Run for God - Week 2 - Running the Race before Us

Hebrews 12: 1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

This has to be one of my favorite verses... for so many reasons which I will continue to address over the course of the Run for God posts!

But... sometimes I struggle with "seeing" the Path God has marked out for me. I trust that he knows every step I will take, every action I will do, every word I will say, but sometimes I just wish he would email me that master plan blueprint for my life. See then, I would know that I am following his plan for my life and not Charity's...

Sometimes, I get tangled in the/my web of sin or caught up in my past failures... that's when I lose focus. I take my eyes off the pioneer and perfecter of Faith. That's when I remember (or get reminded) that the only way I can learn what path I should follow is to be in relationship with God. Every day. Every minute. Every moment. I have to keep my eyes fixed on Christ all the time or I will stray EVERY TIME.

That's a lot of what week 2 focused on. Now let's back track to week 1's run in the rain. Somewhere in the craziness of the first night, God introduced me to a really amazing lady. (God's introduced me to a ton of amazing people, but I'm going to focus on one this round) I can not begin to tell you how much just the limited interaction I have had with her has meant to my life.

Kay Campbell is a women after God's heart. Her smile lights up the room. I can see her energy and enthusiasm for life. I just love her. On the first night, I ran beside her for a moment and she began to share a really awesome story with me. After the story, she told me she has tons of these stories because she keeps a journal and guess what she writes about???  RUNNING!

Hello God! Thanks for the introduction. So after the run, I had to get more of these stories and I wanted her to share some of these with our group. On night two, she shared one. While that story was amazing, I'm going to share another one with you... So here it is in her words:

Keep your focus on Him and not the circumstances. I think He is teaching me to discipline my mind to focus on Him when I run. As long as I am worshipping and praising Him, I can run the race. As soon as my focus is redirected to my circumstances (how tired I am, how hot I am, my feet hurt, my side hurts, I am out of breath, the sun is too bright, the rain is too cold, etc) then I can’t continue and want to quit. I am learning to keep my eyes on Him alone.

Sometimes when I run, I imagine that Jesus is at the finish line, and I am running to meet Him like I will someday in heaven. I understand that I should live my life the same way, and every day brings me closer to meeting Him face to face.

Sometimes I imagine Him running beside me, and just like in life, I am comforted knowing that I am never alone.

No matter what comes my way, keep my eyes on Him, praise Him, and keep on running!

And all I can say is AMEN! God has opened so many doors through Run for God. I am thankful to get to be on this journey with Kay and so many other wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.

5 minute warm up, 90 seconds of running alternated with 2 minutes of walking for 20 minutes, 5 min cool down and stretch.

Run for God - Week 1 - Praising God in the Rain

It's time to play "catch up". Run for God started on Feb 10th and it's now March 6th.... I do want to take the time to blog about each class/ workouts because you guys can use this study as a tool to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health! I'll bring you up to speed on the first four classes over the next week, and then I'll share each one after it happens.

To start things off, I guest blogged at my dear friend Sharita's blog. Check out the post here. This highlights our first night's run together. Yes we ran in the rain.

The first night was so exciting! Although we had lots of paperwork to do, we did a big overview of the class and focused on what the next 10ish weeks would hold for us. By this point, I had been prepping for 2 months, so my excitement level was through the roof. I had every detail of this first night down to the minute... then everyone started rolling in and well... I had to be flexible.

 I was so encouraged by the smiles, joy, and laughter of the 65 people in the class. Although we were 10 minutes late starting (did I mention I do not like (OK despise) being late - God is working on me...), we started by watching the Run for God promo video.  Then I shared my testimony. God is so good to give us peace in all circumstances. Sharing my heart and story so openly is scary, but God wrapped his loving arms around me and hopefully my story can bless others.

Here's a little introduction of my awesome friends who help out each week. Thank you guys!

So here's what we do in Run for God each Sunday.

We begin each Sunday with prayer and devotion. The devotions vary but serve as a link to parallel running with our Christian walk. We read a motivational story, focus in on key scriptures, and have a short discussion.

After the first 30 minutes, for the next 30 minutes, we discuss a running topic. From running gear to MP3 players to breathing and stretching, we'll discuss running topics that will make the runs more enjoyable and help us to avoid injury.

Then we run. My absoulute favorite question of the night was "What do we do about inclement weather?". Well... my response, "We run" :) Now altough I'm crazy, I would never put my fellow running friends in danger. We will not run in hail, a tornado, a hurricane, lighting, or any other act of God that could kill us. We will however brave the rain and cold to get our weekly runs in. We wouldn't stop our Christian walk because of a little trial, so we don't stop our physical journey because of a little rain. So each Sunday, we all leave the church for run. During the first few weeks, there is more walking than running, but eventually we will complete a 5k race - running the entire thing :)

So that's the Run for God overview/ first week in a nutshell. If you want to follow the workouts, the first week's workout is 5 min warm up, 60 second runs alternated with 90 second walks for 20 minutes, then a 5 min cool down/ stretch.

Motivational Monday - I choose...

Have you ever thought about how many choices you make each day? I once read that individuals make over 5000 choices each day. Think about it... Let's just take the first few minutes of your day...

1. You choose to open your eyes. 2. You could choose snooze. 3. You could choose to stay in that warm comfy bead. 3. You choose to get up. 4. What side of the bed do you choose to get out of? 5. Do you do morning bible study? 6. Do you get out of the bed to do that? 7. You choose to go to your quiet place for bible study. 8. You choose to workout!

ok stop... that's probably only the first 5 minutes of my day (unless I choose to snooze of course)

Here's the point. You choose! Yes, God directs our paths, but he also gives us the ability to make choices. So this Monday morning as you begin your work week, choose to make each choice count. Here's a great motivational poster I pinned on Pinterest! Happy Motivational Monday!

You can find this pin here.

Motivational Monday vs Fit for Friday

Who doesn't like Fridays? Even when I worked a job with weekend work, I still liked Fridays. The day seems more laid back. Usually, Friday is a time to wrap up the week, prepare for the upcoming tasks of next week, and jump start some weekend rest!

 

On the other hand, there's Monday. Now I know some people get excited about Mondays. Maybe Monday is your off day. Awesome! But for most, Monday is the beginning of a new week. Weekend is over. OVER. Most of my Monday mornings need that extra cup of coffee.

 

I've been contemplating what day(s) of the week I would choose to consistently blog each week. Schedules help me focus my mind. They also hold me accountable to blogging as least once each week. For now... I'm choosing to blog each week on Monday and Friday!

 

Monday blogs will focus on Motivation. I find that 90% of our fitness battle is in our mind. Where to start? How to find motivation to go? Excuses... So each Monday, we'll begin our week with a little Monday motivation. A little extra encouragement for your week. We'll also tackle some of the excuses we make and how to overcome them.

 

Friday blogs will focus on getting and staying fit. Here I'll post workout ideas (physical and spiritual), nutrition ideas, healthy living suggestions, etc . Note - I am not a fitness/ nutrition expert or a doctor, but I hope these little tidbits help. Most of what I know is from experience and learning. If you ever feel like you need a second opinion on the Friday facts, please do! Comment on the post with questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll look for someone who does.

 

I'm going to sprinkle some Run for God posts in as well. I'm guest blogging for a friends, so once that post releases, I'll start sharing some of the Run for God journey. So there it is. Please help hold me accountable as I begin this journey. Mondays and Fridays. We'll kick off the motivation Monday.

Change is good... Running to HIS arms!

So last summer, I began a blog. Seemed like a good thing to do. God has transformed my life and I wanted to share some of my transformation along with some future goals (AKA 30 things I want to do before I turn 30). A blog is a great way to document a journey and encourage others.

But now... I sense God turning my life (and this blog) in a new direction. I'm still going to complete the 30 before 30 goals and use the blog to document that, but I'm changing things up a bit. Full of excitement and joy, I am going to run this new race pursuing after God's call for my life.

Last fall after a wonderful weekend visit with my best friend Jullian, I started a journey that is now in week 4 of a bible study entitled "Run for God." Run for God is a 5k training plan and devotion to strengthen us; physically, mentally, and spiritually. God is doing some really awesome things through Run for God and I'll share more on that in future posts.

For now, here's where we are. I am going to continue to use this blog to share my story of transformation and track my 30 before 30 goals. In addition, I am going to use it to encourage you to foster change in your life: Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually. This blog is going to document a new direction for my life: Helping others change their physical bodies through training the body, focusing the mind, and strengthening the soul.

This journey is not just on the blog. I am going to become a certified group fitness instructor and (maybe somewhere down the road) a personal trainer. God is already opening doors (through relationships, finances, and other really cool opportunities). Now I'm not quitting my day job (at least that's not what I feel God telling me to do at this time) but I do feel like this could become a full time career in the future. For now, I am going to pursue this path in addition to my current employment.

I would really appreciate your prayers, comments, feedback, encouragement, and love as I seek after God's will for my life. I am confident in Christ for he knows every step I should (and will) take before I even begin. He places opportunities, people, and events in our paths to prepare our body, mind, and heart for future plans he has for us. I am trusting in his plan for me.

#23 - Inspire someone and Thank someone that inspires me.

For someone to tell me "I inspire them" is probably one of my top 10 favorite things to hear. Not to be boastful or proud, but it is a huge accomplishment to be an inspiration instead of... well not an inspiration. It wasn't too long ago that I was in a place where no one would have been inspired by "little ole me". I was not in a good place emotionally, physically, spiritually... I was just plain unhealthy.

But by the grace of God, he has made a new creature! 2012 has seriously been the best year of my entire life for so many reasons. Here's a few:

1. I married the most amazing man! He loves me for who I am. Encourages me. Protects me. And so much more...
2. With this amazing man came an amazing family! I am truly blessed for my wonderful new family.
3. My big brother has grown so much! He is now a brother in the Masons! I am so proud of him!
4. Adam and I have been blessed to meet and get to know some really amazing people! God has blessed us with so many wonderful friends and great couple friends at that. I don't want to leave anyone off, but you guys know you have blessed us so incredibly much.
5. I've got to complete a triathlon, a second half marathon, and some other great races along the way. God has kept me healthy and given me an awesome friend throughout the process!
6. I changed jobs (this could have been a huge unhappy thing, but God knew my heart and transformed me throughout the process) The boy scouts has taught me an incredible amount. I am thankful for the friendships and lessons learned but sometimes... it's better to move on. I am excited for this new opportunity.
7. We bought a house. Yes, it is a big deal. A house!
8. I have grown so much with my relationship with Christ. I am on a journey of learning and growing that I hope will continue each and everyday I live.
9. Blessing after blessing after blessing... really amazing year!

I already see so many wonderful opportunities in 2013, but back to the inspiration blog...

My main inspiration is Christ. He truly is the perfect examply, but I believe he puts great people on earth to journey with you. Here are some people that inspire me:

1.My mom - She has and always will inspire me. She is strong (sometimes stubborn), thoughtful, caring, humble, passionate, and most of all, she would do anything for her children (and future grandchildren)
2. My husband - His spirit is so beautiful. He has a child like heart, but it's the best spiritual leader of our home. I am thankful for his heart for Christ!
3. My Mother in law - She is has such a beautiful heart for giving. I am convinced she would give everything she had for her children, grandchildren, or anyone for that matter. I am thankful for a spirit of giving. I can see that giving spirit in Adam daily!
4. Meghan and Mason Stewart - I hope you guys get a chance to read this. You two are such a wonderful display of Christ's love! We are thankful for your transparency and heart!
5. Super awesome, consistent runner people - Steven and Allison Miles, Kaci Lesley, and all those other awesome running people that I can see on facebook. You guys inspire me!

On to inspiring...

Most of the comments I have received about inspiring fall into the physical category for me (mainly because that is what's easiest to see). Here are some encouraging thoughts I sent to a friend a few months ago via facebook.

Its a daily choice to be healthy...I do not diet. If you are planning on choosing a diet and doing it for a while then going back to what you currently do...you won't be successful.
Losing weight is simple... calories in vs calories out. To lose weight you must have a calorie deficit... Now how you get to that is different.

Here's the best way to start.
1. Cut out alcohol and sodas, Completely! This has to be the first thing. There are so many horrible calories in those two that no matter how hard you exercise, you can not get that weight off. Plus neither one of them are fulfilling anything for you personally... 2 years ago I committed to this and this is the best decision I have made!

2. Exercise. Yup you knew that was coming. I started off slow with exercise. I had developed a slight problem with number 1 (the alcohol part) and when I cut that horrible habit, I had to replace it with something. I chose exercise specifically walking/jogging. I started off super slow because I hated running but then I started setting goals to run 1 mile. Then to run/walk 2 miles. Then before I knew it, I had completed my first 5k. Best feeling ever!! From then I kept setting goals to work after to improve my fitness. See its more about setting small goals and making a choice each day to improve yourself. Now if running doesn't get you excited do something that will. Choosing something you will do daily or at least 4-5 times a week is the key. Don't try to do everything at once. If you like to dance, Zumba is a good place to start. I did Zumba but quickly found out it wasn't challenging enough for me. I really like to push the limits with exercise (that's what keeps me going)

3. Food. This matters just as much as the exercise. What you put in your body really matters. Trash in. Trash out. Now don't go quit everything that you like...your body will hate you. Start slow and wing yourself off things... Things to start with... change your bread to whole grain. Milk to 2% or 1% (i prefer skim but that's not for everybody) Limit sweets. I just spent a month without them... best thing ever for me. Not the best thing ever for my husband... Fruits and vegetables rock. You can eat lots of them with very little calories. makes you feel full for a lot longer.

4. Make some exercise and nutrition friends. You have got to have people on this journey with you. Even if it is just online support. I would be happy to be a support for you. With that being said, those people must hold you accountable too. My husband was a great support for me and I found a really great running partner.

OK this turned into a novel... it doesn't happen overnight. In November/December of 2010 when I was at my highest weight (almost 190 pounds...yuck and lowest point in my life which was even worse than the weight) I made a decision to change and get healthy. I have not looked back once. I do not regret one decision I have made in the past two years. You'll find out quickly that the weight isn't the only thing that changes...

If I can do anything to help, let me know!!

Weight (body image in general) really isn't the main problem. There is usually some rooted issue that you have to work out before you can make true change. These past couple of years have been life changing (not just physically) for me. When you commit your life to Christ, in a moment you are forgiven of your sins. The awesome thing about God is that even though he forgives immediately, our character doesn't change immediately. He allows us to begin a journey of transformation. God's grace and forgiveness is perfect and watching the character transformation unfold is just icing on the cake! Here's to many more years of growing and transforming into Christ's image daily!

#14 - Cook and host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner

I'm not sure what it is about hosting a family dinner that is a "ride of passage" for a female, but I was very excited to! I'm sure I'll go into more detail later, but it's not nearly as stressful as people make it out to be. It was actually a fun, family event for us and a welcomed change to the chaos that a move and redecorating can cause.

So on Christmas Eve, Adam and I hosted my family for lunch. My family includes my mom, granny, brother and sister in law, uncle and aunt, and Adam and I. Crystal, my awesome Sister in law, brought her dad which gave us a total of 9 (which is probably why it wasn't very stressful - i wasn't feeding an army...)

So here's some pictures... because those speak better than words :)

 Adam and I have a high table with only four chairs, so we "splurged" on these $45 card table and chair set from Walmart. It was the best way for me to have a table in time for everyone to sit at the same place. Watch out craigslist because I am officially looking for a "real" table :) Here's a close up of the place settings. Yes, I used disposable plates and napkins (I wanted it to be festive, and our dishes are blue, brown, and yellow)

 

This is a picture of Brian and Crystal (my brother and sister in law) with Adam and I.

Love these two and I love this picture!

 

Steve and Donna (my Aunt and Uncle) brought the ham (from honey bake) and I picked up a turkey (from honey bake) I was not crazy enough to attempt cooking meat on my first attempt at Christmas dinner... I was, however, crazy enough to host dinner at our home we had just moved into the previous weekend...

 

Yummy sides - notice everything has cheese on it...I did not make all of these! It just happened that we all picked things that had cheese.

 

 

 

More sides, I bought this yummy pasta salad in the center from 12th Street Deli. Mom brought a pasta salad on the left and we (by we I mean Crystal) made some deviled eggs.

 

Yes, my husband is always first in line and first to eat.  

 

Well that's it. Another 30 before 30 in the books. Maybe next year, the kitchen will have a nice facelift, maybe a "real" table and plates, I could attempt to cook meat... but really that's not what hosting is all about - It's really about the fellowship of all those awesome people sitting at the table!