WLW: Exercise

This week's topic: What are you doing for exercise? Has it changed with the season? How long and how often are you exercising?

This week, I am actually back to some sort of a routine. Well, it is only Tuesday, but I feel myself getting back into the groove. Thanks to the wreck and surgery that followed, exercise was tossed to the side for a while (doctor's orders) and still is not up to what it was pre-injury, but doing some is better than doing nothing! My follow up appointment is on April 6th and I am hoping for a full release at that point. Of course, I have lost quite a bit of strength and lung capacity during all this, but I built them once before and it looks like I will have to do it again.

For now, I am sticking to cardio on MWF (and sometimes every other day too). Cardio consists of intervals on the bike, treadmill (just walking), or walking outside. I see people out running and find myself a bit jealous, but then I feel a twinge in my neck and shoulder, and my jealousy subsides. The other days of the week, I do standing pilates work, or something of that sort. I also started doing some core work, but have to be careful of how I am holding my head and my posturing.

I certainly am looking forward to really working my muscles again. For those of you who do not take full advantage of your abilities, get to it! Some of us would love to but currently cannot! Get out there and stop taking for granted what your body can do.

Happy WLW, join our host, a sweet little Snowflake and others today by clicking the logo at the top of the post.

WFW: Let The Children Come

More and more I realize our children are not being allowed to be children. Competitive sports, modeling, acting, who knows what else. Whatever they do, they must be the best and do it well, at ages when creativity and discovery should be of higher priority. It's leading us down a horrible path, and by us I mean sweet young people. Like the girl we met on the swings. My heart remains there, venture here to read more.

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From The Swings

This weekend was one of beautiful sunshine and light winds, which is rare this time of year. The warm weather is nothing unusual, but more than one day at a time without wind and dust blowing around is certainly a rarity. Last night, not wanting to miss a chance to enjoy the sunshine and lack of wind, we headed out to a nearby park.

Of all the items to be found at a park, my child finds the swings to be the most enjoyable. Who can blame her? I still love the gentle rhythm of the swings, to feel as if I am flying, to have the breeze whip my hair all around me. It is soothing there on the swings so when we she requested we head over that way, we happily obliged.

As we ventured over, we noticed a beautiful teenage girl on the swing next to us. Her auburn hair flowed around her like a halo framing her porcelain skin. Her thin frame fit easily in the swing, and with her chin lifted with a dreamy look in her eyes, she found her rhythm there on the swing. She went higher, rarely looking around.

In an effort to keep from facing the sun, we chose to face the opposite way as the china doll beauty beside us. As her swing effortlessly floated backwards I noticed, the etched red lines on both of her thighs. Perfectly symmetrical, evenly spaced, reddened lines against her delicate skin.

I looked around at the benches that dotted the park, no, those could not have left the perfectly lined pattern. The ground would not have either, nor would a cat or dog have left the thin lines. As I watched her face, as if entranced by her own dream, I realized, this young girl cuts herself. The lines are too perfect, the spacing to exact to have not been accomplished by human hands, and a small sharp object.

My eyes glanced at my own little girl, curls flying as her daddy gently pushed her, and then back to the girl I looked. Does she not know how beautiful she is? Does she not know that in spite of what this world says, God has already said she is worthwhile, that she is important, that she is valuable? If those etched red lines are of her own doing, do her parents know? Do they care? Do they tell her she is loved and adored and that her smile alone can make a difference? Do they wrap their arms around her and give her "too many kisses" as we do to our little girl? Do they look her in the eyes and tell her they are glad she is their daughter? When they pray do they thank God for her and ask him to protect her? And I wanted to grab her, to interrupt the gentle rhythm of her swing and wrap her in my arms and tell her those things and so much more.

I prayed for the others there to slowly drift, for the few words I had spoken to her to begin to spark a conversation. But, more people arrived and no conversation began. And my heart sunk low as my child reached up for my hand when we turned to go, and the girl with the angelic face and auburn hair remained, moving back and forth, and all alone.

As we began our time of family prayers, I asked my daughter if she would pray for the girl on the swings. My child, full of innocence and joy, looked at me and said, "Yes because Mom, I think she was sad." I do not know what my child saw to illicit that response, being too young to know that sometimes people hurt themselves and seemingly too carefree on the swings just an hour before. But she noticed, and my heart swelled as I realized my child notices other people and yet sank because the girl on the swings feels noticed by no one. We prayed for her, and her face filled my sleepless night, and has remained in my thoughts today.

So, to the beautiful young girl with the auburn hair that swam around your porcelain face as you swang back and forth: you are beautiful. You are worthy. You are valuable. You are necessary. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. This world is better for having you in it. God is calling you, claiming you as His own. This world is filled with your lies, so be sure to fill your mind with truth, God's perfect truth. And thank you for allowing my child to swing next to you yesterday, for not scowling when she began singing, as she often does. May you know your worth, may God be more real to you, and may his love be more powerful and may you feel it more strongly than you do the object your swept across your thighs.

It's In The Little Moments

It is in those moments, when her laughter fills the room, and her giggles flow freely. It is in those moments snuggled close with her arm around my neck as she plays with my hair.

It is hearing her say, "I wish that lady hadn't crashed into you and hurt you Mommy." It is her prayer asking God to make me feel better.

 It is her chosen melody for the song she is creating in the moment and the footprints in the carpet as she spins. It is in the quiet, when the conversations range from God to Snow White's evil stepmother, and that end with, "that's good that God takes care of me, really good"  as she snuggles a little closer.

It is when everything else goes quiet, when stillness makes its way through the house that I find myself pausing to smile while I thank God for creating the little girl with the head full of curls and big bright eyes.

Everyday I thank Him for allowing me to be her mom.

WFW: Psalm 66:4

Psalm 66:3-4
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”

And all God's people said, "Amen!" Sing His praises, rejoice for He has created you, He is calling you to be his own.

WLW: Welcome Back

Hello there my Weight Loss Wednesday friends. I enjoyed your posts last week, even though I took a break from most blogging. It was nice really. Breaks are nice every now and then, you know?

Speaking of breaks. I began walking and doing tai-chi last week. It feels good to be exercising, even if it is far less than what I am used to. In my mind, it has been years since my last workout. In all actuality, it has been a month, a month and a half tops. Still, for the girl used to exercising six times a week, that long of a break was just too long. But, surgery put the brakes on everything, and I did as the doctor instructed. I know my body needed the break, I really do. And now, it is enjoying getting out and moving some.

I am anxious to find out what the report will be from the doctor at my follow-up visit. I am also curious as to what I will be allowed to do at that time. At this point, I doubt I will be released to go full throttle (which I could not do anything because man has my lung capacity decreased!), but I am curious to know what he will recommend.

Throughout this little adventure, I am doing my best to learn to listen to my body. Take the break when it is needed (but NOT from good nutrition), and fuel my body well so that it can repair and recover better. It's worth it really. Right now, I am just happy to be back in some sort of exercise routine. Now if my lungs would get back in the game (thank you, anesthesia, thank you for that setback).

Enjoy friends, and don't take for granted what your body is capable of doing!

Gift for Dad

Here's how we spoiled my dad on his birthday Friday:

I made him this yummy breakfast casserole (find the recipe here). Sadly, I forgot about the fact my parents are Catholic and it is Lent. Therefore, they do not eat meat on Fridays. Oops. But, it made for a great dinner the night before.

If you have been over on Pinterest lately, you have seen the following gift. I modified it some (ie: simplified for my simple brain), but I think he will like it.

My dad also had a request regarding a wonderful charity in town. Since we are all for keeping Papa happy, we could not have been more delighted to fulfill his request.

I love birthdays, and I love celebrating them. I especially love celebrating the days my parents were born. Because, you know, without them, there would be no me.

Celebrating Dad

Today is this guy's birthday:

If only every child had a father like him, the world would be a better place. Happy birthday Dad; I thank God for you every single day, but am elated we get to celebrate you today.

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.  ~John Gregory Brown, Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994

**This picture was taken on his birthday 2 years ago, and was the cause for some serious laughter.  We do that a lot in my family.

We Interrupt This Blog

We are on Spring Break around here. We are enjoying family, the sunshine, and just do not have time to sit down and blog! See you next week.

A True Friend

Author and speaker Andy Andrews asks, "What is a true friend?" Enjoy....

Pressing Forward

Indlulge me, for just a moment, to recount the last two weeks (and two days to be exact):

• Had ACDF surgery on the 21st of February
• Have not had my voice since that surgery
• We received heart breaking news concerning someone whom we love
• Our AdvoCare business grew, and we had a star leg
• We qualified for the first level of leadership (finally!)

No voice, unforseen turn of events, and growth for our business. Whew. It has been an interesting couple of weeks, that is to be sure. Since the day we found out exactly what was possible through AdvoCare, I have had my mind and heart set on achieving the goals I set forth. The ultimate goal is for Andy and I both to be stay at home parents, to allow him to leave the corporate world and to pursue other avenues, avenues in which he is gifted in and passionate about.

This mile marker in our journey, that happened only Tuesday, was cause for great celebration for us. We are ecstatic, we really are. Yet here I am, two days later, feeling uncomfortable with it. In fact, I have no desire to be comfortable with where we are currently because it is not the place in which I wish for us to stay. There is more to be achieved, more to accomplish, and I want to run after those things.

It is not that I lack in thankfulness and gratitude mind you. It is the fact that I do not want to become complacent, to stop at this point. I do not want to get so caught up in our celebration that we forget there is still more to do. It seems I am both thankful for what was accomplished and motivated to go so much further.

This is how I feel about my faith as well. I was able to walk through the Holy Land and learn and see and grow. It was an extraordinary moment in my life, one that will forever be a part of me. And since then, I find someone wanting to press on and into my faith even more.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

In order for our AdvoCare business to grow, we must equip, train, and lead others. We must help them to stay focused on their goals and what they have determined in their hearts to do. Like in AdvoCare, we need to equip others in the faith, we need to be about our Father's business, and represent Him well. We are to bring light into a darkened world and move where He leads. We are to strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal that awaits us inside of Heaven's gates.

In AdvoCare, in faith, in life: Press on. Press in. Press forward.

WLW Snack Time!

Topic for Today: Snacks! Healthy snacks are an important part of any weight loss plan. What are some of your favorites? What keeps you on track and away from the cookies? What helps when the munchies hit?

I stay on a pretty set eating schedule so I am always prepared for my mid morning and mid afternoon snacks. Not only do they help to keep my blood sugar level regulated, but it keeps me from making poor choices at my next meal. Here are a few of my snack favorites:

Apple and one serving almonds (or natural pb)

AdvoCare Muscle Gain Shake:

Here's my personal trainer tip for you as you figure out snacks to get you through your day - have a healthy protein paired with some fruit. This will help with energy and appetite control, as well as your blood sugar level. Also, space out your eating every 2-3 hours. That way, you shouldn't ever find yourself starving and reaching for those unhealthy foods.

WFW John 6:67

*Forgive me, this was originally posted two years ago.

John 6:67 - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

John 6:60-71 (New International Version)
Many Disciples Desert Jesus

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"  Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

The words of Jesus are not always easy, nor do all of his teachings come light.  There are times we are going to be taken to a place that will sharpen us, that will show whether we believe what we say we believe.  These moments will challenge us to do what comes naturally (walk in the flesh) or what comes from the Spirit.  There are instances that allow us to show God off, to walk in His light, and to show Him glorious.  We are given moments of trials to grow, to learn, to teach.  There are times that it would be easier to revert back to old ways, to habits God has been trying to change and grow us in.  Doing so is more natural, but never beneficial.

I have recently had a huge misunderstanding with a friend.  I became offended at what was meant as a joke.  Having known nothing of why the person would say what was said, I reacted and found myself wanting clarification.  Let's be real, I am girl, I need resolution!  Feeling like the misunderstanding was going extremely too far, I sent an apology.  I interpreted the response I received as a total and utter rejection, and it hurt.  My sole purpose was reconciliation, and it felt like that was not going to happen.  After a phone call today, apologies were given on both sides, and accepted.  I cannot be sure if the air has been cleared completely, but I am confident I followed the leading of the Spirit.  There were times I wanted to yell and come out swinging, but I did not.  I reminded myself that who I was is not who I am to be now.  Reconcile.  Period, that is all.  I did not need to hear I was right, that it was not my fault, all that was needed was reconciliation. 

The Spirit spoke, my husband was praying, and I felt settled, and thankful for what came out of my mouth and the tone of my voice.  And you know what?  It had nothing to do with me.  You see, I wanted to scream and yell and use my words to cut down.  But God stepped in, said, "Not this time sister, this time, I get to be front and center, you step back."  You see, it was not about me.  It was about allowing God to be God, to allow the lesson to be taught, learned, and spoken.  It has always been about him, and when things go wrong, it is typically because I am placing myself into the spot where He belongs. 

I sit here, typing this post, thankful for so much.  I am thankful that God does not give up on me, that my husband supports, encourages, and challenges me.  I am thankful for moments that cause friction because I get to grow and learn.  This circumstance has opened the gateway to some wonderful conversations with my husband, and we are blessed because of it.  This has allowed me to see even more clearly how safe I am under my husband's protection.  God has blessed me richly with the covering of himself and my mate!

Every trial, every moment in this life has a purpose.  Nothing happens without reason, without an eternal glory.  This world has nothing for us, but it is preparing us for Heaven, which awaits us.

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Detours

Life. It is filled with seen and unseen challenges, changes and detours. Some we choose, some it would seem are chosen for us. We can kick and scream and rage, but the circumstances remain, circumstances we do not want, and never saw coming in the first place.

The choice of another, leaving wreckage and destruction and broken hearts in their wake. Turning a blind eye and deaf ear to those crying out, along they walk, headed for a disaster of epic proportions. We will shout our warnings, beg for them to stop, but on they walk, stubbornly, selfishly, ignorantly.

Had we known this may occur, maybe we could have batten down the hatches and prepared a little, but probably not. Nothing can prepare a person for the chaos caused by these kinds of things. Anger, hurt, betrayal, grief, and confusion fill our minds while the one who placed us here seems to be skipping merrily along. We miss the person that used to reside within the flesh of the one we no longer recognize. We long for a return, a miracle, but until then, the stranger who now poses as the one we knew is unwelcome. Our shouts are ignored, our pleas scoffed at as the pain of their decision presses deeper into our heart and souls, cutting ruthlessly.

So we are left to cling to the Truth we know, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Feeling battered and bruised, we lift shaking limbs, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).

As our anger threatens to consume us, we remind ourselves, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

It is not that we pray for things to return as they were. No, that would not improve the current situation. We pray, instead, for God to do a new thing, a new work, a new miracle. We pray that He restores, redeems and rebuilds as never before. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-4).

Join my family in praying for one who has wandered, one who is lost. Won't you?
Luke 15:4
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"

Oh How I Miss Thee

It has been a week and two days since surgery. But really, who's counting? Oh yes, me. It seems like an eternity has past, but then, that is bound to be what one feels when under so many restrictions. No driving. No lifting. Take it easy. Swallowing wasn't be easy, at least for a few days. Mobility will be limited.

I spent the first 48 hours after surgery asleep, and that is only a minor exaggeration. Thanks to the anesthesia and the medications following last Tuesday's surgery, I stayed asleep until Friday, more or less. Visitors received a faint hello and a quick opening of my eyes. Luckily, none felt I should entertain. Who knows what I said in my euphoric state, but I am hoping I stuck to funny breathing noises.

I miss exercising, and I miss having enough energy to get through the day without wanting to fall over. But you know what I really miss? My voice. I never before have considered how valuable that little tool is. It helps in maintaining communication with my husband and child, and every other family member. It makes sharing what I need, how I feel, and what I think a whole lot easier. And, it's been all but missing since last week.

In times past, I have been known for being "the loud one." Now, I am the raspy, squeaky one. Until this past week, speaking has never felt like true exercise. I have to concentrate in order for callers to hear me, and work just a little harder than I would if the person were standing in front of me. Shouting is completely out of question and not even a possibility. In fact, even laughing comes out more like varied gasps. Having a conversation of any substantial length can tire me out, while at the same time it excites my brain as I have not ventured far from the house.

It is my voice, yes my voice, that I currently miss. Usually when confined to the house, I know I always have the phone to connect me, in some small way, to the outside world. Now? Now the person on the other end questions if a prank caller has chosen them to be the recipient of some strange call. But no, it is only me, trying to get out the thoughts I have as quickly as I can before my voice fades away altogether. And that has happened, in mid sentence mind you.  Oh this journey of recovery, it is just grand.  Really.

Don't just tell someone you love them tonight, shout it, for me. Would you?