It's the Little Things LinkUp

God created us to be social. I sure am glad! He knew this social media age was coming and that you and I would fit in nicely!

Lauren Serks, one of my fellow-sisters at I'm Fit Possible & Sweat Pink, became intentional of "taking pleasure in the little things that make us happy." Then, she made it public by inviting others to join in the quest. How wonderful!

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

I took the scripture to heart and decided to link-up with my online fitness buddy making a pictorial note of those things that at the end of the day made me smile! Happiness is a choice! Happiness is a byproduct of being emotionally fit. Smiling is an expression of being happy.

What made me smile, this week?

Most everyone finds something cute and quirky to treasure. Sock Monkeys are mine! They are what my aunt called, "So ugly they're cute." On Sunday for my 50th birthday, my sweet daughter-in-law and son gave me a new travel mug! I've used it several times, already!





A few weeks ago, my hubby brought home a spindly Knock-Out Rose bush and planted it beside our front porch. To his delight, this week, the baby buds stretch their petals to a sunny sky. Then, Tuesday evening I won a cute garden sign at a Bunco party! The two pair nicely, don't ya think?



Upon our return from a muggy Wednesday morning run, we discovered a gift of zucs & peppers left on our front porch! Gotta love neighbors in the South!





Last night, I set-up a s'mores station for our LifeNet Life Group at church and used the new Kraft SQUARE S'moremallows! How many years have we been trying to smoosh a round mallow completely between square grahams and chocolate? Simply genius! Whoever thought of that deserves a pat on the back!

So, what little things left you smiling at the end of the day?

Smiling at 50: Empty-nesters

Christmas Trail Run - Arkansas - 2013

There are bushels of blogs, devotions and books dedicated to the seasons that women experience in their adult lives. College grad running toward the career of her dreams. Newly married. Mom. Empty-nester. The autumn and subsequent twilight winter years. 

I find myself in the empty-nester season when our only son recently married and our new puppy, Zuzu, has become our fuzzy, new child. Yes, we talk in high-pitched tones and pamper her with treats and sweaters and permit extended time stretched out at the foot of the bed, where she keeps my feet warm.

Facetime from India

It is that time in life when my hubby and I rediscover who we were pre-parenthood. What did we ever talk about before our "favorite son" (and only son) was born? Are we different? Have we met any of those newly-married goals we talked about deep into the night? I hope we are the favorite grandparents! What will that first grandchild call me? Where do we see ourselves in the not-so-distant future when it's finally time to retire? Am I going to be one of those pink-haired little old ladies with too much "rouge" coloring the apples of her wrinkled cheeks and stockings sagging around her ankles?

Seasons. Struggles. Transitions. Blessings.

I am a blessed woman. I love and am loved by my high school sweetheart. He is a hard

Mile 1 - post heart attack, 2013

worker and loves the God he preaches about at every opportunity. I get to accompany him on speaking engagements. And, sometimes, I get to sing or play the piano...like we did early on! When he's on fire in the pulpit and the words are flowing, I am certain my eyes sparkle and a little smile tugs at the corners of my lips, because I still find him attractive.

The weird and wondrous qualities of this stage are slowly emerging much like watching the image appear from a block of marble under the careful tooling of the craftsman. I love sleeping late or getting up early during the week however the schedule falls. We aren't tied to three meals a day. Sometimes, a a box of fudge brownie mix is as much a symbol of affection as a bouquet of roses. 

Running and fitness have become our new hobbies. He supports my training for the

Training Week 3, 2014

10K in April and says, "You've got this! You run faster than me." And, pushes when I experience the I-don't-wannas. "The sun's shining, today. How about we grab something to eat in Murfreesboro and do one of the routes on The Coffee Marathon?" Instead, we check-off two routes!

I'm a better me because of him. This empty-nesting season doesn't seem to bother him. Turning 50 doesn't rattle him or if it does, he covers it well. It's just another year. In celebration he wants to jump out of a plane with me and I want to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail with him!

I try not to fret about the color of my hair and the new "crows feet" to the side of my eyes. I have my honey, who compliments me and complements me no matter which season we walk through!

Smiling at 50 Training Week 3 Update: This week's bipolar southern winter runs me inside for cardio, one day, and outside on the next day for my training runs.

Happy #HeartAttackComeback Day!

Terry. 1 month
after heart attack
Glacier Park - MT

December 18th is a new major holiday 

for the Allen Clan!

It's Happy Heart Day!

It's Terry-Survived-a-Heart-Attack Day!

It's #HeartAttackComeback Day!

What?! You didn't hear? On December 18, 2012, my hubby --Terry Allen-- hadn't been feeling great; however, had been keeping that fact from me for about two weeks. That morning when Terry went for a run, he didn't get very far and knew something was seriously wrong. The situation only worsened and by evening, he called me from a parking lot screaming in pain to meet him at the hospital because the ambulance had been called. Our son, Dane, and his then-fiancé, Emily, quickly met us there. 

T was life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital where a cardiac team quickly accessed his problem and saved my husband's life. I sat up all night in a dark corner praying, observing the attentive team and listening to the various beeps and breathing of my honey. Being a Believer in God's power for healing, I didn't need to hear comforting words of well-meaning friends, I just wanted to sense the nearness of my Savior, Jesus Christ. And, I did.

Drew & Daney.
Gotta find joy somewhere!

I can recall many details of those next few days. Too many to list. I remember waking in the waiting room to the rustling of a paper bag as our dear friend and pastor, Drew, handed me a cup of hot tea and said, "Wow. You look rough." I remember Aaron "Smiley" Farmer (my summer son) walking around the corner in the waiting room just as my emotions and fatigue collided. He brought my fave hazelnut coffee and bagels. I remember Daney fielding questions on the cellphone and becoming a man in my eyes. I remember driving away from Vandy with T riding shotgun. Kinda hard to drive with your eyes full of tears. I remember waking up early and sitting quietly with "mah mayn" in the glow of the Christmas tree reading our eReader versions of the Bible.

This year, 2013, has been Terry's #HeartAttackComeback year. In celebration of his life and the one year anniversary, I asked (um...really, I told) him when he was finished writing his post on the day before, I wanted to include it on my site, too!

Dane's Recovery Instructions
to Dad
in the Cardiac Care Unit
of Vandy

1 month anniversary
with
Lowell & Tami Hochhalter
Glacier Park - MT

Today I ran and walked 13.1 miles for 14 reasons... (or 13.1 reasons)

Mile 1 - Gratefulness. I am just happy to be alive.

Mile 2 - Fear...For one solid year I have thought about having another heart attack. Every morning it was one of my first thoughts. Every time I took my daily medicine. With every pain has come a whisper of my demise and I am flat sick of it. I will not be controlled by a spirit of fear. Period.

Mile 3 - 12/18 is the heart attack anniversary and I thought it would be great to do it before I go to the doctor tomorrow.

Mile 4 - I set a goal to run a half marathon by the end of 2013, and it was within my grasp. I honestly didn't know if my body could take it, but I refused to give up on the goal and not at

Terry & Drew.
Sunday following heart attack

least try.

Mile 5 - For everyone who struggles with depression. For the darkness that tells you your life is over...Don't believe it.

Mile 6 - For my Hebrews Eleven Life Group (a.k.a LifeNet). I wanted to knock out a hope target for them.

Mile 7 - For my Pastor and best friend, Andrew Wharton, who sat in the car and prayed for me, followed the ambulance, lobbied to get on the life flight and stayed up all night in the hospital with me. ICU will never be the same.

Mile 8 - For every person that has slugged it out this year to change and comeback from addiction, bad health or another life struggle.

Mile 9 - For all my encouraging friends who prayed and took the time to visit, call & care.

T & me.
Our first completed mile
toward the
#HeartAttackComeback

Especially Jim & Bonnie Long, Lowell Hochhalter, Tami Parker Hochhalter, Kent & Kelley Tucker Steven Morgan, Shannon Baugh Morgan, David Morgan, Randy Valimont, Terry Bailey, Glenn Burks, Larry Vine, John & Laura Driver, Roy & Cari Stone, Eduardo & Sandra Rocha, Jonnie & Curry Wethington...and more.

Mile 10 - Because I'm not a quitter.

Mile 11 - Eleven was for my mother and family. My father died in her arms from a heart attack afew years ago and when I had my episode she had to relive those memories. This one was for her peace, happiness and to give another punch in the face to worry for making her cry.

Mile 12 - I ran it for Dane Allen. No kid should have worry about his dad losing his life so early. I ran it to punch worry in the face for making my son uncomfortable. Don't mess with my kid.

T & me.
At Dane & Emily's wedding
September 14, 2013

Mile 13 - I ran it for Samalee Allen and for all of her incredible sacrifice this year in helping me get healthy. Honestly, I also wanted to destroy any fear she may deal with of losing her husband. We are one and I will not stand for fear in the eyes of my wife. 

Mile 13.1 - I ran it because there is "no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. No sweeter name that I've ever known." - Kari Jobe has sung that to me a hundred times this year and I believe it. "You are the light in my heart and my soul. You are the light to the darkness around me." Without Jesus and his help I would not be here. This whole journey is a testament to His grace and mercy. The finish was for Him.

I love you, Terry Allen. 
I love you 'til the day I die.
Together, we can conquer the world in love. 
You and I. 

Happy #HeartAttackComeback Day!

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

Nutrition and Fitness: Know Your Numbers!

"Ms. Allen?"
"Yes."
"I have the results of your recent blood work. All is normal."
"Normal?"
"Yes. Have a nice day."

"WAIT! I need to know what those numbers are."
"Would you understand what those numbers meant, if I told you?"
"Yes! See, I've been working really hard for a long time and want to know if it paid off."
"Your total Cholesterol is 177 and your TSH is 1.96."
"HOLY COW! HOLY COW!"

When you've struggled with with lousy, high cholesterol all of your adult life...
When 1/3 of your momma's heart doesn't work due to a major heart attack...
When the average weight for everyone on the maternal-side of your family is at 200+ lbs...
When you're genetically predisposed to high cholesterol...
When your grandmother and bio-dad died of heart disease...

...you want to know your numbers!

Let's Break Down the Numbers

Cholesterol is a fatty substance manufactured by our liver. Lipoproteins are fat and protein vehicles that transport Cholesterol. There are several kinds of vehicles, but we'll keep to the 2 major types everybody talks about, LDL and HDL.

LDL (low-density Lipoprotein) - the wheelbarrow transporting cholesterol to the vessels and arteries.
HDL (high-density Lipoprotein) - the Amtrak transporting cholesterol out of the body

An easy way to remember which is which:
LDL = "Lousy"-density Lipoprotein (eL-evating the risk for heart attack)
HDL = "Healthy"-density Lipoprotein (hauling-out the risk for heart attack)

The average healthy person should have an LDL of <200, even better to have <130. For those who have risk factors (genetics, heart disease, obesity, smoking, hypothyroidism, fatty diet and an inactive lifestyle), the good doctors desire to push the LDL numbers down below 100. This is really a hard feat without the help of meds, nutrition and fitness working together.

The target HDL of an average healthy person is >60. If the HDL number is lower, this increases the risk for heart attack. 

My Experience with the Numbers

My total Cholesterol has been over 260 since my early twenties when it was tested. I am genetically predisposed for high cholesterol, but helped to keep it high with my poor nutritional choices. And, at some point, my thyroid decided to stop functioning efficiently. The thyroid aids in ushering out the LDL. Mine wasn't doing it's job. So, three years ago I started taking Levothyroxine (Synthroid) to keep my thyroid active and hoping to bring both thyroid and LDL numbers down. Still, the numbers remained unhealthily high.

When the doctor decided to ward off the potential for a heart attack, he prescribed Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and I cried like a baby. I felt like a failure and a geriatric. I, now, refer to my meds as "vitamins." Again, there was little change in the LDL numbers, even while being semi-active.

December 1, 2012, through prayer I felt like God was encouraging me to go on a partial fast eating only fruits, veggies, nuts and whole grains while avoiding animal proteins and sugar. Not easy for a couple of weeks. Then, on December 18, my husband suffered a heart attack...about the time of the arrival of my Forks Over Knives cookbook. I watched the documentary by the same name in the Critical Care Unit at Vanderbilt Hospital as Terry slept.

The church where we attend is focusing on a 40-Day Prayer Challenge. One of my prayer "seeds" is to receive healing from this lifelong battle with lousy, high LDL...even if God has me work for it! 

Jan 2010: Total Cholesterol 336, LDL 250, TSH 11.45
Mar 2010: Total Cholesterol 313, LDL 225, TSH 6.18
May 2011: Total Cholesterol 339, LDL 256, TSH 3.47
Sep 2011: Total Cholesterol 250, LDL 173, TSH 6.12
Feb 2012: Total Cholesterol 207, LDL 130, TSH .92
Mar 2013: Total Cholesterol 177, LDL 98,  TSH 1.96

So, what brought my numbers down?

I am convinced that without spiritual intervention, my numbers wouldn't have changed so dramatically. I continue to pursue healthy, nutritional choices with plant-based foods on a daily basis and consuming meat only once-per-month. Consistently, my fitness includes 2-3 hours of cardio (including Zumba), each week, and recently adding light weight training. And, I still take my "vitamins." It is my prayer to be taken off the cholesterol drug although my age (50 in June) and the odds are against it. I believe in God's odds as my prayers are being answered and my 
numbers finally reflect a change!

I'm jazzed when someone contacts me quietly...in an email. I'm super stoked when someone leaves a comment on the blog! Please let me know if this was a helpful post either below or in an email. Thanks!

#impACTforLife ACTion Challenge - Week 4

If you started with us early in January and are still hanging in there for the final week, <ding, ding, ding> YOU WIN THE PRIZE! There really isn't a prize. Unless -- you've started seeing a change (how your jeans fit) or changed the way you view fitness and nutrition!

The word diet makes me mad. A once perfectly fine word that has too much negativity and restriction associated with it. I'm sure that when the word was first used, it was used to describe a positive, healthy foods, lifestyle. Not anymore. At least, not to me. Please indulge me. 

"No, I can't have that. I'm on a diet."

"I've gotta lose 35 lbs before my class reunion by Tuesday, so I'm on the ________ diet."

"I've been on 17 diets and none of them work!"

The decision was made in my daily vocabulary to edit the word to a more palatable term:  Nutrition.

In November, 2012, when in my personal devotion (praying, reading the Bible, etc.), I felt like God was asking me to do a fast from December 1 to 24. Assuming He wanted me to abstain from all food, I whined, "But, God, that's the holidays." After Thanksgiving I planned to focus my mind, body and spirit on a fresh pursuit of God valuing Him more than what I threw down my throat. I chose to eat only whole grains, fruits and veggies until celebrating with family on Christmas Eve.

My nutrition took on new purpose after reading a theory regarding animal protein, "hot flashes" and night sweats in perimenopausal women. Nutrition will become the pathway to lower my bad or "lousy" cholesterol (LDL). Via nutrition I plan to retrain my brain for healthy choices. Nutrition = Nourish.

Tuesday, December 18, solidified my decision for nutrition when my husband suffered a heart attack resulting from a blockage in his Left Circumflex Artery. A terrible, horrible, really bad day. Driving away from Vanderbilt Hospital just four days, later, with Terry, I explained my nutrition vs diet opinion, as well as, personal health concerns for the future. We aren't vegans nor vegetarians. But, we decided to do this thing, together...for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.

#impActforLife – Week 4 -- The FINAL ACT

Nothing Changes until You ACT!

Monday

Clean the house from top to bottom!

Try some green clean tips.

Turn up the volume to music & water intake & get that heartbeat up!

impACT Blog: Cleaning Schedule

impACT Blog: Green Clean

Tuesday

Pack a healthy snack and pack extra to share with a friend!

Show and tell on our ImpACT for Life facebook wall and twitter and instagram using the #impACTforLife hashtag!

impACT Blog: 7 Healthy Snacks

Wednesday

Do a circuit workout today!

impACT Blog: Blonde Ponytail

Thursday

Throw together an easy plant-based appetizer or late-night munchie!

impACT Blog: Forks Over Knives

Friday

Enjoy a leisurely photo stroll.

With your cell phone or fancy-schmancy camera, view your world from a different perspective. Share your treasures with us on the ImpACT for Life facebook wall and on twitter and instagram using the #impACTforLife hashtag! Set a goal: 30 mins to 1 hr.

Final Weekend

HOORAY! You did it! It’s the final weekend of our #impACTforLife ACTion Challenge! To celebrate make a special healthy dinner for the family with candles and music! Add extra veggies and go easy on the cheese and sauce. Perhaps, you could start a blog chronicling your new journey to great health! Keep making good nutritional choices and keep ACTing!

Priorities (Third Priority Part 1)

Well, here we are halfway through our Priorities list! Because I'm a "Chatty Patty" with this third priority, I'll share what I've learned in two different posts.

1. God

2. Family

3. Ministry (or Career)

4. Myself

In I Timothy 4:12, Paul challenges Timothy to “…set [be] an example for believers in speech, life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Sadly I confess that I haven’t always been the example described in this verse. Thank the Lord I’ve been aware of the Holy Ghost checking my spirit, even when it’s after the fact.

I’ve learned that …

• My every word and decision ALWAYS affects someone else.

• My opinions have value. However, there is wisdom in timing.

• I should never speak poorly about my predecessor, current pastor or other staff members. A critical tongue/spirit will cripple my ministry effectiveness to others (Titus 3:1-2)

• What I say could possibly close a person’s spirit toward those in leadership. Simply by casting a shadow of doubt has the same result without saying a word. 

• I look smarter when I keep my mouth closed. *A lesson I keep repeating.

• Ministry can be a great outlet for my talents, creativity and abilities.

• Ministries are to be shared. Just because I may be able to do it better, doesn’t necessarily mean I am the “anointed one” for that ministry. Take others along for the ride (Ephesians 4:12) using this simple method (I'm sure you already know): 

How to Train:
1.  Show the person how (by example);
2. Take their hand and do it together; and
3. Let them do it while you watch; then
4. Release them to train another 

QUOTE BY JOHN MAXWELL:  Success always leaves a successor.

• A lesson from my honey, Terry: Relax. Mature in the Lord and ministry will come…even though you have dreams for more. If it is a God-given dream, it will come to fruition. 

• If you believe God has placed a burden for ministry in your heart: (1) Pray for confirmation; (2) Pray for your spouse; (3) Pray for a plan and (4) Pray for timing. Perhaps we exhaust and frustrate ourselves (and others) when we try to push against God’s timing.

• In most cases, it is our husbands who have been hired or appointed, not us. We may make constructive suggestions in private to our husbands; however, we should not wield our desires and schemes through them.

• Never make any changes on your own initiative. We should never “bump” authority. (Titus 3:1)

• When someone doesn’t understand the reasoning behind our husbands’ words or decisions, we shouldn’t try to cushion or explain. Instead, we should defer any personal comments and suggest that person speak with our husbands.

• Yes, to a certain level our husbands can control their calendar. But, we should be flexible. It affords peace and keeps our homes as sanctuaries.

• Husbands must make the situation conducive for shared ministry.

I know some may take issue with me. It's ok. Some are lessons I've learned the hard way most likely because I have a "strong personality" and have rushed in with guns blazing without considering if the Holy Spirit had a different plan. Surely Jesus must look at me, shake His head as He goes as the Advocate before the Father, "But she's come so far."

Does this strike something in your spirit?

~"Sam" 

Priorities (Second Priority)

Last month, we looked into firming our foundation with our first Priority: God. The second Priority is a little easier for me to express into two categories: Husband & Child.

1. God
2. Family
3. Ministry (or Career)
4. Myself 

With regard to my husband...

• I control the atmosphere of the home. Making the home a sanctuary for my husband is a ministry. It may not be the most beautiful house or parsonage with up-to-date appliances and décor, but my attitude greatly furnishes the home with a glow that says, “I’ll keep the light on for you, Baby!”

• My husband may be the facilities manager, youth pastor, lead pastor, missionary, evangelist ministering to hundreds & THOUSANDS! But, when he comes home, my husband needs a real, live, warm wife.

• Just as my shameful words and actions would bring reproach on the name of Christ while wearing His name, "Christ-ian," the same would happen while wearing my husband's name. Yes, we-girls do carry as much influence effecting others and ministry.

Whether or not you're in a ministry family, take the initiative for a healthy marriage. I'm of the belief all couples should read Gary Chapman's The 5 Love Languages. The editions for children, singles and men are available, too.

With regard to my child...

• As a parent the responsibility of spiritually nurturing my child is mine. Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7. The spiritual "booster shots" come from the Sunday school teacher and pastoral staff. Because our kids become us, we need to teach and model.

• My child needs a good, even-tempered and loving mom. Making the home a refuge for my child is a ministry. I must give space and outlets for him to develop as a whole person. Correction and discipline are supporting roles of love.

• I shelter him. My child does not need to hear about staff conflicts, church members' sins or our personal difficulties. Remember the little song, "Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear"? It's remarkable that I can repeatedly tell my child to make the bed, make the bed, make the bed. Yet, I make one quiet remark and it sticks like Super Glue to that child's brain and, later, shoots out their mouth.

A ministry friend recalled a story of asking for prayer requests from 3-5 year old children. "Please pray for my daddy. He drinks too much," was the answer from the son of a church staffer. She asked him to repeat his request. This time he added, "...too much Mountain Dew." He heard his parents talking the night before!

• Just as vital to being mindful of which movies, television shows, selections of music enter his mind is protecting his spirit. I don't ever want to be guilty of erecting a mental or spiritual blockade in my child's spirit by allowing him to be privy to spiritual leaders' weaknesses. This may prevent my child from "hearing" the voice of the Spirit while that leader is ministering. Because at that instance, all he can remember is what was said about that particular leader. Make sense?

• The life of a PK (preacher's kid) has advantages! I should consistently present the positive. How often does a regular kid get to do all of the stuff that PKs get to do? Amusements park, summer camp, beach trip, mission trip, family vacation...and that's just the summer!

Ruth Bell Graham was once asked how she had raised her five children when Billy, her evangelist husband, was away so much of the time. Without hesitation she answered, "On my knees."

That's really what it takes. Isn't it? In no way is the above information all-inclusive; however, it is a structure which continues to be reinforced with consistent care. Feel free to comment.

~"Sam"