How to Run to Jesus when you have bad knees.

In the past two weeks instead of my usual go to comfort mode – food, Jesus urged me to run to Him. RUN to Him because that is where true, lasting, honest, non-fattening comfort is found. I have bad knees from arthritis and some kind of mess up from our bike accident, so actual feet on the pavement running isn’t going to happen anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean my soul can’t run.

There are plenty of Bible folk who ran. I reckon they didn’t have bikes or cars, so getting somewhere fast, involved running. David ran when he had to get away from crazy King Saul. More than once when people recognized Jesus, they ran to him and brought their friends in case anyone needed healing. The servant girl heard Peter at the gate, and was so excited she didn’t open the gate, just turned and ran to tell the others Peter had arrived. The two apostles ran to the tomb when they heard it was empty, one reaching it before the other one because he was faster. (If that little tidbit is important enough to be included in the Word, I’m putting it here). Running, running, running.

I kept hearing this message: to run to Jesus, and so, I did. When I felt overwhelmed, I spiritually ran to Jesus. Kinda sad? Took it to Jesus. Satan whispering my name? Jesus. Really excited? High fiving Jesus. (Which is high fiving myself and saying, ‘we did it Jesus, high five!’)

It’s made a big change in my attitude and put my focus where I know it should be – on He, not me.

God designed us each uniquely. He gave me a love of nature and  a love of music. Song really speaks to my spirit. So, while I’m being the clay to His potter hands, and learning how to run, in spite of bad knees, He also gave me a song! It’s called RUN, (of course it is!)  by Sanctus Real. What a great God! Equipping me with every good thing I need to be a vessel He can use…arthritic knees maybe, but no arthritic soul.

I don’t have any pictures of me running, so I’m giving you the other favorite: a bird.

Don’t let life get you down, RUN to Jesus! He’s waiting for you!

2013 What simple changes will you make to have this be your best year yet?

How can this possibly be the best year yet with that dreaded number 13 at the end? Superstitions abound about this number, although why it’s considered unlucky is anyone’s guess. Could it be because Judas was the 13th guest at the last supper and betrayed Jesus the next day? Or because there were 13 Knights Templar  burned alive to end the crusade on Friday the 13th? Perhaps it’s based on the ancient Norse myth that 12 benevolent gods were gathered in the great hall when the evil god Loki attacked the group killing god Bolder. Loki was the 13th guest. So much tragic scary stuff.

Let’s not forget that 13 can also be seen as something good. How? There are 13 yummy items in a baker’s dozen, and the US flag originally had 13 stars for her thirteen colonies, now the flag has 13 stripes to represent those same colonies. In my research I discovered a change of geography could bring a new perspective to the number 13; in both China and Italy 13 is regarded as a good number.  I imagine, as with most things ,it comes down to our choice. Ask yourself, ‘ Am I a person of superstition and maybe fear? or am I one of hope and optimism?

2013 is going to be my year for optimism. In the bible Lamentations 3:22-24 says, ‘ God’s love couldn’t run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They are created NEW every morning! How great is your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God – I say it over and over. He’s all I’ve got left. (the Message)

So 2013? Superstition and fear or Hope and optimism in His love and mercy which are new for you, not just on the first of every year, but at the dawn of each day.

Let me know what you’re doing this year. And, check back, I’ll be updating more often, too….

Happy New Year!

Great Wolf Lodge…:) and freedom and goodbyes.

So, cancelled a bunch of appointments and at least one to do list so we could be in Bremerton today. We have to work on the room above the roof. When I say we, of course I mean Lance. I’ve got not much to do except pack, clean up and from time to time, write. Tomorrow we leave for a mini-adventure: we’re going to Great Wolf Lodge!.

Wishin’ that Josh and Cori and kids could transport quickly here for the weekend, but of course, it’s not going to happen. They discovered Great Wolf Lodge here in WA, and took us there on our trek to NYC. The Washington GWL is only a few years old and from Josh and Coralie’s past experience will be crowded. They are disappointed to miss the delight they imagine on the faces of young boys as they experience the freedom to run and be loud and get wet and just be boys! You know, without all the baggage that goes with young kids: disapproving looks from others when the kids squeal, constantly having to tell the kids to sit down and shut up (although we don’t say it that way it’s what we do say) and the only thing scheduled is pj time which I imagine older boys will enjoy but will use the little boy as an excuse to be interested! Coralie says one of the best thing about GWL is there are big families there and alot of noise and when she wants to have a meal with her family (there are five of them) there’s no big production of drawing in enough tables together, because GWL has prepared for big families and big groups and have big farm tables! I think I’m going to like this weekend.

I know Papa wants to get this porch done, but he understands that these kiddos have been saving for a family trip for four years (actually it was to be a big trip to Disneyland but that kept getting cancelled and this Christmas both mom’s are pregnant so that’s not going to happen. Oh, and the fact that Josh’s fam would have to fly from NYC and we’d barely be in Oz. (Oz is what some locals refer to living in Australia as..living in Oz.) I am sure living there will be like living in Oz. I still can’t quite picture wild koala’s and platypus and sugar gliders.

Speaking of Oz, and Aussie’s and Australia – I am starting a new blog called Living In Aussieland. http://livinginaussieland.wordpress.com/ (this used to be my live blog, but Microsoft has somehow partnered with WordPress so now I can do one stop blogging. If you visit the Aussieland blog you will only see old blogging material, I hope to get the new stuff up soon.

So, today we pray the Lord has poked or prodded someone into moving some piece of our venture forward. I am very emotional and I think much has to do with the fact that we know we are going but we have no deadline, due date, schedule.

In the meantime, we’ll be enjoying the warm waters of Great Wolf Lodge and (hopefully) the carefree laughter of some boys who have at times been more like our children than our grandchildren. We have to say goodbye here, and be reminded that we will be separated for a few years, but I pray Great Wolf Lodge will be, for a few days, the happiest place on earth!

29 pounds later and …..

I had another five-week evaluation. My grand total is 29 pounds lost, 12 inches gone. I still have 30 pounds to lose, I am four more weeks into Phase one and then the maintenance phase starts.

I think losing the weight is one of the reasons I’m having more hip troubles. I need to exercise more I suppose. It’s still not my favorite thing, but, this weekend, when I was feeling sluggish I actually wanted to go for a walk instead of eating something progress!

There are a few things that have surprised me on this journey.

1. I am not as motivated by food as I thought I would be. The winter and spring didn’t bother me too much with wanting a bunch of comfort food. I love bread and pastas and in the winter I love nothing more than shepherds pie with hot buttered bread. I had no problem shunning it this time.
2. Summer is proving to be more challenging for me. apparently I associate summer with food. All kinds of food. Hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, potato chips, ice cream, Blue Moon, Chardonnay, fruit pies…well you get the idea.
3. I look better tan.
4. Exercise feels GOOD!!

I am a bit behind on book reviews and I’m thinking working on the farm is not my cup o’ tea; a couple of other observations I’ve made. But I am on target with Soap Lake.

off to work now…

Me. 21 pounds lighter.

9 weeks into the 20/20 Lifestyle program, I am 21 pounds lighter. it’s not been easy. But it sure is satisfying. And, yet. Here I am still large: five foot six and 180 pounds. That is no slim Jim and while I appreciate the accolades of my 20/20 team about my progress, I still have forty pounds to go. How’d I get here?

1. My dad was a professional wrestler. When he wasn’t doing that he was delivering appliances, digging graves or driving a truck. By the end of his life his body was worn out. Only in his mid fifties when he died, he wanted none of his children to live a life as difficult as his. He admonished us to go to school, get an education, do anything but physical labor. He made a good point. I think it’s why I was an early adopter of a slothful lifestyle. (My dad would laugh here cuz he thought I had a stellar sense of humor! So it’s okay to chuckle)

2. My body hurts OFTEN. And, when it does, I like (d) to settle it down with a little diet coke, maybe a rum drink or two and something yummy to eat. This, I guess, would put me in some sort of sugar induced stupor in which I no longer noticed the body pain.

3. Sleep was my friend.

4. Sometimes life gets so overwhelmingly busy I freeze. My brain can’t prioritize. My body doesn’t know which chore to do first and my spiritual life is stalled. Laundry or dishes? Toilets or carpets? Everything needs cleaning, where to start? Usually at this point Lance will help me out. He likes to do that instead of seeing me go a little bonkers.

HOW IS LIFE DIFFERENT NOW?

1. Well, I don’t have 21 extra pounds to haul around so I have more energy.

2. I have all my appointments in the beginning of the day so I MUST get out of bed. I work out Mondays, Weds, and Fridays. 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes strength training. I get 10.000 steps in on Tues, Thursdays, Sat, and Sunday. Even when I don’t feel like it.

3. I talk to Jesus all the time. I read His word, I listen for his voice, I ask His help in everything and I have a playlist of uplifting, encouraging songs I listen to every morning. I am motivated.

4. I’ve looked for ways to move. When you’re a writer it’s difficult to find time or reason to move out of the seat and away from the computer. But, my butt was getting to wide, so now I do.

5. No more diet coke. from day one of the program I stopped the consumption of Diet Coke. Big difference in sleeping patterns, energy level and even thought clarity.

6. On the 20/20 Lifestyle program you are taken off everything except protein and then slowly food and such is added back in. Doing this I discovered I am sensitive to caffeine and sodium and alcohol.

7.  I look for creative ways to do more. I have a schedule for cleaning, laundry and clutter clearing. I have a schedule for writing. I am not perfect at sticking to either schedule but it sure does make decisions easier! What to do? Oh, how about number one on the list!

8. I signed on to do a work share at a local CSA. Yesterday was my first day. Today, after four hours of working in the field yesterday, my body is pretty darn achy and stiff. But, boy, it sure feels good!

Why else change a life style? Well, if I’d a kept going the way I was, I imagine I wouldn’t be around to do one of the most important things on my Life List. Dance at all my grand-babies weddings!

What change can you make today to fulfill a goal you have later?

Simply speaking – everyday is a great day!

I’m on week five of my life style change.    

 The past couple of weeks have been particularly challenging. The car accident caused me some physical pain, and dealing with the insurance companies has caused me emotional pain. ALOT of emotional pain. So now, I think I’m getting a lawyer so I can heal physically without stress breaking in and causing havoc.  I have a great chiropractor and I did go see a massage therapist too. However, I only made two visits to the massage therapist. The first visit was great, the second one I hurt for three days after, feeling as if someone had pinched every inch of my upper body. So, I’m not going back to that. I’ve been able to keep up with the workouts and continue to lose 2 pounds a week!

The 20/20 Lifestyle program is very easy to follow, but takes a lot of time. It’s like having a part-time job. Speaking of jobs I did quit my one part-time job. I think I was spending more money than I made. Lance and I agreed I should concentrate on writing.

Writing is going well. I attended a writers conference and spoke with two different agents about two different manuscripts and they are each interested in the one I pitched. So on the one hand that is great! Means I haven’t been so out of touch. But then there’s the time commitment!

I’ve been blessed with advice from  great brothers and sisters in Christ who also happen to be best-selling authors. Add to that my very supportive husband and encouraging kids and grandkids, well, who couldn’t love this life!  Don’t forget too, Jesus is the reason any of those previous elements exists.

This week I have to get my six month mammogram. Six months ago my films came back suspect, but further tests showed the spots were more likely than not to be lymph nodes. But just in case, I was advised to get a mammogram every six months. The great thing is, on the day I have to go it is supposed to be 72 degrees out! Guess who’s driving with the roof down?!

Seems no matter what Satan throws our way, with the grace and love of Jesus well, we overcome!

This time next week I hope to post my new weight in the 180′s. Right now it’s at 190.8. When I started it was 202. At five foot six it’s no great thing to be 190 but it’s better than being in the 200′s. Oh and the best thing? I went for a walk last night all by myself. Down the main street for fifty minutes! My Zune was blasting and time flew! My heart rate was up with the average about 129. Now, the only problem I have with walking to music is I tend to sashay with the beat.

Tomorrow is Tuesday. It is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice! Be glad!!! I will too.

I was rear ended..well not me but my car “/

Driving over to the house on April 20 to spend my Thursday like I’ve been doing….taking the exit from I-5 to Hwy 16 – we’re slowing because there is the constant backup at the exit and suddenly BAM! I am RAMMED so hard from behind it pushes me into the car in front of me. UGH. The driver of the car that hit us was very apologetic saying he was in a hurry and he was late for work because the girl who was supposed to work had been arrested, then he brought me all his papers and asked if everything he needed was there. Then he called his boss and had to get the insurance information.

The driver of the car I was pushed into had called the State patrol so an officer came and took all the information. The car that hit was undriveable but our two cars were okay. My stereo face plate flew off and my unit sprang out, but my airbags did not deploy. I’ve since learned that this is because I was hit very hard in the back and not hard in the front. The car who hit me his air bags deployed.

Despite his confession to us and the police officer, he suddenly had an epiphany – probably after going home and telling them he confessed to speeding and being distracted. that another car (which apparently took off  WINK WINK) hit HIM and that made him push me and me the car in front. Which is a load of crap. So Farmers Insurance (his insurance) did an “investigation’ and determined that yes, he did have ‘fresh’ damage on the passenger side of his car so they advise me to go through my insurance companies uninsured motorists. WHAT? How come this wasn’t mentioned to the police at the time of the accident… Oh, they only use the police report as a ‘guide’.

I’m pretty disappointed in this whole thing. Because of the accident I’ve been unable to do my cardio and I only lost two pounds last week. I have headaches, I had whiplash and my mid-back was swollen. I’ve been to a chiropractor and a massage therapist and just the last two days have been back to exercising as long as I ice up afterward.

Last time his happened, I had to go to a lawyer to get the insurance company to cover all the bills. I pray this doesn’t happen again.

Today, we’re over at the house and Lance and Dub are working on the roof still. So Ben and I went for a walk so I could get my 10,000 steps in. It was a lovely time and now I ache, but I made my goal for the day. It’s a little more difficult eating out without my scale and such, I’m just not used to the portions and all, but I will be.

So this week, take it easy when you drive. And, unlike the driver who hit me and his insurance company let’s remember to treat each other with integrity, kindness, patience, faith and hope.. There’s only one planet and we have to share it for the short time we’re here.  Let love be your ruling emotion!

Love of simple things

Climb Every Mountain – start with the small one! I DID! Only two miles but woohoo

Isaiah, Ben, Jacob, Caleb, Luke, Syl, Abigail (dad Josh, dad Dub)

This Saturday, when we were taking some time off the roof fix, our kids conspired, I mean invited us on a ‘walk in the woods’. If you’ve been following this blog you know Lance and I are going back to a different lifestyle for our second half of life…reversing bad habits in all areas of life, and focusing on what is important: Jesus and our amazing family.

Along these lines, we happily agreed to meet and join them.

 

We all met at Josh’s in Issaquah and caravaned through North Bend where we were deluged by a rain squall, and although we are Pacific Northwesterners not easily deterred by rain, we began to doubt our expedition. But by the time we pulled into the Mountain’s parking lot the rain was but a mist and we were on our way.

First adventure  putting all the babies in backpack carriers, and next getting the bigger kiddos to use the fancy outhouses. Kinda funny as they gasped for air when they exited.  

There were a few spats among the kids because, while it might seem miniscule to adults,  in a kids world to be the leader of a line is akin to being the boss. And they take it very seriously. So, once we got that straightened out we enjoyed most of the trip.

 

Because it was thrown together at the last-minute we weren’t properly prepared, my big toes still feel bruised from my ill-fitting boots (although I’ve worn them before and never had a problem) and the walk in the woods was developing into something MORE.

 

While my kids had no problem tackling the hill, and Lance did it with a sense of ease even though Isaiah rode  in a carrier on his back,  that also had five or so bottles of water in the back part yet I was almost done a few steps in.

 

The little boys were very concerned about me. Honestly from time to time  I was concerned about myself. A couple of times thought I was going to throw up, but I didn’t. Jacob found me a nice walking stick which we later exchanged for a more durable one because of substantial wear and tear on the first one.

 

From what I remember the scenery was lovely, but most of the time I  focused on two other things : breathing and walking.

 

I was ready to quit more than once. My legs were shaky and weak. My heart pounded in my ears. And at times my vision was shaky. However, my family rocks! Not only were my grandkids watching over me, my kids were encouraging and supportive, but I know they were concerned too. Was it a system they had to leave one behind so Lance and I could catch up? (although Lance was only having to catch up because he had my back, or my front, depending on which way I might fall)

 

It was amazing and fun to be in God’s beautiful world. The air I gasped was sweet and clean. It is amazing that our family is so huge and yet everyone gets along. I thank the Lord for that.

 

We finished the hike, hit Josh’s house for a lovely bbq which Lance and I appreciated because they cooked stuff specially for us.

 

Then home. And I had the worst sleep ever.  Each time my big toes touched the sheet it woke me up. Then Sunday my thighs began to ache and stiffen.

 

Today is Monday. Toes are achy but not terrible, thighs pretty achy, and I didn’t sleep well last night either. But as I posted the pics of our hike on Facebook and reflected on God’s good blessings I can only look forward to the next adventure – maybe a medium-sized mountain?

1st meet with dietician and personal trainer

After having approximately two six packs of diet coke a day (or more) yesterday, I was down to one. The 20/20 doctor had recommended that I go off it slowly, but after I talked to Lance we decided it would be better to just get it over with. He’s in San Fransisco for a few days so hopefully the worst of the mood swings will be gone.

Today I met with my dietician. A super nice lady who answered my questions and presented my program and my options. For this first week it is basically shakes (theirs) and lean protein. And lots of water. Then we add foods in slowly and hopefully something will trigger in me and I will discover if there is a certain food that drives my eating pattern. They gave me coupons for some free food at the bistro, so I had grilled chicken breast and a strawberry shake for lunch.

Next I met with my personal trainer. I love her. We are believers and we prayed before the short workout and she introduced me to some other believers. It was fun. I enjoy the fellowship of the gym. I remember in the 80′s working out and having Rachel Mclish as my hero. unfortunately life got in the way, but there is no reason I cannot get back into it. We worked out for a bit and then I watched a short video while riding a recumbent bike.

Now I am in Bremerton with the grands. Sent mom and dad on a date.

Yesterday after only having one diet coke, I slept so well. I went to bed at 7 fell asleep around 8 and woke up once during the night and then again when my alarm went off. I had some work to do and was hard pressed to get it all done and in so that was stressful and I got a curt email saying because my payroll was date I wouldn’t get paid till next week. Okay. I’m happy I just got it in.

For personal study I’m working on Randy Alcorn’s If God Is Good. (an amazing book) and I’m reading Liz Curtiss Higgs new book for leisure. I have two synopsis to get out before the conference I want to go to where I hope to successfully pitch to an agent who is on my dream list.

I’m a little sleepy now but not as wiped out as I was last night.

Lance has news that’s a little shaky, but we know God is good ..and He only wants the best for us. Look how He worked this job at Microsoft.!! So, I’m not freaking about it. I’m trusting.

Life is good because God is in control and He loves me. Sometimes, when I think of that…I am amazed all over again. The God of all creation loves ME…and I gotta say, if you know me at all, you know that is a tall order!

Weightloss Assessment Pretty Painful..but not pretty

Signed the contract, paid the down payment. They took measurements. Nothing compares to the horrific ‘picture’ result of the full body scan. Ugh.

This body scan takes a sort of x-ray of your body as you lay on the table. When it is completed you get the results. I suppose the ‘fat’ side has more impact because it is laid out beside your skeleton on the paper, but seriously, my ‘fat’ side looked like the Michelin Tire man. Every body part is encased in either an oval or circle of fat. It’s pretty disgusting. Even worse, how very tiny my hands, head, and feet look! No wonder I’m always focused on my hair, hands and shoes. They are the smallest part of me.

Oh, and the body fat ratio was not 33 BMI but because the machine can precisely detect fat it is more accurate. My body fat ratio? 51. I’m surprised I can haul this ol’ thing around!

So, I have to stop the diet coke. I’m pretty much okay with that. It is going to be incredibly difficult. I know. And, as God does work things out…lance will be gone next week so he will escape the decline of Linda going of the DC. Whew. Would hate to see the 32 year marriage go to pot (Just kidding we’ve been through a lot more together only death will separate us…we’re both too stubborn! I mean in love )

I do have to buy some extra’s to do this program correctly. A heart rate monitor. They’re pricey. On the way to the grocery store we went to a Big Five, just to look. All the Heart Rate monitors have been 60+ bucks. We saw one that had no price, he looked it up. It was 70 something. But, he said, it was on sale last week for 25, so I will give it to you for that price! Another God thing? I think so!! Another piece of equipment they gave me is a pedometer. If I remember correctly she said I should strive for 10,000 steps a day. I wore it for half the day, and it’s at 1700 . Could be in trouble there.

So, I have my first doctor visit this Friday, where we will go over the ‘fat scan’ and my blood work and decide if this ol’ body can do what I’m going to make it do. I don’t just have junk in my trunk, I have an entire thrift store! 

 I officially start the program on Monday when I first meet my dietician and get acquainted with my personal trainer, who happens to be a Believer too! That means we can pray before workouts and encourage each other with the love of the Lord! Another God thing!!!

Yay God!!! I love Him so, and am so thankful for everything He has provided.

Blessings to you!

Me