O Holy Night

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel voices

Oh, night divine
Oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine
Oh night, oh night divine
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net |]

This song has been in my heart for the entire Christmas season. I think it's the line that says, "the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn" because let's face it, the holiday season can wear you out. And so can life. We all await moments that will inspire us.

Can you imagine that night.. The angels singing, Mary giving birth, knowing that the child she was delivering was sent to deliver us. Oh, what a night divine, indeed. Let us not forget to take time and "fall on our knees".... This is what brings us hope, peace, and strength.

Merry Christmas.. Happy Birthday Jesus. May we always remember that You are the reason that we celebrate!

Christmas Card 2012

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To Be or Not To Be.. A Runner

I ran six miles for the first time yesterday.. Well, to be honest, I think I probably walked one of them. I've been following a training program for a half marathon that I was hoping to compete in this coming November. The bad news is.. Due to budget constraints, I'm going to have to push my half marathon hopes into 2013. Still, I wanted to follow through on the training.

ANYWAY... I wasn't feeling 100% yesterday, but I knew that I might not get a long run in on Saturday since we have buckets and buckets o' rain in the forecast. I took off on my run and was struggling the first mile..and the second and third. I kept pushing through thinking it would get easier.. It NEVER did. It was so bad at one point that I was praying (out loud, while running), and asking God to help me make it.

When I finally got home, I was sore and my muscles were so tight. My husband asked me if I thought that maybe I should reconsider my dreams of being a seasoned runner. I quickly told him to zip his lips and rub me down with Blue-Emu.

Seriously though... Does anyone have any running advice for me. My five miles last week weren't a breeze, but they were so much easier than this week's six. Help!!!!

A Day To Pray

I was inspired by a Facebook post last night... A friend posted a status:

To all my friends (including me) who are going through some issues right now--Let's start an blessing avalanche. We all need to bless and lift our friends and family to the Father right now. If I don't see your name, I'll understand. May I ask my friends wherever you might be, to kindly copy, paste, and share this status for one hour to give a moment of support to all those who have family problems, health struggles, job issues, worries of any kind and just need to know that someone cares. Do it for all of us, for nobody is immune. I hope to see this on the walls of all my friends just for moral support. I know some will!! I did it for a friend and you can too. You have to copy & paste this one, no share button.

I know how important the power of prayer has been for me and my family. It has carried us through trials and storms.. It still carries us, daily. There's nothing that comforts more than knowing that there's someone out there praying for you when you need it most.

So I wanted to extend this challenge to all of my friends... Let's commit to pray for one another on a regular basis. Please leave your prayer request in the comments below or email me privately at amyelain@gmail.com

I'll be post a reminder every Tuesday and hopefully this will be an encouragement to all. I know it is to me!

Better Half

The room was starting to fill with people. There were so many beautiful people.. Girls with perfect hair, perfect make-up, perfect clothes on their perfect bodies. I felt myself tense up, my mind was second guessing my entire being. My hair wasn't right, my dress felt tight. Instantly I felt fat and ugly. I didn't want to be there.. I wanted to melt into the floor and disappear.

Then he grabbed my hand and whispered in my ear..."Relax. You're beautiful. Perfect. You're with me.. It's ok. Don't let those girls intimidate you."

I fell in love with my husband again a thousand times over that night. He really is my better half.

Abraham's Faith

I cannot imagine how Abraham felt when God asked him to give his son's life on that altar. The heartache and pain that he must have dealt with must have made his obedience that much more of a sacrifice. What faith he had.. No wonder he is called a hero of the faith.

Making the choice to move out of state without our boys moving with us has been the hardest decision that we've had to make as a husband and wife. Yet we know that God is leading us in this new direction.

So we choose to obey... although this obedience requires much sacrifice.

I'm asking that you keep our family in your prayers as we make this transition. We are forever grateful.

Moving Forward

As we drove away from the last chapter in our lives this morning, I couldn't help but to feel relieved. The past four years held so much pain and heartache. So much loneliness and despair. We were mostly ostracized in our small town. It seems it's easier to believe gossip than it is to ask the truth. Or some just choose indifference.

If you don't go through the storm, you don't see your true character and you won't know if you'll depend on God or try to fight the battle on your own. My many weaknesses were laid out for all to see... At times , I gave up. Then I would find renewed strength and realize strengths that I didn't know I had. My poor husband, he was carrying so much on his shoulders, yet he would still find ways to make me feel important to him and would try to lessen my burden.

We know that this move doesn't eliminate all of the battles that we faced before. You can never eliminate your problems by changing zip codes. But we have a new joy, new hope, and stronger faith. We have watched God move mountains, remove barriers, and answer prayers. One of our biggest battles isn't over... But the One who goes before us will continue to fight our battles for us.

Head 'Em Up

Well...

The Dellinger's are making a big move. After months of transition and decisions, we are headed to San Antonio, Texas! It's been a walk of blind faith and complete trust that God was directing our steps. Proverbs 16:9 says, "You may make your plans, but God directs your actions." We were actually planning on moving east, but God had a different plans. We are looking forward to a new adventure and most of all, we are over the top excited to be near my Mom and Dad.

I guess I'll have to change the name of this blog from Life on the Mountain to something a little more Tex-Mex. Any ideas?

Push

Somedays

You have to let yourself CRY

Let yourself question circumstances

Close your eyes and replay the conversations and accusations

Then

You get up

Dry your eyes

Take action

Drop to your knees and pray

Make the choice to PUSH through the darkness and heaviness

Set your course and move forward in faith

The lesson that I've learned is that more answers in prayer come from faithfulness in the midst of the storm than from moments of despair.

Seek and Pursue

I read this post today and it struck a nerve with me. My heart has been struggling with letting go of a deep hurt. This hurt feels like an 80 pound weight and although I understand forgiveness and that it's not an option, I can't seem to let go of the hurt without wanting to confront the one that inflicted it.


I understand that I can't control what others think of me or how they may choose to portray me and my family. I can't stop someone from lying about me. If someone feels that I have wronged them and then chooses to give their version of how things happened without coming to me, then I understand that I need to be the one to work at correcting the situation. 

I read this verse, 

                                  

I Peter 3:11  

Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

I was reminded that forgiveness isn't an option.. God tells me to seek peace and PURSUE it. So there it is.. I have to let the hurt go. I must choose to do what Christ did for me- 

Forgive without an explanation, Love as if no wrong was done to me. 

So amazing how He helps us to see things His way.. Isn't it?

Focus

In the middle of long, trying battle.. It's sometimes easy to get weary and wonder if things will ever get better. Sometimes the answers come in ways that we don't expect. We have to be focused on the One who fights our battles for us or we might miss the lesson that we should be learning. We could overlook the blessing and miracles that are what we need and always better than what we think that we want.

Dreams Realized

Psalms 30:5 

For His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.

This past Sunday, I watched my husband stand in front of small congregation, where he shared his testimony. My husband has lived an interesting life.. I love hearing stories about his many adventures. I listen...wide-eyed at the edge of my seat!

What many people don't know... are about the many disappointments, hurts, and losses that he has endured. Due to learning disabilities, he was unable to participate in sports and it even held him back when he wanted be a Navy Seal. He always could pass the physical portions with minimal effort, but when it came to the classroom learning and tests, he struggled and would be held back from living out his dreams. Dan had strong resolve and would always push forward and find a new goal to reach, dream to live... he never dwelt on what he couldn't do, but instead looked ahead.

His strong will and determination where tested yet again, when he experienced the death of his brother in a work accident and then less than two years later, the loss of his father, from cancer. He was reeling from the pain of losing the two closest men in his life, but he pushed forward, again and again.

Again in life, he experienced great loss when his first wife left and then within months, he had to make a difficult decision to close his business and go to work for someone else. Dan and I met  and we had hopes and dreams of a great life together. Listen to me when I say this...WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER MORE THAN ANYTHING and we have a great marriage. We made the decision from day one that we would put God first, NEVER consider divorce, and be more than just spouses, we would be a companion to one another. I'm not saying that it's been a fairytale, but we have to remind ourselves of the vows that we made before God and our family.

In the three and a half years that we've been married.. we have dealt with legal issues, the loss of our home ( God intervened and we were able to short sale), the loss of our income, and my mom suffering a stroke. BUT GOD.. He has proved Himself faithful and provided over our needs. We are currently in the middle of making many heart wrenching decisions and desperately seeking God's direction for our lives.

I sat on the front row of a small church this past weekend.. I listened with tears in my eyes as I heard my husband encourage the congregation. He told them "I'm not here to tell you that when you make the decision to follow Jesus that your life will be easy, but I know this, He will carry you through. We are far from a place where I can tell you that I understand the things that I've been through or why we haven't seen the answers to some of our most desperate prayers. But we remind ourselves that God has a plan and He will uphold the righteous."

It has been a deep desire of my husbands to share his testimony and God's Word with others. So in the middle of all this uncertainty, my heart overflowed with joy. I was reminded that when we face trials and storms in life, God is with us and He is at work, even when we don't see it. He is always faithful!

Someday

Someday, My Love.. 

We won't have to worry about what the next step is for our lives

We won't have to make hard choices about the ones we love

We won't take shifts sleeping, but we'll both sleep the whole night through

We will look back and know that this time in our lives made us stronger as a couple, stronger as individuals, and most importantly.. Stronger as followers of Christ

Someday...

A Day For Love

Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible - it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could. 
Barbara de Angelis

Take time to cherish the ones that you love... let the stresses of life wait for another day. 

Happy Valentine's Day, Y'all.

Words

Words I would love to hear:  "Hi Aim.. it's me, Mom." I miss conversations with my mom. I think back and wish that I had asked her more questions about her childhood, about what she still hoped for and dreamed about in life, about how to be a good wife and mother... so many questions.

If your mom is alive and you can communicate.. don't take that privilege lightly. If you aren't communicating, start. If the relationship is strained or broken.. fix it.

I have faith that my mom will regain her speech.. I will be able to ask those questions. For now, I just pray and I cherish every moment that I have with her...  You should do the same.

Now It's Your Turn

I saw this 2011 Year End Recap on Amanda's Blog over at Baby Bangs and I thought it was a great idea...


So here is my year in a nutshell.. in case you're interested, or maybe you're not. But in any case...read below.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?


Ran a 5K.. on Thanksgiving Day, The Gruene Turkey Trot


2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


I really didn't make any resolutions last year... I was just focused on keeping my sanity!


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


My sister-in-law, Erin gave birth to a sweet baby boy, Logan. 


4. Did anyone close to you die?


My husband had two older men, that have been long, time friends and mentors pass away this year, unexpectedly. The best part is that he was able to share Jesus with them in the time close to their deaths.


5. What countries did you visit?


I didn't have the chance to travel internationally this year.. I did visit Minnesota and Ohio for the first time. Does that count?


6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?


Stability in our home... 2011 was a year of major transition and trust in God for each step and breath. Also, I am fervently praying for peace in a relationship that affects our home. 


7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?


February 4th.. We finally got to see our boys after a long separation. 


8. What was your biggest achievement for the year?


I would have to say that implementing running into my life was a BIG achievement for me... I'm not as fast as I'd like to be, but I'm farther along this year than I was last year!


9. What was your biggest failure?


Becoming disheartened and losing faith that God is still at work in our lives and the restoration of my mom's health.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?


None at all!  Thank you, Jesus!


11. What was the best thing you bought?


I bought a collage frame and framed the pictures from our trip to Ohio


12. Where did most of your money go?


We were very frugal this year.. We did take a few trips.


13. What did you get really excited about?


My Mom and Dad came for a visit and for Rock the Range in Denver... great two weeks!


14. What song will always remind you of 2011?


"Great I Am" by Jared Anderson


15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
-Happier or sadder?


Happier!


-Thinner or fatter?


My goal for 2012 is to find balance here. I was at different times thinner and fatter than I needed to be in 2011.


-Richer or poorer?


Not richer.. but that will change in 2012


16. What do you wish you'd done more of?


Kept in touch with friends.


17. What do you wish you'd done less of?


Worry.


18. How did you spend Christmas?


We had Dan's family here for Christmas and I really wanted to make some memories with them. It snowed on the 22nd.. about a foot and a half! The snow began the night before and we all took a long walk in the snow and went Christmas caroling to our neighbors. Since we are kind of spread out around here, the neighbors were so shocked that we'd walked in the snow. But it was beautiful and definitely one for the memory books. 


19. What was your favorite TV program?


Revenge.... Dan and I have both become quick fans and always try to watch together!


20. What were your favorite books of the year?


The Help by Kathryn Stockett


21. What was your favorite music this year?


New Life Worship, Adele, and Bruno Mars


22. What were your favorite films of the year?


The Help and Courageous


23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?


I turned 36 on August 20th.. My mom and dad were here and we just spent time together and went to dinner and a movie, The Help.


24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?


Less Worry and More Faith.


25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?


Hhhmmmmm.... somewhere between Anthroplogie meets Banana Republic meets thrift store chic??


26. What kept you sane?


Prayer


27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.


That although the road may be rocky right now.. God promised to never leave us, nor forsake us.  I learned that the hard times are sharpening me, making me wiser, and softening my heart for those that are struggling. I also learned that hard times don't just come to those who have sown bad seed.. they come those who will continue to trust in Him and will not give up. Always remember.. God is a Good God and the devil is bad (he is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy)

Checking In..

Well, it's been a good week. We are on day five of our fast and it's been good. We feel less weighted down (no pun intended) and are seeing God at work on our behalf. I'm not gonna lie, though.. I am missing the Coke Zero. Still reminding myself, I am in charge of my body, not the other way around!

I've done ok with fitness. Three short runs and lots and lots of physical labor. My husband and I cleaned out an old storage building on a farm and I think that they just threw every little piece of scrap metal and wood and even some appliances. Good lord.. I sorted, lifted, threw, and shoveled. I told my hardworking husband more than once.."I never thought I would be doing what we're doing today!" Poor guy...I know that he just wanted to be finished so that I would stop complaining!

I have been keeping a journal of my food and exercise and you would not believe the amount of calories that hard labor can burn! The Lose It app on my iPhone is a great resource.... it is amazing what accountability can do for your eating habits.

Alrighty friends... Hope you're all doing well with your goals and changes. I'd love to hear from  you on your progress!

Ready, Set, Lose

Habakkuk 2:2 gives us the best advice when it comes to achieving our goals...  

Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.

I am working on my goals for this year, not be be mistaken for a resolution. I've made those, hundreds of times. Year after year... so this year, I know I have to take a different approach. Lifestyle changes...Long term changes

We are starting this year off by joining Jentezen Franklin's fast for the next 21 days. We are participating by doing a Daniel Fast. We are seeking God for direction and wisdom for this new year and know that fasting is a great tool that helps us to be more sensitive to His voice. The hardest thing for me to give up will be Coke Zero...pray for ME! Also, I'm really trying to remind myself that this fast is not about the food that I'm not eating, it's about training my body to remember that I am in charge of it, it is not in charge of me.  And believe me.. I was telling my body who is the boss of who all day. Especially when I was eating that RAW bar that I picked up at Starbucks. Seriously, I almost went back and told them that they overcharged me for the cardboard block that was mis-packaged as a snack!


My next goal is to really step into running and races. Dan and I ran our first 5k on Thanksgiving Day and we LOVED it!

I can't wait to get back into my routine and back to running on a regular basis... Dan and I are planning to run a few 5k's, 10k's and a half-marathon by the end of this year. I started walking and running on my road because it's 35 minutes to the nearest gym and I simply couldn't afford a membership plus gas. Now, I almost can't imagine going back to working out in a gym. Well, I could be persuaded if it offered fabulous spinning classes! I miss those!

I am looking for inspiration and health/running/eating tips and partners to keep me motivated .... so if you are on the same journey that I am on, email me, message me, or contact me on Facebook ( amydellinger) or Twitter (@AmyDellinger)!

Here are a few other bloggers who are inspiring me and keeping me laughing while they are on a similar journey -

SkinnyRunner - this chickadee seriously logs the miles, every stinkin' day! She's also hilarious and gorgeous!

MckMama - Jennifer is inspiring in so many ways. She makes her own yogurt...What the heck! She's also on a journey to find her fit self and I am cheering her on all of the way. I'm also taking notes on how she's moving forward in health and fitness. 

Big Mama - Melanie had me cracking up while reading her last post on grocery shopping while trying to eat healthier!

I've read so many FB and blog posts about becoming a healthier, better you.. I think so many of us are just tired of being tired and want to feel the best that we can. I live in such a rural area and don't have the option of a gym membership right now... so it's long distance friendships and training. I am commiting to eating healthier, counting calories, and exercising consistenly. Join me, won't you? Who knows, I might get brave and post before and after pictures someday!