What a night to race!

So my dear husband gets a crazy idea for a "date night" - lets go run a 10k race with hundreds of college kids! And even crazy was my response - why not. Even more crazier, our dear friends willingly joined us as well.

This race was a bit unique. Spondered by Nike, this same race was held all around the world this evening. Through the uses of Nike+, a sensor chip that records all one would like to know about their runs and more, through an IPOD, you have the capability to connect with runners all over the world. It was called "The Human Race", and it was held on The Ohio State Campus following their homecoming parade.

As with any race, you never know what you have in store. As we waited in the starting shoot, rain fell lightly, enough to cover us in a glistening dew. As the buzzer sounded and we were herded like cattle through the shoot, the skies just opened up. It was the kind of rain that felt like drops the size of a tennis ball falling on you sideways. It was dark, everyone wore a red shirt, and we became saoked in seconds, what could I do but chuckle. We have a sincerely twisted idea of a fun Friday night! As fast of the rain fell, was as fast as it ended. Waters flowed in streams down the sidewalks and young men became boys as they purposely splashed in all the puddles.

Before we began, we all talked about a "nice" run, nothing break-neck speed. That was before the race. Whether is was "going with the flow of traffic", or just an instinct to challenge yourself in a true race setting, off we went. The girls stayed together and the boys stayed together, not so much of a date night then, but close enough :) It was a very interesting course. We ran over bridges, by horse stables (you can only imagine the comments), and UP brick streets, dodging guard rails along the way. It seemed to pass by in a blink, yet at times the next mile markers seemed to grow farther and farther away. It was great to run with friends, it was great to run with strangers and simply encourage as I felt led.

We all crossed the finish line around the same time, and we each had a take-away as we chatted. Amanda was able to run despite a nagging injury. Dave was able to run as fast as his potential would allow - he gave it his all! Aaron had to stop and tie his shoes 4 times, getting some sprint work in, and finishing his last mile in great speed. I had fun! Really, an amazing time was a bonus, the experience of running another journey together was like whip cream on my pumpkin pie - sweet and so satisfying. Thank you Aaron for making this a special night. Thank you God for the strength to endure and joy along the way.

Proud Momma

Saturday afternoon, roughly around 1:00 pm, I witnessed 3 events that simply took my breath away. Our 3 precious blessings each took one brave step towards a starting line, waited for the buzzer, and took off running this first-ever race in their young lives. Words cannot describe my joy, my love, my sheer pride. No nerves, no doubts, no hesitancy. They began and ended with focus, a controlled, relaxed pace, and a smile on their face. Maybe it was the Krispie Kreme doughnuts that awaited them at the finish.

With our races scheduled for Sunday, we had discussed the possibility of this event with the kids months prior. Their answers were quick and clear - yes Mommy! As a family, we were able to take a trip to the Convention Center, and together pick up our pre-race packets, information, and numbers. We walked this road together, we are able to support and encourage one another together - a gift that is beyond words.

Each child competed in their own race, with their own age group. Brynn completed .15 miles, Emma .35 miles, and Austin .8 miles. Each race was as unique as each child. Brynn (who signed up last minute as Mommy wasn't sure if baby girl was ready), was the most confident. She was quick to tell me she didn't need me at the start, she would see me at the finish. After completion, she asked if she could "do it again. " Emma rounded her corner with a strong, steady pace, focused on her finish line (with a slight smirk on her face as she performed for her audience). Austin rounded the corner with a crooked smirk, head swinging, happy to be on his way to completion. At one point, we could see him through the trees slowing to a walk. After yelling his name, he was quick to pick the pace up once again :) He wore his Daddy's watch after a few minutes of instruction, and as true to his nature, stopped it just as he finished. His goal time was 7 minutes, he completed in a 5:49 - awesome job!

The finish line looked just like the ones the grown-ups have, and a metal was placed around their necks at the finish. What a way to share in an expereince, to give back to them after all the encouragement they've given me over the past 3 years. I will cherish these memories for years to come!

Barnum and Baily sponsored this event, called the "Red Nose Run", and my fun-loving father was more than happy to don the gift of a red nose. While waiting for Austin to round the corner to his finish, I glanced over at my Dad and said, "I am just bursting with pride in watching them desire to succeed." He said two words - "I know."

This got me thinking... if I am just bursting at the seams with pride of their strive to endure, how much more so is their heavenly Father?

This concept boggles me, I love what the Bible tells me,

Matthew 7:11

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Luke 11:13

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Lord thank you for the opportunity to pursue more of you through this family ministry of running. Thank you for those opportunities when the children are watching, and we don't even realize it. Thank you for loving us and protecting us. Thank you for a legacy to leave for generations to come.

God did it again!

You might call me crazy. I did. I found myself asking the question, "Who gets up at 5 am on a weekend, to go stand outside, downtown Columbus, in 30 degree weather at 6:30 in the dark, dressed in nothing but light-weight running gear, and actually enjoys it?" Not only that, but we were surrounded by 15,00 others, just as crazy as us? Running - I can't explain it, I can't get enough.

Well, despite the chilly start to the morning, there was no rain AND there was sunshine - big blessing in light of recent weather choices. My life partner and love of my life Aaron, along with my amazing running companion and friend Amanda, set out on another journey this morning, anticipating a great morning run together. And then God...

I read over a few scriptures before leaving this morning, nothing but the desire to place the Lord first above all MY intentions this morning, and my eyes fell upon verses from Philippians that have breathed life into my soul many times over.

Philippians 3:12, 14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Press on, my Lord, in His precious way, was the complete provider this morning. He blessed me with companionship for the journey, weather for the way, strength as I called out in prayer, but this time, He also added a focus. One like I've never felt before. My father calls it my "game face", I experience it as tunnel - vision, God gave it to me in the form of mental strength - it trumped all other thoughts of quitting, slowing down, and getting by - it empowered me to press on.

My goal/heart's desire for today was to see a number I have not seen thus far in my running journey. As He's graciously allowed me to complete, now 6, half-marathons, I've never seen a time lower than 1:54. With all that was within me, I desired to see a 1:53 like nobody else's business. It's eluded me each time, it was a goal that I dared dream about, yet mostly "doubted" about. Each race has brought it's lessons and it's purposes. Time has always been a nice bonus, never really the reason to run.... until today.

My Father, veteran track and cross-country coach, left with me with some parting advice this morning... Have fun. Same advice He shared with our precious children before running their kids' races just yesterday. It was good advice... no, it was wise advise. Our journey was meant to be enjoyed, how easily we forget at times. With this in mind, Amanda and I waved good-bye to Aaron, thanking Him for the prayer before departure, as He set off for His race - and we enjoyed the time, the scenery, the people. With the familiarity of the course, we set off on ours.

As the miles came and went, I noticed a strange sensation. I'd experience a time of depletion and a time of restoration. The mind vs. the body completely fascinates me. In times of depletion, I needed to talk to myself. "Remember your form, pick up your legs, breathe. You're doing well. You've accomplished this much, and now we have this much left." Over and over this happens. A little while later, I then experienced a moment of "lightness", almost like I dropped a twenty pound weight and was free from weight and pain. In these moments, I thought, "I'm really going to do this." Back and forth, back and forth. A fight, an enjoyment, a fight, an enjoyment. So much like life, isn't it. At one point Amanda asked me, "How are you doing?" "Good, " I say, "At least I'm telling myself that."

Mile after mile passed by. One by one, as has happened every other time, the finish line comes into view. These last few moments are times in which both body and mind need to dig deep. All the training runs prior to the day flash across my mind, thoughts of completion drive me to the end. I round the last corner and I squint to see the time clock above the finish line. The strain of the race is begging to be relinquished, my mind is willing me to push forward to press on, my heart longs to see those ever elusive numbers, 1:53. My eyes focused, ready to see... What is it? It can't be. It is. My eyes tell me I'm completing this race in a 1:48!!! Unbelievable - only God.

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Lord, you amaze me, you bless me, you overwhelm me, I thank you. I praise you for allowing Aaron to complete the race well, even through his sickness. I thank you for protecting him, I thank you for Him. I thank you for teaching me over and over how obedience brings blessings, more than I could could ever ask for or imagine. I thank you for providing the strength to press on. I thank you for the ability to dare to believe that with You, all things are possible. I thank you for bringing me into your forever family. I thank you for loving me. I thank you for seeing me a a beautiful child. I thank you for the trials. I thank you for the lessons. I thank you for the joy. I love you.

Kids Say the Craziest Things

Always fun, and always fresh material when it comes to living with little people. Here are some of the newest sayings flying around our house:

1. Daughter - "Mommy, when you brush my hair, can you give me a brain?"

2. An early morning dentist appointment, "Mommy, those cars have flashlights!"

3. Famous driving comment, "Mommy, how many more years till we get there?"

4. Washing hands with our African American friend, she noticed his palms, "Mommy, his brown paint is washing off!"

5. "Mommy, why are crying? Where is your boo-boo? I'll kiss is for you. It's a boo-boo in your heart? I can't reach that one. Jesus will have to fix it for you."

Children are completely precious. Though at times I find the need to remind myself of this fact, the overwhelming amount of blessings bestowed through these priceless gifts leave me breathless. Their hearts so easily forgive this imperfect Momma who does not always practice what she preaches. I have learned to model apologies, forgiveness, and restoration in a way that reaches them, a tangible way. I am still learning to appreciate the moments, and to possess a sense of contentment in all circumstances. This once career-driven lady, now finds that watching Nemo with my daughter was one of the most important things I did yesterday. It spoke the language of time and touch to our youngest gift, and went straight to my heart. For this is how God loves us, personally, tenderly, unconditionally. Jesus, thank you for being my perfect example.

I'd like to leave you with one last list. These are the words God has spoken to me by listening to the words that have come forth from my own mouth. By hearing them, I can just picture God smiling and nodding... hmmmmm.

1. Kids, Mommy only needs to say something one time.
2. When I tell you to do something, it means right now.
3. Mommy loves you, that's why there is a consequence.
4. Be kind to one another, encouraging with your words.
5. What's more important, this object or your sibling?
6. We don't always get what we want, for a good reason.
7. Mommy expects you to obey the first time.
8. Complaining shows me an ungrateful heart.
9. Are you giving me excuses?
10. What is the wise thing to do?

Challenging isn't it? Praise the Lord in that His mercies are new every day. He is so patient with me when I grumble, argue, or simply sit by passively. Lord, I desire to seek you and to know you. Help me to forgive myself so that I may come to you, my Heavenly Father, in studying the example set by your Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. Have a wonderfully crazy day in Him!

Click here to link back to an amazing list of bloggers who are writing about this same "crazy" subject today. You will be blessed!

You gave me the name Mom

My precious, firstborn child... My mind simply cannot wrap around the fact that you were born into our family nine years ago today. Your amazing birth is such a marker in my life. Not only did you give me the privilege of a new role as a mother, but in your birth, I was granted a new one as well. You see... my heart grew three sizes that day. Little did I know that by staring in amazement and wonder at this miracle of creation in my arms, I soon began to see a reflection of myself that up until that day I had not seen. You see sweet boy, with you, came the realization that I too am a child. A child of a King. A King that I had dethroned from the center part of my life, and placed on the outskirts along with the myriad of other activities. I had forsaken my first love. I had grown to depend on myself.

You see, sweet child, what I thought I had know in my life, areas I had a handle on or control over, soon came crashing down around me, for now, I had.... responsibility. And in all honesty, it revealed to me lots of selfishness... not a pretty sight. I had a job that did not come with a manual. I had a task that came with a concoction of physical exhaustion and unexplainable joy. I traveled a road (side-by-side a fellow newbie) that was brand new. I was on a journey with no map to follow... or so I thought.

Today, sweet child, you remind me of so many things. You remind me that it's important to pause, and laugh at the funny circumstances of life. You remind me that there are lots of questions to ponder about the world. You remind me that kindness abounds from a heart that is peaceful. You remind me that the answers of today could change by tomorrow. You remind me of the day that the Lord did a work in my heart. I love you Austin. Thank you for the gift of you!