I love to be outside. I am an avid runner, walker and biker. My husband says that I just can’t sit still. Yes maybe that is true.

Did you know that exercise is better than any drug or anything else we have to fight aging? There is no downside. Remember exercise is not limited to running or weight lifting. Dancing, gardening, and housework count too.

The important thing is for you to do something at least 30 minutes a day.

There is only one beautiful you in this world, so make the most of who you are and get out and enjoy!!!

We talked about some of my songs from my “Healing Hearts” album. Remembering back to the 90’s when I wrote the songs, I was overwhelmed with feelings and emotions of that time in my life. Listening to him play the song “Healing Hearts”, about my little child inside that held her teddy bear tight, so frozen in pain and fear. Tears came to my eyes and even across the world on Skype, I saw tears in Anthony’s eyes also. Children were never meant to pay that way, they are to be loved, cherished, and cared for. Abuse is a topic that no one wants to talk about, so for me singing and expressing my heart is one way for me to give back and help another. Are you in pain, or hurting, just remember that Love is the answer, you can be free from your shame, believe me, I am. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that you are beautiful! Here take my hand.

May the blessings of life circle around you today! God is so good, you are in His Favor…just imagine what can happen when you are thankful!

My interest was perked when I heard about the book and the perfect food that the Tarahumara tribe ate. Training for a half marathon, I wanted any help I could find. “Chia Seeds”, nature’s perfect food provide ample calcium and protein, contain fatty acids, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, soluble fibre, protective antioxidants vitamins and minerals. Mix 2 to 4 tables with 16 ounces of water and walla energy and yes I mean energy that lasts, not just a quick sugar high. The seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your body.

Give it a try and let me know how you feel. I drink this each morning before my workouts.

Here is my health tip for the day. Do you have one for me?

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said….” I made a difference for that one.”

Just up the road from my house, is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you will see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell, and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story.” I too, at times have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have stuggled with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?” The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, ” The one I feed.”

After watching my daughter finish the Chicago Marathon last fall with a smile on her face, I was so inspired by her determination that I put it on my bucket list. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not crazy after all of these years, I am planning on trying a half Marathon first to see how my body holds up.

Being an avid daily speed walker, and running in my younger years, I plan on following a schedule and taking the time it takes to train.

The other day my son brought home the book, “Born To Run”, about a hidden tribe of super athletes and their incredible “Chia Seed”. Now talk about a crazy thought, mixing water with seeds, 9 to 1 ratio and coming up with a liquid gel form that gives you energy. Pretty cool stuff and not bad tasting either and by the way the book is a very good read.

I would love to hear any tips out there for my running!

So….what aspirations and dreams are on your bucket list?

Today I had an opportunity to share bits of my story and sing some of my songs in a very unique setting. I sang to the residents at the Trempealeau County Health Center. Just to look into their eyes, see their tears and smiles, I knew they knew and I felt their connection.

I sang “Rock me Jesus” a song I wrote back in the 90’s when I was in one of the darkest places of my life. As a little girl, I would escape into the safety of heaven and Jesus would rock me all through the night, yet what I wanted was my momma to keep me safe from all harm.

Visiting with some of the wonderful woman afterwards gave me a renewed appreciation for life, healing, hope and grace. I was able to share some of my survival skills with them and encourage them to love themselves.

There are so many walking wounded in this world that need what you have to give. I challenge you to take that risk and bless someone today and just give your life away.