Racing into 2011!

Image by Eva the Weaver via Flickr

Happy New Year!

Today I did something I have never done in my life.  I walked in my first 5K race!  About 10 days ago a dear friend strongly persuaded me into joining her to walk in the Run Into the New Year 5K Run in Milwaukee.  If you know me, you know that is no small accomplishment.  I was a nervous wreck, not knowing what to expect.  The day turned out to be so much fun.  My legs and back are hurting tonight but it was so worth it.  It is the first time I have ever pushed myself so hard, so far physically EVER!  It gave me such a sense of accomplishment and hope that I do not have to be this couch potato I have been for far too long.  Go me!  :)

Giving thanks

Being thankful on Thanksgiving should be a no-brainer, right?  It's eeeeeassssyyyyy to be thankful on Thanksgiving.  What is wrong with you (or ME) if we're not?  I AM thankful for I have been blessed with a lot.  A lot of great people, all my physical needs, job, car, food, family, friends, new church, health, and lots more. 

But what about pain?  Can I really choose to be thankful for that today?  God tells me in His Word that I should be.  We are called to be thankful in ALL circumstances, always giving praise and thanks to our Lord  & Saviour Jesus Christ.  Lord, I am thankful but most days I sure wish you would take away my pain.  That may or may not happen on this side of heaven but I know He endured more emotional, spiritual, and physical pain that I will more than likely never experience.  So when my heart is breaking, I am choosing to remember how God's heart broke a million times over for my sin. 

Thankful

Image by Glen's Pics via Flickr

Wow, God is so good.  He did such a great, big thing for me today!  And an even bigger & better thing for me last week!  Wow.  I am overwhelmed with His goodness & mercy to me.  My heart is just overflowing tonight. 

Today at work I was in a very sticky situation, wanting the best for one of my students and not sure how it would unfold.  Not sure how some would react or conduct themselves but it all came together and that was nothing short of a miracle.  Thank you, Lord. 

Last week I really blew it.  But God is bigger than any of my screw-ups, oh my goodness is He.  I am overwhelmed with His goodness to me.  I surely do not deserve it.

Swim Team Mom

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[Ahhhh....finally a chance to sit and relax.  My body is tired but my mind is racing.  First topic of many swimming- ha!  sorry, couldn't resist! thru my head.]

I am so proud of my newest hat & title---Swim Team Mom!

Spent 8 hours today just sitting on my bottom in a very uncomfortable lawn chair in a very crowded gym at a very nice YMCA facility an hour away from home for a VERY good reason---to support my daughter at her 3rd ever swim team meet!  She did a fabulous job, I was so proud of her.  She has adapted well to the physical demands of competitive swimming and the emotional & mental demands, too.  I think my nerves run higher than hers on meet days.  Which is better & I'd rather have it that way.  But MAN!  my stomach was turning, my heart was racing, my head was spinning during those seconds & brief moments that she's in the water.  She comes out beaming every time, you can just tell that she has tried her best, no matter what place she comes in.  And to her, that is winning, yeah!  I'm so proud of her already just for even trying this new experience.  Go Kel!

Even though we had a great swim day, I am still wiped out.  Left the house at 7am, walked back in the door at 5pm.  Ahhh...this couch feels so good.  Glad I got lots of laundry and school work done yesterday because today I accomplished a whole lot of nothing.  Wait, no I did accomplish cheering on my daughter, visiting & laughing with a new swim team mom-friend, and having a front row seat to Kelly's latest interest & accomplishment.  All in all, a great day spent with my girl.  I love you lots, Kelly, & am so proud of you!! :)