Fall in Arlington Heights

Dan's huge Strawberries & Creme he got for his Birthday drink lol

Regrets

We watched this video last night at Bible study and I liked it so I thought I would share it with you :)

Oh and I got my hair cut!  It's short.. surprise surprise lol  I'll post pictures soon!

Things I don't do

These past few weeks since the marathon have been pretty quiet- which is a good thing.  We've had time to go to church (which is something we have missed because of our busy weekends!), catch up on school work- much needed, and hang out with friends.  All wonderful things :)

A while back I told you that I went to see Shauna Niequist speak.  It was really fun because she read a couple chapters out loud from her book "Bittersweet" and the way she spoke sounded exactly how I imagined she would sound as I read her book.  She read one chapter from her book called "Things I don't do" which actually is the chapter that made me want to buy her book in the first place.  (I came across her blog randomly, and she had a couple chapters posted from her book- and you can read that particular chapter here.)

I can totally relate to her as she writes this chapter- there are so many times when I get caught in this cycle of wanting to "do everything better" which is not healthy or biblical.  Her friend Denise gave her some great advice: "It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about.  What's hard is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about."  So profound, yet so simple that it makes me wonder why I didn't think of that.  After Shauna read her chapter aloud, she asked us to write down our list of do's and dont's.  I'm so glad she encouraged us to do this because this was something I wanted to do a while back, but as life is, things got busy and I didn't get around to it.  Even though I didn't finish my list that night, these past weeks I have been adding to it and this is what I have come up with so far.

Things I [try] do:

1. Keep Christ at the center of everything I do.  He is the reason I am here, He is the one who gives me purpose, He is the one who gives me peace, and in this world I desperately need to cling to a savior.
2. Invest in my marriage.  I read a convicting devotional from a divorced woman pleading that we pursue our spouses and don't let our marriages get complacent.  Even though I *knew* this- it is still a good reminder that we always need to be pursuing our spouse- even when we think things are "o.k. or going well."  Keeping consistent date nights and finding ways to serve Dan is definitely a priority.
3. Be the best I can at my job- creating visit experiences that allow students and families to experience Trinity at it's best - a place where students can grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically.  And, growing closer to my co workers in the process.  I work with some amazing people and am daily blessed by them.
4. Work hard at my classes. God has give me the amazing blessing of taking classes at Trinity and He's given me a passion for counseling and helping people.  I hope to use this opportunity to learn and grow in preparation for the future ministry that could be entrusted to Dan and I.
5. Keep in close contact with my friends.  Whether they are here in Chicago, from college or high school-  I have learned that I need women speaking truth into my life and that fellowship for Dan and I is MUCH needed.
6. Organizing.  I love organizing.  It can go overboard for sure- so it's something I need to watch. But when I'm stressed, I organize.  It can be anything- drawers, the refrigerator, magazines, coat closet- you name it, I'll organize it.
7. This is very vague- but I'm working on finding beauty in everything every day.  Whether it's through photography, or just slowing down and going on a walk.  I have the tendency to book it through life looking for the next thing I need to do (hence my "list" problems) that I don't ever slow down.

Things I don't do:

1. Shop organically.  I am sure it is healthier... and sure it could be better for me, but for now we don't have the funds so normal food will have to do.
2. Pay more than $20 for a haircut.  Yes I have had some bad experiences at Great Clips, but here in Chicago, after the tip, $60 just isn't worth it to me.
3. Paint my nails.  It takes up too much time and only lasts a couple days. 
4. Antique shop.  I desperately wish I had this gift- the gift of walking into an antique store or a garage sale and upholstering this old trunk and turning it into a beautiful coffee table- but unfortunately I don't have that gift.  And trust me, I've tried.  It's just not there lol
5. Scrapbook.  I have multiple friends who scrapbook- and they're so good at it.  They give them away as gifts, use it as a serving opportunity, and are super creative.  Unfortunately, I just don't have that gift, or the time.  For now Shutterfly albums will have to do!
6. Shop at Anthropology.  Not only do I not have the money, but I also just don't have the skill to put together outfits from there.  I desperately wish I was that trendy girl who stepped out of one of their magazines, but again I don't have the "eye" for that sort of thing.  It makes me sad sometimes, but I'm slowly getting over it.
7. Fold underwear and turn shirts inside out when I wash them.  Does this bother Dan?  You better believe it (the inside out shirts)!  But, life is just too short to do those kinds of things.  I still recognize my shirt if it's inside out in my drawer- so what's the point?
8. Always say "yes."  This is a work in progress, but I'm working on it.

I've realized that a lot of things on my "don't do" list are qualities/ gifts that I see in other people that I want to be my natural qualities or gifts.  Last year in my Bible study we talked about how everyone in the study has unique gifts, and it's so easy to get caught up in the cycle of wanting a little bit of everyone's gift and not being content in who we were created to be.  I want her gift of hospitality, her ability to cook/ bake, her decorating skills, her cute style, her gentle spirit, her amazing personality that draws everyone in, her artistic/ musical skills, her close walk with the Lord... etc etc. 

But, this past week as I've been compiling this list and thinking about who I really look up to and what I want my life to be about, I realized that I don't really want my life to be about fashion, decorating, etc. (even though it's super easy for me to get caught up in the fact that I do).  The Lord has definitely gifted some of my friends in those ways- but what I struggle with is idolizing those things and wanting to be known for them.  I discovered these past couple weeks that I would rather be known as the woman who is real and honest- those are the women I look up to.  I want to be someone that others can share their struggles with- someone you can relate to, rather than the woman who can do it all and that others idolize to be.  I don't want to be known for my perfectly decorated home, or my cute fashion choices, (or in the words of Shauna, that woman with a "challenging career, beautiful home, and well tended abs.")  but for the way I love the Lord.  The woman who is confident in who she is in Christ- flaws and all. 

So, I would encourage you to make a list like this if you're like me and want to do it all!  I think you'll be surprised about what you really want to do, and what just takes up time :)

Sorry that was long- that's what I get for not posting in a while lol

Oh, and on a totally other random note- how cute is this girl!?

Happy Monday!

Blogs

Things I've been reading lately . . .

I love this blog - it is one that I visit every day, and they have such great advice.  In the midst of the crazy holiday season coming up, I found this piece of advice very helpf ul :)

Kevin DeYoung is pretty great.  Here he explains some great advice given by Ed Welch about counseling.

And who doesn't struggle with people pleasing to some extent?!  Of course some of us struggle with it more than others . . . but I LOVE Lina's explanation of our culture and people pleasing in her blog post.

On a cooking note . . . I made this recipe and absolutely loved it!  But, note that if you are making it for only you and one other person... you may be eating it for a while (I made it Sunday and we have had it every night this week for dinner . . . and probably don't plan on stopping for a couple more days.  I have such a great husband that is so thankful with anything... let alone chili for 7 days in a row lol)  At least we like it!

Annnnd on a girly note . . . I have always wanted to be daring and do something like this but never have . . . maybe I'll be risky some time and try to pull it off :)

Happy Wednesday!

Funny video

There are a lot more things that I could write about today, and maybe later on I'll have more time.  But, for now our friend Andy showed us this video on Saturday night and I honestly can't stop laughing everytime I watch it.  If your humor is like mine... I think you'll find enjoyment out of it too.  Just as a warning, Dan wasn't laughing quite as hard as I was lol

Usher . . .

Happy Tuesday!

10.10.2010- The Journey has officially ended

It is crazy for me to think that I have actually run a marathon.  I am not sure if I need to remind you all, but this is coming from the girl who's parents had to force her to do sports because she was sitting around eating too many "lunch cakes" after school.  Athletics has never come easy to me.  There is a reason why I jokingly put on the track shirt I created in high school "The faster Beattie" - sarcastically inferring that I was faster than my track star twin brother Doug. 

There are so many things I want to talk about, but it is almost hard to recall them all.  I feel like I am experiencing what mom's have told me they experience after they have a baby.  Yes labor's hard, but eventually they all forget about it because they start trying for a second.  I distinctly remember looking at Dan not even 2 seconds after we crossed the finishing line and saying "Never again" and what was I saying not even 24 hours later? I think we could do another.  Running does this to people.  It's this crazy addiction that you can't seem to stop. 

The actual day of the marathon was such a blur.  We were blessed to stay in a hotel with my parents so our day didn't start at 4:00 like some of our other friends who ran it.  I was up bright and early at 5:55 a.m. drinking water, shoving a banana and granola bar down my throat, tattooing my mile splits to my arm, and stretching.  After we walked to the start, I realized I had to go to the bathroom.  Up until this part of my morning it was pretty go-go, so this part seemed to take FOREVER.  All the lines were so long, but thankfully Becca and Dan waited for me, even though we got into the start line of 45,000 people after 7:30 (the time the race started).  Don't worry though, because once we got in line, it took us 25 minutes to cross the start and actually begin running.  Our first mile was quick; we signed up to run with the Nike pace group to finish in 4 hours and 45 minutes and because of my long bathroom break, we had to race to catch up to the pacer.  I was definitely tired by mile 2, but there were SO many people cheering us on I seriously barely remember the first 10 miles. Which is weird for me to even type, but it honestly went by so quickly.  My parents, brother, and his fiance were at mile 1 and then mile 3, and then again at mile 12, so it was fun to search for them in the crowds, and it gave us something to do.  I feel like I was with the two most enthusiastic runners- Dan and Becca were running around giving everyone in the crowd high five's- meanwhile I was just trying to survive - no fun for me.  Knowing my luck I would trip and sprain my ankle.  

Then hit dreaded mile 14.  I start to feel myself getting tired and I look over at Dan and he is not looking good.  I ask him how he's doing and he tells me he has the chills, is getting dizzy, and feels like he is going to throw up.  These are all not good signs to have in general, but especially not good while running a marathon when it's hot outside.  Let me take you back to about 24 hours earlier, when Val (who ran the marathon as well) explained to us how if you start to get the chills, feel nauseous, get dizzy, and your face goes white, you need to stop immediately because you could die- she said she has witnessed 2 people die running marathons in the hot weather!  At that point Dan had 3 out of the 4 symptoms and it had reached about 85 degrees.  I'm about in full panic mode.  Dan knew he had to keep drinking Gatorade to replenish his sodium and electrolytes, but at the same time he couldn't keep that down and that is what was making him throw up.  For the rest of the marathon I was basically focused on Dan and keeping him alive.  (Dan would say I'm being dramatic, and maybe I was but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared!)  I seriously cannot believe that he actually finished in under 5 hours.  Even though he was throwing up and feeling terrible, he still managed to run 12 miles in that pain.  Crazy.  If that was me, I would have been crying on the side of the road saying "I can't do it." He is seriously such a trooper.  Obviously, it was a bummer to train for 5 months to run this race, and to NEVER have a bad run- seriously Dan has done so great on all of our long runs (It's me who's the weak one), and then on race day he had to experience this :(  Such a bummer.  So, when we saw mile 25 in the distance, I looked at my watch and saw it was 4:49.  I looked at Dan and said "We can still do this in under 5 hours if you can run this last mile in under 11 minutes."  He looked over at me and said "Let's do it" and then we took off.  So, we did it.  We finished.  We ran 26.2 miles.  We crossed the finish line at 4:57.

So thoughts afterward?  Tonight I heard Shauna Niequist speak- the author that I have referred to earlier that wrote "Bittersweet" and "Cold Tangerines"and it was such a treat to see her in person talk about her book.  She actually ran the marathon and brought up a great point- after you run the marathon you kind of want everyone to know- and pridefully find ways to bring it up.  I passed our Christian Ministries professor at Trinity who asked me how work was going and I somehow was able to turn it around like this: "You know it's not too bad, but I am just exhausted because I ran the marathon on Sunday." I can't help but crack up as I read this because I totally just turned that conversation from work..... to me running the marathon.  I think the reason why I can't stop thinking about it is because it's something I never imagined I would do EVER (ask Lisa, Neff, and Finn, my high school track, cross country, and running partners lol)  

I feel like there is so much I took away from this experience.  Not only did I show myself that I can be disciplined- I can wake up at 6 a.m. on a work day and go on a 7 mile run if I have to.  Never would I choose to do that, but if the training told me to, I would do it!  It also brought Dan and I closer together.  It was such a great experience to know that we finished together and trained together.  Some of our best talks were during our long runs- about counseling, Jr High, and our future.  The Lord really used that time and the actual marathon to grow us closer together.  Shauna talked tonight about really experiencing life.  Running a marathon is an experience I will never forget.  Especially the Chicago Marathon.  The whole city rallies behind it and there are so many people that show up to support you it is incredible.  I really have to say that Dan was the one who pushed me to really run this.  If it wasn't for him I never would have signed up for the Walter Payton race, then I never would have done the Chicago half, and so on and so on. I almost teared up a couple times when I saw what people were running for - people that have lost children, parents, friends, some ran for a cure for cancer, other for World Vision, etc.  For a lot of people that day this was a really big accomplishment and meant more than just running the miles- it was great to be apart of that.

I do have to say I will miss our long Saturday morning runs- but only a little.  I am happy when I think about how I don't need to be careful about eating Chipotle on a Friday because of those long runs on Saturday morning.  But, speaking of food, I know I will miss the fact that I was able to basically eat anything I wanted and was able to stop tracking my calories on Livestrong.  That is not going to be an easy transition to make.  But, with my friend Becca already sending me emails about a half marathon in April, I'm sure I'll be back on a schedule soon :)   

Val, me and Becca at the Expo!

10.10.10

Arriving at the Expo- it was nuts in there!

We finished! We wish we took more pictures but we were exhausted lol

10.11.2010- my sweet husband treated me to get a massage :)  MUCH needed

Much needed truth

Tonight is one of those nights when I really do not need to be sitting in front of my computer, let alone blogging.  Dan's playing video games with friends, so I'm here, sipping wine and enjoying the smell of my apple cinnamon candle, with an open book and study guide staring at me out of the corner of my eye.

This week has been less than perfect.  Found out I have a midterm due next Wednesday that I really was not expecting.  Anxiety is overtaking me as I think about the marathon on Sunday (I could dedicate a whole blog post to my nervousness but I'm not going to because that is going to make me even more nervous).  Work has kept me late because of college fairs and events.  I *may* have forgotten to tell our catering service that an event for a school was cancelled, so they set up a beautiful breakfast buffet for basically my co workers.  I feel the weight of carrying the burdens of some of my close friends.  My mac and cheese fell out of the fridge and spilled on the floor approximately 20 minutes ago. I've been super stretched in my group counseling class - which I am sure at some point I will write more about, but there's way too much processing to do before I get my thoughts together on that.  Dan had an allergic reaction to his lunch during a meeting with his co workers :( (which totally  freaks me out because one of my biggest fears is that he will choke on something and I won't know what to do).  Lastly this is the first time I've been able to really sit and breath all week (or at least it feels like that lol).

So yeah, you can throw a pity party for me if you want - please don't actually, there are people having MUCH worse weeks than me.  But, something that was such a blessing for me was making a play list for our Sneak Preview event tomorrow.  There is something about worship music that just totally calms me down, and I came across this song by Fee: Everything Falls and forgot how much I love it.

No, I'm not going through some great tragedy, but what I love so much about God is that He understands even the smallest stresses of our day.  Why? Because He sent His son, Jesus, to become a man.  To know how it is to be a human.  To know how it feels when your mac and cheese spills all over the floor after a long day.  To understand how hard it is to bear the burdens of your friends. To understand how hard it is to bear your own burdens alone.  We're going through Luke in my Bible study and I have never appreciated more than now that God humbled himself to become man so that He could relate to us.  So when the Bible tells us that He's suffered in every way and that He understands every little aspect of our lives, and more -- it's true.  It's real.  When the Bible says Jesus wept, He felt pain.  So when I come boldly before His throne, He doesn't just hear me, He understands me, and feels compassion for me.  And, He doesn't just stop there.  He give us hope.  Hope that it will get better.  Maybe not here on this earth, but that's only temporary anyway.

Tonight, I am thankful for a God who understands and a God who gives me hope :)

Thankful

Today Dan had the wonderful opportunity to be the guest "speaker" at the small Korean church in Glenview that we visited a couple weeks back.  We feel so loved every time we visit - I know I raved about them earlier but I just can't get over how welcoming and friendly they all are!  And, apparently we come at all the good weeks because it was someones birthday so they cooked another huge meal that we "had" to stay for.  Rachael and Brian came to support Dan, which was so sweet of them, and they got roped into staying and eating the Korean meal with us.  (Definitely not what they signed up for lol)


It was really fun for me this week to walk with Dan as he prepared for the sermon - I have a whole new respect for pastors because it can be a stressful process!  There is a lot of pressure on pastors these days to say the right thing and be very gifted speakers that are funny, interesting, compassionate, and challenging all in one.  Definitely not easy.  But, this congregation was the perfect congregation for Dan to give his first sermon to! There were probably 25 people packed in this tiny room on the 2nd floor of this church.  He said something that reminded me of a conversation that we had earlier about being thankful.  In Romans 1:21 it says "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened." If we're not honoring God and giving thanks to him, our hearts can be darkened.  That's pretty powerful stuff, and it got me to thinking how I am not a very thankful person. 


The other day my brother and his fiance, Holly, were in the area and Jon brought Holly up to see our apartment because she had never been here.  Jon hadn't seen it in a while, and the second he got here he said something like "Wow this looks like I just stepped into our house at home" because our couch, table,  and China cabinet were all given to us from my parents.  My first reaction was to start saying how we hoped to get a new couch soon, and would like to buy our own table, and our T.V. is so out of date . . . etc. etc. Looking back I couldn't believe how selfish I was- and how I didn't respond with "Yeah, we're really blessed that we have a family that was willing to give us their things so we didn't have to buy all new furniture for our apartment."  It is so easy for me to start making lists of all the new things I want, and not be content with what we have.


So, not only thank you Lord for giving us such a loving family, but thank you mom and dad for the couches that sit SO many people and have hosted so many people, for the china cabinet, buffet table, dining room table, and all the other little ways in which you helped us get started in Chicago.  And, thank you to Dan's parents who have given us both of our T.V.'s, our porch furniture, bedroom set, AND the so many other ways you also helped us get a start in Chicago.  We are so beyond blessed. 


Oh, and Happy October!!!  Have I mentioned how much I love the fall? There is heavy sarcasm in that statement :)  The fall festivities have already begun in the Cinadr apartment . . . unfortunately I didn't realize how much Dan likes candy corn.  That boy and his sweet tooth lol  Happy Sunday :)