The Importance of Second Family

Hey everyone (Mom, Hi!), this whole weekly blog post thing is getting to be a fun routine! I'm just over here getting into the habit of wearing my blue blocker glasses at night while using my phone, computer, and/or television. I had heard of lots of people in the health & fitness world using these yellowish-orange glasses to help decrease melatonin (and other sleepy hormone) suppression while on technological devices in the evenings and got a great deal on them at Amazon. So far, I've only worn them one night, but I will tell you I slept the ENTIRE night, which hasn't happened in awhile. I also like using Melaleuca essential oils to help with calm and sleepiness. Typically, I use their "Peace" blend, or straight up lavender; I either diffuse or just put a few drops straight onto my pillowcase. As I continue to use the blue blockers, I'll give you more of an update, because maybe I was just really exhausted last night after doing my taxes and watching another devastating KU basketball loss. 

Add to list of "Reasons Jen is single" ;)

Anywho, in this post I wanted to focus on the importance of second family. Now, if you know me at ALL, you know my parents and brother are the top 3 earthly people in my life (obvs Jesus is numero uno), and their importance and roles in my life are book-worthy, not "I only have a few short paragraphs before I lose followers"-esque. So, as you saw in the title, I need to talk about my "second" family. 

Before getting too far, I will preface the following paragraphs by saying everyone's second family is probably going to be different. I like to think that second family is a group of a few (or several, for you weird extroverts) people a person trusts, spends time with, and is close-knit with. For some of you, this is probably your work family, your gym buddies, or maybe even your weekend party buddies. For me though, as some of you may have guessed, my second family is my church family. 

I spoke in a previous post about how approximately 40 people from a larger church in Fort Worth planted a brand-new church, Living Hope Bible Church, in Mansfield this past summer. I wasn't really close to anyone at the bigger church, and I already lived in Mansfield, so I was like "Yeah, I'm going with the church plant! I'll save gas money and it'll be more like a small church in Kansas. Let's do this!" I'll admit those reasons are uber selfish, and I didn't realize how life-altering if would actually be. 

Never before have I been involved in a church so close-knit, so transparent, and really so raw as LHBC. In my life, I've been part of some solid churches, but frequently felt like it was a see you Sunday and Wednesday, and I'll pray for you a couple of times during the week if I get around to it, type of thing. With a group as small as ours, we are basically one giant family who shares in our struggles and our triumphs, the awesome parts of life and frankly, the sucky parts of life. This is why I call them my FAMILY.

Growing up there were always kids who bonded with other families and became honorary "children" of those families, and that was never really my style. I loved my family and those three people were all I needed. Then I moved 500 miles away from the three people I love most, and after some time found myself craving that familial attachment. Through LHBC that's exactly what I've found. And you know the best part? It's not about me. It's not about them. Ultimately, it's about Jesus. 

I haven't recently gone through a ton of earth-shattering issues in my life, but in the little hiccups and hard parts, I've found solace in this second family.  There are people who ask you "how are you?", then move on and could care less what your response is. Then there are people who genuinely ask how you are and don't let it go until you actually tell them, regardless of how tough it is to voice it. I love this and am thankful for people like this. Everyone has very different strengths and weaknesses, and to see how they all tie together to become one big imperfect blessing is pretty neat. 

So, whether your second family is your coworkers, your church family, or if you're blessed enough to actually live close to your first family, I hope everyone finds a few people to pour their life into and have the same done for them in return. I also hope that ultimately what happens is that through your sharing of lives, you're pointed to the One who created His big family, because eternally nothing else really matters. 

Finally, to those of you in my second family who have made it all the way to this point in the post, thank you sincerely from my heart for loving Jesus and loving me. :) Blessed is an understatement.

PS Who is your second family?

PPS I'm running in WACO this weekend! Can't wait to finally BLOG about a race next week! Stay tuned!

Twitter: @jen_being_jen

IG: @jenbeingjen 

My Favorite Podcasts!

Hi everybody (hey Mom)! Welcome to the third straight week of JenBeingJen. Current status: cold, heater-less, and sitting on the couch in fuzzy pink socks drinking decaf coffee (I know, who am I? Decaf?). Winter storm Jonas has made it to Texas. It might actually be below 40 degrees, and the wind is COLD! I've heard lots of people say your blood thins once you move to Texas, and my already thin blood must be nearly water at this point because I am freezing. I can only be thankful I have my cute little house, a warm KU snuggie, and an overabundant supply of warm blankets.

 I have to admit, I was toying around with several different ideas on what this blog post should be about. I thought of a few deep and meaningful topics, then axed that idea; then I thought about a post entailing why I love KU basketball even though they have let me down lately, but who cares; then finally, I thought of a fun idea that could maybe even help out others: a post about my top 5 podcasts!

I used to think podcasts were lame talk radio shows for losers and squares. Either they aren't lame, or I've turned into a loser and/or square. I choose to believe it's the former. I listen to a podcast every morning while I'm getting ready for work. It helps get my brain going, teaches me about different topics, and occasionally gives me subject matter to talk about with everyone I come across while at work. In this post, I'll tell you about my five faves, and give a little description so you can add some variety to your podcast playlist, or for some of you probably, check out your very first podcast.

1. Girls Gone WOD Podcast: This podcast is numero uno on my list right now. The hosts, Joy & Claire, are so real and relatable. They are crossfitters, which I am not, but they give advice on a wide variety of topics. They talk about their lives, their training, and topics most women athletes can relate to in some way. Claire also just had a baby, so this would be a great podcast for new mommas to listen to, too. I find myself laughing along with their stories while I'm doing my makeup more frequently than I'd like to admit, but that's why I love listening to these women. I feel like they're two women I would probably be friends with if I lived in Colorado (and did Crossfit, etc. but that's beside the point). The topics they discuss are something that plain Janes like me deal with on the daily, whether it's food issues, training burnout, or handling patients for a living (Joy is a psych therapist). If you like fitness, being a woman, or the health world, check out an episode.

2. NPR's Ask Me Another: This podcast is hands-down the funniest podcast on my top five. Ask Me Another is a trivia game show. Going on a game show is on my bucket list. I'm hoping it's Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, but I would gladly be a contestant on Ask Me Another. The show is based in NYC, so its hosts and audience are a bit on the liberal side, but it's still super entertaining. The games are always different, and they're always moderately ridiculous. That's why it's so funny, though! I love playing along while I do my hair. It's also a really funny one to listen to in the car- it makes the miles fly by!

3. Harder to Kill Radio: OK, I'll admit it. I have a major girl crush on Steph Gaudreau and have since I discovered her "Performance Paleo Cookbook." I am a proud owner of some of her Stupid Easy Paleo gear, and was so excited when she finally came out with a podcast. Steph is a former endurance athlete turned crossfitter turned olympic weight lifter. She is a major advocate for strong, healthy women (and humans in general), and she preaches muscles and being fit are awesome. She also coined the term "Quadzilla", a goal I'm still working toward. In her podcast, she interviews a ton of different people, from athletes to chefs to self-defense teachers. All of them have meaningful information and advice on becoming "harder to kill". Steph is a laid-back San Diego girl, so she's easy to relate to and easy to learn from. Told ya, big time woman crush.

4. Paleo Hacks Podcast: Hosted by Clark Danger, one of the best radio voices I've EVER heard, this podcast is about different facets of paleo lifestyle. No, I'm not completely paleo, but I hope to lean more that direction as time goes on. You don't have to be 100% paleo to enjoy this podcast. Danger interviews different physicians, PT's, coaches, and nutrition experts on various topics relating to long-term health and well-being. He also interviews some random people who have done really cool athletic feats, or have done groundbreaking nutritional challenges. This podcast isn't necessarily humorous, but it's extremely educational, so if deep down you're a straight up nerd like I am, you'll be sure to gain knowledge and practical life applications from the Paleo Hacks podcast.

5. The Paleo Women Podcast: Apparently I'm a huge fan of Paleo podcasts. I think it's that I'm trying to get these healthier influences on my life so I will put down the cheetos and ice cream. Halfway kidding, but in all seriousness, these podcasts have helped me to make some good changes in my life. The Paleo Women Podcast is hosted by Noelle Tarr & Stefani Ruper. I had read a book by Stefani about a year ago, and came across Noelle's work through an episode of Harder to Kill radio. Noelle runs Coconuts & Kettlebells, which is a really cool company. This podcast is obviously geared toward females, and discusses paleo nutrition and lifestyle, mental/psychological struggles, period/pregnancy issues, along with lots of random sprinklings of stories of their daily lives.

Honorable mention podcasts: NomNom Paleo and Pursuing Health with Julie Foucher. These two podcasts are also great to listen to, but if I could only choose 5 to listen to, I'd pick the ones I detailed above. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you give one or more of these podcasts a chance!

PS What is your fave podcast?

PPS What are you doing to survive winter storm Jonas? I'm ready for spring!

Twitter: @jen_being_jen

IG: @jenbeingjen 

Why I Have a "Crush" On the Zobrists

Hey everyone (hi Mom) for the second week in a row! I finally started running again, and I've been running almost daily, just not very far. So far, my foot has hurt a little bit but does feel better than it did a couple of months ago, so I'm optimistic. It feels good to be running, and I actually look forward to it again. I've also been doing more weight training (yes, twice a week, yay!) and that has been hard, but fun. My first race is in a couple of weeks, and I'm excited to see how it goes!

I also got the guitar out of its case over the weekend and began to play a little. So far, I have learned to play two chords. Needless to say, I may not be the next Taylor Swift. I know, I'm a bit disappointed in myself too, but the world probably doesn't really need two Taylors. The weird part of playing the guitar is reading the music. With playing the piano and saxophone, the sheet music all pretty much looked the same; but with the guitar there are chord charts and frankly, I just don't understand how to read the music yet. If anyone has any helpful hints or tricks, I'll gladly accept them. Otherwise, I'm counting on YouTube to teach me!

You're probably starting to wonder what in the world the title of this post means. I'm getting to it. I decided to make this the first official JenBeingJen book review. I recently read the book "Double Play" by Ben & Julianna Zobrist, and checked out some of Julianna's music as well. For those of you who don't follow baseball, Ben Zobrist played for the KC Royals this past season (World Series Champs, woo!) and is very firm in his faith both on and off the field. I didn't even know who the guy was until this season, and now he's one of my favorite MLB players, and I don't say that lightly. 

Before the post-season, I had no idea I'd become a huge fan of his entire family as well. I started following Julianna on social media during the playoffs, and was truly inspired by her positive message and her clear love for Jesus and His people. If you haven't already, I'd recommend following her. 

I don't recall exactly when I first discovered the Zobrists' book, "Double Play", but I know I couldn't wait to read it as soon as I bought it. It took me roughly one week to read it, which is saying something because lately I've been taking forever to get through books because I haven't made time for reading.

Double Play talks about how Ben & Julianna met when they were younger, their crazy love story, and where they are in their lives together now, and how Jesus is the #1 rope that ties every bit of their lives together. Through reading how they met, didn't date for a long time, then ended up together completely confirmed that God's timing truly is perfect, no matter the life and the situation. In the book, they each tell their side of the story back and forth, which is super entertaining, because as we all know men and women have different viewpoints on how every situation turns out in life. 

I (and you, too) often think that celebrities, like movie stars, professional athletes, singers, etc., have easy-peasy lives and never truly go through struggles. Especially not struggles like every day "plain Janes" like me do. This is so not the case. In Double Play, the Z's detail the deep, dark challenges they have gone through in life, which was eye-opening. It was also encouraging to read about how Christ got them through the challenges, how they continued to seek Him in the lowest of lows, and how they seemingly praise Him in all things. 

In addition to reading Double Play, I decided to check out Julianna's new song "Alive", because she has been heavily promoting it on her social media outlets. I was unsure of what to expect, but I'm glad I checked it out and would recommend you do the same! The basic concept of the song is that she has turned from her old ways, is pursuing holiness, and is now alive in Christ. The beat is pretty "pop-py" but I added it to my running playlist. 

If my concise review of Double Play hasn't convinced you to read the book, I probably shouldn't write reviews anymore, because literally anyone can be encouraged by this godly couple's story, even if you're not an avid baseball fan like me. It's a quick and easy read, and is cheap on Amazon, so check it out and let me know what you think! If you're like me, you'll hope you get to meet these people someday, or be faithful like them at least.

PS What are some good books I should read?
PPS What is your favorite workout/running song?
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2016: The Lost Year

Happy 2016, everyone (hi Mom)! That feels strangely normal to say, probably because I'm thrilled to be moving forward in life. 2015 was just a weird year (not bad, just odd), and as you'll see in the upcoming few paragraphs, I've got some fun things planned for 2016! For the past few days I've been making so much fun of the "New Year, New Me" attitude...it makes me laugh every time I hear someone say that. Just, no. I'm not a big believer in resolutions, but I am a huge fan of goals. 

Last year, I wrote down a list of goals in January, breaking them up into categories such a occupational, fitness, monetary, and "life" in general. I achieved about 90% of them, which I think means my goals weren't big enough, right? I've set some new goals this year, some of which are pretty lofty but I think that's necessary for growth. Keep reading to find out some of 2016's goals I've set...

As far as the JenBeingJen empire -yeah, I said it- I hope to increase my blogging. I'm really going to strive for one post per week, whether it be on a race, a vacation, or even book/music reviews. 

First off, I'm going to just list my top 5 life/running/travel goals for the year. Of course there are additional goals, but I won't bore you with that list. Here are the most fun and important:

1. Run one race per month--- There is something exhilarating about lining up at the start line, even if you're not going to come close to winning. I am getting butterflies just thinking about it. I can't wait to share all of my race experiences with you all either!

2. Strength train at least twice per week--- 2015 was too much running and cardio, not enough lifting heavy stuff and putting it back down. I feel better when I'm stronger, and truth be told, I'd rather never deal with how my body felt last year after wearing it down.

3. 2 rounds of Whole30--- For those of you who don't know, a whole30 is eating only whole foods for 30 straight days. I did one last April, and I'm ready to do a couple this year. I'm learning so much about food as fuel, especially when it comes to the training lifestyle I'm striving for, so feeding my body adequately and truly treating it as a temple is becoming more and more important.

4. Leave the country--- Yeah, this is probably the most bold goal I've got so far. It's also probably the one least likely to be achieved. I have a couple of ideas of where I'd like to go, but nothing concrete yet. Traveling is just one of my passions, and I am ready to put some stamps on the passport. You better believe I'll be sharing if and when I go.

4.5. It's my blog, I can do a half goal if I want. I really want to go on a mission trip this year. It's been on my heart and mind for awhile now, and I hope that this is the year it actually happens. Whether or not I'll leave the country for said mission trip, I don't know yet. I just know I need to go tell people about Jesus & show them what He's like.

5. Learn to play guitar--- While home this past weekend, I sat down and played piano for a few minutes. I have always loved playing the piano, but that's something I don't have in my house [yet]. My mom bought a guitar for us a few years ago and it's been sitting in the basement for AWHILE. I brought it to Texas and am bound and determined to play it. I will at least learn Mary Had a Little Lamb by 12/31/2016. Heck, I may even post a video.

The rest of this post needs to be and is going to be devoted to an area I absolutely need to set goals in the most: my spiritual life and growth. Last year, I read the Bible- the entire thing. As I mentioned in my last post, I also got more involved in a solid church. Both of these activities increased my faith and my desire to pursue holiness. 

In recent conversations with friends and family, I was discussing my relationship with God and just different areas of struggle in my life. Again, I won't bore you with details of all of that. After lots of thinking, contemplation, and tears (yes, I cried, sigh), I was hit with a hard, hard truth: God is not my #1. I made idols of running, shopping, and yes, even dating. So many things in my life built up and just overtook God for #1, and for that I'm ashamed, yet blessed once again by grace unfathomable.

I've wrestled with this for some time now, but through the aforementioned conversations I've begun to pray more fervently to have a heart only for God. Some days it feels like I am just falling and grasping for a rope dangling in front of me but I can't get a hold on it, just because I leave my hands by my sides and don't reach out for it. God is the rope, and to  reach out and grasp it, I need to pray, read His Word and shut out worldly distractions and temptations. 

I got to go home this past weekend, and was able to go to my parents' church, Sovereign Redeemer Church (link to church, where you can find 1/3/16 sermon), where the sermon was about Philippians 3:1-11. I had been trying to think of good passages of scripture talking about seeking Jesus, and God knew exactly what I needed to hear. In v. 8-9, Paul says "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him...." Sorry to paraphrase, and I encourage you to read the entire passage, but with permission of the pastor I want to just hit a couple of points and be finished here. 

In 2016 I want to put away fear of losing earthly possessions, of not knowing what's coming next, of the next step in God's Will for my life. By losing everything JENICA, I hope to know my savior even more. By knowing, I don't mean gaining more knowledge, I mean really knowing Him personally and experientially. I want to be found in Christ. I get this image in my head of friends or family coming to look for me, saying "Where's Jenica?", and I get to say "Here I am, you guys! I'm IN Jesus! You should seek Him too!" With all of that being said, I don't want this to sound like an inspirational Joel Osteen-esque (I can't believe he made my blog, yeesh) prosperity message. Heaven is going to be so amazing, but I fully expect and hope to be prepared in 2016 for sadness, heartache, and difficulties in this pursuit of holiness. Life in Christ isn't supposed to be easy, and blessings aren't always what we as humans think of as "happy happy joy joy". I'm still learning this.

To those of you who have once again stuck it out to the end, thank you. Someday you really should get a prize. Until next week.....seriously. May I be found in Him.

PS What goals do you have for 2016? Comment below.
PPS What's your favorite book of the bible to study? Comment below.
Twitter: @jen_being_jen
IG: @jenbeingjen