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Jogging/Running for Physical and Emotional health

I'm new to running but my mind took to it immediately. When I'm focused on my breath and pacing myself it becomes a form of meditation for me.

I feel a sense of peace and rejuvenation during and after my run. I'm elated that my body took to this activity as well showing up in a loss of weight and inches. I look forward to running as I never have with any other aerobic activity. I'm excited to see where this takes me...

What is Perfection?

I've never really considered myself one of those perfectionists types. However in closer examining of my character I see perfectionist tendencies . My art is a clear example of this behavior. If I feel something isn't coming along the way I envisioned it, I scrap the entire thing and begin again and again. What state of greatness am I attempting to reach for and for who, Myself, others approval? Am I trying to imitate something I feel is just right but fail to do so?

Questions like these I've begun asking myself lately because I'm noticing this behavior repeating itself in different areas of my life. Why have I become so steadfast for some unattainable goal? I know that being creative is one of God's greatest gifts and it's meant to be appreciated and nurtured from the spirit. The joy gained from any creative experience is an inward journey expressed outward. I'm not sure when I became so focused on getting it right, because each person has a different formula of their own right.

If forgot the specialness of expression be it in art, cooking or some other activity. I forgot that my individual expressions are special in themselves because I'm utilizing God's gift. I forgot that I'm not striving to please or impress others or imitate others. I'm finally remembering that my gifts were given to me as personal expression, and inspiration and joy. I had become worldly with my gifts and that's when I became unsatisfied and discontented.

I'm taking time out now to remember and to give thanks for what I'm given. When I do anything in my life I'll do it with reverence and with a sense of gratitude and humility for whom this all came from. The next time I pick up a pot and ingredients or paper and drawing utensil it will be solely an outward expression of what I'm here to give...

Try Doing it Gods Way...

Time and time again I am like the rabbit from the story the rabbit and the hare. I try and move so fast or at the pace that I feel is acceptable for me in my life, trying to accomplish something or things that I feel must be accomplished. Thankfully, I keep being reminded to become more like the hare, to go at the pace that's right for me.

God says in Isaiah 55:8-9 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Sometimes I think I run so far ahead of myself because I fall back in being caught up in worldly ways and doing things for worldly rewards. Gods plans for me are beyond worldliness and serve a much greater purpose. When I become the hare I remember that I become a much more joyful person. I am thankful for the lessons I am taught and re taught. God always allows me to see the value in living for him and reap its REAL rewards.

Just Being is just fine...

Everyone is always so busy doing, and that's fine but what happened to being? When did it become unpopular to Not be over busy, to Not have a cell phone attached to your body or to only have one or two things on the agenda?

It surprises people that I don't have ten different doings happening in my life each day. It's almost as if I am ill or void of a 'real' life. It's become a status symbol to stay as busy as the day is long, yet so many people have forgot that they are human beings first.

Yes it's absolutely fine to have a full life, and it's also absolutely fine to have a life that's perhaps only sometimes filled with doings but always filled with being. I'm able to unplug, and continually familiarize myself with what's really important, who it is I choose to be and who I am growing into. Everyday connections with other people even getting a smile out of a stranger is a connection well made. We were put here to be examples of love to and for one another, to help and to, reach out to each other. Connections don't have to be some grand gesture, some of the best things come in the smallest packages!

Having a life and success are defined differently for each one of us, however, most of us have been unduly influenced by society's measuring stick as to what being a successful person should be. I try not to get too caught up in so many worldly ways, but to live simple and as true to myself as I can. It is my hope to inspire and and continued to be inspired by the beauty of life and it's lessons that teach me each day.

Tired of Double Dutching through life

Today I listened to a sermon that spoke directly to me. We can choose to have a life of peace and be content in that life listening to and living a life that is God lead. Or we can choose to take the reigns ourselves and do things our way. Only one of these ways of living leads us to the pathway of true peace.

I feel like I've been double dutching my way through life. I jump and have one or both feet in God's world and then jump back into living my way, trying to accomplish things on my own. Back and fourth I go with the jump ropes of life twirling around me in a repetitious vortex of getting a piece of peace.

I realize that I am ready to put down those jump ropes, take off my tennis shoes and use my bare feet to start walking in faith consistently. It's the doorway to real peace, joy, and contentment. A true peace that comes not from the world, but from the God center placed within me. When I start looking for things, answers, opportunities outside myself I remain unfulfilled and discontented regardless of what's gleamed from living this way. Each time I come back to God and allow Him to take lead I have a sense of quiet peace, a joyful calm knowing that my Father knows best. I don't have to hop and jump around in a state of confusion from trying to control every event in my life. I feel like I can finally catch my breath because I don't have to avoid being hit by those ropes constantly jumping and out of breath.

When I think of the deal God provided us with ("My son for your sins"), words can't describe the state of my heart. I can't believe the things I put myself through when my mind pushes this fact aside. I can't believe what a know-it-all I think I am to believe I can come up with all my own answers. When I look back at that person I've been I give great thanks that God is patient, kind and forgiving, always. I am thankful for being allowed to fall face down from those double dutch ropes time and time again. The harder I hit my head the wiser and more humble my head becomes. God is always there with his infinite wisdom to patch me up and give me yet another opportunity to follow him. When people and life disappoint He never does.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Romans: 12:1 & 2

The Meaning of Christ-mas for me...

Over the last few years with family stress, and the craziness of life, I learned to dread the Christmas season . The emphasis in society of this and any holiday seems diluted and materialized. For me it became a time for trying to please everyone, sadness and rushing around and for what?

This year I took Christ-mas back for myself. This season is again Holy and meaningful and true to itself. Each day I'm doing an exercise and reading from the Bible on the power of Gods love. Sending us His only son baby Jesus is the Only gift that matters for me as a growing soul in our Lord. God performed the ultimate sacrifice because HE LOVES US THAT MUCH!!

This Holy season I'm taking the time and effort to be in the moments of the SPIRIT of Christ-mas. I am celebrating thorough out December for the One who gave everything for us His Children. I will remember that if we listen and follow, He will make us as white as snow continually forgiving our sins thus recreating us in His image...

Isaiah 1:18
psalm 51
Have a very Merry Christmas