After talking with the Careforce staff we came to the date of May 6, 2007 as the launch date for the walk. Sorry for all the changes but we are trying to optimize the effectiveness of our work/walk.
Honestly, I am upset with myself about my training right now. There are, of course, lots of reasons... Christmas season, snow, cold cold temps, new work on conference administration, tender bruised heart. Ok, so I have decided this portion of the training is about the MIND. I know I have written about this before but it continues to be an area that God is working in me.
How can I overcome the external influences and make a way through to obtain my goals. I'm still working on that but I wont stop, I will never stop. This is a trial that I can use to my advantage in this training. My body is responsive and strong and will catch up in the spring again. But for now it is slow hard slogging. That's ok, just keep moving.
The other day when Paul was picking up some GingerAle for me cuz I was sick, he also surprised me with a 3 dvd set on Shackleton and the story of the expedition to the Antartic in the boat the Endurance. Paul knows how much I love those stories of perseverance and teamwork. Those men did unhuman tasks - like navigating through the roughest seas in the world in a small open life boat exactly to the island they aimed for over 800 miles away! a feat that could hardly be matched today with modern technology. Or scrambling over mountains to reach an isolated fishing village in record time - when repeated today with technical clothing and navigating tools by experienced mountaineers took 3 times longer than Shackleton and his couple of men who had been fighting the ice and seas for 2 months previous. What was in those men? What did they carry inside them that took those bodies past the limits of human endurance and stamina?
Shackleton made a commitment to his men when the Endurance was finally swallowed by the ice, he said, "Well men, lets go home." He spoke these words of hope to his crew as they stood on an ice flow, the summer was coming in hard and hot, and their vessel had just abandoned them giving itself up to the sea.
Words of hope, commitment to each other, hard hard work, and faith. Do we still have any remnants of these virtues within? Do I have any of Shackleton's love for his men, commitment to my goal, willingness to work harder than I have ever worked, and faith that will sustain my hope?
I am working on it. Shackleton is one of my heros (he didn't do everything right, he failed in many areas of his life) but I want to remember the things he did well. Against all odds, against all British navel protocal, against all hopes, he brought every last man home safely. He set a goal and set everything aside to achieve it.
Today, that means loving my best friend, working harder than I have before, and keeping my eye on May 6. Its just one simple step in a long line of steps that will bring me home.
Thank you Charlotte for encouraging me to write again! d
Friday, December 22, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Change in launch date
New launch date
We recently found out that our church will be hosting the 2007 AGC Canada West Conference in April. This is exciting news but it was also really unsettling for Paul as he considered that I would be gone and he would be responsible for the administration of the whole shabang. So, I have decided to start the walk on May 1, 2007 instead and there are many extra blessings that goes with that date. The first and most important is that most of the Ontario Parks will be open within the second week of May - that was causing us some concern. Also, the weather may be a little nicer, although that means the bugs will be out in full force but they would have been anyway. And, now when Paul comes in June I will be around the Montreal Harbour hill - the longest grade on the walk. I will also have more nice days at home to build up again in long days of training. I would like to go to Hamilton to do some hill training, but that might have to be done "on the road."
Lower Blood Pressure
So walking does pay off. I was at the Dr's and my blood pressure was a little low! What a nice surprise. I may be able to go off my bp pills, which would save us almost $50 per month. So he set up an appointment for a 24hr bp test to see if I can come off! I'm sure I will be able to for which I am so grateful. We are also going to do a full physical which is what many people have asked me about.
Pain brings growth
That sounds so cliche - but the truth of it is; the dirty hard truth is that without the pressure that pain brings into our lives we can't grow into mature persons. We have been swimming through some sewage in our life in the last two months and although I never would have asked for this tutor - it has been faithful to show us the way to the Father. How many times I have called out on God, or just the name of Jesus for help to take one more breath. And He always came into the room. He surprised me every time with some measure of peace, hope and perseverance.
This training ground is what I am counting on for the walk - when it gets so that I don't want to go on I can look back and know that I have done it before in harder circumstances - WITH GOD'S CARE AND HELP.
Calling on Him is a simple step I've learned about through the hardest days of my life.
We recently found out that our church will be hosting the 2007 AGC Canada West Conference in April. This is exciting news but it was also really unsettling for Paul as he considered that I would be gone and he would be responsible for the administration of the whole shabang. So, I have decided to start the walk on May 1, 2007 instead and there are many extra blessings that goes with that date. The first and most important is that most of the Ontario Parks will be open within the second week of May - that was causing us some concern. Also, the weather may be a little nicer, although that means the bugs will be out in full force but they would have been anyway. And, now when Paul comes in June I will be around the Montreal Harbour hill - the longest grade on the walk. I will also have more nice days at home to build up again in long days of training. I would like to go to Hamilton to do some hill training, but that might have to be done "on the road."
Lower Blood Pressure
So walking does pay off. I was at the Dr's and my blood pressure was a little low! What a nice surprise. I may be able to go off my bp pills, which would save us almost $50 per month. So he set up an appointment for a 24hr bp test to see if I can come off! I'm sure I will be able to for which I am so grateful. We are also going to do a full physical which is what many people have asked me about.
Pain brings growth
That sounds so cliche - but the truth of it is; the dirty hard truth is that without the pressure that pain brings into our lives we can't grow into mature persons. We have been swimming through some sewage in our life in the last two months and although I never would have asked for this tutor - it has been faithful to show us the way to the Father. How many times I have called out on God, or just the name of Jesus for help to take one more breath. And He always came into the room. He surprised me every time with some measure of peace, hope and perseverance.
This training ground is what I am counting on for the walk - when it gets so that I don't want to go on I can look back and know that I have done it before in harder circumstances - WITH GOD'S CARE AND HELP.
Calling on Him is a simple step I've learned about through the hardest days of my life.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
what it takes
Do I know what it takes to train my body to the place that I am ready to walk 25kms a day? Do I know what it takes to leave my husband alone for 4 months? Do I understand what it takes to make a sacrifice to help others?
The answer to all these questions is: absolutely not!!
I do know that my greatest asset is my mind. The ability to take control of my thoughts and emotions and focus them into the moment will be what makes or breaks this adventure.
The training of the body seems to be going well and I am excited to report that I have lost 48lbs - which means I have broken the 200 lbs mark which was a mental barrier for me. I have begun to wonder if my training schedule is too rigorous and whether I am overtraining. So, doing more research and looking for training schedules for edurance runners has helped me to slow up a bit.
Do any of us know what it takes to follow our call? I suppose we have to realize that it will take all of everything we possess.
The answer to all these questions is: absolutely not!!
I do know that my greatest asset is my mind. The ability to take control of my thoughts and emotions and focus them into the moment will be what makes or breaks this adventure.
The training of the body seems to be going well and I am excited to report that I have lost 48lbs - which means I have broken the 200 lbs mark which was a mental barrier for me. I have begun to wonder if my training schedule is too rigorous and whether I am overtraining. So, doing more research and looking for training schedules for edurance runners has helped me to slow up a bit.
Do any of us know what it takes to follow our call? I suppose we have to realize that it will take all of everything we possess.
Monday, November 13, 2006
THE VOICE OUTSIDE MY HEAD
I heard today, that a disciple is one who lives a disciplined life. Surprised? I was but then, what did I think it meant? Of course, simple. So immediately I asked myself the obvious question: Where do babies come from....NO, not that question...Am I living like a disciple of Jesus Christ? Or more simply: Am I a disciplined person.
Sometimes, more than I ever have been, trying hard, were all responses that lay on the gray matter. But since things have changed here in Melfort, SK - snow fell and I feel the push to walk inside at our beautiful "Northern Lights Sports Palace" - I seem to have lost my firm grip on my head! Its like the Bible verse my Pastor read on Sunday while commenting on sloth - "the sluggered says, there is a lion in the street," hmmm sounds like me - backing out on my discipline regime because of a bit of snow.
So last night, this faithful voice that is outside of my head said, "We are going to walk outside tomorrow. Nothing is going to stop you."
May I have $10 worth of courage please, and $100 worth of discipline. Sometimes I need to hold on to his determination and courage, sometimes I can't get it from deep down and thats when you know you have the bestest friend in the whole world...cuz he lets you share his discipline. I love my dear friend and trainer - Oprah eat your heart out :)
Remember endurance is 90% in the mind and the other 10% is in the mind!
Sometimes, more than I ever have been, trying hard, were all responses that lay on the gray matter. But since things have changed here in Melfort, SK - snow fell and I feel the push to walk inside at our beautiful "Northern Lights Sports Palace" - I seem to have lost my firm grip on my head! Its like the Bible verse my Pastor read on Sunday while commenting on sloth - "the sluggered says, there is a lion in the street," hmmm sounds like me - backing out on my discipline regime because of a bit of snow.
So last night, this faithful voice that is outside of my head said, "We are going to walk outside tomorrow. Nothing is going to stop you."
May I have $10 worth of courage please, and $100 worth of discipline. Sometimes I need to hold on to his determination and courage, sometimes I can't get it from deep down and thats when you know you have the bestest friend in the whole world...cuz he lets you share his discipline. I love my dear friend and trainer - Oprah eat your heart out :)
Remember endurance is 90% in the mind and the other 10% is in the mind!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Jumping right in
I got blasted for not blogging - truly I deserved it, and probably needed the kick in the motivator. Thanks Scott
The training has been going excellent. I have set up a new training schedule that I have developed for myself after doing some research. It goes like this:
There is a total of 6 months until the launch of SimpleSteps, so I divided the training into 6 wk sections. We had been walking 6 km every day for at least a month before I began this schedule.
Section 1: M 6km, T 12km, W 6km, Th 12km, F 6km, S 30km
Section 2: M 12km, T 12km, W 12km, Th 12km, F 12km, S 30km
Section 3: M 12km, T 18km, W 12km, Th 18km, F 12km, S 30km
Section 4: M 18km, T 18km, W 18km, Th 18km, F 18km, S 30km
Taper: distances will taper down to 6km and 12km but keep the 30km Saturday
I am really pumped about this training. It is so entirely doable one simple step at a time.
Today was my first Saturday 30km. It went great and I am grateful to Paul for helping me to get past a mental hurdle of wanting to walk from point A to point B. So today I walked our 6 km route 5 times. It was great that I could come home since it poured, poured, poured all day. I went through two pairs of shoes and then just started putting the wet ones back on - I still have one pair of dry shoes left.
Something else exciting is the commitment of a support team person, Diane Hawreschuk. The Lord had been laying her on my heart for sometime and when I finally asked her if she had any direction about joining me she was ready to answer on her part. Her husband was surprised by her desire to go but he responded, "This isn't about me." Wow, what a great attitude.
So things are starting to come into place...little by little. Paul keeps me focused on God's part in all this.
I was listening to EndurancePlanet podcast and it was an interview with Christian MacEvoy who is running across America to raise money for cancer survivorship. He mentioned that he has a support group of four, an RV was given to them as well as a car. So I went on their website and realized he not only has a support dream team, but has a full compliment of professionals working on a board for him.
Honestly, I felt discouraged - and little, and like the people on the dust speck in Dr. Seuss' book, "Horton Hears a Who." But Paul reminded me that this walk was God's idea, and His project and He will accomplish what He has planned. There are so many examples of God helping the small to make a big difference. For me its huge, but for God its just a simple step.
Your prayers for the walk and all the needs are treasured.
The training has been going excellent. I have set up a new training schedule that I have developed for myself after doing some research. It goes like this:
There is a total of 6 months until the launch of SimpleSteps, so I divided the training into 6 wk sections. We had been walking 6 km every day for at least a month before I began this schedule.
Section 1: M 6km, T 12km, W 6km, Th 12km, F 6km, S 30km
Section 2: M 12km, T 12km, W 12km, Th 12km, F 12km, S 30km
Section 3: M 12km, T 18km, W 12km, Th 18km, F 12km, S 30km
Section 4: M 18km, T 18km, W 18km, Th 18km, F 18km, S 30km
Taper: distances will taper down to 6km and 12km but keep the 30km Saturday
I am really pumped about this training. It is so entirely doable one simple step at a time.
Today was my first Saturday 30km. It went great and I am grateful to Paul for helping me to get past a mental hurdle of wanting to walk from point A to point B. So today I walked our 6 km route 5 times. It was great that I could come home since it poured, poured, poured all day. I went through two pairs of shoes and then just started putting the wet ones back on - I still have one pair of dry shoes left.
Something else exciting is the commitment of a support team person, Diane Hawreschuk. The Lord had been laying her on my heart for sometime and when I finally asked her if she had any direction about joining me she was ready to answer on her part. Her husband was surprised by her desire to go but he responded, "This isn't about me." Wow, what a great attitude.
So things are starting to come into place...little by little. Paul keeps me focused on God's part in all this.
I was listening to EndurancePlanet podcast and it was an interview with Christian MacEvoy who is running across America to raise money for cancer survivorship. He mentioned that he has a support group of four, an RV was given to them as well as a car. So I went on their website and realized he not only has a support dream team, but has a full compliment of professionals working on a board for him.
Honestly, I felt discouraged - and little, and like the people on the dust speck in Dr. Seuss' book, "Horton Hears a Who." But Paul reminded me that this walk was God's idea, and His project and He will accomplish what He has planned. There are so many examples of God helping the small to make a big difference. For me its huge, but for God its just a simple step.
Your prayers for the walk and all the needs are treasured.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Vulnerable
I have just returned from having coffee with a dear friend at the Co-Op. It is a cafe area attached to the grocery store that seniors frequent and today it was full. Linda and I had just finished saying how blessed we felt when an old man with three or four days of whiskers stood at the end of our table which was against the wall.
He said hello and I could tell that Linda knew something about this man and that she was uncomfortable with me even talking to him. He joked and I joked back and then he started getting closer and poking my ribs. He then touched my side telling me I was too fat. Trying to keep calm I told him that I wasn't worried about that and that he should keep his hands to himself. This only seemed to be an invitation - he asked if I was married. Aha, I thought this should put him in his place, "Yes, to the Pastor from Park Avenue. Do you know him?" He said that he did know him and that he was a nice man. If I had thought that knowing my husband was a pastor would deter his rudeness I was immediately proved wrong when he asked how many times a week we had sex. I told him it was unappropriate to speak of such things in public. But he went on... I will spare you the rest.
Linda went to ask if a man would come from the bakery to take him away from us, while I called my husband on Linda's cell phone. He left. We left.
It has been a long time since I have been cornered and vulnerable. It will be with different ears that I hear other stories - a more compassionate and understanding heart.
God forgive him, and help me to forgive him too. And help me to forgive all the men who sat listening to this encounter without helping us.
We are going camping on Otter Lake next week . . . there are worse things than bears to fear and they are right here in Melfort.
He said hello and I could tell that Linda knew something about this man and that she was uncomfortable with me even talking to him. He joked and I joked back and then he started getting closer and poking my ribs. He then touched my side telling me I was too fat. Trying to keep calm I told him that I wasn't worried about that and that he should keep his hands to himself. This only seemed to be an invitation - he asked if I was married. Aha, I thought this should put him in his place, "Yes, to the Pastor from Park Avenue. Do you know him?" He said that he did know him and that he was a nice man. If I had thought that knowing my husband was a pastor would deter his rudeness I was immediately proved wrong when he asked how many times a week we had sex. I told him it was unappropriate to speak of such things in public. But he went on... I will spare you the rest.
Linda went to ask if a man would come from the bakery to take him away from us, while I called my husband on Linda's cell phone. He left. We left.
It has been a long time since I have been cornered and vulnerable. It will be with different ears that I hear other stories - a more compassionate and understanding heart.
God forgive him, and help me to forgive him too. And help me to forgive all the men who sat listening to this encounter without helping us.
We are going camping on Otter Lake next week . . . there are worse things than bears to fear and they are right here in Melfort.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Getting Closer
As the days and months tick by I am getting nervous about not having all the details of the walk in order. Here is a list (its good to just get it written out) of things I am concerned about,
1. What will the launch celebration look like, where will it be held? >Book the place, set a date.
2. Who will be on the committee for the walk? >Talk to Doug & Jen
3. What will the publicity & materials look like? >talk to Careforce (Lorna Dueck, Crossroads)
4. What will we use for the chase car? >would like a Smart Car
5. Who will be the road manager? > I might know this one
6. Will enough people join the team? > not under my control
7. Will we raise the money we are aiming for? > not under my control
8. Will people trust us with their money? > not under my control
9.
I cant think of anything else right now. But just writing them out took their power to frighten me away. There are some I can effect right now, others that I need to wait on, still others that are not for me to control. Those last ones fall into the "have faith" area of the walk.
Remembering that this wasn't my idea always helps me to relax into God's wisdom. No, I don't have all the answers but I truly believe that God is in control of this walk. So I am exercising faith and thats the first simple step of any journey.
1. What will the launch celebration look like, where will it be held? >Book the place, set a date.
2. Who will be on the committee for the walk? >Talk to Doug & Jen
3. What will the publicity & materials look like? >talk to Careforce (Lorna Dueck, Crossroads)
4. What will we use for the chase car? >would like a Smart Car
5. Who will be the road manager? > I might know this one
6. Will enough people join the team? > not under my control
7. Will we raise the money we are aiming for? > not under my control
8. Will people trust us with their money? > not under my control
9.
I cant think of anything else right now. But just writing them out took their power to frighten me away. There are some I can effect right now, others that I need to wait on, still others that are not for me to control. Those last ones fall into the "have faith" area of the walk.
Remembering that this wasn't my idea always helps me to relax into God's wisdom. No, I don't have all the answers but I truly believe that God is in control of this walk. So I am exercising faith and thats the first simple step of any journey.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Failure to Launch
So what does your son do for a living?I'm afraid I can't tell you . . . yeah, or I'll have to kill you. (ha ha again) No really I can't tell you.
The title of this blog has nothing to do with my son though. I just found this photo on the dnd website and thought it was too cool to keep to myself.
Today, was a failure day. Last night I decided that I would walk 28 kms today. I packed my hydrapack with water, gatorade & snacks, filled up my new ipod (which I got for free by the way!!! something I wanted for the walk but didn't think I'd get), packed losts of wet ones and tp (see previous blog), recharged my gps and set my alarm for 4:30 am.
Yes, I woke up but it was still "dark" out (at least it seemed to be through my only slightly opened eyes) and so I decided I should sleep for a bit longer. Yeah, exactly. When I woke up, I felt stupid and guilty. When Paul suggested we at least do our regular morning 6 km walk it just made me mad. But his gentle persistance got me out on the road.
The reason I wanted to do the walking early in the day was because my reading group was coming to my place at 1pm. So after a rather larger bfast I decided I would do something completely out of my ordinary and make cupcakes. No biggie, just a box of cake and a tub of icing. While making these I licked the spatula instead of scraping it. Then ate the one that I broke taking it out of the pan. Then ate another for lunch, another for supper.
Failure was the flag of the day!
But...I had just surprised my son-in-law a couple of days before by saying, "Failure plus failure plus failure plus failure equals success." And so it came back to my mind quickly. I truly believe that failure is part of the journey. So today is my failure to launch day, but tomorrow...well actually we are going on a 2 day canoe trip to I will actually launch for sure.
I heard somewhere, "Running is 90% in your mind. The other 10% is in your mind." So I guess I win . . . that was a simple step :)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Becareful how you smile
Once there was a wonderful gentle man who wore a grumpy face just for a little bit of fun. When he got old his face stayed twisted and sad, although he looked for a way to change . . . there was none.A very rare moment in the life of this wonderful man who helps me to pursue my dreams every day.
UMLB, d
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Sacrifice
The sacrifices of this walk appear to be mostly about the 5 months of doing the walk itself: being away from Paul for 4 months, the rigors of daily walking routine, a life on the road living out of a bag, living in a tent, figuring out how to maintain my motivation. Yes, those will be some of the sacrifices but others won't be as apparent.
Before we moved to Saskatchewan I owned a home business doing graphic design in print publication. It was a business I enjoyed. So when a job for a graphic designer came up at the Credit Union in town, I hoped to be hired to do something I knew I could do. Besides it was paying 2666.00/mth plus great benefits.
Vera, goes to our church and is in charge of human resources at the Credit Union. Today after church she told me that they didn't call me in for an interview because of my commitment to the walk. They filled the position on Friday.
I understand of course! Hiring someone who cannot commit to the term of the contract (it was a one year maternity leave) is not good business practice. And I felt good just knowing the result of my application. It also felt good to know that I was beginning to make sacrifices for the walk. It makes it more real and more valuable.
I am also considering a half marathon walk in Regina on Sept 10, 2006. The goal of achieving the marathon will help me to train with a short term goal, and build up my mental stamina for the days during the walk.
All things are in God's hand. Heb 11:11 Because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Before we moved to Saskatchewan I owned a home business doing graphic design in print publication. It was a business I enjoyed. So when a job for a graphic designer came up at the Credit Union in town, I hoped to be hired to do something I knew I could do. Besides it was paying 2666.00/mth plus great benefits.
Vera, goes to our church and is in charge of human resources at the Credit Union. Today after church she told me that they didn't call me in for an interview because of my commitment to the walk. They filled the position on Friday.
I understand of course! Hiring someone who cannot commit to the term of the contract (it was a one year maternity leave) is not good business practice. And I felt good just knowing the result of my application. It also felt good to know that I was beginning to make sacrifices for the walk. It makes it more real and more valuable.
I am also considering a half marathon walk in Regina on Sept 10, 2006. The goal of achieving the marathon will help me to train with a short term goal, and build up my mental stamina for the days during the walk.
All things are in God's hand. Heb 11:11 Because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Trip to Ontario
From May 22 to June 17 we travelled 9ooo kms. Our trip to Ontario was a great time of blessing in so many ways.Paul took a course (one of the last six to finish his Masters) at Heritage, we attended the AGC National conference, we stayed with our kids, and visited with family, and we paddled.
This picture was taken on the Barron River in the east side of Algonquin Park. The canyon was beautiful! Why did we never paddle this canyon when we LIVED in Ontario?
A highlight of the trip was meeting Jay Morrison at the Sportsman Inn in Killarney. He is paddling his decked canoe across Canada. He was an excellent story teller and he gave me some advice about dealing with the media, and how to train for the long haul.
I did some walking while away but with having to put on so many kilometers any travel day was a full one. So when we got home we started walking an hour a day again.
Something strange is happening though. I never ever once thought that I would run, but I have begun to add short parts of running in my hour walk. This really gets the heart beat up and also adds a bit of interesting variation.
I have also applied for two jobs. Neither have contacted me so I am waiting and trying not to give in to the negative messages that play in my little mind.
Remember as long as you have the paddle in the water you are creating stability - its a simple step.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thank you Grandpa Littlemore
I never had the opportunity to get to know my grandparents well as we lived a long distance from them. My memories are all positive and happy. Visits with my mom's parents were especially rare because they were "snowbirds" and spent much of the year in Florida. I know my wandering spirit is inherited from Grandma Littlemore. She had the heart of an adventurer and the feet of a deer. My desire for organization and endurance were given to me from Grandpa Littlemore. This man was a strong, quiet (because he was nearly stone deaf by the time I began watching him), organized, and self directed man. Recently I found out that he had walked around Lake Ontario. It made my heart leap to know that I would be continuing what he had started. Grandpa Littlemore was a man profoundly affected by the first world war in which he served as a medic. I remember waking to hear him screaming in the night, and my heart would pound as I lay as still as possible while the "storm" passed through. I never said thank you to him for serving our country (the world) in this way. The price he paid exacted a toll on his life long after he left the theatre of war.
Grandpa Littlemore did something for me specifically which was burned into my memory and even deeper into my heart. I remembered it again when I walked in the rain the other day. Now I must say that although Grandpa Littlemore was a man of faith (I noticed him reading his Bible daily) he did not wear his spirituality on his sleeve. Like the rest of his life, it was lived quietly and privately.
There was a short time when he was living with our family at Beaver Lake. It was my birthday and he gave me a birthday card. In the card was the gift. No, it wasn't a $5 dollar bill, it was a Bible verse. I remember reading the verse and having a strong sense that the words were VERY IMPORTANT and that I should never forget this gift from Grandpa Littlemore. It was a verse that I was very familiar with and it didn't seem to make any great statement. But the strong sense of importance enveloped me and I tucked that gift away in my heart for it to mature and reveal itself to me in time to come.
I am sure you will understand the flush of joy I felt as I remembered the gift from Grandpa Littlemore the other day in the rain as I walked.
The gift was from Isaiah 40: 30,31
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Since we don't know for sure if people who are living in eternity can see us on earth, I choose to think that Grandpa Littlemore will be watching me walk with great interest. He will be calmly cheering me on and when I feel like "fainting" from the goal I will imagine him giving me that card once more and this time with a big smile and a wink.
Thank you Grandpa Littlemore for serving your country, for fighting against the evil in this world, for giving me the gift of direction and speaking this into my life, thank you for being a significant part of my road team.
The walk from earth to heaven is just a simple step of faith.
Grandpa Littlemore did something for me specifically which was burned into my memory and even deeper into my heart. I remembered it again when I walked in the rain the other day. Now I must say that although Grandpa Littlemore was a man of faith (I noticed him reading his Bible daily) he did not wear his spirituality on his sleeve. Like the rest of his life, it was lived quietly and privately.
There was a short time when he was living with our family at Beaver Lake. It was my birthday and he gave me a birthday card. In the card was the gift. No, it wasn't a $5 dollar bill, it was a Bible verse. I remember reading the verse and having a strong sense that the words were VERY IMPORTANT and that I should never forget this gift from Grandpa Littlemore. It was a verse that I was very familiar with and it didn't seem to make any great statement. But the strong sense of importance enveloped me and I tucked that gift away in my heart for it to mature and reveal itself to me in time to come.
I am sure you will understand the flush of joy I felt as I remembered the gift from Grandpa Littlemore the other day in the rain as I walked.
The gift was from Isaiah 40: 30,31
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Since we don't know for sure if people who are living in eternity can see us on earth, I choose to think that Grandpa Littlemore will be watching me walk with great interest. He will be calmly cheering me on and when I feel like "fainting" from the goal I will imagine him giving me that card once more and this time with a big smile and a wink.
Thank you Grandpa Littlemore for serving your country, for fighting against the evil in this world, for giving me the gift of direction and speaking this into my life, thank you for being a significant part of my road team.
The walk from earth to heaven is just a simple step of faith.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Walk in the Rain
On Tuesday, May 9 it was raining and the temperature was around 4 degrees. Our small group was meeting at a home in a small town about 24 km north of our place. Paul was away for the week and so I decided that would be the day I would do my big walk. I have learned through experience that walking in the cold is easier than walking in the heat and I wanted to know what it was like to walk in the rain.
So I packed my large backpack with all that I thought I would need for an unassisted walk of 24km in the rain on a cold day. I even took my whisperlite and MSR fuel cannister as I was going to make a warm tea half way there. Since I was going to a meeting I also packed clean set of new clothes in a dry sack).
It rained consistantly but I felt stong and moved along well. After 2.5 hours of what I estimated to be 6 hr trip (I added an hour for resting, lunch, etc) I stopped for my hot tea. There was a deep gully with some trees on the side of the hill and enough space for me to get out of the wind and the rain.
Immediately upon stopping I began to get REALLY cold. I heard myself repeating "cotton kills" as I put on a cotton hoody under my rain coat before I left home. I had ignored the words of wisdom and so here I was now wishing I had grabbed the fleece I had considered.
While starting my whisperlite I melted the plunger on my fuel bottle. I was so disappointed with myself that I had been so careless. So the tea was out but looking back it was a good thing I didn't spend time waiting for the water to heat up as I would have been really late and would have ended up walking in the dark.
Something else that I did which disappointed me was that I hadn't been wise enough to charge my Garmin so I was without my gps. And I didn't print a map as I usually am extremely over cautious about carring a map. All I had was directions and distances, north 13.43km, east 1.69, etc. Even my cell phone wasn't charged (bad planning, or none at all!). Sometimes I think I am so smart and then ... I get what I need a shock of reality. There is always planning to do even for a half day walk.
So I sat on the emergency blanket I did bring, tore pieces off to stuff up my sleeves to keep my hands warm, and ate my peanut butter and honey sandwich. The cotton hoody did have a "hood" and so I drew it in close and pulled the hood of my rain coat up as well and rested my legs and feet. I kept getting colder so I knew that I had to keep moving.
Unsure of my route (and there are NO signs on Saskatchewan grid roads), with squishy wet shoes and socks (another thing I did wrong - didn't pack extra socks), cold, mad cuz I'd melted my plunger, without my hot tea, and muddy (the mud here is like stickytack and builds up on the bottom of your shoe until you are walking on high heels) I began walking again.
There was another 2.5 hrs walk ahead so I just kept putting on foot in front of another.
Whinning is something that I never want to be accused of so I don't allow myself that pseudo-comfort in my mind either. Singing is my occupation of choice at these moments of just doing what you have to. So it was and I did.
One hour went by rather quickly and I felt like forgiving myself for ruining my fuel bottle when there came a rumble from deep down. You know what its saying although it has no words. No it wasn't sky rumble it was bowel rumbles.
OK, so I really do love Saskatchewan but at that moment I was homesick for the unending forests of Ontario. I desperately looked for a place to hide. But nothing. The only small hope was to get into a deep ditch that was not going to hide anything of importance but it was all there was. Starting toward the dual culverts (which were not offering any cover since they were full of a fast flowing creek) I heard/felt it again. Then once more and that was all the warning I had.
Funny how we ignore the little prompting of our friends. Just before I left my friend that was helping me throw everything into my pack said, "That's not enough toilet paper! The dumps in the woods are always way messier than at home." We laughed and I assured him that I also had 3 WetOnes. Now, as I was stripping to my skin, in a ditch with no privacy I thought, "Carmen was right!" I did my best to clean up and then took it all and wrapped it in the rest of the emergency blanket. But I didn't want to put this in my back pack so I took my Tilley (which was too wet to wear anyways) and stuffed it all in there deciding that if an elephant could eat a Tilley and then the owner find it on its way out the other end and still wear it my Tilley could do this messy job no problem. Only 3 vehicles passed while I was "exposed" and one seemed to think about stopping to help. I am so glad they didn't.
So with nothing under my rain pants except me, I started off for the last 1.5 hrs of the walk. I began to worry about hypothermia, but as walking warmed me I just kept it up.
Missing my turn twice cost me about a km extra but I did figure it out and got back on the right track. When I was within 2km of my destination there was one sign, "FAIRY GLEN 2km". I had to laugh, "thanks eh!"
So, I made it. My friends were glad to let me use their shower (in fact they insisted). Remember the clean set of clothes in the dry sack? Yes, one thing I did right! We had a great time together that night. What are friends for if not to help you get over your humiliation - that doesn't seem like such a small step, but one we all have to take.
Something that I was happy about was that although I walked for probably 3 hours in soaking wet shoes and socks I didn't get a blister and my feet felt great. That really suprised me.
My recovery was great. By the next day at noon I felt completely normal.
I did learn alot. I'm glad I walked that far in the rain so that I can know what its like for the walk. Yes, in all I am encouraged.
So I packed my large backpack with all that I thought I would need for an unassisted walk of 24km in the rain on a cold day. I even took my whisperlite and MSR fuel cannister as I was going to make a warm tea half way there. Since I was going to a meeting I also packed clean set of new clothes in a dry sack).
It rained consistantly but I felt stong and moved along well. After 2.5 hours of what I estimated to be 6 hr trip (I added an hour for resting, lunch, etc) I stopped for my hot tea. There was a deep gully with some trees on the side of the hill and enough space for me to get out of the wind and the rain.
Immediately upon stopping I began to get REALLY cold. I heard myself repeating "cotton kills" as I put on a cotton hoody under my rain coat before I left home. I had ignored the words of wisdom and so here I was now wishing I had grabbed the fleece I had considered.
While starting my whisperlite I melted the plunger on my fuel bottle. I was so disappointed with myself that I had been so careless. So the tea was out but looking back it was a good thing I didn't spend time waiting for the water to heat up as I would have been really late and would have ended up walking in the dark.
Something else that I did which disappointed me was that I hadn't been wise enough to charge my Garmin so I was without my gps. And I didn't print a map as I usually am extremely over cautious about carring a map. All I had was directions and distances, north 13.43km, east 1.69, etc. Even my cell phone wasn't charged (bad planning, or none at all!). Sometimes I think I am so smart and then ... I get what I need a shock of reality. There is always planning to do even for a half day walk.
So I sat on the emergency blanket I did bring, tore pieces off to stuff up my sleeves to keep my hands warm, and ate my peanut butter and honey sandwich. The cotton hoody did have a "hood" and so I drew it in close and pulled the hood of my rain coat up as well and rested my legs and feet. I kept getting colder so I knew that I had to keep moving.
Unsure of my route (and there are NO signs on Saskatchewan grid roads), with squishy wet shoes and socks (another thing I did wrong - didn't pack extra socks), cold, mad cuz I'd melted my plunger, without my hot tea, and muddy (the mud here is like stickytack and builds up on the bottom of your shoe until you are walking on high heels) I began walking again.
There was another 2.5 hrs walk ahead so I just kept putting on foot in front of another.
Whinning is something that I never want to be accused of so I don't allow myself that pseudo-comfort in my mind either. Singing is my occupation of choice at these moments of just doing what you have to. So it was and I did.
One hour went by rather quickly and I felt like forgiving myself for ruining my fuel bottle when there came a rumble from deep down. You know what its saying although it has no words. No it wasn't sky rumble it was bowel rumbles.
OK, so I really do love Saskatchewan but at that moment I was homesick for the unending forests of Ontario. I desperately looked for a place to hide. But nothing. The only small hope was to get into a deep ditch that was not going to hide anything of importance but it was all there was. Starting toward the dual culverts (which were not offering any cover since they were full of a fast flowing creek) I heard/felt it again. Then once more and that was all the warning I had.
Funny how we ignore the little prompting of our friends. Just before I left my friend that was helping me throw everything into my pack said, "That's not enough toilet paper! The dumps in the woods are always way messier than at home." We laughed and I assured him that I also had 3 WetOnes. Now, as I was stripping to my skin, in a ditch with no privacy I thought, "Carmen was right!" I did my best to clean up and then took it all and wrapped it in the rest of the emergency blanket. But I didn't want to put this in my back pack so I took my Tilley (which was too wet to wear anyways) and stuffed it all in there deciding that if an elephant could eat a Tilley and then the owner find it on its way out the other end and still wear it my Tilley could do this messy job no problem. Only 3 vehicles passed while I was "exposed" and one seemed to think about stopping to help. I am so glad they didn't.
So with nothing under my rain pants except me, I started off for the last 1.5 hrs of the walk. I began to worry about hypothermia, but as walking warmed me I just kept it up.
Missing my turn twice cost me about a km extra but I did figure it out and got back on the right track. When I was within 2km of my destination there was one sign, "FAIRY GLEN 2km". I had to laugh, "thanks eh!"
So, I made it. My friends were glad to let me use their shower (in fact they insisted). Remember the clean set of clothes in the dry sack? Yes, one thing I did right! We had a great time together that night. What are friends for if not to help you get over your humiliation - that doesn't seem like such a small step, but one we all have to take.
Something that I was happy about was that although I walked for probably 3 hours in soaking wet shoes and socks I didn't get a blister and my feet felt great. That really suprised me.
My recovery was great. By the next day at noon I felt completely normal.
I did learn alot. I'm glad I walked that far in the rain so that I can know what its like for the walk. Yes, in all I am encouraged.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Blessing
I remembered something that happened to me in January of 2005 when we were last in Burkina Faso, Africa at the Village of Hope. I believe it was the origin of SimpleSteps Walk but I didn't connect the two until a week ago when suddenly the picture seemed evident.
Pastor Michel grew up in Burkina Faso (then called Upper Voluta), as he grew he felt the call of God on his life. He began his ministry by taking a slide projector and visiting remote villages each weekend while he was in Bible School. Through these successful excursions Pastor Michel became known in almost all parts of their country.
When we first met Pastor Michel and his wife Lydia we were introduced to a man of prayer, vision, and obedience. His authentic faith inspired me to grow in mine. And then God used him in Paul's life in a way that can only be called a miracle.
While in Africa we take many precautions to avoid "tourista" the irritation of the bowels by foreign bacteria. Whether it was by opening his mouth in the shower, putting his fingers in his mouth, drinking from a contaminated bottle, or brushing his teeth with the wrong water he had gotten sick. All the symptoms were taking over his body: high fever, diahreah, vomitting. For two days he lay on the floor in a small round hut at the work site waiting for the illness to pass. On the third day someone mentioned to Pastor Michel that Pastor Paul was sick and perhaps he should pray over him. So simply and powerfully he called on God to heal Paul. Immediately, Paul felt the fever leave, his stomach settled and his bowels stopped churning. He sat up, then stood and decided he should be out at the work site helping with the project. I didn't think he should go back to work so quickly in the 50 degree heat but he assured me he was fine. For supper that night we were having stew with large chunks of meat and potatoe. Paul helped himself to a large plateful. Dr. Bill who was a team member warned Paul not to indulge in the stew (especially such a generous helping)so soon after his recovery. But he continued to eat and didn't suffer any affects from his supper.
That miracle happened on my first trip to the Village of Hope. It was on my second trip there that something unusual happened to me. Paul & I were walking across the yard at the village and I noticed Pastor Michel sitting on the dining hall porch. He had been struggling with exhaustion and burn out at the time. As I looked at him sitting there I felt an urge (I suppposed from the Holy Spirit) to ask him to bless me. Hesitating I thought how I would feel embarrassed to make such a request but the image would not leave. So I swallowed hard and asked Paul to come with me. I could tell that Pastor Michel was surprised and even embarrassed as I asked him to bless me. In fact he asked Paul for permission first. Then, as I kneeled at his side, he laid his hand on my head and began to pray. I don't remember the words, I don't remember any electric shocks moving through my body, I don't remember anything but that I did what I thought I was being asked to do.
That happened in January of 2005, and I had honestly forgotten about it until just last week. And it became clear to me that God had a plan to bless this village of children with a over weight, middle aged, Pastor's wife who thought she heard His voice calling her.
I didn't start this project because I thought I could walk 3o00 km, or because I was physically ready. I believe that its His plan and that He will complete it in me and in you. Obedience is only a simple step.
Pastor Michel grew up in Burkina Faso (then called Upper Voluta), as he grew he felt the call of God on his life. He began his ministry by taking a slide projector and visiting remote villages each weekend while he was in Bible School. Through these successful excursions Pastor Michel became known in almost all parts of their country.
When we first met Pastor Michel and his wife Lydia we were introduced to a man of prayer, vision, and obedience. His authentic faith inspired me to grow in mine. And then God used him in Paul's life in a way that can only be called a miracle.
While in Africa we take many precautions to avoid "tourista" the irritation of the bowels by foreign bacteria. Whether it was by opening his mouth in the shower, putting his fingers in his mouth, drinking from a contaminated bottle, or brushing his teeth with the wrong water he had gotten sick. All the symptoms were taking over his body: high fever, diahreah, vomitting. For two days he lay on the floor in a small round hut at the work site waiting for the illness to pass. On the third day someone mentioned to Pastor Michel that Pastor Paul was sick and perhaps he should pray over him. So simply and powerfully he called on God to heal Paul. Immediately, Paul felt the fever leave, his stomach settled and his bowels stopped churning. He sat up, then stood and decided he should be out at the work site helping with the project. I didn't think he should go back to work so quickly in the 50 degree heat but he assured me he was fine. For supper that night we were having stew with large chunks of meat and potatoe. Paul helped himself to a large plateful. Dr. Bill who was a team member warned Paul not to indulge in the stew (especially such a generous helping)so soon after his recovery. But he continued to eat and didn't suffer any affects from his supper.
That miracle happened on my first trip to the Village of Hope. It was on my second trip there that something unusual happened to me. Paul & I were walking across the yard at the village and I noticed Pastor Michel sitting on the dining hall porch. He had been struggling with exhaustion and burn out at the time. As I looked at him sitting there I felt an urge (I suppposed from the Holy Spirit) to ask him to bless me. Hesitating I thought how I would feel embarrassed to make such a request but the image would not leave. So I swallowed hard and asked Paul to come with me. I could tell that Pastor Michel was surprised and even embarrassed as I asked him to bless me. In fact he asked Paul for permission first. Then, as I kneeled at his side, he laid his hand on my head and began to pray. I don't remember the words, I don't remember any electric shocks moving through my body, I don't remember anything but that I did what I thought I was being asked to do.
That happened in January of 2005, and I had honestly forgotten about it until just last week. And it became clear to me that God had a plan to bless this village of children with a over weight, middle aged, Pastor's wife who thought she heard His voice calling her.
I didn't start this project because I thought I could walk 3o00 km, or because I was physically ready. I believe that its His plan and that He will complete it in me and in you. Obedience is only a simple step.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Solitude
Last entry I wrote about my enemy of boredom and the problems it caused as I walk. It wasn't long before an answer came to light.
That week in a reading group I attend we discussed a chapter called, "An Unhurried Life" from the book, The Life You've Always Wanted, by John Ortberg. The thoughts rang like the last bell of the school year! And my heart responded, "Let me out!"
Yes, I want to practice solitude and reflection; to think more and speak less.
But where would I go for that place of solitude? When I was young the woods was my hermitage. Under the canopy of maple leaves, my imagination gurgled and splashed while I spawned lofty little thoughts in its fast flowing current. Now, I searched my mind for a place that would be so fertile. A place where I could practice the discipline of solitude and reflection. Then it came to me.
My problem with boredom on my walks is the answer to my need for solitude.
So, now with my new goal in hand I miraculously turn boredom into solitude, drudgery into reflection.
I have begun to wonder if I have set the launch date later in the season than I should have. This spring has been so warm I am beginning to think perhaps I should start April 1 or even the end of March next year. That would make the wait shorter too! :) Patience Denise.
Speaking to my Mom the other day she shared some of the concerns that my family have for me. I want to thank my family for caring about me. What a beautiful thing to have people to love you enough to ask the tough questions. Some of the questions they had were, "Are you going to wear out or stress your aging body unduly?" Answer: I think it can only do my body good. I have been carring close to 100 lbs of extra weight for a long time and my slow approach to training and losing I believe is healthier than doing nothing. The second answer to that question is that I don't plan on doing it at any kind of race pace. I am only aiming for 25 kms per day. Honestly, that is only 5 hours of walking per day. At that speed there is significantly less likelyhood of injury. Although you may not know anyone, there are many long distance walkers and a quick online google will show you what a large company of good people are out there walking all kinds of crazy distances.
The other concern my family had is one that has kept me off the road at times, and brought concerns other times, "What about getting hit by a transport truck -or any vehicle for that matter." There are risks. Yes, risk is a part of life. Every time we drive our car, or fly in an airplane, or ...whatever we live with risks. To provide a measure of safety we have adopted practices such as securing the seatbelt, obeying the road signs and signals, submitting to anti-terrorist precautions when boarding a plane, listening to the preflight instructions (ok, maybe not that), putting on the emergency brake, wearing a helmet when bicycling. ENOUGH, you get it. So, I will a) wear safety glasses to protect my eyes from rocks, or shredded tires; b) wear a traffic vest - I already own it and it is UGLY, it is embarrassing to walk here in town with it on but....; c) have a "chase car" as somebody termed it, a car will follow me with some kind of attention getting sign or flashing lights or something - this does mean I will have to walk on the wrong side of the road but I think it is still the safest; d) not walk at dusk or in severely reduced visibility conditions; e) will take secondary roads when it is possible.
Others have expressed concerns about being away from my husband for such a long time. All I can offer to answer this is that Paul and I had of course discussed this before we decided to embark on this project. Any project exacts its sacrifices and they are uniquely tailored to each individual. We have counted the cost, verified the call, and agreed to the terms. Take one bit at a time it ended up being a simple step.
Well, I am out for a bit of solitude and reflection.
love, denise
That week in a reading group I attend we discussed a chapter called, "An Unhurried Life" from the book, The Life You've Always Wanted, by John Ortberg. The thoughts rang like the last bell of the school year! And my heart responded, "Let me out!"
Yes, I want to practice solitude and reflection; to think more and speak less.
But where would I go for that place of solitude? When I was young the woods was my hermitage. Under the canopy of maple leaves, my imagination gurgled and splashed while I spawned lofty little thoughts in its fast flowing current. Now, I searched my mind for a place that would be so fertile. A place where I could practice the discipline of solitude and reflection. Then it came to me.
My problem with boredom on my walks is the answer to my need for solitude.
So, now with my new goal in hand I miraculously turn boredom into solitude, drudgery into reflection.
I have begun to wonder if I have set the launch date later in the season than I should have. This spring has been so warm I am beginning to think perhaps I should start April 1 or even the end of March next year. That would make the wait shorter too! :) Patience Denise.
Speaking to my Mom the other day she shared some of the concerns that my family have for me. I want to thank my family for caring about me. What a beautiful thing to have people to love you enough to ask the tough questions. Some of the questions they had were, "Are you going to wear out or stress your aging body unduly?" Answer: I think it can only do my body good. I have been carring close to 100 lbs of extra weight for a long time and my slow approach to training and losing I believe is healthier than doing nothing. The second answer to that question is that I don't plan on doing it at any kind of race pace. I am only aiming for 25 kms per day. Honestly, that is only 5 hours of walking per day. At that speed there is significantly less likelyhood of injury. Although you may not know anyone, there are many long distance walkers and a quick online google will show you what a large company of good people are out there walking all kinds of crazy distances.
The other concern my family had is one that has kept me off the road at times, and brought concerns other times, "What about getting hit by a transport truck -or any vehicle for that matter." There are risks. Yes, risk is a part of life. Every time we drive our car, or fly in an airplane, or ...whatever we live with risks. To provide a measure of safety we have adopted practices such as securing the seatbelt, obeying the road signs and signals, submitting to anti-terrorist precautions when boarding a plane, listening to the preflight instructions (ok, maybe not that), putting on the emergency brake, wearing a helmet when bicycling. ENOUGH, you get it. So, I will a) wear safety glasses to protect my eyes from rocks, or shredded tires; b) wear a traffic vest - I already own it and it is UGLY, it is embarrassing to walk here in town with it on but....; c) have a "chase car" as somebody termed it, a car will follow me with some kind of attention getting sign or flashing lights or something - this does mean I will have to walk on the wrong side of the road but I think it is still the safest; d) not walk at dusk or in severely reduced visibility conditions; e) will take secondary roads when it is possible.
Others have expressed concerns about being away from my husband for such a long time. All I can offer to answer this is that Paul and I had of course discussed this before we decided to embark on this project. Any project exacts its sacrifices and they are uniquely tailored to each individual. We have counted the cost, verified the call, and agreed to the terms. Take one bit at a time it ended up being a simple step.
Well, I am out for a bit of solitude and reflection.
love, denise
Monday, April 10, 2006
23 kms
I walked 23 kms on Friday (April 7)! I felt good and didn't feel any sores or pains from the walk. The only problem I had on the walk was my old enemy BOREDOM. I knew it was going to take me at least 4 hours to walk that many kms and so I took my discman and listened for the first hour but it wasn't long until I had had enough of listening. So I decided to think - actively, purposefully think. And I did and that was good, but I have to keep paying attention to my walking - Am I taking too long of a stride? Am I rolling through my feet? Am I pushing off with my toes and extending my stride at the back? Am I walking too fast or too slow?
Patience, I know I have written about this before but I am amazed that THIS is my biggest hurdle. When I am walking (376 days to go) I envision that there will always be people walking with me. This could be of course a good thing or a bad thing. But I will try to focus on the fact that though I may be frustrated, or even angry - at least I won't be bored :)
On the other walking days I walk about 6 kms - I don't want to wear out my joints before the walk... so I am just taking one simple step at a time.
If you have a minute check out this interesting site www.juststopandthink.com
Patience, I know I have written about this before but I am amazed that THIS is my biggest hurdle. When I am walking (376 days to go) I envision that there will always be people walking with me. This could be of course a good thing or a bad thing. But I will try to focus on the fact that though I may be frustrated, or even angry - at least I won't be bored :)
On the other walking days I walk about 6 kms - I don't want to wear out my joints before the walk... so I am just taking one simple step at a time.
If you have a minute check out this interesting site www.juststopandthink.com
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Spring, Spring, Spring
Paul and I took a drive out on the grid roads as they call them here - in Ontario we call them concessions - and they are good enough to get out on again. After a few good dumps of snow Paul restricted me from walking out on the grid roads because he felt it was too dangerous. So we walked together at the Northern Lights Sports Palace. Thats quite a big name, but it is an excellent facility for such a small town as Melfort. So we walked there - I hate walking inside but I am finding its all about mind games. At first I didn't want to walk where anyone could see me. I could hear people asking, "who is that?" and "what is she doing out here?" And sure enough people would meet me days later and say - "I saw you on the highway - what were you doing?"
OK, so people are going to talk, that is part of the marketing thing - get them wondering, the salt treatment. So I bought a traffic vest and wore it while I walk, now they are really talking. And I'm good with that.
Besides, I am doing something bigger than myself and people are going to take notice - what should I expect?
But this past past week has been a blow out. I am sick and am trying to recover before pushing again. These days are hard as I wait out the sickness. But the good news is my body is responding to the new lifestyle and I am losing weight and feeling strong in other ways.
It seems like a small step but really its just a simple step ;)
OK, so people are going to talk, that is part of the marketing thing - get them wondering, the salt treatment. So I bought a traffic vest and wore it while I walk, now they are really talking. And I'm good with that.
Besides, I am doing something bigger than myself and people are going to take notice - what should I expect?
But this past past week has been a blow out. I am sick and am trying to recover before pushing again. These days are hard as I wait out the sickness. But the good news is my body is responding to the new lifestyle and I am losing weight and feeling strong in other ways.
It seems like a small step but really its just a simple step ;)
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Web site
I completed the design element of the web site for Simple Steps today. I am really happy with how it came together and that the photos are all mine. The little guy lives at the Village of Hope, his Mom works there in the kitchen. That photo is from my first visit to the village. The last time I was there I was amazed how much he had grown! I really didn't even recognize him except his eyes gave him away.Hopefully the web site will be up and fully functioning within the next couple of weeks.
Last Laugh
Its strange but not everyone responds in a positive way when I explain to them what my summer of 2007 will entail. In fact, just the other day I met someone who I really like and they asked, "So what is this thing you are trying to do?" As I explained it became clear that she was patronizing me. I was disappointed.
Later as I went over the conversation in my mind I realized that this next year is the only time when nay sayers can indeed have their say. After that, I will be doing the walk and crossing the 3000 kms. Then they won't be able to laugh any more.
So I decided it was their time right now - let them have at it, BUT MINE IS COMING. APRIL 22, 2007
Doing it for the kids ;) Simply stepping out of the box.
Later as I went over the conversation in my mind I realized that this next year is the only time when nay sayers can indeed have their say. After that, I will be doing the walk and crossing the 3000 kms. Then they won't be able to laugh any more.
So I decided it was their time right now - let them have at it, BUT MINE IS COMING. APRIL 22, 2007
Doing it for the kids ;) Simply stepping out of the box.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Patience, Patience, Patience
We have had record snowfall just in March already. I am completely shut down from walking outside so I have to resort to aerobics, or walking at the sports complex around the top of the seating (which I hate).
But spring is coming and no matter how much snow we get by next month I should be making treks on the back roads again.
Training never goes fast enough, neither do the kms when I am walking, and I find myself repeating one word over and over - patience, patience, patience. Take it easy, you'll get there, keep doing what's right even though you don't see big changes. That's the way growth, long term growth evolves - slowly. Nature teaches me that fast growth equals fast death and long slow growth brings longevity of life. Patience.
The race of life is not a sprint, it is a long, tedious journey that is taken one step at a time. It's not complicated, it's not higher science - I have been meditating on this verse from Gal 5:6 "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Simple Steps of love: getting up to get your husband a pill in the middle of the night, cleaning the toilet, speaking your appreciation to the person you admired, giving up your sleep for your children, trying to do more for others than you do for yourself, sharing a portion of your blessings with those who are in need.
Simple Steps taken for a long time toward the same direction will take you the right place - before the throne of God.
Simple Steps - patience, patience, patience.
But spring is coming and no matter how much snow we get by next month I should be making treks on the back roads again.
Training never goes fast enough, neither do the kms when I am walking, and I find myself repeating one word over and over - patience, patience, patience. Take it easy, you'll get there, keep doing what's right even though you don't see big changes. That's the way growth, long term growth evolves - slowly. Nature teaches me that fast growth equals fast death and long slow growth brings longevity of life. Patience.
The race of life is not a sprint, it is a long, tedious journey that is taken one step at a time. It's not complicated, it's not higher science - I have been meditating on this verse from Gal 5:6 "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
Simple Steps of love: getting up to get your husband a pill in the middle of the night, cleaning the toilet, speaking your appreciation to the person you admired, giving up your sleep for your children, trying to do more for others than you do for yourself, sharing a portion of your blessings with those who are in need.
Simple Steps taken for a long time toward the same direction will take you the right place - before the throne of God.
Simple Steps - patience, patience, patience.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Walk Launch Date!
I am stoked! I have just consulted with the weather network to find what the average temperatures are for Burlington in April/May. They say that the average temperature is around 12 degrees. One of my concerns is walking in the heat. Foot health can be easily compromised when you are going for long distances. So choosing to start early in the season may increase my chances of being rained on, or devoured by mosquitos/blackflies but those are offset by the cool walking days.
So, I have set the date of APRIL 22, 2007 as my launch date! Just thinking about getting started makes my feet start to tapping. So I'm gone walking...
One Simple Step at a time.
So, I have set the date of APRIL 22, 2007 as my launch date! Just thinking about getting started makes my feet start to tapping. So I'm gone walking...
One Simple Step at a time.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Gave it Away
Walking for long stretches gives you lots of time to think. Often I visualize situations that might come up during the walk.
Scenerio 1: I wake up in my cozy tent, in my cozy sleeping bag and hear rain on the tent for the fifth day in a row.
What are the implications of rain while walking on the side of a road? Trucks washing me with their spray every 3 minutes; shoulder of road gets muddy or washed out, visability lowered, hypothermia becomes an issue if you are wet/chilled, wet shoes lead to poor foot health, discouragement sets in as you feel like the weather is working against you (my Dad told me to never fight against nature cuz it will always win).
Plan: Have extra shoes available, wear the right rain gear, set your mind on walking into better weather - the prairies are drier than northern Ontario.
Scenerio 2: I get sick (flu, bronchitis, head cold) and have reoccuring injuries that makes walking painful.
The problems I forsee here are: not allowing an injury to heal and therefore jeapordizing the whole walk, and losing my mental stamina and will to go on. Others who are travelling with me may out of kindness encourage me to not continue.
Plan: I will always respect my day of rest on Sunday. I will see a Dr as soon as possible. I will give away my right to stop walking.
It is no longer within my right or power to stop walking - I have empowered only one person to make that decision. My husband Paul is a very wise man who is balanced in his decisions and who will not allow me to give up easily. We will have a procedure in place that must be followed to change the plan. He will have many options for directing me such as, "Stay where you are for 3 days." or "Keep going but walk shorter sections between rests." or the ultimate which I will not even write so that it never becomes a full thought - because thoughts become actions and I will not, will not.
Scenerio 3: The people who are travelling with me to support the walk begin to fight and cause problems.
I find interelational problems very draining and I would need to protect my mind from this enemy of courage.
Plan: I will visualize myself in a bubble emotionally separate from the others around me. I will recognize that I can't become entangled in these relational spats as it will deter and discourage my goal. I will focus my mind on my own goal of finishing the route. I will remember I started out on this venture in my mind alone, and I have to isolate myself to gain my goal.
Well, thats some I have thought through. I still have a year and a month before I get to exercise my plans. But I have already given it away - my rights over my body. It is a freeing thing and success seems even more possible now. Thats one less thing I have to carry on my shoulders as I walk.
Simple steps, simple steps, simple steps, simple steps, simple steps.......
Scenerio 1: I wake up in my cozy tent, in my cozy sleeping bag and hear rain on the tent for the fifth day in a row.
What are the implications of rain while walking on the side of a road? Trucks washing me with their spray every 3 minutes; shoulder of road gets muddy or washed out, visability lowered, hypothermia becomes an issue if you are wet/chilled, wet shoes lead to poor foot health, discouragement sets in as you feel like the weather is working against you (my Dad told me to never fight against nature cuz it will always win).
Plan: Have extra shoes available, wear the right rain gear, set your mind on walking into better weather - the prairies are drier than northern Ontario.
Scenerio 2: I get sick (flu, bronchitis, head cold) and have reoccuring injuries that makes walking painful.
The problems I forsee here are: not allowing an injury to heal and therefore jeapordizing the whole walk, and losing my mental stamina and will to go on. Others who are travelling with me may out of kindness encourage me to not continue.
Plan: I will always respect my day of rest on Sunday. I will see a Dr as soon as possible. I will give away my right to stop walking.
It is no longer within my right or power to stop walking - I have empowered only one person to make that decision. My husband Paul is a very wise man who is balanced in his decisions and who will not allow me to give up easily. We will have a procedure in place that must be followed to change the plan. He will have many options for directing me such as, "Stay where you are for 3 days." or "Keep going but walk shorter sections between rests." or the ultimate which I will not even write so that it never becomes a full thought - because thoughts become actions and I will not, will not.
Scenerio 3: The people who are travelling with me to support the walk begin to fight and cause problems.
I find interelational problems very draining and I would need to protect my mind from this enemy of courage.
Plan: I will visualize myself in a bubble emotionally separate from the others around me. I will recognize that I can't become entangled in these relational spats as it will deter and discourage my goal. I will focus my mind on my own goal of finishing the route. I will remember I started out on this venture in my mind alone, and I have to isolate myself to gain my goal.
Well, thats some I have thought through. I still have a year and a month before I get to exercise my plans. But I have already given it away - my rights over my body. It is a freeing thing and success seems even more possible now. Thats one less thing I have to carry on my shoulders as I walk.
Simple steps, simple steps, simple steps, simple steps, simple steps.......
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
First Blood
Well not as dramatic as that - but I have sustained my first injury from pushing my body further than I have ever gone before. I even went to the Dr to see if Paul was wrong when he told me that the terrible pain was from using my trekking poles when I walked 18 kms on Friday. The Dr agreed and prescribed Ibuprophen alternated with Tylenol to heal this injured muscule.
Man! does it hurt when I move it in just the right or is that the wrong way. The pain takes over every other function of my body - breathing, thinking, moving. Oh yeah boys, and it not only stabs but then it resonates for what seems like 5 min but I know it is only 5 sec.
But pain is my friend, right? Sure, it brings my attention to a part of my body that can go undetected for years if it were not for the voice given to it by pain. OK! I am listening. My plans, actions and expectations change because of the communication of pain. My focus now is to help this muscle in my arm to heal - I wont push as hard when I walk, wont use my poles, am taking medication 4xs a day. I need my whole body to be functioning well for the walk ahead. Even one muscle, small as it is can cause me to be hindered in my goals.
Pain is my friend in other ways too. The pain of a broken relationship, failure at work, moral fall disappointment with life, all chase me like mad dogs to bury my face in the chest of my Lord Jesus. My tears are all caught in heaven the Bible says, and I am promised comfort and maturity. Those are grand rewards and well worth any pain.
Remember, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6
Man! does it hurt when I move it in just the right or is that the wrong way. The pain takes over every other function of my body - breathing, thinking, moving. Oh yeah boys, and it not only stabs but then it resonates for what seems like 5 min but I know it is only 5 sec.
But pain is my friend, right? Sure, it brings my attention to a part of my body that can go undetected for years if it were not for the voice given to it by pain. OK! I am listening. My plans, actions and expectations change because of the communication of pain. My focus now is to help this muscle in my arm to heal - I wont push as hard when I walk, wont use my poles, am taking medication 4xs a day. I need my whole body to be functioning well for the walk ahead. Even one muscle, small as it is can cause me to be hindered in my goals.
Pain is my friend in other ways too. The pain of a broken relationship, failure at work, moral fall disappointment with life, all chase me like mad dogs to bury my face in the chest of my Lord Jesus. My tears are all caught in heaven the Bible says, and I am promised comfort and maturity. Those are grand rewards and well worth any pain.
Remember, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6
Monday, March 06, 2006
SimpleSteps in Training
I heard a story about a young boy who was watching an artist sculpt a granite block. The boy would visit the artist at his work regularly and one day realized that he knew what the statue was. He asked a childlike question, "How did you know the lion was in the stone?"
(I am unable to correctly credit my source for this story because I have no idea where I heard it.)
After my children grew up to be admirable adults and I had worked myself right out of my job (being a mother) I found myself searching. Seeking to understand the shape and dynamic of Denise DeGraaf became a full time pursuit. Like an intepid explorer I sought to follow that which I could hear faintly calling me from places I had never been.
Failure was part of my journey of mapping the coastline of my future. Working in a financial institution required 120% output. And after 6 months of arriving early, working late, skipping coffee breaks and lunch hours the sweet HR person suggested that I find something that I was good at.
I was not disappointed to be released but it did take some time to accept the fact that I couldn't do EVERYTHING. Yes, it was my belief that I could do anything I chose to. POP! (that was my bubble bursting)
Fast forward to January 2006: I am driving alone for 4 hours. God always meets me so powerfully when we are alone in the truck. A Brian Doerkson Cd Today was playing and the lyrics in one of the songs jumps into my throat and slides down into my heart and I begin to cry out to God,"Lead us Lord, into a life of fruitfulness; Prepare our hearts to risk again; And as we trust, taking simple steps of obedience, we know that you will lead us Lord."
Fruitfulness (I felt so barren), risk again (failure had beat me), simple steps (move forward), and you will lead us Lord (He hasn't forgotten about me) - these words were like drops of fresh hope. It was then at that moment when my heart was stretching to touch Him that He gave me a gift.
I would walk (simple steps) 3000 kms from Ontario to Saskatchewan (home) and raise $100 per km for the Village of Hope, Burkina Faso West Africa.
There are many reasons to not do this walk: 1. 48 year old woman, 2. 243lbs (when I started), 3. never done anything like this before, 4. too many logistics to work out, 5. too many dangers along the way, 6. what if I fail.
There are more reasons to do this work/walk: 1. 48 year old woman, 2. 243lbs (when I started), 3. I have wanted to walk long distances for 20 years, 4. the whole project is bigger than I am, 5. I am not afraid of following God anywhere, 6. you only fail when you stop trying - I will be failing if I don't try, 7. I want to live for others who don't have as much as me - I believe God has given the world enough for everyone to live but some are chosen to be givers and some play the role of accepters, both are blessed in their roles. 8. The people in Africa have something to give to us - we have been raped by our affluence we need their help.
The other day when I was doing an 18km walk I began to think about how I needed to look inside myself and see what was in there that was beginning to take shape. I asked God the question the boy asked of the artist, "How did you know the walker/giver was in the stone."
We both smiled.
Please pray for me as I train and work on the logistics of the project. Thanks for believing in me.
(I am unable to correctly credit my source for this story because I have no idea where I heard it.)
After my children grew up to be admirable adults and I had worked myself right out of my job (being a mother) I found myself searching. Seeking to understand the shape and dynamic of Denise DeGraaf became a full time pursuit. Like an intepid explorer I sought to follow that which I could hear faintly calling me from places I had never been.
Failure was part of my journey of mapping the coastline of my future. Working in a financial institution required 120% output. And after 6 months of arriving early, working late, skipping coffee breaks and lunch hours the sweet HR person suggested that I find something that I was good at.
I was not disappointed to be released but it did take some time to accept the fact that I couldn't do EVERYTHING. Yes, it was my belief that I could do anything I chose to. POP! (that was my bubble bursting)
Fast forward to January 2006: I am driving alone for 4 hours. God always meets me so powerfully when we are alone in the truck. A Brian Doerkson Cd Today was playing and the lyrics in one of the songs jumps into my throat and slides down into my heart and I begin to cry out to God,"Lead us Lord, into a life of fruitfulness; Prepare our hearts to risk again; And as we trust, taking simple steps of obedience, we know that you will lead us Lord."
Fruitfulness (I felt so barren), risk again (failure had beat me), simple steps (move forward), and you will lead us Lord (He hasn't forgotten about me) - these words were like drops of fresh hope. It was then at that moment when my heart was stretching to touch Him that He gave me a gift.
I would walk (simple steps) 3000 kms from Ontario to Saskatchewan (home) and raise $100 per km for the Village of Hope, Burkina Faso West Africa.
There are many reasons to not do this walk: 1. 48 year old woman, 2. 243lbs (when I started), 3. never done anything like this before, 4. too many logistics to work out, 5. too many dangers along the way, 6. what if I fail.
There are more reasons to do this work/walk: 1. 48 year old woman, 2. 243lbs (when I started), 3. I have wanted to walk long distances for 20 years, 4. the whole project is bigger than I am, 5. I am not afraid of following God anywhere, 6. you only fail when you stop trying - I will be failing if I don't try, 7. I want to live for others who don't have as much as me - I believe God has given the world enough for everyone to live but some are chosen to be givers and some play the role of accepters, both are blessed in their roles. 8. The people in Africa have something to give to us - we have been raped by our affluence we need their help.
The other day when I was doing an 18km walk I began to think about how I needed to look inside myself and see what was in there that was beginning to take shape. I asked God the question the boy asked of the artist, "How did you know the walker/giver was in the stone."
We both smiled.
Please pray for me as I train and work on the logistics of the project. Thanks for believing in me.
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