Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The "I THINK I CAN"
I have recently added a few little gadgets to my blog. Two tickers...1)Half Marathon Goal 2) Weight loss goal. I have also added a mileage gadget on the side of my blog. This little thing tells me how far I ran and when I ran last...and then one tells me my total for the WHOLE time I have been logging my mileage!
So a little history is a must at this point since I have been on a blogging sabbatical recently.
Brief Info that will catch you up:
1) Almost four years ago I lost a ton of weight. I was a STAY AT HOME MOM and slowly became addicted to running. Ran 10miles two times but mainly ran 4-6miles 4 times a week. I got down to 128lbs and a size 6.
2) Started working full time. Slowly gained weight and decreased mileage (but never stopped running). I ran more like 2-3miles about 3 times week!
3) In January 2009, I decided to put my health/fitness/weight as a priority, since I was working part-time in Gunter...and I was starting to feel bad...like emotionally, spiritually, physically...just not myself.
4) October 09, I was frustrated! DONE! HAD IT!! I was still gaining weight after a year of boot camps and running 2-3 miles 4x a week....and eating right....or even eating organically! I went in for a consultation and my annual exam with a new local doctor. I weighed in at 176:-(
5) December 09- After blood work, we found out I had an underactive thyroid, low progesterone, and needed to start on hormone pills. YIKES! I was nervous...cos I was now 182lbs. What if this was a long process I was about to start feeling worse and getting FATTER???
6) One week after the thyroid and progesterone medicine, I was back to my old self.... Meaning, I was sleeping great again, more energy during the day, not so emotional, my hair wasn't falling out in clumps, and exercising was easier!
7) February and March 2010- I feel AWESOME, the weight is coming off, and running is becoming one of my favorite things to do again! I increased my mileage to 2-5miles about 4X a week and still doing boot camp!
8) May 2010- Just got back from my monthly doctor's follow up. Got my bloodwork done and everything is NORMAL. I will remain on my hormone pills for 6 more months before we re-test and see how everything is holding out! I have gone from a size 14 to a size 8. I have gone from 182lbs to 144lbs. My personal goal is to be 138lbs.
Now, I have another new goal. About 4 weeks ago, I found the dailymile website from a friend's facebook post. I love this tool. It allows me to map out my runs. I can record how fast I ran, and it will calculate my calories, and it's a great training and encouraging tool because you become friends with other runners and learn so much from them. I began to map out all sorts of routes....which led me to try one of them. I had only ran 5miles at one time, but decided to go run an 8mile course I mapped out. I had intended to walk some, if need be, but I ended up running the whole 8miles and it really didn't hurt too bad. At that time, I realize "I THINK I CAN DO A HALF MARATHON". So now...I am looking into some local races and trying to learn more about marathons. My max run has been 10miles. And I am even considering participating in an HALF-IRON MAN in October???
I KNOW! I KNOW! CRAZY! But "I really think I can" do this!!! LOL!
So a little history is a must at this point since I have been on a blogging sabbatical recently.
Brief Info that will catch you up:
1) Almost four years ago I lost a ton of weight. I was a STAY AT HOME MOM and slowly became addicted to running. Ran 10miles two times but mainly ran 4-6miles 4 times a week. I got down to 128lbs and a size 6.
2) Started working full time. Slowly gained weight and decreased mileage (but never stopped running). I ran more like 2-3miles about 3 times week!
3) In January 2009, I decided to put my health/fitness/weight as a priority, since I was working part-time in Gunter...and I was starting to feel bad...like emotionally, spiritually, physically...just not myself.
4) October 09, I was frustrated! DONE! HAD IT!! I was still gaining weight after a year of boot camps and running 2-3 miles 4x a week....and eating right....or even eating organically! I went in for a consultation and my annual exam with a new local doctor. I weighed in at 176:-(
5) December 09- After blood work, we found out I had an underactive thyroid, low progesterone, and needed to start on hormone pills. YIKES! I was nervous...cos I was now 182lbs. What if this was a long process I was about to start feeling worse and getting FATTER???
6) One week after the thyroid and progesterone medicine, I was back to my old self.... Meaning, I was sleeping great again, more energy during the day, not so emotional, my hair wasn't falling out in clumps, and exercising was easier!
7) February and March 2010- I feel AWESOME, the weight is coming off, and running is becoming one of my favorite things to do again! I increased my mileage to 2-5miles about 4X a week and still doing boot camp!
8) May 2010- Just got back from my monthly doctor's follow up. Got my bloodwork done and everything is NORMAL. I will remain on my hormone pills for 6 more months before we re-test and see how everything is holding out! I have gone from a size 14 to a size 8. I have gone from 182lbs to 144lbs. My personal goal is to be 138lbs.
Now, I have another new goal. About 4 weeks ago, I found the dailymile website from a friend's facebook post. I love this tool. It allows me to map out my runs. I can record how fast I ran, and it will calculate my calories, and it's a great training and encouraging tool because you become friends with other runners and learn so much from them. I began to map out all sorts of routes....which led me to try one of them. I had only ran 5miles at one time, but decided to go run an 8mile course I mapped out. I had intended to walk some, if need be, but I ended up running the whole 8miles and it really didn't hurt too bad. At that time, I realize "I THINK I CAN DO A HALF MARATHON". So now...I am looking into some local races and trying to learn more about marathons. My max run has been 10miles. And I am even considering participating in an HALF-IRON MAN in October???
I KNOW! I KNOW! CRAZY! But "I really think I can" do this!!! LOL!
The Weekend of Champions!
What a fun, fun weekend the Turner family had! Todd and I have spent the whole last few weeks being super busy running kids everywhere. One parent runs one child to one game, another takes or picks a kid up from practice, while another parent helps coach a practice, and then we will meet up at the late game, etc..... LOL! We have a rule that the kids can only participate in one sport at a time. But this spring has been a whirlwind of filling gas tanks, icing down water and Gatorade, and lunging around lawn chairs. Two boys playing baseball and a lady in volleyball!
This past weekend, Addison had her end of the year tournament in volleyball. This was her first year to play (and my first year to coach). I won't lie, the first game we played was a NIGHTMARE! But after a month of practicing (Mrs. Sara Price was sweet enough to run practices so she could teach me volleyball too), a few games lost and a few games tied, I must say, we drastically improved. So in our tournament....we won our first two games which put us in the championship game....which had us receive 2nd place! The girls were so proud...and I was so proud of them too:-)
Then on a weekend of anticipated thunderstorms....we also had two more baseball tournaments..... 1) Gabe's first little 5/6 Coach Pitch Celina Tournament and 2) Zander's Young Gun Tournament (select team) in McKinney-Triple Creek. Expecting to have a few rainouts or rain delays, we were pleasantly surprised! The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a great weekend of baseball. No rain, just a few clouds...and then alot of sun!
But Todd and I had to at least spend several dollars worth of gas running back and forth between Celina and McKinney on Saturday and Sunday. And to be honest with you...we didn't expect to be playing much or long on Sunday with the boys. We really thought they would be beat out of their tournaments sometime early on Sunday. Why?? .....1)Gabe's team is so young and inexperienced 2) Zander's team was in a 15 team tournament with some really good teams!
But guess what??? Gabe's team ended up winning all their games but the championship game. So they were awarded 2nd place:-) And Zander's team played UNBELIEVABLE. The won 6 straight games....and even beat the Irving Canes (amazingly awesome team) to be placed in the championship game against a team we meet up several times in tournaments...the Frisco Rough Riders. We only beat them 13-12! It was so much fun and so stressful:-) HAHA!
So needless to say....Todd and I are very proud of my kids. Not because they all came in with trophies, but because of their hardwork, good attitudes, and how they apply themselves. Trophy or no trophy....they are my big winners! Oh, how I thanked God for a wonderful weekend of enjoying them and the weather and the dear friends that come along in these environments!
---But it was way cool to come home with 3 trophies still:-) HAHA
This past weekend, Addison had her end of the year tournament in volleyball. This was her first year to play (and my first year to coach). I won't lie, the first game we played was a NIGHTMARE! But after a month of practicing (Mrs. Sara Price was sweet enough to run practices so she could teach me volleyball too), a few games lost and a few games tied, I must say, we drastically improved. So in our tournament....we won our first two games which put us in the championship game....which had us receive 2nd place! The girls were so proud...and I was so proud of them too:-)
Then on a weekend of anticipated thunderstorms....we also had two more baseball tournaments..... 1) Gabe's first little 5/6 Coach Pitch Celina Tournament and 2) Zander's Young Gun Tournament (select team) in McKinney-Triple Creek. Expecting to have a few rainouts or rain delays, we were pleasantly surprised! The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a great weekend of baseball. No rain, just a few clouds...and then alot of sun!
But Todd and I had to at least spend several dollars worth of gas running back and forth between Celina and McKinney on Saturday and Sunday. And to be honest with you...we didn't expect to be playing much or long on Sunday with the boys. We really thought they would be beat out of their tournaments sometime early on Sunday. Why?? .....1)Gabe's team is so young and inexperienced 2) Zander's team was in a 15 team tournament with some really good teams!
But guess what??? Gabe's team ended up winning all their games but the championship game. So they were awarded 2nd place:-) And Zander's team played UNBELIEVABLE. The won 6 straight games....and even beat the Irving Canes (amazingly awesome team) to be placed in the championship game against a team we meet up several times in tournaments...the Frisco Rough Riders. We only beat them 13-12! It was so much fun and so stressful:-) HAHA!
So needless to say....Todd and I are very proud of my kids. Not because they all came in with trophies, but because of their hardwork, good attitudes, and how they apply themselves. Trophy or no trophy....they are my big winners! Oh, how I thanked God for a wonderful weekend of enjoying them and the weather and the dear friends that come along in these environments!
---But it was way cool to come home with 3 trophies still:-) HAHA
Monday, April 26, 2010
Balance
The other day, my husband and I were taking the kids to Muenster, Texas to participate in the German Fest festivities! On our way, we saw a church....called THE CHURCH OF BALANCE. It grabbed my attention, because it seems that is what I seem to struggle with most in my life....BALANCE!
The dictionary defines BALANCE in several ways........
–noun
1.a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
2.something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3.mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.
OKAY---these I get. I can BALANCE my life. I can be mentally steady, right? Calm behavior, yes? Judgment, Who am I do judge????
But look at these other definitions for BALANCE....
-the remainder or rest
-the power or ability to decide an outcome by throwing one's strength, influence, support, or the like, to one side or the other.
-equality between the totals of the two sides of an account.
-the difference between the debit total and the credit total of an account.
-the act of balancing; comparison as to weight, amount, importance, etc.; estimate.
-preponderating weight:
OH! I am so tired just reading over those! It seems I struggle with balance in my life. I can always recognize what is OUT of balance and can adjust it....but it seems that when I do adjust it, something else is thrown out of balance!
For example: Recently.... I discovered after almost 2 years of hard workouts, running, eating right, counting calories, and all, that I have an under active thyroid. So we begin to get medications for that. Since then I have lost quite a bit of weight and my energy level is BACK! So running has become one of my favorite things to do again. Running is great, cause this is where I spend lots of time mediating on God's Word and having great prayer time (uninterrupted). However, more running time may be good for me, but running an hour or so a day takes away from daily chores or even time spent checking kids homework (this was an issue with Addison two weeks ago). URG!
So I had the talk with the family....we decided we must get on a better schedule. We have dry erase calendars in the playroom, along with DAILY TO DO LIST!. We also hung hooks on the wall for kids backpacks and jackets....and made some adjustment to our house and family to start using these tools to help us better maintain the house AND schoolwork! Yes... it worked but not without throwing something else out of balance!!!!
So this week, workout is good, work is good, homework and housework is good....but guess what I haven't taken the time to do today because housework got in the way??? YAP, haven't opened my Bible today...at least not yet! And what I am about to say is worse. I don't think I opened my Bible yesterday either (this doesn't count me helping PreK and Kindergarten students find Jeremiah in their Bibles). It was Sunday for crying out loud.... HOW DID I NOT OPEN MY BIBLE ALL DAY!!!!! UGH!
This blog post can go on and on about how it seems that I spend my life ADJUSTING my schedule just to try to make it BALANCE out! But I admit, I don't know if I will ever figure this BALANCE thing out! LOL!
(Maybe I should use this blog to help me organize a better daily plan for me to follow HAHA)
The dictionary defines BALANCE in several ways........
–noun
1.a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
2.something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3.mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.
OKAY---these I get. I can BALANCE my life. I can be mentally steady, right? Calm behavior, yes? Judgment, Who am I do judge????
But look at these other definitions for BALANCE....
-the remainder or rest
-the power or ability to decide an outcome by throwing one's strength, influence, support, or the like, to one side or the other.
-equality between the totals of the two sides of an account.
-the difference between the debit total and the credit total of an account.
-the act of balancing; comparison as to weight, amount, importance, etc.; estimate.
-preponderating weight:
OH! I am so tired just reading over those! It seems I struggle with balance in my life. I can always recognize what is OUT of balance and can adjust it....but it seems that when I do adjust it, something else is thrown out of balance!
For example: Recently.... I discovered after almost 2 years of hard workouts, running, eating right, counting calories, and all, that I have an under active thyroid. So we begin to get medications for that. Since then I have lost quite a bit of weight and my energy level is BACK! So running has become one of my favorite things to do again. Running is great, cause this is where I spend lots of time mediating on God's Word and having great prayer time (uninterrupted). However, more running time may be good for me, but running an hour or so a day takes away from daily chores or even time spent checking kids homework (this was an issue with Addison two weeks ago). URG!
So I had the talk with the family....we decided we must get on a better schedule. We have dry erase calendars in the playroom, along with DAILY TO DO LIST!. We also hung hooks on the wall for kids backpacks and jackets....and made some adjustment to our house and family to start using these tools to help us better maintain the house AND schoolwork! Yes... it worked but not without throwing something else out of balance!!!!
So this week, workout is good, work is good, homework and housework is good....but guess what I haven't taken the time to do today because housework got in the way??? YAP, haven't opened my Bible today...at least not yet! And what I am about to say is worse. I don't think I opened my Bible yesterday either (this doesn't count me helping PreK and Kindergarten students find Jeremiah in their Bibles). It was Sunday for crying out loud.... HOW DID I NOT OPEN MY BIBLE ALL DAY!!!!! UGH!
This blog post can go on and on about how it seems that I spend my life ADJUSTING my schedule just to try to make it BALANCE out! But I admit, I don't know if I will ever figure this BALANCE thing out! LOL!
(Maybe I should use this blog to help me organize a better daily plan for me to follow HAHA)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Ideas for this Blog
So....it's been quite some time since I have last posted on here! Life has been busy! Life has been crazy! But my life has definitely been good! I have so many new things going on in my life right now! I have so many things I would like to share, but just not sure how, nor if anyone really cares! I am not even sure how I want to use this blog anymore.
When I initially started blogging, I did it so my family and friends could check in on me and my family and see what we were doing....but it seems facebook has taken the place of that purpose. So now.....All I have to share is more personal stuff. But who wants to hear personal stuff? YUCK! LOL! But I am trying to decide if I want to use the blog to see my own personal growth??? Perhaps, but then again, I am not sure I want everyone knowing the TRUTH about my struggles! LOL! My struggles are real, just like everyone else. From weight lose, to parenting, to sticking to God's word, to dealing with insecurities..... I have them! All of them! So I am praying about it... and I may venture into it! We will see!
When I initially started blogging, I did it so my family and friends could check in on me and my family and see what we were doing....but it seems facebook has taken the place of that purpose. So now.....All I have to share is more personal stuff. But who wants to hear personal stuff? YUCK! LOL! But I am trying to decide if I want to use the blog to see my own personal growth??? Perhaps, but then again, I am not sure I want everyone knowing the TRUTH about my struggles! LOL! My struggles are real, just like everyone else. From weight lose, to parenting, to sticking to God's word, to dealing with insecurities..... I have them! All of them! So I am praying about it... and I may venture into it! We will see!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Keep CHRIST in Christmas!!!!
Today I sent this email out to all the leaders and coaches of GBF's Children's Ministry Team! I think all could benefit from this aritcle...........
Just recently my husband and I saw a billboard that said KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS....which sparked us in a conversation on this very subject. I like the idea behind the billboards, however my husband thinks the money on the billboard could be spent somewhere else..... So therefor, I have been thinking alot about WHY I support this advertisement! Here is a article I came across today that I found very interesting and worth reading.
Getting Christ Back into Christmas Your Ministry
There is a danger in ministry that is easy to miss. During the Christmas season, we often hear the phrase, "keeping Christ in Christmas," or reminders that He is the "reason for the season." But these sentiments have as much to do with our ministry all year long as they do with the celebration of Christmas. While it is certainly disappointing how little of Jesus we see in our culture's celebration of Christmas, and frustrating to see our Savior being systematically squeezed out more and more every year, there is something far more gradual and eternally dangerous than seeing Christ steadily removed from Christmas. And it is happening every month of the year. It is the slow and unintentional removal of Christ from ministry – or at least the removal of a vibrant relationship with Jesus in the midst of Christ-centered ministry.
I have no doubt that children's ministry leaders and volunteers will keep "Christ in Christmas" during this season. I am more concerned about whether we will keep a relationship with Jesus at the center of our life and ministry. Christmas serves as a perfect object lesson on this topic because Christ slips away from our ministries the same way He slips out of Christmas. When it comes to the purpose and focus of Christmas, it is true that there are those who are intentionally and strategically trying to remove Christ from Christmas – but they are easy to identify. However, there is a more subtle attack at play. Too often Christ gets lost, not because of overt attacks, but because He just gets drowned out in the midst of many other good things. Shopping for gifts to express love is a good thing. Decorating to make the world a brighter place is a good thing. Cooking up special recipes to make life taste better is a good thing. Playing with children, volunteering to help the poor, giving to the needy, playing music focused on joy, and promoting peace and expressing love are all good things. They aren't "bad," and they even please Christ – but at the same time, they can distract us from the very One who inspired them.
The same is true with our lives and ministries. We do have an Enemy who seeks to remove Christ from the center of our lives, and often his distractions or downright seductions work – and we sin. But more often, it is all the GOOD in our lives and ministry that can cause Jesus to be lost in the shuffle. We are about so many good things! Creatively teaching the Bible is good. Getting kids to come to church is good. Making the environment fun and inviting is good. Preparing fun games, engaging crafts and yummy snacks is good. Providing resources is good and staffing our classes and programs is good. Developing safe policies and creating attractive bulletin boards, brochures and websites is all good – and most of it is inspired by our desire to lead children into a saving relationship with Jesus. But just as Christ slips out of Christmas while we are busy sipping the eggnog, so Jesus can slip out of our ministry while we are restocking the resource room with apple juice.
Here a few warning signs that Jesus may have gotten buried in the busyness of ministry:
* You haven't read the Bible for yourself in awhile. (Lesson prep doesn't count!)
* If you pray, it's at meals, or when you need something for the ministry.
* Your spouse or kids are starting to resent the ministry. (Or perhaps you are.)
* What used to bring you great joy now seems like a burden. (If you are honest.)
* You aren't really as happy as you appear on Sunday. (You thought no one could tell.)
* You can't remember the last time you got to lead someone to Christ (one on one).
* You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the ministry. (His burden is light.)
* You are exhausted most of the time.
* You feel unappreciated, undervalued and overworked.
* You don't like who you are becoming privately.
* You have sin in your life that if anyone knew...
How does it happen? How can you be doing so much GOOD and seeing LIVES CHANGED and have so many people impressed and pleased with you… but Jesus seems like a stranger to you?
Friend, Jesus is not only the "Reason for the Season," he is the Reason for your Ministry, too. "Keeping Christ in Christmas" is not the main challenge – keeping your relationship with Him central in your life and ministry is!
Thanks for letting me share this!!!!! Love yall!!!
Just recently my husband and I saw a billboard that said KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS....which sparked us in a conversation on this very subject. I like the idea behind the billboards, however my husband thinks the money on the billboard could be spent somewhere else..... So therefor, I have been thinking alot about WHY I support this advertisement! Here is a article I came across today that I found very interesting and worth reading.
Getting Christ Back into Christmas Your Ministry
There is a danger in ministry that is easy to miss. During the Christmas season, we often hear the phrase, "keeping Christ in Christmas," or reminders that He is the "reason for the season." But these sentiments have as much to do with our ministry all year long as they do with the celebration of Christmas. While it is certainly disappointing how little of Jesus we see in our culture's celebration of Christmas, and frustrating to see our Savior being systematically squeezed out more and more every year, there is something far more gradual and eternally dangerous than seeing Christ steadily removed from Christmas. And it is happening every month of the year. It is the slow and unintentional removal of Christ from ministry – or at least the removal of a vibrant relationship with Jesus in the midst of Christ-centered ministry.
I have no doubt that children's ministry leaders and volunteers will keep "Christ in Christmas" during this season. I am more concerned about whether we will keep a relationship with Jesus at the center of our life and ministry. Christmas serves as a perfect object lesson on this topic because Christ slips away from our ministries the same way He slips out of Christmas. When it comes to the purpose and focus of Christmas, it is true that there are those who are intentionally and strategically trying to remove Christ from Christmas – but they are easy to identify. However, there is a more subtle attack at play. Too often Christ gets lost, not because of overt attacks, but because He just gets drowned out in the midst of many other good things. Shopping for gifts to express love is a good thing. Decorating to make the world a brighter place is a good thing. Cooking up special recipes to make life taste better is a good thing. Playing with children, volunteering to help the poor, giving to the needy, playing music focused on joy, and promoting peace and expressing love are all good things. They aren't "bad," and they even please Christ – but at the same time, they can distract us from the very One who inspired them.
The same is true with our lives and ministries. We do have an Enemy who seeks to remove Christ from the center of our lives, and often his distractions or downright seductions work – and we sin. But more often, it is all the GOOD in our lives and ministry that can cause Jesus to be lost in the shuffle. We are about so many good things! Creatively teaching the Bible is good. Getting kids to come to church is good. Making the environment fun and inviting is good. Preparing fun games, engaging crafts and yummy snacks is good. Providing resources is good and staffing our classes and programs is good. Developing safe policies and creating attractive bulletin boards, brochures and websites is all good – and most of it is inspired by our desire to lead children into a saving relationship with Jesus. But just as Christ slips out of Christmas while we are busy sipping the eggnog, so Jesus can slip out of our ministry while we are restocking the resource room with apple juice.
Here a few warning signs that Jesus may have gotten buried in the busyness of ministry:
* You haven't read the Bible for yourself in awhile. (Lesson prep doesn't count!)
* If you pray, it's at meals, or when you need something for the ministry.
* Your spouse or kids are starting to resent the ministry. (Or perhaps you are.)
* What used to bring you great joy now seems like a burden. (If you are honest.)
* You aren't really as happy as you appear on Sunday. (You thought no one could tell.)
* You can't remember the last time you got to lead someone to Christ (one on one).
* You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the ministry. (His burden is light.)
* You are exhausted most of the time.
* You feel unappreciated, undervalued and overworked.
* You don't like who you are becoming privately.
* You have sin in your life that if anyone knew...
How does it happen? How can you be doing so much GOOD and seeing LIVES CHANGED and have so many people impressed and pleased with you… but Jesus seems like a stranger to you?
Friend, Jesus is not only the "Reason for the Season," he is the Reason for your Ministry, too. "Keeping Christ in Christmas" is not the main challenge – keeping your relationship with Him central in your life and ministry is!
Thanks for letting me share this!!!!! Love yall!!!
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