A follow up to a previous post on fear...check out the following blog!
Running Upward: Just Do It: What are you afraid of doing? Are there activities, goals, aspirations that get tucked away because you're too scared to try?
Let me tell a story of my own. There once was a girl who was afraid of many things and situations. One day, she felt God prompting her to host a ladies bible study in her home. She was afraid! Why, you may wonder, was she afraid? Pride...that people would see she is a poor time manager and housekeeper. Fear...that once people got to know her better they would see her many faults and not like her. Sad, but true. This girl finally decided to let people know about this bible study idea, sure that no one would be interested. But, she was proven wrong! And, now that this particular study is winding down and the group is getting ready for a new study, this girl has realized what a blessing she would have missed if she had given into fear. Blessings of new friendships and spiritual growth. The beauty of change and of shared prayers and praises.
My challenge to you...What are you afraid of? What is it in your life that fear is holding you back? As the blogger said above... JUST. DO. IT. And, please share your story with me! I would love to hear from you!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
LIGHTS
31. LIGHTS-homeschool co-op and it's leaders.
Our first day at the local homeschool co-op was today. What a great group of kids and moms! Em is taking a bible class with the youth pastor, PE, and world geography. Her favorite was PE! Rach's classes are Spanish, PE, and oceanography/lapbooking. Her favorite was Spanish class, and her Spanish name is Josephina. I get to play too! I'm a helper in Chemistry lab and oceanography/lapbooking.
After classes are done, the kids are able to play games with their friends in "chess club." There is, of course, chess available to play and a variety of other board games to choose from.
The morning FLEW by, we had so much fun!
Our first day at the local homeschool co-op was today. What a great group of kids and moms! Em is taking a bible class with the youth pastor, PE, and world geography. Her favorite was PE! Rach's classes are Spanish, PE, and oceanography/lapbooking. Her favorite was Spanish class, and her Spanish name is Josephina. I get to play too! I'm a helper in Chemistry lab and oceanography/lapbooking.
After classes are done, the kids are able to play games with their friends in "chess club." There is, of course, chess available to play and a variety of other board games to choose from.
The morning FLEW by, we had so much fun!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tri for a Cure 2011
What else can you do on a beautiful, sunny, warm summer day but...
Ok, I know, it's been almost two months since the tri. I'm finally to the point of being able to blog it. There was some mental processing that I needed to work through, not to mention life is busy. Let me tell you that the whole weekend was just INCREDIBLE! I cried...alot. Not only for the cancer survivors, but also for those who are still fighting the fight and their families. I am just so thankful to have been able to participate and help raise money for this organization. Thank you to each person and family that donated!
I'm still amazed that God gave me the desire to do this crazy thing called a triathlon. The night before the race, I prayed earnestly that He would use the experience for His purposes. I know that He answered that in sending several dear ladies my way to encourage. Who knows what else He will do with it?
Racing with all women was incredibly inspiring. There was a wide range of abilities and ages, but everyone was working their hardest. I loved, loved, loved training with and sharing this experience with Laurie! Of course, without her suggestion, I wouldn't have even THOUGHT of doing this race!
Although, I am competitive by nature and was incredibly pleased with my time, the bigger thrill and excitement was finishing that race. Many months of preparation went into what boiled down to one hour and 46 minutes. Talk about a lesson in perseverance! I couldn't help but cry at the finish line!
I'm already looking toward the next race...stay tuned!
Very special thanks go to my husband and children who sacrificed so I could train and race. I wouldn't have been able to go very far without your love, support and encouragement to work towards this goal.
I also have to shout out to Mom, Sharon, Joanne, Crystal, the "Rob" family and Lisa...thank you all for your support and encouragement!
 |
| Swim, |
 |
| Bike, |
 |
| Run, |
 |
| Finish, |
 |
| Cure! |
I'm still amazed that God gave me the desire to do this crazy thing called a triathlon. The night before the race, I prayed earnestly that He would use the experience for His purposes. I know that He answered that in sending several dear ladies my way to encourage. Who knows what else He will do with it?
Racing with all women was incredibly inspiring. There was a wide range of abilities and ages, but everyone was working their hardest. I loved, loved, loved training with and sharing this experience with Laurie! Of course, without her suggestion, I wouldn't have even THOUGHT of doing this race!
Although, I am competitive by nature and was incredibly pleased with my time, the bigger thrill and excitement was finishing that race. Many months of preparation went into what boiled down to one hour and 46 minutes. Talk about a lesson in perseverance! I couldn't help but cry at the finish line!
I'm already looking toward the next race...stay tuned!
Very special thanks go to my husband and children who sacrificed so I could train and race. I wouldn't have been able to go very far without your love, support and encouragement to work towards this goal.
I also have to shout out to Mom, Sharon, Joanne, Crystal, the "Rob" family and Lisa...thank you all for your support and encouragement!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
You KNOW you're a homeschooler when...
you see this creature and it's web attached to the hose you are about to use and run into the house to tell the children to "Come, quick, there's something I want you to see!" despite the fact that it creeps you out! (Yes, I know that's a run on sentence, lol)
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| Black and yellow argiope The girls came outside to check out the spider in question and told me they had already seen it in my flower garden! So, Emily decides to "google it" and figure out what kind of spider we were looking at. It's an orb web spider called a black and yellow argiope My first concern was to find out if it's poisonous or potentially harmful. It's not! In fact, it's a beneficial animal to have around since it eats pests in large quantity. I love impromptu science lessons! Now, if we can just get rid of the woodchuck living under our front stairs...anyone have a "have a heart" trap we could borrow to catch him? |
Saturday, September 3, 2011
How does she do it?
I don't know how she does it, but Ann Voskamp has put words to my thoughts...again.
When perfectionism and to do lists are overwhelming, Ann's blog post is well worth the read. Or maybe I'm the only one who gets overwhelmed.
When perfectionism and to do lists are overwhelming, Ann's blog post is well worth the read. Or maybe I'm the only one who gets overwhelmed.
At the end of the day, Ann tells her husband:
“I guess it’s just coming to realize…” I lean back into him and I didn’t know the words until they slipped out true, “God doesn’t ask me to be perfect; He asks me to praise.” I don’t have to have smudgeless windows and empty laundry baskets and gleamy toilet bowls! I don’t have to have a perfect life, all problems solved! I think I hear the Hallelujah chorus! I simply need have a grateful heart to give Him glory. Gratitude in all things is the only thing God asks. Can I take each seeming problem and turn it back to praise? That alone is the one thing needful. |
As I go into the next week of starting school "full time" and all the busy-ness that the next ten months hold, I'm praying that I can indeed turn it all back to praise. That I don't get caught up in trying to be perfect. That I will take the time to be fully present with those around me, especially the ones I live with.
22. A centerpiece of pretty weeds, arranged by my youngest daughter.
23. My oldest's soccer game.
24. Cooking dinner for my husband and family.
25. Laundry, dishes, dirty floors.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Saying goodbye to a furry friend
Alvin-C
Mr. C
Black Cat
Snoopy Vulture
Shadow
Beggar Boy
Saying goodbye is never easy. Today we had to say goodbye to our black kitty, Alvin. My furry companion will be missed.
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| Wait, wait, you can't leave me! Who's gonna feed me? |
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| Ugh! I don't like snuggling! |
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| Now this is more tolerable! |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
More...
13. A garden that is producing good food.
14. The whir of the washing machine.
15. Watching the hummingbirds visit.
16. Learning and growing.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
One Thousand Gifts...con't
9. Visiting with friends.
10. Running in the cool of the morning.
11. A birthday reminder to savor each moment with loved ones.
12. A turkey family seen on my run.
10. Running in the cool of the morning.
11. A birthday reminder to savor each moment with loved ones.
12. A turkey family seen on my run.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
One Thousand Gifts
I've been reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. I'm about halfway through and I think I'm going to need to read the book again once I'm finished because there is so much to digest!
In chapter 3, Ann's dare is revealed. She begins making a list of a thousand gifts, blessings, thanksgivings. This whole idea keeps swirling in my mind. Could I dare to make such a list? What would that look like? It seems daunting. But, I'm going to start my own list of gifts, things to give thanks over. I'm going to use the blogging venue to write it all down. Will I get to one thousand?
1. My husband who works in rain, snow, wind, & sun.
2. A newly ten year old, spirited daughter.
3. An eight year old daughter who is writing hymns.
4. Family & friends to love and encourage.
This is just the beginning, there is much more to come!
In chapter 3, Ann's dare is revealed. She begins making a list of a thousand gifts, blessings, thanksgivings. This whole idea keeps swirling in my mind. Could I dare to make such a list? What would that look like? It seems daunting. But, I'm going to start my own list of gifts, things to give thanks over. I'm going to use the blogging venue to write it all down. Will I get to one thousand?
1. My husband who works in rain, snow, wind, & sun.
2. A newly ten year old, spirited daughter.
3. An eight year old daughter who is writing hymns.
4. Family & friends to love and encourage.
This is just the beginning, there is much more to come!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Fear
“Fear of failure must never be a reason not to try something.” Frederick Smith
F.E.A.R. It's an emotion that has held me back for far too long. I'm so over it. Done. One thing I've learned is that is okay to fail, and it's okay to not do well the first time trying something new. It's okay for something to be hard. It's okay to be vulnerable and get rid of the facade of who you want others to think you are.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Why Run?
I know, I know, it's been a long time since I've blogged. I've been busy, doing things like taking care of my family and homeschooling my children! Oh yeah, and running and swimming too! Up until this week, I've just been consistently getting the workout in 6 days each week. That is changing. It's time to step up the intensity to prepare for two races in July. I'd love to have cheerleaders, so ask for details the next time we talk :)
I've been bit hard by the running bug. I've already had a passing thought of someday doing a half-marathon. WHAT?!?! One step at a time, this year will be a 10K. One that I just today heard is a "grueling" course. It's a good thing hill work is in the plan.
I wanted to share this blog post, We run, that I read today. Some of the reasons he gives for running are not my personal reasons. Why am I running? For my mental and physical health. For my husband. For my children. Because I am starting to think of myself as a runner, just a little. Because God is teaching me about life through the discipline of running.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:11-13
I've been bit hard by the running bug. I've already had a passing thought of someday doing a half-marathon. WHAT?!?! One step at a time, this year will be a 10K. One that I just today heard is a "grueling" course. It's a good thing hill work is in the plan.
I wanted to share this blog post, We run, that I read today. Some of the reasons he gives for running are not my personal reasons. Why am I running? For my mental and physical health. For my husband. For my children. Because I am starting to think of myself as a runner, just a little. Because God is teaching me about life through the discipline of running.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:11-13
Monday, February 7, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
So Excited!!!!!
I'm so excited to have received notification that I'm able to register for the Tri for a Cure!!
For those who don't know, I tried to register for this triathlon this past Thursday, but was not able to get through. "Service Unavailable" were horrible, horrible words to see on the computer screen. At least it seemed that way at the time! But all things happen for a reason, and I was able to accept that I would not be competing in this year's Tri. Immediately, I started researching like a fiend, trying to find another tri in the area. The "plan" was to form a team with my sil (who got in to the tri on Thursday!) and a friend, and we'd all compete together. That brought a huge relief, in that I wasn't going to be spending all spring and half the summer consumed by training! And it sounded like fun.
So, today, after my workout, I did a quick check of my email. Lo and behold, there was an email saying a waitlist spot had opened up! My heart went flutter, flutter in excitement! Since I had already been thinking about another tri with friends, I called up Sharon and suggested we do the tri together! She's all for it, WOO-HOO!!
I'm still flying with excitement :)
Feel free to leave a comment on the blog. I've unplugged from facebook for a time, so I won't see any comments there.
For those who don't know, I tried to register for this triathlon this past Thursday, but was not able to get through. "Service Unavailable" were horrible, horrible words to see on the computer screen. At least it seemed that way at the time! But all things happen for a reason, and I was able to accept that I would not be competing in this year's Tri. Immediately, I started researching like a fiend, trying to find another tri in the area. The "plan" was to form a team with my sil (who got in to the tri on Thursday!) and a friend, and we'd all compete together. That brought a huge relief, in that I wasn't going to be spending all spring and half the summer consumed by training! And it sounded like fun.
So, today, after my workout, I did a quick check of my email. Lo and behold, there was an email saying a waitlist spot had opened up! My heart went flutter, flutter in excitement! Since I had already been thinking about another tri with friends, I called up Sharon and suggested we do the tri together! She's all for it, WOO-HOO!!
I'm still flying with excitement :)
Feel free to leave a comment on the blog. I've unplugged from facebook for a time, so I won't see any comments there.
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