Saturday, November 14, 2009

Running The Race!




Someone asked me on Friday why I would choose to pay to run a race.....  So I thought I would post my few responses....

Why do I PAY to run a race?



#1.   To stay motivated to keep my focus on my health and fitness goals.   If I pay for an event, I'm more likely to  work harder to train for it and do better at it.


#2.   Meet some great folks who encourage you along the way.


#3.   Help some great causes in fund-raising efforts throughout the community. 



#4.   Have fun with my friends as they run along side with me.   It's fun having a connection with people.  It's fun accomplishing a goal with friends!



#5.   There's nothing like crossing that finish line knowing that you finished.    "You didn't give up.  You did it.  You finished."    I can't wait to hear God say.... "You did it.  Well done Nickie".  



#6.   After not being able to run or exercise for 6 months... I'm thankful to be able to move, run, hop, skip, walk, exercise.  I'm thankful to be able to move and sweat off the day.   I won't take for granted the chance to exercise.




So... here's my challenge in 2010....  my first 10K in Charleston!       Off to stretch and get ready for my day!   Anyone want to join me in March?   Ready,  Set,   Go!



Let's do our best to finish well in all we do! 





1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.



Proverbs 15:9
A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.

Monday, November 9, 2009

The masks are off!



As I just finished reviewing my lesson plans for this week's home-school lessons..... I'm tired,  I'm zonked and ready to give up for the day.  My girl was wired hard today from the extra sleep and her sneaky  hand dipping into the candy bowl.    My boy is bummed from a spelling test he didn't do so well on last week.  My honey was zonked from a few hard days working at the track.  All that required extra patience, discipline and attention from me today, but....I can't finish this day without declaring to all who would want to know....

I'm one blessed mess!

God is teaching me so much in this season about being real.  Being real with Him.  Being real with life.  Being real with you.  Making the choice to be completely open and relevant with life.   You see...there is freedom in that place.  No hinderances.  No limits on what God can do with me, for me and through me.    The masks are off!   I want only God's heart.  Not my own.   I want His eyes.   Not mine that tend to glance with a critical spirit.  I want His love demonstrated in every area of my life.   The masks are off .... again the masks are off.   I want to be around those who have the guts to take off the mask too! 

For that... I'm so thankful!

I know I'm not the first to admit that there are days I'm not so together.  There are mornings I sleep in until the last possible second, just to catch that extra snooze button's worth of rest.   There are days I wait till the last minute to finish reviewing a lesson on crickets and grasshoppers (today!), cause I'd rather visit with a friend who stopped by "just because".       I also may have to re-wash the load of laundry because I forgot it was ready to dry (after 2 days).   I even ... (gasp!).... get mad at injustices and mean people.    My kids sometimes misbehave, ok... sometimes they misbehave alot if I don't stay on top of it.   I may even have a stain to scrub out of the carpet too!     Just like you!   

We all have issues.  We all bring life to the table.    I heard a dear friend once say,  "We all are just big hot messes!".   You see..... God knows that.  He loves me anyway.   He loves you!     I love it when people are real with me.   No masks.  No hinderances to get to know them.   I love to do life with real people!  Not the fake, stiff necked, critical kind.  Today I'm thankful that I'm a mess, I'm not perfect!   Hey!  It's even a better way for Him to be honored by what only He can do to make me "together".

Tonight.... I'll rest well knowing that my heart is full .... with all of the challenges a day can bring.... I was able to love today.   I was able to worship today.   I was able to snuggle with my kids tonight and watch them fall asleep.  I was able to hug my man with a love that is cherished.    

The best part.... I'll rest well tonight knowing I'm loved by a real God.

Nite Nite!