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.

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!

Restoration Song

This morning as I warmed in the sun shining through the bay window, (after freezing for 3 days working at the track).... By the way...BBBRRRRRRRR cold..... I was reminded of this song and the power of God's restoration.

I was looking at this picture my Aunt had sent me of my Grandma Pennell and all of her sisters. She had just made a regular photo copy of it, no restoration to it, just a rough copy. I could see the edges frayed, black and white scuff's all throughout. Faded parts on some of the others she sent to, showing wear, tears and loss of beauty. Details of the faces and background - blurred. I began really thinking of how much more this picture could be if it could be restored. I still treasure it because I know the faces, but how much more joy it could bring to my mom if we can get it restored. (My Grandma is on the far left!)

We've seen the tricks that can be done with photo's that have been restored. They are returned clear, precise, beautiful and for many of us, bring great reminders of milestones, memories of special people who we love, those who love us and will act as a treasured heirloom of family memories for generations to come.

It's like this.....
When God restores, it's better than original. It's better than you could ever have dreamed or thought of. It's with more peace, more power and more grace than you could have ever worked to earn. When it's the work of His hands, it's lasting, eternal, full! Nothing missing, nothing lacking, nothing broken! No faded and torn parts of the picture.

I'm reminded that His plan for me will be fulfilled. No matter what I see happening around me that may look like I've been forgotten about, His love for me will be lavished on my life to draw others to Him and He desires to bless me because He wants great, good things for me. He doesn't forget His promises. He cannot forget.

His restoration is all about His love! He is a God of new! I'm thankful for His restoration love. I want all He has in store. The laughter, the dancing, the joy!

Off to search for photo restoration folks! If you know of any in this area - send me their info!

Click on the link and enjoy this video (Lyrics are below)! God's restoration is always better than original!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LcyQOLVS_U

Restoration Song - Clay Edwards

You bring restoration,
You bring restoration,
You bring restoration to my soul!

You've taken my pain,
You call me by a new name,
You've taken my shame
And in its place,
You give me joy!

You take my mourning turn it into dancing,
You take my weeping turn it into laughing,
You take my mourning turn it into dancing,
You take my sadness turn into joy!

Halleleujah!
Halleleujah!
You make all things new!
You make all things new!

Seasons & Roots

Seasons are refreshing, scary and are many times not defined by what you see. If you've lived here in North Carolina like I have all my life, you will see warm "summer like" days arrive sometimes in March or April, but summer doesn't offiically arrive until June. Just the same, we may get a winter snow in March or even April. I remember walking through McAdenville one year at Christmas wearing shorts! You see, seasons are not defined by what we see! They are defined by a mark on a calendar or time!

Seasons can be hard to adjust to, or they can be welcomed with excitement! The ones that are hard for me to adjust to are ones that arrive a little quicker than anticipated. Especially when I haven't sorted through the cold winter wear to bundle in. I also am reminded that just like I enjoy the fall season, it's hard to enjoy fall when it's still early September, 92% humidity and 100*F outside! It's just not the same, no matter how many pumpkin candles I burn or pumpkin spice latte's I drink!

We've been in a season of change over this last year. It arrived a little too early for me - or at least I had initially thought. It had been a season of saying goodbye to family, friends and co-workers them moving into the next seasons for their families, as well as for us moving into new places and new jobs, new homeschool communities and fun as well as new friendships and church families. It's been a season of change in almost every area of our family. It has been a season requiring greater faith, courage and strength to stand and watch God be faithful to His promises. Watching to see God's hand in this season gently guide, strongly protect and faithfully provide.

As I was thinking about this season for The Haas', and for me personally, I'm thankful for a friend who shared a dream about an oak tree. It got me digging a little deeper to understand some things God was speaking to my heart. If you've ever enjoyed the shade of an oak tree, they bring such refreshment and rest on a hot summer day. Especially with a packed picnic basket in tow. These tree's can provide protection to animals and sometimes people when caught in a summer rain storm. The green leafy branches extended fully to protect others around. They also provide such beauty in the fall when the leaves begin to change. Again - seasons can bring many outward signs of purpose!

Over the last few days, as leaves are now falling, I can't help but to remember what is going on underneath in the winter time when all the beauty and purpose of the leaves seems to have deteriorated or fallen off. What's happening when the limbs are bare? When there is no "outward" attraction of it's purpose? I am reminded that this is when the most critical and valued part of the tree is growing - inside, deep roots are expanding! You may not see it outwardly, but the roots are going deep!

Never before have I really been excited about the arrival of the COLD WINTER season. It get's darker earlier. It's colder. People get the "stuffies". Dry skin may try to prevail. There's not much beauty around with all the tree's going bare. PLUS ....All those bulky coats and sweaters don't make a lady feel so pretty.

Now, I am choosing to change my "thinker's" thinking. This year I'm excited about the winter season, that season that looks forgotten, dormant or without value or worth. You see, that's where the depth of healthy fruit (beauty, rest, refreshment, love, protection) will last! It's not just about the tree's, It's about what is in me. Are my roots doing deep in God's Word, His love, His Heart? I'm seeing the beauty of what God is doing and what He is creating for us! What He designed for us to be a part of! There is always a bigger picture at work if we are willing to dig deeper into the root system. Changing perspective also helps! I want His perspective in it all!

Let's get the sled's ready! Winter will be arriving! It's beautiful outside! Let's go! Bundle Up! It's getting cold out there!


Genesis 1:13-14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so.

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Colossians 2:6-7 My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Wikipedia:
The Oak Tree is Considered to be one of the most significant and magnificent trees in the whole world. Overall the oak tree is a very strong and sturdy wood, and represents many things, including that of the concept of longevity, and of wisdom. This is a tree that stands the test of time.

What Is Your "Thinker" Thinking?

Daniel and I have this thing we do.... in the car, when it's just the two of us. It will be quiet after a moment of chatting, enjoying the view as we ride a long... then.... one of us will ask in an extra exuberant tone.... "What is your thinker thinkin'?"

Sometimes he will answer the typical 9 year old responses of "nothing", "about this game I played yesterday", "about boy stuff" or "thinking about Maverick in California". We'll.... last weekend he asked me, "What is your thinker thinkin' mom?" Oh man... I'm caught!

He caught me! My thinker wasn't thinking on the good stuff at that moment. A phone call had tried to stir me into a moment of frustration and fear. Ever been there? That was that day.

I had been busy all afternoon, then got busy enjoying a visit with a neighbor, then busy trying to wrap up the evening to get baths, prayers and bedtime completed. I have to admit, a little concern and a little creeper by the name of "fear" had started to try and sneak in. Oh man - Daniel caught me!

I did not realize my countenance had given my thoughts secretly away. I take that back, I know it wasn't necessarily my facial expressions, but the Holy Spirit was using my son to do a heart check on me. I was caught! Oh man! Did he see worry in my eyes? What about my joy - did I have it on that day? What about my tone? Oh we won't go there from that particular day. Found Guilty. Now it was time to make it right. Found Grace!

The Holy Spirit used my son to check me, to check my heart, my mind and my emotions... What WAS I thinking? Would I allow fear to rule? Would I choose to be attentive to my words and declare what God has promised or declare what I'm seeing or not seeing with my eyes? Would I allow God's peace to rule in me? What WAS I thinking? Time for a mind check and heart check.

I was reminded of the verse below..... You see.... I know God's covenant name. I know His covenant love. I've experienced His grace and abundant love and have seen His redeeming, restoring power over my own life - time and time again! Even in this new season, I can and choose to confidently declare - He is faithful to the Haas'! He is our trust! He is our God! We will believe His word no matter what we see, what we feel or what we hear. He is our hope!

Psalms 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in you, For you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

For me... this is what I know and was reminded of today .... to keep the thinker thinking the good.....

1.) Don't be busy thinking on the frustrations or fears. Ask often - What is your thinker thinking?

2.) Keep the Word in front of you! Stay focused in having alone time in your Word. THIS IS VITAL! And .... literally - and if you have to... keep scripture that keep you in check where you can see them and keep your spirit, mind and eyes focused on God's promises! Get some great cd's or podcasts you can learn from and keep them going in your car or where you can listen throughout the day!

3.) Keep worship your focus and declare God's promises with your voice! LOUDLY! I sing them, I shout them, I talk to myself with them. That's really fun in traffic and with the kids singing loudly too! Many days we also keep worship music playing continously throughout the house. It makes a difference! Try it and see!

Worship with all you are! Don't hold back! Worship is a weapon that destroys any thoughts of fear, anxiety, frustration, grief - it's all defeated with WORSHIP! There's a whole other thoughts coming on this one soon!

I've had my "thinker" adjusted today!

What are you thinking about?

To Lead or Not To Lead - That is the question!

Over the last few days, Chris and I have been reading and listening to a lot about leadership principles...think about this...

"True leaders attract others because of their authentic, transparent, Godly lives - not because of a position, money or title. True leaders don't seek out people who can give or do for them and only make them look good. True leaders look to see how they can serve, give and equip others to be the best they can be". - Chris Haas

As we continued talking about what God was teaching us on this season of many new adventures we are on, we were reminded that as leaders we will draw others to ourselves as leaders.

You see.... as a leader, you will draw people into your life. People will see things they want to be a part of. Either it will be the God things or the not so good things that they are captivated by. If you are a leader who is continually being critical with your measurement of other leaders or ministries, what kind of people do you think will be around you?

You will duplicate character in others. If you are stirring negative character traits in your own life, don't expect much more than that of what you see in others who are around you. The word says, what we sow, we get back. I sure want to be careful not to sow or do these things to others - it will bite hard!

Just the same, if you are a leader who cherishes the gift of what God designed in others, you will want only God's best for them; You will whole heartedly celebrate those who are have gifts different than you or those who are growing faster than you; You are honored to serve others in any way you can, by serving God any way you can; You get excited when you see others move into what God has for them; Your heart is stirred by seeing others do what God has planned for them; You purpose in your heart, mind and spirit to honor others with your thoughts, your emotions and your love.

As we are learning every step of the way, I want to saturate myself with the leader I want to be like - my God! I can only do that by spending time with Him, in His presence and with His people. I want the direction and correction that His Word brings and Holy Spirit heals. I want to keep my heart focused on the measure of what He see's in me. Not what others may measure me by.

Along this journey I have had the gift of having some pretty amazing leaders be a part of my story. I've learned so much - from so many! I've had some pretty great folks deposit some key things into my life that are treasures to me - Love the Word, Be Loyal, Be Faithful, Be Trustworthy, Be Transparent, Be Ready To Serve, and most recently - BE ME!

Even in those difficult seasons of being with difficult leaders in difficult places, I've learned so much that I would never trade! Even in those places and seasons, God revealed so much to be learned. God restored what was meant to bring hurt, fear and intimidation. I love reading the stories in God's Word of David, Joshua, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Micah, Jonathan, Jesus, Paul, Timothy and even Saul. Those folks were some of the strongest, most purposed leaders we know - yet, they still had a lot to learn!

What is being "copied" into who you are? What character is God developing into the big picture of who you are? Are you easily angered? Do you get jealous or intimidated by the strength in other's gifts? Do you measure others with your own guide or by what the Word says? What are you "duplicating" in others? God's word or man's measurement? Are you living real & authentic lives - without hypocricy or manipulation to others? Do you seek out others just for what they can "do" for you or "give" to you? What is God teaching you about being the leader He has called you to be?

I am so thankful that my story isn't finished yet! There's a lot still to be "duplicated" into what God has designed for me. I'm choosing to be more purposed in my journey. I will choose to be a part of God's character. Thanks for being patient as God is finishing up some pretty important details of His story of me! It's going to be a grand adventure to enjoy!

I'm letting Him write the story!

Enjoy the ride!

A New School Year!

Have you ever been excited to step into something new, but you are a little nervous to take that step? You know with all that is in you that God has asked you to do it and it will be an extravagant, fun, adventurous and sometimes risky endeavor! You know you will have the time of your life if you do it? Well that has been the recent season for our family!


Last night as I finished up reviewing for my first day of homeschooling, I got this knot in my stomach. A nervous ache! As I was thinking .... oh God ... I need you! I need you in this new thing you are asking of me! I need you to tell me you are with me! I need you to reassure me that I'm not going to "mess up" my kid! (Even though I know that God has given me every tool, thing, gift, passion to be the best mom to him!.... there are times we question..... right?). I was reminded of Joshua 1 - before Joshua even had a chance to cry out in fear - God assured, "I'm with you - don't be afraid!"


As I was setting our breakfast table with all the fun fabrics, new crayons and pencils and making it fun for the bright morning sun and bright eyed kids, God gently assured me, "Hey.... just as you want to make this new morning fun for them, I'm making this fun for you.... Laugh and enjoy every part. Know I'm right here with you - making it great for YOU"!


Sometimes some of the greatest new seasons require steps of faith for the places we've never been.... for the lands we've never visited. For this season, God is requiring me to have faith for this new land.... but also a joy! A joy that only a great father would want to give his kids! A joy only a parent can understand as they see their child grow into the young man God designed. If we don't step in and enjoy it all .... think of all we'll miss out on!


This morning as we started our day, I asked Daniel to write ... "My first day of 4th grade, I think it will be...." his first response..... "Fun to get to know my parents better".


Oh he'll get to know me better.... I hope he will laugh along even louder WITH me! I'm looking forward to knowing our "young man" like never before! It's going to be fun!


I'll keep you all posted as we step into this new adventure!


The first day is completed.... Math - Check..... Language Arts - Check..... Spelling - Check ...... Science - Field Trip to a Dentist Office this afternoon (with a full report to follow).... Fun -Check .... Every step of the way!