Before there were silly bandz....

Silly bandz are one of the biggest fads today. As a society no one ever really knows how fads start and they usually don't last very long.

Do you remember these fads?

1. Scrunchies 

2. Slap Bracelets

3. T-Shirt clips

4. Banana Clips

5. Mood Rings

6. The Choker Necklace

7. The Mini Backpack

It's pretty hilarious to look back at all the trends I participated in. You better believe that as a 10 year old growing up in the 90's I had a mini backpack-it was green. I wore it with my flannel shirts and jean shorts while my hair was pulled back with a scrunchie. My sisters used the the t-shirt clips. They were cool in middle school. Believe it or not, we still have some banana clips laying around the house. (Just in case they come back one day).

What other fads do you look back at and think, "Oh wow. Seriously?" 

Naddir Kavod

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." 

-Psalm 145:5

Naddir Kavod is the name for God meaning majestic glory. The Hebrew word for glory is kavod which means "weightiness". Glory refers to the weight of magnificence, splendor or beauty that surrounds an esteemed person, in this case, God. How often do you meditate on God's glory? Are you captivated by his beauty? The writers of the bible were:

"Out of the north comes golden splendor. God is clothed with awesome majesty" 
- Job 37:22


"The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty"
-Psalm 93:1


"In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people"
-Isaiah 28:5


"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary"
-Psalm 96:6


"Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty"
-Psalm 104:1


We as humans are created to pursue that which we find most attractive. We often become distracted from pursuing a relationship with God because we do not adequately see and grasp the true beauty of God. When we fail to recognize His beauty is when we become enthralled with lesser things such as clothes, cars, houses, riches, fame, personal appearance, fitness, relationships and short-term pleasures. As C.S. Lewis put it; our desires are "too weak".

                   We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when                
                   infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a 
                  slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are 
                  far too easily pleased.
                                                 -The Weight of Glory


I know I don't want to settle for the lesser things in this world. I want to be enthralled with the glory and beauty of my creator. The things of this world do not compare. I want to be like David and pursue the beauty of the Lord. "On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works I will meditate" Psalm 145:5/Psalm 27:4


Know Him....by name

Why Run?

I began running about a year and a half ago. What possessed me to start you may ask? My main reason was that I needed a stress reliever. I also wanted to accomplish something I never thought I would do. So I decided to run. I began with 1.5 miles and worked my way up to 5-6 miles 5 days a week. 


Here are some great reasons to get started:

1. It's easy and convenient
2. You will stress less
3. It can prevent disease
4. It fights cancer
5. It boosts your bones!
6. You feel great about yourself afterward!
7. Train for races if you like competition

10 Things to consider as a new runner:

1. Wear good running shoes (you can get fitted for free at OffandRunning in Greensboro)
2. Shoot to run between 8 and 15 miles per WEEK to increase you aerobic fitness
3. As a new runner focus on time not miles. Your goal could be to run for 15 min not 2 miles.
4. Be prepared to be hungry-often. Know it IS okay to eat, your body is working harder so make sure you feed it more. However not junk food! Here are some great meal ideas for runners!
5. When you run keep your jaw loose, shoulders relaxed and occasionally shake out your hands to stay relaxed
6. Before you stretch do a short warm up. You can actually damage your muscles by stretching them while they are "cold"
7. DRINK the H20! Water keeps you hydrated, joints tendons and ligaments lubricated and helps carry blood to organs in the body.
8. Push through those side cramps. The best way to get rid of them is to keep running. I promise.
9. Keep your breathing rhythmic
10. Change up your scenery!

More tips for running!

More tips to get started!

Take this quiz- common mistakes runners make

Printable running plan for beginners

Ways to stay motivated:

1. Sign up for a race

2. Get a free training plan online

3. Get new shoes

4. Run a new route

5. Bring your dog

6. Run for a cause

7. Listen to new music

8. Use running for prayer

 Be empowered