I survived "the great Bijou move." The initial shock was a bit strong. Bijou decided to wake up from her peaceful sleep just before Janet walked in the door. I told Janet that I had a surprise for her when she got home. I was so excited, Bijou was in peaceful slumber and then she woke up, not happy. So Janet walks in and hears her baby crying. It took about 30 seconds and the look on my face to realize where the crying was coming from. Not good. It did end up great though. We took our little one out to spend some time with mommy and after a while brought her back to her crib and she went back down like always. It's been roses ever since. She loves her room. Mommy loves that she is up there and the transition ended up great. The power of prayer works!
It is so exciting to have summer bearing down on us. Full of so many fun things, great weather, great traditions, busy with fun. I all most want time to slow down or stop. We have been enjoying so much of life, our precious little girl, Janet and the amaizing glow of pregnancy. So many fantastic friends to support us. I am so overwhelmed with all God has blessed us with.
Training is solid. I have had to skimp out on some suggested longer training stuff this week but we don't sweat the small stuff. We do what we can and enjoy what I can get in. Sometimes I can make it up.
Mommy left for a business trip today (wed) to Fri afternoon. It's only two nights but I must admit, I miss my sugar pie tons. I am getting so excited to experience the challenges of having two little ones! What a blessing it will be!
I meet with and old friend/mentor for lunch today and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the major points of life since we had last really communicated. About thirteen years gone buy. Before our lunch I had some time to fill so I sat and charted out the major chapters of my life since then and how they have made me who I am today. What a great thing to do. I found myself writing "God's consistency" in every chapter. Good or bad. All learning experiences. All consistently moving me into the person I am today. So undeserving, so blessed!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
May I See Good Weather?
It's the end of another week. I did a lot of swimming this week. The program I am following for my first half Ironman (July 20) has me focusing on each of the events specifically at different times. I wish I could say that I found my swimming stride this week, but I did get a lot of conditioning.
The team TNT schedule has shifted it's Saturday morning training's to the bike instead of the run. You know, to take advantage of the good weather and all.....except there is no good weather to be found. So tomorrow morning I will be bundled up expecting rain and snow flurries at 8am down at Lake Calhoun. Seriously 37 degrees, yuck. I don't know how many times I have gone into bad weather training thinking that this one will be the last week of bad weather. My first Tri this season is the Buffalo sprint June 1! The ice came off last week! I did purchase a wet suit on clearance this winter, but I have a feeling were going to need a bit more than that.
Patience, and perspective, those are the key. This will make the good weather that much better.
A big day today in the house. Bijou moved into her room tonight. Mom and dad have been enjoying the convince of having her in our massive walk in closet. Before you think "crazy" it's bigger than the room I grew up in and it has two windows. It is the perfect situation for a baby. Number two is just about eight weeks out and we do not want Bijou to see the new baby coming in and signal a big change for her. So, we played all night moving all her books, stuffed animals and toys. She did a little whining for about 5-10 minuets at bed time (like normal) and as I have been typing she went out. It was a good transition for Bijou. Now the real test....mommy comes home soon and she didn't know that dad was doing this tonight. Now before you think I'm being insensitive I must say that Janet knew that we had to do it. Weeks ago for that matter. She just didn't ever want to do it. So, pray for me, that I make it though the night.
The team TNT schedule has shifted it's Saturday morning training's to the bike instead of the run. You know, to take advantage of the good weather and all.....except there is no good weather to be found. So tomorrow morning I will be bundled up expecting rain and snow flurries at 8am down at Lake Calhoun. Seriously 37 degrees, yuck. I don't know how many times I have gone into bad weather training thinking that this one will be the last week of bad weather. My first Tri this season is the Buffalo sprint June 1! The ice came off last week! I did purchase a wet suit on clearance this winter, but I have a feeling were going to need a bit more than that.
Patience, and perspective, those are the key. This will make the good weather that much better.
A big day today in the house. Bijou moved into her room tonight. Mom and dad have been enjoying the convince of having her in our massive walk in closet. Before you think "crazy" it's bigger than the room I grew up in and it has two windows. It is the perfect situation for a baby. Number two is just about eight weeks out and we do not want Bijou to see the new baby coming in and signal a big change for her. So, we played all night moving all her books, stuffed animals and toys. She did a little whining for about 5-10 minuets at bed time (like normal) and as I have been typing she went out. It was a good transition for Bijou. Now the real test....mommy comes home soon and she didn't know that dad was doing this tonight. Now before you think I'm being insensitive I must say that Janet knew that we had to do it. Weeks ago for that matter. She just didn't ever want to do it. So, pray for me, that I make it though the night.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Geared Up
I cant tell you how great it was today to bike and run in 70 degrees. Training has been great. I have been slowly ramping up my daily training schedule. I can easily say that I am in better all around tri shape now, than I was all of last year. Experience is a great teacher. Our TNT coaches for the big Lifetime Tri are fantastic. They have both done the grandaddy of Tri's the "Ironman." As great of a personal feat that is, I must say that their teaching strengths lie in bring those along who are learning how to swim, bike and run for the first time in their lives. It is such an honor to be part of a group that is focused on the groups success, rather than individual triumphs. It honestly inspires me to push harder on my own. So I have.
Last year I could not continuously freestyle swim without taking a break, for more than 300-400 meters. Yesterday I did 1000m continuous for the first time. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I believe 1750m is a mile, so I have a bit more to go, but I know I can get there. It is by far my weakest link. Biking is just starting to get going. I am happy where I am at. The bike is usually where the most time is gained or lost, so staying strong here is my goal. I am doing a 100 mile fun tour this Sunday called the MN Ironman Bike ride. I am doing it with some other TNT alumni so it should be a great day. The run has become my strong-point. I have been following a solid half-ironman training schedule for my July 20 race in Racine Wisconsin, and it has really excelled my running pace with little effort. In light training I am running one minute faster per mile than last year at my peak of marathon training last year. I have my first real test coming up in four weeks. The Maple Grove half marathon is going to be a fun test to see where we are at. A lot of good friends are doing this race and I am really looking forward to it.
Training is about 10 hours total during the week, so needless to say were pretty busy around here!
Last year I could not continuously freestyle swim without taking a break, for more than 300-400 meters. Yesterday I did 1000m continuous for the first time. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I believe 1750m is a mile, so I have a bit more to go, but I know I can get there. It is by far my weakest link. Biking is just starting to get going. I am happy where I am at. The bike is usually where the most time is gained or lost, so staying strong here is my goal. I am doing a 100 mile fun tour this Sunday called the MN Ironman Bike ride. I am doing it with some other TNT alumni so it should be a great day. The run has become my strong-point. I have been following a solid half-ironman training schedule for my July 20 race in Racine Wisconsin, and it has really excelled my running pace with little effort. In light training I am running one minute faster per mile than last year at my peak of marathon training last year. I have my first real test coming up in four weeks. The Maple Grove half marathon is going to be a fun test to see where we are at. A lot of good friends are doing this race and I am really looking forward to it.
Training is about 10 hours total during the week, so needless to say were pretty busy around here!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I Just Felt Like Running
I was going to title this post perspective, both were fitting and in the end "I just felt like running."
We have not left the cold clutches of winter here in Minnesota. We are currently sitting in the path of a winter storm warning. By Sat. morning we should have 4-10 inches of snow. I continue to tell myself that it will just be a couple more day and it will all be behind us.
Life and training have been great. Janet celebrated her 33rd birthday for the second time yesterday! We had a lovely dinner at Benihana, just her and I. Date nights get shorter when you have to get a little one in bed. It's amaizing how wonderful life is in all of it's constant changes. God has been pressing perspective in my life now for a few years now. Striving for perspective is rather life changing, especially when you apply it to Gods desire for us to be happy.
I was looking back on my old training records, now that I am starting to bike again. The reality of last year hit me. Looking back now, it looks crazy. I could never do that again. I thought. The training is one thing. Couple in the scope of the fund raising and it gets pretty nuts. Last year I didn't give it a second thought, doors opened and I kept going. My perspective then was completely different. It looks to hard now. I could never do that again. But why? Mostly because I told myself I couldn't when I was thinking about it. Don't worry, I'm not going to fund raise for three consecutive races again. But it really got me to thinking about the power of the mind and the will of our spirit. Who is in control of those all important things. There was an amaizing example made in the sermon last Sunday at Open Door. Do we walk across the river of life on rocks that we have created, that we consider safe and good. Completely God, we claim. The rocks I stand on is certainly God. And then some thing comes along and knocks us off the rock and life stinks. Life is suddenly not fair. The river current got crazy and now your all wet and not happy. The point being, that often we unknowingly put our own spin on the rock that we stand on and when one thing or person dose something we don't like. SPLASH! When all along God is calling us to walk....walk on the water. We do such a good job of keeping things in a box. Espically God. Who is really in control. The true test is the things that we can't control. Is he really leading us. How do we react when the things that we don't like get in our way. Who's joy do we reflect then.
The more I see the more I realize that as Gods creation, His desire is for me to be happy, always. Obviously, there are many examples of pain and loss, and His heart breaks with ours. But outside of the pain. The day to day life, God want us to find joy and happiness in everything. He is in everything Good and we should take great pleasure in that. Even in time of hurt He is there, consistently offering goodness and grace. We choose to distract ourselves from His constant blessings. That is Godly perspective.
The last two days I was off from training. With the winter weather bearing down I really wanted to get in a long run. Six miles was on my mind and I got done with work just early enough to beat the snow. But I did not beat the rain. Now I will admit that 35 degrees and blustery, stinging wind with rain is not ideal running conditions. Yet my perspective has forever been changed by my experience. Running six miles in cold stinging rain is not pleasant, but neither is chemotherapy. I listened to our current "honored team mate," Eric tell our team before a swim a month ago how excited he was to have his last spinal tap, his third I think. The procedure was the next day, and he was excited!? Eric is 11 and he has done chemo, and all the rest. He has a smile on his face every time I see him and he is inspired by everyone who is fund raising for him. How can I not be inspired by Eric. I honestly can't look outside and see rain as something that should stop me from giving it my all.
My memories of Adam, and all he went through have changed me. I can't honestly look at rain or snow or cold and say that looks too hard. My perspective has changed. Because Adam was strong, because Dan was strong, because Brenden is strong, because Elliot is strong, because Eric is strong, because McKenna was strong, I will always train strong. I will always finish strong. I completely enjoyed the rain today. Do you seriously think that there are not a million people out there that would love to have the ability to run period. And rain should stop me? It was hard, and at times unpleasant, but as I ran I remembered that all those I run in honor of and in memory of, do not have a choice. I do, and I will choose action. I will continue to fight with them. As the many memories poured through my mind on my run today I felt drawn to go up to Adams memorial. I rarely go there. It is just .37 miles away. He is not there, but today I went up to finish my run there. There is nothing in the world like a head stone. It represents finality. I broke down in emotion as I approached the stone and fell to my knees in the rain. On that head stone is a river and it winds along the front of the stone. I am thankful to be reminded what an amazing man he was, and how blessed we all were to have him in our lives. I am glad that there is a river on that stone reminding us that life is constantly changing and this is not the end.
Every moment matters, find Joy in it all! The book of James is filled with how to do it. Sit and listen some time. Find your perspective.
We have not left the cold clutches of winter here in Minnesota. We are currently sitting in the path of a winter storm warning. By Sat. morning we should have 4-10 inches of snow. I continue to tell myself that it will just be a couple more day and it will all be behind us.
Life and training have been great. Janet celebrated her 33rd birthday for the second time yesterday! We had a lovely dinner at Benihana, just her and I. Date nights get shorter when you have to get a little one in bed. It's amaizing how wonderful life is in all of it's constant changes. God has been pressing perspective in my life now for a few years now. Striving for perspective is rather life changing, especially when you apply it to Gods desire for us to be happy.
I was looking back on my old training records, now that I am starting to bike again. The reality of last year hit me. Looking back now, it looks crazy. I could never do that again. I thought. The training is one thing. Couple in the scope of the fund raising and it gets pretty nuts. Last year I didn't give it a second thought, doors opened and I kept going. My perspective then was completely different. It looks to hard now. I could never do that again. But why? Mostly because I told myself I couldn't when I was thinking about it. Don't worry, I'm not going to fund raise for three consecutive races again. But it really got me to thinking about the power of the mind and the will of our spirit. Who is in control of those all important things. There was an amaizing example made in the sermon last Sunday at Open Door. Do we walk across the river of life on rocks that we have created, that we consider safe and good. Completely God, we claim. The rocks I stand on is certainly God. And then some thing comes along and knocks us off the rock and life stinks. Life is suddenly not fair. The river current got crazy and now your all wet and not happy. The point being, that often we unknowingly put our own spin on the rock that we stand on and when one thing or person dose something we don't like. SPLASH! When all along God is calling us to walk....walk on the water. We do such a good job of keeping things in a box. Espically God. Who is really in control. The true test is the things that we can't control. Is he really leading us. How do we react when the things that we don't like get in our way. Who's joy do we reflect then.
The more I see the more I realize that as Gods creation, His desire is for me to be happy, always. Obviously, there are many examples of pain and loss, and His heart breaks with ours. But outside of the pain. The day to day life, God want us to find joy and happiness in everything. He is in everything Good and we should take great pleasure in that. Even in time of hurt He is there, consistently offering goodness and grace. We choose to distract ourselves from His constant blessings. That is Godly perspective.
The last two days I was off from training. With the winter weather bearing down I really wanted to get in a long run. Six miles was on my mind and I got done with work just early enough to beat the snow. But I did not beat the rain. Now I will admit that 35 degrees and blustery, stinging wind with rain is not ideal running conditions. Yet my perspective has forever been changed by my experience. Running six miles in cold stinging rain is not pleasant, but neither is chemotherapy. I listened to our current "honored team mate," Eric tell our team before a swim a month ago how excited he was to have his last spinal tap, his third I think. The procedure was the next day, and he was excited!? Eric is 11 and he has done chemo, and all the rest. He has a smile on his face every time I see him and he is inspired by everyone who is fund raising for him. How can I not be inspired by Eric. I honestly can't look outside and see rain as something that should stop me from giving it my all.
My memories of Adam, and all he went through have changed me. I can't honestly look at rain or snow or cold and say that looks too hard. My perspective has changed. Because Adam was strong, because Dan was strong, because Brenden is strong, because Elliot is strong, because Eric is strong, because McKenna was strong, I will always train strong. I will always finish strong. I completely enjoyed the rain today. Do you seriously think that there are not a million people out there that would love to have the ability to run period. And rain should stop me? It was hard, and at times unpleasant, but as I ran I remembered that all those I run in honor of and in memory of, do not have a choice. I do, and I will choose action. I will continue to fight with them. As the many memories poured through my mind on my run today I felt drawn to go up to Adams memorial. I rarely go there. It is just .37 miles away. He is not there, but today I went up to finish my run there. There is nothing in the world like a head stone. It represents finality. I broke down in emotion as I approached the stone and fell to my knees in the rain. On that head stone is a river and it winds along the front of the stone. I am thankful to be reminded what an amazing man he was, and how blessed we all were to have him in our lives. I am glad that there is a river on that stone reminding us that life is constantly changing and this is not the end.
Every moment matters, find Joy in it all! The book of James is filled with how to do it. Sit and listen some time. Find your perspective.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Canadian Cousins
We had some visitors from the far north this week. Janet's cousin Rose and her daughter Cathrine paid us a visit from Sat to Thurs morning. It was my first time meeting the two of them because they have lived in BC for as long as Janet and I have been together. It was so exciting to have part of her family here. We had fun showing them what we could of Minnesota, bad spring weather and all. Easter dinner with mom and dad. The Mall of America. Mystic Lake. Ikea. Fort Snelling. Dinner at Benihana. Costco. Movie in Maple Grove. Dave and Busters. I know is was very exciting for Janet as for me also.
We are officially two months into training for the Lifetime Fitness tri on July 12. The coaches have had us on a great light schedule to build a base for the coming increase of activity. I myself, along with Erek Swenson and Wes Aldinger (team mates) have been putting a lot of extra time in on the run in preparation for the Maple Grove half marathon on Sat May 17. I have put on 90 miles since Feb and I am starting to work on improving my tempo.
Swimming is coming along slowly. I am very happy with my progress, but I am starting from ground zero in terms of technique and breathing. My test now is keeping my technique while building endurance. Coach Mike and Bob have been so great and patient. Coaching 75+ people per week in a pool, with skill levels all over the board, can't be easy but they are fantastic.
I just got my bike back from coach Bob this week. He has had it since the Nov's century ride in Tucson. He had to alter it quite a bit for it to be "road worthy" for that race since tri bikes were not allowed. I am excited to possibly get out Sunday for the first ride of 08. I am quite behind in bike training, but no worries.
More importantly my spiritual training is back on track. I started meeting with some close guy friends on Sunday nights to study the book of James from the New Testament. I can't tell you what an enormous encouragement it has been to be back in the Word. God has carried me through so much this past year. I have had my life on "cruise" attempting to be more patient, healing from the loss of Adam. I know that process will continue until I join him some day, yet clearly He has called me to a season of growth now. It is so much more satisfying to be training for another race and challenging myself spiritually as well as physically. It is so remarkable to serve a God that is always consistent. I feel much more confident and at peace, and it has only been three weeks.
I look forward to a great season of physical and spiritual challenges. I have been so blessed by so much support once again with this TNT race. This year, with new races and new babies and watching our little Bijou growing up so quickly, I am excited to live each day to the fullest.
Imagine what will happen if each of us decides to reach just a little bit higher, to try just a little bit harder, to care just a little bit more. That's the power of one. – Gil Atkinson
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Spring into action!
And baby #2 is still three months away! Life is exciting around Dayton the past couple of months. We are doing our best to "adjust" ahead of the curve. Janet is working hard and adjusting at her new job (since last Nov) as an office administrator. Lots of new challenges. Thirty hours a week is more than enough. She went on her first business conference in the beginning of this month. Just Wed. thru Fri. in San Diego. I am very proud of her. It is definitely not skin care and make up. The little boy in her belly is an active lad. He lets her know he's there most all day long. She is amaizing. I was running the other day, thinking about races and training, and I began to marvel about how what she is going though is so much bigger than anything I could ever accomplish. I am so proud of her. She is my #1!
Bijou on mommy's old toy horse.
We celebrated Easter early this year because of vacations and what not. We had a fantastic day. Starting with our first church Sunday service that Janet Bijou and I had attended. We felt at home again with worship and the message was fantastic. It is so good to connect with the church again.
After church we meet up with Erin and Adison and headed down to Mary and Bills for Easter brunch. A relaxing afternoon and fantastic food as always.
Adison and Bijou getting Easter coloring presents.
Bijou is fantastic. Practically running. Picking up words here and there. Nose, eye, mouth, waffle, egg, hi, by, dog, puppy, and a hand full more. It is so incredibly exciting to watch her develop. She tries to sing with us and do actions to songs. I could go on and on. I am so excited to see her with her brother. She is going to be a fantastic big sister.
We purchased our new family vehicle. We happened upon a used Honda Pilot and purchased it. It is perfect for us. I am very excited to do lots of family stuff in our new vehicle. We are so blessed, life is so exciting. So very blessed by so many things.
Training with TNT has been great. Slowly working our way into heavier training. After the Lifetime Tri July 12, I have my first Half Ironman in Wisconsin July 20. My training for that will start in the next couple of weeks. Sean Pease and I ran our first race of the season. We raced in the "100% Irish for a day" race around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun in Minneapolis. Not just a 5k or 10k....A full 10 mile race. It was a great challange. It was much colder than it should have been, but way warmer than it has been. Race results are posted here http://andresonraces.com/Results/Irish10mrs08.htm
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. – Helen Keller
Bijou on mommy's old toy horse.We celebrated Easter early this year because of vacations and what not. We had a fantastic day. Starting with our first church Sunday service that Janet Bijou and I had attended. We felt at home again with worship and the message was fantastic. It is so good to connect with the church again.
After church we meet up with Erin and Adison and headed down to Mary and Bills for Easter brunch. A relaxing afternoon and fantastic food as always.
Adison and Bijou getting Easter coloring presents.Bijou is fantastic. Practically running. Picking up words here and there. Nose, eye, mouth, waffle, egg, hi, by, dog, puppy, and a hand full more. It is so incredibly exciting to watch her develop. She tries to sing with us and do actions to songs. I could go on and on. I am so excited to see her with her brother. She is going to be a fantastic big sister.
We purchased our new family vehicle. We happened upon a used Honda Pilot and purchased it. It is perfect for us. I am very excited to do lots of family stuff in our new vehicle. We are so blessed, life is so exciting. So very blessed by so many things.
Training with TNT has been great. Slowly working our way into heavier training. After the Lifetime Tri July 12, I have my first Half Ironman in Wisconsin July 20. My training for that will start in the next couple of weeks. Sean Pease and I ran our first race of the season. We raced in the "100% Irish for a day" race around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun in Minneapolis. Not just a 5k or 10k....A full 10 mile race. It was a great challange. It was much colder than it should have been, but way warmer than it has been. Race results are posted here http://andresonraces.com/Results/Irish10mrs08.htm
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. – Helen Keller
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thanksgiving in Feburary
This afternoon I was trying on new shoes. My first "real" pair of running shoes have all but lost their support. I recall wearing out soccer shoes back in the "glory days," but wearing out a pair of running shoes gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
Saturday was our second team run at lake Calhoun. I have been taking the training very lightly lately. Schedules have been pretty tight for daily training, and honestly I have been enjoying being able to focus on other things. I found out Saturday that I need to get back into it soon. We break our team up into three running abilities on team runs, so to fit where everyone is at. I thought I had time to take things easy for a while. I found out differently on Sat when my group decided to work in sprints and hill sprints to our 3.5mile workout. I knew to keep things light but the more we did our sprints the more I wanted to get into it. The second hill sprint got me. I love hills, I love to attack them. I am not ready to do hill sprints. My heart rate spiked on the second one and never really calmed down much after that. Not a big deal. Rather frustrating though. I am thankful for the extra money I spent on a heart rate monitor last year. I know my threshold and I was able to monitor where I should have been. I lightly jogged out the rest of the run and felt good to know where I am at.
I am super excited about the group of guys that will be pushing me during this season. There is a group of about eight of us that will challenge each other to greater heights. So I'll have to get back into the swing of things soon or I'll get left in the dust.
The rest of life training has me in a season of thanksgiving. Spring is ready to start cracking its thick shell and that is certainly something to be thankful for. Most exciting is the places that God has brought me to in respects to relationships that are very important to me. These endurance events have showed me to be patient, and I have applied that to many things in my life. I have never been much of a patient person. I see good or bad, what ever I see I want to react to and take action. Life has shone me to be more sensitive when I am not the only one involved in any given situation. It is amaizing the things you learn when you really strive to be less of your self and more Christlike. Simple concept, but difficult to put into action. It requires giving up. There is nothing that can't be achieved when you honestly give up and look to God for guidance. I have found surrender to be the most powerful action I could ever take. I know that great things are in store.
I look ahead to the next 10 months of my life and I am excited. Excited for the good and the bad. I doubt that it will be a smooth ride, but it will be what I make it. I pray that it will have more evidence of Gods fingerprints than mine. One day at a time. Every day every moment I have a choice.
Saturday was our second team run at lake Calhoun. I have been taking the training very lightly lately. Schedules have been pretty tight for daily training, and honestly I have been enjoying being able to focus on other things. I found out Saturday that I need to get back into it soon. We break our team up into three running abilities on team runs, so to fit where everyone is at. I thought I had time to take things easy for a while. I found out differently on Sat when my group decided to work in sprints and hill sprints to our 3.5mile workout. I knew to keep things light but the more we did our sprints the more I wanted to get into it. The second hill sprint got me. I love hills, I love to attack them. I am not ready to do hill sprints. My heart rate spiked on the second one and never really calmed down much after that. Not a big deal. Rather frustrating though. I am thankful for the extra money I spent on a heart rate monitor last year. I know my threshold and I was able to monitor where I should have been. I lightly jogged out the rest of the run and felt good to know where I am at.
I am super excited about the group of guys that will be pushing me during this season. There is a group of about eight of us that will challenge each other to greater heights. So I'll have to get back into the swing of things soon or I'll get left in the dust.
The rest of life training has me in a season of thanksgiving. Spring is ready to start cracking its thick shell and that is certainly something to be thankful for. Most exciting is the places that God has brought me to in respects to relationships that are very important to me. These endurance events have showed me to be patient, and I have applied that to many things in my life. I have never been much of a patient person. I see good or bad, what ever I see I want to react to and take action. Life has shone me to be more sensitive when I am not the only one involved in any given situation. It is amaizing the things you learn when you really strive to be less of your self and more Christlike. Simple concept, but difficult to put into action. It requires giving up. There is nothing that can't be achieved when you honestly give up and look to God for guidance. I have found surrender to be the most powerful action I could ever take. I know that great things are in store.
I look ahead to the next 10 months of my life and I am excited. Excited for the good and the bad. I doubt that it will be a smooth ride, but it will be what I make it. I pray that it will have more evidence of Gods fingerprints than mine. One day at a time. Every day every moment I have a choice.
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