Yet another great weekend!

The crazy frenzy that has been life in the Conrad household yet continued this past weekend. Funny how we "mark" things on the calendar and know they are approaching, even anticipate most, yet the daily glance and one wonders how it can all be accomplished. And God says, I AM. He truly does provide and it simply is a pleasure to obey, knowing that His provision goes before me.
Friday evening, our daughter celebrated her birthday with three of her closest friends. We went bowling, then returned for pizza, cake, and presents, of course :) What a joy is was simply to watch these seven years olds interact with one another. They simply love each other with tender, compassionate, and encouraging hearts, each one unique, each one giggly, each one gifted. Girls are different than boys, I know, news flash. Instead of competitive teasing, jabs, and jokes, there were hugs, cheers, and gentle redirecting. One girl in particular has special needs, yet this is simply an adult label, they love and accept her just as she is, gently guiding her if some behavior just wasn't appropriate. May this last.... just a bit longer....

Saturday morning, bright a early, 7 other girlfriends and I piled into the van and headed downtown for the Race for the Cure. Perfect weather! What a ball simply to participate with some who had trained to run this morning for the first time. It was such a joy to be able to run with my great friend Jen who was celebrating several events with this run today. I loved, loved hearing the stories afterwards, the accomplishment of a task that at times seemed unconquerable. There's just something about running... I loved it, for me, it was a vision come true, I pray that perhaps it may become an annual tradition.

Well, no rest for the weary. Upon returning home, we all bathed, packed, and piled into the van, this time bound for Cleveland. We arrived downtown in time to pick up race packets for Aaron, his sister, and his brother-in-law. The kids and I (and Wubzzy!) walked around and looked at all the Cleveland landmarks, such fun history to share with the kids about our hometown. Next, we headed to my parents to unload and situate the puppy, then headed off to dinner to celebrate Emma's true birthday. Red Robin is was! As our party of 12 sat and shared food and conversation, I couldn't help but think about my dear mother-in-law who would have loved to see this. We gathered in celebration of her life this weekend, a service would be had the following day.

Sunday morning, bright and early (sense a theme here :) we awoke, dressed, and headed out the door for Aaron fourth half-marathon race in four weekends (whew!) After having the wonderful opportunity to visit with my brother, his wife, and newborn baby the evening before, I was surprisingly awake, ready for a morning in support of Daddy. We wore special shirts in honor of Mom and Grandma, as we walked Daddy to the starting line, and waited at the finish, blowing bubbles, making signs on a white board, and eating blow-pops! Aaron had a great run, a great tribute to the race of life his mother endured while here with us. The service was beautiful. A testimony to her life of compassion, and her legacy left unto her children. I couldn't have been more proud of Aaron. His voice was strong, and steady, his words were genuine and thoughtful, his love for his family just outpouring. I think I fell in love with him just a little bit more that afternoon, what an amazing man he is, humble and God-honoring.

After another dinner spent together as a family, we packed up and headed home (in a quiet van may I add). As a went for a run this evening, I had such a sweet time with the Lord. I reflected again on the service, and I had a vision. In it, I stood and spoke a few words. I spoke of the a time I remember headingover to Mom's porch shortly after we were engaged. As with many young brides, I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed at some decisions that needed to be made. You see, the thing about the Conrad house was that anyone was welcome. 'Come as you are' was invisibly written above the door. I felt a sense of freedom in her presence - freedom to simply be me, and in those moments, I felt free to led go of a few tears, and as a result, I left feeling lighter, more focused. Fast forward a few years, I was laying in a hospital bed, in labor with our third child. She sat next to me, and gave me a diamond ring, a family ring. You see, her mother-in-law had given it to her, symbolizing her view of me as her own daughter and her love she wanted to bestow. Lord willing, I will be able to pass this along the the wife of our son - traditions, family legacy, this was her passion, her life goal. Fast forward just six months ago, they were here for a visit from Houston over Christmas. I vividly remember showering, and hearing the gentle whisper I've come to know as my Savior, asking me, "Heather, I want you to wash my servant's feet." In cheerful obedience, I entered Mom's room with some of my favorite foot lotion and simply "washed" her feet. As we talked, I had a chance to ask her, "Mom, where are you at with Jesus. What words have you been thinkin about?" Without hesitation she stated, "Palms 139, and Palm 23". Her heart was focused on Him.

I actually became emotional as I was running. I remember staring into her blue eyes and telling her, "Mom, I love you." Without any words spoken, I knew she loved me too. I know she loved, for she modeled it well. She was more than a mother-in-law, she was the one who gave birth to my husband, who trained him up, and even trained me up. She was my friend. I'm so sorry I was not able to speak the words at the time, but I do feel the Lord spoke them to her on my behalf, it was a precious run for me tonight. I thank you Jesus. I love you Mom.

He did it!

We started running at 9 am, we thawed out about mile 2, we completed the race at mile 4! I am so proud of Aaron. This was his first endeavor at running, and man did he finish strong! Amanda and I joined "the boys" and actually crossed the finish line together - fun memory! Aaron had a goal of completing the race in 45 minutes, and he crossed the line at 39 minutes, 18 seconds!

I am so thankful today for so many reasons... what stood out to me the most this morning was how the Lord is my Mighty Provider. He provided us with a beautiful blue-sky day, a wonderful place to run through a park, strength that can come from only him (especially that last hill around mile 3.5), friends to run alongside with (in this race of life), refreshments at the finish line, and a warm car and home to return to. Wanna give a little shout out to Gram and Pops Richardson for having fun with the kids this morning, we appreciate you!

Acts 14:17
"...he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Thank you Jesus today for the strength to endure. Thank you for yet another marker in my life that points me to you on those days when my strength is gone, your strength is perfect. Lord I pray for our friend Stef. Lord only you know the numbers of ours days, I pray that he may know your strength and peace today, and Lord, even a glimpse of what a blessing he is to so many of us. Happy Thanksgiving! May we choose a Thankful heart not only today, but 364 days of the year as well.

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!

I love my boys, I miss my girls!

What does strange noises, bursts of giggles, and a repeating montaous of movie and commerical lines (in the correct intonations) equal? You guessed it, BOYS! This weekend, I found myself involved in the, "if you can't beat em, join em" phrase, or perhaps, "when in Rome..." All teasing aside, I found complete and utter joy and peace in watching my boys (double AA, aka AAron and Austin) take in some planes (F-16s), cars (Nascar that is), and kissing (bricks that is, it's a Brickyard thang) - loving every minute of it. We are first timers when it comes to the racing scene, but boy do we have such a great appreciation of the sheer intensity and excitment of it all. We were treated like royality- free breakfast, lunch, a tram ride, and top row seats that gave us access to God's natural air-conditioning treatment (of which created comical banter for the couples sitting in front of us, giving us an "in" to ask all the newbie questions we needed). A select few even gained access to a pit tour or garage tour - how? We had the right access, the select ticket. Got me thinkin....

The world tells us only a few select gain access to the "best" seats in the house, added perks, bonuses, and priviledges. God tells us ALL have access to Him through his son. We are all equally sinful and if we confess and ask, the "door" to this access with be open to us forever. I digress...another post for another day :)

Well, thanks to Stanley (Aaron's employer that is), we had the added luxury of meeting #19, Elliot Sadler. We met him at 11:00 (just 3 hours before the start of the race), wearing blue jeans and a comfy white shirt, and listened to him talk as if we were "cousins" hanging outside in hometown hills of Virginia together - he was that humble, down to earth, and simply funny. Austin happened to have a North Carolina Tarheels hat with him (go figure) and lo and behold, guess who is a fan of the Heels as well? Big ol' signature right on the brim - precious memories!

While we were sharing some dinner this evening at Damon's, celebrating Aaron's birthday (have to finish boy-time off with a bang - big screen TVs!), we got to talkin about our "favorites". After Austin and I were sharing about our favorite slides we raced down at Zoobsie Bay today, Aaron brought up another favorite from yesterday's race. Just before the race, a voice came across the loud speaker. It wasn't the announcer's voice, wasn't the singer voice, it was a different voice. A voice that spoke straight to my heart - the voice of a prayer. I couldn't tell you the name of the man, nor have I seen his face, but I can tell you I'll never forget this heart. He spoke from a heart of one who walks close to his father, and the biggest smile I had was knowing that thousands of others "heard" it too. I prayed that seeds were planted that afternoon, just minutes before the race. Seeds that when watered, will grow to thirst for the living water, the only one that can truly quench our thirst. The only that came to seek and save the lost.

Thanks Mom and Dad for spoiling the girls! Cannot wait to have them home tomorrow!