Time to Bloom

"Then the time came when the risk it took

To remain tight in a bud was more painful

Than the risk it took to blossom."

- Anais Nin

What's In There?

Yesterday, as our group was running, someone made an interesting comment. He was talking about the city that we live in, Franklin, TN. His observation was that running had revealed to him the character of the people in our city. They are nice, friendly people. In fact just as we started yesterday, every car allowed us to run through an intersection without horns honking or angry expressions on their faces.

This got me to thinking about my responses, that reveal my character. In the same way that running has revealed how friendly Franklin is, my responses to every situation in my life will reveal what I believe to be true.

We can only act according to what we believe. It does not matter how many times I tell someone what I believe, the true test is how I act. How do I respond when I receive bad service at a restaurant? It can reveal that I still believe I have a right to be served. How do I respond when I receive a pat on the back? It can reveal a need to be praised.

Each and every moment in my life is an opportunity to discover what I really believe. It will also reveal what does not line up with what is true. Sometimes this revelation is not very nice. It is uncomfortable, and can be disappointing. Other times I can clearly see how I am becoming, "a new creation in Christ Jesus."

My desire, is to see what I say matched by how I live.

Paul

Happy Birthday, Mom!

"Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.'" Proverbs 31:28-29

Mom,
With deep love and appreciation I celebrate and honor you today. Through the years you have offered our family a model of servant hood, wise stewardship, consistent discipline, a joyful spirit, an excitement for adventure, and you attentively watched over each of us. All motivated out of your unconditional love for us.

Many women, wives, and mothers have gone before you. Many great and worthy women...but as this scripture reads, you have excelled them all! You have outdone them all! You have transcended them all!

For all the love and appreciation my heart holds for you, I know that our Heavenly Father burst with love for and over you.

When I say (with all my heart), "you have excelled them all, mom."
He says (with all of His), "You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way." (Song of Songs 4:7)

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!!!

Go Team Newsong!

Paul and I have been training for a half marathon, with a group of people from Newsong. It has been an incredible time of building friendships, learning from those who are more experienced, as well as praying for and encouraging one another. Paul and I have learned so much physically and spiritually in these last two months.

Although our marathon isn't until October, many of us decided to run the 30th Annual Franklin Classic (10k). The procede from this race benefit the Mercy Children's Clinic a non-profit, pediatric healthcare ministry based in Franklin, Tennessee.

Here are a few pictures from the day....


Good Morning Sunshine....time to run!

Well prepared to run this race. These legs were MADE for running.

Team Newsong - Pre Race

On your mark. Get set. GO!!!!

Paul's dramatic finish

Team Newsong - We Did It!!!