What a day it was!! Last Saturday I woke up at the crack of dawn(5 am) to get ready for the race. Breakfast:oatmeal with brown sugar and dried fruit- Check! Mandarin Orange Spark for Energy- Check! Kick Butt race shirt and bib- Check! Directions to the Race- Check! I was ready to go. After the hour long drive to the Dallas Arboretum my adrenaline was pumping and I was eager to make it to the start line. Only problem was, evidentally about 5,000 other people were too! The gun sounds marking the beginning of the race. I literally walked 7 minutes before crossing the start line and then jogged for another 2 miles before I finally made it to my pace group. I must admit that I was a bit frustrated because I knew my PR for a 10K was shot due to a slow start. Looking back, I see this slow start as a symbol of my spritual journey. So often, I jump the gun with the Lord, wanting to sprint to the finish line of tasks He sets before me. But because He knows me better than I know myself, he makes it impossible for me to get ahead of where He wants me to be on the path towards righteousness. By the time I get to a good steady pace enjoying the beautiful scenery White Rock Lake has to offer I think, "Oh well, at least I will finish strong!" So, with my ipod in tow, I set out to finish the rest of the race with endurance! The first and last song I listened to during the race was "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. The words of the chorus help to get me thru so many long runs, "The voice of Truth tells me a different story, the voice of Truth says do not be afraid, the voice of Truth says this is for My glory. Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth!" I finished the race in 65 minutes, no PR by any stretch of the imagination, with tears rolling down my face praising the One who gave me the strength to run with endurance.
This weekend I am in Louisiana visiting my little brother and his wife to celebrate his college graduation. We are staying in the city that holds some of my fondest memories of my life with Blake as well as a few from my high school days. Today I created another day of simple, but priceless memories in this city that still feels like home to me! The best part of the day began after my afternoon nap(yes, I am applying what I have learned from my previous post). The kids were a little restless with energy that needed to be expended as was I, so my brother took us to a new city park. Evan played with Tyler on the playground while my mom took Katy for a walk so I could go for a long bike ride. I was able to breathe in this environment that my heart at times aches for. Hundreds of trees danced above me singing about their Creator with the rustling of their leaves. Magnolia blossoms caught my nose and reminded me of the sweetness of my great-grandmother who treasured their scent as i...
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