I don't know much...but what I do know is that I suddenly felt inspired to write. To try to put into words my life, in the present.
Here it goes:
1.) My family is great! I look at my family and I just love where we are... Mom and Dad keeping busy doing this that and the next thing. Becky and Tim trying to keep up with 3 kids. And let me tell you that Jessa, Parker, and Lincoln are SO cute--it is SO fun to watch them grow up and learn new things. They are all full of joy and smiles. I love seeing Becky and Tim raise them to be respectful and in a house where the Lord is very present. Nothing like hearing a 7 year old or a 3 year old sing praise and worship songs....(i cry almost every time.) The Lord is SO faithful. Brandon is getting ready to get married to a wonderful woman. I am so excited to officially have Pam as a sister ( I ALWAYS wanted a baby sister...I will teach her everything I know ;) ). Their relationship has been fun to watch and blossom--they balance each other so well! I am excited to see their next phase of life take shape. And then there is me...who has her first boyfriend, and I dare say it is serious... :) (but more about that soon)
As my family grows I am just humbled by how faithful the Lord is! We are a family that is busy in each of our seasons right now, but also enjoying each others seasons. (if that makes sense) and I love every minute we find to spend together.
2.) CRAIG...he is so great. My first boyfriend...he makes me happy! The adjustment from single to relationship has not been the most smooth transition I have gone through (*slash* am going through) but Craig has been solid for me. Consistently reminding me that things will work out as the Lord wants them to--or as he puts it 'it will be fine'. I love and hate those words all at the same time, mostly because 1.) I know he is right and 2.) as a person who loves to talk, I want more words than that. So even when I know what he means, I ask him to explain it.
We are figuring out how to take two schedules and routines of single people and mesh it together to be a unified schedule for 2 people doing life together. It has presented its challenges, but each challenge makes our relationship stronger. One of our favorite things to do is to go fishing. We have only gone out a handful of times, but it is one 'outdoorsy' thing I can get into, mostly because it doesn't require a ton of skill to throw a line out and wait for a bobber to get pulled under, alerting me that there is a fish on the other end.
We also have enjoyed cooking dinner together and just spending time together. I am so thankful for him in my life.
3.) I feel like every time I turn around the Lord is telling me to trust Him, and the devil is whispering how I am not doing anything right and that I am not good enough. The Lord is telling me that he has good things planned for my life and that I need to stay focused on Him and the devil whispers that I need to control my own life. Let me tell you how well this is working.....it isn't....because I am believing the lies--the Devil REALLY knows how to get under my skin and shake my world. This morning, I HEARD this truth: the Lord reminded me that His Grace is sufficient and that I need to die to my flesh and live my life in His light. WHAT A RELIEF--today I am feeling empowered and more like myself again. Working on being pulled out of the deep pit I dug with the assistance of the deceiver. I am so excited that I know truth, and that I have friends and family who are willing to listen to me and remind me of how valuable.
4.) I am going to run the Des Moines half marathon on October 20, I would like to tell you that I am in my training plan with full force, but that would be a lie. :) I need to get into that. I am hoping to finish and hoping that it is not super hot. My mom will be doing it as well. It is interesting to me how hard getting into running has been for me this year. Perhaps I got burnt out last year. I like to run AFTER I am done with a run.... :) I have been working out, and I think that is helping with the few runs that I am doing.
5.) Work is great. I have been with Home Instead Senior Care for 5 wonderful years. In the last few months there have been some significant changes but we are discovering new norms and it is going well.
6.) The 26, aka my apartment. I still live with Jenni and this labor day weekend marks our 5 year anniversary. She is great for dealing with me this long :) She is always a listening ear and a kind word--and lots of laughs along the way...like last night when she found a napkin in our freezer. WHY? who know why or how it got in there, we both have theories blaming the other person...but we may never know why that was in there or why it was so funny to us.
I think that is all. I am still just trying to do my best on a daily basis, some days are better than others...but I am so thankful for who the Lord has brought around me to walk along side of me. I am the first person to declare my distaste for change....BUT I am just trying to work through the large capacity of change in my life with as much grace as possible and after my epiphany this morning about how the Lord will carry it for me and grant his grace on the situation makes me face the day with a smile and a large amount of confidence. (I busted out some serious heels, which always boosts my confidence. mostly because as a 6' tall woman, who is also not known for being graceful on my feet, you NEED to be confident on heels)
This is my real life...until the next real life moment I should share with you remember that you are loved beyond your imagination--just for being you!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Monday, September 10, 2012
twenty six point two
It has been brought to my attention that 1.) I have not blogged since before Christmas (whoops) and 2.) that I should write about MY experience with the marathon. And so, in order to give the people what they want...here I am :)
This year, in general, has been a little different than most--I mean, my mom, dad, sister and I brought in the new year with a 5k in Minneapolis. After that I continued to train because I was going to do the dam to dam. My goal: run the whole thing. A month before the D2D is the Klompen classic 5k. I thought to myself "how great would it be to run with Becky" so Becky started training for the D2D and mom did too. And, if you read my moms blog she has so boldly said that the marathon was MY idea--and to be correct, I think it was Becky who planted the seed for a girls weekend we should do this women rock race. I do not remember if she thought we should do the marathon or just the half--regardless--I thought it was a good idea. :) My lovely sister found out that she was expecting her third and that she would did the klompen but that was as much as she could do in terms of running for the year. (YAY for a new niece or nephew in November!) And at some point pre-D2D my mom and I bit the bullet and registered for a full marathon. I remember the phone call well. "Mom, are we doing this or no?" "Rianne, I don't know. can we do it?" "Yes--we can do anything we set our minds to" "yeah, but is that crazy?" "yes, do you want to?" "I am on the registration page filling it out." "yeah me too" "are we doing the full or the half?" "Mom, I think I will do the full and you should too" "Well, I do feel like the Lord is calling me to that." "Mom, I am ready to submit--I am NERVOUS" "me to" "MOM--I JUST HIT SUBMIT" "RIANNE, I DID TOO" "this is it" "we are crazy..."
We did it--we registered--which, in my opinion, is just as hard as running the race. HA, JUST KIDDING! Registering was quick and painful and evoked a lot of emotion. The race itself--that was a whole different animal.
I trained as best I could--I followed the plan and some training runs went better than others. My favorite part of the whole thing--going through it with my mom. Having someone to encourage and push, having my mom encourage and push me. The bad runs, the good runs, the LONG runs--chatting after them and touching base to see what she did differently or tried or kept the same. I LOVED having that to talk about and in common with her! I got to be alongside her with this whole experience. Yes, we run different paces--but the thing that is the same is our stubbornness and desire to do our best, oh which makes us equally crazy :) (I am learning that I am more like my mom than I ever thought--lucky for me, she is really great!)
September 1 was D-Day----if you will. :) There was nothing to do different--it was time to test the training--praying that the Lord spares me from marathon running nightmares. AND He did. PLUS I knew my friends and family were all praying me through. **SIDE BAR**Jenni, my sweet roommate, collected encouraging notes from the women in my bible study. And the morning of the marathon I read them and was humbled by the encouragement and how my journey to the marathon was affecting other people.**END OF SIDE BAR** My mom and I crossed the start line together with smiles---and when she crossed the finish we ended with smiles. After the start I picked up pace and got comfortable with my pace--and I was running well, and was SO pleased with it! We ran out 3 miles, turned around and ran to mile 9 where the half marathoners continued to their finish and we had to turn around and do all of that AGAIN. It was great seeing dad and Becky--I saw dad first, ringing his cowbell and looking back at Becky (I assumed so that she knew he saw me.) He came alongside me asking if I needed anything and then ran ahead to get what I wanted. Then he gave it to me and asked me where mom was--to which my response was "I don't know, back there and she is shaking her head" And then Becky (pregnant and all) would come along side me for a few yards. Dad and Becky were great. Once when Becky came by my I swore off ever doing anything like this again.
I thought this route would be okay--turns out, turning at mile 9 played the most tricks on my mind. and I continued running until around 13...when my quads all tightened up and my hips became so sore---I started walking...and a few times I tried to run. It was hot, my legs were tight, my feet felt like I was walking on glass..........and the 5 hour pacers past me, then the 5:30 hour pace passed me....This was the most lonely I had ever felt. (And I pretty much did all my training alone). And then around mile 18 my uncle Anson his wife Sylvia, and son Justin showed up all with smiles and words of encouragement. Anson and Justin came alongside me and just talked. I was happy to have the company even though I was frustrated and didn't say much. And to be honest I don't remember much of what we talked about. But when it was done all I could think about was how thankful I was for his presence. My uncle Anson is very similar to my dad--and his words of encouragement still are ringing in my head. He carried water and grabbed extra powerade for me--because I wasn't eating anything on the route (I had my sport beans with me but wasn't taking them because I didn't know where the water stops were) and he has been running for a while now and knew I needed to be taking in more of calories to continue. And then we hit mile 25....26 was in sight---he sprinted ahead to be at the finish and I ran in with the strength I could muster up... At the finish line there was just a small intimate crowd...because I was so far behind...but those that were there were the only ones who really cared about me and WANTED to be there and WANTED to see the finish. Diane, Bob, Lauren, Cameron, Bobbie, McKaden, Robert, and Tristina, Bonnie, John, Anson, Sylvia, Justin, Dad, and Becky. I crossed--I did it, A few tears came--lots of hugs, and then just waiting to see my mom. "come on mom" was all I could think....and then there she was...she ran in and I stood behind the finish line. ACCOMPLISHMENT! WE DID IT! WE FINISHED! My dad hugged me and told me how proud of me he was. My sister hugged me and told me how proud of me she was. In that moment, the time didn't matter. It was done.
That was my marathon. The next question is always: Will you ever do another one? My response: I can't say never--because I probably will...when, who knows. Not until Becky forgets that I told her to never let me do it again :) haha! The thing about running is that there are a lot of factors that can play into a good or bad run. I guess that can be said about any sport--that is why it is competitive(I suppose). IF I do another full marathon there will be more participants than the 240 out of 4150 people who do the FULL.
I am registered for a half marathon on October 21 in Chicago. It is called the Monster Dash--and is sponsored by the same group that did the Women Rock Marathon (described above). After I registered and did more research I am skeptical of this BECAUSE they encourage costumes, and if you know anything about me, you know my fear of things/people in costumes. Perhaps it will trigger my best time yet...
I have not run since the marathon and am still dealing with tight muscles--but I will get back out there in the next few days. But, I have been enjoying basking in the marathon.
My final thoughts: 1.) NEVER say you can't run. Running, like anything else, take practice and you have to start with small victories and interval training. 2.) I am so thankful for my friends and family who came alongside me to encourage and support me through this journey. It was time consuming and thought consuming. But I am thankful for everyone being gracious and allowing me to take the time I needed to do long runs and short runs and just be out pounding the pavement. 3.) If I learned anything from the marathon it would be that I understand the parallels in the Bible between life and running. Running is just as hard mentally as it is physically. You have to WANT to run (fast, slow, intervals, through the cramping, and rain, and heat, and not wanting to take time for the short runs) You have to WANT life and all the crazy twists and turns it can throw at you--and you have to continue through them...even if your run turns to a walk. Some days you just need to log miles, other days you never want the run to end. Likewise, in life you sometimes need to slow down, and sometimes there is nothing stopping you. But at the end of it all you must remember the your Father is cheering you on--asking what you need and grabbing it for you, and He is helping your mom/sister/brother behind you too. And when you are on the course and feel alone He is there you just have to get to where He is, and ultimately He is at the finish waiting to tell you how proud he is that you finished.4.) I really just did the marathon for the sticker I could put on my car with less than 1% of the rest of the population. :) (I am only sort of kidding) Regardless, the Lord still used it to stretch me and teach me more about myself and how He made me and such.
I hope I have helped paint the picture of my experience. I mean, I turned 26 in January--it ONLY makes sense to run a marathon...26 mile race when you are 26...or something :).
Until next time...remember you are loved!
This year, in general, has been a little different than most--I mean, my mom, dad, sister and I brought in the new year with a 5k in Minneapolis. After that I continued to train because I was going to do the dam to dam. My goal: run the whole thing. A month before the D2D is the Klompen classic 5k. I thought to myself "how great would it be to run with Becky" so Becky started training for the D2D and mom did too. And, if you read my moms blog she has so boldly said that the marathon was MY idea--and to be correct, I think it was Becky who planted the seed for a girls weekend we should do this women rock race. I do not remember if she thought we should do the marathon or just the half--regardless--I thought it was a good idea. :) My lovely sister found out that she was expecting her third and that she would did the klompen but that was as much as she could do in terms of running for the year. (YAY for a new niece or nephew in November!) And at some point pre-D2D my mom and I bit the bullet and registered for a full marathon. I remember the phone call well. "Mom, are we doing this or no?" "Rianne, I don't know. can we do it?" "Yes--we can do anything we set our minds to" "yeah, but is that crazy?" "yes, do you want to?" "I am on the registration page filling it out." "yeah me too" "are we doing the full or the half?" "Mom, I think I will do the full and you should too" "Well, I do feel like the Lord is calling me to that." "Mom, I am ready to submit--I am NERVOUS" "me to" "MOM--I JUST HIT SUBMIT" "RIANNE, I DID TOO" "this is it" "we are crazy..."
We did it--we registered--which, in my opinion, is just as hard as running the race. HA, JUST KIDDING! Registering was quick and painful and evoked a lot of emotion. The race itself--that was a whole different animal.
I trained as best I could--I followed the plan and some training runs went better than others. My favorite part of the whole thing--going through it with my mom. Having someone to encourage and push, having my mom encourage and push me. The bad runs, the good runs, the LONG runs--chatting after them and touching base to see what she did differently or tried or kept the same. I LOVED having that to talk about and in common with her! I got to be alongside her with this whole experience. Yes, we run different paces--but the thing that is the same is our stubbornness and desire to do our best, oh which makes us equally crazy :) (I am learning that I am more like my mom than I ever thought--lucky for me, she is really great!)
September 1 was D-Day----if you will. :) There was nothing to do different--it was time to test the training--praying that the Lord spares me from marathon running nightmares. AND He did. PLUS I knew my friends and family were all praying me through. **SIDE BAR**Jenni, my sweet roommate, collected encouraging notes from the women in my bible study. And the morning of the marathon I read them and was humbled by the encouragement and how my journey to the marathon was affecting other people.**END OF SIDE BAR** My mom and I crossed the start line together with smiles---and when she crossed the finish we ended with smiles. After the start I picked up pace and got comfortable with my pace--and I was running well, and was SO pleased with it! We ran out 3 miles, turned around and ran to mile 9 where the half marathoners continued to their finish and we had to turn around and do all of that AGAIN. It was great seeing dad and Becky--I saw dad first, ringing his cowbell and looking back at Becky (I assumed so that she knew he saw me.) He came alongside me asking if I needed anything and then ran ahead to get what I wanted. Then he gave it to me and asked me where mom was--to which my response was "I don't know, back there and she is shaking her head" And then Becky (pregnant and all) would come along side me for a few yards. Dad and Becky were great. Once when Becky came by my I swore off ever doing anything like this again.
I thought this route would be okay--turns out, turning at mile 9 played the most tricks on my mind. and I continued running until around 13...when my quads all tightened up and my hips became so sore---I started walking...and a few times I tried to run. It was hot, my legs were tight, my feet felt like I was walking on glass..........and the 5 hour pacers past me, then the 5:30 hour pace passed me....This was the most lonely I had ever felt. (And I pretty much did all my training alone). And then around mile 18 my uncle Anson his wife Sylvia, and son Justin showed up all with smiles and words of encouragement. Anson and Justin came alongside me and just talked. I was happy to have the company even though I was frustrated and didn't say much. And to be honest I don't remember much of what we talked about. But when it was done all I could think about was how thankful I was for his presence. My uncle Anson is very similar to my dad--and his words of encouragement still are ringing in my head. He carried water and grabbed extra powerade for me--because I wasn't eating anything on the route (I had my sport beans with me but wasn't taking them because I didn't know where the water stops were) and he has been running for a while now and knew I needed to be taking in more of calories to continue. And then we hit mile 25....26 was in sight---he sprinted ahead to be at the finish and I ran in with the strength I could muster up... At the finish line there was just a small intimate crowd...because I was so far behind...but those that were there were the only ones who really cared about me and WANTED to be there and WANTED to see the finish. Diane, Bob, Lauren, Cameron, Bobbie, McKaden, Robert, and Tristina, Bonnie, John, Anson, Sylvia, Justin, Dad, and Becky. I crossed--I did it, A few tears came--lots of hugs, and then just waiting to see my mom. "come on mom" was all I could think....and then there she was...she ran in and I stood behind the finish line. ACCOMPLISHMENT! WE DID IT! WE FINISHED! My dad hugged me and told me how proud of me he was. My sister hugged me and told me how proud of me she was. In that moment, the time didn't matter. It was done.
That was my marathon. The next question is always: Will you ever do another one? My response: I can't say never--because I probably will...when, who knows. Not until Becky forgets that I told her to never let me do it again :) haha! The thing about running is that there are a lot of factors that can play into a good or bad run. I guess that can be said about any sport--that is why it is competitive(I suppose). IF I do another full marathon there will be more participants than the 240 out of 4150 people who do the FULL.
I am registered for a half marathon on October 21 in Chicago. It is called the Monster Dash--and is sponsored by the same group that did the Women Rock Marathon (described above). After I registered and did more research I am skeptical of this BECAUSE they encourage costumes, and if you know anything about me, you know my fear of things/people in costumes. Perhaps it will trigger my best time yet...
I have not run since the marathon and am still dealing with tight muscles--but I will get back out there in the next few days. But, I have been enjoying basking in the marathon.
My final thoughts: 1.) NEVER say you can't run. Running, like anything else, take practice and you have to start with small victories and interval training. 2.) I am so thankful for my friends and family who came alongside me to encourage and support me through this journey. It was time consuming and thought consuming. But I am thankful for everyone being gracious and allowing me to take the time I needed to do long runs and short runs and just be out pounding the pavement. 3.) If I learned anything from the marathon it would be that I understand the parallels in the Bible between life and running. Running is just as hard mentally as it is physically. You have to WANT to run (fast, slow, intervals, through the cramping, and rain, and heat, and not wanting to take time for the short runs) You have to WANT life and all the crazy twists and turns it can throw at you--and you have to continue through them...even if your run turns to a walk. Some days you just need to log miles, other days you never want the run to end. Likewise, in life you sometimes need to slow down, and sometimes there is nothing stopping you. But at the end of it all you must remember the your Father is cheering you on--asking what you need and grabbing it for you, and He is helping your mom/sister/brother behind you too. And when you are on the course and feel alone He is there you just have to get to where He is, and ultimately He is at the finish waiting to tell you how proud he is that you finished.4.) I really just did the marathon for the sticker I could put on my car with less than 1% of the rest of the population. :) (I am only sort of kidding) Regardless, the Lord still used it to stretch me and teach me more about myself and how He made me and such.
I hope I have helped paint the picture of my experience. I mean, I turned 26 in January--it ONLY makes sense to run a marathon...26 mile race when you are 26...or something :).
Until next time...remember you are loved!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Quiet and Cozy Nights of Winter
Tonight is a quiet night in the 26. My roomate is out somewhere...and I am staying in. I went on a 2 mile jog because I have not been out since friday...oops. In my defense, I got struck with a bad cold and slept most of Saturday and Sunday, Monday is a rest day :) so I started right back in where I left off. I was bummed though, because Sunday completed part 1 of my 3 part training. I am REALLY excited because I can run farther than they told me I should be able to at this point, and I think that is an accomplishment!
I know it has been a month since my last post...but today has been an exceptional day...and I thought that I should share with some of my readers. I fear that as you read you will not see what is so special about today. To be honest, nothing REALLY special or significant happened...but the Lord granted me unending joy in ALL circumstances. My day started like most Tuesdays, but this morning I was meeting with my good friend Stephanie. (we changed our meeting day from wed to tues.) I went to her cozy home and when I walked in, it felt like a home. You know the feeling, like you are truley welcomed there and you feel like the person that lives there WANTS you to feel comfortable and to make yourself at home. Then we had a conversation, much like many others we have had where we talk about life and what we are learning. WHEN I left I felt refreshed...like you should after coffee and conversation with a best friend.
Then I went to work, greeted my coworkers and got busy. Just doing my job when a 95 year old man called and asked me to come out and talk to him and his wife. This is not an extrodinary event, but I got the privilege to meet extrodinary people. I don't think they would call themselves that, and she did not bond with me like he did. There was something about him, something intriguing, something sweet that made me want to hug him and never leave his presence until I heard his whole life story. I learned about taking care of bee hives, and how his parents met. I learned of a love between him and his wife that has lasted nearly 70 years. I saw pain as he talked about his son battling cancer. I learned all of this while he was interviewing me about the services my company provides. He was real, and I think he was excited to have someone listen. I was glad to be that person. He said to me, "I think your job is not one that would be done unless it was a calling, Rianne, is this your calling?" "Yes, sir, I do believe it is." "You can use this as a mission field." "Yes."
When I got up to leave he said, "Rianne, we have several more interviews to do, but regardless of who we go with, you are now a friend and welcome back anytime." What a sweet visit, one I will not soon forget. I LOVE MY JOB!
Then I called my mom, and realized how jazzed I am for the season. She asked why to which I proceeded to talk for a solid 10 mins without taking a breath about all the fun things that are coming up and how we are celebrating. Here are a FEW of the highlights: all the Van Wyk's will be around which equals a loud rowdy get together full of much laughter and horsing around. Christmas morning is one of my favorite mornings of all time! THEN my family is going to minnesota to ring in the new year...and then on January 1 we will be doing the Polar Dash 5K/10K. Talk about cold...and a little crazy...but FUN! This doesn't mention all the anticipation for christmas, holiday parties with co-workers and friends, and christmas shopping, and fires in the fireplace with a christmas movie. But mostly just the anticipation for the anniversary of one of the GREATEST EVENTS IN HISTORY...the birth of the SAVIOR!
I recently read the Christmas story and was captivated by how the reactions of the people in the christmas story were very human reactions. The word 'afraid' is used a lot. And if you think about it they are afraid first when they see the angels, and second when they are given their mission. Isn't that interesting, how often does God call us to do something and our first reaction is fear?! What causes that? Fear that we aren't certain it was God telling us to do it? Fear it isn't right? Fear that we are not equipped? Whatever the reason the angels ALWAYS follow it up with "Do not be afraid." I think that is how we can know God is equipping us with certian tasks, when we become fearful of hearing the news, and then immediately we are reassured to not be afraid. Fear is not of God, which I think is why He instructs us NOT to be that.
Well, I think I have gone on long enough, and it is time to poke the fire before it goes out...
I know it has been a month since my last post...but today has been an exceptional day...and I thought that I should share with some of my readers. I fear that as you read you will not see what is so special about today. To be honest, nothing REALLY special or significant happened...but the Lord granted me unending joy in ALL circumstances. My day started like most Tuesdays, but this morning I was meeting with my good friend Stephanie. (we changed our meeting day from wed to tues.) I went to her cozy home and when I walked in, it felt like a home. You know the feeling, like you are truley welcomed there and you feel like the person that lives there WANTS you to feel comfortable and to make yourself at home. Then we had a conversation, much like many others we have had where we talk about life and what we are learning. WHEN I left I felt refreshed...like you should after coffee and conversation with a best friend.
Then I went to work, greeted my coworkers and got busy. Just doing my job when a 95 year old man called and asked me to come out and talk to him and his wife. This is not an extrodinary event, but I got the privilege to meet extrodinary people. I don't think they would call themselves that, and she did not bond with me like he did. There was something about him, something intriguing, something sweet that made me want to hug him and never leave his presence until I heard his whole life story. I learned about taking care of bee hives, and how his parents met. I learned of a love between him and his wife that has lasted nearly 70 years. I saw pain as he talked about his son battling cancer. I learned all of this while he was interviewing me about the services my company provides. He was real, and I think he was excited to have someone listen. I was glad to be that person. He said to me, "I think your job is not one that would be done unless it was a calling, Rianne, is this your calling?" "Yes, sir, I do believe it is." "You can use this as a mission field." "Yes."
When I got up to leave he said, "Rianne, we have several more interviews to do, but regardless of who we go with, you are now a friend and welcome back anytime." What a sweet visit, one I will not soon forget. I LOVE MY JOB!
Then I called my mom, and realized how jazzed I am for the season. She asked why to which I proceeded to talk for a solid 10 mins without taking a breath about all the fun things that are coming up and how we are celebrating. Here are a FEW of the highlights: all the Van Wyk's will be around which equals a loud rowdy get together full of much laughter and horsing around. Christmas morning is one of my favorite mornings of all time! THEN my family is going to minnesota to ring in the new year...and then on January 1 we will be doing the Polar Dash 5K/10K. Talk about cold...and a little crazy...but FUN! This doesn't mention all the anticipation for christmas, holiday parties with co-workers and friends, and christmas shopping, and fires in the fireplace with a christmas movie. But mostly just the anticipation for the anniversary of one of the GREATEST EVENTS IN HISTORY...the birth of the SAVIOR!
I recently read the Christmas story and was captivated by how the reactions of the people in the christmas story were very human reactions. The word 'afraid' is used a lot. And if you think about it they are afraid first when they see the angels, and second when they are given their mission. Isn't that interesting, how often does God call us to do something and our first reaction is fear?! What causes that? Fear that we aren't certain it was God telling us to do it? Fear it isn't right? Fear that we are not equipped? Whatever the reason the angels ALWAYS follow it up with "Do not be afraid." I think that is how we can know God is equipping us with certian tasks, when we become fearful of hearing the news, and then immediately we are reassured to not be afraid. Fear is not of God, which I think is why He instructs us NOT to be that.
Well, I think I have gone on long enough, and it is time to poke the fire before it goes out...
Saturday, November 5, 2011
The First Post/first ramblings
So, I have decided that this first post has been a difficult one. I 'started' this blog a month ago...and am just now sitting down to write the first post. What do you write about in a blog...this is what is tripping me up. so here are some things that I am hoping to include in this blog.(over time)
1.) I am training for the Dam to Dam-that will be on June 2,2012. I am hoping to run the whole thing. I am about 1.5 months into training...and the weather has been FABULOUS! I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this...just because I don't love training in the gym. I will let you all know how this all goes.
2.) I went to Chicago a month ago and I was going to write about my jouney on the mega bus (which is always an adventure), but that time has come and gone. It will be a post for a later date, seeing as though many people are curious about the mega bus and 'how it works.' Its easy...trust me! I will blog a mega bus how-to at some point.
3.) Cooking adventures. I am realizing more and more (with the help of pinterest) that I would like to be a good cook and try different things. I make a mean chocolate chip cookie, and I never back down to a casserole...but I want to try new and different things. If I am successful I will let you know all the details.
4.) I work with Seniors...and they crack me up! Between hearing their stories and their advice there tends to never be a dull moment. I want to preserve those memories, and so you may see blogs about my clients/work life.
5.) Random life adventures...with family and friends.
I am not good at taking pictures...but I will see if I can gather some here and there for your viewing pleasure.
There. There is my first blog...Hang tight and I will see if I can post more regularly. :)
1.) I am training for the Dam to Dam-that will be on June 2,2012. I am hoping to run the whole thing. I am about 1.5 months into training...and the weather has been FABULOUS! I wouldn't mind if it stayed like this...just because I don't love training in the gym. I will let you all know how this all goes.
2.) I went to Chicago a month ago and I was going to write about my jouney on the mega bus (which is always an adventure), but that time has come and gone. It will be a post for a later date, seeing as though many people are curious about the mega bus and 'how it works.' Its easy...trust me! I will blog a mega bus how-to at some point.
3.) Cooking adventures. I am realizing more and more (with the help of pinterest) that I would like to be a good cook and try different things. I make a mean chocolate chip cookie, and I never back down to a casserole...but I want to try new and different things. If I am successful I will let you know all the details.
4.) I work with Seniors...and they crack me up! Between hearing their stories and their advice there tends to never be a dull moment. I want to preserve those memories, and so you may see blogs about my clients/work life.
5.) Random life adventures...with family and friends.
I am not good at taking pictures...but I will see if I can gather some here and there for your viewing pleasure.
There. There is my first blog...Hang tight and I will see if I can post more regularly. :)
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