The Race of Life

I've run and walked a few marathons. The first one I did in honor of our daughter Faith, who was still born June 23, 1999. I was physically the least prepared for that one, as I only trained for 2 1/2 months, but emotionally I needed to do it as part of the grieving and healing process. After that, I decided to do a marathon after all the babies I had. So, the next one was in 2001, after Josiah was born. I had more training time, 7 months, and was a little faster. After that marathon I got the bug, so after I had Mia I really got into training. I lost some weight and got faster. Not only did I do one marathon in the year after Mia was born, I did three, followed by two the next year. After Sierra was born it took me a whole year of training but I did complete a marathon in Alaska.

Along the way there are some things that I've learned about races and life. First of all, training is our friend. The more you prepare and condition your body, the more natural the race feels (read "less pain"). In life, I believe our training time is our quiet time, reading God's word and praying, preparing for the race of life. Having good "training" time is important as this is not a short run and we can not "gut it out".

I also learned that when you start the marathon you have all the mileage in front of you so it's best not to worry too much about where the finish line is, but instead to focus on each mile you pass and celebrate those. Small goals will help you reach your big goal: that medal at the end and your free t-shirt! Not to mention the satisfaction that you just completed a 26.2 mile race. In life, we should take it one day at a time.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Now this next point is opinion, but this is my blog, so... It is better to run and walk rather than to just run, unless you are a superstar. Since I am not a competitive runner (I never had aspirations of winning any money or gaining any fame) when I run I always plan in scheduled walk breaks. These walk breaks allow for bits of recovery time and allow me to finish the race feeling really good (all things considered). On the other heand, when you walk the whole race, your muscles and joints get worn out of the same motion over and over again. You can try to run for a bit, but since you didn't train for running, it is not really comfortable either. Also, walking a marathon just takes forever and that makes it hurt more regardless of training. I believe we are designed to run life's race, not to walk it.

1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

So, we don't want to live an aimless life, but, since we don't know how long our life race is, we do need some walk breaks. There are times in life that are slower paced, times where we sprint, times that are like a downhill breeze where all we have to do is make sure we don't fall, and then there are the uphills! Through all paces of life we don't know what's around that next corner (an uphill, a downhill, a water station, gummie bears!). With that in mind, it's important to plan in those walk breaks in life, times to refresh, reflect, and renew our spirits. Walk breaks allow us to run stronger over the long haul.

I also learned, it's helpful to run or walk with a friend. That companionship allows for us to encourage each other at the tough spots, give hope when it seems hopeless (like at mile 16 when there's still 10 miles to go!), push each other a little further than we might have gone alone, and have someone to celebrate with when it's all over. We also need them for accountability because it's too easy to slack in the training and never be prepared for the race. God did not design us to run life's race alone, we are designed for community because of some of the same reasons I need a running/walking partner: encouragement, hope in down times, to push us further, for celebration, and for accountability.

On the flip side of what people can add to your race, sometimes people can be just what gets you headed in the wrong direction. Believe it or not, I actually followed someone off course one time. It added a mile or more onto my race. Instead of following the signs that marked the course, I had begun following the runner ahead of me. This wasted energy, threw off my time goal, and was just plain irritating when I had to back track.

Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

In life, we have to make sure we're on track, obeying God's truth, and running a good race!

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

So, my last, and probably most important, thought is, how can we run the race without having an intimate relationship with the creator of the course? Though we can't see what's around the next bend, we can trust God to lead us through whatever comes and we can know it was not a surprise to him. We also know that Jesus ran a perfect race and endured great opposition, he's the perfect role model. He set an example to encourage us when the race gets hard for us and we want to quit.

Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

(I memorized that verse while running the Portland Marathon!) Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. He knows our pain, he remembers mile 18 and that awful hill!! We can go confidently to him and receive mercy and grace. He will help us in our time of need. Fix your eyes on him. And when our life race is over, while we're enjoying our oranges and bagels, may we say...

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

The Road to Bear Paw, part 4

Only God knows how many "parts" this road to Bear Paw will have. Over the last several days we have faced some new and fairly large obstacles on this road. So much so that I was prompted to call on a prayer warrior and spiritual mentor to pray with me over the situation. I needed that support first of all because I was emotionally shaken, but also because I've gotten a little sick of hearing my own prayers on this matter. Side note, isn't it wonderful that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Sometimes I feel like I keep trying to pray but can't express with the right words what is deep inside. Other times it's just the same words I've been praying the whole time: Lord, your will be done, may this be for your glory, open the doors you want us to proceed in, close those you don't. God knows my heart, he hears the words that are never even expressed and understands those that are repeated over and over again.

Romans 8:26-28 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

But, sometimes it helps my soul to pray along with someone else and the Bible says God is there with us as we pray together. Among other things, we prayed for peace, and God met me right there, immediately, with a peace that passes understanding by a long shot! Not only peace, but a filling of the Spirit that prompted a day of endless worship and praise. Quite a difference from the way the day started. Keep in mind the circumstances had not changed.

I also came away with the reminder that God is handling this process. He will get all the glory for the outcome and even more so as we face humanly impossible odds. The timing is his as well. It is definitely not unfolding on the schedule we had originally, or even secondarily, set. In the face of discouragement and wondering "had we miss read God's calling", I was reminded how threatened our enemy must be. We have prayed from day one that God would close the door to Bear Paw if he had other plans. We didn't want to waste time and effort in pursuing the camp if those efforts should be placed somewhere else. Doors have not closed for us. These challenges we are facing are obstacles, and yes they are tough, but the door to this new ministry remains open, so we continue to pursue. Satan will continue to throw obstacles, fears, doubts, and distractions into our path but greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.

All of us face these times of uncertainty and, quite frankly, those of you who might think you've got things fairly well planned out... you don't. We never really know what tomorrow holds. We do know that God is the same God that created the universe, who knows each of us intimately, loved us enough to die for us, and strengthens us through trials. How do we persevere? Our hope is in God!

Isaiah 40:28-31 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.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

You are God!

Today I was directly confronted with the realization of who God is in my life. I know he is my creator, my savior, my heavenly father. I know that, but today I was confronted with it. I am driven to my knees in prayer. Join me if you'd like.

Lord, who do I say you are? Do I believe that? What do my actions, my reactions, my emotions, say about what I believe.

You have opened a door that no man can close. Lord, lead us! I give you my life, my family, my future. They are yours already. Do with them as you please, for your glory. Use our lives. I desire to move beyond a world that revolves around me. I want to tell people about you, God. There are too many lines that have become mushy and gray. I want to stand for the concrete, sink your teeth into it, 100% truth of God. You have a plan for us, a design, for our benefit and blessing and because you love us, not to harm us or hinder.

For those I know and love, that haven't accepted your free gift of grace and salvation. I lift them up to you Lord. May they taste of how good you are and never look back. For the students that I see walk by the house, people I don't know and the next generation. Lord, may I somehow be used as a blessing, as a light, that they would know absolute truth and accept nothing less.

Lord for our nation, one founded on the truth of your word, under God. May we return to our faith in you. Forgive us as a nation for our blatant disregard of you. Hold back the punishment we deserve. Raise up godly leaders within the cities, states, and throughout the nation, that we might be lead by people who are lead by you.

For the people I know who are hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually, struggling financially or in their marriages, God be close to them. May I be an encouragement, provide the words that will be salve to their hearts or prompt the changes that you desire. May I know when to be bold and when to be quiet.

Thank you for the plan you have for Andrew and I, and our family. May Satan be bound in his efforts to confuse or scare us. I will keep my eyes on you, the author and perfecter of my faith.

This song is my prayer: Take My Life by Passion (you can play it on the playlist, it's the first one).

Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee.
Take my moments and my days let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee

Take my voice and let me sing always only for my king
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee
Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as you choose

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for thee

Take my will and make it thine it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is thine own, it shall be thy royal throne

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at your feet it's treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever only all for thee
Take myself and I will be ever only all for thee

Men and Women

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Suitable, an adjective, meaning such as to suit; appropriate; fitting; becoming. If this is such a fitting relationship, why does it sometimes seem like we are talking to people from a completely different galaxy? I'm sure men feel the same way. We just don't get each other sometimes. Andrew and I have read a couple of books that really hit the nail on the head as far as our communication and quite frankly the way our brains work and specifically our needs.

Men are Like Waffles and Women are Like Spaghetti was one we enjoyed. Love and Respect was a life changing series that our Bible study group went through a few years ago. Andrew and I both would highly recommend it. We actually watched the video series and did some worksheets which made it pretty easy. We liked it so much we'd like to start a Love and Respect couples retreat at the camp as soon as possible. It has explained some of the frustration we've felt in our communication and helped us identify when the crazy cycle is starting so we can both turn that ship around before it sails on through to a full blown fight. Anyway, check it out or if you're already familiar with it, post your own review.

The following video is from neither of the above referenced sources. It was something my mom forwarded to me. I don't even know if he is a Christian but his thoughts on the male and female brain are in the same vein as the Waffles and Spaghetti book I mentioned.

Enjoy! It's only about a 5 minute clip.

A Word From the Lord

Andrew had a blog worthy experience today. He and my dad were driving home from Medford after picking up a machine he needed. They stopped in Azalea, Oregon around 3pm for some late lunch at the Heaven on Earth Restaurant. Dad had been there before with my Grandpa, but this was Andrew's first time. Upon entering the door of the restaurant, the middle aged hostess approached Andrew and began to speak directly to him. She told him that he should have no fear and trust the Lord, wade into the water that was before him, that God had big plans for him and has given him broad shoulders to handle what is coming. She told him to remember not to worry about the money but to work for God. Then later, after they had a chance to say who they were, she directed her comments to my dad, praising him for being a godly man that raised a godly daughter who married a godly husband and that together they are raising godly kids. She acknowledged the legacy that started with him. Then she went on to encourage Andrew in the importance of his role as a father and the blessing that children are. Both men were really blown away, partially because she said so much in such a short amount of time, and partially because she directly addressed our situation. Andrew said several times that it was just weird (in a good way), he was really speechless about the whole thing. I had to call my dad to get more details and even he was at a bit of a loss for words (which is amazing as my wordiness comes from his side). It was nothing new that she said, Andrew didn't feel convicted of anything, but he felt God confirming our current path through the voice of someone who couldn't have known our situation. She responded to God, spoke the truth, and was used to bless us. I wish I could have been there though, I'm just sure there were more details!!!

The picture above is of him being a good dad with his kiddos!

My Way or His Way.

Sierra loves to be outside and now that the weather is somewhat warmer, she always wants to be out there. She was playing on the slide in the backyard when she shouted out to me, "Mom! Lady bug!" I went over to check out her discovery and was disappointed to inform her that it was not a lady bug but an ant. Yes, as the weather warms our dear little ants reappear from where ever they hide during the winter. And so, the battle begins.

As a part of her proper training in dealing with ants I told Sierra that she should squish it. "No." she said matter-of-factly with maybe a little fear mixed in. So, I showed her how to do it. She looked at me and then squatted down to examine the damage a little closer. I could see the wheels turning.

Not too much later she calls out, "There's another lady bug."

"Sierra, they're ants. Squish it."

"No."

This time I decided to help her squish it. So, I took her little pudgy finger and squished it down on the ant. She looked at her finger and then squatted down again to check it out. Now, I hoped that she would understand the power that she possessed in just one finger to take care of those little nuisances. I hoped that through this experience it would become a game or a perhaps a personal goal to squish every ant she ever sees, thus helping in the fight against a hostile ant take over this year. So, I left her again to her slide.

Not too much longer I heard her shouting, "No! You are bad! You go 'way!" She was squatted down, eyeball to eyeball, with a little ant, trying to deal with it her way. Had I not provided the remedy for her just moments before? Squish that thing! Even with a reminder and some coaxing I couldn't get her to let go of her plan of attack.

I can't help but wonder how many times God has felt the same way with us. He has provided the way of restoration and salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet we disregard the power of that and continue to try to "be good" or earn our way to heaven. God has given us instruction and wisdom for dealing with many things, like conflict or how we treat our spouse. Yet we choose our own way of gossiping and complaining rather than addressing the conflict directly. Or, we try to make our spouse earn our respect or love rather than giving it as a gift. We do what makes sense to us, rather than follow the wisdom of a God who loves us and desires the best for us. This year I am working hard to step away from my knee-jerk reactions and old ways of doing things, and to follow God's way of responding and living instead. It might seem right to me to yell and shout at the "ants" in my life, but if God says "squish it", I'm gonna squish it.

Women of Faith

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Women of Faith conference in Spokane with my mother-in-law, Andrew's sisters, Diana and Ruthe, and Diana's mother-in-law. It is always such a blessing to worship God with so many other women and to hear the wisdom and encouragement from godly women speakers, some of whom are in their 70's and still full of spunk and charisma. I always marvel at how different their personalities are and the beautiful tapestry Women of Faith is because of those differences. It encourages me to fully be the woman that God made me, and allow him to direct my life so that I can be used for his glory in the special way he has planned. How exciting!

Between sessions I had the opportunity for a photo shoot with Lucy Swindoll (on the left) and Marilyn Meberg (on the right). The cutie in the back is my sister-in-law Diana.