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We will no longer be updating here and soon the site will be removed.

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I am still getting in a few runs a week but every day is a BATTLE to get the job done.   It isn’t as ”easy” as I was hoping and since Fatigue is rattling my body and mind, I can see my ”WILL & DRIVE dwindling”   It’s been very frustrating for me and at times I am feeling very discouraged.   HOWEVER that being said-  I have not quit and I WILL not quit.”    I’ve kept a busy schedule of ”races” for the next few months, including my first 10km in May.  I know I can do the 10km’s, it is just a hard run for me, since the first 5Km’s takes 43 minutes to complete.   I know I will be just fine when race day comes, I think my brain has got the best of me.  I feel like the little Red Engine  ”I think I can I think I can I think I can”

Even though this sounds a little negative some really cool things have happened in the last few weeks.   March 24th I ran my first race since Christmas.  It was a 5Km run for the Child Development Center that has helped us with Bennet’s diagnosis and getting us the help we need.     Mikayla ran the 1Km race.  She was outstanding.  My daughter was ALL heart.  She ran so hard in fact, that she almost threw up.  Lesson learned was she needs to ”slow down” and enjoy the run.  However, she is a bit competitive and wanted to WIN the race.  She placed 14th and the 4th girl to cross the line.

My run actually went pretty well.  My ”funny” to me story was I was running behind a lady that was walking.  Her walk was faster then my run, it was really getting on my nerves, so when I finally hit 4km’s I decided enough was enough, I picked up my pace and passed her.  It felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!    When ever I hit my ”tough” spots I’d just remember who I was running for.  My friend also ran the 5Km’s on team Bennet!    It’s always amazing to have someone there with ya and supporting our family.   It was a great run.  Mikayla was able to get $162.00 in pledges.  I am very proud of this run and look forward to doing it next year.

Great run with my friend and daughter

I am blessed with a new friend and a running buddy that runs around my pace.  Without her I don’t know if I’d be able to keep doing what I am doing.  She reminds me daily that I inspire her, but SHE inspires me to keep going.  I don’t want to look like a quitter, so she pushes me to finish the WHOLE run!!   Both of us say  ”It’s never easy” to do the run.  I think in our minds it would become easier  but at this stage it’s all about just FINISHING.   I am o.k with this because it pushes me and shows me that I CAN do this even when I think I can’t.

Last week with our schedules and my holidays we weren’t able to run.  I tried to do a 5Km run on Thursday, by myself,  before we headed out for a mini family get-a-way.   As I headed into the run, I decided to change my route a bit.  When I hit 2.5Km’s my legs were hurting including my shins.   I wasn’t ”feeling this run” but kept going.  UNTIL a dog jumped me and bit my baby finger. Okay, Nipped it, but it completely took me off my ”game”  I ended up ”walking” the rest.  At first I was down about it, but I realized.  I still got 5Km’s of exercise in.  It still felt amazing at the accomplishment.

Tonight I am back at it with my running buddy

I wrote on my facebook group that I’m feeling a little nervous, but I know I’ve GOT this.  It’s mind over matter. The mental battle of running can be HUGE and for me it is.   I really want to do a few more 10km runs as well.  I KNOW I can do it, it’s just ”doing it”.

Thanks for keeping up with my posts.  At this point  YOU are ALL keeping me GOING.  Your support and encouragement is one part of the reason I am doing what I am doing.  You keeping me accountable is a blessing.

I am looking forward to my next race RIGHT in Smiths Falls in a few weeks.  I WILL let you know how that run goes.

I CAN do this!!!  So Can you!!!

Of course the term ‘mere’ is used in jest as the following term ‘light years’ makes it very hard to travel there in comfortable time lines.  Or possible time lines.

But what this conversation has done for me is build further evidence into what I have called my crazy space theory.  I’ve shared it with people before and possibly referenced it here, but this post will outline my entire theory and you can judge it after reading.

The idea of an alien earth started being seriously talked about in scientific realms and among space travel about the same time this earth began to show signs of beginning to reject it’s inhabitants.  Global warming, over population, decreasing fossil fuels, lack of substantial food sources and other issues have become very real in the last few decades.  So astronomers at NASA and around the world began searching for a viable alien earth for people to inhabit.  The first real opportune earth was spotted by the Kepler Space Telescope not long ago orbiting a red dwarf star (like our sun but smaller).  This planet has a habitable zone, meaning it has liquid water on the surface at sustained times through it’s orbit.  They estimate that the planet is partially habitable for much of the year.

Not sure what that means for the entirety of the year, maybe living inside a furnace type bubble while the sun is not shining on our side of the planet.

Scientists and astronomers have come to agree that within the Milky Way Galaxy alone there are dozens if not hundreds of these aliens earths orbiting a red dwarf star each with it’s own moon. Here’s where my theory comes into play.

When God created this earth and Adam on it, he created man to live in harmony with plants and animals and to have community with the living God.  In fact in Genesis it says that God ‘walked in the garden’ meaning he physically was among Adam and Eve.  These beings were created to populate the earth and to live without ceasing.  Death did not enter the picture until the first sin (disobedience in my opinion) took place, bringing the wage of physical death with it.

Now we can argue that God knew this would happen, but the fact is he only knew the chance for it to happen was there and he had planned for either result.

If we hold this as truth, that man was made to have eternal physical life, we can easily see that the earth would have been over populated centuries ago.  The resources of this planet would have been depleted long before you and I began to breathe.

It could be argued here that God would have stopped allowing people to be born, but that would mean a change in his plan for humanity and the dream he had of you and I living in unison with him.  My belief is that God intended us to care for this earth, and others.  Crazy right.

But what if I am right.  What if eternal physical life, void of sin was possible.  Yes Jesus was the only sinless person, but at one point Adam and Eve went a streak of time without sin.  If sin had not taken hold of their hearts in the garden you and I could very well be walking the grounds of an ‘alien earth’ right now entertaining the very presence of God the way he intended us to.  Even to this point I have to believe that the thousands and millions of believers who went before me are standing in glory over looking all of creation wondering what it would have been like to have lived on their own planet.  And what of the moment when Jesus claims final victory and the dead in Christ are reunited with their bodies, will we all be in glory as they are or would we inhabit one of these planets?

What would travel be like from one to another?  What about communication?

I honestly believe that the ultimate plan of God was for us to not just be amazed my the creativity of the universe but to inhabit the universe.

Perhaps the other planets show signs of life once existing on them or being capable of holding life because they once held animal and fish life like ours does, but sin took the opportunity to live there away from us and now they are desolate wastelands.

This is the majesty of Christ in full display, alien earths with the potential to hold life all circling smaller sun like stars.  Where people could have been living just as they do here.  And in my opinion science is once again proving the validity of the bible.

We can only dream of what this all means, but I hold to my crazy space theory.  At least until theologically it is proven wrong.

I had posted earlier that since Christmas I haven’t been feeling very well.   THIS is still continuing.  Mornings of headaches, confusion, dizziness and extreme fatigue through out the day.   It’s been a bit of a nightmare, because I still don’t know what is wrong.

All test have come back normal, yet I know something is just not right. I am waiting to hear about a MRI that will be scheduled.  Just to rule out some ”worst case scenario’s”  I feel at Peace however being ill for so long has been very difficult for myself and my family.   I try and ”hide it” from the kids, but They know.    Larry and I have discussed and prayed alot about this.   and I have stepped down from any ”ministry” related activities such as ”back up” for our Tehillah crew and teaching Sunday school.   I am not hanging out with friends like I used too, mainly because my energy level is on empty and to do this takes more out of me then I can explain..  It’s very difficult to ”drive” as I feel like I am in a cloud.    In this season in life, I must take care of me and I am finding this difficult to do.  I have been consumed with worry that my peers think I don’t care about them or that my Sunday school students and church family feel this way.  I know that is the enemy fighting with my mind.   However I strongly feel that this season of life is happening for  a purpose and I am learning to take one day at a time, one victory at a time.

With Doctors permission I am allowed to continue running and doing some exercise to gain some ”natural energy”.  I joined our local Gym and have started taking cross training classes as well.  I have a love/hate relationship with them.  I felt soooo sore after my first class, it reminded me of the pain after my C-sections.  I know this will get better.

2 weeks ago I knew that my emotions were ”off” and my spirit was weak..   I knew that it was time to get SERIOUS about my walk with God and about  my life in general.  I am completely addicted to social media.  It was consuming my free time and hurting my spiritual walk and my family life.    It messes with my emotions as well.    I was struggling with ”jealousy” and ”Comparing” myself to others”.  When all God was trying to say was ”STOP..  Be who I created you to be” but I was so ”distracted” that I couldn’t hear him.”    I decided it was time to take a 2 week holiday from social media.   I know some people thought I probably couldn’t do it, and maybe I thought so too.  However one thing that my running has created in me, is a BETTER self discipline.  When I say NO  I mean no.    It wasn’t an easy task.  I realize I love my facebook friends and this ”virtual life” that I created.  However my REAL life is WAY more important to me and I LOVE it way more.  My Life with God needs to come first.     I don’t want to be ”sucked in” to this ”trap”   and if I sense I’m heading that way.  I may have to say Good bye to Facebook forever.   Only time will tell..

During the 2 week break I really sensed a closeness with the Lord, that has been stagnant in the last few years..  I started a ”consistent” time with God.  I use the ”Daily audio bible” to read the scripture together.  I am finding this a GREAT way for the  Lords word to soak in.    I struggle with reading and comprehension.  So reading while hearing the word has been such an incredible gift.  My new ”rule” is Bible time before computer or social media begins.  I plan on sticking with that!!

I read 2 books while on social media vaykay.  2 great books.  ”Locked” by Karen Kinsbury and ”Miracle for Jen” by Linda Barrick.  2 incredible books.  1 fiction and the other real life.   2 books that taught me lots.

My running did not cease.  Though I am weak, God is my strength.  I run each time for him.   I am not running as much as I’d like because after a work out or a run, I feel incredible for hours after, however then I feel extreme fatigue, for days after.  It’s a bit frustrating but I know that God is within me.  I joined the running class in my Gym, with my ”coach”.   The first class I joined the Learning to run group, because I feared that I wouldn’t do what the ”other” group of runners were doing (7Kms).  After that class I knew I am not a learner anymore.  The next week it was 8kms.  I reluctantly asked Corey  ”Can I do this”  ”Absolutely” he replied.   8km’s was tough because of fear I was stuck at 5kms.  I did it.  My friend Jean met me for the last stretch.  I obviously couldn’t stay with the other girls.  My pace is still very slow, but I got the job done.  Then last Saturday we went to 10kms.  (My new goal)   I was NERVOUS.  I know how long 5kms takes me, so I knew I was in for a LONG run.  However, I needed to do this.  My spirit that is weary and weak  NEEDED to know that I could do this.   I started on the journey,  when I hit a turn, around 3.6kms  I knew if I turned left there was no turning back, if I turned right, I could go back early and call it a good run.   For 2 seconds I thought about it and turned LEFT!!     At 48 minutes I was 1/2 way done.  I was pooped and didn’t know why I was doing what I was doing.   Then I got my 2nd wind and kept going.   I felt like the ”little tank engine”  ” I think I can I think I can”.      1 hours 38 minutes later I completed the run.   Everyone from the class was either home or downstairs doing a work out.  BUT I did it!!  Totally overwhelmed and in disbelief.  I ran 10 km’s  NON STOP.    I still can’t believe it.   8 months ago 60 seconds was a killer.  Who would have thought??

All this being said.  It’s been a difficult but rewarding few months.  I am not giving up on my fitness goals  I have 3 runs that I am signed up for.  A 5K run for the Child development Center that has taken such good care of Bennet .    Smiths Falls own Spring fling run 5Km’s in April and then my First 10Km race in May, with my friend Barb, who inspired me to ”get off the couch”.

Thanks for loving on me and supporting my running .  Means more to me then you know.  Please pray that we will get answers for what’s going on in my body!!

Love you all!!!!

Who do you think you are (finding your true identity in Christ) is titled in such a way that you have no need to guess what you are getting into.  Driscoll takes various areas and addresses how we are to find our identity, who Christ has made us to be.  Subjects like: I am New, I am Gifted, I am in Christ to name a few are very well outlined and discussed in enough detail that the reader gets proper information and instruction without feeling like the author was writing just to fill pages.  He also uses profound statements such as  ”I am a Christian who is also a” (brain tumor survivor was used in the book).  Too often we look at ourselves as a person who is “________ and happens to be a Christian”.  Taking the time to outline identity crisis right away sets up the reader for what is to come by allowing or forcing them to look at themselves in light of who Christ is in them and who they were created to be.

I very much enjoyed this book, especially the chapter on being gifted.  As a pastor I knew some of the gifts that were planted into me, but because Driscoll took time to outline what each gift was (within a specific biblical list) and ask the questions that allowed the reader to say yes or no, I was able to find other gifts that I operate in.  There is definitive inspiration within the pages and it is written in such a way that I was challenged with not only who I believe I am but also how I present myself.  Driscoll held my attention from beginning to end and even while reading 2 others books simultaneously I always wanted to get back into this one and finish a few more chapters.  Often I felt as though I was reading sermon notes instead of a book.

Who do you think you are provided proper biblical backing for each topic covered, though I did find myself wondering at times where he was going I felt he brought an appropriate amount of scripture into discussion to allow me as the reader to understand what the biblical truth was he wanted to shine light on.

If you are wondering what your identity is in Christ, if you feel you have forgotten or have never discovered certain areas of who you are, or if you are looking for a good read, I recommend you pick up Mark Driscoll’s book and take some good notes along the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A couple of years ago she stepped in front of a kindergarten student who was about to be punched by an older boy.  She saw the confrontation and realized the outcome before any teacher did.  She walked away with a black eye. Compassion.

She came to a funeral with us for a man who holds an incredible legacy.  All she knew of him is that he ran our children’s ministry for many years and that he never missed a Sunday.  She cried heavy tears at his grave and had no idea why she was crying. Compassion.

Whenever a new student comes to her class she makes it a point to befriend them.  Whenever a student has any form of disability she befriends them.  At the cost of her own popularity and often her own peace of mind she befriends the lonely and forgotten.  She wants to give food to every homeless person she encounters and has gone back with her mom or I a few times to do so.  She wanted a sponsor child for years as a ‘sister’.  She would rather send birthday money to people in need than buy a new toy. And she stalks the school yard to make sure no one is being bullied. Compassion.

This past Christmas she listed ‘world peace’ as one of her wishes.  If any one picks on her brother she stands up for him.  She corrects me when I suffer an attack of verbal road rage and is quick to offer a reason for the perceived driving error. Compassion, and maybe a little Godly wisdom and conviction on the last one.

She loves deeper and more fiercely than any 9 year old should be capable of and with her exposure to negativity her compassion intensifies.  Yet through all of this what I notice the most is her desire to change herself.  Not to be less compassionate, not to avoid the pain she feels as she sees others hurting and never to be exempt from the tears she cries because of it.  She wants to be changed in a way that she can take the compassion she has and make a solid tangible difference in her world.

She longs so deeply for bullying to end completely that she physically toils over it enduring moments of hopelessness that are quickly overtaken by her love for others.

When I look at her I see innocence and beauty, life love and the promise of goodness.  I also realize that this 9 year old girl, who has a lifetime ahead of her, has already done more in the name of equality and compassion for others than some 10 times her age have accomplished.

Then I understand that the one who has the most to learn from her is her father.  I have the responsibility to protect and nurture her, but I also have the opportunity to learn from every step she takes and every word she says.  I pray my compassion grows even a little by observing her.

What have you done lately in the name of compassion?

In my last post ”Down but not out” I shared that I am taking some time to rest and slowly add some exercise back into my routine.  I  believe I am doing this and am continuing too.   I’ve used my treadmill a few time, and I am finding it very difficult and boring.  I even put a ”facebook plea” for some advice.  I listened and today I made sure my TV was on full volume, and the treadmill facing it.  It really did help my mind wander and stop looking at the  digital screen which tells me how many more minutes I have left.I  completed a 30 minute workout.  Proud of this accomplishment.  Hoping to get outside tomorrow as the weather is calling for  warmth, it will feel very nice I am sure.

During my rest time, I’ve been praying and meditating on what the Lord would want of me.  Some really neat things have transpired.  Many of you have messaged me, letting me know that you feel inspired.   THAT excites me, and my hope is that, thee ”inspired” feeling will turn into action.    I had found myself in the last week in particular encouraging a few of you to GO AND DO IT!!   I felt great joy and it is an absolute ”honor” that questions were being asked and I know that God is totally moving in this.  Who would have thought that 7 months ago, a couch potato could be ”helping others” get moving.  I am in awe and so thankful for this gift that God has laid before me.   I am ”no pro” but I have learned a great deal in the last few months that I don’t want to remain silent about.

This week I felt that a part of what God’s calling on my life for this season is to go out and encourage others to ”get healthy” and ”get moving”.  All it takes is a little determination,  discipline and commitment.     I have come to the realization that many of us (myself included) can become so fearful about ”exercise” that we start to self sabotage or doubt.   Questions that come to play are  1) Can I do this?  2) Will I start strong, then not finish?  3)Will I have time?   4)Will I sweat?  5) Will I like it?    My answers are ….  1) Yes you Can, you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it. 2)  If you commit to a month of REALLY trying, you will begin a habit and that should get you into a routine. 3) Make time.  As a Mom of three I understand the complexity of our schedules, but your health is so very important, and we all deserve a little ”me time”.      4 & 5)  Yes you will sweat and No you probably won’t be ”loving” it at the start or even during, because it’s not easy doing cardio.   The feeling of accomplishment is incredible and absolutely worth all your hard work.

I still have A LOT of work a head of me.  My biggest challenge at the moment is the food that I put into my body.   Yes the running has been incredible, but I still need the discipline to plan my meals a head, eat WAY more vegetables then I am, and to cut my fatty foods.  I am not a ”sweets” person at all, I am a ”salt” person.  My weakness has always been potato chips.   My goal is to nip my addiction and give it all to God.  It sounds easy, but I struggle daily!

Today I started a Facebook page called Starter runners/walkers  ”Let’s get healthy together”.  The purpose is to encourage, support and keep each other accountable.  I have enjoyed my journey so much.  The biggest thing for me was ”putting myself out there” to you, so that I may be held accountable!    I want to cheer ANYONE on who wants to get active and get healthy.  I feel passionate about loving those that feel like ”I can’t do it” because I know that YES YOU CAN!!!

Feel free to ”like” the page, get involved, share your stories, share thoughts or advice.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us.

Thanks again for allowing me to share my ”life” with you.  I give God the glory for his strength in these days.

Blessings

The feeling of accomplishment will boost you.

Boxing day I fell ill with an upper respiratory virus that many people have had or struggling with.  When we arrived home after an amazing time with family, I just couldn’t ”snap out of it” I was feeling horrible, headaches, dizzy and extremely sleepy.  It was effecting my every day life including my running.   After almost 2 weeks of not feeling well I headed to the Dr’s.   There we ordered blood tests and chest xrays and I was told to REST and see him in 2 weeks.

During those 2 weeks I thought for sure I’d start feeling better.  Wrong, every morning I’d wake up exhausted, dizzy and ‘out of it”.  It was frustrating to say the least.  On Wednesday I went back to the doctors feeling no better.   We went over the results and I was a healthy 32 year old, perfect bloodwork and perfect chest xray.   I should have been excited or over the moon, but I completely broke down and asked ”Well then what’s wrong with me?”. After many questions and answers.  He said that I fall under the category of ”Post Viral fatigue syndrome” and has diagnosed me with such.   Which after doing some research  I would agree with his conclusion.    This is basically ”Chronic fatigue syndrome” and I could feel yucky for a few weeks to 6 months or more.

At this time, after much persuasion , I have committed to resting and allowing this time to regain my strength and slowly add some exercise back into routine, but rest, rest, rest..  I know that this shouldn’t be a difficult task,  but I love being out and about with my friends, I love going to  spin class with my  wubby, I love hanging with our youth girls, I love coffee dates and having pot lucks in our home.   However at this time my doc is saying ”slow down, and rest up”, my husband agree’s 100 percent, therefore I too will comply.  The reality is I really do feel like a Zombie at times and to be honest, I just need to be on my couch or in my bed. I miss everyone like crazy, but I know in due time I will be back to my normal self and visiting with you all so so soon!  I feel the Lord mightily at this time.  I can sense that I am being covered in prayer and love.  I appreciate those that allow me to ”whine or complain” to them on texted or facebook.  I appreciate the phone calls of encouragement and sharing some devotion time.  We are honored by the meals that were given to us (with no energy, meal planning isn’t easy.. thank you).  The Lord also knew when to have my ”Santa Shuffle” medal arrive in the mail.  I got it yesterday and it made me smile.   It was encouraging and a reminder of how far I’ve come!

I am still doing childcare at this time, as it is my ”living” and I have the best kiddo’s to work with.  Sunday night Larry & I have planned a family outing.  This is a BIG deal for me, because besides watching the kiddo’s, I’ve only been shopping once since boxing day.    However, we feel this family night is important, and the kiddo’s deserve to have a fun night out.  THey have been amazing the last few weeks.  They know Momma isn’t herself, and shower me with Love whenever they can.  Pray that my energy will increase for this night/forever.  We are hoping to see Sidney Crosby (Mikayla’s boyfriend) play against my team the ”Senators”.

Yesterday I was blessed with a good deal on a wonderful treadmill.  I was able to get on it last night and it felt great getting some exercise.  When it came in the door, I was so excited and thought ”Who would have thought I’d be excited about an exercise machine?”  I really have changed in the last 7 months!!!   I can say I paid for it today, but with the B12 shots the doc has ordered and a bit of exercise I am determined that this will naturally build my stamina.  I know God has amazing plans for me and I will not quit but I will rest!!

What’s next?   Mikayla and I are signed up for a run in March for the Child Development Center in Kingston.  This is the center that has helped us amazingly with Bennet and has helped many families in our community.  Without them, I am not sure how Bennet would be doing today.   Mikayla is doing a 1KM run and I am doing the 5Km run.  We are excited to do this and I know that once Mikayla does this run, she will be hooked with the running community!

I am Sorry if this blog post is a bit of a downer, but I wanted to let you know where I am at, and that I haven’t quit.   Thankful for everyone of you and appreciate you all very much.

Most of the conversations start the same way “Dad, you know what” but what comes out next is worth more than the 10 minutes it takes to get to the meat of this talk.  We may have to wade through lines about Donkey Kong and other characters from Super Smash Brothers or hear about the plight of the rag doll in Kick the Buddy and occasionally here memorized lines from Power Rangers episodes.  But eventually he says one simple thing that blows our minds and reminds us that the creativity that designed this young being is immense and incredible.

Weeks ago he lamented about the fact that he misses getting mail from his sunday school teacher when he is absent from her class.  When he turned 7 he switched classes and teachers.  Now his brother gets what used to be his mail and he now feels that all children should get mail if they miss their sunday school lesson.

Last week he made the child like mistake of changing his clothes in front of the window, to which his mother told him the whole world could see his underwear.  ”No mom, Japan can’t see them” was the quick and simple reply.

Today we may hear him talk about the reason that space ships can stay in place while on mission or the need for a particle accelerator, maybe the down side of oil drilling.  We really never know and I hate to think about the time when simple statements will no longer remain simple.

This morning I found myself trying to shrug off a conversation on the way to school that revolved around his desire to find the Nintendo Wii Nun-chuck so he could play a different game.  I was more interested in the news and I heard myself say things in response to unheard statements like ‘I don’t know’ and ‘oh really’.  I wanted to appease him but not be involved.  That is until I realized what I was doing and what he really wanted: a few minutes where it was just me and him and he would let the world melt away with the sound of his and my voice resonating in his heart.  What seemed everyday to me was a treasure for him.

I long for his curiosity and innocence to remain forever, but I know that much like everyone else, the world will slowly eat away at him and he will slowly fade until he is left as an adult.  Striving for success, unhappy with context and angry at something political.  His genius will always remain and he will do something that alters the course of mankind but until then I have him.  Sweet, innocent, mildly obsessed with video games, extremely creative and very profound.

It is already beginning, reading on a grade 5 level in grade 2.  Knowing strategies to do math problems better than I do.  Understanding space recognition and support systems like a structural engineer 5 times his age.  And if you teach him something new he remembers it, and makes improvements on it.  By the time he turns 16 I’ll no longer need a mechanic and he may invent a way to heat our house that costs less than any method currently in use.

But for now he is 7.  He loves Pokemon, eats a lot of pickles, hates wearing socks (and most other clothes), wishes he could fly and do only what he wants to, challenges my knowledge of theology and makes me want to be a better parent.  Together with his siblings and their mother I have all a man could ask for from this life.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I will go and enjoy them.

At the end of November I started my running class with my ”online coach” Corey.  I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but I knew going into this, it would be beneficial and challenging.  Corey gave us a schedule to follow throughout the 8 weeks and we would meet on Saturdays.    The first class was a tough one for me because we had to run the Lower Reach park track 4 times.  We were suppose to stay in a group, but my pace was much slower then the other ”beginners” so I ended up running it myself, which is fine because I enjoy running on my own.   Corey taught me that if I can’t talk or sing a verse of a song while running, I was going to fast for myself.    I love it because I now have an excuse to sing a song while running.  Picture it now.     I feel that this class was a blessing from God, because I needed this encouragement for this time.

I did the Santa shuffle on our second class, which was amazing a fun as I already posted in my last post.   Our third lesson was speed work.  I can’t say that I completely enjoyed this class, it was very very very tough for me.  As usual I placed myself at the back of the group.  We had to RUN HARD for 250 meters. You may think 250 meters isn’t much but it WAS for me.   I ran as fast as I could, hard, stayed focused on a pylon he placed, and ran with determination.   Half way I was dying inside, I wanted to quit, but I kept pushing myself to that pylon.   In my head I was wondering ”WHY AM I DOING THIS?   Our coach had asked me how I felt.  I was brutally honest  ” I will like this when it’s over”.      I may have hated this exercise however little did I know that this particular class would change my running drastically.

After that class I had to do a 5KM run a few days later.  I started the run and felt incredible.  I continued on my regular path and realized that I  didn’t need to stop, I kept trucking forward.  I finished the run with NO walk breaks.  You see, during the speed work class, I had to push myself to the point where I couldn’t go on.   I never felt that while running this 5K, and I haven’t felt that since.  That particular class taught me that I am strong enough to keep going.   It’s been amazing!!

Our next class was hill work.  I was nervous because whenever I would run up hills, I’d punk out and walk them.  I learned a lot that day.  When running up the hill, I need to shorten my stride and move my arms more.  It worked I actually ran up the hill a few times without stopping.   It is always exciting to learn something and put it into practice.

Then the next few weeks we had terrible winter weather, the road conditions were terrible, the track was covered.  We were to try our own runs or treadmill it.  I don’t have a treadmill and my runs weren’t exactly happening.

We went to my folks and I was able to get a TOUGH run to my families farm and back.  Almost 4Km’s.  It was a very hilly run, and I wasn’t a fan, but I still completed it.  The next class I was sick

I’ve had a tough few weeks since Boxing day.  An Upper respiratory virus has made running and breathing a chore.  I fought through it on New years Day.  I wanted to start 2013 right.  I did a 5.23km run, no walk breaks AGAIN!!!

This past Saturday was our last class.  We did a short run, but it felt amazing.  Another girl in my class who started the learn to run class was running WITH me.  Yes, I had a running buddy.  We ran the whole time, no stopping and it was exciting to see her face when we completed the run.    She was so proud of herself and I was excited and proud for her.    THAT’s what this running thing is all about, to see someone accomplish something they thought they couldn’t do and cheer them on.   I love it beyond words.  I saw why our coach is passionate about teaching us and I can’t wait to see my new goals completed in 2013.

There will be another class starting at the end of January and I can’t wait.   2012 has been an incredible difficult year with the passing of my Opa, deciding that I must stay home to nurture my daughter and boys and lose our second income.   That being said it’s been an incredible, life changing year that has taught me that I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Almost 2 years ago I hated any physical activity and it wasn’t a secret.  The Lord spoke clearly to me that I needed to take care of his temple (my body).   I still have a long ways to go, as I do continue to struggle daily with what foods I eat and that lifestyle needs a bit of transformation.    However I took a huge leap of faith when I started the Run 5K program on my iphone.   I am thankful to God for continuing to push me and challenge me to get up and get moving.  I never would have thought I’d wake up at 630am to get to a 715 AM class, but I did and will continue.

I am so thankful to my family who encourages me to keep going.  LARRY, your love and compassion to me, your wife, doesn’t go unnoticed   I love you to the core, and am blessed to be doing ”life” with you.  Mikayla, I am so proud that you want to join me in this running journey.   You did AMAZING the other night on your 1Km run, AMAZING!!  Looking forward to doing more ”runs” with you.  Bennet, I know that deep down somewhere you are cheering me on.  Your Christmas card picture with me running was fantastic and I will cherish it forever.   Preston when  you ask me if I am going for a run, then when I return you ask ”you finished?”    It blesses me beyond words, I know that you are noticing Mommy getting healthy.

EVERYONE that has been cheering me on.  I am overwhelmed and blessed.  You have all kept me accountable and will continue (I hope).   I am forever grateful.   Here’s a photo journey (some you’ve already seen).

The picture that when I looked at it the Lord spoke clearly. I love this shot, but I realized if I want to be around for these beautiful kids. I needed a change!

First run in July where running 1 minute was a killer.  This shot was for my running buddy in Chatham., who her running helped inspire me to get moving

Tough run while on holidays at the trailer first 2 weeks in August

Finished the 8 week program on my own.. So proud

Home after my first organized 5km run ”Harvest run”

First ”chipped’ 5K race in Lanark First medal EVER!!

5K run for charity.

JAN 1 2013- STARTING THE YEAR OFF RIGHT

Just a little picture diary of the last 6 months are so.  It is a new obsession of mine and I apologize if I talk WAY to much about this journey, but I am so excited and proud.  I hope that my enthusiasm may spur onto some of you and you will start your own journey, and journal for me and others to see.   My New years resolution this year is that I can help someone other then myself get moving and get healthy!