A little help from my friends

It has been about 5 years since I ran my last 5k race, so I really had to train for the Free Them 5K. In the weeks leading up to the big day, I was in the gym running up a storm to make sure I was prepared for the race.


Come race day, the run itself was fine, just what I expected. I was ready physically, however I was not ready mentally. That's the thing about running; you have to set in your mind to just keep going, to push through the negative thoughts until it feels like second nature, like you could go on forever.

At first I was doing great but about 3/4 of a mile in, some negative thoughts crept in. I then started to entertain them. "I have got to stop." "I'm going to walk because it's too hard." "I'm not good enough to finish this race." As I ran, I noticed another gal keeping pace with me. As best I could, I then set in my mind that she was my 'running partner', my way of gauging how I was doing. The battle in my mind continued as I raced on.

As we neared the end of the race I told her she was keeping me motivated. She told me that I was doing the same for her! But even with my new found friend's support, my desire to stop became too strong. I said I wanted to stop and start walking but she reminded me that the end was so close. I knew she was right. So instead of giving in, we completed the race together. Crossing that finish line felt so good!

I am reminded of the verse that says, 'As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.' My 'running partner' stood by me and encouraged me to keep going, even when it felt tough. She reminded me that the end was just around the corner and so was the victory. As it is in running, so it is in life. This world can be a hard place to get along in. The daily struggles can sometimes feel like too much. What a blessing to have a godly friend to encourage us and help us along. I know in my own life I have had plenty of times when I just wanted to stop and give up, but thank goodness for those dear friends who have been my support. God made us humans to be relational, to grow friendships and to encourage and love others. What a sweet reminder of the great blessing God has given us. What about you? Who are you encouraging today?

*To read more about the results of all the fundraising and what World Concern is doing to prevent human trafficking, follow this link.*

Deceptively Delicious Mistake

My best girlfriend just got engaged last week and asked me to be her maid of honor. She was the MOH at my wedding last year. Our friendship goes way back, back to the days when I got my first professional job at a mortgage company (pre- mortgage crises mind you), back when I was thinner and had no problems with my arms or legs (oh the glory days) and when we didn't know any better. We were both 19 years old and we commiserated over awful dating experiences and that set in motion a friendship that has lasted 6+ years and going strong. She eventually left the company to go off to college and I stayed there for the next few years. Fast forward a few more years later and we both found ourselves out of jobs due to the economic downturn. Last spring she got a job at the current company she is at and then a got me on board. That's what friends are for, right!?

Anyways, back to the topic at hand; her engagement! Devon is so special to me not only because we share some awesome memories of hanging out in her college town every weekend one summer, or the memories of her helping me get through a very difficult relationship, but she is a friend who I share a common love with: Christ. When we first met we were not christians in any sense of the word but God used our circumstances to work together and become friends and then eventually we both found Him. And it is through Him that our friendship is strengthened. We have each seen the other in totally different places than we are now and it is through His love and strength that we are here today. Devon has been an encouragement, an inspiration and confidant in moving forward as a woman of God. I've seen where she was when I first met her to where she is now and I thank God that He took her to this place. I am so happy for her and her fiance Miles (who I absolutely adore- what a great couple!).

But I digress again; I am planning the bridal shower and bachelorette parties and thinking of cute little things to include and gifts to buy. While out shopping with my Mom this weekend I found this very cute cook book at Big Lots for only $3. I'm no one to pass up on a great deal like that AND I'm planning on throwing Devon a kitchen/recipe bridal shower so I thought this would be a cute thing to give to the bride. But once I took a closer look at the book after I purchased it, I realized it is a cook book for enticing your children to eat their fruits and veggies without them even knowing about it by adding purees to the recipes. Well that won't come in handy for at least a few years for them when they start having kids. I guess I will have to find another, more appropriate cook book for my friend. Doh!

After thinking about it a little more, this cook book will be perfect for my household seeing as my husband and I already have a slightly altered diet anyways. My hubby can't have white rice, white bread, any sugar, etc.. so adding more fruit and veggie type recipes to my repertoire will help liven up our usuals and of course get me ready for when we have little ones! Thanks Devon for the new cook book ;) and congratulations!!