Monday, August 9, 2010

an extreme makeover

This weekend was busy, but good.  Not what I really felt up to after the week I had, but I believe that God is doing some major renovations inside of me. I can see things changing in the way that I think and the needs that I have.   I went to the conference on Friday and Saturday, which was very challenging and refreshing.  Then church was good, some great reminders about being persistent and seeking God constantly.  I am feeling better too!  Today I did my normal cross training workout and lifted upper body. I did a little abs and then stretched big time.  I still feel tight, but I am definitely not feeling the pain that I did before.  I think I might switch up my training and do cross training 3 days a week and do an easy run and a short speed workout along with my long run, once I am back to 100%.  My body has never really liked 5 days of running a week, so I was probably not smart to think anything had changed!  I am so thankful to God for the encouragement of healing!  I also know that if I wasn't healed that He would have still taken care of me.  That's the lesson I do not want to forget! 
Otherwise things are going good.  Saturday I made toast quinoa.  It was SUPER easy.  Just mix quinoa, sunflower seeds and a touch of maple syrup.  Then bake it for about 15 minutes at 325, I think.  It's like a sweet protein treat!  Bryan loved it too :)  Sunday morning I continued our new tradition of having breakfast together, sitting down and just taking our time.  It was a really good time to reconnect and just rest.  I made some spelt pancakes topped with almond butter and mash bananas.  Delish!  I'm still forcing down the hot tea... trying to be a tea person...I guess it takes practice :)  Sunday night I made veggie burgers again, a little different than the first ones I tried and a little easier.  These had beans, (I used garbanzo cause I have a TON, but it called for black beans, anything would probably work)  oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder and Cayenne pepper.  You just blend everything, form patties and bake for 40 min.  They tasted really good, kind of a Moroccan feeling with the cinnamon and beans. 
Bryan works normal hours today! YEH :)  So I won't be asleep when he comes home and we could actually eat together! 
This coming weekend we are supposed to run a 5k with Bryan's brother in law.  Bryan isn't a hardcore cardio guy, so this has definitely stretched him, but he's really been pushing himself and doing great!  Bryan is definitely doing it, but we will have to see how I feel by then.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Going Beyond...

I have had a tough week, I have pretty much been stripped of every coping mechanism and am standing completely in God's hands.  Between not being able to run and having to rest in His plan for my life in the future.  Plus those little things, like Starbucks (yes you read right, I am proud to say I am in recovery 11 days now without a single drop!:) 
I went to the Going Beyond conference with Priscilla Shier.  It was a stretch for me, since I didn't really know anyone else going, other than a few women from my church.  It was an amazing time of just surrendering.  Just being still and watching God rearrange me and remind me that even in those times when I get hung up and anxious about the past and future, He is able to create something in me.  He is able to use me, as long as I am willing.  Talent and personality don't limit your usefulness to God.  It's amazingly freeing to watch other women be real about their struggles, but not only that.  It's so exciting to hear of how God can bring them through and above those things and make something great out of their life.  I pray that I don't leave this weekend unchanged.  I want to continue on this journey towards complete surrender and complete freedom. 

Friday, August 6, 2010

Looking up

Today is going much better.  I went to the chiropractor and he thinks it's unlikely that I fractured my pelvis again.  He says its probably from my sacroiliac joint not working properly and my back is very tight on the left side.  So hopefully with a little patience and $$, I'll be back in no time! Praise the Lord!! 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Struggling point of view

This morning was another difficult one.  My hip still is aching and my head is spinning.  Decided to hold off on cross training today.  If there is still pain, I don't wanna chance it.  I am praying so hard that it is nothing and that the rest will do me good. 
It's crazy how things like this can effect EVERYTHING.  It's like I am looking at the world through this constant state of struggle.  Nothing looks right.  It's definitely a choice that I have to make whether or not to let it bother me, but my mind is in a constant state of thinking, as usual.  One little thing can throw us off track, and it's really up to us to decide how we are going to approach it. 
I'm so goal oriented and when suddenly a goal is suddenly in limbo, it's like I have all this pent up energy and no outlet. 
Last night I made these seed crackers, they kind of remind me of Mary's Gone Crackers, if you've ever seen them.  They are a little less crackery, if that's a word?  But they weren't bad.  I tried to take some pictures of the process to post them, but I searched high and low and couldn't find the cable to download them from my camera :( So I'll have to keep looking. 
Today Bryan is off, I am SO jealous!  But it's Thursday at least!  This weekend I am helping out with the Going Beyond Conference with Priscilla Shier.  I kind of don't FEEL like going, but I am sure I won't regret it. 
Well I guess I better get back to work.  Have a great day!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Resting

Resting is an interesting concept.  It implys that you are stopping some activity and on the onset seems to be nonproductive at best, even detrimental at worst.  But I am learning otherwise.  Taking a step back can ironically be equal to taking a giant leap forward. 
I am taking a day off today from running and trying to relax and not let my mind wander with this sudden pain that started yesterday in my hip.  Its hard to understand if you aren't a runner, but it's like putting time, effort and heart into something and then not being sure you will be able to see the fruit of your work come about in the way you wanted it to.  This journey that running and exercise in general has taken me on has truly been life changing.  Although it may see superficial to some people, it's actually a very emotional and personal undertaking.  The ups and downs that come along with it can really be great metaphors for life and teach you how to react when you feel lazy or discouraged.  I am learning to stop and listen to my body more.  I tend to be reactive and emotional with my decisions and not make lifestyle choices intentionally. In yoga I hear so often about being intentional, focusing your mind on something.  While the new age ideas I dont agree with, intention is something that I need more of.  What is my intention for today?  What do I feel God wants me to do or is trying to teach me?  Stopping and really sitting still to wait for Him to lead is super hard, but I think that it will only make us more productive and happier in the end.
 I am praying that with some rest and additional crosstraining in my training plan God will allow me to still run in New York, but His plan is way beyond November.  We'll have to sit, wait and see.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Turn on the oven, stick your head in...Welcome to Tulsa!

Today has been a little rough, I'm not gonna lie.  It started with my hip hurting during my run this morning.  Ironic since I just confirmed all my stuff for the New York marathon.  Something like this happened two years ago before the marathon...think it was mostly mental last time, so I am hoping that is the case this time too...but will take it easy the next few days just in case. Then had one of those days at work...Got home through the blistering 104 degrees and the air conditioner wasn't working!!! ahhhh! Trying to relax and breathe!! :)  Let's hope for a better day tomorrow!

Made some vanilla overnight oats for Bry, with 1/3 c oats, 1.5 T Chia seeds, 1c almond milk, vanilla protein powder and 1/2 a banana mashed.  Put everything in a bowl, whisk together and cover.  Put in the fridge overnight and cross your fingers :)  Made mine with raspberries and carob instead of the banana and protein. 

Here's to snow, ice and Christmas!! Come quickly!!!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Monday Blues...Blue is a nice color though :)

So it's Monday, SUPER hot, supposed to be 105 today, and well, it's Monday.  Trying desperately to have a positive outlook, but the weekend is so faaaarrr. 
Ok, so I'm done complaining.  I had a pretty good morning so far.  Got up and spent some time reading the Bible.  Bryan and I are doing this year long plan for reading the entire Bible.  It's great to be able to read for myself so many things that I had forgotten, and be reminded of promises that help me throughout my day.  The other day I read Isaiah 44.  Verses 2 and 3 really caught my attention. "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I.  The Lord, the God of Israel that calls you by name."  Just a good reminder that not only is God with me right now. He is going before me and showing me things, hidden things, that only He can.  It's an exciting and powerful passage.
After that I headed to the gym for a easy run and to lift a little.  Then came to work and enjoyed my overnight oats that I made yesterday.  SOOOOO good!  You just throw all the ingredients together and put them in the fridge overnight.  I tried raspberries, blueberries and carob with some chia seeds.  Very filling too, although I did want to lick the bowl :) 
Yesterday we had a meeting after church with the other youth leaders to start helping out there.  Bryan and the new youth pastor have been meeting and talking about where Bryan could plug in.  They have come up with an idea for a leadership team for the the kids.  I will be helping too!  So I think it will be a great opportunity.  We are excited to see what God does through it all. 
Hope you have a great Monday :)