As I approach my first half marathon my training is in full effect! In fact, I completed my first 10 miler this past week-end. I must say, I was proud of myself, I had never ran 10 miles in my life. I am not a runner, though I consider myself to be in great physical condition, running is just too....boring, too...mental for me. So, I guess it's natural to have questioned myself a hundred times as to why I would choose to run ANY race.
Why did I chose to run 13.1 miles anyway? Why would I deliberately decide to tackle a challenge I really had no passion for? Well, here is the answer: It's in Disney World, and it's the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Hello! Yep, I can totally run around in Disney World. I must say, the idea of running this race was nothing short of a personal epiphany. As I drove home from teaching a kick-boxing class this past May, I begin to tell myself I needed a new challenge, a goal, something that needed training and preparation. For some reason I was restless about finding this said challenge. Then, at a red light, it happened, "I should run the princess"! I didn't know when it was, or any of the details surrounding the event, I just knew that was what I should do. As soon as I got home, I was on the computer looking for information. I came across the promotional video and I was done! That video had cemented in me the desire to run this race. I was so excited I felt like I could have ran it right then! I call my sister, fill her in, send her the link for the video, and insist we do this thing! She's in! Now, how to sell my husband? First, he says no....then, decides it's a matter of me going to Disney without him...ha ha...truth comes out. Finally, I sell him on it, and at the end of the day....the whole family, plus my sister, will be Disney bound!
So, the months go by and with five weeks to go I finally start actually running, seven weeks after my proposed training schedule advises I start. EEK! It has been hard trying to fit in my runs with teaching my group fitness classes five days a week. I do get a work-out, but I am so conditioned for them they barley make a dent in trying to train for a half-marathon. You must condition for that too! As of now, I still only fit in two runs a week. And I confess, I am a bit stressed about the whole thing. I am so competitive, but I don't want to miss out on all the on course activities because I am worried about my time. I must get pictures with the characters slated to be at every mile! I guess that's where the training comes in ...must...run..faster!
I have had a few more epiphany's in the process. 1) I run like I teach my classes. 2) My husband and I should go alone and run the Wine & Dine in October. 3) I actually LIKE running, it's not sooo boring. 4) I feel fantastic- maybe it's the endorphins talking?
With that, there are some other confessions too! I would be lying if I didn't say I know exactly where the trees and bush's are that hide me (for a quick break), and I would be lying if I didn't say I was hoping that light up ahead would turn green (again, quick break). And lastly, I would be lying if I didn't say; I am so excited to gain the personal statisfaction of accomplishing my self-imposed new challenge in the "Happiest Place on Earth"!
http://www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com/
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th Blessing of Christmas
Well, my ambition got the best of me. I really had plans to flip the script the 12 days prior to Christmas with my 12 Blessings of Christmas. But, here I am a week into the new year and still trying to get it done. So, lets consider the positive, I am nothing if not determined to finish what I started. Even if it's a wee bit late.
The Blessing of Giving
Don't you just love to watch the look on peoples faces when they open a gift from you? There is nothing more gratifying than finding that perfect gift. Even the anticipation of waiting to give it is part of the fun. And have you noticed the gifts you are the most excited to give also get the most attention in the wrapping? For that moment you become the bearer of happiness, the bearer of joy, the bearer of excitement! Not only that, but what about the happiness, joy, and excitement you receive as the giver? Well, that is the blessing of Giving. Giving by it's very nature is the offering of yourself. It can be in the form of a gift, a favor, a task, a service, or even a smile. So give freely of yourself and the gift will be yours!
Here is an interesting tid-bit from Germany, since my lineage suggests I am three-quarters German ;) German history indicates children received Christ-bundles as gifts. They usually included things such as: a coin, a toy, a tasty treat, an article of clothing and a small stick as a reminder toward good behavior. Hum.... in the South we call those switches!
The Blessing of Family
You will never hear the phrase "going home" as much as you do at Christmas. To "go home" for Christmas is to go home to family. For many it's a natural rite to journey back to the comfort and joy that awaits them. It's a natural urge we satisfy in returning to our roots-an urge to celebrate the passing of time. We once were the children passing out the gifts, running a muck, without a care in the world. Now, we are the adults, making the food, wrapping the gifts, trying to maintain the images we have in our minds of how things "used" to be. So, let those little ones run through the house, a cookie in each hand, with rosy cheeks, and twinkling eyes. For it will all but be gone before you know it.
The Blessing of Peace
Christmas eve has finally arrived, along with the magic that transcends into the dawn of Christmas Day. All the preparations of this Yuletide path of been completed and now it's time for an shift in attitude. It's time to give your heart over to the blessing of Peace! Take time now from hassle and haste, time from trouble and worries, and time from everyday tasks that numb you to the miracle of your very existence. This is a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus- and the birth of you! Let it be a day of gentle thoughts, considerate voice, and patience. Let it be a day of Worship, family, and contentment. Let it be a day of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
The Blessing of Hope
Now that Christmas is winding down, we begin to focus our sights on another bright occasion poised just ahead. A time of new opportunity awaits, and with it comes new Hope. Fresh from the spiritual enrichment of Christmas, there is no better time to prepare ourselves for the journey of a new year. It's a time of taking inventory of the past year and "resolving" to do better in the next. We have a heart full of Faith and confidence in ourselves and others and in the future that lies before us.
Tomorrow stands before us now
What will the New Year bring?
It brings the song that's in our hearts
And the tune we choose to sing.
- T.J Mills
A little black-eyed peas couldn't hurt either!
The Blessing of Giving
Don't you just love to watch the look on peoples faces when they open a gift from you? There is nothing more gratifying than finding that perfect gift. Even the anticipation of waiting to give it is part of the fun. And have you noticed the gifts you are the most excited to give also get the most attention in the wrapping? For that moment you become the bearer of happiness, the bearer of joy, the bearer of excitement! Not only that, but what about the happiness, joy, and excitement you receive as the giver? Well, that is the blessing of Giving. Giving by it's very nature is the offering of yourself. It can be in the form of a gift, a favor, a task, a service, or even a smile. So give freely of yourself and the gift will be yours!
Here is an interesting tid-bit from Germany, since my lineage suggests I am three-quarters German ;) German history indicates children received Christ-bundles as gifts. They usually included things such as: a coin, a toy, a tasty treat, an article of clothing and a small stick as a reminder toward good behavior. Hum.... in the South we call those switches!
The Blessing of Family
You will never hear the phrase "going home" as much as you do at Christmas. To "go home" for Christmas is to go home to family. For many it's a natural rite to journey back to the comfort and joy that awaits them. It's a natural urge we satisfy in returning to our roots-an urge to celebrate the passing of time. We once were the children passing out the gifts, running a muck, without a care in the world. Now, we are the adults, making the food, wrapping the gifts, trying to maintain the images we have in our minds of how things "used" to be. So, let those little ones run through the house, a cookie in each hand, with rosy cheeks, and twinkling eyes. For it will all but be gone before you know it.
The Blessing of Peace
Christmas eve has finally arrived, along with the magic that transcends into the dawn of Christmas Day. All the preparations of this Yuletide path of been completed and now it's time for an shift in attitude. It's time to give your heart over to the blessing of Peace! Take time now from hassle and haste, time from trouble and worries, and time from everyday tasks that numb you to the miracle of your very existence. This is a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus- and the birth of you! Let it be a day of gentle thoughts, considerate voice, and patience. Let it be a day of Worship, family, and contentment. Let it be a day of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
The Blessing of Hope
Now that Christmas is winding down, we begin to focus our sights on another bright occasion poised just ahead. A time of new opportunity awaits, and with it comes new Hope. Fresh from the spiritual enrichment of Christmas, there is no better time to prepare ourselves for the journey of a new year. It's a time of taking inventory of the past year and "resolving" to do better in the next. We have a heart full of Faith and confidence in ourselves and others and in the future that lies before us.
Tomorrow stands before us now
What will the New Year bring?
It brings the song that's in our hearts
And the tune we choose to sing.
- T.J Mills
A little black-eyed peas couldn't hurt either!
Friday, December 31, 2010
The 6th, 7th, & 8th Blessing of Christmas
Yes, I will finish this series of posts....even if it takes until next year!
The Blessing of Beauty
Nothing accurately portrays the beauty of Christmas more than the Christmas Tree. Ornaments, beads, bows, and twinkling lights, nothing could be more enchanting for kids and grown-ups alike. Speaking of twinkling lights, there origination is said to be credited to the religious reformer, Martian Luther. Legend has it, as Luther walked home Christmas Eve, he could see the stars shining brightly through the Evergreen trees. He wanted to share this joy with his family so he cut down a small fir tree. When he returned home he decorated it with tiny, white candles to represent the stars. He said the glowing tree stood for Christ, the Light of the World. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than that belief!
The Blessing of Friends
Christmas by nature is so festive and fun, and a great time to gather everyone together for some good old merriment! Surrounding yourself this time of year with those special people in your life can instantly bring a heart of gratitude for the blessing of your friendships. Sometimes friends are our family and sometimes family are our friends. It really doesn't matter so long as we remember to cherish them.
The Blessing of Love
I have to say, sometimes the emotion we can feel at Christmas can inspire us to do great things. And from this inspiration is born the blessing of Love. How best can we communicate this spirit of Love than through the power of prayer. It cost nothing to give, or receive, yet it's value is worth more than Silver and Gold. We all have someone in our lives that we can be praying for, prayer is a gift, a gift of love that blesses the lives of both those praying and those receiving. And biblical, the ultimate gift of Love.
The Blessing of Beauty
Nothing accurately portrays the beauty of Christmas more than the Christmas Tree. Ornaments, beads, bows, and twinkling lights, nothing could be more enchanting for kids and grown-ups alike. Speaking of twinkling lights, there origination is said to be credited to the religious reformer, Martian Luther. Legend has it, as Luther walked home Christmas Eve, he could see the stars shining brightly through the Evergreen trees. He wanted to share this joy with his family so he cut down a small fir tree. When he returned home he decorated it with tiny, white candles to represent the stars. He said the glowing tree stood for Christ, the Light of the World. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than that belief!
The Blessing of Friends
Christmas by nature is so festive and fun, and a great time to gather everyone together for some good old merriment! Surrounding yourself this time of year with those special people in your life can instantly bring a heart of gratitude for the blessing of your friendships. Sometimes friends are our family and sometimes family are our friends. It really doesn't matter so long as we remember to cherish them.
The Blessing of Love
I have to say, sometimes the emotion we can feel at Christmas can inspire us to do great things. And from this inspiration is born the blessing of Love. How best can we communicate this spirit of Love than through the power of prayer. It cost nothing to give, or receive, yet it's value is worth more than Silver and Gold. We all have someone in our lives that we can be praying for, prayer is a gift, a gift of love that blesses the lives of both those praying and those receiving. And biblical, the ultimate gift of Love.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The 3rd, 4th, & 5th Blessing of Christmas
At no other time of the year are people more inclined to give then during Christmas. Charity is never more alive, or more meaningful at any other time. Which brings me to the next Blessing of Christmas.
The Blessing of Kindness
Charity has been a part of Christmas for centuries, but the concept of Christmas Charity has largely been credited to the writing's of Charles Dickens. Dickens used, "A Christmas Carol", as an opportunity to spread public awareness and interest in providing to those less fortunate. As time has passed, we have seen this story replayed in many various forms, in an effort to appeal to a wide range of audiences. This time tested classic has stared Mickey Mouse, Barbie, Mr. Magoo, Bugs Bunny, and even, Bill Murray. However, the concept remains the same. Learn from your past, live in your present, secure your future by giving of yourself to others.
Speaking of Christmas past, what do you remember most? Just like we store our decorations back in the attic each year, there are also Christmas keepsakes we store away in our hearts. They are treasures not to be forgotten, worthy of passing on to the next generation.
The Blessing of Memories
The best part of getting out Christmas decorations is sorting through the boxes. Perhaps as we uncover the treasures each box contains, we also uncover our memories of past Christmases. Our hearts are then flooded with the remembrances each item brings.
For me, ornaments conjure up the fondest memories. As I unpack each one, I am brought back to my wedding, each child's first Christmas, that hand print ornament that gets smaller every year, and vacations, every one is commemorated with a Christmas ornament. Basically, every ornament on my tree tells a story. The conversations I have had with my children about our ornaments have been both light hearted, mommies first ski trip, and blessed, my Cross ornament commemorating my Baptism.
Not only have I been blessed with being reminded of such grand and wondrous memories of events in my life, as well as in the life of my family, but the blessing of my memories is being passed down to my children. Leaving a legacy I have hope will last an eternity.
~ Oh take me back to long ago
That I may see again,
Wondrous days of carefree play
That surely had no end.
And even though I'm happy
With the soul that I became
I wonder why the Christmas pie
Will never taste the same~
T.J Mills
The Blessing of Faith
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angles were gone away from them into heaven, the Shepard's said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made it known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepard's. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the Shepard's returned, glorifying and praising God for all things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Luke 2:11-20 KJV
The Blessing of Kindness
Charity has been a part of Christmas for centuries, but the concept of Christmas Charity has largely been credited to the writing's of Charles Dickens. Dickens used, "A Christmas Carol", as an opportunity to spread public awareness and interest in providing to those less fortunate. As time has passed, we have seen this story replayed in many various forms, in an effort to appeal to a wide range of audiences. This time tested classic has stared Mickey Mouse, Barbie, Mr. Magoo, Bugs Bunny, and even, Bill Murray. However, the concept remains the same. Learn from your past, live in your present, secure your future by giving of yourself to others.
Speaking of Christmas past, what do you remember most? Just like we store our decorations back in the attic each year, there are also Christmas keepsakes we store away in our hearts. They are treasures not to be forgotten, worthy of passing on to the next generation.
The Blessing of Memories
The best part of getting out Christmas decorations is sorting through the boxes. Perhaps as we uncover the treasures each box contains, we also uncover our memories of past Christmases. Our hearts are then flooded with the remembrances each item brings.
For me, ornaments conjure up the fondest memories. As I unpack each one, I am brought back to my wedding, each child's first Christmas, that hand print ornament that gets smaller every year, and vacations, every one is commemorated with a Christmas ornament. Basically, every ornament on my tree tells a story. The conversations I have had with my children about our ornaments have been both light hearted, mommies first ski trip, and blessed, my Cross ornament commemorating my Baptism.
Not only have I been blessed with being reminded of such grand and wondrous memories of events in my life, as well as in the life of my family, but the blessing of my memories is being passed down to my children. Leaving a legacy I have hope will last an eternity.
~ Oh take me back to long ago
That I may see again,
Wondrous days of carefree play
That surely had no end.
And even though I'm happy
With the soul that I became
I wonder why the Christmas pie
Will never taste the same~
T.J Mills
The Blessing of Faith
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angles were gone away from them into heaven, the Shepard's said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made it known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepard's. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the Shepard's returned, glorifying and praising God for all things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Luke 2:11-20 KJV
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The 2nd blessing of Christmas
I wrote yesterday about the blessing of warmth, while it was literally freezing outside. And today, I find once again, life imitating art, though the only caroling I was able to enjoy was the Carol of the Coughs.
The blessing of Music
Music stirs the soul. It has the power to conjure up any and all emotion at the first note. It can take you back to your childhood, your wedding, make you cry, make you mad, or even infuse you with more energy than you good ever imagine. So what would the Christmas season be without it's beloved music. Many of our Christmas memories are stored away within the lyrics of our favorite carols. Offering the opportunity to provide another gift that can be given with the greatest of ease.
If you get the chance to go caroling, go! This can be done through a church group, a neighborhood group, or make your own group! Visit friends, neighbors, nursing homes, or hospitals, help bring joy into the lives of those who need it the most. Sing with your children-in the car, the bathtub, while you are baking, they will treasure those memories. We have been blessed with the spirit of Christmas through music. Remember to make a joyful noise!
The English word "carol" once meant, to sing and dance in a ring. As time passed, the word began to be associated with the holiday tradition know as "wassailing". Wassailing was originally the custom of blessing fruit trees during the Christmas season. The use of this word would eventually evolve into defining a toast, caroling, and a hot drink.
"Joy to the world, the lord has come
Let Earth receive her King"
The blessing of Music
Music stirs the soul. It has the power to conjure up any and all emotion at the first note. It can take you back to your childhood, your wedding, make you cry, make you mad, or even infuse you with more energy than you good ever imagine. So what would the Christmas season be without it's beloved music. Many of our Christmas memories are stored away within the lyrics of our favorite carols. Offering the opportunity to provide another gift that can be given with the greatest of ease.
If you get the chance to go caroling, go! This can be done through a church group, a neighborhood group, or make your own group! Visit friends, neighbors, nursing homes, or hospitals, help bring joy into the lives of those who need it the most. Sing with your children-in the car, the bathtub, while you are baking, they will treasure those memories. We have been blessed with the spirit of Christmas through music. Remember to make a joyful noise!
The English word "carol" once meant, to sing and dance in a ring. As time passed, the word began to be associated with the holiday tradition know as "wassailing". Wassailing was originally the custom of blessing fruit trees during the Christmas season. The use of this word would eventually evolve into defining a toast, caroling, and a hot drink.
"Joy to the world, the lord has come
Let Earth receive her King"
Monday, December 13, 2010
The 1st blessing of Christmas
The next twelve posts will be based primarily on one of my favorite Christmas books, The Twelve Blessings of Christmas. With that said, how apropos is today's first blessing with it being 32 degrees and dropping!
The blessing of Warmth
Warmth can come from many different sources, a fire, a North Face, a pair of cozy mittens, but I am not speaking of the warmth you receive from any external source, rather, the warmth received from the wondrous event that is Christmas. It's a warmth we feel in our hearts that lasts the whole year long. Much like the warmth we feel from a visit with an old friend. It's a warmth that lasts far longer than any gift. It can also be given with the greatest of ease. Here are a few examples from my book to help ensure your friends and family stay warm this holiday season, and well into the new year.
1. Be a kid again, get excited, make projects with glitter & glue.
2. Bake Cookies until every corner of your home is filled with it's intoxicating aroma.
3. Sing Christmas songs with "the chipmunks". I still want a hula hoop.....
4. Run outside with no coat in the cold night air to look at the twinkling lights on the house...nah!!
5. Enjoy every hug, kiss, story, and card.
"Glory to God- And let peace guide the way to the love and celebration of a joyous Christmas day"
- T.J Mills
Sending warmth with Christmas Greetings
The American history of the greeting card dates back to 1875, a German immigrant from Boston created the first Christmas cards available for purchase by the public. Of course, they were an instant hit. So, what can you do with Christmas cards of days past? Reuse them! Cut out any figures or sections from the card that do not have writing on the back. Then, punch a hole at the top with a hole puncher, write a message on the back, thread with ribbon, and tie to your gift. This can be a fun project for the kids during Christmas break. Also, serves as a great lesson in finding new uses for seemingly unusable items.
The blessing of Warmth
Warmth can come from many different sources, a fire, a North Face, a pair of cozy mittens, but I am not speaking of the warmth you receive from any external source, rather, the warmth received from the wondrous event that is Christmas. It's a warmth we feel in our hearts that lasts the whole year long. Much like the warmth we feel from a visit with an old friend. It's a warmth that lasts far longer than any gift. It can also be given with the greatest of ease. Here are a few examples from my book to help ensure your friends and family stay warm this holiday season, and well into the new year.
1. Be a kid again, get excited, make projects with glitter & glue.
2. Bake Cookies until every corner of your home is filled with it's intoxicating aroma.
3. Sing Christmas songs with "the chipmunks". I still want a hula hoop.....
4. Run outside with no coat in the cold night air to look at the twinkling lights on the house...nah!!
5. Enjoy every hug, kiss, story, and card.
"Glory to God- And let peace guide the way to the love and celebration of a joyous Christmas day"
- T.J Mills
Sending warmth with Christmas Greetings
The American history of the greeting card dates back to 1875, a German immigrant from Boston created the first Christmas cards available for purchase by the public. Of course, they were an instant hit. So, what can you do with Christmas cards of days past? Reuse them! Cut out any figures or sections from the card that do not have writing on the back. Then, punch a hole at the top with a hole puncher, write a message on the back, thread with ribbon, and tie to your gift. This can be a fun project for the kids during Christmas break. Also, serves as a great lesson in finding new uses for seemingly unusable items.
Friday, December 10, 2010
F is for Friday!
Today's Fun Friday F is..... Follow me ;) And that is all!
Have a wonderful weekend and check back for next weeks posts.
Have a wonderful weekend and check back for next weeks posts.
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