Detoxing my heart.

I layered up today for therapy. There were a few things circulating in my head that were poisoning my heart. I needed the pavement and my running shoes to help me clear my head. I needed to hear a voice bigger than my own.

December has always been bittersweet for me. This month holds the beauty of the birth of Christ.
For me December represents Christ and his birth. This month I feel Christ all over. As I drive through town I see the manger scene at the little white church, when I turn on the radio I hear "Silent Night" and when I put my change in the Salvation Army bucket I see the smile of gratitude wrapped with "God Bless you". I see people displaying more grace and more love this time of year.
December I am always out of whack a bit though. It is also the month  my Mom died, my sweet grandmothers birthday and  my birthday even falls in December.
There are many  reasons to be joyous- why do I feel like I am malfunctioning? I wake up smiling. I feel grateful. My home is running in "organized chaos" yet emotionally I feel distracted.

I had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies at a sister church of ours this week. As much as I was speaking to them I was speaking to myself.

DISTRACTIONS-an interruption; an obstacle to concentration

James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

OUCH...DOUBLE MINDED...Yup that is me. My mind is split. divided. 

When I am not committed and focused, I feel  unstable. When I  are going all over the place with everything in my life, things are chaotic and disorderly. God is a God of order. Today's run helped me clear up all the junk in my head and in my heart that is keeping me from  living victoriously.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 

I have not done the wrong things but there are things that are ruminating in my mind that have potential to surface and display itself in more of a action form.  I am aware of this. Being transparent here. 

And THIS IS WHY I LAYERED up!! I layered up, laced up and bucked up for a cold purging run. It was time to think. I didn't look at the Garmin but to see my distance. The opposite of DISTRACTION is FOCUS. I focused on identifying what was renting unwanted space in my head. Then I asked God to help me remove that unwanted garbage. Give me a NEW SPIRIT. Clean my heart. 

My run was good... good and cold! I layered up on more than clothing. I layered up on GODS promises and words. I focused on HIM and my identity in CHRIST. Then I felt his security and support. 

  Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." 

1,2,3,4 Layers..that you can see!!!

 

 

 RECIPE: Granola

2 Cups Rolled oats

1/2 Cup Coconut

Agave is a alternative to Maple Syrup

1/2 cup Sliced Almonds        

1/4 Cup Canola Oil

3/4 Cup Real Maple Syrup

MIX ALL INGREDIANTS IN LARGE BOWL

PLACE SPREAD OUT ON COOKIE SHEET

BAKE AT 350 for 20 minutes

Cool on wax paper

RUNDOWN

Time:56:23

Pace:7:57

Distance:7:09

Anita