May is National Bike Month

What Can Biking do for You?


I'm sure you all know that February is Black History Month, that March is dedicated to women, but did you know that May is National Bike Month? Yes, it's that time of year to dust off your seat, oil up the gears and put your feet on the pedals. May 16th has been designated as "Bike to Work" day so I urge all of you to try a different means of commuting than a key in the ignition.
In honor of such a month, to promote a cleaner environment, and to save gas money, I will be commuting to school on two rubber wheels and a metal frame. The reality is, all this talk about diet and exercise in Biochemistry made me feel guilty about my exercise habits and made me realize that while walking 1.5 miles to school uphill both ways in the snow barefoot might be a challenge, perhaps biking would be somewhat easier. So last week I broke down and invested in my health and in a mountain bike. I can't think of a better way to start the day than a short ride to school with no radio blaring in my ear and only the sounds of rubber on the road and my heart beating, waking me up from my drowsy state as I pedal to Stanton-Gerber Hall for an 8am class.
Speaking of Biochemistry and health, I've recently been thinking about such issues in regards to the patients I've seen and my own health. Almost certainly, over half of my future patient load could be eliminated by proper diet and exercise. So many of our health related issues stem from an improper balance of diet and lack of exercise. I find it ironic that we will pay for premium gasoline, that we will buy the best quality brand of clothes, detergents, vehicles, etc.. However, when it comes to our bodies, we settle for junk. We load it with partially-hydrogenated, chemically saturated, high fructose corn syrup carbonated junk. Though our bodies were beautifully and intricately designed, it is illogical to think that they were engineered to daily combat such chemical creations.
I may not be able to control my genetic composition nor any accidents that may be beset me, but I can control what I allow to enter my body and how I use it. It is for such reasons that I have, when possible, made the switch to organic foods. Before you tell me that my time in Appalachia has turned me into some bike-riding, tree-hugging, hippie chick, keep reading. Not only is organic food lacking in unknown and carcinogenic chemicals, organic foods are produced in such a way that benefits the community and the environment. They promote family farms and support local communities and eliminate the chemical byproducts that come from regular, mass-producing agrarian businesses. In particular, organic milk and meat from organic (range-fed) animals lack the antibiotics and steroid hormones that come non-organic sources. Did you know that every time you order a meat dish at your favorite restaurant that that animal was probably kept from birth in a small stall and never allowed out to roam the verdant hills like any God-created cow or chicken should be allowed to do? Do you realize that every bottle of milk you buy probably came from a cow who was pumped up with antibiotics and possibly fed feed that had meat from other animals mixed in with it? Just a few things to think about.
Even if I have convinced you to buy organic, you're probably thinking, "Michele, this is going to be expensive, and it all tastes like rabbit food!"
Actually, it's not anymore expensive than picking up a few Greastals and an order of fat fries everyday. I can go and buy an organic pizza for the same price of a take-out pizza. I can buy enough organic food for lunch everyday cheaper than I could go out to eat for those same lunches. As far as tasting like rabbit food, just open up a box of Health Valley granola bars, a container of Horizon yogurt, or a can of Amy's brand soups and try it. I personally find the lack of chemical additives as a supplement to the taste.
Here are some helpful links to understanding the term "Organic" and why we should all consider making the switch:

SustainableTable.org

Guidelines Regarding Food Additives

I'm not saying that I don't enjoy going out for that occasional pizza or indulging in a piece of chocolate birthday cake. However, I was given one body on this earth, and I intend to take care of it as best I can. So go ahead, comment away about your "Appalachian, bike-riding, organic food-loving" friend's post. In the meantime, go try something organic, and don't forget your bike helmet! Remember, May is National Bike Month!

A Wet Weekend

With camping plans already axed due to Friday night's storms and going against my better judgment, I decided to join some friends in Cades Cove Saturday evening to break in my new bike and spend some time away from Johnson City. I have to say, there's almost nothing more beautiful than the Smokies in springtime. The drive itself, minus the slight detention in the "Mecca of Materialism:Pigeon Forge" was a continual display of new spring life and colors around every bend of curvy Wears Valley Road. When I arrived at the Cove, my friends were just finishing dinner, and the weather was a balmy 50 degrees. The ride started out nicely with an expansive view of the mountains surrounding the valley and an abundance of wildlife: deer and turkey. However, just as we reached the halfway mark of the loop, it started to rain and rain and rain. Fortunately, it was limited to a fine drizzle for the majority of the ride and we stumbled upon an old log house for shelter when the drizzle changed to a steady rain. By the end of the ride, our bikes and ourselves were soaked upon our return, but the adventure was well worth it.
After worship on Sunday at Laurel, I drove back to Johnson City only to be greeted by another wet surprise: my water heater had sprung a leak and was determined to turn my laundry room into Johnson City's newest indoor swimming pool. Thank goodness for emergency maintenance service.
Then there's the wetness of my runny nose as I've had to miss the last two days of med. school due to a sinus infection. "Wet" seems to be a pervading characteristic of my life these past few days. Even as I was eating breakfast this morning, I was greeted by April's HTI calendar's picture of an old Quiche man taking cover under a plastic poncho during the seasonal afternoon rains of Guatemala. I remember those rains: how we all despised our daily drenching until one day it didn't rain and we had to suffer from the heat until the next afternoon.
Though I've been snuggled under my covers and sick, I'm thankful that I've been given two rainy days, so to speak, days where I can just sit and think. I've actually had time to catch up on my Daily Bible reading, to journey with Paul through his letters to the Thessalonians and Corinthians, to be reminded of the joy that comes from sharing in the suffering on the Cross, and to be reminded that my purpose is not motivated by a fear of Hell, rather; by a love for the One who conquered it. I've had time to think about how this time last year I was about to polish off an undergraduate degree, and how a year later, I'm still wet behind the ears in the study of medicine. I've had time to think about how many storms I've faced this past year, how many streams crossed, and how every time God has protected me and provided me a way through them.
I suppose tomorrow the sun will shine brightly and clearly display how far behind I am in my studies and how much I still have to accomplish over the next month to finish my first year of medical school. For now, it's back to bed to sleep and rid myself of these sinus sniffles!

Mark Your Calendars!

I know this is early to announce but I thought I'd post this "hot-off-the-press" poster. Needless to say, this poster didn't make the cut so feel privileged to view such a rarity.
If things work out, there may be specific sessions for college/medical students regarding missions. If anyone needs a place to stay, my apartment has an open-door policy.
Any questions? Just send me an email! Cya in September!!

ER?

Though I barely know what I'm doing from day to day, the powers at be at Quillen are already asking me to consider where I want to go and what I want to do for October's week-long preceptorship (aka doctor shadowing). I think I've figured out the "what," Emergency Medicine because would expose me to a wide variety of scenarios, not to mention the fact that I secretly admire all those great actors that come on TV every Thursday night.
The "where," on the other hand, is another story. Anyone know of any Christian ER docs? Should I go hang out with some of you guys in a random city, should I go back home, or should I succumb to the persuasive powers of one of my classmates and spend the week in Miami?
(Note: By this time I should have a FF mile ticket so airfare isn't an issue).
Any suggestions besides going to Hollywood and hanging out with the TV "ER" docs? I have until Monday or a few days after to decide. Decisions, decisions.
Any help or ideas will be appreciated!

Lack of Concentration

I have a confession to make: I'm not concentrating on biochem right now as I should be. It's 11:30pm, and my mind has traversed all paths but those of steroid synthesis and metabolism. Instead, I am aimlessly staring at my computer, chatting with old friends, and typing a quick post to be viewed by all the world should they pause momentarily from their busy schedules to read another one of my ramblings.
I've been reading a lot of Oswald Chambers lately (as if you haven't been able to tell by my previous posts) As I was reading April 15th's daily devotional, I came across one of his many interesting insights. The focus of the devotional was spiritual concentration, and the point was made about how often we as Christians feel deserving of a "moral holiday," a respite such as I am taking this very moment from my studies. Society seems to apply this perspective to many aspects of our lives: I ran two miles today; therefore, I can splurge and have that extra piece of cake at dinner. I just studied for an hour so I deserve a 15 minute break. I brown-bagged it all week so I can go out to eat on Saturday night. Likewise, many of us Christians hold this same paradigm in regards to our Christian lives. We have a tendency to say to ourselves, "Let's see. I went to church three times this week, put some money in the offering plate, read my Bible daily, and helped the elderly lady next door. Surely, am I not entitled a small break to live as the rest of the world does? After all, I've checked off my list for this week. I'm good to go."
While the rewards and rest system might function well for study breaks and extra cake, we cannot approach our Christian lives in the same manner. Can a wife who has been faithful to her husband for forty years all of a sudden decide she needs a "vacation" from their marriage and have an affair one night? Suppose your heart decided to take a break after you just finished a marathon because it thought it had worked hard the last few hours and needed a rest, or suppose your kidneys decided they had filtered their quota for the week and were "off duty" until Saturday? Would not consequences ensue from each of these "vacations?"
Likewise, we must continue forward in our walk, not stopping to "take a rest" or a "vacation," regardless of how much we think we might deserve such a rest or how difficult the walk may be.
Anyways, I probably need to step off my soap box and resume my studies of cholesterol and steroids.
Only one more month to go, but what a month it's going to be!

Beautiful Feet

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news.”- Isaiah 52:7

I could never be a model of the latest toe-rings or nail polish. My feet are far too ugly for that, malformed, disproportionate, and calloused. However, this summer it is my hope that they will be transformed into something beautiful.
After I finished my two exams on Monday, I stopped by the computer lab to check my email. The surprise I found in my inbox placed a smile on my face equal to the satisfaction I would have had from ace-ing the two previous tests. My friend from Guatemala had written to tell me that everything was in order for this summer’s trip and of our task at hand. We would be journeying to the poorest towns and villages of an already impoverished Guatemala, areas with names like Zacapa, Pacayito, and Tesharte. Our mission is not unlike that written in Isaiah: to bring the good news to those on the mountains (or on the volcanoes or in the small villages tucked away in a forgotten corner of the world). We take nothing with us except supplies and bedding, a few trucks, and a message of hope. Some of you might wonder why go through all this trouble just to “share your religion with some poor Guatemalans?”
The reason is more profound than such a simple phrase. I refrain from using the term “religion” for I feel it implies a definition of a self-edifying social organization instead of the true implication of a sin-stained sacrifice hanging on a two-beamed alter to bring everyone a message of hope and salvation. It is the very feet, nailed and dirty, that graced that wooden altar that will bring my feet in contact with the precious, God-formed feet of the people I will meet this summer, calloused-feet from walking miles, dirty feet from daily working in the fields, and perhaps broken feet, wearied by the load and hardships of life. These same feet will hear of a message of one who not only washes such feet but also washes away the despairs of life.
Just the thought of such an opportunity elicits a feeling of awe and excitement from within me. If I could hop a plane tomorrow, I’d do so without a second thought. I cannot wait to serve my Lord in such a way and to see the faces of some of those who were there when the Spirit first planted the seed in my heart for long-term missions in Honduras in 2003. As my friend wrote in the email, “The work of the Lord this summer will be incredible.”
So I ask your prayers that God may make my feet beautiful this summer, fresh with a life-saving message and uncalloused from my own burdens and shortcomings. We will also be blessed with a Cuban doctor who will provide medical treatment to those we encounter. We will need money to be able to buy needed-medications for this trip, so if you’d like to help in this way, let me know.

I pray that God gives you beautiful feet and guides them where to go!

I Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself

A great insight by Oswald Chambers from his My Utmost for His Highest book:

The Destitution of Service

. . . though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved —2 Corinthians 12:15


Natural human love expects something in return. But Paul is saying, "It doesn’t really matter to me whether you love me or not. I am willing to be completely destitute anyway; willing to be poverty-stricken, not just for your sakes, but also that I may be able to get you to God." "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ). And Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s. He did not care how high the cost was to himself— he would gladly pay it. It was a joyful thing to Paul.

The institutional church’s idea of a servant of God is not at all like Jesus Christ’s idea. His idea is that we serve Him by being the servants of others. Jesus Christ actually "out-socialized" the socialists. He said that in His kingdom the greatest one would be the servant of all (see Matthew 23:11 ). The real test of a saint is not one’s willingness to preach the gospel, but one’s willingness to do something like washing the disciples’ feet— that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God. It was Paul’s delight to spend his life for God’s interests in other people, and he did not care what it cost. But before we will serve, we stop to ponder our personal and financial concerns— "What if God wants me to go over there? And what about my salary? What is the climate like there? Who will take care of me? A person must consider all these things." All that is an indication that we have reservations about serving God. But the apostle Paul had no conditions or reservations. Paul focused his life on Jesus Christ’s idea of a New Testament saint; that is, not one who merely proclaims the gospel, but one who becomes broken bread and poured-out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for the sake of others.

I Couldn't Sleep Last Night

So I stole this survey from Justin's blog. Enjoy reading it while I "enjoy" a wonderful springtime weekend in Stanton Gerber Hall studying. Sigh.

My name is: Michele K Gourley
I may seem: Organized
I am really: Messy
In the morning: Wake up, hit snooze, eat breakfast, get ready, scramble around the apartment and try to make it to class by 8am
I like to sleep: More often than I get the chance
If I could be doing anything right now I would be: Camping in the Smokies
Money is: Loan money
One thing i wish i had: my MD
One thing i wish i didn’t have is: Trigger points or two tests on Monday
All i need is: God

Firsts
first best friend: Hmm
First Car: 1989 Grand Am
first kiss: 8th grade (if it counts)
first screen name: oboegirl37
first self-purchased album: Beach Boys Greatest Hits
first funeral: My Grandpa’s when I was 6
first pet: Pluto the Collie
first piercing: ears
first credit card: nope
first enemy: Sarah (when I was in 2nd grade)
first musician you remember hearing in your house: John Denver or Alabama

Lasts
last cigarette: never. smoking is gross!!!!
last car ride: with Ron, Seth, and Kristen coming back from Rogersville today
last kiss: Sophomore of college
last good cry: Spring Break though I wouldn’t term it “good”
last library book checked out: Something on West Nile Virus for my micro independent study class last year
last phone call: to or from?
Last time showered: after I worked out today
last movie seen: Does Dr.Hossler’s 3-D EM slide presentation count?
last beverage drank: Agua Pura
last food consumed: Organic granola bar
last crush: I crushed an orange bug. Does that count?
last shoe worn: Birkenstock sandals
last cd played: Rusted Root
last annoyance: People not following through with stuff
last item bought: Dinner at Don Pablo’s in Asheville, NC
last dissappointment: When friends let you down
last time wanting to die: I can’t think of a time I just wanted to die.
last time scolded: umm. Probably my bro or me forgetting to do something
last shirt worn: banana republic pink long sleeve
last website visited: ETSU Blackboard
last word you said: G’nite
last song you sang: that Nelly/Tim McGraw song “It’s All in My Head” (on the way back from Rural Track-good times!)

what color socks you are wearing: my ten toes
what color underwear are you wearing: what do you think?
what’s under your bed: I dunno. Do you?
what time did you wake up today: 6:20am

Future
where do you want to go: England or out west
what is your career going to be: Family Medicine/Missionary
where are you going to live: I wish I knew. Latin America? US?
how many kids do you want: 0-3

Current
current mood: wishing for sleep, stressed
current music: in my head
current taste: saliva: amylase, IgA, HCO3, K, Na, Cl, lingual lipase (yeah we’re studying GI)current hair: shoulder length and natural
current clothes: Blue Nashville Youth Symphony T-shirt and grey workout pants
current desktop picture: pretty flowers from Honduras
current color of toenails: burgundy wine
current love: Springtime!!!
current infatuation: Renal and GI Physiology and Histology
current time: 12:30am

The Results Are Here

Here are the results to the quiz I posted a few days ago. No one got them all right though some were close. I'll admit, it was a little tricky. Guess you guys don't know me as well as you think you do ;o)

1. I've given live performances in downtown Nashville.
True
2. I was the poster child for the local Rutherford County 4-H club in elementary school.
False. Never even heard of such a thing.
3. I took a taxi for free when I was in Guatemala.
False. We rode the beloved HTI Microbus everywhere
4. I hitchhiked across El Salavador
I plead the 5th on this one
5. My new favorite snack is celery with peanut butter
False. Celery??? Eeewww!!!
6. I once campaigned for a US Congressman
True. I was one of the little kids in Congressman Bart Gordon's 1988 campaign commercial.
7. I've been on national TV numerous times
True. Ever heard of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band?
8. I've hiked over 150 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains
True.
9. My first car was a 1997 Corolla
False. I suppose no one remembers my beloved 1989 Grand-Am
10. I made it through Dallas airport in 30 minutes to catch a flight
Amazing but true (see one of my January post for details)
11. I earned my 3rd degree brown belt in karate
True. I was 2 degrees away from earning my black belt.
12. I was born in Smyrna, Tennessee
False. It was actually Murfreesboro, TN (Smyrna didn't have a hospital at the time)
13. I met one of the original Munchkin men when I was 19
True. One of the many interesting events that happened while working for the Grand Ole Opry
14. I'm a closet Diet DP fan
True. I keep saying I'm trying to give up caffeine but secretly I love Diet DP
15. I've given live performances in Honolulu, Hawaii
True. It was the "educational" portion of our high school band trip to Hawaii.

In Honor of Today

I thought about posting a bogus blog, but then I thought that might not go over well. Instead, in honor of April Fool's Day, I have posted 15 statements. 10 of the statements are true and the rest are false. It's your job to decipher fact from fiction. How well do you know me?

1. I've given live performances in downtown Nashville.
2. I was the poster child for the local Rutherford County 4-H club in elementary school.
3. I took a taxi for free when I was in Guatemala.
4. I hitchhiked across El Salavador
5. My new favorite snack is celery with peanut butter
6. I once campaigned for a US Congressman
7. I've been on national TV numerous times
8. I've hiked over 150 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains
9. My first car was a 1997 Corolla
10. I made it through Dallas airport in 30 minutes to catch a flight
11. I earned my 3rd degree brown belt in karate
12. I was born in Smyrna, Tennessee
13. I met one of the original Munchkin men when I was 19
14. I'm a closet Diet DP fan
15. I've given live performances in Honolulu, Hawaii