tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87550175575635649232024-03-06T01:28:53.941-08:00Strength, Sanity & HopeSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-29703852435140247242013-07-30T06:28:00.002-07:002013-07-30T06:28:47.454-07:00Oh-so-easy ways to drink enough water this summer<b>Creative Ways to Stay Hydrated </b><br />
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The importance of staying hydrated is well-documented: About 60 percent of the human body is composed of water, and every major system depends on water to function properly. Water helps control your body temperature, helps blood circulate and aids in digestion.<br />
We all know that it's important to drink plenty of water, but sometimes it's hard to work enough into your daily routine. Here are some ideas to help you stay hydrated.<br />
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<b>Count liquids other than water</b><br />
As a general rule of thumb, health experts recommend that you follow the eight-by-eight rule: Drink at least 8 ounces of fluid eight times a day. Good old-fashioned water is your best bet, but according to the Mayo Clinic, you can count other liquids — milk, juice, tea, coffee and even soda — toward your daily totals. What doesn't count is alcohol. If you do drink alcohol, drink a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you consume to replenish fluids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaOYoVUH5uscKSLiJWB10vZAMBNvK4V1qJQAInjawTP52Cjbrk4AElOMuBQeG9weS1cMEmydsEQOV-xcEk6LPqQFddrn46H_jPNhuy_A6W3zvKoDtTCqRpwsvKp4EfP0xlqHncrBUyKJy/s1600/water-018-1024x685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaOYoVUH5uscKSLiJWB10vZAMBNvK4V1qJQAInjawTP52Cjbrk4AElOMuBQeG9weS1cMEmydsEQOV-xcEk6LPqQFddrn46H_jPNhuy_A6W3zvKoDtTCqRpwsvKp4EfP0xlqHncrBUyKJy/s320/water-018-1024x685.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Infuse your water with pizzazz<br />
</b>If the taste of plain water turns you off, consider drinking infused water. You can have a lot of fun experimenting with different flavor combinations. The Huffington Post rounded up some great ideas in July 2012 — everything from "creamsicle" water (orange slices and vanilla bean) to cucumber-lemongrass. <br />
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<b>Choose water-rich snacks</b><br />
Especially when it's hot outside, it's a good idea to eat fruits that contain lots of water. According to WebMD.com, the top contender is watermelon, as it's 90 percent water. Other hydrating fruit choices include melons (such as cantaloupe and honeydew), oranges and grapefruit.<br />
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Veggies generally don't contain as much water as fruit, but there are still some hydrating options, such as celery and cucumbers. Soup and smoothies also help you stay hydrated.<br />
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<b>Track your water intake in a fun way</b><br />
When it comes to tracking your water intake, there is — of course — an app for that. Multiple apps, in fact. For instance, Waterlogged is a free app for Android and Apple devices that allows users to track their liquid intake using photographs of their glasses. The premium version offers reminders and graphs of water intake.<br />
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For the less technologically minded, try this idea: Choose a small, healthy treat, such as grapes. Count out eight grapes at the beginning of the day. Each time you drink 8 ounces of liquid, eat a grape. When you finish the grapes, you'll know that you've reached your intake goals for the day.<br />
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<b>Wear a hydration pack during exercise</b><br />
No matter what time of year it is, you need to take extra steps to stay hydrated while exercising. WebMD.com recommends drinking at least 16 ounces of water one hour prior to exercise, at least 4 to 8 ounces every 15 minutes while exercising, and an additional 16 ounces within an hour after completing exercise.<br />
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To help you attain these levels, consider wearing a hydration pack while hiking or cycling. This is the ultimate in "hands-free" hydration. A pack eliminates the cumbersome juggling of water bottles. <br />
To determine if you are staying hydrated, monitor your thirst level and the color of your urine. If you are rarely thirsty, and your urine is colorless or light yellow, then you are doing a good job of taking in enough liquid.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-83117254769606137972013-06-18T15:02:00.001-07:002013-06-18T15:02:13.360-07:00Manning's Musings: Travel Stress: Fight it with Yoga<a href="http://mikemanningmusings.blogspot.com/2013/04/relieving-travel-stress-with-yoga.html?spref=bl">Manning's Musings: Travel Stress: Fight it with Yoga</a>: People who know me know that I utilize yoga in order to get rid of my stress and anxiety. This stress and anxiety can be ...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-21456938427493016272013-06-02T14:20:00.000-07:002013-06-02T14:20:01.209-07:00Sometimes it's just one foot in front of the other....I can't believe I've gotten myself into this situation! I'm half proud of myself and half completely freaked out, thinking to myself, "are you out of your mind?!?<br />
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Tomorrow I will be driving a 31 foot RV with my four children to South Dakota and back again over 12 days. The kids are beyond excited. I am just trying not to think about how huge this vehicle is! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjSq928nRJIfqLPWPSMZ6dRd2K__39ZH8jotb4RF6PcWEGAsmX-NSD-GFDTqyX4ACy38zNoVKL63eeWCThYq-JWw5x99065W5NXlV-3qsGqaoHlqtvrE45UWL9UOW7IVSeTDrCRV04x5m/s1600/RV.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjSq928nRJIfqLPWPSMZ6dRd2K__39ZH8jotb4RF6PcWEGAsmX-NSD-GFDTqyX4ACy38zNoVKL63eeWCThYq-JWw5x99065W5NXlV-3qsGqaoHlqtvrE45UWL9UOW7IVSeTDrCRV04x5m/s320/RV.jpg" /></a><br />
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But this trip is making good on a promise. Andy and I talked about taking an RV around the country and finally the kids and I are gonna do it. (of course if I had realized that you have to be 25 to drive a rental RV, I might not have promised anything!) :/ So I am the solo driver and I'm trying not to think about it.<br />
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I am focusing on the precious time I will have with my children. This time I will never have again. After this initial craziness of preparing and packing and planning our route, we will get in the RV tomorrow and just breathe deeply. (well, I will. I think the kids will hyperventilate for a while.)<br />
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What is it that my soul longs for time out? Time away from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to connect with those I love? Life is precious. After this year, my son will graduate, get a job and be off to college. Our lives will be changed. Again. We are too aware of our fragile natures. So I am drinking in every moment of this trip. I wonder what sights we'll see? What will each of us remember most?<br />
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I am looking forward to connecting with each of my kids away from the demands of school and friends. I get them all to myself!!<br />
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I imagine God feels that way with me sometimes (or often). He looks forward to me coming to him unencumbered by the concerns of life, just spending time with him, relaxed and with no agenda.<br />
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Into the stuff of memories we go!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhcGiwSLXz0vewU4He4wyl6mpnFn181oEuv1Ilao45V15py-TmdEJiZOOKHzwPLz9fNe_l7Xbo0CbO0NK-To_TqWb1gWOwgH3OQ_k6EYo82Woq6gt3kCjMD1Cq2FXagCbRW1pIQdDt2s/s1600/family-road-trip-warning-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhcGiwSLXz0vewU4He4wyl6mpnFn181oEuv1Ilao45V15py-TmdEJiZOOKHzwPLz9fNe_l7Xbo0CbO0NK-To_TqWb1gWOwgH3OQ_k6EYo82Woq6gt3kCjMD1Cq2FXagCbRW1pIQdDt2s/s320/family-road-trip-warning-sign.jpg" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-46169007326321497452013-05-03T20:14:00.000-07:002013-05-03T20:14:00.585-07:00I am blessed to be a part of a community that encourages each other to be healthy and fit. <br />
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It's been three years since I pushed play on that first P90X disc. I didn't know then that I would lose my husband to suicide, I didn't know that I would become a health and wellness coach and I certainly didn't know that I would meet amazing people from all over the world who are living healthy and fulfilling lives. <br />
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I am learning the role that exercise and especially nutrition play in my physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I have always taken my general health for granted, but I have also learned that sometimes, no matter how careful you are sometimes life just happens and I can get blindsided by an injury or illness that I didn't anticipate. <br />
What happens when I get sick? <br />
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I'll tell you that I have a tendency to give into self pity and depression. But that's not the answer! <br />
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One of my amazing new friends, Melanie Bowen is passionate about helping people maintain their emotional and spiritual health even when their bodies seem to have betrayed them with Mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer caused from asbestos exposure. Please check out Melanie's article discussing Summer exercises for those undergoing treatment for cancer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/5-summer-exercises-for-cancer-patients.htm">5 Summer exercises for cancer patients</a><br />
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It's so important to remember that our bodies are amazing creations and taking good care of them even when we're sick is important for our overall wellbeing.<br />
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Know that you are blessed!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-19386446584244455352013-01-30T08:14:00.003-08:002013-01-30T08:14:59.626-08:00I've really lost it this time!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm excited and a little nervous all at the same time! <em>I've decided to go Vegan for a month!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What prompted this? Well, I've been eating msotly plant based since last spring when I completed the </span><a href="http://myultimatereset.com/Soozmcd" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Beachbody Ultimate Reset</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I learned so much about protein sources and how I really don't need as much as I think and how to cook good foods that are plant based but still so filling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I lost 8 pounds and really felt good and rested, etc.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But, as life goes, I eventually started drinking coffee again (which isn't any good without milk and sugar, right?) and my meals got all out of whack. I gained all the weight back and a couple of extra pounds and generally felt unhealthy and unhappy with my weight, body, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I tried to do the </span><a href="http://myultimatereset.com/Soozmcd" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Reset</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> again, but I just couldn't get my brain around it and so I failed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Welcome 2013! A new chance a new year with all those blank pages I have yet to write on. What will my story be? I've got some plans, oh yes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I started out by doing the </span><a href="http://myultimatereset.com/Soozmcd" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ultimate Reset</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> once again. This time with an accountability group and I really dove into it and have finished now, again 8 pounds lighter, but more than that, I feel more committed to my health and lifestyle than before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, I see this link for an <a href="http://www.rd.com/slideshows/convincing-reasons-eating-vegan-isnt-crazy/" target="_blank">article</a> that my cousin is quoted in (she's a Vegan) and in that article is this link for the </span><a href="http://www.getvegucated.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">30 day Vegan challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/GKzng1_byMY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GKzng1_byMY&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GKzng1_byMY&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>I signed up! I know there will be some challenges. Mostly, just like for the past 21 days, I've been eating foods different than my children. I do love meat sometimes and It was hard like when I made this really yummy roast for the kids and I couldn't have any:( But we'll see how this next month goes. Since I basically started yesterday, I will be done just as February finishes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also REALLY love eggwhite veggies omelettes. I have to find a satisfactory sub for those. Otherwise I have no idea what I'll eat when I go out with my friends for breakfast or lunch!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Not to mention feeding the children. I can only hope that they will be willing to eat more plant based foods by the end of this. We are the typical American household with meat as the main part of every meals instead of focusing more on fruits and veggies. My fault I know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'll keep you posted!</span><br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-51196290767001466222012-10-19T10:05:00.001-07:002012-10-19T10:05:42.887-07:00a little reminderSo last night Morgan had a sudden asthma attack while at Discipleship group. <br />
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I had just gotten home from dropping her off and she texts me. "Can you find my inhaler?????" <br />
Of course I couldn't find it, but I found one that had been prescribed for Hale. <br />
I drove it over there grateful that I had also learned that in a pinch, steam will help a bit to buy some time before actual medicine is administered. I ran the gamut of emotions that go with a child potentially suffocating, gave her the inhaler and came home and took care of all the last minute before bed stuff. <br />
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This morning she complained of her chest hurting so I let her stay home from school. (I know, I'm so nice:)<br />
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While she slept in I got everyone else on their respective buses and went down to the basement to get my workout in. Now, let me stop and mention the workout program I am currently doing is <a href="http://www.teambeachbody.com/showcase/-/bcp/104548402001/70020?referringRepId=70020" target="_blank">TurboFire</a> and it's a doozy! The amount I sweat rivals Insanity, and that's saying something! <br />
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Anyway, since workout time is "me" time, I do my best thinking and solving the world's problems while I punch and kick. At the very end of the 45 minutes when I really have no more to give, Chalene Johnson, the trainer says, <br />
"be grateful that you can exercise this hard". <br />
I thought, YES! So true! Because upstairs, at that very moment, my beloved daughter is wheezing and having chest pain with every breath.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GOD for my breath. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GOD for modern medicine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GOD for second chances. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GOD for health.</span><br />
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and<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU GOD for this gift of a day with my sweet girl.</span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-18087928074004115042011-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:002011-12-16T21:10:42.554-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Driving the other night, Seamus said to me, as he looked at the huge full moon on the horizon, “Mom, do you know that the moon and all the stars and sky around it seem like paper to me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why is that?” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because it doesn’t look like it can be real.” He explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is profoundly true for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes God feels so far away, he might as well be a picture on a page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Advent is a time of waiting, of lighting, one by one, candles that represent the light of the world that came into our darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days and weeks before Jesus’ actual birth were a dark time in history, sinful and scary and anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must remember this is exactly WHY Jesus was coming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us, who KNOW the story already, there is the light of HOPE at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the END, but the very BEGINNING!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So it is on this HOPE that I focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep my eyes on the light, no matter how far away it seems sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new star that appeared that night and has never left us in all these thousands of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Star of Bethlehem, the beginning of a new life and the fulfillment of a promise God made to us so long before. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The knowledge of God’s love for us keeps us as we go through all the usual activities of our lives;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grif as a sophomore in Cross Country, Robotics and he’s driving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morgan is in 8<sup>th</sup> grade, is in the Social Studies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Sign Language<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clubs, is co-VP in Student Council and is obsessed with Harry Potter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hale plays the cello when he’s not reading mysteries, playing Lego Universe or collecting owls, and Seamus sports the mis-matched smile of a 2<sup>nd</sup> grader where he reads voraciously and makes Lego creations he leaves all over the house</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful beyond measure for these children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are my top priority as I build my health & fitness business, working toward my personal training certificate in early 2012..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="height: 219px; margin: 68px auto auto 310px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 306px; z-index: -1;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I urge you all, and myself, to reach out to the love of God as we read the Christmas story for the umpteenth time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Touch its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">realness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Fold it up and tuck it into your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, no matter how things are, you will be able to look at this miracle of Christmas, this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truth</i> and KNOW that God loves you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be filled with peace always.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswnJa6GAFPjm6WHvihMDGfBO_aJaYV2v7bDCmJ6J1nAB6oBA2ymOecMiLq7CnGCs7t0EkSlHchsYjoG0EVAvEPfZgiN2MORMog-ZJe1nnR_GQloqUnxEuXyq200YaTlLEiNZqMY9_9A1I/s1600/Christmas+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswnJa6GAFPjm6WHvihMDGfBO_aJaYV2v7bDCmJ6J1nAB6oBA2ymOecMiLq7CnGCs7t0EkSlHchsYjoG0EVAvEPfZgiN2MORMog-ZJe1nnR_GQloqUnxEuXyq200YaTlLEiNZqMY9_9A1I/s320/Christmas+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-91728356121212717212011-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:002011-11-17T06:54:03.362-08:00Are you up for the Challenge?<strong>Take the Beachbody Challenge!</strong> <br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2130412234860810028"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA1k7sCZq0-ELOzX801aiv86EajcJabw-1BQQo1-h1YA0GgA-qC5RTfFyzniW6eYp4B5zDTT5vXL6dQz2YMWN0BGzUtnIPOzFPhXAdPzKnK5sRUD5QbK0lKG7C0DDMMmbdEMpirbedEw/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-10-22-at-4.49.19-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_n5x70a="3" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA1k7sCZq0-ELOzX801aiv86EajcJabw-1BQQo1-h1YA0GgA-qC5RTfFyzniW6eYp4B5zDTT5vXL6dQz2YMWN0BGzUtnIPOzFPhXAdPzKnK5sRUD5QbK0lKG7C0DDMMmbdEMpirbedEw/s400/Screen-shot-2011-10-22-at-4.49.19-PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Join my Beachbody Challenge for results, support, and prizes!</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span>Want to get into the best shape of your life? I'm have an ongoing Beachbody® Challenge group! It's the easiest way to achieve your goals ever. As part of my group, we'll track our progress along the way, hold each other accountable, and motivate, inspire, and encourage each other to achieve amazing results. It's easy! And as an added incentive, you’ll be able to participate in The Beachbody Challenge™ contest. All you have to do is log our workouts online at TeamBeachbody.com for a chance to win $500 every day—and submit your "before" and "after" photos for a shot at the $100,000 Grand Prize. But the spots will fill quickly—and you don't want to wait 'til the next group! When you're ready, just visit my Web site at <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/soozmcd" target="_blank">Strength & Hope</a> and follow the Take The Beachbody Challenge banner on the right side of the page to sign up. Or call or email me and I'll walk you through the process. Let's do this together and make the magic happen. Here's to our health and success! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I have a PRIVATE Facebook group and will keep you accountable and motivated on a DAILY basis. So if you aren't FULLY committed, don't sign up. I will also be giving you my cell phone number for anytime support and you better BELIEVE I will be calling you if I don't hear from you on the board. </div><div style="line-height: 16px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Each pack comes with: </div><div style="text-align: center;">~FREE shipping! </div><div style="text-align: center;">~A fitness program of your choice </div><div style="text-align: center;">~A 30 supply of Shakeology </div><div style="text-align: center;">~FREE membership in the Beachbody Club!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here’s the breakdown:</div><div style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc-9Xr3FFr6WngxFyDWWNcNKDNMEqSiBzezXGQ0CRUAbLx3glpjrZYu5WnL79agUx6bfea3zM4iCg63B_-3Mx_Bz4ikYfeNIhfstmcB6xLiCJrkjwzAY0d8NSWD1k6MpO0VMzJL4451g/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-10-18-at-11.13.14-AM-300x147.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_n5x70a="4" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc-9Xr3FFr6WngxFyDWWNcNKDNMEqSiBzezXGQ0CRUAbLx3glpjrZYu5WnL79agUx6bfea3zM4iCg63B_-3Mx_Bz4ikYfeNIhfstmcB6xLiCJrkjwzAY0d8NSWD1k6MpO0VMzJL4451g/s400/Screen-shot-2011-10-18-at-11.13.14-AM-300x147.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk3IuxOWrlnZz8m-tSV4XRIYWmH7znrF-pMAmM8ZrukpWknyvpsQzQ6bnmct3eulOJKH6pWQe1Tv1nITwWfB18lCILy8_JAtGF0DxAKgAk0C2H1RibHv_wjSc4rhsCXFcA5TRuRP6DTo/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-10-18-at-11.13.21-AM-300x144.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_n5x70a="5" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk3IuxOWrlnZz8m-tSV4XRIYWmH7znrF-pMAmM8ZrukpWknyvpsQzQ6bnmct3eulOJKH6pWQe1Tv1nITwWfB18lCILy8_JAtGF0DxAKgAk0C2H1RibHv_wjSc4rhsCXFcA5TRuRP6DTo/s400/Screen-shot-2011-10-18-at-11.13.21-AM-300x144.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb45KVl0gZzW3dFslOMSqRcD-8Q7lMACml264pDeC3VaNsxby86t1Vx0DnFgAlVTdTFgu7fHz5ZO09ca2jPJfNnfcLj3jo2KnNvPvcYe5luikQKVSWPxJ0uVeQc8jUVEwmn68WBdyabLU/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-10-22-at-6.01.20-PM2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_n5x70a="6" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb45KVl0gZzW3dFslOMSqRcD-8Q7lMACml264pDeC3VaNsxby86t1Vx0DnFgAlVTdTFgu7fHz5ZO09ca2jPJfNnfcLj3jo2KnNvPvcYe5luikQKVSWPxJ0uVeQc8jUVEwmn68WBdyabLU/s400/Screen-shot-2011-10-22-at-6.01.20-PM2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Need help picking a program? Check the comparison chart here: <a href="http://images.beachbody.com/tbb/tbbredesign/comparison_chart/chart_slider.htm"><span style="color: #2025b2;">Beachbody Workouts</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">ANY of the programs except P90X and Insanity are GREAT for beginners. And just so you know, Brazil Butt Lift is a great all-around workout program, it's NOT just for your butt. If you are already fit, the only program I wouldn't recomend is Slim in 6. The rest are challenging enough for everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">I know the holidays are coming and everyone excited about all the parties and good food around. I say, get in the habit of exercise and watching your nutrition NOW. You'll get a headstart on your New Years resolutions and you won't gain as much as if you'd done NOTHING!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">I have one group - room for 5 people starting December 5th! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">Don't worry, we'll be putting together a new group January 9th (to give you a chance to detox :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><strong>Take this first step <em>- You've got nothing to lose!!! (except a few extra pounds:)</em></strong></div></span></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-69856683150095881262011-08-25T07:29:00.000-07:002011-08-25T07:29:24.771-07:00Finnegan begin-again"There once was a man named Michael Finnegan<br />
he had whiskers on his chinnegan<br />
they grew out, and then grew in-again<br />
Poor old Michael Finnegan begin-again" <br />
<br />
(I apologize to any reference to anyone actually named Michael Finnegan) This was a song I learned when I was a child from the Big Book of Folk Songs we had on the piano. For some reason it came to my mind today as I realized (on the first full day of a new school year) I have the entire day TO MYSELF!!!<br />
<br />
So, of course I started thinking about new beginnings and I realized that there are many times a year, <em>every year</em> that are times of new beginning for me. The start of a new school year is one of those times. Probably reminiscent of my own childhood when August was full of hope and anticipation of new friends, new experiences (new clothes). It is a fresh, exciting, energizing feeling! <br />
<br />
I am grateful for those ripples of anticipation that flow through my body because without them I would probably never get anything accomplished, let alone get out of bed! <br />
<br />
Like many people I have a tendency to get complacent, lazy, a little depressed with the redundancy of life. Really, don't you think? Brush your teeth, make your bed, take out the garbage, grocery shop, make dinner, lunches, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, brush your teeth, go to bed, wake up, do it ALL AGAIN. etc, etc, etc, blah,blah,blah. Thank you God for NEW BEGINNINGS!!!<br />
<br />
So. Here's my chance. A fresh slate. A new year. Cooler weather coming. So much to look forward to!!!<br />
<br />
So...what am I going to do? Aye, that's the rub.<br />
<br />
Here I am, thinking out loud while I type this, making plans in black and white so I don't get to the next new beginning never having started <em>this</em> one!<br />
<br />
The first and most important thing is a recommitment to starting my day with God-time. Truly, my father God has me foremost in His mind and I am remiss in my attnetion to Him. I am an apprentice leader in Women's Bible Study this year and I am so grateful for that structure provided to encourage me to really study God's word and His presence in my life!<br />
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Secondly, as I have mentioned, is my exercise. The kids are on their respective buses by 7:45 am. I am eager to start MY part of day with whichever Beachbody program I have going (right now its <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/soozmcd">Chalean Extreme)</a> because, as you know, that is my sanity! Since I started regularly working out about 3 years ago, it has been my stress reliever through some very tough times.<br />
<br />
Thirdly, how can I best serve my community? I have become passionate about helping others find the same sense of well being and accomplishment through exercise and a healthier lifestyle and I have great plans from a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strength-Sanity-and-Hope/213931095299117">Fit Club</a> to organizing a Health and Wellness Fair with the school. These things take me committing and organizing and getting out of my comfort zone. Yikes! But when else to start than during this "new beginning"? I see these great possibilities - gotta take those first steps!<br />
<br />
After all that, in my "spare time",(and this is where it gets fuzzy) is tackling the 500 gajillion projects that are all over my house. The first step (I hate this part) is to make a list, write them down. The best part of the list? Crossing things off! Hopefully I'll be able to share some successes here as I plod through my eternal attempt to get organized:)<br />
<br />
So, I have been so very busy this summer and the kids and I have had lots of fun. Thank you God for giving us the many opportunities to enjoy our summer! <br />
<br />
Now it's time to look to this next chapter of our lives. I anticipate great things! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-4530356433445778062011-06-27T08:32:00.000-07:002011-06-27T08:32:22.755-07:00Almost there!<div class="entry-body"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today was Max Cardio & Cardio Abs. I have four more days before I will have completed <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/soozmcd">Insanity</a>! I can't believe I've gotten this far and how great it is to feel so exhausted after this workout! I feel like it's really a double - doing Cardio Abs right after Max Cardio. I officially hate jump tucks and power jumps. But I try so hard to have proper form and I am kind of proud of myself that I give it my all. Thank goodness for time limits! I have never used my <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/soozmcd">Results and Recovery</a> formula as much as I have during Insanity - my body really needs the replenishment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am so amazed that I work so hard, because I would rather sit a leisurely drink my coffee in the morning. But even though I don't consider myself a competetive person, I hate giving up once I've made a committment to something. <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/">Beachbody</a> has really given me the opportunity to grow in that way. I am finding determination in myself I didn't think was there. From the beginning, when I first borrowed P90X from a friend at church, I found a release for the stressors in my life and some successes that have renewed my confidence. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I'm beat! And I feel good! See you on July 2!</span></span></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-80693693502938012372011-06-01T20:33:00.000-07:002011-06-01T20:33:14.128-07:00It takes two (or more)My goodness! I've been wanting to write for a while now and life has been getting in my way! <br />
I've been realizing lately (although I know this is really no new invention on my part), how much better I am when I am with someone. I know, this isn't really a post about Andy, yet the lack of his presence has an almost overwhelming effect on my days, This is about friends. This is about accountability. This is about love. <br />
<br />
I feel I am a solitary person. I enjoy being by myself. I don't feel like I am very competitive. I am also inherently lazy. Really, a cup of coffee in the morning, reading, or a glass of wine in the evening, reading, - these would be my favorite two pasttimes. <br />
<br />
However, as I've said, I am noticing how much better I am with other people. I love talking to people. In the grocery store, at school, at the park. I am not shy and I will have a great, personal conversation with a complete stranger, much to my childrens chagrin and frustration when they have to wait for me. I am always thrilled when I find common ground with someone else - be it my faith in God and what he's done for me, or parenting, or exercise.<br />
Back to my revelation. I need other people. I know that God made Eve to be with Adam because it was not good for him to be alone. Adam wasn't made to be by himself, he was created to be in communion and relationship with God. So, why is it that I often think I am fine by myself and I should be able to do everything myself and I don't need anyone? <br />
<br />
Oh, right, that pride..<br />
<br />
So, when God brings others into my life, and I begin to see, once again, how much joy comes from being with others, I am grateful. Because I know that encouragement only comes from those who love me, I can't encourage myself. I have high expectations and only a friend can being me back to reality and push me to be the best I can be.<br />
Being a relational creation transcends to every area of my life - When I suffer tragedy, my friends listen, support and pray for me. When I experience joy, they rejoice with me. When I am gardening, they sit and talk to me while I plant. When I touch my toes in a stretch in <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/soozmcd">YogaX</a>, they are excited with me! Everything in life is enhanced when shared. A smile, when from the heart, extends way beyond the person to whom it was originally given.<br />
<br />
We are better with a partner. I am a better friend because others I have amazing friends. When I am in contact with my friends, I think of them more often. I check my actions against what they might say. I do things that I can share with them proudly, rather than having to share a failure. <br />
<br />
I exercise harder and more consistently when I am sharing my workout program with people. Just the knowledge that I've committed to workout on a certain day, holds me accountable. I want them to be proud of me. <br />
I like encouraging others to exercise too because I find I love my friends and I want them to be healthy and feel good like I do when I move regularly.<br />
<br />
God is my friend too, and I have to realize that the same principle applies to my relationship with Him. When I am in contact with him I check my actions and thoughts against whether or not he would be pleased with them. So it is to my benefit to spend time with God just as I spend time working out. To keep my spirit healthy to stay connected to how much he loves me.<br />
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So I can value my alone time, <em>and</em> I need others in my life to fill me up. I know God gives me these blessings so I can pay it forward to bless those with whom I come in contact.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-8761478370621239872011-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:002011-05-25T06:25:12.337-07:00<div class="mall_post_body_text">So, I made it through year one. It was almost a relief once I got to Sunday. The anticipation was a kicker. In some ways I do feel like, "okay, moving on now" Like I have permission to keep going like that first year is some magic number and I made it through. So, now what? I guess we'll see. I did one thing that is a baby step - I put away my wedding ring and I'm wearing the claddagh ring Andy used to propose. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I took my ring out of the cleaner last night before I put it away with Andy's ring and I did feel sad. This chapter of my life. I can't believe it's over. My ring looked so shiny, like it did when we got married. So very, very sad. You know, it feels like the bottom drops out of my insides and I take a deep breath and I don't fill up. That's what it will be. This sadness, and I still keep moving. One year ago Monday was the most surreal day of my life (Andy died late the night before) and to think of all that has happened this year. Crazy. I am grateful for all the love and support we have gotten. I have certainly realized how important it is to let people know I am thinking of them, praying for them. The cards and notes I got helped me immeasurably. This is one lesson I learned and I am grateful for it how important it is to let people know you are thinking of them. To reach out an encourage others. To try to give people a little hope when perhaps they are struggling with despair. I read a quote today that said, "if hope and despair were two paths to the same destination, which would you rather travel?" I choose hope. </div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-933791972846450202011-05-09T14:38:00.000-07:002011-05-09T14:38:32.260-07:00What is Strength?What exactly constitutes strength?<br />
Is it being able to lift large shrubbery? <br />
Withstand intense pain? <br />
Hold fast to one's principles?<br />
<br />
<span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;"><a href="http://www.dictionary.com–noun/"><em><strong>www.dictionary.com</strong></em></a></span> defines strength as<em><strong>:</strong></em></span></span><br />
<span class="pg"></span><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">1.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">quality</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">being</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">strong;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">bodily</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">muscular</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">power;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">vigor.</span> </span><br />
<div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">2.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">mental</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">power,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">force,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">vigor.</span> </span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">moral</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">power,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">firmness,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">courage</span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"></div>I've actually always prided myself on being physically strong. I'm the youngest and the only girl in my family so maybe I felt I had to prove myself. Growing up I was very insecure so maybe I protected myself by never needing anyone's help. I will say now that's a lonely, fearful way to live.<br />
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I will say that I still love the way my body feels when it is strong. It's one of the reasons I exercise, I like pushing my limits, seeing how far I can go and going farther than I thought I could. <br />
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But being able to beat my 15 yr old and his friends arm wrestling isn't really what I believe defines true strength. It is fun though:) <br />
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I have learned much of spiritual strength these past years. I would say the past year specifically. When Andy, my husband of over 17 years fell over the edge of reason and took his life, I went into hyper-drive. In a zombie like state I told my four children their father was dead and by his own hand. I made funeral arrangements, planned the service, greeted countless people at his memorial service (yet only a handful of the 600 who attended), took over the financial mess that is left when a spouse dies, took my children to swim lessons, went on three family vacations, cleaned out the house and garage, sold all that stuff and...generally "handled it".<br />
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I was not alone.<br />
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I had help with every single one of those things that "I" did. I was, in fact, not "strong", I was a mess. If I had a dime for I was told how "strong" I was/am, I'd have a good start to a college fund:) <br />
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No, what I learned about strength is that it is not a solitary thing. I am not strong by myself. I had and still have the invaluable support and help of family, friends, counselors, and the prayers that are heard by God who loves me. In fact, I firmly believe that the prayers of these faithful ones have held me up and sustained me. The very reason my children and I are able to go on with our lives is because people pray for us. We are not alone.<br />
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I still like showing off how strong I am. I am prideful and stubborn. I know this about myself. I very rarely ask for help and when I do its usually "tell me how so I can go fix it myself". But God didn't make us to be solitary beings. He created us to live together, supporting each other, encouraging each other, loving each other. But my pride and stubborness can't bring my husband back to us. No matter how many push-ups I do, I can't change the past. <br />
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Strength, as I have come to know it, is crying as I write this. Real strength is only putting one foot in front of the other, resting when needed, and getting back up again to continue on. <br />
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So I continue on. I exercise, I cry, I pray. I even laugh with my children and friends. I am grateful for God's true strength in my weakness.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-69880470864639848542011-05-03T11:52:00.000-07:002011-05-03T11:52:21.174-07:00lives shared"Blessed be the tie that binds <br />
Our hearts in Christian love; <br />
The fellowship of kindred minds<br />
Is like that to that above. "<br />
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This song came to my mind today. It is from the play "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. I was in this play in high school and it is a beautiful song. The reason I thought of it was that the lyrics seemed so appropriate for what I was experiencing.<br />
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Today was the last day of the women's Bible study and therefore, a brunch. A time of eating, visiting and reflecting on the past year's lessons and prayers. They even have a little drawing with prizes to make it fun. It suddenly dawned on me, as I sat there looking around, surrounded by all these women sharing, laughing, loving each other. It struck me how very many lives were represented in that room. Not just the women themselves, but their families; their children, parents, all those who came before them and all those who would come after. <br />
This was a room filled with the pain of tragedies suffered, victories enjoyed, blessings bestowed. These women of faith have endured and will endure even while glorifying the one true God whose love binds us all together. <br />
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A celebration of Life. <br />
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"I will give you all my worship,<br />
I will give you all my praise."<br />
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It almost ovewhelmed me to feel how truly grateful and priviledged I am to be a part of such a community. The common bond that women share of lives, loves and loss. How vital these bonds and friendships are to our sanity.<br />
The next time you are in a room of people, be it at church, the store, school, any event, look around and remember that God loves every single one of them. Know that within them all lies strength and endurance. No matter who they are, God's love and hope resides in each of them. Our lives are bound to each other in this life experience. We need never feel alone. We have each other.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8755017557563564923.post-45980219934028795082011-05-02T09:09:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:09:08.572-07:00New beginningsEvery day is a new beginning. Lord knows I have had enough of them! I've thought long and hard about keeping a blog, and finally, as I'm near to bursting with all I experience, feel and believe, the choice has practically been taken from my hands. My prayer is I will find renewed hope as I share those things that make me crazy as well as those things that keep me sane. May God who loves me beyond my wildest imagination, bless me and all you who join me on this journey. <br />
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The LORD is my strength and my shield; <br />
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. <br />
My heart leaps for joy, <br />
and with my song I praise him.<br />
Psalm 28:7Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15532885127185299062noreply@blogger.com0