Author: Chrisy

Rewiring

Lately I have been bombarded with the idea of changing the way I think.

Three different books, as well as some Scripture, have been pounding this idea to me over and over.

The marathon training book I have been reading each week (The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer) is constantly talking about how the psychological game is just as important, if not more so, than the physiological one. It has given me ideas about how to approach tough runs, long runs, distractions, and so much more by changing my perspective and the way that I think about it. And it works. On Wednesday this week I had a terrible run. I felt sluggish, slow, and didn’t feel like I could finish, but I made the decision that my body was able to do it and I wasn’t quitting until it was done. And guess what? I finished.

The book I am reading with my friend, Tina, (The Me I Want to Be) has also been talking about our mind and how we need to change how we think if we want to change ourselves. My favorite line is this, “You cannot get rid of the skunk odor without getting rid of the skunk.” He goes on to talk about how we need to monitor our thoughts so that we can reset them to a better frequency, or in another example he uses, setting the thermostat to create a target climate. “It is a constant process, but the goal is for the system to create a life-giving climate.” We don’t choose to stop thinking negative thoughts, but rather we choose to “set our minds on those thoughts that equip us for life.” Our thought life has enormous power over us, and we can choose how that power is used.

Then, in the book I am reading just for fun (Mile Markers) I ran across this quote last night:

So, now you can see why rewiring the mind is on my mind these days. I guess I need to keep working on that.

What ways do you need to rewire your mind?

Dreams Do Come True

I am a day late with my Monday post this week because I was busy celebrating Anne’s birthday yesterday.

Yes, Anne’s birthday was back in January, but this weekend she got the birthday present that was promised back then: a trip to Chicago and the American Girl store.

She was anticipating this trip, but it wasn’t scheduled to happen until later this month. But last week, Mike and I decided to surprise her, so Sunday after I taught Kids’ Church, Anne and I left for Chicago. It was her first trip there (and my first trip driving there on my own). She was blown away by the size of the buildings and the number of people on Michigan Avenue. She told me she felt so small. She held my hand as we walked around because she was a little scared. But overall she was just excited – we were staying on the 19th floor of a hotel and the pool was on the 30th floor and it was all so exciting for her.

We saw Chicago from the John Hancock Observatory and she took tons of pictures. We ate Chicago-style pizza from Giordanos – she said it was the best pizza she has ever eaten. We took a two-day hiatus from our sugar fast and she enjoyed Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.

And then, we spent most of Monday at American Girl Place. The girl was in her element. She found her doll – Julie from 1974 (which was a good year – my birth year!) – got Julie’s accessories, bunny, and a couple changes of clothes. She got her picture taken so it looks like the cover of American Girl Magazine. She got Julie’s hair done at the salon. We had a wonderful four-course meal with Julie. And we did all of this on Anne’s schedule. We looked at what she wanted to look at for as long as she wanted to look at it. We sat and she changed Julie’s clothes while we waited for our van from the valet. We took pictures – lots of them. We just had a wonderful time together.

At the end of the trip, Anne told me that it was more than she had even dreamed about. It was so much fun, and so big, and so much more than she could have imagined. Her dream of a trip to Chicago with her mom and getting her American Girl doll had more than come true.

And so had mine. Only my dream was different. Mine was just to enjoy the time with my daughter. Talking together, playing together, laughing together, sharing together, and making memories together. And I got all of that and more.

On the way home yesterday, Anne was picking music on the iPod and she picked a song that we both love, but she picked it purposefully this time. And then sang a portion of it as she looked at me. And an even bigger dream of mine came true – my daughter communicating with me in a way that I communicate – through music that is heartfelt and comes from deep down.

Needless to say, I had the best day. 🙂

How are you making memories with those that you love?

Still Learning

Today is March 1 – the beginning of my birthday month. I will be 38 in 24 days. That means in two years I will be 40. Yikes! How did that happen? Where did the time go? I mean, I knew that I entered grown-up land a number of years ago, but as a kid, 40 seemed sooooooo old. And here I am, sooooooo close to it.

You know what else I didn’t realize? That at the age of 37 11/12, I would be learning as much, if not more, about life and about myself as I was as a child, teenager and 20-something.

  • Who knew that I would learn in my 30’s that I could push my body to new limits and run 7 half-marathons?
  • Who knew that I would be able to push past even that to train for a full marathon – and feel good about it?
  • Who knew that in my late 30’s I would add a new piece to my identity – runner?
  • Who knew that I could change my whole view of food and exercise and subsequently lose 50 pounds and go down 3-4 clothing sizes in less than a year?
  • Who knew that God would call me to vocational ministry in my 30’s?
  • Who knew that He would grow a desire in me to read more and more non-fiction books (since I have always been a fiction kind of gal) that would teach me so much about Him, and life, and myself?
  • Who knew that He would also grow a desire in me to meet with various people – one on one and in groups – to spur one another on to more learning (and more questions which prompt more learning) on a regular basis?

I could go on an on about the ways that I am learning from God, from books, from friends. I could go on and on about what I am learning about who God is, about who I am in Christ, about running, about ministry, about friendship, about weight loss, about health, about God’s love and provision and grace. (And I haven’t even touched what I learn about marriage and parenting on a regular basis!)

We often think we finish school and we stop learning. But that is really our choice. We can stop learning. Or we can continue to learn. We can open up our eyes to everyday things that teach us. We can read. We can ask questions. We can search things out.

I don’t know about you, but I really like knowing that I don’t know it all – even about myself – and there is more to learn. Bring it on!

What are you learning these days?

Freedom

Freedom.

It is what I experience when I run. It is what I feel when I worship. It is the life I live in Christ.

And yet so many others live in bondage. Whether it is literal slavery or spiritual bondage, God’s command is for us to care for them and bring justice and freedom.

But we don’t. That may be because we choose to ignore it, choose to stay busy and involved in our own lives or because we just don’t know what to do to change it.

Yesterday was Freedom Sunday and in church we heard from one of my friends who is working to end modern-day slavery through the organization, Not for Sale. We also heard Pastor Doug relate stories about the World War II era and how everyone was doing something for the war effort. Women joined the workforce in jobs typically held by men. Retired men went back to work. Kids saved aluminum gum wrappers. And so much more. And people talked about how they were supporting the war.

All afternoon I kept asking myself how I was supporting the war effort in regards to slavery and in regards to human souls.

It is easy to say, “but I don’t know what I can do.” It is hard to get past that and actually look for what we can do. Or so we think. But it really isn’t that hard. How much time do we spend on Facebook or watching TV each day? What if we spent a little time on the Not for Sale website and researched how we could get involved instead? Something as easy as downloading an app for your phone that can help you make decisions as you shop based on whether or not the manufacturer is known to use forced labor in their production process can be a start. And who knows what else you will be prompted to do.

There are things we can do. There are things we are called to do. We just need to ask the Lord to show us what our place is in His liberating work. And then we need to follow through and take our place.

How are you supporting the war effort?

Sweet Little Lies

This morning I am thinking about the little lies we tell ourselves.

Here is the context.

When I run, there are some days when it is easier than others. Some days I push harder than others. Some days just plain stink. But it doesn’t matter which of these is true for me to lie to myself. I may tell myself that if I could just get to the stop sign, then I could walk, knowing full well that when I get to the stop sign I won’t let myself walk. And there are a couple of hills that kick my butt every time, but instead of them being my nemesis, I convince myself that they are my friend and we are just running along together. I’m still struggling at the top of the hill, so it hasn’t changed anything at all except my ability to push myself through that tough spot. Probably the best one that I tell myself is when I am in bed –  that when I get up and go for a run, it will be easy. But it’s never easy to start. And yet, these things I tell myself, that some other part of my brain totally knows aren’t true, work. They help me push through the tough stuff, they convince me to keep going. It blows my mind that it actually works.

Sometimes I tell myself lies in other areas, too. Even though my stomach is growling and I want to eat everything in sight, I tell myself I am not hungry and can wait for lunch. 🙂

As a fun Thursday post, I am curious what lies you tell yourself throughout the day, just to get through. Yes, there are some lies we tell ourselves that aren’t good and may actually be detrimental to ourselves, but those aren’t the ones I am concerned about today.

What sweet little lies do you tell yourself?

(And yes, I am totally singing “Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies. Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies” in my head thanks to the title of this post. So if you are singing it now and need to hear the whole song, here it is.)

We Need One Another

I am reading a book (surprise, surprise!) called Mile Markers by Kristin Armstrong, and I love it. I keep finding little gems in it that translate into many areas of my life, not just running. Last night it was this one:

We Need Each Other

I love it and it is so true! We do need each other. We don’t live in isolation and we shouldn’t. Each of us brings something different to the table and because of that we can help one another to do things that we couldn’t do on our own. This is true for our faith, raising children, running, the stuff of everyday life and so much more. Each of us brings different perspectives to life. We bring different personalities, different thought processes, different strengths, different weaknesses. We need each other to help talk and think through issues of life and faith. We need each other to open doors to us that we might not open ourselves. We need community.

This is why I run with friends. This is why I meet every Sunday with a small group. This is why I meet with a close friend to study a book weekly. This is why I meet twice a month with another friend for lunch. This is why I meet with a Virtual Community Group monthly.

We need each other. We can’t do it on our own. So, today, spend some time being thankful for the community around you and maybe even specifically thank those who you count on most. And if you don’t have community, I encourage you to find it. Ask your church about joining a small group. Reach out to someone you have been wanting to get to know and ask them to lunch. Find a family that you can plan a monthly play date with.

What does your community look like?

Love Challenge: The Results

Back on January 30, I challenged you to do something special for your spouse (or child, or friend) for each of the first 14 days of February. Now I want to know how it went. Here are the things I did for Mike:

  • February 1: Sent a special text message thanking him for taking such good care of our family, even when it means doing some things he doesn’t really want to do.
  • February 2: Bought him a bag of sugar-free York Peppermint Patties – one of his favorites in the regular version – since we are on a sugar fast.
  • February 3: Left a note on his pillow with a special scripture and prayer I prayed just for him. (He told me that this was his favorite thing I did.)
  • February 4: I felt sick and wanted to go to bed very badly, but instead, I sat with him on the couch and watched basketball. 🙂
  • February 5: Left a note on his steering wheel.
  • February 6: Went to the store over my lunch hour to get Mike the hot dogs he wanted for dinner so he didn’t have to do it after being asleep all day.
  • February 7: Did not turn on my computer or check my phone all evening while I sat on the couch with him. (This is a BIG deal for me – I am BAD about doing this all the time.)
  • February 8: Left a note in his lunchbox.
  • February 9: Created an intimate encounter. (This was his second favorite. No surprise there!)
  • February 10: Took him on a date to the church’s Date Night Challenge.
  • February 11: Took him out to one of his favorite restaurants for dinner (without kids).
  • February 12: I was tired. I ran 16 miles. But instead of making him go to the store, I let him continue to lay on the couch and I went.
  • February 13: Today I thought ahead and actually bought a Valentine’s card for him. 🙂
  • February 14: Made him one of his favorite meals – meatloaf and orange gravy.

Some of these things were obvious and some were more subtle. Some were easy and some were hard. Sometimes he showed appreciation, and other times he didn’t. But no matter what, it was fun (and challenging) to think about doing something special for him every day, and made me more aware of him and trying to do things that he would enjoy, rather than what I would like. It even helped change my attitude on those days where I was tempted to be frustrated with him or a bit whiny and self-absorbed.

I decided every day is hard, and some days I just don’t have that much creativity, but I also decided that at least once a week I need to be thinking ahead and doing something intentional for him, so that is what I am planning to do!

What are your stories? What are some of your ideas? I would love to hear about them. Has this inspired you to keep going or set any other goals along these lines?

Training

Yesterday, I reached the half-way point in training for a marathon – week 9 of 18 is complete. What that really means is I ran 16 miles. Sixteen of the 26.2 to come on April 15. Only 4 more 1-mile increases in the long runs – up to 20. And you know what is significant about that? I felt GREAT! I have done 7 half-marathons (13.1 miles) and I felt better after 16 miles yesterday than I have after most of the half-marathons I have done. And I can only attribute it to two things:

  1. God’s grace.
  2. Training.

I have been running consistently for quite some time, but to a higher level of consistency over the past year and a half. I have been pushing up from regular runs of 3 miles to regular runs of 5 miles. I have been pushing my speed on those shorter runs. I have been following a set training schedule as consistently as possible for the last nine weeks, lifting two days a week, running two shorter, one mid-size, and one long run each week. I have been eating carefully and healthily. I have been reading books about marathon training to get ideas that will help. I have made this training a priority in my life. And I have found that it is working! I am running farther at faster paces. I am feeling good after my runs. I am enjoying the process, even on tough days. I am finding that when it gets hard and I push through, I am not only becoming a better runner, but my character is growing as well.

And this has gotten me thinking about training ourselves in other areas of our lives. Is making time for the Lord hard for you? Set yourself a training schedule and stick to it. Do you want a stronger marriage? Make a plan for how you can get there and then follow-through. Is family time lacking in your house? Re-orient your schedule and write your family in.

One of the things that really helps for me is to actually schedule time for all of these things. I know that I will be working out every weekday morning at 5 or 5:30 (depending on distance) and I have friends that I meet who hold me accountable to that. I schedule every evening before bed to spend time doing my devotions, praying and writing in my journal. Every Tuesday night at our house is scheduled as Family Game Night (the evening may vary year-to-year, but we make this a priority in our house.) Mike and I have a standing “date” to go away for our anniversary and make an effort to have regular times together throughout the year as well.

By verbalizing our priorities and scheduling our time, we are in essence training ourselves to get better and to grow in certain areas. And training works! You do get better. You do improve. That doesn’t mean there won’t be setbacks, but when there are, you get back up and get going again.

What areas do you need training in?

Smile!

We all know what a difference a smile makes. We’d much rather deal with a smiling customer service agent than a scowling one. Smiling at our children, our spouse, or our friends and getting a smile back makes both parties feel good. And have you ever been smiled at by a baby? What a great feeling that is!

But I have noticed something about smiling this week that makes a huge difference in me.

Smiling when I don’t feel like it.

Smiling when no one is going to see it.

I noticed it most recently on my runs this week. We run early in the morning. The sun isn’t up and it is cold. And some days are easier than others. But every time I would start to feel discouraged, I would choose to smile, and when I did, instead of the thoughts of, “I can’t do this, I am so tired, my legs are so cold,” (and on and on and on), my thoughts switched to, “you’ve got this, this hill is nothing, you feel great, you are keeping a good pace, your breathing is perfect, you only have X more miles to go.” And no one saw me smile. There was no inward thing making me smile. It was simply a choice to smile.

Then at work one morning I was talking with a co-worker about a less-than-ideal situation and before she left my office, I told her I was just going to smile even though I didn’t feel like it. And you know what, it made a change in my attitude about the situation.

Then last night, as I was cleaning up my disaster of a house that was created by the other people who live in my house and not me, I could feel myself getting frustrated about it. But instead of getting angry and muttering under my breath (or out loud, they were gone, they wouldn’t have heard me), I chose to smile instead. And guess what? That’s right, no more angry thoughts, no more frustration. My attitude was changed.

We often talk about how smiles are powerful when we give them to others and that is true, but I think sometimes we discount how powerful they can be for ourselves. Just choosing to smile when you don’t feel like it. Choosing to smile when your attitude needs changing. Choosing to smile when it feels like screaming at the top of your lungs would feel better.

So, no matter what is going on in your life today, I challenge you to smile through it. Not a fake smile or a forced one, but a genuine, attitude-changing, smile. Let me know how it works!

Have you ever noticed this before?

Bragging

Today, I am just gonna brag a little.

Not about myself.

Not about my husband.

Not about my kids.

Not about my cats.

Today I am going to brag about my God.

Here is just a sampling of why I am bragging on Him today.

  • He shows me things during my devotional time that I can’t get out of my head and I think about for weeks at a time.
  • He uses those things to craft in me ideas and thoughts that are not my own.
  • He uses me to share those insights with others who need to hear that message.
  • His Spirit flows through me as I sit on my couch with my computer writing a sermon that I couldn’t come up with on my own.
  • Then He does it again when I leave the printed copy of my sermon at home (at which point I panicked and got a friend to save it as a .pdf so I could open it on my phone, and then while preaching twice, I didn’t look at my phone even once).
  • He uses even my (stupidity, forgetfulness, busyness, whatever) to teach me that it isn’t about me or how well prepared I feel, but about Him and how His Spirit can move and use me to get His message across.

There is so much more I could brag about–His protection, His provision, His love, His gifts, His grace, His mercy– the list could go on and on, but these are the things that have happened to me in the last week or two that I have been very aware of and in tune to Him and the way He works.

So, there it is, some of the many reasons that I am bragging on God today.

What are you bragging on Him about? I’d love to hear!