Running the race...

Have you ever committed to something that, at the time, sounded super great...only to be hit with a dose of reality- moments, days, even weeks later- as to the nature of what was truly involved?
I did that. Recently.
In the midst of last summers life change (you are welcome to scroll back), I got a whim to do something physically challenging. Something I could look back and say I truly worked to accomplish. Something that would help keep my body strong, in light of an unknown future. Something I had on a distant bucket list.
I signed up for a race.

I didn't just sign up for any race. I signed up for the the most fitting race I could find. THE DISNEY PRINCESS HALF-MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know I know. Crazy people run marathons. That's why I chose a half. Because I'm only half crazy ;)

It's been truly wonderful to see how the Lord is already using the decision in my spiritual life. I hoped that the discipline in training for something physical would parallel the disciplines of living the Spiritual life as a follower of Christ. You see, both are incredibly difficult. But both are incredibly rewarding. It's not a fair parallel, though, because the riches of following Christ are immeasurable and eternal, whereas running 13.1 miles on February 26th at 5:45 in the morning is a single and measurable event. But humor me as I share how incredible is this God!

My roommate and I laughed and joked as we realized we had both picked "Belle" as our princess during race registration. I was so giddy to think of how much fun it would be to run this race with my sweet roommate, her mom and her sister. We even get to dress up! Ha! The reality came when we printed out the training schedule and realized we would begin only a week later. We are now 4.5 weeks from race day and each long run I do from now on will be the farthest I have ever run in my life. Each week will be a new accomplishment! I'll admit, it's harder to run some days than others. I struggle with fatigue from my medication and have to be strategic in planning my runs. I have to make time to run, sometimes forgoing other fun things. I have to be mindful of my nutrition and hydration, especially the day before the long run. Mostly, I have to have the right things when I run ...newer shoes for long runs, iPod, temperate clothes, gummies, etc. Lastly, I have to remind myself of the commitment I have made each time I don't feel like running (to my roommate, to myself, and plus, this race is expensive!!!). Each of these things can be beautifully paralleled with my faith in Christ and my life as His child.

It's harder to follow Christ some days than others (in light of the devastating tornadoes that hit our city, many around me are freshly living this reality). Not everything is bunnies and butterflies. Life is unpredictable and disappointing. People are sinful and relationships are messy. We live in a fallen world among a fallen creation. I struggle with sin and have to fight for purity and truth. I have to make time to spend with Christ, in scripture, so as to be filled with His Spirit through His Word to counteract that things our society feeds us. I have to be mindful of what my eyes and ears are exposed to, weighing things against the Truth found in the Bible, and drinking deeply of God's living water that quenches my deepest thirst. I have to run the race with endurance, making sure I am clothed with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20!). And lastly, I have to preach the gospel to myself daily, so that I remember the grace of God and His abundant mercy in Christ's death on the cross on my behalf: That I am saved from His wrath toward my sin because Jesus took that punishment on Himself on the cross. That I am reconciled to God because of Jesus, not because of anything I do. I am chosen and deeply loved. I am a co-heir with Christ. And by His amazing grace, I can come to Him freely, as His child. I can come before the Holy, Righteous King and Creator of the Universe. Me! And I'll get Him for eternity!

You can believe I will have this scripture verses written on my hand during the race (Thanks for the great idea Linn!!):

Hebrews 12: 1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 119:32
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

1Corinthians 9: 23-27
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Scripture is so encouraging and life-giving. We run this race with Christ and sometimes we run as reluctant athletes (my newest phrase when I have to climb a hill, right Ashley??)...and sometimes we fall and get scars (a have a beautiful one on my knee at the moment)...but we get back up and keep running because this race is worth our blood, sweat and tears. And Jesus went before us with HIS blood, sweat and tears, to secure our victory; our enduring, imperishable prize. We get Him.

The Best Gift...

Fun in the Big Apple

So, it's true. I've been to New York every year since I was 8. But I've never been to New York City. Until now.










Funny story. I met Liz, a sweet missionary from Pennsylvania, while on my first medical mission trip in 2009. It just so happens that she is back in the states and now lives in the Big Apple! Thus, I had a chance to not only enjoy the sweetness of the Lord in visiting Liz, but also had a great place to stay while getting my first taste of NYC! Top it all off with a free round trip flight, thanks to my trusty SouthWest Airlines VISA card, and you have one happy little girl! ME!

Liz and I met at a medical missions clinic day in Romania. She was there working with International med students from the college in Iasi, Romania. And I was there with my church. It was one of those "I know you from somewhere" type of meetings. After we realized there was no possible way we could have met, and that the familiarity already between us must be the work of the Holy Spirit, a beautiful friendship was born; sustained via Skype, email, postcards, and well, another trip to Romania last year!

The Lord called Liz back to graduate school and thus began my first adventure to the Big Apple!

We share a love of international cuisine, so after navigating the flight to Newark, the train to Penn Station, and the NY subway system, we headed to ZOMA for some Ethiopian food! Dinner was fascinating and delicious and apparently we like Ethiopian lager!!









Friday began with coffee, a bagel, and a pumpkin donut from Dunkin Donuts!! Then, it was a long but adventurous day of taking the subway to Brooklyn, waiting in line 45minutes for the best NY pizza (Grimaldi's!), walking a mile across the Brooklyn Bridge, experiencing OCCUPY WALL STREET, and heading to Battery Park to see Lady Liberty from across the River.


















So. Much. To. See.

Friday night we grabbed a Jamaba Juice smoothie and headed to see Sister Act on Broadway! Super fun show. Then we walked through Times Square at midnight and ate dinner at Shake Shack...DELICIOUS!!! Why do cheese fries, a sloppy good hamburger, pumpkin ale and pumpkin custard taste so much better past midnight????? Gooey goodness.

Saturday was much more laid back. Liz's roommate, Tori, joined us for a run at this great park on the river, complete with a rubber track and a beautifully diverse array of people enjoying the amazing weather. Later, Liz and I took the subway to Central Park, got some healthy sandwiches, spread out a blanket in the grass and read all afternoon! She studied and I borrowed The Help from her random bookshelf. (Great book! I can't wait to see the movie!!) That night, Liz cooked Nigerian food for us--a mad skill she acquired from her Nigerian medical student friends while in Romania! YUM!

Sunday, I had the privilege of worshipping in the East side at Trinity Grace Church. Wow. Let me just say it was a beautiful experience and edifying to the core. I'm so thankful that there are parts of the Body speaking truth, preaching the Gospel, and reflecting the love of Christ so fully around this country. TGC is doing these things powerfully!

It was almost time to go so Liz, Tori, Alexandria and I headed to lunch while I dragged my little rolling suit case through the east side. WHEW. We stayed a little too long so it was a mad dash to the train station to make it to the airport on time!! A perfect ending to a NEW YORK CITY experience. HA!












I'm so so thankful for such a great weekend, meeting new friends and enjoying unity and fellowship in Christ. I can't wait to go back again soon.

I love New York!

Display of His Splendor

I couldn't help my mind racing back to my 2001 Belize summer mission trip where, at the time, they placed you in the 6-seater airplane according to your body weight. You? 125? You sit here... Then they removed the large weight hanging from the tail of the plane as the propellers began to spin...
I can say I've only been in a plane smaller than that twice. And one of those times was just the other weekend. My roommate's step dad is a pilot and has a little 4-seater plane. Before dinner that night, we took off from Brewton municipal airport and flew an hour to the coast. Captain Smith calmed my nerves by giving us safety instructions like, "If we had to, I could land on that bridge down there..." and "Decatur, if we have to crash-land, right before we hit the ground, throw open that door so it doesn't jam...I had an engine go out on me last week in another plane, so I'm more safety conscious of late."
Such reassurance to know we'd covered the basics???!!! ha.


The flight was happily flawless and became relaxing after a lenghthy prayer and texting with my brother so at least someone in my family would know I died in a good mood. No, really, It was truly breathtaking to fly along Pensacola beach at 15oo feet and witness the sun set and the moon appear. I had wanted to go to the beach that weekend...funny that I actually got to go.
Enjoying creation from a new and different perspective is such a privilege. To behold the beautiful, vividly red ball of sun casting incredible light on the clouded horizon in colors that demand your attention as they are constantly changing until at last they are gone, and to turn your head and realize the moon has appeared as bright as ever from seemingly no where, all while you are being suspended and pushed along in a tiny little box of metal with wings that requires complete faith in gravity, physics, and Mr. Smith...is a splendid reminder of how small we are, how BIG God is and how glorious are His ways.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands" Psalm 91:1

Humbled and Amazed…Yet Again.

Whew! This week has kept me on my toes and brought me to my knees. Happily, it has ended with hands lifted high and a night of thanksgiving and praise.

What ha’ happened wuz…a week ago Friday, I received a call from the pharmacy that has been shipping my shots, informing me that my copay which was previously very manageable, was now going to be $1500 monthly. I will be the first to confess that my initial reaction was not pretty. Fear gripped me and all I could think about was a new mortgage and going blind. My mind raced from blindness, to losing my job, to losing my house, all within seconds. Whether irrational or not (um slightly!?), I reacted in fear/fight/and self preservation mode. I made a comment I regret and was sternly confronted about my inappropriate attitude and accusation. I knew my boss had chosen the different insurance plan and so, lastly, I went to him. He said he would make a phone call and as I drove home that morning I cried. How could I say I love and trust the Lord, only to have a pressing situation reveal my true character: LACK of trust and prideful self-sufficiency?? When I had time to reflect, I was able to pour it out before the Lord, apologize to the appropriate individual, and truly rest in knowing that the Lord is still in control, still loves me, and still longs for me to take EVERYTHING to Him…FIRST.

Later this week I made a call to the drug manufacturer who had offered financial assistance at the very beginning. I had never returned the phone call because I didn’t need it. Happily, and totally overwhelmingly, the lady on the other end informed me that I will be getting the first three months of the medicine free (credit what I already paid) and that my overall copay will remain manageable (and actually $10 a month LESS than before) after that. WAIT WHAT?!

I shared this info with my boss and not only was he as elated as I was, but he also informed me that even if this wasn’t the case, that they had worked out a plan that would also have been put in place to take care of the cost ($5000 deductable).

Humiliated. Unworthy. Brought low. Astounded by GRACE. Speechless. Amazed.

Lesson 1: MERCY – I did not get what I deserve (punishment for my lack of trust).

Lesson 2: GRACE – I AM getting what I do NOT deserve…PROVISION!

Lesson 3: Sometimes even when something sounds too good to be true, because of God’s grace, it really is true!

As I drove home from work THAT day, I was emotional for a completely different reason. I was overwhelmed with how extravagant the Lord’s provision was and humbled by His complete grace in how He dealt with me. I was reminded of His most important act of Mercy and Grace: The Cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus took our punishment (mercy!) and gives us His righteousness (grace!) when we place our trust in His finished work on the cross to make us right before God, able to be in His presence for all eternity! I could only respond in thanksgiving and praise. I could only tell the story so He’d receive more glory! Oh, He is so good. So personal. So intimate.

Last night, I had our dedication/house warming. Since this is a brand new house and no one has ever lived here, and stealing the idea from my sweet friend Ashley, I wanted to have people over to pray through the rooms as they looked around. We had a sweet night of fellowship, prayer, and yummy snacks (Annie your cookies are amazing?!). At the risk of making this post insanely long, here is the hand out that people got when they came in. I think it best reveals my heart for this newest blessing:

Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Welcome to our house! I am so amazed at the timing of finding this house and the huge blessing that it is from the Lord! I thank God for the friends He has put in my life, and I know Linn does too. We both pray that this house will be a place of encouragement and hospitality to others. My main prayer is for God to be glorified my ownership of it. If you will, please chose a room in the house and silently pray over the items specifically mentioned, as well as anything else the LORD lays on your heart. We greatly appreciate your prayers!

GREAT ROOM: Please pray for this to be a room where we can welcome friends, family, and neighbors into our home. We want it to be a place where we can visit and encourage others with the love and message of Christ.

-Hebrews 10:23 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

-John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

DINING ROOM: Please pray that the LORD will bless our meal times and celebrations when we have guests over.

-Proverbs 15:17 “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred."

-Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversations always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

KITCHEN: Please pray that we will use this kitchen as a means of hospitality to others and a source of joy and good stewardship as we eat at home more often than eating out! Pray for joyful hearts and loving interactions with each other on a day to day basis as we share this season of life as roommates and friends.

-1 Peter 4:11 “…If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and power for ever and ever, Amen.”

-1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

DEN: Please pray that this room will bring glory to God as we interact with our friends on the mission field via internet and phone. Pray that I’d be a good steward of my finances as I pay bills. And also that we would glorify God in our bodies as we keep them physically fit in this room, too!

-Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

- Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

MASTER BEDROOM (Karen’s room): Please pray I’d bring God glory while I work, in my spare time as I read, play guitar, listen to music, etc. I pray He would guard my mind and my thoughts as I wait on Him, provide wisdom as I plan and prepare to teach, bless my time in His Word.

-Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

- Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.”

2^nd BEDROOM (Linn’s room): Please pray the Lord would continue to bless our friendship and use this time living together to sharpen each other spiritually. Pray that God would continue to use Linn for His glory in her job as an OT, give her wisdom in her relationships, sustain those that are long-distance, and lead her as she disciples girls through her small group.

- Proverbs.27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

- Psalm 25:5 “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”

3^rd BEDROOM (Possibly Jessica’s room): Please pray that the Lord would make His will clear for Jessica as she moves back from India in November since we’d love to have her live with us, as well!

-Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Thanks for reading till the end!

My New Normal

While the fourth of July was yet another wonderful celebration of the freedoms we enjoy in this country, it was also the first day of the rest of my life. Yes. The rest of my life of self-administering the treatment for my newly diagnosed life challenge: MS. What began as a simple phone call from the pharmaceutical company was followed by several mailers including a welcome package, a travel medicine kit, an injector kit (which I quickly kicked to the curb--I’d rather do it myself and see what’s happening--but I’m getting ahead of myself…) and an information packet with drug facts and hints. These were complimented by several phone calls from the CVS Caremark pharmacy and nurses to see how I was doing, if I had questions, or any reactions, etc. WHEW! If I wanted to take this lightly like it was no big deal…the pharmaceutical company wasn’t going to let me miss the fact that I will now be on their drug for possibly the rest of my life!

All that to say, I was a bit squimish at first. Sure, I give shots all day long, to other people…but there is just something disturbing about approaching your own skin with a sharp object…intentionally! I admit, I was a little whiny the first few times. But to my surprise and delight, IT DIDN’T HURT! My incredible blessing of a roommate, Linn, was the perfect supervisor and cheerleader for the first two weeks, until I got into a routine. She would eagerly attend my “shot nights” and clap when I was finished! Haha…so funny.

I will praise the Lord for answering the prayers of so many of you…I have not had any side effects (barring the one night I forgot to take ibuprofen before my shot and woke up a 2am with shaking chills that lasted for a couple of hours—you can bet I haven’t made THAT mistake again!) Other than the shots, I wouldn’t even know I have MS. My vision is restored and my eye pain is gone. I get tired more easily but I think that is just because I haven’t worked out in FOREVER…because…..

I’ve been moving to my NEW HOUSE!!! Yeah! The Lord has lavished a fun new house on me and blessed me with one and possibly two wonderful roommates!! Linn made the move with me and Jessica may be joining us in November!! It has been a crazy adventure and very time consuming. But we’ve gotten most everything finished and the only room left that needs work…is mine! I still have a floor full of pictures and papers and odds and ends. But every other room is largely complete with the exception of some much needed wall art.

We have Bob (philodendron), Lily (peace lily), and Patty (petunia)…our three house plants. And we’ll be getting a forth for the dining room soon, a banana plant. Anyone want to name it?

Often, at some point during the day, Linn or I will inevitably make a comment about the fact that we really get to live here. In this wonderful place. And that it’s really mine?! It only takes a Saturday to realize, yes, I AM responsible for this place: I cut the back yard last weekend. I fought with the lawnmower and the hose wheel. I weeded the front planters. And tomorrow, I’ll begin sealing the garage floor. Ha!

Stay tuned because I want to have a house dedication. A night where I intentionally “give it back” to the One from Whom it came. A night where we can walk through each room and pray for how the Lord would use that space for His glory. A night of thanksgiving to God for His gracious gift. And a night of fellowship with one another, which I hope to be a regular occurrence in this place.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

You Have Me

I was delightfully introduced to this band recently by a sweet friend and I have latched on to this song. It is so musically beautiful and the words are so powerful for me. I hope you enjoy! Click on the song title to listen to a fun live version on Youtube. Oh, the internet :)


You Have Me
Gungor

Out on the farthest edge
There in the silence
You were there

My faith was torn to shreds
Heart in the balance
And You were there

Always faithful, always good
You still have me
You still have my heart

I thought I had seen the end
Everything broken
But You were there

I've wandered at heaven's gates
I've made my bed in hell
You were there still

Always faithful, always good
You still have me
You still have my heart

You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely
You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely

You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely
You have me, You have me
You have my heart

You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely
You have me, You have me
You have my heart completely