Running the Race

Running a race? No way, not me! In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would ever even consider running for exercise, a hobby, sport, or anything else, but especially not in a real race. Well, my dear hubby has done this in the past, and has a new found desire to get back into running....and take me along with him! I have been doing interval training for about 8 months, now, which includes a good bit of running and speed walking, but the thought of running in a 5K race is a bit intimidating to me. Not only that, but your name and time is recorded for all to see!

So, as he has begun training for a race coming up mid-September, I thought I would try it one time. I decided to run a 5K and time myself. If it took an hour, at least I'd know my limited ability, and he'd stop pestering me about running with him in this race. It was a night this week when there were thunderstorms all around our area, and although I could see the lightning far away lighting up the sky, there was no thunder or rain....only the pleasant winds to cool everything down (including me!). It really was a beautiful night to run, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. As for my time, I beat Richard's by about 1 min. 20 sec., which isn't really fair b/c it was the first time he had run and timed himself, and he was just getting a baseline. He does strength training all the time, and usually runs once a week, so he is just now starting to add more jogging into his exercise routine. (I had to say all of that so he could "save face!") I still need to get my time down by about 4 minutes, but it was a good "beginning runner" time, I'm told!

So.....the real point of this is that as I was running, the Lord was bringing all sorts of biblical parallels to mind. The scripture often references those who are saved as being in a race:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." I Cor. 9:24-27

"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3: 12-14

"Therefore, since we are surrouned by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1-2

We are to run the race with perseverance, endurance, with our eyes on the prize at all times....Jesus Christ! We so often get sidetracked, and Satan throws so many obstacles in our way. Sin easily creeps into our lives and we slow down our pace, look side to side at things that distract us, whether that be materialistic ideas, selfishness, greediness, frustrations, difficult relationships, problems with work, or whatever our "stumbling block" tends to be- Satan is well aware and ready to throw it in our path! As runners in this race toward heaven, we are to be disciplined, focused, and put our fleshly desires behind us, as well as our past sins, and strain toward God's calling for our lives. In doing so, others will see Jesus in us, and we may encourage them to join the race with us.

As for the Roman Rumble coming up in September......who knows? I haven't committed to it, but I'm sure I'll be persuaded to run with my husband. If you're interested in running, you can see the information at http://www.romerunnersclub.org/races.php

Our little Gymnast

Sarah Beth had her first gymnastics class yesterday, and she loved it! I wasn't quite sure what to expect at this age, but I was really surprised and pleased with what all she did her first time. She just looked so big to me out there walking on that balance beam. We're trying gymnastics for a few weeks before ballet begins- one thing at a time!!! We'll see what she enjoys the most! I so enjoy watching my children try new things. I just want them to find something they enjoy and be the best they can be!

Standing in front of the gym before class.

Stretch!
If you look closely, you can see her on the parallel bars with her feet spread apart- about to flip over! It was so cute!

Walking very carefully on the balance beam.

Jumping on a long trampoline. They had to hop with their hands up in the air- I guess for balance, but I'm not sure. It was hilarious to watch. I was actually surprised she didn't fall on her face, but she didn't!

Whiskers at 5 years old???

My son is not even 5 years old, and he shaves almost every day! Really! He loves shaving with his Daddy (if he wakes up in time!). He just wants to be exactly like his Daddy! I love these pictures.

They'll always be my babies....

Sarah Beth's last night in her crib....how precious.

Sarah Beth's new "big girl" toddler bed! She loves it!

Sarah Beth finally got the pink pig "Pinky" that she's been wanting for several weeks, now. This was her reward for finally "pooing" in the potty rather than her pull-ups! Whew- glad that's over!

Sarah Beth decided to trade in her "pacies" for a new Disney Princess camera. She was a bit hesitant to give the pacies over to the lady at the checkout, but she did it. We've had a few rough nights with her going to sleep (that's the only time she wanted one in her hand and one in her mouth, but she spit it out as soon as she fell asleep), but overall, we think she's done quite well. The checkout lady slipped them back into my bags for safe keeping! I'm just glad she went along with it all and didn't think I was too crazy!

They're just growing up WAY TOO FAST! Richard and I just keep thinking how it was truly just yesterday that they were those helpless little newborns keeping us awake all hours of the night. Now, they are so independent, have their own little personalities, and have learned so many things! We have made MANY milestones in the past several weeks. We had a sort of furniture swap....Matthew got a new twin size bed, Sarah Beth got his toddler bed, and the crib, yes my babies' crib that has been in the nursery for 5 years, now, has a resting place in the attic. I just can't give it up, although I know I will have no more babies to sleep in it. We're saving it for the grandchildren (boy, that's hard to type, much less imagine!). So, we officially have "real" beds for them, and they're quite happy with that.





Matthew's toddler bed.

Matthew's last night in his toddler bed.

Matthew's first night in his "big boy bed." I had moved the nightstand out of the way b/c I just knew he was going to fall off the bed. He hasn't, yet, thank goodness!

Making Memories

Fun with Landon and Wil

WOW! What a week we've had! My twin nephews, Landon and Wil have been visiting with us and we've been busy to say the least. We went to a magic show at the library (and got to see tarantulas and snakes- ick!), we went to a movie, we went to Kangaroo Jakes (they LOVED this!), we went swimming (Landon went down the waterslide 30 times- really!), we went to the park, and we had numerous picnics outside including cookies and ice cream for dessert most nights (thanks to Mimi)! We enjoyed spending July 4th with them, as well. It was an incredibly busy but fun week!

We only get to see them a few times a year, and those visits are always around holidays, sometimes for 2-3 days at a time. So, it was a real treat for all of us to get to spend this much time with them. Matthew and Sarah Beth were truly in heaven! They love their older cousins so very much. I am so thankful to have precious nephews who enjoy playing with my children, even though they're much older. They were so responsible with them when we'd be walking in parking lots or in crowded areas- they immediately grabbed their hands to hold them while we walked. Landon and Wil are 9 years old, and certainly into video games (one of which they recently got and were very anxious to play), but instead of playing their games, they spent time horseplaying with my two munchkins! They are so very thoughtful, and my kiddos felt very special and loved by their cousins. It is so nice to see young boys be so caring and loving. I still see them as those little 2 year olds with chubby cheeks- it's gone by so very fast, but I can honestly say that they are so respectful, responsible and loving boys, and I am so proud to be their aunt! Thank you, Landon and Wil, for a wonderful week of fun! We'll miss you, but can't wait to visit you in a few weeks!