Coffee Girl's World

GREAT DAY!!!

2009-06-14T22:44:00.003-05:00

I had a great day today! Fun time shopping with my best friend and found a great dress for my niece's wedding this coming Sunday. Then had a wonderful time at our Draw Near service! God is good all the time sometimes we just have to open our eyes to see!!

This week has been a good running week. I had to take it back to the treadmill cause my legs would hurt SO VERY BAD when I ran on the road. SO taking it back the the treadmill has really help the pain and I've been able to up my miles. I'm not giving up on running outdoors just trying to work back into it slowly!!

Hey go over to Erica's blog she has a great book giveaway!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!!!

I Want to WIN!!!

2009-06-08T10:11:00.003-05:00

Hey go over to Peanut Butter and Jenny she has a great giveaway! Oh and I SO hope I win!

Thankful

2009-06-02T21:04:00.003-05:00

I'm so very thankful that I could actually run today. Yes running has been difficult AGAIN! I thought the new shoes had fixed all the problems but it hasn't. Although the legs are better the lower back has begun to hurt. So I've decided to take my runs back to the treadmill for a week or two and then slowly add some outdoor runs. Maybe this will help. I guess if you want to do something bad enough you'll do whatever it takes to do it. I really REALLY enjoy running and just refuse to give it up.

So today I ran 3.25 miles, walked 1.75 and did 25 minutes of pilates. I'm hoping the pilates will help strengthen me overall.

If I Look Like I've Gained Weight....

2009-05-21T20:36:00.006-05:00

It's because I ate a bug!! YUCK!!! It's not the first. Can you run with your mouth closed??? I certainly can't which means eventually I'm gonna get to eat a few bugs. I guess this is one of the first lovely experiences of running outside instead of in the nice gym which is bug free...well except for a few that make my skin crawl...oh you know what I mean.

Today I went to the track and ran three miles then ran up and down the bleachers. It was a lil hard after the run but it felt good when I finished. I also did a small workout of high knees and butt kicks. Ummm I'm sure I looked really goofy but it was great and boy did it ever give my legs a workout!

Still LOVING my new running shoes! Well one more day of work and LONG weekend ahead. I sure hope to at least get a little sun!!

What A Difference.....

2009-05-18T20:50:00.003-05:00

....proper running shoes make!!! I have struggled since February with lots of pain and soreness in my legs. I have been to the doctor, made sure I did some stretching, tried not running every day and a mixture of other things, none of which have worked. It's been a struggle to build up my mileage and pace. Well last week I went to a great store called Front Runner Athletics and they helped me find the proper running shoe. I can't believe how different my legs feel. I was certain that running was never gonna get any easier. I am even amazed that I can go farther without feeling like I'm about to collapse. It's SO great. Now I'm excited that maybe I can begin to run more miles, make less stops and run a little faster!

I want to share a song with you that we did on Sunday. It's an amazing song!! Just look below in the next post!

Kari Jobe- We Cry Out

2009-05-18T20:45:00.001-05:00

WOW!!!

2009-05-10T20:08:00.006-05:00

I had the best Mother's Day weekend! It started Saturday with a trip to Macaroni Grill by a very special young lady and then to Clumpies for some GREAT ice cream. Kimberly also gave me a book by one of my favorite authors, Ted Dekker called Kiss and also some favorites candies! It was a great day!!!

Then today I waked up to the most perfect coffee maker ever!!!! I was so excited. My daughter really surprised me with this one! We had the best time dranking our first cup of coffee together and just talking. Then we headed out to my mom and dad's where we have some great lasagna and Brittany's favorite dessert my mom makes called Chocolate Delight. We had a great time.

It was a great weekend and I felt very special!!!! It was the best ever!!

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!

2009-05-02T12:48:00.006-05:00

I got my Nike+ for my birthday and started my first run on February 18th well today I completed my 100th mile!!!!!! Look at my certificate!!!! I'm SO excited and I can't wait to get the next 100 miles in hopefully quicker and faster!!!!!!!!!! Nike+ you're the greatest gadgetever!!! And thanks Kimberly for the greatest birthday gift ever!!!!!!!!!

The Switch

2009-04-28T17:20:00.003-05:00

After a few days of warm weather I'm thinking I need to switch to morning runs. Problem is I LIKE my sleep but I also HATE running when its hot and evening will definitely start being a lot warmer. I like the idea of getting it done in the morning which frees up the afternoons for getting all those summer tasks done. Now if I can just get my mind and body geared to get up and get going....early!

I did a little speed work Saturday and was very excited about it but was VERY tired when I finished. I will have to start putting that into the workout mix. I have also tried putting pilates in my workout mix but have fallen way short at being consistent. I REALLY REALLY need to get consistent with the pilates because I need the flexibility. I have neck and shoulder problems and my hips seem to be really tight at times when I run and I know that the stretching would really help all those areas.

I'm so thankful spring is here and I can sit on my porch!!!

Honest Foods

2009-04-18T08:01:00.003-05:00

Run on over to Run to Finish's blog and check out the Honest Foods giveaway! Lots of scrumptious looking stuff!!

5 Miles??

2009-04-15T21:54:00.004-05:00

Today I ran 5 miles this is my longest run yet. I'm so excited. I had to walk a lil but was surprised at how well I felt after 3 miles so I just decided to keep on going. I've had a real up and down week and not real sure why but the run helped my mind to be blank and my emotions to just lie dormant for a little while.

I guess another reason I like running is because it's just great therapy!

Weekend Fun

2009-04-13T13:57:00.010-05:00

I had a great time Saturday just being with my most special friend and going to my favorite place. We had a great time just walking, talking and eating some Clumpy's Ice Cream. I guess my love language would be someone that spends time with me and is genuinely interested in me and my life. I'm pretty low maintenance but one thing I refuse to give into is being some one's casual friend. I think the most precious gift you can give is your time, quality time.

I didn't run Saturday because I had a terrible headache but the walking was great and was very relaxing. However I did get a fairly good run on Sunday. It was nice and cool and my legs felt pretty good. I did 3 miles and when finishing my 3 miles I stopped by and visited with my sister-in-law and then had to run 1.5 back home. I got a total of 4.5 miles in and it felt great. I still can't seem to up my speed much but I've just decided to just keep on trying a little faster each time and hopefully the speed will come.

Gratitude Journal

1. I'm grateful for a friend that gives me their time and love.
2. I'm grateful for long walks and great talks.
3. I'm grateful for excellent ice cream. :)
4. I'm grateful for legs that can run.
5. I'm grateful for relaxing weekends.

Biggest Loser

2009-04-07T09:00:00.004-05:00

I am so into the Biggest Loser! It's just the greatest show ever! There is something about someone working hard to make a life change that just inspires me. Change is never easy and it requires lots and lots of hard work. I was so excited to see them run a half marathon. OMGOSH that was NOT an easy thing to do. Now when I run and feel tired after the first mile I think of them and it inspires me to push harder, to run further and keep on toward my goal.

I know change is never easy or fun and for the most part we don't like it. But there is something refreshing about making changes that better you physically, mentally and spiritually. It inspires us to become a better person, friend, worker, family member.

I'm gonna copy Run To Finish's idea of posting a Gratitude Journal. Hope you don't mind.

GRATITUDE JOURNAL

I'm grateful for good health.
I'm grateful for a very precious friend.
I'm grateful that my shoulder is not hurting today.
I'm grateful for a Savior that was willing to give His life for me!!

Go Check Out This Great Giveaway!

2009-04-02T17:56:00.004-05:00

Head on over to n her shoes blog she has a great Dankskin ultra light pullover giveaway. And she has a pretty neat blog!

No Clever Title

2009-04-01T22:40:00.008-05:00

Not much going on these days other than work, church and a little running. I'm still excited about being able to actually run 3 miles without stopping at least 3 times a week. I know that's not much but its a beginning. I'm loving my Nike+ Sensor and being able to keep up with my miles, pace and calories burned and not having to drive and map out the distance since it will tell you how far you've gone. It's the greatest gadget ever!!

I'm enjoying reading a new blog so click here "Run To The Finish" go by and check her out she has some great tips and some cool give aways!

Never Changing

2009-03-26T07:34:00.005-05:00

"I feel like a sea captain learning for the first time to chart his course by the stars. Until now, I've tried to find my way by watching the clouds. But they came and went, changed directions on me, led me nowhere. It's good to finally have reference points that don't keep changing." A quote from Deadline by Randy Alcorn.

Why is it that we who know that God's Word is never changing and will always lead us in the direction we need to go will still look to the world for direction?

I loved Deadline! This is a great book and very thought provoking!

Blog Envy

2009-03-19T14:16:00.012-05:00

I'm having a little blog envy. I LOVE to follow various blogs. It appears that they lead such interesting lives.

I especially enjoy running bloggers and the photo bloggers. My favorite photo blogger is 365 to 42. He has some incredible pictures! And then I like to sneek and see how Absolut(ly) Fit is doing with the job hunting and also her running progress. I also enjoy reading Between the Miles running progress. I'm so envious of those that really are true runners. They run half-marathons and marathons and travel to all kinds of places to run. It's just so exciting.

I guess you've noticed I have runner's envy too. I run at a snails pace, although its getting a little better (and I do mean little). On Monday I finally, FINALLY, ran 3.27 miles nonstop and then yesteday ran 3.29 miles nonstop. I was SO excited. It's been really hard running this year. I've tried to start running on actually pavement and I have had some extreme leg pain. It's getting better but I usually have to take a couple of days off between runs.

Oh and I absolutely LUV Fit Bottom Girls! They have so many great fitness tips, giveaways, reviews and just some great humor.

Now it's confession time. I am a Cupcake freak!!! I love to eat cupcakes, read about cupcakes and especially love Cupcakes Take the Cake's blog it is such a delight!!

Now for all you out there that are thinking I'm a little shallow my favorite blog that I have been using lately as my devotional is Vince Antonucci's blog. He has some very thought provoking blogs which are currently about the book of Acts. Some great stuff so please check it out!!

Oh yeah the newest additions to my blog stalking are Run For Life and Run to Finish and I think I'm gonna enjoy reading their running adventures!

So here is a shout out to all you great bloggers. Job well done!!!!!

Nuggets of Gold Found in Strange Places

2009-03-07T11:00:00.005-06:00

"If you intend to quit running and you plan to somehow make the quitting stick, you have to be determined about it. You have to be focused and extremely consistent. You have to quit every single day for the rest of your life. That's actually a very tough thing to do."

This was from an article written by Mar Parent in the April 2009 Runner's World Magazine titled "Couch Bound"

It's one of those rare times when something oddly smacks you in the face and you have that ah ha moment. It's Saturday morning and my usual time for reading, doing a little house work and contemplating what's going on in my life or what's not going on in my life.

This quote was a real eye opener and got me to thinking about some things I've kinda neglected lately and it made me realize that it was an act of quitting. That each day that I didn't do "the thing" I was making a choice to quit.

Now I realize that there are all kinds of things each one of us needs to quit doing. But for this moment lets focus on those things that we have neglected, the good things, the vital things and lets stop and realize that each day we choose to neglecate those things we have made a choice, even a conscious choice, to quite those things. WHOA...that's a real eye-opener, well for me anyway.

So I guess the question to you and to myself is what have you consciously chose to quit doing that you should have never quit doing, something that is vital to your life. Are you couch bound?

Sometimes we can find nuggets of gold, even in runner's magazines.

Bloggers Block

2009-02-24T15:33:00.006-06:00

I've tried several times over the last week to blog about something but somehow I just draw a blank. I would say I have writer's block but that would mean I actually have some writing skills, which I don't. Although I think it would be the greatest thing to write a book. If I could just come up with a title and words to put in it. Hmmmm....

This month has been good. I had a great birthday and got to spend time with family and friends and even got some neat gifts. Like this. To say I'm excited about it is an understatement. You would think I'm some ultra-marathoner but I'm just an average runner, might even say below average. Anyway I'm pumped and trying to up the running miles and the speed.

Well I'm all blocked up again so for now that's all I have.

Great Weather, Great Run

2009-02-09T17:51:00.004-06:00

It was such a beautiful afternoon and I was SO glad that I had enough time to run outside before dark. Running has been a real struggle lately but today was absolutely perfect. I got about 3 miles in and feel great. Only in the South can it be extremely cold one day and the next be in the 70's!

OMGosh I LUV These Shoes!!!

2009-01-22T10:37:00.006-06:00

These are my new running shoes and I'm SO excited!! Now before you think I'm some ultra-marathoner guess again. I'm mostly a treadmill runner, but I do enjoy it. I'm hoping to hit the road this year and become a better runner.

So back to my new shoes. Nike has come out with this Nike+ sensor (Check it out http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/) that fits into the bottom of the shoe and it will monitor your running and then will sync with your ipod or itouch to log your progress. I don't have the Nike+ sensor yet cause I'm still hurting from the purchase of the shoes but I CAN'T wait to have this little gadget so it will keep up with my miles.

Who knows with the help of Nike I could become at least 5k runner.

How Bout a Cup of Coffee?

2009-01-07T11:16:00.004-06:00

I enjoy drinking coffee. I also love the idea of setting down with friends and enjoing a great cup of coffee, which is probably what ignited my love for coffee. In a time when most people only want to txt or email as a way to fellowship it just isn't the same nor does it make for meaningful friendships. So share a cup of coffee with someone and just enjoy the fellowship!

I'll leave you with a few coffee facts.

COFFEE FACTOIDS

Germany is the world's second largest consumer of coffee in terms of volume at 16 pounds per person.

Over 53 countries grow coffee worldwide, but all of them lie along the equator between the tropic of Cancer and Capricorn.

An acre of coffee trees can produce up to 10,000 pounds of coffee cherries. That amounts to approximately 2,000 pounds of beans after hulling or milling.

The percolator was invented in 1827 by a French man. It would boil the coffee producing a bitter tasting brew. Today most people use the drip or filtered method to brew their coffee.

With the exception of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, no coffee is grown in the United States or its territories.

Up until the 1870's most coffee was roasted at home in a frying pan over a charcoal fire. It wasn't until recent times that batch roasting became popular.

Each year some 7 million tons of green beans are produced world wide. Most of which is hand picked.

Finding Your Pot of Gold

2008-12-30T22:14:00.008-06:00

Well it's almost a new year. I love the thought of a new year. It's like getting a clean slate. I like the thought of making new year's resolutions, I like to call it my "New Years List". Like I want to stop biting my nails and well the usual eat better, exercise more. There's a couple of things I'll just keep private. I was also thinking how I want to challenge myself a little this year. I was thinking maybe at least once a month do something I've never done before and at least once a month do some act of kindness to someone or to some cause.

Well anyway most people thinks it's silly or it's just stuff we put on a list, never do and then feel guilty about. I figure it's worth thinking about and who knows you could complete the whole list but even if you just do one thing it will be time well spent.One thing I know you will never find your pot of gold if you don't look for the end of the rainbow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

God Speaking

2008-12-12T12:03:00.003-06:00

This year our Christmas production is called God Speaking. We had our first performance last night and it was absolutely incredible! I have been involved in SEVERAL Christmas productions at CrossPoint and I must say this one is the BEST ever! It was just so much fun!! The little girl that sang "God Speaking" brought the house down and our choir director Buddy Mullins sang "Mary Did You Know" and it was amazing. Sssh....go to you tube and look him up and you can see just how talented he is and how lucky we are to have him as our director.

So tell me about your Christmas programs.

May 2002 - November 22, 2008

2008-12-04T08:30:00.008-06:00

My Max was a great cat. He came to me at a time when everyone else in my life was scarce to find. He was a newborn kitten and just the cutest little black thing you ever saw. As he grew up he was the man of the house with two sisters he quickly took over as the KING of the place. Max was the kind of cat that curled up in your lap or lay beside you on the couch and when it was bedtime he was right there beside you.

Max died on November 22nd at the age of 6. Even as I type the words I can't believe my trusted friend is gone. We played together, fussed togther and I've cried on his little furry shoulders many many times, he was there for me ever single time.

Max is and will be greatly missed.

You're So Vain I Bet You Think This Blog Is About You!

2008-12-02T09:53:00.010-06:00

This song was in my head this morning and I thought it would be a great blog post title. So if you are reading this because you wanted to know if I was blogging about you....well you're vain! Just kiddin. :)

I was thinking today would have been a great day to curl up on the couch with a great cup of coffee and catch up on a little reading. Maybe I had this thought because I'm currently behind in my reading. I'm presently trying to read the Bible through in 90 days. It has been an incredible journey and at times a little challenging. I once heard someone say that Leviticus was the grave yard for all those people trying to read the bible through in a year and I can say a hearty AMEN! But there are many treasures to be found. Have I understood all that I've read so far... NO! But I do have a little better understanding of a few things. I have lots of questions like...will the children of Isreal ever get it right? HA! That makes me laugh because I'm wondering the same thing about myself!

Why am I doing this? I want to encounter God in a way I've never encountered Him before and what better way to seek Him out than through His Word. One thing for sure it comes straight from Him, no outside influences!

If you would like to check out the Bible in 90 days you can check it out here: http://www.biblein90days.org/

What else is currently on my reading shelf? Pagan Christianity.

He Who Holds My Life In His Hand

2008-12-01T13:27:00.004-06:00

But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Daniel 5:23

I was reading in the 5th chapter of Daniel last night when the above scripture really spoke to me and it made me think of all the times I have not honored the God who holds in His hand MY life and all MY ways and how thankful I am that He didn’t close His hand when I was not honoring Him with my life or my ways.

And sometimes my face turns pale and I become so frightened that my knees knock together and my legs give way because I have just seen the writing on the wall. Read the chapter!

Thank God for HIS mercy, grace and forgiveness!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2008-11-27T08:37:00.000-06:00

SLOW FADE

2008-11-19T14:10:00.002-06:00

I'm so sorry....I've screwed up my life....please don't hate me....I never thought this would happen to me..

These are words I hear almost every day, actually I heard someone say them this morning. And most of them I have said myself. The realization that you are suddenly in a heap of trouble is the most overwhelming thing you can experience. The thought that you have been left to your own devices is a horrible realization. Now what happens?? Makes me think of the Dave Edwards quote...That were our foundation ripped away, any one of us would be capable of doing the same thing the Columbine students did...left to ourselves, every one of us has a tremendous capacity for evil. “Lit” David Edwards

In the word of Casting Crowns
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

I know God forgives and He can redeem, heal and rescue but I have one question to leave you with....how do we end up in such places and why did we not think that God truly was enough?

Now Behold the Lamb

2008-11-15T18:25:00.001-06:00

Reflection of Jesus

2008-11-12T10:56:00.002-06:00

I saw someone yesterday the LOVED Jesus! I don’t mean talked about loving Jesus but actually really did. He could hardly express with words but everything about him told you how deep his love for Jesus was. He wasn’t fancy, didn’t use the first religious word and didn’t even quote a bunch of scripture. I saw something I don’t ever remember seeing. Did it leave an impression? Oh how it did. This man has no doubt that he loves Jesus and no doubt that Jesus loves him. I can’t get the image out of my mind and I hope I NEVER do.

You see I have had some nagging lingering questions for some time now. I can’t shake them and they seem to be present in some part of every day and they have been for well over a year now. I'm not sure I can even explain my questions or thoughts but it has to do with how our lives don't truly mirror the life of Jesus and how we use a lot of biblical words that we don't really know the meaning let alone live them out. I know we all know a few people that seemingly do but that seems to be the exception instead of the norm. You may think I'm a cynic and maybe that's true. All I know is I don’t see in others, including myself, what I saw in this man yesterday. I do know it’s something I want.

" I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30

RaNDoMnESs

2008-11-10T15:22:00.005-06:00

Yes I love random thoughts and have them quite often, SO here are a few of my current random thoughts. Some stay with me for days while others are just fleeting thoughts. So here they are in no particular order….I guess that makes em random!

That were our foundation ripped away, any one of us would be capable of doing the same thing the Columbine students did Left to ourselves, every one of us has a tremendous capacity for evil. “Lit” David Edwards

Can I actually get to the gym tonight?

When will I get this thing we call Christian living right? Do you ever think about all the religious words we use and realize you don’t really know what most of the mean let alone live them out.

Most people don’t like change and usually won’t change unless the pain of same is greater than the pain of change.

Dang! I’d love a cupcake about right now!

My Max is not feeling well lately I hope he's not gonna die.

2008-04-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

2007-12-25T15:01:00.000-06:00