How common, how fashionable is this lukewarm religion! This is the prevailing epidemical sin of our age and country... We have thousands of Christians, such as they are; as many Christians as white men; but, alas! They are generally of the Laodicean stamp; they are neither hot nor cold. But it is our first concern to know how it is with ourselves; therefore, let this inquiry go round this congregation: Are you not such lukewarm Christians? Is there any fire and life in your devotions? Or are not all your active powers engrossed by other pursuits?
~Samuel Davies
Interesting that this was penned in the mid-1700's... still applicable today.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Quick Note & P90 Update
I cried SO hard last night... LAUGHING!!! Last week, I posted a few quotes that came from Mark Remy's book, The Runner's Rule Book. A friend of ours loaned me the book so that I could read the whole thing. (The quotes were from a Runnersworld.com article.) THIS BOOK IS GREAT!!! I got so cracked up that tears were streaming down my face. Every time I tried to read to Scott what had me so tickled, I would just start snorting and laughing even harder!!!
I suppose what made it so funny to me was how TRUE all of his rules and guidelines are... They were all things that I have never given a thought to, but just taken in stride. This man took the time to see the humor in it all and write it all down! From rules about passing gas, to posting training plans on the frig, to when it's OK to wear race shirts, this book has it ALL covered.
It would make a great, humorous read for a seasoned runner... OR it would be a great, informative read for someone just joining the odd subculture of runners (You know, so you can understand what's cool and what's not!)... OR, it would even be great if you are not a runner but want to understand us!
P90X UPDATE:
Well, the diet is going strangely well. I must say, chocolate protein powder blended with skim milk and frozen banana chunks (breakfast) has been my lifesaver! This afternoon while I was getting some frozen vegetables from the freezer, I spied my chocolate chip stash. I can't say I wasn't tempted, but I resisted! That is major for me!
Waking up early... Well, we are getting into a routine, and I am surviving; it's really not that bad. Going to bed early is the key... so don't call after 8:30! (And Scott has learned to not talk to me until we have been up for 30 or so minutes!)
The actual workouts have been good, but this morning kicked our tail. It was not plyometrics or chest/back... It was YOGA!!! Yes, yoga tore me up this morning. I thought it was a "roll out your grass mat and do some stretches" type deal. WRONG! My legs were burning, and I was leg dead this afternoon on my run!
I suppose what made it so funny to me was how TRUE all of his rules and guidelines are... They were all things that I have never given a thought to, but just taken in stride. This man took the time to see the humor in it all and write it all down! From rules about passing gas, to posting training plans on the frig, to when it's OK to wear race shirts, this book has it ALL covered.
It would make a great, humorous read for a seasoned runner... OR it would be a great, informative read for someone just joining the odd subculture of runners (You know, so you can understand what's cool and what's not!)... OR, it would even be great if you are not a runner but want to understand us!
P90X UPDATE:
Well, the diet is going strangely well. I must say, chocolate protein powder blended with skim milk and frozen banana chunks (breakfast) has been my lifesaver! This afternoon while I was getting some frozen vegetables from the freezer, I spied my chocolate chip stash. I can't say I wasn't tempted, but I resisted! That is major for me!
Waking up early... Well, we are getting into a routine, and I am surviving; it's really not that bad. Going to bed early is the key... so don't call after 8:30! (And Scott has learned to not talk to me until we have been up for 30 or so minutes!)
The actual workouts have been good, but this morning kicked our tail. It was not plyometrics or chest/back... It was YOGA!!! Yes, yoga tore me up this morning. I thought it was a "roll out your grass mat and do some stretches" type deal. WRONG! My legs were burning, and I was leg dead this afternoon on my run!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Interview!
Well, I am 33 years old and just had my first official job interview! I have had several jobs in my lifetime, but they have always been through word of mouth or on a volunteer basis. This was the first time I have ever had to dress professionally, sit at a conference table, and answer questions like, "What is your philosophy of coaching?"
For those of you who don't know, I turned in my resume to for the cross country coaching position at Blue Mountain College. The current coach is moving, and he asked me if he could recommend me as his replacement. Scott and I felt that because this was something that seemed to come out of nowhere... and because of the current insecurity of his job situation, I should at least apply for the position. I sent in my resume, and a week or so later, Scott found out that "pink slips" are really pink! (Although he was asked to turn in his resignation b/c he wanted to stop coaching, there is now a different teaching possibility nearby.)
ANYWAY...The interview went well; I did not say anything immensely goofy or do anything ridiculous! Whew, thank goodness! Who knows what will happen with either of us at this point, but we are trusting in the Lord's provision and sovereignty.
Now, we just have to wait... and wait... and wait... I think it will probably be 3-4 weeks before I hear anything. I will keep you posted!
For those of you who don't know, I turned in my resume to for the cross country coaching position at Blue Mountain College. The current coach is moving, and he asked me if he could recommend me as his replacement. Scott and I felt that because this was something that seemed to come out of nowhere... and because of the current insecurity of his job situation, I should at least apply for the position. I sent in my resume, and a week or so later, Scott found out that "pink slips" are really pink! (Although he was asked to turn in his resignation b/c he wanted to stop coaching, there is now a different teaching possibility nearby.)
ANYWAY...The interview went well; I did not say anything immensely goofy or do anything ridiculous! Whew, thank goodness! Who knows what will happen with either of us at this point, but we are trusting in the Lord's provision and sovereignty.
Now, we just have to wait... and wait... and wait... I think it will probably be 3-4 weeks before I hear anything. I will keep you posted!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Bring it, Y'all... P90X and Running
I am about to eat fried pickles for dinner, along with many other fried delights. I will probably have a coke or coffee (with milk and sugar), and dessert... and I will NOT feel guilty for one second.
Why?
Tomorrow morning Scott and I are beginning the P90X program, and I will be doing this along with my running schedule. P90X is a vigorous strength training program that incorporates circuit training and operates on the premise of "muscle confusion." I have read the science of it all, but I am not going to bore you with it here. Check out the website if you are interested!
The fact is, running is a great way to burn calories and get into shape. However, it is not the best for gaining overall muscle tone. Strength training boosts metabolism, tones muscle, helps prevent injuries, and will hopefully benefit my running in the grand scheme of things.
Sounds great!? Yes, but... there is always a but... BUT, there is a serious double whammy for me having nothing to do with the exercise:
1. We are going to be doing the P90X workouts at 5:15AM.
2. We are actually going to do the diet that goes along with the program.
1. If you know me at all, you have heard me talk about "those crazy people" who exercise before the roosters are crowing! I do not wake up gracefully- I stumble around, not seeing straight or able to get my eyes open all the way, and like to sit down with my coffee and Bible for a while before anyone else is stirring. Exercising as soon as I wake up seems like some type of cruel and unusual punishment to me.
Why do it?
Pragmatism has won out over my love for my down comforter. Scott and I will be able to workout together this way. I can work out in the morning and still be finished before my children are awake. They are old enough now to fix their own breakfast and get started on their Bible reading if I am not through with mine. So, as much as it pains me--- literally, the actual act of getting up is often painful-- We are going to "bring it" before the sun comes up.
2. The diet...
Many people assume that just because we eat fresh bread made from home-ground wheat, and because I cook mostly from scratch that I am a "healthy eater." To some extent that is true... Compared to other obese Mississippians, my diet is not bad at all. BUT, I exercise a lot of the junk I eat away... For example, most people can not even fathom eating a king size Milky Way with a Coke... and then having a whole piece of chocolate cheesecake for dessert later! Yikes- I know, but I suppose things like that are why my husband refers to me as garbage belly! Please, no comments on that... I have read all of the stuff about sugar... that's why I am trying the diet!
I will mention, though, that we are not going to be able to do the diet to a "T." We call our version the "Po Man's P90X diet." I just can't see throwing away perfectly good egg yolks and using up 6 egg whites to make one omelet, when I can make a 2 egg omelet for a whole lot cheaper! (Besides, I don't want to hurt my chickens' feelings! Their yolks have lots of vitamins!) We CAN cut out sugar, and follow the plan in general. The first 3 weeks have a low carb emphasis, and then it moves into a more balanced, healthy eating plan.
So, the workouts are going to be tough. No doubt. Waking up at 4:45 to do them is going to be tougher. Going off sugar and soda and everything I love is going to kill me... or help me develop some new life long healthy habits. (I am hoping for the second option!)
Why do it?
Well, I figure if I am going to go so far as to do strength training 5 days per week and run 4, I might as well see results. I might not get ripped in these 90 days, but hopefully I will get rid of some of my under-the-clothes ripples!
I wrote this post on Sunday night, and now it is Tuesday morning. Yesterday was spent stumbling around in a sleep-deprived state and trying to figure out exactly what I was going to feed us all. (I am trying to do this for the whole family... just letting the kids have more bread.) I made it through the day, sticking to the plan, even though the chocolate chips in my freezer were calling my name last night around 8:00!
This morning, waking up was a little easier, but the Plyometrics workout kicked my tail! Literally- I am going to be sore tomorrow! Today the diet will be a little more of a challenge, because I am going to be gone all day. We will see how it goes!
I found a person online, Taryn Perry, who has been super helpful in all of this. She trained for a marathon while doing P90x, and she helped me figure out which afternoons to run, etc. She also answered many other questions very willingly and sent me some helpful worksheets to use. If you are interested in P90X, other strength programs, or any of the nutrition supplements, she can save you money on shipping! If you have any questions, check out her site or send her an email: taryn@choose2befit.com.
Why?
Tomorrow morning Scott and I are beginning the P90X program, and I will be doing this along with my running schedule. P90X is a vigorous strength training program that incorporates circuit training and operates on the premise of "muscle confusion." I have read the science of it all, but I am not going to bore you with it here. Check out the website if you are interested!
The fact is, running is a great way to burn calories and get into shape. However, it is not the best for gaining overall muscle tone. Strength training boosts metabolism, tones muscle, helps prevent injuries, and will hopefully benefit my running in the grand scheme of things.
Sounds great!? Yes, but... there is always a but... BUT, there is a serious double whammy for me having nothing to do with the exercise:
1. We are going to be doing the P90X workouts at 5:15AM.
2. We are actually going to do the diet that goes along with the program.
1. If you know me at all, you have heard me talk about "those crazy people" who exercise before the roosters are crowing! I do not wake up gracefully- I stumble around, not seeing straight or able to get my eyes open all the way, and like to sit down with my coffee and Bible for a while before anyone else is stirring. Exercising as soon as I wake up seems like some type of cruel and unusual punishment to me.
Why do it?
Pragmatism has won out over my love for my down comforter. Scott and I will be able to workout together this way. I can work out in the morning and still be finished before my children are awake. They are old enough now to fix their own breakfast and get started on their Bible reading if I am not through with mine. So, as much as it pains me--- literally, the actual act of getting up is often painful-- We are going to "bring it" before the sun comes up.
2. The diet...
Many people assume that just because we eat fresh bread made from home-ground wheat, and because I cook mostly from scratch that I am a "healthy eater." To some extent that is true... Compared to other obese Mississippians, my diet is not bad at all. BUT, I exercise a lot of the junk I eat away... For example, most people can not even fathom eating a king size Milky Way with a Coke... and then having a whole piece of chocolate cheesecake for dessert later! Yikes- I know, but I suppose things like that are why my husband refers to me as garbage belly! Please, no comments on that... I have read all of the stuff about sugar... that's why I am trying the diet!
I will mention, though, that we are not going to be able to do the diet to a "T." We call our version the "Po Man's P90X diet." I just can't see throwing away perfectly good egg yolks and using up 6 egg whites to make one omelet, when I can make a 2 egg omelet for a whole lot cheaper! (Besides, I don't want to hurt my chickens' feelings! Their yolks have lots of vitamins!) We CAN cut out sugar, and follow the plan in general. The first 3 weeks have a low carb emphasis, and then it moves into a more balanced, healthy eating plan.
So, the workouts are going to be tough. No doubt. Waking up at 4:45 to do them is going to be tougher. Going off sugar and soda and everything I love is going to kill me... or help me develop some new life long healthy habits. (I am hoping for the second option!)
Why do it?
Well, I figure if I am going to go so far as to do strength training 5 days per week and run 4, I might as well see results. I might not get ripped in these 90 days, but hopefully I will get rid of some of my under-the-clothes ripples!
I wrote this post on Sunday night, and now it is Tuesday morning. Yesterday was spent stumbling around in a sleep-deprived state and trying to figure out exactly what I was going to feed us all. (I am trying to do this for the whole family... just letting the kids have more bread.) I made it through the day, sticking to the plan, even though the chocolate chips in my freezer were calling my name last night around 8:00!
This morning, waking up was a little easier, but the Plyometrics workout kicked my tail! Literally- I am going to be sore tomorrow! Today the diet will be a little more of a challenge, because I am going to be gone all day. We will see how it goes!
I found a person online, Taryn Perry, who has been super helpful in all of this. She trained for a marathon while doing P90x, and she helped me figure out which afternoons to run, etc. She also answered many other questions very willingly and sent me some helpful worksheets to use. If you are interested in P90X, other strength programs, or any of the nutrition supplements, she can save you money on shipping! If you have any questions, check out her site or send her an email: taryn@choose2befit.com.
Friday, January 15, 2010
-isms of the week
A friend of mine overheard this conversation between Will and his good buddy Ben as they were listening to the 1936 version of Eileen Barton's "If I knew you were coming":
Will -- This song sounds funny.
Ben -- that's because it is from way back in the 1990s!
Will -- How do you know?
Ben -- I can tell because of the words. They say could have "dropped you a note". That is not how email works....
Will -- (laughing) oh ... you are right. Man, this is an old song. Must be from the 90s.
This morning in the van, Hannah was reading a book in the back seat. She looked up and asked, "Mom, who was Michael Jordan?"
Will -- This song sounds funny.
Ben -- that's because it is from way back in the 1990s!
Will -- How do you know?
Ben -- I can tell because of the words. They say could have "dropped you a note". That is not how email works....
Will -- (laughing) oh ... you are right. Man, this is an old song. Must be from the 90s.
This morning in the van, Hannah was reading a book in the back seat. She looked up and asked, "Mom, who was Michael Jordan?"
Snow Day!
It is crazy that 1/2 of an inch of snow can shut down schools for 3 days!!! That's exactly what happened around here last week. This is one instance where my children lament being homeschooled... We didn't get snowed out of our upstairs! We did have a delayed start on the first day, though... after all, I'm not heartless!
Josh and his buddy Jeffrey who was over to play!
Yes, they actually did go sledding down our hill! Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Running Guidelines
I read this article yesterday on Runnersworld.com and thought I would share some parts to it...
Running Rules of Thumb
1. If you see a porta potty with no line, use it. Even if you don't need to.
2. If you have to ask yourself, Does this driver see me? The answer is no.
3. If you have to ask yourself, Are these shorts too short? The answer is yes.
4. 1 glazed doughnut = 2 miles
5. You rarely regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip.
6. Not everyone who looks fast really is, and not everyone who looks slow really is.
7. Nobody has ever watched Chariots of Fire from beginning to end. Not even the people who made it.
8. You can never have too many safety pins on your gym bag.
9. Running any given route in the rain makes you feel 50 percent more hard-core than covering the same route on a sunny day.
10. If you care even a little about being called a jogger versus a runner, you're a runner.
Expand Your Sense of Fun
As a runner, your definition of fun—which might once have included water parks, screwball comedies on DVD, and scrapbooking—must be, well, let's just say broadened and might include:
Waking up at 5:30 a.m. to run 10 miles
Running in the blistering heat
Running in the rain
Running in 400-meter circles
Feeling as if your lungs are about to explode
Paying good money for the privilege of turning your toenails black
Any combination of the above
Never Leave a Man Behind... Unless He Insists He's Okay with It
It's fine to ask once or twice if a straggler is okay or if he wants you to slow down for him. Asking three or more times, however, is more likely to annoy than to help. Take the straggler at his word and run accordingly.
Never Miss a Chance To Thank a Volunteer
Even if you're running the race of your life, you can still manage a bit of eye contact and a nod as you grab a cup of water from an outstretched hand. Even if it feels like your quads are quite literally on fire, you can manage to sputter a short "thanks" to the course marshal standing in the intersection. It will make the volunteer feel good. And you, too.
Before You Remove Your New Running Shoes from The Box, You Must Smell Them
Open the box. Peel back the tissue paper. Behold those pristine shoes. Then lift the box to your face and breathe deeply. Mmmm. Smells like potential. And possibly toxins. But mostly potential.
Adapted from The Runner's Rule Book, by Mark Remy (Rodale). To order your copy, go to runnersrulebook. com/mag.
Running Rules of Thumb
1. If you see a porta potty with no line, use it. Even if you don't need to.
2. If you have to ask yourself, Does this driver see me? The answer is no.
3. If you have to ask yourself, Are these shorts too short? The answer is yes.
4. 1 glazed doughnut = 2 miles
5. You rarely regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip.
6. Not everyone who looks fast really is, and not everyone who looks slow really is.
7. Nobody has ever watched Chariots of Fire from beginning to end. Not even the people who made it.
8. You can never have too many safety pins on your gym bag.
9. Running any given route in the rain makes you feel 50 percent more hard-core than covering the same route on a sunny day.
10. If you care even a little about being called a jogger versus a runner, you're a runner.
Expand Your Sense of Fun
As a runner, your definition of fun—which might once have included water parks, screwball comedies on DVD, and scrapbooking—must be, well, let's just say broadened and might include:
Waking up at 5:30 a.m. to run 10 miles
Running in the blistering heat
Running in the rain
Running in 400-meter circles
Feeling as if your lungs are about to explode
Paying good money for the privilege of turning your toenails black
Any combination of the above
Never Leave a Man Behind... Unless He Insists He's Okay with It
It's fine to ask once or twice if a straggler is okay or if he wants you to slow down for him. Asking three or more times, however, is more likely to annoy than to help. Take the straggler at his word and run accordingly.
Never Miss a Chance To Thank a Volunteer
Even if you're running the race of your life, you can still manage a bit of eye contact and a nod as you grab a cup of water from an outstretched hand. Even if it feels like your quads are quite literally on fire, you can manage to sputter a short "thanks" to the course marshal standing in the intersection. It will make the volunteer feel good. And you, too.
Before You Remove Your New Running Shoes from The Box, You Must Smell Them
Open the box. Peel back the tissue paper. Behold those pristine shoes. Then lift the box to your face and breathe deeply. Mmmm. Smells like potential. And possibly toxins. But mostly potential.
Adapted from The Runner's Rule Book, by Mark Remy (Rodale). To order your copy, go to runnersrulebook. com/mag.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Sarah is 10!
We recently celebrated Sarah's 10th birthday... She is double digits now!!! She chose to have the Sanders girls come over after the Hill and Dale Run to spend the night. They watched a movie, worked on a play to perform the next day, and had a balloon fight!
On Sunday morning, we had french toast and got ready for church.
Birthday Girl!
Mycah, Hannah, Sarah, Eryn, Kendra- ready for church!
The rest of the Sanders came over that evening to pick up their girls and have Sarah's birthday dinner with us. The girls all put on a play about a cooking school... and made our dinner salad while doing it! Ruth had to leave a little early... but we sent her with a slice of cake (see below)!
We enjoyed spending time with the Sanders- what a fun family with 7 sweet girls! Sarah had a fun birthday!
On Sunday morning, we had french toast and got ready for church.
Birthday Girl!
Mycah, Hannah, Sarah, Eryn, Kendra- ready for church!After church, We brought the Sanders girls and Sarah's friend Ruth home to play for the afternoon. They continued to work on their play and ventured outside just a bit... it was cold!
The rest of the Sanders came over that evening to pick up their girls and have Sarah's birthday dinner with us. The girls all put on a play about a cooking school... and made our dinner salad while doing it! Ruth had to leave a little early... but we sent her with a slice of cake (see below)!
We enjoyed spending time with the Sanders- what a fun family with 7 sweet girls! Sarah had a fun birthday!
Hill and Dale Run
I can't think of a better way to start the new year than with exercise. Unlike the typical American way of hitting the comforts of a heated local gym, 450 or so in the Memphis area chose to run an 8 mile race in 25 degree weather last Saturday!
The annual Hill and Dale race in Millington, TN was Saturday, January 2nd. Esther Sanders decided to come and run with me, and I was thankful for her company! When we began to approach the park, it started snowing! (Well, the mid-south definition of snowing, anyway! Esther is from up North, and after staring intently, she agreed that there might be flurries!) By the time we parked and got out to register, it was undeniably snowing... and it was NOT about to melt! It was so cold!!! Fortunately, the snow only lasted about 15 minutes, and then the sun came out.
We kept all of our clothes on right up until the start of the race... and then we were off! At the two mile mark, I decided to shed my longs sleeved T-shirt. Unfortunately, I had a wardrobe malfunction, and my hat, glove, and i-pod came off! As I fumbled around trying to get everything back on, I hooked my i-pod up going the wrong direction (my shirt was caught in the cord). No big deal, except that I realized about half a mile down the road that I had been running past the crowd and camera with my bare stomach hanging out of my shorts... gross/embarrassing!!!
As we entered mile 4, there was a gigantic hill. This Giganto-hill was nothing compared to the uphill switchbacks we encountered at mile 7... grueling is a phrase which comes to mind!
I ended up finishing as the 5th female in 58:16. My goal was for under an hour, so I was pleased. Esther finished about a minute behind me, and she got second in the masters class! Josh Minnis, one of the Spartans, and our friend Anthony Mathenia were there as well. They both did a great job!
After the race, there was a pot luck lunch and awards ceremony indoors- still chilly, but at least we were out of the wind! The awards were neat tiles with a picture of the trail and name of the race.
We headed back to New Albany- the van thermostat stayed in the 80's all the way to Holly Springs!
The annual Hill and Dale race in Millington, TN was Saturday, January 2nd. Esther Sanders decided to come and run with me, and I was thankful for her company! When we began to approach the park, it started snowing! (Well, the mid-south definition of snowing, anyway! Esther is from up North, and after staring intently, she agreed that there might be flurries!) By the time we parked and got out to register, it was undeniably snowing... and it was NOT about to melt! It was so cold!!! Fortunately, the snow only lasted about 15 minutes, and then the sun came out.
We kept all of our clothes on right up until the start of the race... and then we were off! At the two mile mark, I decided to shed my longs sleeved T-shirt. Unfortunately, I had a wardrobe malfunction, and my hat, glove, and i-pod came off! As I fumbled around trying to get everything back on, I hooked my i-pod up going the wrong direction (my shirt was caught in the cord). No big deal, except that I realized about half a mile down the road that I had been running past the crowd and camera with my bare stomach hanging out of my shorts... gross/embarrassing!!!As we entered mile 4, there was a gigantic hill. This Giganto-hill was nothing compared to the uphill switchbacks we encountered at mile 7... grueling is a phrase which comes to mind!
I ended up finishing as the 5th female in 58:16. My goal was for under an hour, so I was pleased. Esther finished about a minute behind me, and she got second in the masters class! Josh Minnis, one of the Spartans, and our friend Anthony Mathenia were there as well. They both did a great job!After the race, there was a pot luck lunch and awards ceremony indoors- still chilly, but at least we were out of the wind! The awards were neat tiles with a picture of the trail and name of the race.
We headed back to New Albany- the van thermostat stayed in the 80's all the way to Holly Springs!
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