisfied have a lower average body-mass index than those who eat for other reasons. Women who are satisfied with their body are more likely to eat when they're hungry, and vice versa.
Breathe away weight. Inhale, exhale and then step on the scale. Meditating before and during meals helped the dieters eat less and enjoy their dishes more. In other words, enjoy your food instead of scarfing it down.
Surrender the salt shaker. Salt may be calorie-free, but it can still contribute to body fat — and not only because it piggybacks on greasy snacks such as fries and chips. Salt leads to thirst. So if you indulge in something salty, don't wash it down with something sweet.
Savor a good laugh. Watching a funny show caused adults to experience a 20 percent jump in heart rate and resting metabolism in a study at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Laughing uses up a lot of energy because it engages a variety of muscle groups, including your abs.
For more health and fitness tips, visit Self.com
So I found this article interesting. I feel like most of the 9 steps are helpful even though some of their suggestions are silly. And they're all such easy and obvious tips. I mean, who doesn't need to laugh some more! I've been trying to exercise more and be more conscious of what I eat. I never paid much attention to what I ate or how much exercise I got as long as my jeans still fit. But my husband has pointed out that fitting in your clothes or staying at the same number on the scale doesn't mean your in shape. Earlier this year I did my first "competitive" run. Even though I waited until the last minute to start running was still happy to participate. I was proud that I ran the entire 3K without stopping. Believe me, I wanted to stop. I hadn't run consistently since a few early morning bleary-eyed adventures with my roommate and before then not since Jr. High track. I was hoping that this would inspire me to have a love of running and a desire to do it a few times a week.
Sadly this didn't happen. I found that I do enjoy running but only when it's not too hot or cold. I enjoy the fresh air and the sense of accomplishment I feel went I make it back to the house in one piece. But I am very easily distracted and fill my time with other things. So this month, Heather asked me to do another race. I am once again putting off preparing to run until the last minute. This time it's a 5K so some training might really come in handy. I am praying for discipline and nice weather for the next 2-3 weeks! :)
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