Sunday, July 18, 2010

Pre Cruise Events

This has been one eventful weekend! Friday, I had a fabulous day. Betsy and I went to get pedicures and manicures, which was wonderful, and then Friday night I saw Eclipse with a few of my best girlfriends. It was a great movie, and I'm glad I got to spend time with some of my girls. Not to mention, we stopped by Yogurtland after the movie for a delicious yogurt treat! I love that place!

Then, Saturday morning, Joe got a call from his mom that his dad was in the hospital. We both packed a quick bag and headed to Marietta. Johnny had a seizure episode early Saturday morning, and they ended up admitting him to the hospital. It was a super traumatic experience for Mary Kay (Joe's mom), and I know she was thankful for us to be there to help out. And it was a true blessing that Joe's uncle Paul was there and able to help Mary Kay through it all. They are going to keep Johnny in the hospital over the weekend, and then send him to Ardmore to see a neurologist on Monday. Hopefully they will be able to get some answers about what happened, and how to prevent it in the future. Say a prayer for him for sure. Also, keep Mary Kay in your prayers. They had to put her mom in the nursing home on Friday, so it's been a really tough weekend for her. I was glad that Joe and I were able to go up there to help her out and we came back to Dallas this morning.

Yesterday was Joe and I's anniversary, so we did find time to exchange gifts, and Joe gave me a beautiful heart necklace! I absolutely love it! And now, it's time to get into cruise mode! I'm about to start the fun task of packing. We will be leaving bright and early tomorrow morning and heading south. I can't wait!

Here's the latest from the book I'm reading: "When you wake up in the morning, you can feel completely confident in saying, 'Okay, Jesus, today you lead, and I will follow. Whatever I have to do in my relationships, my body, my health, and my finances are in your hands. I won't try to figure out the rest of my life. I won't try to solve every day. Just today. You lead. I'll follow'"
- John Ortberg The Best Version of Me

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Weekend of Blessings

Not a whole lot to report this week. I did finish Week 4 of C25K yesterday, and I'm getting myself ready for what Week 5 will hold. I'll start that tomorrow, so say a little prayer for me. Week 4 was tough, but I'm pressing on.

This past weekend was a real blessing. I got to go to Houston with Joe to spend time with his entire family. His aunt and uncle celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a great weekend with his family. They are all so genuine and devoted to one another, which is cool to see. I really loved the weekend with them. Here are some of my favorite pics.

The beautiful beach area at Lake Livingston


Joe's nephew, Gavin :)


The Bride and Groom


My honey is so good at Sing Song face :)


"Set out each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for amazing things" - Josh Hinds

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Lacking Motivation

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. I had a lot going on this weekend, so it was a busy one. Saturday, I cooked a meal that was all completely new to me. It all turned out very tasty. Kelsey and Rebecca joined us for dinner and then we were going to go see fireworks at KaBoom Town, but the rain (and fear of a muddy mess) kept us away. Sunday, I went to church and then that night, we surprised my stepdad (Brian) by meeting him and my mom and their small group from church at Vapiano in Mockingbird Station. If you've never been there, you've got to try it! Their chicken pesto pizza is amazing and the chicken alfredo is delicious as well. Then on Monday, Joe and I spent some time laying by the pool, since the sun finally decided to come back out. And then, we went to Fair Park to see fireworks! I was so happy! I just love fireworks, and it doesn't feel like the 4th of July if I haven't seen them!

In other news, I'm lacking motivation for running this week. I think I got myself worried about it because I looked ahead to see what Week 4 would hold for me, and it seems like more running than I'm ready for. Joe assured me that it's a mind game, and that I'll be fine. I guess I'm about to find out, because I'm heading to the gym soon.

Also, a big shout out to my roomie: Happy Birthday Kat! I'm looking forward to Sprinkles cupcakes tonight! :)


"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" - Romans 12:11-12

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Bright Idea

I had a great idea today after my training for school was over. We got out an hour earlier than expected, so I thought "Well, I'll take advantage of this semi-cloudy day and get outside to do my C25K run". Wow... Not the best idea I've ever had.

July 1st + Dallas, Texas + Running = One VERY Exhausting Girl!

This was my first time to do the C25K run outside. I'm not gonna lie, it was a big struggle. I wanted to stop at one point, but I didn't give in. I really felt Satan in my head today. He started saying things like, "Are you sure you can do this? Did you forget that you're not a runner? This is too hard, why don't you just walk?" Once I realized that my thoughts were turning toward the negative, I quickly identified it as Satan and told him that he was not welcome in this journey. I started praying that God would give me strength. I prayed that the Spirit would enter my thoughts and drive Satan away.

As always, God delivered. I looked at the pond (the center point of my running path) and realized there were several sweet baby ducks swimming around. Oddly enough, this was something that I had not even noticed on the previous 4 laps around the pond (and I always notice babies of any kind!) I started thinking about how those baby ducks must feel the first time they get into the water. Unsure of themselves maybe. Uncertain of what lies beneath the water. And what happens to them? I've never seen a duck struggle to swim, so I'm sure it's probably second nature to them. But, I saw the comparison to my running. I'm unsure at times. Uncertain that I'm really going to be strong enough to reach my goal. It makes me think of an old saying I remember from my youth "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it." Isn't that powerful?

I'm certain of one thing: God has brought me to this running journey. He's said to me "Challenge yourself, and trust me. I've got a plan. I'm going to help you. You're not alone." These are things I've got to keep reminding myself.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1