Race day.

On July 5, I ran my very first 5K. Actually, they marked the route wrong so it was not really a true 5K. Which, by the way, is a pretty discouraging thing to hear at the end of your first race. I didn't feel very good about it. I was hot and slow, but I finished. I ended up getting first place in my age bracket (30-39) which is completely ridiculous. Seriously, the only people I finished in front of must have been the 4 or 5 other people in my age bracket. So, I got a medal and had to bite my lip from busting out laughing when they handed it to me.

I am not a runner and I have always been pretty terrified of running in front of people. In elementary school I was made fun of all the time for the way that I ran and it has really stayed with me. I can still feel the pain of that awkward 10 year old being ridiculed by her "friends." And that's why I did it. I felt as though I needed to prove to myself that I could. Which makes the whole "it wasn't a true 5K" thing kind of sickening.

In the grand scheme of things this is all very silly and insignificant because I know that my identity and my worth is found in Christ. Yet at the same time I needed to stop making excuses for myself that I just was not built to run. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). There are so many references in God's Word to life in Christ being like running a race. He made me to run. I cannot just "opt" out. So I ran. And I wasn't very good in my own eyes, my pride was crunched and I didn't perform excellent by the world's standards. What a good lesson for me. My life should be one that is running (sometimes slow and hot), but persevering toward the prize of Christ. It won't often look like success by the world's standards, but the reward is eternal, a crown that will last forever (1 Cor. 9:24-27). I want desperately to come to the end of my life and have the Lord say "You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7-8), "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" (Matt 25:21)

I have got a lot more running to do.
May it be to His glory and not my own.

Princess Party update

The party went great by the way. I think the girls had a wonderful time, sipping tea and dressing up. Hopefully they walked away challenged to behave in a manor that is fitting of a daughter of the King - not because it saves them, but because it brings glory and honor to Him. Here is a silly photo of all of the leaders and helpers from the night.

Jesus is the King!

Door County

My parents put in an offer on a beautiful condo in Fish Creek, WI! Door County has a very special place in our hearts as that is where Steve and I honeymooned and where we have visited for many anniversary get-aways. It is a 3 hr. trip for us that we look forward to making. The location is amazing. It is right across the road from Peninsula State Park where we love to hike, bike and take long walks together. We also enjoy the restaurants and window shopping in Fish Creek. Within the complex, the condo also happens to be right across from the recreation center where the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, tennis courts and playground are located! Primo! :) The condo itself is wonderful. It is a 4 bedroom that is beautifully furnished and immaculately maintained. It has everything in it anyone could imagine from tennis racquets, to flatware, a grill and a vacuum and everything in between! We literally only need to bring our clothes, food and toothbrushes. Seriously.

My dad has been especially stressed over the decision. I can understand. It is a huge commitment with on-going expenses, but I really believe that this will be a wonderful retreat for them and our whole family. My dad has always been incredibly conservative with his money. He has been very responsible and I appreciate that. His example of financial responsibility has been a huge blessing to me and has taught me endless lessons. I certainly have benefited from his generosity on countless occassions. I fully believe that we need to be good stewards of the resources that the Lord has entrusted to us. We need to make wise financial decisions. We also need to remember that it all belongs to the Lord. Every penny. Every possession. He never intended for us to be controlled by it.

I truly believe that money can control us in many ways. Some struggle with never having enough, always wanting more or coveting the next latest treasure believing that it will somehow bring happiness or fulfillment. Others worry about every little penny, every dip in the market as if security comes from an account balance. Still others spend so irresponsibly that they become slaves to debt. None of these scenarios are God's will for our lives. His intention is that money be just another means for us to demonstrate our faithfulness to His Word and bring glory to His Name. In 1Timothy (6:17-19), Paul writes to command the rich to not be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Further he commands them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share, for in this they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation in Heaven, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

God's Word is very clear about the dangers of the love of money (not money itself). I know one day I will have to stand before the throne of God and account for all that I have done. Because I have trusted Jesus Christ alone as my Savior, confessed my sin and by faith believed in His death, burial and resurrection as the sole payment for my sin, His Word tells me I will stand blameless and pure having been washed by His blood. There will also be a time for reward and loss of reward based on the choices I made in Christ. Were they ones to bring glory and honor to Him or to me? I pray that I will be found faithful. It is a daily struggle.

I pray that this condo will be one that brings glory and honor to the Lord. I pray that it is something that can be used to build family relationships, to minister to others, to be generous with for God's glory. I pray that we will find a good church there in which to serve, to fellowship and to study God's word. I pray that this will not be a vacation spot where we fall away from our Bible reading and devotion and service to God, but instead be a retreat where we can slow down and focus even more on Him. Where we can have family devotion time, unending growth and dependence on Jesus. Oh Lord, let it be.