Easter and Renewal

I can't believe that Easter is here already!  Lent flew by this year.  I feel like I failed to reflect the way I should have.  Spending too much time worrying or doing some other unimportant task instead of studying the Word.  But at the same time I feel like this is the first Easter that Jesus' Passion really hit home for me and took priority over chocolate bunnies and Cadbury eggs.  I do think that the Bible mini-series on the History Channel helped with that.  I have read or heard so many of those stories my entire life--but seeing them come to life is WOW!  The scene where Abraham takes Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice him had me in a pool of tears.  Think about it.  He literally took him up there knowing he was going to sacrifice him, and poor Isaac didn't have a clue.  When Abraham started tying his hands up and Isaac said, "Why are you doing this Father?"...I lost it.  And poor Sarah was helpless below.  And then everything started clicking.  This was a sign of what was to come with Jesus.  God sacrificed him for us.  But the kicker is unlike Isaac, Jesus knew what was going to happen and did it anyway.  "Even though we were sinners, Christ died for us."  That is the most awesome thing ever!!  And where and how he picks his disciples....amazing.  And Peter.....poor Peter.  I identify with him.  He wants to do the right thing by Christ and still screws up and doesn't even realize it until Jesus turns and looks at him.  The same problems that plagued the people back then, plague us now.....Jealousy and Greed.  So much is going on in our country and world right now--especially during this Holy Week (which I think was crafted by the media)....But, we should see the positive.....The Bible miniseries is being talked about everywhere, and the Catholic Church chose a Pope that encourages helping the poor and putting away materialistic pleasures.  There is something good in every bad situation!  It's a chance for renewal because He makes all things new.  "I have been crucified with Christ.  So that it is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me.  And the life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself for me."  Galations 2:20 

26.2 (and the .2 counts!)

Well, I ran my first full marathon this past weekend at the Mississippi River Marathon.....Actually, I ran, walked and thought about crawling the last few miles.  It was TOUGH!  We met at 5:45 in the morning to board school buses in Greenville.  They then bused us over to Chicot County state park in Lake Village, AR.  It was about 34 degrees at that point.  Thankfully they had a few bonfires and plenty of port-a-potties.  The gun went off at 8:00 a.m. out in the middle of nowhere in Lake Village.  About 440 folks took off all around the oxbow lake.  It was a beautiful start.  The people of Lake Village were so nice and happy to co-host the event.  The highlight was the mayor and City Council dancing and cheering everyone on around mile 6.  The first 10 miles went quickly.  At the halfway mark we reached the new Highway 82 bridge.  I welcomed the incline after all of the flat running, but I did not welcome the concrete or the wind in my face.  That lasted until the end of the race!  I kept saying if I could make it 20 miles, then I knew I could make it to the finish.  There were times that I couldn't even feel my legs and I prayed......ALOT!  I met so many nice people along the way who encouraged me and made me laugh.  It was a perfect day and I was so happy to see John Bret, John Parker and Avery at the finish line.  I started my running journey during Lent 2 years ago.  I never thought I would EVER run a marathon--but I am really glad that I did.  One of my bosses said, "I guess you can do anything that you set your mind to."  I guess he's right.  That's why I like running.  It's time for me to be alone with my thoughts--to pray, think through things and plan for the future.  (5 hours and 40 minutes gave me alot of time!!) It also makes me feel confident and strong.  One of my friends sent me the picture above with Psalm 26:2 a few days before the race.  I love it.  As we prepare for the upcoming Lenten season, I am reminded that nothing we go through remotely compares to what Jesus went through.  I hope we all enjoy our Lenten journey and remember His ultimate sacrifice. 

~Marshmallow World~

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It's been gloomy the past week or so and it has affected my mood.  Isn't it funny how God knows just what you need?  Snow and beautiful sunshine all in the same day!!  I love to go outside right after the snow.  I think there is never a more quiet or peaceful time.........The kids were up and raring to go outside at 5:45 this morning.  Since school had a late start, they had plenty of time to enjoy the snow.  Avery built a snow owl and John Parker built a snowman (mixed with a little pinestraw).  They had a great time, but were ready to come in for hot chocolate.  I think Buddy and Baxter had the best time running around and eating the snow.  I hope everyone enjoyed their "snow day"!

Happy NEW Year!!

 

^"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."~~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

It has been four months since I last posted to the blog.  I guess life got in the way, and that's not such a bad thing.  It's a new year.  I saw the date last night on TV--January 13. 2013; and it hit me hard for some reason.  2013?  Really?  Wasn't it just 1990?  We bought a new bed for John Parker's room--a "vintage" NFL bed.....vintage and it's from the 80's.  I guess that means that I'm vintage too....... I have big plans for 2013.  I decided not to make resolutions because I rarely keep them.  Instead, I have made prayerful goals.  Goal #1--DE-CLUTTER.  Lord have mercy at the junk that my house has collected over the past 10 years.  We have already cleaned out the laundry room, the master bedroom and now are working on John Parker's room.   He wanted to make some changes.  Bless his heart.  His room has been the same since he was 3 and he'll be 10 in May.  He wants a football room and I think it will be perfect for him.  I hope and (pray) to be finished with the de-cluttering of the entire house by the end of February.  It makes me feel good inside.  Speaking of inside, my second goal is to de-clutter that too.  I did so well with eating and exercising but let myself slide over the holidays.  Thankfully I didn't gain much but I lost energy.  I firmly believe if you put good things in, that good things will come of it--like energy and a more positive attitiude.  I also want to de-clutter my mind.  I have been burdened lately with anxiety over my kids getting older; the future, etc.  I see childhood friends battling grave problems and I realize my own mortality.  I need to do the best that I can every day and hand the rest to God.  It's not easy, but I will continue to "pray without ceasing".  I feel a tug at my heart recently that God is calling me to something, but I'm not sure what.  The Holy Spirit will show me if I just listen.  Sometimes that's hard for me to do.    I pray that everyone has a happy and healthy 2013.  It's scary and exciting to know that a new year has begun.  Let's go out and make the most of it.  God Bless!

 

Are you Ready?? I am!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! ...........Cooler weather, pumpkins, chili, cute boots and most importantly... FOOTBALL!!  We have really enjoyed the first 2 Ole Miss games (especially since the Rebels are 2-0; are playing really well AND have a cute quarterback!! :)  But, my favorite football season this year is that of the green and gold eagles of St. A.  (specifically #30 on the 4th grade team).  John Parker has so enjoyed playing and he had 2 quarterback sacks in their 36-0 victory over Copiah Academy last week.  I'm proud that he has been disciplined enough during the hot weather to go to practice 2-3 days a week and play in the games.  He also is keeping up his grades int he process (and 3rd grade is a big change for him).  So, whoever you cheer for, I hope you enjoy this football season. Hotty Toddy!!