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!

3 Misconceptions People Have of Me as a New Englander

I lived in New England for the first 28 years of my life. I have seen my fair share of nor'easters and blizzards and have endured many a cold winters. Since moving to Eastern North Carolina 5 years ago, I've been told that these have been some of the coldest and stormiest winters this part of the state has ever had. I promise I am not related to Elsa. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. I'm convinced that I was born for beaches, heat waves, flip flops, tropical drinks. Which is why I laugh at some of the comments that come my way when this weather rolls around.

Misconception #1 - Because I am from the north, I love the snow

This could not be more FALSE!!! In fact, snowy winters are one of the biggest reasons that I never plan to move any further north than North Carolina. I think I would be ok if I never had to deal with snow again. I get that it is fun and exciting for the kids to have a snow day but as an adult snow days don't pay my bills and it only stresses me out. Don't get me wrong though, if I have to stay home because of the snow I will totally make the best of it. Building a snowman and make snow angels are fun as long as they disappear the following day! ;)

Misconception #2 - Because I'm from the north the cold doesn't bother me

I hate being cold. You won't hear a peep of complaining from me when the hot humid weather comes. I am definitely a beach gal. I really struggle with being cold though. I can't even tell you how many times I've been in a conversation about the cold temperatures and someone will say, "Well, you are from the north so you should be used to it." The cold is something I have never gotten used to. For me getting used to the cold is just like getting used to stubbing your toe in a door jam or getting a paper-cut. It never becomes more tolerable. If someone spent 30 straight days in sub-zero temps I'm pretty sure day 30 would be just as dreadful as day 1. This polar vortex thing is for the penguins! Come on spring! I know you are right around the corner!!!!

Misconception #3 - Because I am from the north driving in snow is a piece of cake

Southern friends, I am about to come to your defense here! While snow is so pretty to look at, it wreaks havoc on the roads and I confess that even as a native New Englander I am extremely nervous driving in it. I have read a lot of comments on social media regarding how no one here in the south knows how to drive in the snow and making fun of people for freaking out over snowy road conditions. I've heard people from snowy states sound cocky about driving in the snow and even put others down because of it. My thought on this is that I'm pretty sure that I've seen reports daily on the national news programs about car accidents in the northeast for the past month. Wanna know why? Because snow is slippery and dangerous. Add in some ice and black ice and it gets even worse. I don't care what kind of car, truck or SUV you have, you cannot drive on ice at high speeds. Not in the north, not in the south, not anywhere. Now here in the south throw into the mix highways that are not able to be properly treated for such conditions and drivers who have little to no experience driving in this weather and we have a bigger problem. On my drive home this afternoon I was cautiously going between 20-30mph along with most of the other motorists but there were a few not so courteous people in pickups and SUVs going 50 or 60mph past me. All it takes is hitting one small spot of ice and your car now becomes a potentially deadly weapon. A lady called into the radio station this morning asking for prayer on her drive to work. She had already passed multiple wrecks and was having some anxiety. She said that she knew that she was covered by the blood of Jesus but she really didn't want to be covered in her own blood today. She made everyone laugh with that but AMEN! Please me smart and exercise some common sense. Respect the lives of others.

At the end of the day I'm happy for all of my friends who got to enjoy the rare experience of snow and I have loved seeing everyone's pictures. I just hope you aren't offended when I say that I hope it all melts overnight and never comes back! I can't wait to wear my flip flops again! :)

What New England has taught me

I will start this post by saying GO PATS! SUPER BOWL XLIX CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! WOOOHOO!!!!

There are a few things I have realized in the last few weeks leading up to the Super Bowl this year. All which lead to me say that I am proud to be a New Englander!

The first is LOYALTY. A few years ago my therapist told me that I am loyal to a fault. On a side note, I believe that insurance should pay for every person to see one regularly. It is so nice to have someone to confide in and just listen. It made a significant difference in my life working with a Christian therapist, but I digress. The same can be said of New England sports fans. Being a Red Sox and Patriots fan I've learned to never count either team out. Through losing seasons, through controversy, through tough breaks, they are my home team and I will proudly rock those jerseys win or lose. Once a Boston fan, always a Boston fan. No.Matter.What.

The second is ATTITUDE. A lot of people I meet are surprised when I say I am from the Boston area because I no longer have my wicked awesome accent. I always tell them that it's still there but it usually only comes out when I am angry or worked up about something, which is not very often. Now when I say attitude I don't necessarily mean as in rude. I mean it as in we won't be a push over and will stand up for something if we believe in it. For example, with this whole "Deflategate" nonsense. I normally stay pretty quiet when it comes to sports talk because I don't watch ESPN hourly and I'm usually not up to date on the latest news, but I followed this one. There are a lot of Patriot Haters out there and that's fine but my attitude was starting to come out with all the bashing.  Some just got plain ugly about it and it was hard to be quiet. I was starting to get very defensive and annoyed. I have a hard time tolerating ugliness but I had to remind myself that my words should be used for good so I gave it a rest. As of now the jury is still out on this one anyway and I remain a loyal fan.

Lastly, I've learned that New Englanders stick together. Surprisingly, or maybe not with Boston covered in 40 inches of snow right now, there are a lot of us here in North Carolina. I meet fellow New Englanders on a regular basis here. I wore my Gronk jersey to work the day after the Super Bowl and I got so many high 5's and it sparked many more conversations throughout the day. It's almost impossible to run into someone wearing Pats or Sox attire without talking to them and finding out where they are from. I'll be the first to say that, in general, people are friendlier here in  the south compared to the north. But when you run into a fellow New Englander in the south we become instant friends. It's like we are part of a special club and it gives me peace and familiarity on the days I feel homesick. We have our own language, using words like bubbla (water fountain), clickah (remote control), and barrel (trash can). and our own way of doing things and I love that. I'm thankful for my New England upbringing and wouldn't want it any other way. You can take the girl out of New England, but you can't take New England out of the girl! Y'all can keep that snow though!!! ;)

The Key to Change...

"The key to change is more of the same."

I heard this on one of my favorite podcast last week from Elevation Church. It made me think about all of the new gym goers I have met at the gym in the last few weeks. People who are starting out on their own fitness journeys. This is a time of year that regular gym goers dread and despise but I love it! Sure the parking lot is full and you might have to park a little further away, and you might have to wait for your favorite machine. (Use this opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!) But I love seeing people try to make an honest change in their lives by taking control. Just think how we can be there as inspiration and encouragement to our new gym mates.

Change is hard. It's uncomfortable. It all starts with walking through the door. You feel like everyone is watching or judging you. You feel out of shape because, quite honestly, you are. But you have to remember that we all had to start where you are. Every single one of us have had our first day at the gym. It gets better. The more consistent you are with your new healthy habits the easier will be become a lifestyle.

 

"Let the routine be the reward."

A month or so down the road you might find yourself frustrated. Maybe you aren't seeing the results you were expecting and you are ready to throw in the sweaty towel. It usually takes time to see physical results so don't give up on yourself so easily. Try not to get caught up in the results you are after but instead celebrate that you are, in fact, doing something about it. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing and keep at it. Keeping this SAME routine of SHOWING UP will pay off. Maybe try making a chart where you can cross off the box with each workout you complete. Commit to doing so many a week or month. Don't become a New Year's Resolution statistic. You were made for more than that.

Happy Sweating my friends!

2015 - New Day, New You!

I've been asked multiple times this week what my resolutions or goals for 2015 are.

I woke up early New Year's Eve morning to catch the final sunrise of the year and thank the Lord for all that He has done for me. The show was nothing short of spectacular! I don't know how the Master Artist keeps outdoing Himself.

12/31/14

As I stood on the banks of the Neuse River a couple quotes circles around in my mind. "I may not be where I want to be but I'm not where I used to be" and "nothing is wasted." 2014 has been a good year. There have been some bumps here and there but I'm stronger today than I was 364 days ago. Every experience I've had, good and bad, is preparing me for what's ahead.

I have no doubt that 2015 will be amazing. There will be awesomeness and there will be disappointment. There will be days that I am full of hope and peace and there will be days that I doubt. There will be days I eat healthy and days that I eat chocolate cake for breakfast. Days I workout till my limbs are shaking and days I sleep in. There will be days that I am faithful to God and there will be days that I fail Him. There will be days when I trust His plan and days I try to make my own path. Days that I laugh so hard I cry and days that I cry and want to be alone.

So what is my goal for 2015? My goal is to live my life in a way that honors Christ. I don't expect to be perfect at this goal but I will give myself grace. I will live by the verse:

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness." ~Lamentations 3:22-23

I want to live my life One Day at a Time. Every day is a new chance to get it right. Whether I venture down the wrong path, fall off the diet or workout wagon, or make a poor choice, I can decide to make it right again at any moment. I don't have to wait until January 1st 2016 to start again. I will live in and embrace each moment of 2015 that I am blessed with. You never what the day will bring and He is able to do GREATER things than we could ever even dream! I don't know where the coming year will lead me but I do know that if I follow close to the One who has already been there I will be in good hands. :)

Have a Blessed Day and Year my Friends!

1/1/15