100 Days of Summer 43-46/100

07.16.19.  Catch up. Sometimes, I'm caught in a whirlpool of perpetual catch up. How about you?

From sun up to sun down. From Monday to Monday. From meal planning to meal prepping to meals-on-the-table. From laundry room to bathroom. You get the picture. You're probably spinning around inside your own whirlpool.

Hubby and I are in different churches most weekends for ministry, which usually entails Saturday travel. This has been our lifestyle for years. At some point, our home needs attention and underwear needs washing. While many do all the house stuff on their weekends, my Monday is everyone's Saturday. Monday is for catching up on all things that keep us going and in good standing with our neighbors.

Occasionally, Monday is too busy from a too full list of catch up items and Monday stuff gets pushed into Tuesday. And, there you have it -- today is Tuesday which finds me able to sit in front of the computer, finally, to catch up on #100daysofSummer.

The EMBRACED book devotions by Lysa TerKeurst that I haven't blogged about over the past three days have been soul-filling. One especially caught me. Day 44: The Courageous Choice.

Lysa addresses two kinds of courage. One we see in firefighters and other heroes who do brave things by slaying evil things. Then, the other is the courageous choice as she defines "is the decision to do the right thing even when it's unpopular, uncelebrated and probably even unnoticed."


That definition. (gulp)

That definition paired with Philippians 1:20. (double gulp)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

So, I decided to catch up an inventory of courageous choices I make to see if they bring a smile to the Father's face. When we make courageous choices, seen or unseen, we are living in faith and faith makes the Father happy! Read Hebrews 11:6 for extra credit.

I make a courageous choice to:

• read my Bible and to read other books, like EMBRACED, to nourish my soul
• be active and provide a way for others to be active
• select clean music in my fitness classes
• gather in pinky-prayer at the end of my cardio classes
• send love note text messages to my children
• pause the schedule to attend doctor appointments with my momma
• promote missions, local, homefront and international on social media
• wear a running skirt with confidence, because #modestishottest
• plan health-conscious meals for my household
• happily greeting business men into our home for their breakfast Bible study on Fridays
• keep my mouth closed when it's not that important for me to verbally beat my chest
• speak up when the situation demands a voice
• find time to pull away from all the noise and recharge my inner battery
• blogging for 100-ish days about what God drops in my heart even if my followers are less than 20 
• being ok living in my own skin without comparison to others

Everyday we choose to show up for that every day thing that we do is brave. We could throw up our hands in frustration because of the monotony of the mundane or the unappreciative feeling that sparks inside our chest when others appear flippant. Yet, we remain constant. We are not doormats, but we are gracious. 

It's time to go catch up on your own courageous choice list, hand it over to God without being ashamed.

The Pineapple Connection

06.02.19.  For a sometimes-blogger who would rather blog about recipes, I've already asked myself if I plan to post for 100 days. 

In case you missed it, you are invited to join me for #100DaysofSummer praying and listening to God as we read through Lysa TerKeurst's EMBRACED: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close.

Umm, as for posting for 100 days? That decision would be... 
Let's see... What's the right word?
Got it! 
That decision to post for 100 days would be crazy! 
C-R-A-Yto-theZ.

Maybe not crazy for Lysa TerKeurst and not crazy for you, but for me that's one big, crazy challenge and could even fall under the "Read to Fall Asleep" tab. <snore> What if not a single soul reads it? What would that have benefited? What if I skip posting for a day or more? What if I had made the ambitious decision to post 100 days after drinking too much caffeine? What if it were really God who planted the idea in my noggin?

The rain slapping the bedroom window woke me before the alarm, which yielded extra time, to read Day 2 devo before I was out the door to church. Grabbing a quick prayer for God to use Lysa's words and the scripture references to speak to my spirit, I dove into "The Pineapple Principle." When you get the book or listen to the audiobook for yourself, you'll understand the why for the chapter title. 

This is to be my year for cultivation. Cultivating business and ministry and fitness opportunities and relationships. Five months and two days into 2019, has been an amazing adventure by training for my first sprint triathlon, appropriately named First-TRI, and running The Flying Pig Half Marathon with Terry in Cincinnati which was an epic meet-up with Coach Jenny Hadfield and around 60 members and spouses of her online community known as The Challenge. I have spent time and energy to cultivate new classes for REFIT® and REV+FLOW in a new women's gym. In addition to working with Calcutta Mercy, Terry and I put our noses to ye olde grind stone to crank up the intensity with the ministry we quietly launched in 2016, to honor, encourage and connect with ministry and business leaders and their spouses. MVP Leadership Group is that 2016 dream-baby with the website launching June 5.

All of this cultivation is turning up the fallow ground for my own Pineapple (of a different variety) Principle: Authentic Connection.

My personality can be categorized as a Social-Introvert. Clinically, I'm sure it has a name. My friend, Cammy, suggests reading Susan Cain's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, where the author uses the term "socially poised introvert." For me, being 100% introvert 24/7/365 will never be possible due to being in the public, accompanying my hubby to minister in churches, loving people and leading fitness classes. All of which demands being socially connected. 

Many people I know want authenticity to lace fingers with connection and stroll easily down the boulevard. What causes my abs to tighten, is they desire this authentic connection for me in multiple small groups and in church. This intersection feels more like being in the crosshairs of a rifle! My question is why is this so important to them?

My family is pretty private. We have a small handful of friends who have been and remain confidants. We reciprocate. In the past, "living in authenticity" with a tribe was not safe and could be used -even twisted- against a ministry couple. As a result, my habit of privacy developed a tough skin around my spirit. People knew I was approachable because I wore a smile. They trusted I would not compromise their authenticity because I am proven to be safe and treat their authenticity with care. But in turn, I would not trust people enough to share my insides. Transparency is scary.

As I continue to experience others in authentic connection or authentic community, I feel it is important to be known and loved for who we are. This doesn't excuse bad behavior or sin. This connection is about trust and having the courage to be known and loved unconditionally. It's about letting others speak truth in an honest affection where exposure feels safe instead of compromising.

So, here's authentic me cutting away the pineapple skin just enough to connect with you, the reader. God has used my 2019 word, CULTIVATE, to open myself to others as did the early church in Acts 2:42. It's a process. I'm not exactly all in, but it's a start.

"They spent their time learning from the leaders, and they were like a caring family to each other. They shared meals, together, and prayed about all the things, together" (Acts 2:42 SAM translation).

By the way, the tough skin of a pineapple is actually called the epicarp. When that is opened, the tender, sweet insides are exposed to the ones who love. As for posting daily for 100 days, we'll see how that panned out in 98 days.

If you can relate, somehow, to any of this, please drop me a note, below. 

Revisit those New Year's Goals

Does reading those words cause you disappointment? Do you remember where you wrote down the goals?

There should not be shame associated with pursuing goals. Let yourself off the proverbial hook. Any time you make a goal, you are daring to believe it is attainable. Nothing wrong with that! 

Here's where we tend to go wonky: We fail to make a plan -OR- We fail to execute that plan. Again, there should be no shame. 



Are you still trying to remember where those goals are written down?
I had to look for mine, too. 

So, what do we do, now, that half the year has gone by?

Again, ditch the shame. Pull up your big girl panties or tighten that belt and let's see how we can salvage our intentions from six months ago and feel good about ourselves!

Write it down. Perhaps you have forgotten what the goals were. Perhaps you are in a different mindset or place than you were after last Christmas. Consider altering those goals.

Map out a plan. Whether your goal is to learn a new language, graduate with a degree, become a "MOMpreneur" or whatever, use a calendar to make a long-term goal date. Then, note short-term goals on dates, starting now, stepping toward your long-term goal date. Be realistic. Example: "To get healthy safely by (date)," instead of an unrealistic goal "To lose 700 lbs in the next 30 days." One of these examples is the wiser and realistic goal! Be clear. Example: Map the plan to achieve that health and wellness goal, as in signing-up for a fitness class, making healthy meal choices, lose 5-10 lbs in next 6 weeks, getting more sleep, etc.

Believe in yourself. Yes, you can do this! If you had enough positivity and courage to list these goals, you have more than enough to stick with it! Speak kindly in words of affirmation to yourself. "I am smart. I am an overcomer. I am making progress. I am gonna hit that first goal!" 

Execute the plan. Don't forget where you put this plan. Keep it in front of you ...daily. Don't compare yourself to other people who accomplished their goals. If you can learn from them, that's great. Congratulate them. But, YOU have a smart plan for yourself. Work it.

"But, what if I mess up?" Again, let's not beat ourselves into a bloody puddle of worthlessness. Start from where you are and work the plan. Ask yourself if an adjustment is needed.

Celebrate Progress! It's ok to throw yourself a party! When you've worked hard toward that first short-term goal, toot your own horn! Hopefully there are positive people in your life who want to celebrate YOU!

As for how my goals are coming along... I'm working the plan and have had to make a necessary adjustment or two because life happens. Does this connect with you? Let me know, below!

You're Not Obsolete

Whether you have...

• relocated to a new city or country
• chosen mommy life, currently
• dropped into an unfamiliar demographic
• been overlooked or side-stepped
• found a wrinkle or silver strand
• felt unqualified or disqualified
• blossomed late

Real or imagined, we all may feel a little lost. 

Recently, I felt lost and un-chosen. Rejected. I reached out to a dear friend. For several years she and I have held one another accountable randomly asking the other to spill it! On this occasion I let her know I needed to be transparent so I could move pass the disappointment weighing heavily on my heart. True to her nature, she surveyed the territory, unpacked the equipment and skillfully mined for gold. Her nuggets of wisdom spoke life into my dejected spirit.

There is still a place for your giftings and talents! Rediscovering your passions or reinventing yourself takes you into uncharted waters for your personal growth. Breathe. It will take courage. See with new eyes the creative ways to come alive and give encouragement and share your voice, grace and experience with others! Someone needs YOU.

If this has connected with you, summon your courage to share where you are or how you've come through it. Someone needs YOU.

I'm Not Fearless

The Fearless campaigns have never really set well with me. I appreciate the angle. I applaud the spirit behind them. It's just not me.

Only twice do I remember fear freezing me where I could hardly breathe. Once, as a child waking up from a nightmare thinking a tiger was walking around my bed, I froze and held my breath so long I almost passed out. When our son entered high school, a tumor was discovered in his wrist. That was the second time fear would daily and randomly grip my lungs. The physician said until confirmation could be determined via tests, the tumor reminded him of osteosarcoma - the bad boy of bone cancers. 

A healthy fear is a built-in, God-given design to keep you safe. Spiders and lightning make me sweat. Therefore, I kill spiders unless they are the size of a chihuahua. Too many encounters with lightning keep me inside and away from windows and running water during a storm.

When the presence of fear prickles the back of my neck, I do stupid things like jumping between people attempting to control the atmosphere. And, grabbing the shirt of someone walking away with the stroller my toddler son is sitting in, which turned out to be a joke. They just don't know how close they were to being clobbered. Unintentionally, I put myself into sink-or-swim situations and hope for the best without a backup plan. God's angels must certainly work overtime protecting this special case known as "Sam." 

See, it's not that I'm fearless, I'm just full of courage. Perhaps, it's more of the blind courage of "if no one else will, I will." The benefits of not living with debilitating fear is an exciting life of items being checked off the bucket list. Albeit spontaneous impulses, I have chased the first snowfall of the season into the Smoky Mountains by myself, signed up for a half marathon with my hubby and gone scuba diving with my son. I want others to experience the exhilaration of a moment of courage, too!

Living out a courageous, find-a-need-and-meet-it life may have roots in one fear I wrestle with: Being obsolete. Now, in my early 50's, it would be too easy to sit back and let someone else fill the gap. I cannot. Or, when overlooked for a position due to my age, resign myself to a sad, sedentary, lack-of-ministry lifestyle. I will not. As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to summon courage to try something new or develop a dormant passion and invite someone to go with me or accept the invitation! A life of courage just seems sweeter when shared.

Here's your challenge: Find something and be full of COURAGE!

Bold Confidence

I have learned many things from social media, like America's obsession with cat videos and tips from 3,000 of my closest friends on which restaurant will "change your life." I have seen or read absolutely anything - AN-Y-THING - on social media! Sometimes, that any thing cannot be unseen, if ya know what I mean! <brain scrub>

One thing I have noticed is, late at night or the wee early hours of the morning, people use social media to upload to offload. Facebook and Twitter accounts are stamped with an emoji reflecting how the person feels or a photo will be uploaded to Instagram or Snapchat expressing their current emotion with a supporting #hashtag. It seems as if the person posting sees himself/herself as posting anonymously for a momentary emotional release or offload.

Loneliness settles around a heart and offloads: I want love or someone to love me.
Loss reflects: It's been a year. I miss my mom.
Depression reaches out for hope through a keyboard: Is there anyone who cares?
Anxiety silently uploads a scream: I can't do this, anymore!

Then --for the focus of today's blog-- there are those uploaders who have experienced something which has caused them to question themselves. "Do I have what it takes?" "What was I thinking?" It may have been a conversation that shook their confidence. It may have been a thoughtless comment posted on a thread. Whether or not that comment had ill intent, a message was downloaded as inadequacy into the human spirit and, later, uploaded as "Am I good enough?" 

Dear Midnight Offloader, You are valuable. That idea is a great one! "Every good and perfect gift comes down from God." That dream you're working hard to see to fruition is going to come about. Keep shooting for the stars! You will eventually find someone who shares that calling and the burden of it and is willing to bear the weight with you. This creativity is part of God's DNA and is meant to be developed. It will take work. It may take many attempts to strengthen it. Be tenacious. You will encounter naysayers. who seek to suck the life out of your work and walk away. Be courageous. You will experience loss...multiple times over and for unexplainable reasons. Do not lose heart.  Be strong in the Lord. A payoff is coming! Someone needs your idea. Someone needs you to be their confidence! Someone needs YOU.

December Advent Week 1

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

Book Review: The Jesus-Hearted Woman

The Jesus-Hearted Woman: 
10 Leadership Qualities for
Enduring & Endearing Influence
by Jodi Detrick
Influence Resources, 2013
and in association with The Quadrivium Group

The church-world is full of broken-hearted people. What's worse? The church-world being full of broken-hearted leaders.

A compassionate leader and communicator, Jodi Detrick believes "If you have the heart, you can learn the skill." Although this book's title would suggest it is targeted exclusively for the female leader, not a single man could nor would deny the leadership pattern of Christ is for all from those just starting out to those serving for many years in any position. 

Jodi designed each chapter for the reader-leader to draw from her personal leadership experiences through humor, others' lives and God's Word. Ending with a section of coaching questions, a devotional and lesson for the newbie leader, you'll find golden boulders --not nuggets-- of wisdom to immediately put into action.

Are you open to learn? Are you willing to take on the qualities not typically discussed in secular leadership conferences? Are you prepared for that seedling sown in your heart long ago to germinate?

Ok, then! Order your personal copy or several copies for a group development ---> HERE! or at Amazon.

Learn more about a Jesus-Hearted Woman at JesusHeartedWoman.com and about the author at JodiDetrick.com.

Guest Blogger: Janay Roberts

Me in the upper left-hand corner - 2007

A Weight Loss Journey

My weight loss journey began in 2007, when I was at a point in my life when I was desperate to change my health. When my girls were ages 7 and 4 and wanted me to play with them at the park, it was very hard for me as I was extremely overweight! When my younger daughter asked me to go down the slide with her, it was a big wake-up call when I climbed up and discovered that I could not really fit. I knew then I needed to change and almost broke down in tears! If I wanted to enjoy my girls' growing up years, I had to change my lifestyle.

In April of 2007, I began that journey. I knew it was going to be a very tough journey, but realized I did not put the weight on overnight, so it was not going to come off overnight. The day I chose to begin my journey, I stepped on the scale and with tears in my eyes, I stepped off. I was 30 years old and weighed 269 pounds. I prayed, "God, I can only
do this with Your help."

I drank diet pop like crazy. I ate everything fried. I did not watch my portions. I ate tons of sweets. I ate late at night. The list goes on. Many changes needed to be made so I picked a few and started there. Knowing I could not change everything at one time, I decided to take baby steps.

Wedding day - 1997

I cut down the amount of pop and drank water with flavor packets. At the time, I could not stand drinking plain water. I cut out fried foods and watched how much I ate. 

It was amazing at how much better I started feeling and how much more energy I had!

The weight started coming off! I was determined I was going to take it off without surgeries or pills. Little by little, I kept adding disciplines to my eating habits. I limited sweets and counted calories and exercised like a crazy person. Three years ago, I completely stopped drinking pop. Withdrawals? Oh yes! But, after a few days, it was easy.

Determined, I arrived at my goal weight one month before by my birthday in March 2013, weighing in at 135 lbs! I was so excited! When I started this journey, I was in a size 22/24 plus size. My Easter dress, last year, was a size 4! I was PUMPED!

Then, in May of 2013, we lost our home and everything we owned to the F5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

Having to live in a hotel for over two months, we ate out for all three meals every day. I tried to be careful, but it was hard. I purchased a set of scales after we moved into our new home. Those months of dining out and stress eating caused me to gain 34 pounds. I cried.

ME, NOW - 2014!

I have started exercising and eating healthy, again. With determination, like before, the weight IS going to come back off. I hope by this summer, I am really close to where I was!

I promise you, this journey has not been easy and there were and are still times we go places where everyone around me is eating unhealthy choices and sweets. I just ask God help me with the intentness and wisdom to make wise choices. Have I splurged? Absolutely. It is okay as long as I don't splurge daily!

I give God all the glory for getting me to this size. I can't wait to get back to my goal weight by shedding those "tornado pounds!" 

I pray He gives you the determination that He gave me!

Rise Up and Be Great!

Terry & me (with my great, big boots) on "The M" overlooking Missoula, Montana
January 2013 - Almost one month from his heart attack
(photo taken by Lowell Hochhalter)

I love my honey! Few know he has written songs and poems during our marriage. Terry's creativity usually comes from his quiet times when God stirs up something from deep in his heart. If you're needing an extra shot of encouragement, then, this is for YOU!


-Spirit of Courage-

I'm the still, small burn inside you
The ember refusing to relent.
I've been placed here to encourage
I'm the one that God has sent.

Though life has knocked your wind out,
You're still a favorite to One.
You're much stronger than a dark horse,
Breathe deep, get up and run!

Hear the whisper in your spirit?
Hear me calling you to come?
Make a break for the clean air.
Shed the rags of the norm!

Climb over tragedy and average,
Don't be a victim of fate.
You were made to conquer mountains,
Rise up and be great!

Written by Terry G. Allen
2013