By this time next week...

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem. The day that starts Passion week. Oh, what a week it will be. As I sat in church this evening for a youth group event I couldn't help but stare a little longer at the wooden cross hanging on the wall in front of me. The one with the purple sash to signify the Lenten season. By the end of this week Jesus will suffer as He is crucified on the cross. The cross where He takes the place for me and you and all of mankind. I can't even begin to imagine the pain, the cruelty, to stand helpless in the crowd. The sinless man will die for our sins. Every.Last.One.Forever.  He will die so we can live. He will be buried. We will mourn.
What a great time to slow down and remember the real meaning of Easter. What a great time to reflect on what Love really, truly means. Unconditional, unshakable, unwavering Love.
Oh, how He loves us!


 But this time next week, that's a different story!

"Living He loved me,

Dying He saved me,

Buried He carried my sins far away,

Rising He justified freely forever,

One day He's coming,

Oh glorious day, oh glorious day."

~ Casting Crowns ~

Life is Better with Friends

I find that the older I get the easier it is to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Between work schedules, church obligations, yard and house work, and friends with husbands and kids, it's very easy to lose touch with those you care about. How many times do you run into someone whom you haven't seen in a while and say "Hey, we really should get together soon!" I say it All.The.Time. but very rarely do I make those plans. The thought is there but I don't slow down long enough to make the time for it. Before I know it a couple weeks have gone by and I figure the moment has passed.


I just finished reading The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst. Great book if you have a hard time saying no to people and tasks and constantly feel overwhelmed. In the book she says, "Relationships nourish us in ways that nothing else can. It's the relationships that help unrush us." We are not meant to rush through this life neglecting our relationships with those who matter. I have been blessed tremendously with amazing friends who are my sisters in Christ. They are my support when times are bad and they are who I celebrate with when times are good. But what about the in between times. I recently spent a couple hours with a sweet friend at a local pottery painting studio. Nothing fancy, just a little girl's night to catch up with on another. We talked about the most random things but I left there feeling so loved, encouraged, and refreshed. It really did nourish my soul to make the time to share my life with someone I love.

Friend date at Accidental Artist

 In a generation so focused on social media and other technologies, I see a huge disconnect in building and  maintaining relationships. One of my Love Languages is quality time so it should be no surprise that Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and even texting just don't do it for me. I need one-on-one face time with my people. Phone calls are the next best thing for my far away friends. There is something so uplifting about receiving a phone call from a friend. That they would take time out of their day to have an undistracted conversation with me means so much. I've decided to start intentionally taking the time to make time to nourish my relationships. A phone call, a walk, a cup a coffee, painting pottery, meeting once a month to watch the sunrise together. I'm committing to strengthening the bonds that God has created in my life and reminding myself that sometimes the housework or errands can wait until later. Pick up your phone and call a friend today and make that date!

Sunrise, Coffee, Friends

Hurts So Good!

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) - the kind where it hurts to sit on the toilet and it's a struggle to hold your arms up to blow dry your hair. This is me today! Some weeks I feel like I live in a perpetual state of soreness. I work out for about 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Doesn't seem like much right? Let me tell you, more is not always better. I've recently graduated to 30lb weights (I still can't believe it) and have been finding myself sore after only a few hours from finishing my workout as opposed to not feeling it until the next day. Hurts so good!

               

 At work I've been called Killer Kira. One client even came up to me after class last week and asked if I had a special degree in torture. LOL! If they only knew that I put myself through the same kind of "torture" maybe they would feel better. At least they can blame me for their soreness. I have no one to point a finger at. My workout buddy is too sweet :)

I'm a member of the 5am workout club and let me tell you, 5am comes quick. There are many mornings that I would rather hit snooze and stay in bed than pick up my weights. After all, no one is there making sure I get it done. Some days I even try to convince myself that I am going to do just that but I always give in and end up in the garage. What makes me get out of bed? My commitment to myself to stay healthy. I remind myself how great I will feel when I'm finished, filled with all of those lovely feel good endorphins and hormones. They energize me for the day. Starting my day with a workout helps me make better choices with food throughout the day and that is huge for me. The assumption that I can eat whatever I want and stay fit is so far from the truth. Working out also keeps me honest. How can I effectively motivate and teach others about healthy habits if I'm skipping workouts for no good reason?



As far as goals go I'm finding that as I get older they are not so much about vanity as they may have been before. I'm not trying to have the best set of abs or the nicest legs. My workouts are geared towards fat loss. So yes, while it is nice to see my dedication and hard work pay off by losing fat and gaining muscle , I  simply want to be healthy. The active older adult population at the gym inspires me. Many of them are there most days of the week. They prove that staying active and maintaining muscle mass decreases so many health issues that much of the older population faces. I want to be the grandmother who can still lift weights in the gym and keep up with the youngins'.

Let's not forget the most important reason I stay disciplined. It's because I have been gifted with a body that is capable. My body was created and designed by God and keeping it healthy to the best of my ability honors Him. Often we hear that our body is our temple. If my body houses the Holy Spirit I think I should do my best to provide a good residence. I want to respect what has so graciously been given to me.

Staying fit makes me feel good and when I feel good I can help others feel good. I'm thankful that this comes easier for me because I know it doesn't for many people. I only hope that I can be an inspiration for them, that by living a healthy lifestyle I can influence those around me. to do the same. Not every workout is easy, but every workout and every sore muscle is worth it.


So for all of you currently renovating your own temples....this plank is for you!