Egg Nog Love!

Anyone who knows me knows just how much I LOVE Christmas. Not only is it a time to eat yummy things, and give and receive gifts, but it's a time when people turn their hearts and minds toward a baby born to change the world.

Of course, the food IS great:) (ya know, I love food too;). One of my seasonal favourites is egg nog. I secretly want egg nog all year round, and really don't understand why it's not available for the other 11 months of the year. I even tried to make homemade egg nog a few years ago, but no one (including me) would drink my lumpy/eggy/milky mess.

You can imagine my excitement last week in the grocery store when I spotted the nog sitting in the dairy case, waiting to be enjoyed:) To my elation, I then set my sights on the low fat version. Finally I could enjoy my egg nog, and not feel guilty about it! I raced home, and got my special egg nog cup ready to be filled! Now picture the look on my face when I drank what can only be described as watered down MILK. It was gross.

So I resigned to the fact that I would not be able to enjoy my precious nog this season:( Then the Lord reminded me of something. The reason we get into trouble with food is not eating bad things alone, but because we don't allow His Spirit to give us the self-control we need to eat in moderation. He wants us to enjoy food, but we just need to make sure we do not indulge.

On today's grocery trip, I bought the higher fat version, and am reminded that walking in the freedom Christ brings means being able to use the self-control He offers to only have a little.

Be blessed today, and remember that "if the Son sets you free you are truly free" (John 8:36).

One of those days...

I have to admit, there are days (sometimes weeks), when I just DON'T WANT TO WORKOUT! As much as I love running, and get a high from it, some days it's like pulling my own teeth to get out there and run. I'm not sure why I'm like that. I'd love to be one of those people who always loves to workout....But I'm not, and today was "one of those days". In addition to not always loving working out, I don't love the cold weather. My body just doesn't seem to work as efficiently when it's all stiff and cold, and I find it difficult to breathe the cold air. If any of you fitness buffs out there know of ways to overcome these pitfalls, let me know.

I'm pleased to say I did go out running today....though I'm embarrassed to say it's been about a week! I have been working out in my house, but all you runners out there know that it's just not the same as a good run outside.

I'm learning how to psych myself into enjoying exercise especially when I'm just not feeling it. Here are a few things I've learned.

1. Spend the time thinking about God's word. It's amazing how God's promises have come alive to me as I run! (check out these verses: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40:31&version=NIV, http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:1&version=NIV , http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:13&version=NIV )

2. Just get out there ! I've learned that it's really only the first 20 or so minutes that are tough, and then the rest of the time I'm enjoying it, and when it's all over and you get the runner's high, it's all worth it:)

3. Find something new. It's always possible that you're just in a workout rut. Trying a new form of exercise might help beat the boredom.

By the way, I LOVE hearing from you all, letting me know that you've been encouraged by my blog! It's really humbling to me to know that God is using my journey to inspire others!

Be blessed!