Fall... the Fall

I am a summer person - love warm weather, hangin at the pool, baseball games, ice cream, long days - but as September rolls around, I must admit that the crisp, cool air brings a sense of... relaxation in the air. A time to bring out your "comfy pants", your favorite pair of jeans, and that fall jacket you haven't seen in quite a while. A season of raking and jumping into leaves, pickin apples and pumpkins, and curling up on the couch for some hot chocolate in the evenings.

This morning, however, something greeted me that I wasn't quite prepared for. Something was floating through the air, and as I squinted, a hit of whiteness caught my eye... it can't be! Sure enough - snow. To me... crazy. Just last week we barely needed a light jacket, and today, I'm scrounging the bottom of my storage drawer to find a matching glove before the kids headed off to school. I'm not ready, I need more time, I don't want to think about winter - wahhh! My children would repeat to me, "Mom are you complaining?" You bet ya! You think living in Ohio my entire life would rub off some of my grumblies - nope! Guess an attitude check is in line... I'll get to that another day.

As I sit and think back over the day, I can't help but make another connection with fall. You see, one of our children needed to be disciplined tonight, and as much as it breaks my heart at times, I know that in the long run, I am called, as her mother, to "train her up in the way she should go". Her heart has a bent towards rebellion and God knows this. He's known this since the beginning of time, and in His sovereignty, I trust that he knew the perfect place for her was in this family (though at times, I must admit, I've questioned if I'm the right person for the job). I asked her to talk about her choices with Jesus on the way home in the car (as I have requested on other occasions), I just wasn't prepared for her response.

You see, we sin. Pretty simple, pretty basic. We live in a world that has fallen. Fallen from where? From a place, a home, that was never intended for us to leave. It took place from the beginning, in the book of Genesis, and we now live in a world that contains it all around. We try to escape it, we try to explain it, we try to justify it, we try to question it, but bottom line is, we were never intended - created - to live here. So, when my daughter defies her authority, when she wants to simply please her own flesh, I can see the mind (the will) and the heart at war.

So, from the back seat of our mini-van, I hear... "Mommy, if we have time when we get home. Can I write an 'I'm sorry' note to Jesus and tape it to a balloon and get a string?" True confessions of a 5 year old. That same head-strong attitude, compelled her to write a very lengthy note which she proceeded to read to me and then said, "Mommy, I don't really need to send this to Jesus because he already heard me, didn't me." Ahhhhh, the lows and highs of motherhood. It's quite a journey. It's quite a blessing. It's quite exhausting.... in a good way.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the reminder of your amazing, unfailing love through the heart of a child. Your love is so great that you allow us to fall, sometimes flat on our face, so that we can understand what life looks like apart from you. Lord help me to see my self-reliance because I don't want to stay on that path for long, it leads to frustration, heartache, and pride. Lord guide me in ways of weakness, because when I am weak, you are strong. I praise you today for your loving-kindness and patience. May your name be glorified in all that I say and do.

What a God-Day!

Simply an amazing race today! As we heard the horn that started the race at 7:30 am this morning, it was still dark, but soon the sun (Son) was shining over the entire morning. We actually started out a bit further back due to the sheer number of runners today (11,500), in fact it took us 9 minutes just to get to the start line for our time to begin, but because of this, we became intentional about zigging and zagging and working our way up to a comfortable pace. At the 13 mile mark, we realized just how fast the Lord allowed our pace to become (Yikes!) To put it this way, our time was faster than any 1/2 marathon time I've run as a race in itself! Whew!

Well, we felt so good that we decided to keep pluggin away, enjoying the sights and sounds of some great music and supporters lining the streets for pretty much the entire way. As we made our way up to mile 17, I started to notice how our pace was affecting my hamstring muscles. In other words, they were screaming... OUCH! In my attempt to willfully persue our amazing pace, I decided to press on, taking one mile at a time. I also found myself praying, "Lord, would you mind taking this pain away? I would really love to continue to endure for you in this way today? How bout it?" Know what he did? He answered, about mile 19 I could feel the affects melting away. I was simply so thankful, to run with less pain is SO less taxing on you mentally. I have to admit that I really wasn't expecting an answer, but that he chose to answer it just touched me so deeply. Why do we doubt?

As we popped some advil at our next water station, I could no longer deny what else was transpiring in my body. My old high school injury began to start naggin - shin splints. I've had them before, yet this time, the pain ran down to my ankles and I noticed my toes and arches were numb and/or tingling. What to do? Can't really tell you how, but there came a moment when I just knew that I needed to attend to this matter and simply encouraged Amanda to keep going as I pulled over to stretch. (She, by the way, finished in an amazing time - so proud of her!) Several people actually asked if I was okay, so touched how the "running body" looks out for one another. I stretched, felt my muscles loosen, and was re-energized to start again. That was until I took that first step - ouch.

Over the next 6 miles, the Lord gave me such a peace and calmness about his good and perfect plan for me in the last part of this amazing event. I had a goal time, yet he allowed me to see the importance of letting my plan go and simply trusting. I know that if I pushed my body past it's limits of the moment, recovering and/or injury could have been long and hard. Instead, I simply enjoyed my time with him, I enjoyed the race. His creation seemed that much more brilliant, the faces and stories of his children running by was that much more evident, his strength that carried me through when mine was gone was unbelievable. He simply allowed me to finish, AND I crossed the line with my fastest time yet - His complete miracle.

I can't say thank you enough for those people who followed his leading with prayer this morning, I felt each and every one of them. I can't thank my family and my husband enough for their amazing encouragement and sacrifice in watching this journey unfold. If I can encourage you today, know that you are running a marathon of your own today. Through it may look different than mine, it's a marathon through a through. If you have small children, if you are asked to serve a loved one, if you have a physical struggle, if you are a single parent, if you are working two jobs, juggling school, or simply walking a lonely road today, God is asked you to look to him. Look to him for strength, for guidance, for comfort, and for peace. This is not something the world can offer. Your Father in Heaven longs to run with you today. Will you ask? Have a wonderful day!

Race Day

Today's the day. I think I only woke up about 3 times during the night, anticipating the morning, not too bad. My alarm this morning greeted me with, "Wake the neighbors, get the word out" Interesting...

Just before I feel asleep last night, I found myself asking, "Heather, what are your expectations for the marathon this morning?" I paused for a moment, then thought, I don't have any. Today will unfold, just as any other day, the way the Lord intended, I'm just thrilled I simply am ABLE to be a part of his next adventure in my life today. As I read through Philippians 3 and 4 this morning, I was so encouraged by the words of Paul.

There is an amazing man, by the name of Chris, who started a ministry called Team 413 (based off the verse Philippians 4:13). We had the privilege of talking with two of the ministry workers on Friday as we picked up our race packets, and today Amanda and I will be wearing shirts that say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Amen!

If the Lord leads you here this morning, we appreciate your prayers for strength, endurance and perseverance as we attempt to complete 26.2 miles in whichever way he deems worthy this morning. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Radiant Faces

Last night's routine ensued like most every other night - run the bath water, strip two girls naked, take dirty clothes to their room, retrieve towels, lay out jammies - you know, those well-oiled, I could-do-this-while-sleep-walking routines? However, while carrying out these nightly duties, I heard some screams. Yet another "normal" nightly activity, but on the good side, these were screams of glee and delight.

From within the confines of our fishy bathroom, I hear, "Mommy, can you take a picture of us?" My first response...no. I don't feel like it. I don't want to walk all the way downstairs, rummage through that deep, cavernous, where-everything-gets-lost drawer, only to retrieve the camera and take yet another tub picture. But somehow, I found myself saying, "Okay, I'll be right back." The routine was interrupted, and I had a chance to capture a precious moment.


One of my favorite verses, that my eyes just happened to fall upon this week, just connected with me in such a real way:

Psalm 34:5
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

May your radiant faces shine for him today! (And don't forget to stop and snap a picture while you're at it!)

They're watching

So I decided to set my alarm a little bit earlier this morning. Nope, it wasn't to go running this time, I simply wanted to be intentional about early morning time with Him. A strange occurrence happened. I was SO excited about our time together, I could hardly get to sleep. I experienced those weird dreams that seem to pull you from reality to dream world and back, but before I knew it, the alarm actually sounded. I had heard stories of people who just enjoyed delving into the Word, I just hadn't experienced that same intensity... passion... before today.

So what happened? I woke up with thoughts not my own. I nestled into my chair, turned on the light, and got lost for about 45 minutes. I spent sometime just being quiet, glanced at my prayer list, and opened to the book of Philippians, one of my favorites. My study took me to some of my favorite passages, guided me through questions and referenced other verses both from Old Testament and New. I also had an opportunity to read through some Psalms and to simply stop and reflect.

Before I continue, I want to pause for a moment. This post is not intended to waste your time in reporting about a "check mark" in my good acts column today. In fact, truth be told, the day unfolded with some pretty self-centered, ugly words spilling from my mouth towards my children, confession and forgiveness here I come. In starting this post a few times now, my heart simply desires to share an amazing picture revealed to me. About half way through my time, little person #1 silently emerged from her lair, rubbing sleep from her eyes, and curling up on the futon. Next thing I knew, a breeze blew by and a second later another breeze blew from the opposite direction. A minute later, I hear a sweet little voice whisper from across the room, "Mommy, I'm reading my Bible too." Ahhhh, nothing is sweeter than those moments when they "catch" something good, especially those times that were not "intended".

In an effort to share the "realness" of God, I humbly share yet another dot he connected for me just a few hours later. Today was a moms2moms day. A "what" you may ask? The one Friday a month in which I pause to contemplate choosing a "nice" shirt, joyfully dress my children, and head to church where a warm breakfast greets my senses and a table full of moms, eager to spend the morning together, greet one another in anticipation. One such member of the table is a mom who has walked this same journey, yet is a bit further down the road. Time is set aside for her to have a few moments to share her amazing wisdom with the rest of us "newbies". Our mentor spoke today about passion. She read a bit from a blog that described passion as something in which you become so entrenched that you don't mind passing up a meal or losing sleep over. Losing sleep over...hmmm... She also mentioned that you can tell what a person is passionate about just by listening to what they choose to say. What I talk about...

As our mentor spoke, an example popped into my mind. Just three days ago, I decided to take the girls for a fun outing to my hair stylist for them to receive the full shampoo and styling experience their poor chlorine-induced locks needed. While we were there, our stylist Ashley inquired about our moving story. As the story unfolded, she looked at me and asked, "Do you get tired of repeating this story?" With all sincerity, my response was, "No, I don't." The reason for this, I explained, is because I simply become so giddy in re-living the amazing unfolding of events. It affords me an opportunity to talk about Him, because quite honestly, I'm simply not smart enough to concoct a drama of this magnitude. She looked at me with the, "whatever you say crazy-faith lady" look, yet she continued to ask me more and more questions. Wanna guess what sound came from the back seat on the way home? You guessed it, that same sweet voice echoing, "Mommy, Jesus loves Ashley very much. Does she know it?"

To be honest, this post has taken me WAY too long to write. I found myself asking, "Lord, it this what you would have me share, or should I just call it a day? In fact, this is the second time I'm writing this because somehow it didn't save before I added the picture. I figure, either this is something Satan doesn't want written, or the movie I had planned on watching really wasn't the "best choice" for me tonight. Either way, the day's events left me with lots to ponder. What am I passionate about? What do I sacrifice sleep for? What do I talk about during my day? What do my words and actions say about what I believe? Am I aware of "who" is watching me? Have I stopped to "watch" for God events today?

Lord thank you for the opportunity to "see" the excitement of my faith growing in you. What an exciting place to be, yet humbling in knowing I'll wake up tomorrow and mess up all over again. I cling to your promises and the truth of how your love is unconditional, unfailing, and unchanging. It is not something I have to earn, but rather something I simply choose to receive. Though I don't deserve it, and can't repay it, you love me anyway. May I extend just a tiny fraction of this love to others today. Thank you for loving me.

Lessons from the treadmill

Woke up this morning. Staggered to the bathroom, somehow brushed my teeth with my eyes closed (again). Somehow got dressed. Walked downstairs. Stretched. Opened the door, and lo and behold, something wet was falling from the sky. What is this strange occurrence? All teasing aside, this has not happened to me since maybe March - rain in the wee hours of the morning. So what is a girl to do? Trudge downstairs to the treadmill, climb back into a warm bed, hmmmmm....

As much as the bed was calling out to me, I somehow found myself pressing that elusive button before the voice called out any louder. Now, for those of you who think I'm nuts (myself included most early mornings), let me share a few differences about running outside verses running on a treadmill. Outside - new scenery, nice breeze, a friend to chat with, fun. Inside - a blank wall, dripping sweat, no friend, boring. Don't get me wrong, as my lights flickered, I do realize I at least have an option TO run (as long as the electricity isn't cut), very thankful I do have this option (especially in the winter), but the hardest part of this transfer is I get caught watching the timer.

Now, we all know that time is one constant in our life. It stays the same. But I'm telling you, when you start running, and you would bet $100 you must have run 15 minutes and you see the number 2, you about want to heave this contraption out the window! HOW can it have only been 2 minutes!!! Again, same time, same activity, different circumstance.

Isn't that just life. How impatient are we? Why do want time to hurry up and get "done" in unpleasant circumstances, when in other situations, we want time to simply stand still (i.e. vacation!). So what does the Lord say about patience:

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Hebrews 6:15
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
James 5:7
[ Patience in Suffering ] Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
James 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Lord thank you for being patient with me. I am so thankful for this time with you this morning. Yet again, you draw me near and talk to me so personally. Thank you for the rain, and for this opportunity to allow me the chance to reflect over these past few months with you in how I can share Your story in my life with others. Lord, if I would have quit early, I would have missed out on the sweetest last 15 minutes with you (minutes that actually flew by the fastest). I want to walk with you today Lord throughout all the details of my day, may I be attune with your agenda and not mine. I love you.

Be willing to follow

I had a plan. My plan was to take a ton of pictures yesterday, and post some thoughts about my son. You see, he turned 8 yesterday (gulp!), and we had planned for some friends to come over and "hang out". Just thinking some outside time, some eating time, some game time, pretty basic, flexible. We planned a cake, a color scheme, shopped for some prizes and goodies, and printed off some invitations from the gloriously free sites on the internet :) Well... back to the picture thing... yeah, not so much. I did get a few snapped, but my joy was found in the interactions that happened, just fascinating to me. So my plan to post - slotted for another day and opportunity that the Lord provides, but until then, this is His plan for this moment.

For reasons only the Lord knows, I just felt led today to share a devotional from Sarah Young's book, Jesus Calling. She writes:

Be willing to follow wherever I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don't know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough! Some of My richest blessings are just around the bend; out of sight, but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith - not by sight. This doesn't mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.

Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only My hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world with all its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of my Presence. Give yourself fully to these Glory-moments, awash in dazzling Light. I will eventually lead you down the mountain. back into the community with others. Let My Light continue to shine within you as your walk among people again.

2 Corinthians 3:7; Psalm 96:6; John 8:12

The narrow path

Ever had one of those moments when you're reading, and suddenly you pause... whoa. Your eyes want to keep reading but something hits you and you immediately have to stop and process - images are running through your mind like a movie in fast forward. Well, maybe I'm a bit odd in this way, but it happened just this morning.

I have the utmost privilege of being affording the opportunity to be a part of a bible study this fall that is concentrating on the book of Psalms. We're reading a total of 15 Psalms a week (3 a day for 5 days), for 10 weeks that will take us through the book in its entirety. I must admit that I'm not sure if I have, in fact, read each Psalms or if I have skipped around so many times that some my eyes have never fallen upon. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey thus far (though I must admit that I don't always get my three in a day), the Lord usually gives me just enough time to concentrate on what He would have for that day.

SO, back to my "jump off the page" experience today... happened in chapter 18, verse 36. Like I said, just reading along, pausing for notes, when bam! You ready? Here we go...

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

I'm guessing you're saying... okay?? Well, from a runners stand-point, I got this one quickly. I have run several paths over the course of the past two years, and along with that, I have had some doosies of a fall (very graceful of course, not!) Let me tell you, when that sidewalk jumps up, that uneven pavement catches your toe, or that twig in your way gets a hold of your big foot - you're down and you're down hard! So I stopped reading, read this again, and found myself wanting to know more about what David was writing at this point in his life.

This is what I learned, and then pictured in my mind. I imagined David making his way along a high, narrow ledge, picking his way over rocks and snags, in this case, to escape a dangerous enemy who was quickly gaining ground. He is keenly aware of how easy it would be to turn an ankle, stumble, and possible slip to his death.

I love this story as an analogy to our lives. When the terrain of life becomes rocky, steep, and narrow, the journey can be overwhelming. What did David do in this situation? He called upon the Lord with a praise-filled proclamation of God's sustaining presence as his affirmation of faith. Yes, we can trust our Savior to broaden the path in front of us and keep our feet from slipping.

Lord, thank you for the reminder of how you intimately care for every detail in my life, that you go before me, and that you broaden my path so that I may run free. I love you.