sixty five days

It's been a while since I wrote about running.  Not because I haven't been running - thank the Lord! - but because I don't want to bore you with the mundane ins and outs of my training.  Today I hit a road block. Partially physical, partially mental and a whole lot of spiritual.  

Last weekend I ran seven miles for the first time in well over a year.  Seven miles is the longest I've ever run.  Not a single step further.  Saturday I ran it seven miles in weather that was almost ninety degrees - and felt way hotter - not the best idea I know! I took it super slow and took lots of running breaks.  I looked back at my last years times and I ran 20-25 minutes slower.  It was kind of discouraging.  This year I've put in the time - I'm more dedicated and consistent then I've been with running. And yet I'm slower.

Then I take a minute to step back and think about my goal in running this race - it's not about this race at all!  As I was reading through my devotions - Made to Crave - I was reminded that none of the sacrifices or sore muscles is worth it when it's just for selfish reasons.  Each step I take is a thank you to my Father for creating me for a purpose, a rejoice that I'm healthy enough to run seven freaking miles, a declaration that I'm ever so slowly stepping away from worldly desires to choose Him, a time to connect and hear my Great Counselor .  None of these minutes, hours, weeks and months of work would be worth it for any other goal but to deny myself of my desires.  To say yes to Him.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."  -Hebrews 12:11

Now I'm sitting here so incredibly grateful that the Lord used my quiet time to remind me that I'm not running this race for a number on the scale, to fit in a certain size pants or to finish in a certain time.  Tomorrow as I set out to run a nice little jog around the block I want to make every step a song or praise.

Thank you for not giving up on me!

Thank you for showing me grace and direction.

Thank you for placing encouraging people in my life to remind me of truth.

Thank you sweet friend for reminding me that I am not where I was a year ago as a runner. 

Thanks for reminding me to step back and gain some perspective on where I've come from.  

Thanks for the laugh starting your encouragement with "remember that time you ran a 10k last year and threw up on the finish line...then crushed that time a few weeks ago."  

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."  -Hebrews 12:1

Thanks for reminding me that today I'm a little further along in this race that I was last year.


PS I'm SIXTY FIVE days from running a half marathon!!

shauna niequist's blueberry crisp

Last week I finished Shauna Niequist's new book Bread & Wine.  Let me tell you what, I'm not a big book reader, but I have told every single women I know to read this book.  It's hands down my favorite book of the year! Yes, I've read some good books this year, but nothing compares to Bread & Wine.  

There is just something so special about the way that Shauna writes.  It's like you're sitting on a comfy couch with your best friend, sharing life, and swapping recipes.  And there is something about her writing that makes you feel ready to get up and have those deep conversations with your friends.  To share the hurts of your heart, the joy of growing through a hard season, and letting them walk into your home when you haven't cleaned for days.  But to embrace each other right where we are. 

During the month of July I decided to take a break from social media, so I decided to take one of Shauna's recipe and spend sometime with my mom.  While we were there for a week visiting we spent some times in the kitchen making this yummy blueberry crisp.  My mom manages the bakery of a local blueberry market, so naturally we made if with the best blueberries on earth.  

The recipes in this book are dreamy.  Such rich flavors, yet simple and easy to follow.  When I was baking I felt like Shauna was right next to me giving me all the tips I needed.  The almond meal was crumbly just like she said, but once it was all combined it was perfect as she promised.  I doubled the topping recipe so that I can pop it in the cover when I get a craving for something sweet, yet healthy.  Warm it was delicious with a little scoop of ice cream. The next morning it was delicious on top of plain greek yogurt, the maple syrup slightly sweetened the yogurt.  Oh so good!  Cold or warm. I found the recipe on Shauna's website so I'm excited to share it was you! 

Ingredients

4 cups blueberries (or any fruit, really)

Crisp topping:

1 cup old fashioned oats

½ cup pecans

½ cup almond meal (available at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, health food stores, or made by putting almonds in food processor until fine, but before they turn to almond butter)

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup olive oil

½ tsp salt

Instructions

Pour four cups fruit into 8×8 pan. Spread crisp topping over the fruit. Bake at 350 degrees 35-40 minutes, or longer if topping and fruit are frozen, until fruit is bubbling and topping is crisp and golden. 

Serves 4 

*We fed way more then four with this recipe.  It's filled with such wholesome ingredients it not only satisfied out sweet tooth, but filled you up so you didn't eat a giant bowl.  

july unplugged

During the month of July I decided to unplug from social media {facebook, instagram, pinterest}and minimal blogging.  For the sake of memories I wanted to step back and enjoy the people I'm with, here and now.  Create memories instead of hiding from stress.  Most days it's easy and I'm so glad I am taking this break, but when I had to flu I just wanted to sit in bed and get lots in my favorite sites.  When we were on vacation, I'm glad I didn't miss a second.  While my sister and her family was in town we created beautiful memories for our kids.  Here are a few of those memories: 

morgan caught a snake ||  sisters + their girls

ninja cousins || train ride with cousins 

caramel making with gramma || free chick-fil-a for wearing cow hats + spots

mountains at sunset || crafts with gramma

hiking to water falls, through rivers + over fallen logs || my family 

opreyland hotel || ripley's aquarium inside the "finding memo" tank

happy third birthday baby girl!!