His Heart Beats in Every Step

Mind: (the Word)
In addition to my scripture reading I’ve been reading through; The Heart of Christ by Thomas Goodwin. The book specifically looks at passages of scripture that show how Christ love and attitude toward us is demonstrated in His life on earth and His life in heaven . It is written in old English which makes me laugh sometimes, but can pack a punch in fewer words. This excerpt talks about how Christ love is seen through the gift of His Spirit;

"...It is the Spirit which speaks in Christ's name, even as himself is said to speak from heaven, Heb. 12: 25. And when you pray, it is the Spirit that " makes intercession for you" in your own hearts, Rom. 8: 26, which intercession of his, is but the evidence and echo of Christ's intercession in heaven. The Spirit prays in you, because Christ prays for you: he is an intercessor on earth, because Christ is an intercessor in heaven. He also follows us to the sacrament, and in that glass (mirror) shows us Christ's face smiling on us; and thus we go away rejoicing that we saw our Savior that day." 

 

Body: (health)
I have been on a mission since purging all holiday junk food to eat as clean as possible. I have had great success but have not lost ANY weight even though I am tracking calories and eating well. While I was out yesterday I got a salad from Panera Bread. When I got home and checked the calories on-line I was SHOCKED!!! This so-called "healthy" salad had a whopping 560 calories!!! and 34g of fat!!!(yep you read that right) what!?!? It had two tiny containers of a vinaigrette dressing, hardly any cheese and just a sprinkle of nuts! I still can't figure it out. Good thing I had the calories to spare that day. I'm not sure why the weight is not dropping when I am tracking calories like it's my job and eating well??? I am trying not to focus too much on the numbers for now just maintaining a clean diet.

Spirit: (running)
Running continues to go well! I laid out a 1/2 marathon plan that should have me back up to 1/2 marathon distance by mid April. I have enjoyed virtually pain-free running so far. My mileage this week is still low but building: Mon. 4mi, Tue. 4mi. and today another 4! I hope to finish out the week with 4's and a LR of 5 on Sat. Not much of a long run I know but I'm happy to be running at all. Although I still feel like I am having to push it a bit physically my spirit could run forever! I am so very thankful that I sense His Spirit drawing me into a place of worship while I do something I love so much. I never feel alone while I run as I sense His heart beat in every step...

Back to Our Regulaly Scheduled Program

If this post had sound it would sound like a big Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! After our  prolonged Christmas/New Year hangover life has been better this week. The holiday's just seem to come with everything disorganized, not enough sleep and too much sugar in our systems to think straight. With holiday company gone we are back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Mind: (the Word)
I have been spending a lot of time meditating on John chapters 13-17. This was Christ last conversations with His disciples before His crucifixion and resurrection. During my studies I wondered, if I knew this would be my last conversation with those that I love, if I wanted my thoughts and affections toward them to leave a lasting impression, what would I say? What would I do? I'm not sure washing 12 set of dirty feet would be on the top of my thoughts, yet this action best communicated Christ thoughts and affections at that time...I have so much to learn to be like Him.

Body: (health)
I have been really working on eating clean and already feel so much better. This was lunch on

Wednesday and was so satisfying, I think I'll have another today!Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium.(chlorophyll which gives green vegetables their color contains magnesium) Magnesium is a key player in nerve and muscle relaxation. But don't take my word for it learn about it here. http://www.livestrong.com/article/285488-magnesium-deficiency-muscles-and-nerves/ 

Spirit: (healing)

Running has been back on track and after taking a little over a week off. I started back Monday with a 5 mile run which was a bit ambitious because I could hardly sit down with out holding on to something on Tues. oops! Tues. I took it easy with a 3 mile run. I took Wens. off to allow some of the soreness to subside and did a 3 mile run this morning. I've got my heart set on building back to higher mileage weeks and if the Lord allows I hope to be back on track by Spring. I am thankful my foot seems to be holding out well.

                                                          Little by little one walks far.

Better Late than Never

    Now that my mother-in-love has left I feel like I can really begin to get serious about moving forward toward some of my goals for 2012. Just a few minutes ago I purged all left-over junk out of the fridge and cabinets that made it's way into this house over the holiday's. I purposely did very little holiday baking but between gifts and other festivities I cooked for we ended up with pies, cookies, birthday cake, etc... I normally allow myself a bit of indulgence with moderation, but for what ever reason I found myself just mindlessly stuffing my face over the past few weeks! UGH! Between the big dinners I was fixing for various  friends and family, eating sweets and getting in very little running my body literally feels ill !!! So it's time to detox both the kitchen and my body. Better late than never! Do you ever feel ill after eating a big meal or too much sugar? I know I do and it feels gross!!!

In other news the Olympic Trials as well as the Chevron Houston marathon has made this town a buzz of activity! I so wanted to hit up the expo and watch the trials downtown but had to take my husbands mom to the airport which happened to be around the same time. I know it's going to turn out to be a fun weekend for y'all. And what perfect race weather we have too. We southerners know how to do it right y'all.

I can't wait to read all the race reports and PR's that I'm sure are going to happen. Happy running!

I'm still Here!

Just checking in to let y'all know I'm still here! My husbands mom is here visiting for another week from Oklahoma. Busy times mean no time to post. I've been reading your blogs and getting some great info on training as well as getting pumped-up for the Olympic Trials here in Houston!

It's count down time for those of y'all running the Chevron Houston Marathon!! It's been pretty warm the past few days so come prepared for some Southern humidity and hospitality! Happy running y'all !!!

2011 Reflections and Word/Verse for 2012

First let me start with a little explanation...a few years ago I met the wonderful Jane through blogland. Jane comes up with a "word and verse" every New Year. I liked the idea so much that I started doing that myself. The neatest thing happened, that one little word became a simple reminder of a goal or objective throughout the year. It would also serve as a mantra in running. Last year my word was "thrive" and sometimes saying that one word to myself would help me to re-focus on the bigger picture. This year after much wrestling contemplation I came up with my word;

Steadfast: marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable; firm and dependable especially in loyalty
Synonyms: permanent, abiding, enduring, lasting, steadfast, changeless, fixed, unchangeable, constant, persistent, durable, stable, unbendable, unshakable, unfaltering, steady, unwavering, undeviating, firm
Antonyms: inconstant, irresolute

Yesterday during my devotions this verse just seemed to be the key one to mark 2012;

"He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers". Psalm1:3

Although it doesn't necessarily use the word steadfast, it is definitely applied!

How is this person steadfast? It's found in the previous verse; "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night"

Reflections of 2011
As I reflected back over this year, especially the last 5 months or so I really don't like what I see...I am not complaining or going into "looser-land" here but rather being very honest. It's easy for me to hide behind the curtain of this blog, only letting you see what would make ME look or sound perfect normal. But y'all know life can be really hawrd and it's really easy to get knocked down. I see a lot of areas where I am missing the mark. Where my actions and choices resulted in "reactive chaos" rather than obedience to the God I love. Most, if not all of what I see is the result of not being steadfast, not being firm, resolute or abiding. Allowing life's circumstances, the way I'm feeling at the moment...life's challenges, the ups and downs affect me to the point of wavering;
"...For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." James 1:6
So this year closes for me on a bitter-sweet note...I am thankful for a fresh start!  I am thankful for a God who will enable me to be more steadfast this year. I am thankful for a God "who is able to do abundantly more than we ask or think"

Do you have a word you've chosen for this year?

Have Your Way...
Terri