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Get ready, I’ve got a mushy one for ya…………..
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day
Okay, let’s recap the week. We’ve talked a lot about Spring “Cleansing” for the Body and Mind, but what about the soul? What about the heart? To me, these go hand in hand.
Cleansing the heart/soul means looking deeper into yourself, into your life, and pulling out the good. Wow, that just sounds good, eh?
As I look into my heart and soul today, I want to pull out all the beauty I see around me. All the small things that I don’t recognize enough.
Colors, Fragrances, Warmth, Detail…..
These were actually taken by my Dad. Beautiful!
Humor, laughter, fun……..
my niece and her Chef outfit…too fun!
The Passions in our life and everyday Encouragement…….
![IMG00396-20110225-1213[1]](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_bIrVdQkPUsk/TYzFNjctTDI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/8mbsR8fwV0s/s1600-h/IMG00396-20110225-1213%5B1%5D%5B9%5D.jpg "IMG00396-20110225-1213[1]")
So there you have it….the depth of my heart and soul. I think I’ll take the whole weekend to clean this one out! And maybe do a little cherishing too.
Take a minute, dig deep, clean out the heart and soul. What did you find? Take a picture of it and send it to me. cottercrunch (at) hotmail (dot) com. You know you have some things you’re just dying to unveil!! I’ll post the pictures early next week.
Cheers to a whole week of Spring Cleaning….body, mind, and soul!
LC
oh heather I would love it! PLease send me that picture. Thank you so much for going back and reading this. I love hearing about your heart and soul! Lindsay ________________________________
I had to backtrack and see the roots of this, and ….just, whoa. I don't think my trip to DC could've been better timed with this post. 🙂 My heart & soul feels at home in that city, and coming home to D (wherever we are), and choosing self progress. I'll get those pics to you if you plan on posting another one 🙂 xo!!
Sometimes I write a word on my hand like that to remind me of something special- like a persons name or the word "smile". Great post Lindsday
I sure did! hope you did as well! Cheers Kalli! Lindsay ________________________________
such inspiration and truth to this post. love life-even the little things…..and be thankful 🙂 hope you are having a relaxing weekend lindsay!
It's a work in progress. Getting closer though…hehe.;) Lindsay ________________________________
So… that image of you with a cracker on your nose—I've seen that before! There's a video of a do with a treat on his nose, and then he manages to pull his nose out from under it and catch it in his mouth. Can you do that, too? If so, will you post the video?Happy weekend! 🙂
oh nellie. You are one of a kind, truly beautiful! I hope I get to see that picture. xxoo Lindsay ________________________________
Sarah,this is so beautiful to hear! God really does work in miraculous ways! I cannot wait to see your pictures. Thank you for sharing friend. Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
I'm spring cleaning my nit-picking attitude about myself. So done with always feeling like I fall short. Gonna make a point to find more valuable things to focus on rather than superficial stuff…cuz I KNOW life has SO much more to offer!! Thanks for your post…as usual 🙂
Lindsay, this is a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing. It's amazing how relevant your words are today…I woke up this morning and decided that today was the day that I was going to renew myself–renew my relationship with God, renew my commitment to health, and renew my commitment to everyone I love. Then I read this post and teared up! I'm going to look through my photos and possibly snap a few new ones, and then send them your way.
I'm gonna get digging…I love the humor, laughter and fun you found. It really is the best medicine.
Beautiful post, spring is definitely the time to reset and refocus on what is important!
Great post Linds! Those flowers are absolutely gorgeous!
Oh your pictures are too wonderful Thank you for sharing them and your wonderful words!
LOL! It took some practice. Cookie dancing on the nose is my hidden talent, just kidding! Hope youre getting lots of good sunshine and spring cleaning this weekend friend. Cheers! Lindsay ________________________________
oh wonderful Chrysta! I am realy excited for this. Lots of good soul searching to come this weekend. Can't wait for your picture! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh Shannon I am so glad. I hope you find time this weekend to let it all sink in. Can't wait for that picture! Lindsay ________________________________
Your posts always come at the perfect time! Seriously, I've just been kind of bitter/confused/drained recently, and I need to do a serious heart/soul cleaning! It may take a while… hopefully I can find a picture!
Your posts always make me smile! I think its so important to spring clean the mind, body and soul. Well said!I just love all the renewal that spring brings but we often forget to bring that renewal to ourselves so that we can grow and learn each year. Take time to appreciate all that we have. I LOVE it!!! I'll try and send some pics too (Im at work today though so hopefully tonight) I cant wait to see what everyone has come up with. Take care my dear!!
Great post. That picture of your niece is too cute!
you are so amazing! i just love your inspiration posts- they always get me thinking! can you teach me how to balance a cookie on my nose? that is SKILL!
my dad is a photographer, hehe. Well, he's an architect with photographer background. Love that talent! I know I always say this, but I wish we lived closer. You heart just pours out motivation and inspiration. I am so glad that your soul has been doing the same. Must be all that swimming, hehe.Love ya friend. Lindsay ________________________________
wendy, sounds like an intense day! Lots of souls serarching in yoga training, thats awesome! Lindsay ________________________________
I love you more and more with each post. I AM sending you a picture!!! LOVE THIS!!! Girl, you are gorgeous as you are cooking and even with food on your nose:) Your niece is TOO cute and your dad should be a photographer. The last two weeks I have been cleansing my soul big time…..I am liking it:)
Love all of your pictures 🙂 and of course the message too! Time to slow down and treasure what we have right in front of us…no doubt! Wishing you a happy weekend Lindsay!Katie 🙂
Love it.Did much cleaning of the soul at the first night of yoga teacher training today. Did even more on the drive home. You know, "I love Rte 1… I love Rte 1… I'm grateful for my reliable and healthy car with gas that I can afford." instead of whining, "it's so late… I wish I were home…"Mentioned your site, too, as a reference, as one trainee is gf and another girl is making food for us tomorrow. We all have to bring something each class, and on Sunday I'll introduce the group to chia seeds in smoothies! 🙂 Along with other delights! 🙂
I really believe that appreciating the small things and seeing the miracle in them is the road to happiness. Thank you for this beautiful post! 🙂
you are too kind Sabrina. thank you! Hope your runs are full of sunshine this weekend! Lindsay ________________________________
oh its definitely going to take me a few days, but so worth it! Let me know what you find. Love you! Lindsay ________________________________
Loved the pictures… you are so pretty!! Hope you have a great weekend!!
Beautiful verse!! Thanks for sharing 🙂 This is deep…it might take me all weekend to clean out my heart and soul. It is amazing how sometimes you forget to really look within. Thanks girl for reminding me to do it!love ya
Beautiful pictures and a beautiful verse–have a BEAUTIFUL weekend <3
oh jamaica is going to be a great time to reflect on this. I was hoping jess would fly down and pick me up on the way! Think that will work? hehe. Lindsay ________________________________
oh I am so glad it helped. I was actully hesitant to post it. Have a great weekend friend.p.s.Just letting you know that if you want to leave your blog site up on the comments sections, just click options and URL when you open comment to reply. that way more people can find your great site!:) Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
oh I love that verse too! It definitely speaks to my heart. thank you for sharing! And I just love the photo you sent me. It screams passion and love! You are so lovely Emma. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
Those tulips are beautiful! Where is that?!?
oh I bet you can find a photo or take a picture this weekend that sums it all up. You are so amazing and I bet that heart can reveal a lot!:) Lindsay ________________________________
I hope it makes your weekend a little better. Praying you find your wallet, eek! Lindsay CotterNutrition Manager & Fitness [email protected] www.cottercrunch.com ________________________________
I think thats a clear sign! Go for it and let me know whatcha find. Its good stuff! Lindsay ________________________________
girl you gotta, then look at it every time you feel overwhelmed, weak, or just angry. It works! Happy training weekend friend.;) Lindsay ________________________________
yes, a good cleansing of all three. Easier said than done for me. and I needed to share it with you all to actually do it, phew! I can't wait for your photo!Cheers to mushiness Sable. Love you! Lindsay ________________________________
oh I am going to be super excited and super jealous of your photos. I know you need this time and heart with be singing with Joy after! Enjoy it dear friend. Lindsay ________________________________
Lori,This post is suppose to stir up emotions! It hard to really dig deep. Sometimes when we unveil whats been burried up for so long, we get fearful and emotional. But thats good, because its so healing. I hope this made you feel good. I can't wait to hear how your weekend goes with this! Keep me posted!Lindsay ________________________________
I hear ya. I find beauty in nature, food, etc. But those are the obvious. I can't wait to see what else your beautiful heart finds! Lindsay ________________________________
Those pictures are so awesome!! Such an uplifting post!
I love the trust photo. This is hard no? But I believe so incredibly important in every facet of our lives. This photo thing may be a challenge for me. 🙂
I think I have the perfect pic =) I'll email it to you this weekend.Beautiful post!! Of all the things we need to detox — our mind, heart and soul are the most important.Love this post! Love you! 🙂
i love this. one of my favs ever.that photo with trust on your hand. I'm doing that and framing it. simply awesome.
ummmm this is freaky because someone today told me to do EXACTLY this (look deep down and pull out something good)….weird. guess i should do it right? 🙂
Lindsay, I think you have just read my mind. A few days ago, I read and memorised a Bible verse like this!! "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalms…somewhere!). That verse really made me think about how much I NEED to cleanse my heart and soul, and that the only way I can truly do that is with God's help.This post is my favourite EVER in the whole universe and I love you so much for writing it!! I feel so blessed to know such an amazing and inspirational person:) I will definitely send you a photo!Have a great weekend lovely friend!!
That is a GREAT idea!! I'll have to think of some good pics…perhaps while in (and of!) Jamaica! 🙂
This post came at the perfect time for me. I've been struggling with a few things lately, and the Bible verse you posted is absolutely beautiful. It's amazing how much HIS words can uplift you. I can't wait to go outside tomorrow and take in all the beauty around me. Studying in Rome, it truly can't be that hard 😉 I'll send a pic (or 2) your way!
I definitely need to think about this one. I can easily get caught up in the beauty and soul connection I find in nature (but it's a little cold for me to go find that right now!). I think music helps sometimes, and being around people I love. I also often find my heart and soul connection in food—when I'm being mindful and using all of my senses while I eat. Thanks for making me think and reconnect again 🙂
wonderful and encouraging post – thank you! i hope you have a lovely weekend 🙂
I have no idea why but this post stirred up a lot of emotions for me. Maybe it's almost that time of the month or maybe I just need to really dig down deep and find what runs lori (hehe, I had to). But really, I got kinda sad and happy from this post. I'm going to find some time to clean and send a pic! I love you and your always encouraging, heartwarming, wonderful spirit you bring to each post. Thank you. 🙂
That's awesome! I can't wait for the pictures.And I think you'll really see a difference with GF eating after your run tomorrow. Good recovery!
LOVE this so much! Shocking, I know. 😉 I will be sending you a picture of me cherishing some sunshine, gorgeous weather and alone time with my hubs in Jamaica next week. That's me enjoying the beauty around me, and the one person who means the world to me on this earth. How's that for mushy??
Why can't I live in Austin and hang out with you! You are so uplifting and positive!! Thank you for sharing!! I think I am going to pose this ? to my buddies on our 20 miler tomorrow and I will report back to you! With a pic too!Is it odd to already feel better from GF living? Is that mental?
deb, I've been thinking about you. I'm sorry about your loss but also glad to hear that there is so much love. You are so strong and I am sure your husband is very appreciative right now. Sending you some hugs and lovin' from TX!;) Lindsay ________________________________
oh well said. I need you as my mentor in life! Youre running and faith inspire me! Lindsay ________________________________
I think it take a lot focus just to keep our passions. We let them slip away with worldly stuff so easily, ya know? I hope your having a fabulous friday! Do I see a pizza in the near future? Lindsay ________________________________
Suzanne, I would love that!! Come on with your bad self, hehe! Lindsay ________________________________
hey thats some character! i bet you look gorgeous too! Your truly beautiful because you raise a family. 🙂 Lindsay ________________________________
Sarena, you are so amazing. Thank you! I know I've said this before, but its people like you that inspire me. Cheers! Lindsay ________________________________
oh me too, but this whole heart thing just did me in. It felt good though! Lindsay ________________________________
amen to that girl!! Its been heavy on my heart, it was time to dig it out and reflect. I love you friend! Lindsay ________________________________
Oh i can't wait to read it Tina. I'm sure its lovely.:) Lindsay ________________________________
Love this verse. =D SO glad you are bold enough to post scripture on your blog, L.Finding the joy in whatever our present circumstances are is the secret to contentment…And resting in the knowlege that His grace is enough for my circumstance. It is rediscovering that wherever you are is where you are supposed to be. And choosing to embrace it. ***How cool that you KNOW Chris Tomlin! Tell him he has a fan in Oregon =D
trisha, you just made my day with that picture of your heart and soul!!! I LOVE IT! I can't wait to post it. Thanks so much for sharing! Lindsay ________________________________
Your new header is sooo purrty! Very sweet post. There's been a lot of soul reflecting with a recent death in the family and a funeral a couple of days ago. But it feels nice. There is love. And that's what matters.
Goodness I love your blog! These posts are awesome. I'm sending an e-mail your way 🙂
You know I love this post! I've been working on cleaning out myself in that way too you could say. I actually am writing about it a bit in my post for later today. 🙂
That's my running verse!!! Well, 2 Cor. 4: 16, 17, and 18 are my running verses. So encouraging!! And it's too easy to focus on the temporary and think that's what matter and that's what counts and invest SO MUCH into them. And that's frustrating because the more we invest, the more we (and our idols) slip away. God truly has to do His spring cleaning in our souls to make us invest in the unseen and the eternal. LOVE this reminder LIndsay! You are amazing!
oh my gosh I love it Kristina! so meant to be!! you know what I say to that. WEEEEEE!!!! Lindsay ________________________________
oh MY !! Jason is working from home today, and as I hit post on that comment, he is on a phone meeting and he just said live in the moment and take mental snapshots! <3 <3 <3
ahh… I love this one. I'm accepting this assignment, and will have homework results emailed to you… soon… <3 thank you once again for the inspiration and encouragement! have a wonderful weekend of cherishing…
I am far from a mushy-type, but you might bring it out in me :D. I love this Spring Cleaning series!
I love this idea! You have such a way of finding good and being truly inspirational.
I love this idea! You have such a way of finding good and being truly inspirational.
Awesome pictures! I'll have to send you a picture. Just have to find one where I don't look like a frumpy stay at home mom 😉
Dang I am so jealous – I wish I lived down in Austin! If I ever get down there to visit my sister I will HAVE to meet you both (and MizFit too!).
I'm inspired! What a great idea to ask people to look around for what you found in your heart and soul. I will start looking -now.
oh please do!! I can't wait. And I feel so blessed as well. I can't thank you enough for being a great friend! Lindsay ________________________________
This is why I'm so blessed to call you a friend! You are such a beautiful person with a positive outlook on life. Billy told me last night how cool he thinks it is that we've become so close and we just met last summer through blogging. I feel like I've known you forever. 🙂 I'm definitely going to clean our my heart & soul today. I need it! And I'll send you a picture. And probably call you, too. Hahaha.
Ah yes, the passions in our lives. Sometimes I think we forget about those or take them for granted.
Ah yes, the passions in our lives. Sometimes I think we forget about those or take them for granted.