Sunday, October 25, 2009

aaah, success

The 5K is over! Bonnie, Naomi, Jim and Naomi's dad participated with me. I had been running with them in training some too. What a joy to run this race! Especially with them!

The Walk for Life was a huge success, over a hundred and fifty more people participated this year than last. The race was a huge success for me too... mostly because, I actually finished it. I ran the entire first mile, ran/walked the second, and ran the entire third, I was pleased with that. And then the 5K turned out to be a 4-mile run, and I ran most of the fourth mile, and thought I was going to die. But the feeling at the end of the race was so worth it:)


(after the race, red and sagging)

Monday, October 19, 2009

good weekend with great people

This weekend I got to see Crystal on Friday, and got to travel to Show Low to see Bonnie's band on Saturday and Sunday. Then tonight I got to run 2 miles and eat Mojo Frozen Yogurt. Do I have it good or what?


Monday, October 12, 2009

Update on life #2: the move

I have been thinking on how to phrase a blog post, but I finally just decided to post from an e-mail I sent to a few people trying to explain...

Okay, so the news is... I'm moving back to Aurora, CO. With my family, that is. This probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise to you, but let me explain anyway. I came here because I believe God was telling me to. I stayed here as long as I did, even when I didn't find a nursing job, because I believe it was what God had for me, that this is where I was "supposed" to be. But through much prayer and meditation of late, I have come to the conclusion that the way for me to obey God at this stage is to return home.

I am happy about this idea, as I miss my family and friends there and may have a slightly better chance of finding a job. But I am also sad to be leaving my wonderful church and friends here. I've learned a lot here and met a lot of amazing people. It's been a great adventure!

So that's it! If all goes according to plan, two weeks from now I will be on the road with all my earthly belongings in a UHaul trailer, once again moving, but this time back home.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Update on life #1: The endeavor to be a runner

I should start by saying that running does not come naturally to me. It’s hard, and I’m frankly not very good at it.

Still, the idea of running has long enthralled me. Several times I have half-attempted to run. But my lack of intentionality and discipline proved no match for the challenge. Yet I have been envious of those who could “pound the pavement” as a release after a long day and those who didn’t need a pool and goggles for a workout:) and felt defeated that I could not join their ranks.

I also hold very dear some Scriptures that liken the Christian life to running a race. Of course, there is plenty that a non-runner can glean from this analogy. But something in me has longed to arrive at a better understanding, the kind that would come from learning about discipline, training, focus in a way that is close-up and sweat-drenched.

Finally, the season has come! Though I recognize it will not be pretty or perhaps even fun, I have decided to tell you that I am now in the uncomfortable process of becoming a runner. I am telling you this because the more people I tell, the less likely I am to give up on it. I am also telling you because my goal is to participate in the 5 Kilometer race put on by Crisis Pregnancy Centers on October 24, and I would like to invite you to donate.

Why the Walk for Life? The Walk for Life is the annual fundraiser of the Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix. The CPC is funded completely by caring individuals who believe in the importance of their mission, which is “to save lives and protect futures of the men, women, children, and unborn babies in the Phoenix area." They do this by providing free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound, free parenting classes, adoption planning and placement, free after abortion counseling, and low-cost STD testing. Because the organization is privately funded and committed to living by the Statement of Faith, all of these services are delivered in a way that is both caring and also focused on ministering to the whole person- physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. On a personal note, CPC has been dear to me in my time volunteering there.

I have witnessed first-hand the work that God is doing through CPC. Abortions are prevented, God’s plan for abstinence until marriage is taught, and the gospel of Christ is proclaimed. CPC plans this walk/run as a fundraiser.

There are plenty of good reasons to run a race out there, but for me it is a personal lesson in perseverance and maybe also a way to support this cherished ministry that is giving me the opportunity to run this 5K!

Fundraising is not a requirement to participate, but all that I do raise will go directly to the work of CPC. You can get more information at www.azlifewalk.com. To pledge to support me, click on “Pledge info” in the left column and then the “click here” on the right side, or e-mail me.

And thanks for reading. Please ask me about it, so I don’t give up:)