2012: The year of the runner

While 2012 will probably always be remembered as the year was found ourselves being investigated by CPS, and navigating the horrible waters of having a child sexually molested, there were, of course many bright spots.

And, even though it's the end of January, I'm going to do some themed posts about what I loved about 2012.  Because God is good.  God is faithful.  And we're still standing!!!!

2012 was the year I really fell in love with running.  Curtis has always been a runner.  I remember when we would have fights during our courtship or engagement, he would run off the stress and frustration that he was feeling towards me.  And to this day, when I can tell that he's getting a little cranky, I'll tell him, "Go on a run, and come home happy, please."  Works like a charm.

Since Curtis was already an avid runner, it's no surprise that he started our Year of the Runner off with a bang, completing the first, the longest, and the most challenging race.  The Tough Mudder.

Once I was sure that he would live through this accomplishment, I suddenly found myself drawn to these mud runs that I knew nothing about.  So, I signed up for a Warrior Dash.  The day didn't go at all as I was expecting, but I did it!!

As the weather warmed up, my running slowed down.  All my memories of running in the late spring and early summer are memories of me trying to run away from my problems, talking with God, crying out to God for help.  I'm continually amazed by how God allows us to cry out to Him, and thankful that I found that opportunity in running.

Since my sister, Shannon, had just come home from Austrailia, and my other sister, Megan, and I were all going to be in Kansas at the same time for the first time in 18 months, we decided to do a 5K to commimerate the event.  We even had shirts made.

This 5K wasn't about our time.  It was about my sisters and I having the opportunity to do something together.  And I had a blast!

At the beginning of the school year, there was a shooting here in College Station.  For our quiet community, it was quite a shock.  As only a quiet little community can, we rallied together for a Family Fun Run.  Our entire family participated in the 1 mile run, which happened to my our kiddos' first experience running a race.

Though Benjamin quickly learned that he does not have a love for running, it was a fun time for our family, and a great cause.

Later in the fall, Curtis conquered ANOTHER Tough Mudder.  Seriously, the man is a beast!

And on a lighter, more colorful note, I participated in a Color Run.  Seriously, it's the most fun you'll ever have when running.

It was a GREAT running year for Curtis and I!!  But last year has nothing on 2013.  Here's what we have on our calendar for 2013.

On March 3rd, Curtis will compete his first even half marathon (without mud :-)) as he runs in the Armadillo Dash.

On March 23rd, I will run in the Girls Just Want To Have Fun 5K.  I'm excited for this race because though it will be fun, I've set a time goal for myself, and intend to run the entire course.

On April 13th, Curtis and I will race together, along with several friends, in the Fightin' Texas Mud Run, the first local mud run.

We don't have anything else officially on our plates again till the fall.  Then, I start to work towards my goal of running a half marathon, on December 8th.  The BCS Marthon/Half Marathon has a couple races leading up to the half, which I plan on participating in.  There will be a 10K on September 28th, a 10 mile race on November 2nd, all leading up to the half marathon.

And rumor has it, that Curtis and I, along with his college room mate, Daniel, will be doing a Tough Mudder in October.  We'll see if I feel like squeezing that in, along with all the other races I'll be doing.

Here's to a healthy, fast, injury free 2013, full of new adventures in racing!

Unimaginable

20 children.... 1st graders..... have been killed.

6 women.... teachers.... killed.

Unimaginable nightmare.  Unspeakable evil. 

After the year that Curtis and I have had, I'm no stranger to the feelings of horror at the evil in this world, the evil against children.  However, I cannot imagine what those parents and that community are going through.  My heart is grieved.

All that has happened is horrific.  But in the midst of it all, I am reminded that God is still good.  And our good God is still on his throne.

"The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all."  
Psalm 103:19

Our good, reighning God has a purpose, beyond what we can see or understand.

"Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom."
Isaiah 40:28

During this horrible situation, this unimaginable tragedy, the saints need to stand up against this evil.  Because that's what we're dealing with, the unimaginable evil of our time.  And pray.  Pray for the parents who've lost children.  Pray for the families who lost a loved one.  Pray for the children, teachers and law officers who witnessed nothing short of a nightmare.  

Come, Lord Jesus, come......

Month of Thankfulness... Day 30

I'm thankful for how God reveals himself to me.  The Word.  Worship.  The saints.

Through the past year, I've seen myself and members of my family grow.  I know God is at work.  But I still struggle with feelings of unforgiveness, contentment and anger.  It hit me last night I'm stuck!  And even though I don't want to move forward in certain areas of life, I have to.

So, after my month of thankfulness, I'm ready to move forward.  It's not going to be pretty!  It's not going to be fun!  And if absolutely isn't going to be easy.  But I'm ready, because it's time.  And I'm thankful that God's revealed that to me.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 29

I'm thankful for the hints of winter... the chilly morning, the Christmas decorations, a warm cup of coffee, socks on little feet to help keep us warm, a fire in the fire pit.... I'm excited about the coming season of Advent, a time to rejoice in my Savior's birth, to marvel that God became a baby, and to be thankful for a means of salvation.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 28

I'm thankful for my "original" family

 My sister Megan, her husband Matt, and their two sweet boys Jeremiah and Ephram.

 My sister Shannon.

And my parents.

It's hard not having family right here in the same town.  And this year, it's been hard to be away from them.  But each of the people above have blessed me with their presence during the challenging times, but also in the blessed times.  Sometimes their presence has been physical, and they've gotten in a car, or on a plane, to come help us.  Sometimes their presence has been in prayer, as they prayed earnestly over my family, when I was struggling too much to know how to pray.  Sometimes it's been through a phone conversation, when I can laugh or cry, and receive love and encouragment.  Sometimes it's been through the internet... a Facebook comment or picture that made my laugh, a quick moment to chat, a Skype call to make me feel close, and e-mail with a bible verse.

All these things have meant so much to my family and I as we've faced this challenging year.

But I'm also thankful that they've been there during the happy times!  Knowing that my sisters and parents desire to be with us during whatever we have going on, is a tremendous joy and blessing.  I'm so thankful that despite the miles that have separated us over the past few year, our relationships are stronger than ever!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 27

I'm thankful for Benjamin!

I'm thankful for Benjamin's personality.  He's always bringing a smile to the faces of the people around him!

I'm thankful for his health.  5 years ago (today!) he received his cranio diagnosis.  That was one of the scariest times of my life, and I'm so thankful that he's grown to be such a strong, healthy little boy!

I'm thankful for how he's growing academically.  He's a very bright little boy, and it's a joy to be his teacher.

I'm thankful for what a loving big brother he is.  He and Timothy have formed such a special bond!

I'm thankful for the season of life he's in right now... showing his independence, but still wanting and needing him mommy.

I'm thankful for his passion for life.  When he decides he wants to do something, he does it was such passion and drive. 

I'm thankful for the young man he's becoming!  It's nothing short of a miracle to look at him, and see how God has protected him, and is growing him.  Though he's struggled this year as well, I praise God for how he's working in the life of Benjamin, drawing him to Himself. 

Month of Thankfulness... Day 26

I'm thankful for Elizabeth/Missy/Sissy/Liz.

I'm thankful that I was able to witness her testimony, as she recited her life verse.  Despite the crappy road she's been on this year, she stood and said, 

"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him    and show him my salvation.”  Psalm 91:14-16

 

I'm thankful she still has childlike faith.

I'm thankful that even though I've seen her question God's plan for her, she still trusts him.  She told me a few weeks ago, as we were discussing being angry with God, "It's not so bad when you remember that God does everything for a reason."

I'm thankful that though her life story has changed in a horrible way, she is not defined by the events of the past.

 

I'm thankful for the way she sings at the top of her lungs in worship.

 

I'm thankful for how her relationship with her brothers has grown stronger.

 

I'm thankful that she is still comfortable around her Daddy.

 

I'm thankful for the opportunity to see God at work in her life.

 

I'm thankful for her personality... even when it's driving me crazy!

 

Just like I said yesterday, this has been a hard year for all of us.  This year has changed Elizabeth's life.  I've had to watch her grow up in ways that I hate, in ways that an right year old shouldn't have to grow up.  She's seen a dark, sinful, horrible side to this life.  But she's made a profession of faith, declaring that this is not her home, and that she has an eternal hope in Christ.

 

Though I can't yet say I'm thankful for the events that put her on this road, I am thankful for God's presence with her during her times of trouble.  I'm thankful for the way He is continuing to work in her, carrying out her sanctification.  

 

And I'm so thankful that one day, He will wipe away our tears and our faith becomes sight.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 25

I'm thankful for Mighty Micah.

This year's been a hard year for him.  It's been a hard year for all of us!!  And in the midst of it all, I'm afraid that there have been times when Micah's just flown under the radar.  Despite how quiet he can be, we've seen how much he's struggled this year.

He's struggled with why bad things have happened to our family.  But he's learned to walk in faith.

He's struggled with why his sibilings sometimes get more attention than he does.  But he's learned what real hurt looks like, and how to sit in sorrow with people.

He's struggled with big salvation issues.  But then has reconciled these issues, making a profession of faith, joining Curtis and I for the Lord's Supper each week at church.

He's struggled with school.  But he's learned more than just letters and numbers.  He's learned how to be brave, and face challenges.

He's struggled with anger towards someone who hurt his sister.  But he's learned forgiveness, and how to pray for your enemy.

The struggles Micah has faced this year have been more than a six year old should have to face.  But he stands, with the rest of us, stronger, in faith, ready to see what God will do for our family in the coming year.  I'm thankful for Micah!  I'm thankful for how God has worked in his life, growing him into a strong, brave, young man.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 24

I'm thankful for Timothy, my full of life and personality, two year old.  He keeps me on my toes, but I'm daily touched by his sweet heart.  He is the most "momma's boy" out of my boys, and I'm cherishing it.  I love sitting and talking with him.  This time last year he was only saying a handful of words.  Now, he's sharing the most interesting and hilarious thoughts with me. 

Though is saddens me a bit that my baby is growing up so quickly, I'm thrilled with the little person he is, and who God is making him to be.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 23

 I'm thankful for Black Friday sales!!

Last night two friends and I braved the lines, the chaos, and the parking lots to score some sweet deals.  Thought I got several great deals and finished the kids' Christmas shopping, the thing that I'm most excited about is our new fire pit.

Ever since we borrowed our friends' fire pit, Curtis and I have been talking about buying one of our own.  Imagine my excitement when I opened the ads and there was a fire pit, normally $70 for $30!!

Apparently I wasn't the only one looking for this great deal, because I got the LAST fire pit!!  I was thrilled!

I can't wait to start spending time with my sweet family, around our fire pit, making sweet memories together.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 22

I'm so thankful for my life!  I'm thankful for where God has me, right this moment.  I'm thankful that I can trust his will for my life even when it makes no sense.  I am thankful that I am His child, saved by grace, loved with an everlasting love.

And I'm thankful that in His plan for my life, I got to be the Mommy of these four amazing, lively, joy filled, hilarious, tender hearted children.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 21

I'm thankful for fun moments where I don't have to act my age.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 20

I'm thankful for the Word.  I'm thankful for hearing my children recite their life verses at a poetry recital for co-op today.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 19

I'm thankful that our schedule is calming down and that we can take time to enjoy each other.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 18

I'm thankful for faithful friends.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 17

I'm thankful that my children are all strong and healthy, participating in their favorite activities!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 16

I'm thankful for a child's amusing perspective on my life.

Today, Elizabeth and I were working in the kitchen together.  She was enjoying wiping down the stove, and said, "I hope when I grow up I can be a maid or a nanny!"  "Or maybe, " I told her, "you could just be a mommy."

She snickered.

And then informed me, "Yeah, but you don't get paid for that and it's harder!"

No joke!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 15

I'm thankful to have working smoke alarms.

That's what I kept telling myself this morning when Timothy and I were woken up by all the smoke alarms in our house going off.  Curtis turned the heater on this morning for the first time, and apparently there was a little dust on the heating-coil-thingy.  By no means was our home filled with smoke, so it's nice to know the smoke alarms are working well and are highly sensitive.

When I was a little girl, I had reoccurring nightmares of our house catching fire.  I remember my parents walking me through the house, showing me that the stove was off, the blinking light showed the smoke alarm was working, and going over the family escape plan.  Now that I'm the mommy, I still like the reassurance of the blinking light, showing me the smoke alarm is working.  And this morning, I got to see first hand how well it works!

I'm also thankful that my the oldest children are aware of the escape plan.  When Timothy and I came out of the bedroom, the older kids were nowhere to be found.  When they heard the alarm and saw a bit of smoke, they booked it outside.  Yay for being prepared!!

Month of Thankfulness... Day 14

I'm thankful for a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning, a warm breakfast, and having a fridge full of possibilities. 

Month of Thankfulness... Day 13

I'm thankful for the fun personalities of each of my children.  And I'm thankful that I can sometimes capture their personalities with a camera.

 Benjamin... brave, ready to be a hero and save the day, yet always putting a smile on my face.

 Timothy... attitude!!!  But under that tough face, you can tell he's just a momma's boy.

 Micah... Full of physical energy, always pushing himself, but not liking failure.

Elizabeth... sweet, people pleaser, who doesn't mind following in her momma's footsteps.