Moment of Grace

From Max Lucado's "Traveling Light"



"Oh, how God wants you to hear his music. It will race your heart and...stir your tears. You want to journey to the stars? He can take you there. You want to lie down in peace? His music can soothe your soul.

But first, he's got to get rid of all the other stuff. And so he begins tossing the CDs. A friend turns away. The job goes bad. Your spouse doesn't understand. The church is dull. One by one he removes the options until all you have left is God.

He would do that? Absolutely. If he must silence every voice, he will. He wants you to hear his music."

First 5K

Well, today I ran my very first 5K. That is, 3.2 miles for those of you that don't know. (I didn't know that until Mr. Matthew Kirk told me this morning. ) Molly, my running partner, and I figured this would be a great way to get the feel of a race before the Half Marathon in April. I don't think either of us were too surprised with anything. Except we can't let the crowd make us go to fast.

Speaking of the crowd...too bad we didn't have our cameras. I've never seen so many green knee high socks and crazy tights. Did I mention it was the Hal and Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade 5K?

I finished just over 31 minutes. I usually do it in 33 minutes. So, I am pleased that I beat my own time.

I must say I really enjoyed myself!!

Irish Princess

I may not be Irish, and I'm no princess. But I do get to celebrate my birthday on St. Patrick's Day every single year!!

This year was the BIG 3-0! I kinda snicker everytime I say that ;) Anywho....I have some really great friends,and they think I'm great too. ( Maybe an exaggeration, but I like the way it sounds). They, with the help of Jay, surprised me with dinner at Tico's. What a great surprise. I had no idea these guys were in on it.

Since the "photographer's" camera died at dinner, the only pic I have to share is my crown!! Well, actually, there are some pics, but I don't think a picture of the "unders" I got would be appropriate. Well, I feel the Lord "nudging" me. I think I've said enough!!

A great big THANK YOU to Kim, Fraiser, Nancy, and T!!! Love you guys!!!

Can't believe I've never been a beach person.....But, I am now!!

I took these pictures Sunday evening right after we got into Destin. It was a beautiful evening!

Seriously, I have never been a beach person. I was sad to leave it all behind today. Can't wait to go back this summer!!

Victory

Today's "Moment of Grace"from Max Lucado............
A bit of a sidebar: I have recenlty come in contact with someone who has fallen from grace and now claims to be an Atheist. I pray for you often....This made me think of you.

This is the victory that conquers the world--our faith. 1 John 5:4

"What is unique about the kingdom of God is that you are assured of victory. You have won! You are assured that you will someday stand before the face of God and see the King of Kings....that someday you will enter a world where there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more sorrow....
If you have no faith in the life that is beyond this life, then your present life is going to be powerless. But if you believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there should be a dance in your step and a smile on your face."


This also makes me think of my present journey--running. Running is something I never thought I could do. But I feel that the Lord is using this to teach me something about believing in myself and trusting that HE'S got it all under control....All I have to do is have FAITH!

"Romance"

Dates are few an far between for Jay and I, but we actually got to go on one for Valentine's. The only time we go to NICE places is of course with out the kiddos, but probably because we are too cheap, or broke, but we have no shame when it comes to using our gift cards to eat out. We ate at AJ's and the food was fabulous!

It was a very typical night out for us......Sitting at the table ,
I'm having a nice drink, talking to Jay, as he nodds in agreement to my conversation trying to be inerested. All the while not really making eye contact with me.....WHY? Because we were just close enough to the bar and the BIG SCREEN with a basketball game on! Oh sweet romance!! I couldn't help but laugh.

I'm not complaining, although I have been known to do so. He's so good to me!! He's a great father and husband! He has to be to put up with me!

I love YOU, JAY!

9 months

Well, I can't believe that our little guy is already 9 months old! His check-up was today. He is weighing in at 21lbs 15oz and is 28.5 inches long. Although it appears he is gonna be a late crawler, just as he was with rolling over and sitting up, he is a very healthy little man. I suppose I really don't mind not having to keep up with him yet. Holding my sweet baby boy is just fine with me!