The GOAL

Last year I ran my second 5k race- the feeling was euphoria as I crossed the finish line.. never mind I had not trained much ... and it was a slow and not so pretty run.... the accomplishment was not to win.. but to finish. And... finish I did!! But this year I decided I would step up to the goal... a notch- 10k Fifth Third Riverbank Run: 53riverbankrun.com... with training... not just "running". This time would be different. I have chosen to be ready...to prepare and to train. Now I have been reading some articles in my local Grand Rapids Press- most people training- running- with friends and clubs. I on the other hand- am running yes.. but with a not so steady training schedule... and no clubs or friends. Its not that I don't have friends... its just that for some reason... this is a train alone race... I have taken to praying while I run....I am ALSO learning from Joyce Meyers "Simple Prayers" joycemeyer.org ... that it is oky to run and pray at the same time- in fact I am finding it is a really good thing... this praying and running and talking to God! Loving the solitude of the run!! I am up to 4.5 miles this is good- I am improving and increasing the endurance a little at a time- I am getting so excited about this goal that I can hardly wait for: May 8, 2010to arrive... I WILL be there! This is a reach for me...but it is a good reach. This goal is symbolically representing to ME... all the goals I have set and not completed over the years... and that failure and that lack of discipline is going to be literally trampled under my feet! Check in on my blog for updates.... and "See Jane (or in this case ) NANCY run...see her run fast!! I will need a cheering section... I will run for all of you who have ever wanted to run... call me write to me... truly I want this run to be for the lonely OR those who don't think you can.... (for the record you can)for people the ones who wish they could they run but are not able to... is that you? I"ll run the race for you...you let me know- forward a pic to me via email nrb2181@sbcglobal,net.. I would love to hear your story- and I would e honored to run as a representative to others.. This IS going to be a special day...and something special is going to happen ...If you would like to be a part a part of this mega moment or amazing JOY...... if want to run "with" me..I'd love to take you along! Just let me know!

Stuff- or not.....

Yesterday was "Black Friday". Millions around the country camped out-literally for hours sometimes a span of 24 hours or more- to get the best deal on everything from TVs to pajamas. For many years I did not participate in this oh so sacred shopping day- but several years ago,I too began to peruse the Thanksgiving day ads- and began to be drawn in to the "deals" that I saw! Last year...I became "one of them". I found myself standing in line - in the dark - in the cold - at Best Buy with hundreds of other eager shoppers. Sixty minutes later, I left the store with my shopping cart full.... of things I did not have any intention of buying... things I did not need...things that called for an hour or more of rebate clipping and snipping and sending each to "save" even more money! The next day- I took almost all of it back to where it came from. What happened? I had gotten swept up into the moment of excitement and synergy. If the person next to me had it - and it was a good deal- then surely I needed that "mini- dvd player, video web cam combo"... and after all- they offered to save my place in line for me while I dashed back for one more SD card or DVD... if I snagged one or two more for them! It was fun... it was exciting... it was exhilarating... it was exhausting... it was not for me! I know many families enjoy this day for many reasons- it is akin to those who gather at the deer camp and plan their hunt. There is strategy, planning and reconnaissance. For many it is the best day of the year! I am oky with that- and happy for them...but for me this year- I chose not to go. Not that I did not consider it- and not that I was not drawn to a few of the shiny sparkly ads that promised me the opportunity to "SAVE"!! This year I chose not to be drawn in. Instead, I went to the gym and worked out for an hour... then met a good friend for coffee. The rest of the day was spent sorting and cleaning my home office. A box of unwanted "stuff" was packed away for next years garage sale. My office is clean-and my desk has been freed of the clutter that has overwhelmed it for the last month. I am happy. I am writing today because I have cleared at least some of the clutter from my life. I did not buy more stuff. I do not have to return anything today that I don't want or need. This one small decision and the resulting peace it has given me- is amazing. It gave me a little more room in my life for what matters. This is good. We- my husband and I are in the process of simplifying our life - less stuff - more of what matters. This shift in our thinking has been coming for several years and it most often must be a deliberate choice not to fill our lives with more stuff and the accumulation of more things. More people- less stuff. It allows more room for God to move in our lives and use us if He does not have to push so much of our stuff out of the way. I want more of God and less of me. This is even better than good.

You are NOT the boss of ME !

How many times have we heard those words from a small toddler to another equally small toddler... "you are not the boss of me",or perhaps your own child was so bold (or a bit naive) and said it to YOU ?

There are many times (albeit for different reasons ) we need to draw upon that same stubborn spirit stirring within those little scrawny pint size children....when they stomp little feet and dig in tiny heels while declaring in a voice so loud it can surely be heard by anyone in the neighboring county....."you are not the boss of me"! Today more than ever, we too need to purpose once again, to hold firm and stand for that what matters!

Much around us is being questioned on a daily basis and altered to fit the arena we find ourselves in. Values,relationships, finances, our future and our faith- all under attack by the spirit of an age where foundations are shaken and our world consists of a landscape ever shifting like the rolling sea! David the shepherd boy stood up to his Goliath not with a coat of armor or a sword and a spear- but instead with the Spirit of the Living God flowing through his very being. David stood. He did not waiver, he did not back down and he did not run. He stood against the lies of a Philistine giant. He stood against insults that came against his God, his people and his future. Much was at stake that day. If the God of Israel whom David trusted did not fight the battle- all would be lost. David listened and obeyed what God told him to do. He gathered five stones, he placed them in his sling- he stood his ground and declared for all time .... that Goliath and all he stood for would NOT "be the boss" of him!

I want that same strong spirit- to stand for what is true and right- to stand for what matters and not back down... Lord fill me- (fill us )today fresh and anew- that I would not allow the spirit of this age- to "be the boss of me" anymore. That I like David- would be a world changer- making a difference with what YOU have put in my hands!

Launching an Arrow

Today was the day- we did it.... we launched our last arrow out into the world. It is so very quiet here in my cozy warm house. The home that was so often a place of shelter, nurture and strength for my children throughout the years. Today was a milestone arrow shoot though.... in the past few years we have launched my daughter into college, marriage and motherhood. Another child the middle or as I now prefer to call it ... my center child (sounds stronger all the way around don't you think) choose a road less traveled during a portion of his growing up years.....but as he grew into a man- I saw a transformation and a miracle day came when he too.... was launched out into his world..the world of buying a home,and the developing of a long term solid friendship that may develop into a life long relationship... that could mean great things for them both! We saw the step of their commitment to Lord...and now we're sitting out and believing for great things for him in so many ways...my center child! God has his hand there- and we have stood on HIS promise that no one feather will be lost with out my heavenly father's hand right there and his knowing of each and every situation! But this last arrow...my "baby" my youngest child.......I am not sure I was ready to let this arrow go! But it was time- and this week we did it- off to college this last arrow! So much I wanted to say yet...so much I wonder if fwe have done right... does he know how to balance a checkbook, do laundry, and boil water? No time for all of those things- but what I do say is " stay strong - strong and straight- be strong in your faith, do not waver...be strong- trust not in your own understanding, and He will make your path straight!" ( I hope he remembers.... )

Lord as my last arrow launches tonight- first give me strength for this journey....this is just you and him God......all the way.. all the way... all the way! Griff my little boy who has grown into a man..... I pray that you will live your life as a man of God..bold and amazing- a world changer!! Anointing and power wisdom discernment and strength be unto you this arrow of mine. Shoot far- embrace with passion what GOD has for you! Reach for the stars....but keep your feet planted firmly in the faith that is your foundation. (and remember to call home... make your bed... change your socks.... and...... ) sigh- go change your world !!! I love you........

Looking Ahead- 2009 Challenge

The year 2008 will be over in approximately 3 days and 8 1/2 hours. I could break that down into seconds if I really wanted to, but for now let's leave it at that! Looking back is what news stations, newspapers and radio programs will be doing in the next few days. In reflection, 2008 has been a bit of a rocky ride for many! Financially most people are not as secure as they were last year at this time and many jobs,homes and families have been rocked by circumstances beyond their control. Statistics show financial security is at a 30 year low and hope is at a premium as we prepare to enter a new year. We look back to learn from the past just as we look ahead to anticipate the future. Both ends of the spectrum hold food for thought..but what we really have is today. There is no guarantee of what our future holds but we do have this moment, a precious gift that is our today. It is like a gold coin in our pocket. Unspent and full of promise. Value yet untapped. That is our year ahead. 365 days of unspent and untapped promise. The world really doesn't change when the page on the calendar is turned. But, we somehow sense- a new opportunity to begin again and I am always thankful for a new opportunity- a new start- how about you? What are your plans for the new year? This year I feel impressed to choose a word for the coming year. A word that represents what I sense the Lord is placing in my heart for the next 365 days. My word for the year is strength. Strength in my physical body, my spirit, my family and my creative self. There God. My word. It's out there. Show me. Teach me.Grow me. Keep me...close to you- because I know before I even start that you have to be my source of strength... without you I am stuck... lost.... already! Strength. (I want to start out just letting you know God... if strength is my word... then it has to be your word too. I can't be strong with out you. So ...you and I we are in this together....ok?? ) So, friend,.... How about we do this together.... word for the year? What is yours? After all, a journey is almost always better together. I'll listen if you want- after all you know ,my word.... so....it's only fair I know yours...! Or....find a friend to keep you focused, and offer to so the same for them! Ask God... to show you - to give YOU a word for the next 365 days....I am believing for great things in my life- and in yours!

hugs from henry

Henry Ditmar was a young man, 17 years old who gave hugs....unselfishly, without abandon. He had a smile that would light up a room. He was real, genuine and special. I met Henry a few years ago when he served as a greeter at my church. Many Sundays he would stand at the door, smiling - always with a hug. If he wasn't on duty on a given week- he would come looking for me- to give me a hug. His hugs made my day. He attended the same school as my son and I would often see him at cross country meets, cheering on his sister as she ran.... and always when I would see him- he would seek me out- and give me a "Henry Hug". He went looking for me when he got his driver's license- we gave each other a high five... for it was a moment to celebrate! We talked about his job searches, school- just small talk really. But, when I walked away from Henry, he had left a smile on my heart for the rest of the day!! He had a way about him that was amazing. I know I was not the only person he shared his hugs with, for that is just who he was. He touched my life, and so many others, in many many ways. With every life he touched, he left a little of Jesus behind. For that is who Henry was... Today the hearts of his family are shattered, his smile and joy of life along with his hugs are silenced. For just two days ago, he was killed in a tragic car accident on an icy road near his home. Henry gave his last hug here on earth... but now it is up to each of us to keep his hugs alive- touching, reaching, loving unconditionally- leaving a little of Jesus behind with every word, every smile and every kindness.-for that is what Henry did. His legacy lives on in those that he reached, in a life seemingly too short- today, I will hug someone, for Henry. I will tell those that I love that I do. I will tell them they are special, because they are. I will hug them, because they matter. (Thank you Henry, for being Jesus with skin on to me..and to so many others!!)

Asking a Question!!

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

There are so many things that I want to accomplish, experience and embrace- but so many of them are not accomplished, not even attempted let alone experienced or embraced...Why is that- what keeps me..And you- (Oh yes- you are in on this too-) from taking that first step? Most of us have heard the phrase "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" ..So why don't we take the first step? What keeps us from taking that step? The step that has the potential to open the door to a new opportunity or experience. What causes us to limit ourselves by our past experiences - both good and bad- our successes and our failures?

Many men and women allow themselves to be virtually frozen in place and unable to move forward in their potential. They never allow themselves to answer the question "What would I attempt to do if I knew I could not fail?" They don't allow themselves the privilege of even asking themselves the question let alone pursuing the answer in their own heart and soul. The reasons for that are varied- but the underlying theme for many seem to include two key areas, fear and the feeling of unworthiness.

Fear - allows us to look only at what is not. It looks primarily at the failures of our past. It hears only the negative words that others that have spoken over us in the past. It causes us to focus on events in our lives when we have tried to step outside of our "box" and potentially "falling flat on our face" ...with the thought of any success seeming as far from us as east is from west! Fear does not look forward, fear causes us to remain where we are. Fear keeps us where we are. It has the ability to steal our joy- our future and our hope!

Feelings of Unworthiness - keep us from often even attempting a single step towards our future and our dreams! Unworthy feelings often give us an excuse to stay the same- we allow the voices within our hearts and minds to shout louder than our spirit and our souls.... We begin to wilt on the inside because our very spirit is stifled and without life. The water of hope for a brighter tomorrow is seemingly beyond our reach. We no longer allow ourselves the opportunity to dream, to create or to move beyond our past.

What if Michelangelo had never began to create and had given into his depression and past failures? ....What if Abraham Lincoln had given up after failure....(many times in fact!!) to become elected to political office? Would slavery in the United States still be practiced ? What if Beethoven had not released the music within him in spite of having very limited hearing? What if Maya Angelou had limited the future to her past of poverty? What about T J Rowling, author of the famed Harry Potter books... who experienced the rejection of her manuscript many times, and was told there was no way she would ever get it published?

What if....what if.... these great people were limited by only what they had heard, seen or experienced? If physical limitations , words of rejection , inner pain or private demons became the only voice they heard, what then? What of the limitations that King David faced in his seemingly futile battle against Goliath with those very small stones....or Noah who built the ark before the earth had ever experienced rain? The list of those who have faced their challenges head on is endless!

The question that now must be asked .....what about YOU (ok and me.... I am in on this one too!) .... what is within that lays dormant? Is there a song that is deep within that the world needs to hear- what of the leadership potential within you..is it limited by the words of a parent or spouse or "friend" who spoke the pain of rejection over you? Is there a book within you that longs to be written or a poem that must be penned? Is there a business that yearns to be started or a mountain that stands to yet be climbed.? What is the dream that is within you..... do not allow it to be silenced by your past..... today could be your day- begin to allow the pain that has shouted to you from the past become the catalyst to propel you into your tomorrow!!

"Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you'd like ... but you can spend it only once!"

Fear and unworthiness will steal that tomorrow and only you can decide to take that first step and only you can move beyond your past. Only you.... your choice. You can use the moments(and all the baggage that those moments contain) of your yesterdays to propel you forward, or you can allow them to keep you where you are. You choose- STAY or GO ....which will it be? Dream or die on the inside?

Each individual- each person- each man, woman, teenager and child- regardless of background, economic worth, and social status has incredible and amazing value. The potential and the treasure that lies within each of us is without measure. We have been created in the image of The Almighty God- we are fearfully and wonderfully made!The value and treasure is there...and will remain there regardless of the choice you and I make to dig for that treasure. Buried treasure is still treasure. The worth is not less because it is buried- BUT the value increases greatly when it is brought to the surface and when it is submitted to process of being formed and shaped into a treasure of even greater worth and shared with the world!

What WOULD you attempt...if you would not fail?

What are the odds of success when you DO take that first step? That my friend, is unknown. What I can offer you though, is a guarantee that without the first step, there is virtually NO chance of walking into your future....if you DON'T take the step.... ZERO. No chance of falling if you don't take the step... but...also no chance of walking, running...or soaring above the mountains without that first step! So.... what is it going to be? Will you choose to stay where you are or are you ready to take that first step ... and the next and the next....and begin to write upon the page of YOUR tomorrow!

Embrace It-Experience It-Enjoy It...it's YOURS!!!

Present in the Present.....

Research shows that those who have a clear cut goals are more likely to achieve favorable results. Those who write down their goals increase the probability for success by 50%. Goals are great! Goals are necessary. We need them to give focus and vision to our future. If we did not have goals we might end up like the farmer who wanted to take a trip,but never left the farm because he did not know where he was going. He had no map or plan. He only drove up and down the driveway for a week. He put a lot of miles on his pickup truck- but didn't really enjoy the trip! There are those who have a dream to "do something- someday". They plan for and save for a vacation ,an education, a new house or a special occasion. They may dream of marriage ,a family or a new job. They work, dream and wait for the day that their dream comes true. They might even think that their life is not worth living until that dream comes true! The goal becomes everything, the focus is on the future alone. It is often easy to become so centered on our "some-day" that we neglect to enjoy and treasure our today!! Today is the day that is set before us-today is our banquet-our meal-our daily bread- our manna! As the children of Israel traveled through the desert in search of the promised land, the Lord provided them with all they needed to survive and thrive. He provided bread and nourishment for them each day. The provision of bread, however, was just enough for that one day. They were given strict instructions not to gather more than what they needed for that day. If they took more than one days portion- the extra would get moldy and full of worms. They were required to live in the present!! To be fully present in the present each and every moment is not something that comes easily to most people. To be fully engaged in another's life is a precious gift that is not given by many. We rush, we hurry we have places to go and people to see- we have things that need to be accomplished and deadlines and appointments to be kept. We must travel through life on fast track speed- for we do not want life to pass us by. If we stop-if we get off the treadmill, hamster wheel or merry-go-round ( you pick your mode of craziness!! )... well, who knows what might happen- we just might miss something! We may miss a promotion, an opportunity to get ahead or make an extra dollar. After all, we are working for a goal- we have a plan- we are on a course for success...and we will NOT be sidetracked!!! Wow- I am tired just thinking about the craziness! Life is busy, there are demands on our time and our resources. I am a mom, a wife and a grandmother to two beautiful little boys. I work, take care of our home, am involved in ministry and I have hobbies and friends. I often feel that I am on the hamster wheel too. But, I am making deliberate choices for a short time each day, to get off that wheel- stop- breathe- and focus. It might be a walk, a time to journal and reflect, or just a time to sit and to be still. There are parents who are always yearning for the next stage of their child's life- if they are crawling, they wish for them to walk. When they are walking, they want them to be talking, when they are in preschool- they look forward to elementary school. Then soon they are spending countless hours driving them to school and sporting events, anticipating that soon they will be able to drive themselves...the kids go off to college and those same parents then wonder where all the years have gone? I too am guilty of wishing away some of the craziness and challenges of raising my children. But, I am thankful to several moms, including my own, who learned through their own experiences and impressed on me when my children were small, that the days and years would go quickly- and not to become so caught up in all that "must" be done- missing out on the moments that will never come again. The laundry will be there tomorrow, the dust will reappear shortly after you shine the furniture and of course the dishes multiply with every tick of the clock. My husband and I have a dream of packing up our RV "someday" and traveling the country. We talk, we dream, we shop, we count the cost (ouch) and we dream a little more. We are not sure exactly how the dream will look when it happens or when it will happen- but we know it is still a few years "out there". Now, if we were to allow that dream to become the focus of everything we did- we would miss so much of today! Our youngest son is going on 16 years old and will soon be driving a car and having a job. ACT tests and college visits are in the very near future. The time we have with him will become less and less- the opportunites that we have to pour into his life will become fewer and fewer. Soon, all of the shoes in front of my back door will be stacked and in order. Lunches and backpacks will not be strewn about my kitchen. The phone will be silent and there will be no empty pizza boxes and pepsi cans on the counters. BUT- today there are shoes in front of the door, the pizza and friends are everywhere. There will be cross country meets to watch and I will be the "crazy mom" at almost every event- cheering and yelling wildly for my son and each of his friends as they run by! There will be marching band perfomances at football games to watch,band concerts and festivals to attend. I will pay for band camp and school clothes and incredibly expensive running shoes. I will "ask for a turn" on what I think is still "my" computer because he is busy IM ing all of his friends. I will enjoy today- I will smile when he asks if five friends can spend the night in our camper- I will hug him and be amazed that he is mine. I will enjoy him today, and I will connect in whatever way I am able- I will chose today...to be present in his life and the life of his friends! I will not forget my goals and the dreams for "someday" but I will choose to enjoy every moment of every day! I WILL not wish away today- because I am thankful for today- I am looking forward to tomorrow but, I WILL choose be present in the present....today!

Knowing About Just KNOWING!

It is hot, really hot today! It seems like it has been hot forever. Of course, it has not been, but today, it seems like it has been! The weather man tells me next week it will be better- that the forecast is changing in the next few days. Sometimes, I don't believe the weatherman- I joke with my husband (who happens to love weather) that it is not a forecast- but an educated guess at best. They have a great deal of fancy equipment and maps... But I am not sure if they are any more accurate now, than when in years past, the farmer would watch the sky- and predict "Yup sweetheart, I do believe there is a storm comin' in!! "Today, with all of our technology and advanced education, many people do not see a real need for understanding about "just knowing". Knowing is what is inside of a person...the part of you that just "knows" when something is not right, when you sense that someone is hurting and needs a friend, when there is a "feeling" deep within your heart that senses and understands at a different level than what is seen with our natural eye.The knowing that is within each of us has been called many things.....a conscience, a feeling, an inner voice to name a few. God calls it "Himself"- his Holy Spirit- the very essence of God! How can that be? His word tells us that we were created in his own image- man and woman he created us- in his own likeness we were created! Amazing that something so complex and beautiful as the Spirit of God could be within you and I!! His spirit will cause your "knowing" to become sensitive to his leading and the direction he has for your life. His spirit will increase your understanding of his word and of his ways. His spirit will bring meaning and value to who you are- and the call that he has upon your life! He has given to each one of us a measure of grace, exactly what we need- exactly what He needs. He has created you with a plan and a purpose- and seed and a a vision. Take some time today, to listen...to wait- to hear.

Running Our Race

What does a runner do before a big race ? Well, first and foremost, they run. Wow-imagine that ? They get up every day and they run. They lace up their shoes, they stretch, and they start putting one foot in front of the other. Every year in our town, the first weekend in May brings what is known as the “River Bank Run”- it is a marathon of such caliber that it draws runners from all over the world. However, the majority of runners that compete that day are not world class athletes, but they are the “regular people” the ones who beat the street in an effort to improve their physical condition or to accomplish a goal of running a road race . Now, let it be said, I am not a runner…I have tried to be- I have even ran on occasion…I love to walk- I even have begun to enjoy my daily circuit training at one of our local ladies only workout clubs…but I have yet to run the River Bank run. My daughter Amanda loves to run,and my son Griffin also runs cross country and distance run for our local high school. Amanda competed in high school and well…let’s just say she did not race at the top of her field. However, she ran for the personal challenge, the friendships she developed and the physical and mental strength it developed in her. Now, as a young mom of the two most incredible little boy in the world (yes- I admit it I am biased) she still runs. She runs for many of the same reasons she did before. She amazes me. She runs when she feels like it, she runs when she does not, she runs in good weather, and in the rain. She chooses to put on her shoes because she has a goal. She desires to remain fit and strong, she receives a sense of accomplishment when she finishes her run for the day. She runs alone- no one sees her finish. There is no one cheering her on at the end of the race- only herself- reaching for the goal that only she can see. But, it starts first by putting on her shoes. She kneels down- and laces them up- stretches out muscles that are tight and begins to run…slowly…with endurance and with steadiness….the goal is not to beat another…but to race for the sheer joy of the moment. To press thru to the other side and accomplish the task before her. But it starts with the shoes. Where are your shoes? Have you kicked them under your bed or are they lost in the back of your closet…are there other things piled on top of them? What do you need to do to find them?? There are times in our life when we must set aside time to dig- to search for that which is lost and what we need to find. Maybe you did not lose your shoes, perhaps someone else hid them, or piled their baggage on top of them. Whatever the reason, today is the day to begin to dig them out- to search high and low for your shoes! You need them- you can not run without them. Your journey will be hindered and you will limit yourself if you are not properly equipped with all that you need. And, the first thing you need are your shoes!! There are many different types of shoes in my closet. I have sandals, clogs, slippers and dress shoes. I have casual shoes and special occasion shoes. These are all great shoes- and all are useful and valuable to me at certain times. If I choose to go on a long walk (or run ) I need my athletic shoes- the ones with the flexible sole and the supportive cushioning. This past weekend my husband and I went to hear a speaker at one of our local colleges. We were unsure exactly which building it was being held in so we choose the first parking lot we saw, and began to walk in the general direction we thought we should go. We found a friendly college student to show us the way. Now SHE had running shoes on, my husband his comfy walking shoes…and me open toed- platform type (very cute mind you) sandals. Needless to say- they could both walk much faster than I, who kept falling further and further behind !! Finally hubby noticed I was no longer next to him- actually unbeknownst to him, I had been behind almost from the start!! I could not keep up because even though my shoes were very cute, they were not meant for the type of travel we were embarking on at that moment. I wished I had chosen to wear a different pair that night. By the time we reached our destination my toes were crying for mercy! The gospel writer Paul, uses the analogy of running a race several times throughout the New Testament. He encourages us to run in such a way that we are not disqualified- so that we finish our race. So that we do not miss out on the reward that is set out for us who run the race and finish well. There are several different types of races that a runner may run. There is the sprint that a runner runs where it is hard, fast and focused. The runner does not have time to make up for a slow start or to win if he falls. There is the relay- where the runner and his team mates must work together in incredible rhythm to accomplish the goal of a smooth hand off of the baton. If the baton is dropped, the runner is disqualified. Their race is over until the next time. Then there is the distance run. The runners start out strong, but not always fast- they run steady- keeping their eyes on the runner in front of them- working to pass them, one by one. Not looking at the whole field, not seeing those coming behind- being aware of the other runners- but right now, it is about them- their goal…one by one..the focus- the race. Many of us fail to run our race because we loose our focus, we look behind at our past and become paralyzed to move forward or perhaps we never leave the safety of the starting blocks. After all, if we don't start- we won't fail. Today, I am making the choice to put on my shoes, and run my race. I would love a partner or two to run with me. How about it friend? I'll wait while you find your shoes!

Almost Two

An "Almost Two" knows how to breathe! No one teaches them how...they just know. My grandson Jayden is teaching me about breathing. He doesn't know it ...he just does He teaches me to breathe deeper and deeper every time I am with him.Almost Twos just KNOW about breathing. They know about stopping and they understand about looking! They see the world and are fascinated by even the smallest things! They want to know and experience it ALL !!Everything is a wonder for Jay. He has not "seen" it before and doesn't want to miss any of it. He doesn't understand that the sun comes up every day and that the dog will wag her tail again tomorrow...and that we can have honey and crackers again another day. Instead he sees a sunrise and exclaims with great wonder and amazement, "Pretty Nana- PRETTY ! " He laughs with great delight when the dog greets him at the door - he is sure that her greeting is just for him, because he is so very special. He savors his crackers and the peanut butter dripping with honey by licking each finger and cherishing the wonderful stickiness of the moment.When he is happy he is happy all over...he has not yet learned to fake a smile...when he is sad- he is sad all over...he doesn't know what we big people know..... about pretending not to be.Every fiber about this child is real and genuine. He has been created by an incredible God..and deep in his spirit he KNOWS he is special. No one has told him any different. His self image knows no limits... he is unconditionally loved by everyone who knows him. He stops to breathe every moment of every day!!We can learn much from the "Almost Twos" of our world if we choose to - breathe deeply- laugh often and cherish the small things- all of the moments that make today. Experience the sunrise ...watch it happen and unfold in all of its glory! Lick your fingers and savor the moment....look for the stamp of "The Creator" upon your life and those around you.