So, I've practically been living out of whole foods the past week. Not that I mind. :P I mean- I absolutely love this store. :) But, economically sometimes it's like um, "ouch!".
Monday night I had fresh peppers w/ some delicious spinach hummus. So refreshing and just what I needed after both a thoroughly emotional & physically exhausting day.
My sweet mother had major surgery on Monday so I'm out of town taking care of her, basically living at the hospital. Even with night duty (the nurses are top notch her but the thought of her being alone is not even a consideration as I love her to death!), caring for her is not a burden - not one bit. I'm so grateful that she's doing SO well and consider it a privilege to love on the woman that gave me a chance at life!
And, with last night's scare I feel a little shaken. Mom skipped the whole ICU phase after surgery but they had to move her last night and "reset" her heart. I was fine during the actual "crisis" as I was the family member in the room with her when the decision was made, but afterwards I broke down. Can't believe I'm sharing this here . . . but there you have it!
I'm like that, though - I can be fine in the middle of a situation and have the sense to act, but I have my little moment afterwards - when I'm fully processing everything that just happened. Anyone else like this?
With all the stress that comes with watching such an intense physical battle and seeing someone you love so much go through something like this -- it makes me thankful that I know from God's Word that everything works together for good, even when I don't understand.
I was reminded by a dear friend to stay connected to the Living Water, Jesus Christ, and that my well will never dry up- never, ever if I abide in Him! I am embracing this truth and it puts a spring it my step and brings a smile to my face. Thank you, Jesus! Momma, you are so strong and I'm proud of how hard you fight and the fact that your positivity comes from your very core. :-) We're bustin' out of here sooooooon!
And, I just want to say "thank-you" and give a "hug" across cyber-space to all of my friends who have texted me, called, or sent an uplifting Bible verse for inspiration & encouragement. Even when I don't have time to answer it means so much! Probably more than you'll ever know. Pleeeeaaaaase don't stop. :)
Food report time! :P I did the Whole Foods salad bar for lunch on Tues. It's just right around the corner from the hospital which is SO nice!
. . . sipping on this green kombucha throughout the afternoon. :P
Golden Corral with my brothers & friends for dinner. :) This place is the "fried kinda style" but you really can get some good things here, if you go on the hunt! I went for the "greenhouse station" and Mexican foods. Peppers and salsa are total awesomeness!
Wednesday's lunch - I still had leftover spinach hummus in my hotel frig so I grabbed that and some more sliced peppers. A sweet someone gave me nut & rice crackers so I had some of those, too. :-)
The hotel I'm staying at has a great workout room with a huge mirror. Love it! (great help w/ form) I ran almost 4 miles this morning - it had been way too long since I'd go this far so it felt fantastic!
I'm beginning to think this is one of my ways of coping . . .
Whole Foods has a great packaged bar aisle, but don't be fooled! Just because it's @ Whole Foods doesn't mean it's healthy. You still have to read those labels to check the ingredients. :P
Green powder on the road works as a substitute for my daily green smoothie! That, and lots of vitamin C along with lemon essential oil are my friends. :-) I've been diffusing in the hospital room . . . maybe I can do a post with some interesting info on this soon.
And, this? A sweet gift basket from friends - fresh fruit, water, mixed nuts, homemade oatmeal cookies, homemade raisin bread (with freshly ground wheat flour made that morning!), and homemade granola. If you judge me by friends - I'd say I'm pretty wealthy! Thank you to each of you who've sent your love. :)
For supper tonight, I have my eye on the smoothie bar in the hospital cafeteria (Freshens). :P
Tomorrow? There's a local 5K that I'm hoping to run! We'll see how Mom is doing - she's pushing me to do it, though. That's just like her and one of the million things I love about this lady.
Tomorrow? There's a local 5K that I'm hoping to run! We'll see how Mom is doing - she's pushing me to do it, though. That's just like her and one of the million things I love about this lady.
So, yes - the past week has been one of the most intense and frightening experiences for me (ever!) but at the same time I have that perfect peace because God is my strength. It's not because of me - not one bit (!) and I'm praising His name for carrying me through!
With tough times we all have a choice -- we will either come out bitter or better. And really, in the simplest terms: it's our choice, although God gives us the grace. What storm are you going through and what choice are you making?
With tough times we all have a choice -- we will either come out bitter or better. And really, in the simplest terms: it's our choice, although God gives us the grace. What storm are you going through and what choice are you making?
I had a great start to the day with Psalm 18. Click to listen! Have a fantastic rest of the day and count your blessings. :-)
PS: If you're going through a difficult time, I highly recommend this book: The Land Between. I read it about a year ago and think about it's application often. It's really good, but at the same time it's something I wouldn't have understood 2 yrs ago so if you think I'm totally off the wall I can understand that, too :P
PS: If you're going through a difficult time, I highly recommend this book: The Land Between. I read it about a year ago and think about it's application often. It's really good, but at the same time it's something I wouldn't have understood 2 yrs ago so if you think I'm totally off the wall I can understand that, too :P
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So, I want to know about you!
Are you an oatmeal cookie addict, too?
What do you eat under stressful circumstances?
Do you workout when things get rough? What's your outlet?
Anyone reading this who has a family member with health challenges?
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Link-up for Fresh Fridays (wk 4) and tell me the top 3 things that made your week fresh & fantastic!
For this week's Fresh Friday - I'm thankful for . . .
1. sweaty workouts :)
2. nutritious foods
3. festive decorations!
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