The BIKE RIDE...

Today as I was driving home from work I approached an intersection with a stop sign. I noticed a dad coaching his daughter along on her bike as the little brother was strapped into a seat on his own bike. They must have been out for an evening ride. I slowed down way before the stop sign because I wasn't sure how good the little girl was at stopping. I heard the dad yell at her to stop and she really wasn't slowing down. I stopped so the dad would know I saw his daughter. He yelled at her again to stop and I saw this look of panic on her face. She obviously hadn't been riding too long because her ability to stop was lacking... She pulled the jump off and let the bike go option. She landed in the grass (no I didn't hit her, I was stopped) but her reaction made me reflect back to going riding with my dad and brother while my mom made dinner... The little girl jumped up and looked right at her dad with fists clinched exclaiming, "I HATE THIS STUPID BIKE! I NEVER WANT TO DO THIS, I'M WALKING HOME!" I went ahead, waved at the dad and turned to continue home. However, my mind kept going... Two things about me... I will admit, I have more attitude and sarcastic remarks then one should. I also have ALWAYS had the mentality that "If I can't do it right the first time and be the best, I DON'T WANT TO DO IT". I can remember doing that very same thing do my dad when I wrecked my bike, I was so mad that I had ruined my little pink Pom Poms that hung from my handle bars, I threw my bike back down and left it for my dad to walk back. (Yes, I did get scolded for that! Haha!) Anyways that is something I have had to overcome as I got older... So many times in life we head down this journey thinking it's going to be a down hill journey. That there will be no hills, turns, or gravel. That it's going to be EASY! However, when we hit a bump and fall off, we get mad and clinch our fists and tell God he doesn't know what he's doing. But just like the dad was yelling at the young girl to slow down a block before the stop sign, she wasn't listening. The same goes for us... We have to lose our I KNOW everything attitude and listen. This is where I continue to practice. When it comes to training, I have to listen to others. If Im wanting a result but not getting anywhere, I better be changing something. Only a foolish person keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result! Listen and learn from others! We aren't meant to live this life alone. God places people in our lives to sometimes tell us to "slow down". Known this, my success this last week is taking time to reflect on my blessings, but also look at my future. What is important to me and what doors is He opening? What people is He placing in my life to grow and challenge me? I ask you the same question... Are you trying to do it alone... Allow to let others into your life. Ask for help, AND LISTEN! Stop clinching those fists and and yelling... Maybe He has something to say... BeBlessed

FIT NOT SKINNY!

I always seem to have an experience where I'm blown away by something that someone thinks and then says...  I was at work the other day when a gentleman who is a member at my gym came in and was getting something small.  I made a short comment about always seeing him there and he nodded and smiled.  My coworker then joked about how she should workout more and then laughed. It's a little joke between us because everyone I work with knows my passion for hardcore workouts and eating clean.  However, while the two of us were laughing, he said "well your skinny... You don't HAVE to workout! People like "us" (Yes, he was INCLUDING ME) have to workout!". I literally wanted to grab the guy by the neck for including me in "his" standards of fitness...But even more for believing the idea that if you don't have a huge bulging muffin top... You don't NEED to workout. I hear people say to friends and family "well you don't have to workout, your skinny".  Yes! Exactly! You're skinny! Reality... there is NO DIFFERENCE between an obese person who eats terrible and a thin person who eats terrible.  The individuals are at the same amount of risk that goes along with being over weight.  The body is meant to move and fed well.  Every time we feed our body toxic sugars and large amounts of fat your harming your body.  Every time you chose to sit and do nothing instead of getting out and active, your harming your body.  What am I getting at...? No, you don't have to be a fitness model, but be conscious of your body and if your helping it or harming it.  I always think... I can invest the time NOW or I will be forced to invest later with doctors and medication. NO THANKS! I want to honor my body that God has blessed me with! So what are you doing!? Are your taking care of the body the Lord has given you or are you wearing it down? I challenge to take time to invest in your own well being. #BeBlessed A

What did YOU do this weekend?

What I had the OPPORTUNITY TO DO:  

The people behind making this race! THANK YOU!

If you had read my blog from last week this was the weekend to run the 10k in Shawnee, KS for Run For Mercy.  http://www.runformercy.org/site/PageServer.  "Oceans of Mercy, Inc. is dedicated to help turn the tide against AIDS and poverty in South Africa. Through its many programs the organization promotes a holistic approach to social, physical and spiritual development where children and adults will be empowered to grow to their full potential."  I couldn't have been more honored to be invited as an honorary runner, but more so, HUMBLED as I met others with AMAZING stories at this event!

Here's who the event was for:

I always have to share my thoughts on my races, especially this one.  As for the race, Hills Hills Hills! Oh my quads.  I remember my old track coach telling me when it comes to hills you have to pump those arms, dig deep, and focus on relaxing your breathing.  So I did!  But post-race, my quads are SORE!

As for WHY I was there... To ENCOURAGE!  What I do best!  I couldn't have been more honored to be at this race to encourage others along the way.  If you follow me on twitter or facebook, you'll see my numerous posts about ENCOURAGEMENT. I truly believe that it goes a long way. Smiles go along way, and how you treat others goes a long way.  As I was running back to meet the last running one lady specifically said: "Thank you- BEAUTIFUL SMILE"  I couldn't help but smile bigger!  Encouragement is contagious, it's something that overflows within you.  And honestly, my love and joy comes from the Lord that I have faith in.  The one who saved me.  The one who we celebrate his resurrection tomorrow!  This race couldn't have been at a better time!

So as for actually running those darn hills, the exact picture in my head was...  If you've watched the Passion of the Christ, the clip where Christ carried the cross on his back UP the hill.  I kept thinking of the pain of MY sins he carried to the cross.  I kept picturing all these faces above and how there is not a single one of them that God doesn't know about.  That this little burning in my legs doesn't touch the pain they suffer through being affected/infected by the AID epidemic.  And so I kept running.  I refused to walk as every muscle continued to burn.  Then, at mile 4 the song "Just Stand Up" came on.  The song was actually done by several well known ladies in campaign for women with breast cancer.  But as I listened to the words, I found the energy to push through the race. 

Here are the words:
or hear/watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAhpdXMh7NY




ALL:
Every Thing Will Be Alright
Rihanna:yeah
Beyonce:
The Heart Is Stronger
Than You Think
It's Like It Can Go
Through Anything
And Even When You Think
It Can't It Finds A Way
To Still Push On
Though

Carrie Underwood:
Sometimes
You Want To Run Away
Ain't Got The Patience
For The Pain
And If You
Don't Believe It
Look Into
Your Heart
The Beat Goes On

Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You

Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever

Rihanna:
If You Fall

Miley Cyrus:
Dust It Off
Don't Let Up

Sheryl Crow:
Don't You Know
You Can Go
Be Your Own Miracle

Beyonce:
You Need To Know...

Chorus (Sheryl Crow):
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up

Sheryl Crow/Beyoncé:
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Fergie:
It's Like
We All Have Better Days
Problems Getting All Up
In Your Face

Leona Lewis:
Just Because
You Go Through It

Fergie:
Don't Mean It Got
To Take Control, No

Leona Lewis:
You Ain't Gotta Find
No Hiding Place

Keyshia Cole:
Because The Heart
Can Beat The Hate

Leona Lewis:
Don't Wanna
Let Your Mind
Keep Playin' You

Keyshia Cole:
And Sayin' You
Can't Go On

Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You

Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever

Rihanna:
If You Fall

Miley Cyrus:
Dust If Off
Don't Let Up

LeAnn Rimes:
Don't You Know You

Natasha Bedingfield:
Can Go

LeAnn Rimes:
Be Your Own

Natasha Bedingfield:
Miracle

Carrie Underwood:
You Need To Know

[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Mary J. Blige:
You Don't Gotta Be
A Prisoner
In Your Mind

Ciara:
If You Fall
Dust It Off

Mary J. Blige:
You Can Live Your Life

Rihanna/Carrie Underwood:
Yeah

Mary J. Blige:
Let Your Heart
Be Your Guide

Rihanna/Carrie:
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Mariah Carey:
And You Will Know
That You're Good
If You Trust In The Good

Ashanti:
Everything
Will Be Alright, Yeah
Light Up The Dark
If You Follow Your Heart

Mary J. Blige:
And It Will Get Better

Mariah Carey:
Through Whatever

[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Fergie:
You Got It In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got It In You
Find It Within
Find It Within You
Find It Within

Through It All, Just Stand Up!

I loved this song because it really was all about pushing on, pushing forward and getting back up after you have fallen down.  I once heard a quote that went something along the lines of... if you always stay at the base of the hill you will never get to experience the breathtaking view at the top.  No matter what little or big hill or mountain your climbing currently, know that you can find strength within.  Dig deep and finish what you have set out to do.  However, if you debating to even start... NOW is your time... Get going and don't give up.  Reach the top and look back at your struggles, look back at what you've accomplished and set a new goal.

This weeks SUCCESS: stepping outside of my comfort zone to give my love and support for Gods people!
"The first shall be last, the last shall be first" -Matthew 20:16
Happy EASTER!!! Be Blessed!