Well, my race Thanksgiving was FANTASTIC!!! I had the most fun and felt really good most of the way. I kept telling God that there was no place I would rather be....well except Heaven, that's a given. The last hill almost got me. I had to will myself not to throw up. It got stuck in my throat and I kept telling myself not to throw up, after all my dignity was at stake!!
No medals or great time, I managed to stay within the minute window I was shooting for. Really, all I got was the satisfaction of completing something I set my mind to do several months ago....that's worth a lot!
I registered for the Austin Half tonight. That will be Valentine's Day, a Sunday. My friend, Rachael, offered to go and be my cheer section. Hooray!!!
As I registered there were at least 10 extra things you could order or join, none of which were less than $20. Well I say none, there was one....a $5 donation to keeping Austin "green" and to reduce my carbon emissions from driving there. Why does that surprise me? I mean it is Austin!!! How 'bout we keep Sarah's "green" in her frickin' pocket??!!!! I'm all for increasing our carbon footprint.....doesn't that mean the weather gets warmer and more pleasant?! How do we make that happen faster? WHATEVER AUSTIN!!! I'm gonna run through your streets and stomp on your grass, and throw Gatorade cups in your parks, and I might even chunk a rock at one of your rabid bats!
Ok, I'm done....but I may be back later!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Decision
I've been putting off committing to this for some time now, just wanting to take things one step at a time and not get too far ahead of myself. Maybe it was the breeze, or the way my muscles, lungs, music, and the weather were all in sync last night as I ran.....but as I ran last night I finally decided it was time to say it. I'm officially training for a half-marathon! EEK!!!
The Wilcoxes are training for the Austin full and told me I should go with them and run the half. It was then that the seed was planted. I immediately wanted to say "Yes!" but was afraid to do so out loud. I just kept telling myself to take it a race at a time.
So there, it's out there....now I HAVE to do it. Please continue to pray for my body, and that somehow God can be glorified in this!
The Wilcoxes are training for the Austin full and told me I should go with them and run the half. It was then that the seed was planted. I immediately wanted to say "Yes!" but was afraid to do so out loud. I just kept telling myself to take it a race at a time.
So there, it's out there....now I HAVE to do it. Please continue to pray for my body, and that somehow God can be glorified in this!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Wall
Well....I think I may have reached it. I am completely frustrated with my running right now. It seems like I have trained and worked and progressed, but at the moment I can't seem to get where I need to be.
Tonight I ran half the distance of what I'm supposed to run in a week and a half, and barely made it. BARELY! I have been running this distance for a good month now, and should be used to it. I just feels like I'm running in tar. I'm sure the heat this evening accounts for part of it, but it just seems like I should be getting farther.
October 10th is the day of my 10k. I'm really nervous that I won't be ready. I don't expect to medal or go particularly fast, I just want to finish and not embarrass myself.
I was just praying tonight while I was running. In this small, insignificant way, I want to push this body God gave me to give him glory. I want to prove to myself that I can do this if I just work hard enough for it.
Utterly frustrated.....in need of prayers.....
Tonight I ran half the distance of what I'm supposed to run in a week and a half, and barely made it. BARELY! I have been running this distance for a good month now, and should be used to it. I just feels like I'm running in tar. I'm sure the heat this evening accounts for part of it, but it just seems like I should be getting farther.
October 10th is the day of my 10k. I'm really nervous that I won't be ready. I don't expect to medal or go particularly fast, I just want to finish and not embarrass myself.
I was just praying tonight while I was running. In this small, insignificant way, I want to push this body God gave me to give him glory. I want to prove to myself that I can do this if I just work hard enough for it.
Utterly frustrated.....in need of prayers.....
Sunday, September 13, 2009
First Race
Yesterday I ran my very first race......well at least since elementary school when we had field day. I was never much of a runner. To be perfectly honest, I was never athletic. I always wanted to be good at tennis, but the whole hand-eye coordination seemed to work against me!
For the past couple of years I have talked about wanting to take up running, but never really did much about it. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that if I don't know what I'm doing I don't really want to do it for fear of looking like a complete loon.
I met an Irish guy at the park one day while I was walking around Tech Terrace. He was riding around the park on his bike encouraging people who were walking/running. Once he spoke I was immediately curious about him because I could tell he was Irish. You don't meet many people from Ireland around here! Jerry explained to me that he belonged to the West Texas Running Club, so I decided to pick his brain about running. He is a marathon runner, and runs mostly to set pace for other people in the running club. He took my email address down and emailed me a running program.
All summer I've been training and making headway. My goal has been the 12K (approx. 7 or so miles) Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. It has been such a fun process, one because I finally decided to put my money where my mouth was, and two it has given me an outlet to clear my head/pray/think etc.
So yesterday I ran a two mile race in Shallowater. The idea was for me to run with one of the other 4th grade teachers, Sandra Spruell. On Thursday, Sandra told me she was going to have to help with registration, but that I could run with her 11 yr old daughter, Lindsey. Well, Lindsey left me eating her dust at the starting line.
It was crazy when they sounded the horn to start the race. Everyone was running like mad, so I started off faster than I would have normally. I ran pretty hard the entire way, but people kept passing me.....like elderly men. When I say elderly, I mean 80+. I was convinced I was bringing up the rear until I got to the halfway turnaround and saw there were still several runners behind me. One guy kept passing me, and then I'd catch up to him as he was walking. Once I passed him, he would start running really hard to pass me. This happened at least four times.
Once I came across the finish line, I didn't wait around to check my stats. I was hoping to make it to ladies bible study so I went ahead and left. Later in the day, Susan Wilcox told me I had around 9 minute miles. My best time in training was around 9:48 min/mile. Then Jerry emailed me to tell me great job, making me think my time had been posted. So I was curious, and decided to check my time on the running club website. My time was 8:58 miles! I had to laugh because I knew old men were passing me and my running partner left me and I started out too fast, and so on. Come to find out I came in 2nd in my age group.....out of four. HA!!! My overall ranking was 112 out of 164.
I guess there is always room for improvement, but I was really happy with my first run ever. I have a 10k/6.2mi run October 10. That should prove to be very challenging. I'm up to about 3 and 1/2 miles in my running plan. So I still have quite a way to go.
Tonight I'm off to run at Tech Terrace. Sundays I run with Jerry, and get coached on form, nutrition, and training. It's great to have the help and encouragement.
So thanks for all the kind words and prayers....keep 'em coming! I surely need all the help I can get.
For the past couple of years I have talked about wanting to take up running, but never really did much about it. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that if I don't know what I'm doing I don't really want to do it for fear of looking like a complete loon.
I met an Irish guy at the park one day while I was walking around Tech Terrace. He was riding around the park on his bike encouraging people who were walking/running. Once he spoke I was immediately curious about him because I could tell he was Irish. You don't meet many people from Ireland around here! Jerry explained to me that he belonged to the West Texas Running Club, so I decided to pick his brain about running. He is a marathon runner, and runs mostly to set pace for other people in the running club. He took my email address down and emailed me a running program.
All summer I've been training and making headway. My goal has been the 12K (approx. 7 or so miles) Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. It has been such a fun process, one because I finally decided to put my money where my mouth was, and two it has given me an outlet to clear my head/pray/think etc.
So yesterday I ran a two mile race in Shallowater. The idea was for me to run with one of the other 4th grade teachers, Sandra Spruell. On Thursday, Sandra told me she was going to have to help with registration, but that I could run with her 11 yr old daughter, Lindsey. Well, Lindsey left me eating her dust at the starting line.
It was crazy when they sounded the horn to start the race. Everyone was running like mad, so I started off faster than I would have normally. I ran pretty hard the entire way, but people kept passing me.....like elderly men. When I say elderly, I mean 80+. I was convinced I was bringing up the rear until I got to the halfway turnaround and saw there were still several runners behind me. One guy kept passing me, and then I'd catch up to him as he was walking. Once I passed him, he would start running really hard to pass me. This happened at least four times.
Once I came across the finish line, I didn't wait around to check my stats. I was hoping to make it to ladies bible study so I went ahead and left. Later in the day, Susan Wilcox told me I had around 9 minute miles. My best time in training was around 9:48 min/mile. Then Jerry emailed me to tell me great job, making me think my time had been posted. So I was curious, and decided to check my time on the running club website. My time was 8:58 miles! I had to laugh because I knew old men were passing me and my running partner left me and I started out too fast, and so on. Come to find out I came in 2nd in my age group.....out of four. HA!!! My overall ranking was 112 out of 164.
I guess there is always room for improvement, but I was really happy with my first run ever. I have a 10k/6.2mi run October 10. That should prove to be very challenging. I'm up to about 3 and 1/2 miles in my running plan. So I still have quite a way to go.
Tonight I'm off to run at Tech Terrace. Sundays I run with Jerry, and get coached on form, nutrition, and training. It's great to have the help and encouragement.
So thanks for all the kind words and prayers....keep 'em coming! I surely need all the help I can get.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Conditioning
Ok, this is my first post from my iPhone, so first off please excuse any misspellings. I am waiting to get my laptop back from bluescreen of death heaven!
Last week I started training for a 5k run. A friend sent me an 18 wk training program and told me to start on wk 10 since I do spin regularly. Now first off, I do not consider myself a runner.....in fact when I run I think about that Friends episode where Phoebe teaches Rachel to run with her arms and legs flailing all over the place.
So I start off with wk 10 last week where you run 7 min, walk 3 min and repeat 4 times. Well, I could do 3 reps of that, but doggone if I couldn't go 4. I emailed my friend and asked if I could back it up a few weeks. He put me on wk 7 where you run 4 min, walk 3 min at 5 reps. Much better!
I am getting ready for camp, so I am doing spin and running to build endurance for the ominous Crest, the hardest, steepest hike Blue Haven has to offer. I have never climbed the Crest in all my years at CBH. When you get to the top you get your picture taken brushing your teeth with.....that's right, Crest toothpaste. It's quite an accomplishment.
Since we have been studying 2 Pet the idea of conditioning has been plaguing my thoughts. Peter talks about adding things to our faith; goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. In my mind it is a sort of building block process of conditioning our spirits.
When I was trying to bite off too much with running last week, I didn't get far. I so desparately want to possess those spiritual qualities, but sometimes I wonder if I would be better off focusing on one building block at a time. Paul talks a lot about preparing for the race. You don't just do that by signing up for the marathon without gradually building up to it. This is where my lack of patience waylays me!
So I ask for your prayers, both physically and spiritually, that I can prepare myself for the race and that God will give me the discipline and perseverance it will take to accomplish these things. I know the training doesn't come without pain and doubt, but I've got the best coach getting me ready!
Last week I started training for a 5k run. A friend sent me an 18 wk training program and told me to start on wk 10 since I do spin regularly. Now first off, I do not consider myself a runner.....in fact when I run I think about that Friends episode where Phoebe teaches Rachel to run with her arms and legs flailing all over the place.
So I start off with wk 10 last week where you run 7 min, walk 3 min and repeat 4 times. Well, I could do 3 reps of that, but doggone if I couldn't go 4. I emailed my friend and asked if I could back it up a few weeks. He put me on wk 7 where you run 4 min, walk 3 min at 5 reps. Much better!
I am getting ready for camp, so I am doing spin and running to build endurance for the ominous Crest, the hardest, steepest hike Blue Haven has to offer. I have never climbed the Crest in all my years at CBH. When you get to the top you get your picture taken brushing your teeth with.....that's right, Crest toothpaste. It's quite an accomplishment.
Since we have been studying 2 Pet the idea of conditioning has been plaguing my thoughts. Peter talks about adding things to our faith; goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. In my mind it is a sort of building block process of conditioning our spirits.
When I was trying to bite off too much with running last week, I didn't get far. I so desparately want to possess those spiritual qualities, but sometimes I wonder if I would be better off focusing on one building block at a time. Paul talks a lot about preparing for the race. You don't just do that by signing up for the marathon without gradually building up to it. This is where my lack of patience waylays me!
So I ask for your prayers, both physically and spiritually, that I can prepare myself for the race and that God will give me the discipline and perseverance it will take to accomplish these things. I know the training doesn't come without pain and doubt, but I've got the best coach getting me ready!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Really?!
Of all the stupid things I've done......
Two days ago, the fuel light came on in my car. I kept thinking I would stop later and fill it up. Well yesterday morning I was running late (story of my life) for work and realized I hadn't filled up like I had intended. I just told myself I would have to just do it later, because I HAD to get to work.
Well, yesterday afternoon I got in the car and was set out for Walmart on the Loop and Quaker. Mind you I work in east Lubbock, but I thought I could make it. It was a little after 4 pm. I get to the interstate to turn south, and right before the 34th St exit my car stalled.
I decided to exit 34th Street and pulled over onto 32nd and what I am pretty sure is Crackville! I wasn't quite sure what to do, afterall I hadn't ran out of gas since high school. I could have gotten out of my car, walked across the access road, under the overpass, and across the other access road. The more I thought about it the more I thought I didn't really want to get out of my car. I was parked in front of a house where about five men were working. Then I thought, "Jane"!
Jane Brock is my sweet friend from work, and since I wasn't too far from Parkway I thought she wouldn't mind coming to my aid. After chasing her down, she told me she was stuck at school and promptly handed the phone to our school counselor, Bill.
Now Bill has always been my hero. He is very fatherly to the kids at school, and also to the teachers. Bill is the epitomy of togetherness, organization, do-the-right-thing, etc. I immediately stammered when I heard him speak. All I could say was, "Uhhhh.....It's ok, I'll get a friend to come get me."
Well, Bill, in his fatherly voice said, "Now Sarah, I can be there before you can call anyone. Just let me come get you and we'll take care of it." Well, you can't tell fatherly types no.
So I waited. The men in front of the house waved, friendly-like. I gave a half wave and looked away as if to say, "Everything's ok!" Maybe if I just don't make eye contact.
Bill showed up shortly after. The wind was picking up and the clouds were rolling in. If I could have crawled under his seat, I would have. He told me he wasn't going to say anything, but if he did it would be something he would tell his daughters. I couldn't even look him in the eye.
He asked me if my car was fuel injected. Really I have no idea. None whatsoever. He told me if it was we might have to get it towed and have a mechanic prime the fuel injector thingies before it would start. GREAT!
He took me to his house to get a gas can, then to fill up the gas can. It started raining while we were getting gas. Once we got back to my car, it was pretty much a downpour. I told Bill that if my dad were there, he wouldn't say anything, but I would know what he was thinking! We got gas in the tank and after a few cranks, it started up! I was as happy as you can get when you are utterly humiliated.
Well, it seems the humiliation was there to stay because when I turned on my windshield wipers.........the driver side wiper wouldn't work! I'm pretty sure I can't ever look Bill in the face again!
So in the midst of the tornado warning, I drove home with one windshield wiper, craning my neck to see out the passenger side, with a couple gallons of gas, and my wounded pride!
Two days ago, the fuel light came on in my car. I kept thinking I would stop later and fill it up. Well yesterday morning I was running late (story of my life) for work and realized I hadn't filled up like I had intended. I just told myself I would have to just do it later, because I HAD to get to work.
Well, yesterday afternoon I got in the car and was set out for Walmart on the Loop and Quaker. Mind you I work in east Lubbock, but I thought I could make it. It was a little after 4 pm. I get to the interstate to turn south, and right before the 34th St exit my car stalled.
I decided to exit 34th Street and pulled over onto 32nd and what I am pretty sure is Crackville! I wasn't quite sure what to do, afterall I hadn't ran out of gas since high school. I could have gotten out of my car, walked across the access road, under the overpass, and across the other access road. The more I thought about it the more I thought I didn't really want to get out of my car. I was parked in front of a house where about five men were working. Then I thought, "Jane"!
Jane Brock is my sweet friend from work, and since I wasn't too far from Parkway I thought she wouldn't mind coming to my aid. After chasing her down, she told me she was stuck at school and promptly handed the phone to our school counselor, Bill.
Now Bill has always been my hero. He is very fatherly to the kids at school, and also to the teachers. Bill is the epitomy of togetherness, organization, do-the-right-thing, etc. I immediately stammered when I heard him speak. All I could say was, "Uhhhh.....It's ok, I'll get a friend to come get me."
Well, Bill, in his fatherly voice said, "Now Sarah, I can be there before you can call anyone. Just let me come get you and we'll take care of it." Well, you can't tell fatherly types no.
So I waited. The men in front of the house waved, friendly-like. I gave a half wave and looked away as if to say, "Everything's ok!" Maybe if I just don't make eye contact.
Bill showed up shortly after. The wind was picking up and the clouds were rolling in. If I could have crawled under his seat, I would have. He told me he wasn't going to say anything, but if he did it would be something he would tell his daughters. I couldn't even look him in the eye.
He asked me if my car was fuel injected. Really I have no idea. None whatsoever. He told me if it was we might have to get it towed and have a mechanic prime the fuel injector thingies before it would start. GREAT!
He took me to his house to get a gas can, then to fill up the gas can. It started raining while we were getting gas. Once we got back to my car, it was pretty much a downpour. I told Bill that if my dad were there, he wouldn't say anything, but I would know what he was thinking! We got gas in the tank and after a few cranks, it started up! I was as happy as you can get when you are utterly humiliated.
Well, it seems the humiliation was there to stay because when I turned on my windshield wipers.........the driver side wiper wouldn't work! I'm pretty sure I can't ever look Bill in the face again!
So in the midst of the tornado warning, I drove home with one windshield wiper, craning my neck to see out the passenger side, with a couple gallons of gas, and my wounded pride!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Spring Break!
Well I got a little more done on my house over the break. I was determined to get my kitchen painted, and was able to accomplish that task. When I first moved in I painted all but three rooms, one of which was the kitchen.
I had debated over the color for awhile. I wanted to paint it green, but I wasn't sure how it would blend in with my living and dining room. I finally decided I didn't care, went to Home Depot, and bought the color I wanted. I was so pleased with the results. I think you'll like it too!
I had debated over the color for awhile. I wanted to paint it green, but I wasn't sure how it would blend in with my living and dining room. I finally decided I didn't care, went to Home Depot, and bought the color I wanted. I was so pleased with the results. I think you'll like it too!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 17th happens to be my most favorite day of the year. It is a reminder of my nearly two years of living in Ireland. As you can imagine, Ireland holds a very special place in my heart!
Usually on this day, I am preparing shepards pie, and bread pudding for all my friends. Today, however, my kitchen is out of commission because I am painting it.....green, incidently!
I have so many memories of Ireland; the people, tea and biscuits, rain, fabulous landmarks and landscapes, Rose McGlynn's cooking (you haven't lived til you've had Rose cook for you!), the amazing church I worked with there.
So in honor of this day, I'll leave you an Irish Friendship Blessing:
May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
I sure wish I was there today! The Irish know how to do up Paddy's day! Instead, I will continue painting my kitchen my favorite color!
Usually on this day, I am preparing shepards pie, and bread pudding for all my friends. Today, however, my kitchen is out of commission because I am painting it.....green, incidently!
I have so many memories of Ireland; the people, tea and biscuits, rain, fabulous landmarks and landscapes, Rose McGlynn's cooking (you haven't lived til you've had Rose cook for you!), the amazing church I worked with there.
So in honor of this day, I'll leave you an Irish Friendship Blessing:
May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
I sure wish I was there today! The Irish know how to do up Paddy's day! Instead, I will continue painting my kitchen my favorite color!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
My First Love
Have you ever been shaken to the core by a song or album? I have always enjoyed music of all kinds, from hymns to punk. My first experience like that was the first time I heard a U2 song. It was.....well.....kinda spiritual. It was like I was sucked up into the speakers and actually part of the song.
I've been a follower of their music for many years now, own all the albums, seen them in concert 3 times (twice in Dublin), I've even been to three of the four members' houses (well the outsides anyway). They never cease to have that same effect on me after all this time. Certain songs transport me back to certain times in life, some sad and some exhilarating.
One of the things that impresses me most about U2 is not their music, but their social activism. If you look at every single one of their album covers, you can learn about various social causes they have supported such as poverty, political prisoners, AIDS, malaria, and economic stability in empoverished countries. You can read up more on their cause to end poverty at www.one.org. I also appreciate their non-partisan approach to such social causes.
I once read a book about the band, and learned three of the members were involved in a grassroots Christian church in their early years as a band. They were even baptized in the Irish Sea, not far from where I lived in Dublin. Many of their early songs were actually songs of praise.
So this week they released their latest album, No Line on the Horizon. I have been listening to it non-stop and have been reminded why I love them so much. At the moment, I am totally taken with a song called Magnificent. It's a throwback to their more spiritual roots.
Magnificent
Magnificent
I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after I haven't had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise...
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love unites our hearts
Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent
I've been a follower of their music for many years now, own all the albums, seen them in concert 3 times (twice in Dublin), I've even been to three of the four members' houses (well the outsides anyway). They never cease to have that same effect on me after all this time. Certain songs transport me back to certain times in life, some sad and some exhilarating.
One of the things that impresses me most about U2 is not their music, but their social activism. If you look at every single one of their album covers, you can learn about various social causes they have supported such as poverty, political prisoners, AIDS, malaria, and economic stability in empoverished countries. You can read up more on their cause to end poverty at www.one.org. I also appreciate their non-partisan approach to such social causes.
I once read a book about the band, and learned three of the members were involved in a grassroots Christian church in their early years as a band. They were even baptized in the Irish Sea, not far from where I lived in Dublin. Many of their early songs were actually songs of praise.
So this week they released their latest album, No Line on the Horizon. I have been listening to it non-stop and have been reminded why I love them so much. At the moment, I am totally taken with a song called Magnificent. It's a throwback to their more spiritual roots.
Magnificent
Magnificent
I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after I haven't had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise...
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love unites our hearts
Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Strangest Thing....
As I was driving home yesterday afternoon, I noticed that there was a dead cat lying on the corner of the intersection by my house. I think my neighborhood has a hex or something.
And no, I didn't stop to take a picture! (But I was tempted!)
And no, I didn't stop to take a picture! (But I was tempted!)
Sunday, February 1, 2009
You SO Won't Believe What I Did Today!!!!
WARNING!!!! GRAPHIC IMAGES!!!! If you are grossed out by dead animals.....DO NOT GO ANY FURTHER.........
OK, but I warned you.........
I came home from church this morning to find a kitty napping in the sun in my front yard. I notice it didn't hear me when I went out to the mailbox. I approached ever so carefully to inspect the poor creature, only to discover it was dead. It was at this point I was wishing I had my dad or another man around to "fix" the problem.
I started to have flashbacks to an incident this summer when my former dog, Bentley, seriously maimed and paralyzed a cat in my backyard.....or so I thought. It was about 2 am and I was awoken by a death howl coming from the back. I went outside to see Bentley with a kitty in his mouth acting like it was his toy. I finally got him away from the cat and put him in the crate. The cat dragged itself toward the fence with it's front paws. There was nothing I could do about it until the morning, anyway, so I went to bed. The next morning I searched the yard, and there was no kitty to be found!
Well back to today......I decide if I just go inside and shut the front door, problem solved. I called dad, who told me I was silly and gave me many options of how to take care of the problem. One of the solutions he gave me was to tie twine around it since I didn't want to touch it and drag it to the dumpster. Ummmmm.....not gonna happen!
I closed the front door and decide to try and forget about the dead kitty in my front yard. Now mind you, our lesson in church was about death.......is this a sign or something?
I am plagued by this dead kitty in the front yard, so I resolutely set out to "take care" of it. When I looked closer at the cat, I noticed it's eyes were half open. I have an Anthropologie box lying around, so I figured I would put it to good use. My plan is to get a shovel, pick up the cat, put it in the box, close the lid, and carry it to the dumpster. Easy enough, right? WRONG! Riggermortis set in and the frickin' cat didn't fit in the box!!! To make matters even worse, it had blood coming out of it's mouth and cat hair in it's paws!!!!
Well, to make a long story short, I "made" the kitty fit in the box, put the box in a trash bag and carted it off to the dumpster. Immediately, I came in and washed my hands even though I never touched the kitty with my hands.
I am now very proud of myself, and can confidently say, "I don't need no stinkin' man!" Hee hee!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sweet Picture!
My cousin's wife, Jaymie, posted this picture from Thanksgiving on a blog. It is of my dad and my other cousin's daughter, Saylor. I am pretty sure Saylor is the sweetest little girl I have ever known. She has such a sweet nature and is just so smart.....and of course she is gorgeous!
What I love most is the way dad is holding her hand. I know that grasp, it is gentle and warm. I've sat in his lap and held his hand to enough to know how safe a place that is. I have to admit I haven't outgrown sitting in his lap or holding his hand.
This is my favorite picture of Jesus. When I get overwhelmed....when I can't sleep because the thoughts are running rampant......when my heart hurts.....I imagine Jesus is where dad is, and I am where Saylor is. Just rocking, no words, only the warmth and safety of my Savior holding me close.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day of Significance
We watched the inauguration at school today, and I was most impressed by Rick Warren's invocation. I am posting it below. I prayed today that God would bless Mr. Warren for declaring Him as the one true God, and for not giving in to the pressures of being politically correct.
Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story.
The Scripture tells us Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America's peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States.
We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership.
And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in Heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the Earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.
And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all.
May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.
We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (hay-SOOS), who taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story.
The Scripture tells us Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America's peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States.
We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership.
And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in Heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the Earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.
And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all.
May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.
We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (hay-SOOS), who taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
I believe God was glorified and honored through this humble prayer. I will remember the significance of this day, not because of who is in office, but who is in control. Lord, may we always remember that!
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