Running is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness, build endurance, and boost overall health. If you’re new to running, here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started:

1. Start Slowly

Begin with a run/walk approach if you’re new to running or returning after a break.

Alternate between running and walking intervals, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend running as you build endurance.

2. Listen to Music or Podcasts

Create a playlist of upbeat music or listen to podcasts to keep yourself motivated and entertained during your runs. Music can provide a mental boost and help you maintain a steady pace.

3. Warm Up and Cool Down

Before each run, warm up with dynamic stretches or a brisk walk to prepare your muscles and joints for exercise. After your run, cool down with static stretches to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Set achievable goals based on your current fitness level and gradually progress as you improve. Start with short, manageable runs and gradually increase the duration or distance over time.

5. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body feels during and after running. If you experience pain or discomfort, take a break and rest as needed. Pushing through pain can lead to injuries, so it’s important to listen to your body’s signals.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drink water before, during, and after your runs to stay hydrated and maintain optimal performance. Bring a water bottle with you on longer runs or in hot weather to prevent dehydration.

7. Find a Routine

Establish a regular running routine by scheduling runs at consistent times throughout the week. Consistency is key to building endurance and improving fitness over time.

8. Mix Up Your Runs

Incorporate variety into your running routine by including different types of runs, such as long runs, tempo runs, interval training, and easy recovery runs. Mixing up your runs can prevent boredom, improve fitness, and prevent overuse injuries.

9. Invest in Proper Shoes

Visit a specialty running store to get fitted for a pair of running shoes that suit your foot type, gait, and running style or read online reviews about certain brands of running shoes. Do your research because wearing the right shoes can help prevent injuries and enhance comfort while running.

10. Join a Running Group

Consider joining a local running club or group to connect with other runners, receive support and encouragement, and participate in organized runs or races.

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Remember that progress takes time, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your achievements along the way. With consistency, dedication, and proper training, you’ll gradually improve your running abilities and reach your goals.

The “Anne of Green Gables Collection” refers to a series of novels written by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The collection follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthbert siblings, Matthew and Marilla, at their farm, Green Gables, in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

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The series is comprised of the following books:

1. Anne of Green Gables:

The first book introduces readers to Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan with a vivid imagination and a penchant for getting into mischief. It follows Anne’s journey as she adjusts to life at Green Gables, makes new friends, and finds a place for herself in the community.

2. Anne of Avonlea:

In the sequel, Anne is now 16 years old and begins teaching at the Avonlea school. The book follows Anne’s adventures as she navigates the challenges of adulthood, including her friendships, romantic interests, and ambitions for the future.

3. Anne of the Island:

In this book, Anne leaves Avonlea to attend college at Redmond University in Nova Scotia. It follows Anne’s experiences as she explores new opportunities, forms lasting friendships, and discovers more about herself and her aspirations.

4. Anne’s House of Dreams:

Anne and Gilbert Blythe are newlyweds in this book, and they move into their first home, a quaint little house by the sea. The book follows Anne’s experiences as a wife and mother, as well as her interactions with the colorful residents of the community.

5. Rainbow Valley:

Set in the town of Glen St. Mary, this book focuses on the adventures of the six Blythe children and their interactions with the neighboring Meredith children. It explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the importance of community.

6. Rilla of Ingleside:

The final book in the series follows Anne’s youngest daughter, Rilla, as she grows up during World War I. It explores the impact of the war on the residents of Glen St. Mary and the challenges faced by Rilla and her family as they navigate the tumultuous events of the time.

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The “Anne of Green Gables Collection” has captivated readers of all ages for over a century with its charming characters, vivid descriptions of Prince Edward Island, and timeless themes of love, friendship, family, and the beauty of nature in a world of imagination. These books capture the essence of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.

This Pasta recipe will match all your cravings! Not only that, you can eat everything, but the dish! It’s so scrum-didily-umptious! A great comfort food! Don’t worry if you’re not a carnivore like me, just sub out the chicken with tofu! And use a non dairy type of cheese for melting! You can even pre-make the chicken/tofu and sauce and freeze it for another night to later add to your pasta! Not only is it good, but it’s sweet and spicy! The best of both worlds if you ask me!

*The Ingredients*

For the pasta sauce

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 3/4 cups sun dried tomatoes

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic

• Salt and Pepper

• 1 1/2 cups diced mushrooms

• One block of cream cheese

• 2 cups of fresh spinach

1 box of whatever pasta you’d like to use. I used bowtie pasta, but you could even turn it into a spaghetti dish.

For the chicken

• A splash of olive oil

• One pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Honey

• Italian Seasoning

*The Recipe*

Set your oven to 375 degrees.

Start out by grabbing a 9 by 13 baking dish. Add the cherry tomatoes and sun dried tomatoes first. Then add in the minced garlic, along with the olive oil. Mix those ingredients all together until the olive oil has covered everything.

Next you’re going to want to get a cutting board and slice all your mushrooms. They can be sliced thin or chunky. Mine are always chunky, you get more mushroom, but it doesn’t take up that much space in your dish. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Mix it together again and then divide your ingredients into two separate parts of the pan and add your block of cream cheese to the middle.

Then put your dish into the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes.

Next your going to want to start your pasta. You can use any type of pasta you want, I used bowtie pasta.

Grab a pot, add however much water is needed to cover your pasta of choice and start boiling your water. While you’re waiting for your water to boil on medium high heat, you’re going to want to prep your chicken breasts. So pat them dry with a towel and grab a cooking pan. Add a splash of olive oil to your pan before laying down your chicken.

Once you’re chicken is cooking on medium high heat, it should be time to add your pasta to the boiling water in your pot. Add a pinch of salt and stir in your pasta on low heat.

Then go back to the chicken and add some Italian seasoning to both sides. Once your chicken breast are no longer raw, but are more white looking add some paprika, onion powder and a squeeze of honey to lather onto each chicken breast.

When you’re chicken are done they should have a burnt, grilled, light brown crispy look to them. Turn off the heat and set them aside before they get over burnt.

By that time your pasta should be just right, although it may have to cook a little longer if it’s not absorbed the water and is not soft or squishy.

When your pasta is done, you’ll want to strain out the water and add it back to its pot keeping it on low heat.

Then it should be time to take out your oven dish. Grab some mitts and remove it from the heat. Add your spinach to the hot dish and mix all the ingredients together. The block of cream cheese should mix in, beautifully. The cream cheese should also be slightly brown from baking.

Once all mixed in, you can either add the pasta to your hot dish or your hot dish to your pasta depending on what type of pasta you chose to do. Finally you’re going to bring your chicken to a cutting board and slice it into long thin pieces.

Grab several bowls, fill them with all the mixed ingredients including your sauce and pasta that you’ve combined and then add a few pieces of sliced chicken to the side of each dish or wherever! Lol

You can even add more spice and sweetness to it if you’d like by mixing honey and paprika together to create a drizzle over your chicken and pasta that brings it all together.

Let me know what you think!

There are many stories in the Bible that speak of loss and show us how to handle grief.

One story in particular that stands out, explains that Abraham had been married to Sarah for many, many years (back then they lived 100+ years..crazy, right?) and they had been through so much together. When she died, Abraham mourned for her. Not hidden away in a tent quietly sobbing, no, he mourned for her publicly so everyone could see how much this loss meant to him, how heartbroken he was over his wife.

No one was left wondering how he had felt about the loss of his beloved wife as it was clear how much he had cared for her.

He grieved for her and then he picked himself back up and continued to rely and put his faith in God.

He continued to rely in God through his heartbreak.

Not many can say they would have the courage to do that. I don’t know if I would.

We have two choices when it comes to grief.

We can either let our grief help shape us or we can let it destroy us, but I can assure you because of that grief you will never be the same again.

Don’t go looking for temporary solutions for your pain, you’ll be looking for an anvil when you really need a parachute.

Abraham, didn’t have the freedom to choose what roles he played in life and neither do we. Yet, we do have the ultimate decision of choosing how to play in the role which has been given to us.

Circumstances wouldn’t make or break him.

The same hot water that hardens an egg, softens a carrot. He was always given a choice about how he would respond.

When it comes to handling our grief we can either see it as a gift that was given to us or we can let it absolutely tear us apart.

We can choose to thank God for the gift of joy they brought into our lives of those forever cherished memories or we can look at it as a right.

Because we live in this world, we’re to expect this kind of grief, we’re to expect loss, we’re to expect pain?

But what if we look to Jesus and we ask ourselves “What kind of person do we want to become because of this loss?”

Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it becomes permanent and we will continue to do what we have done in the past until we learn another way to let go of the pain by holding tight to the memories, the feeling, the joy that person brought into our lives.

When we let go of something or someone, we make room for something new. The pledge to never forget becomes the pledge to never recover or the pledge that never allows us to recover from the pain of this hurt, this wound. It is possible to give up the pain without giving up on those precious memories.

As a giver it is hard to receive, but in this time while we grieve we need to receive.

We need to receive Gods peace, love, guidance, wisdom, grace, humility and his overwhelming comfort. No matter if it comes from God himself or he sends a messenger, such as a coworker, family member, friend or even through a stranger.

Only you can decide what you can handle.

Don’t let others discomfort be your guide. No one has the right to tell you how you should grieve as long as you don’t allow it to consume you.

Grief isn’t a bucket with a hole shot in the bottom for all future joy to drain out. Your capacity for joy is far broader than you may realize and you can trust that God the Father has sustained your life for a good purpose. God has great plans for you still.

Relief is available to you in the midst of your struggling. Listen to this closely, your future is far too important, too valuable and too powerful for you to miss out on it by running, hiding, and numbing your pain. Abundant life awaits.

There is a time to grieve and there is a time to mourn. The pain never goes away, but we can choose to remember the joy that their memory brought to us or choose to dwell in the possibilities missed.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

• Give yourself a facial.

Grab a wash cloth, run it under warm water, wring it out and place it over your face for two minutes or until heat is gone. Next get your favorite moisturizer and massage it into your skin. If you have a facial serum, use it after. I use a vitamin c serum called, “Sea & C Love” by Pacifica over my moisturizer. It helps keep my face firm and will prevent you from having wrinkles. It also gives your face that healthy looking sea glow.

• Treat yo self

Shout out to my good friends, Tom and Donna for really showing you how to treat yo self over on the show “Parks & Recreation.” 👏

If you really want to treat yo self, buy that thing you’ve maybe had on your Amazon wish list for way too long or if you see a dress you just love, but you’d never buy it for yourself, just do it. Treat Yo Self. If you’re feeling like ice cream, but you also want to work out…why not do both? Better yet, plan that vacation, I know you’ve been thinking about it for the past three years, just do it.

• Write it Down

Keep a journal, record your highlights of the week. Come up with a game plan to accomplish your goals. Create a bucket list. Look on Pinterest for ideas to do around your house. Write out all your dreams and keep it with you. Write out your schedule for the week in a Planner or on a Calendar so you can visually see what you have to look forward to everyday. Get even more creative and grab some fun pens to make it colorful or add some artwork. Inspire yourself. Sometimes by writing it all down, we are able to release all that stress and tension that we’ve built up. Writing it down is a great way to let it all out & it also helps keep us organized. I personally know I feel a lot better when I’m organized.

• Bubbles & Bubbles & Bubbles

Feeling overly fatigued? Are your muscles sore? Take a calm relaxing bath. Overdue it on the whimsical blossom scented bubbles, add some lavender epsom salts or eucalyptus, whichever you prefer, take a nice soak. Add a Facial clay mask or a regular face mask as you relax in the bath. Play some soothing music and close your eyes. Don’t get out until your toes and fingers are all shriveled up and look like raisins. Lol.

• Put your feet up & chill

Have a glass of your favorite wine and immerse yourself in a good book. Whether it’s one you’ve already read 1,000 plus times, one you haven’t had the chance to read, but have always wanted to or the one you’ve never wanted to read and are trying to branch out. I’d recommend a really great devotional read by Gretchen Saffles! Her book is called, “The Well-Watered Women,” you can also find her on Instagram. She’s very talented and inspiring!

If not wine, then try some soothing chamomile or lavender tea, it’s sure to keep you mellow. Don’t forget the fuzzy aloe socks and blankets you can’t live without!

• Getting A Good Night’s Rest

Use a diffuser (preferably from Young Living) to set the mood. Mix lavender and lemon essential oils to create a beautiful, light, airy, calming aroma to surround you while you dream. Go into the BetterSleep app, then go to sounds and create your first mix. Add it to your favorites, so each night you can choose one of your sound playlists to fall asleep to. There are already pre-made sound mixes, but only a few are free.

The subscription to BetterSleep is $39.99 a year, but it’s so worth it. Not only do you get access to all the sounds, calming music and meditations, but you’ll also get Better Sleep & as I’ve previously mentioned don’t be afraid to Treat yo Self.

I totally butchered the picture perfect teddy bear pancakes I found on Pinterest. Lol. The plan was to make the perfect teddy bear pancake, but in the end all I could really do was laugh at myself and our poor pancakes…. as they had met a tragic end.

Trust me there’s no point to try and get it right and waste ingredients..groceries are too expensive for that.

After I had made about four pancakes that had failed to meet the perfect standard, all I could do was stand back and laugh.

Why was I stressing so much about pancakes? I realized I didn’t have an answer for myself and I laughed even more. So what if they turned out goofy? I tried, right?

Life is like that sometimes…where nothing seems to be going right and it’s okay. It’s okay to stress about the small stuff. It’s okay to embrace our failures because at least we tried. Right?

I have so much bad luck it’s not even funny…my parents refer to me as “The Problem Child” and it’s not because I’m a huge troublemaker, I just have really bad luck like all the time.

Don’t take me to the casino if you’re trying to win loads of cash, you won’t make a penny. Lol. Seriously, it’s bad.

No matter how bad your luck seems to be, the least you can do is strive in it. Strive in your failures so you can succeed in time. There’s an anonymous quote I saw once that had said, “Anything worth having, takes time.” I 100% believe that.

Trying to make delicate gourmet looking pancakes is going to be impossible the first time ever trying to accomplish it. If it’s attempt #3 you’re getting better, if it’s attempt #30 you’re probably a pro by now, but if it’s attempt #1 you’re gonna need practice.

Don’t sweat the small stuff by allowing yourself time to practice and not rush through it, you’ll save yourself a lot more time to succeed.

Realistically failure only encourages us to get better and that’s why failing is worth it.