Running this year in Christ!

HAPPY 2009!!!! It is insane that we are now in 2009. There are many days when it feels like I just got out of the Army - which is now practically three years ago.

I am so excited for this year. Lucy(my niece) turned one today! I can't believe she is already a year old. My sister in-law is going to have another baby in August! I am so excited for another adorable nephew/niece! My other niece turns one in April! John's cousin and his wife will be welcoming there first baby in April! I just love babies. Not just because they are so freaking adorable but because they are at the start of their lives!!! And when you hold a baby in your arms it is such an overwhelming feeling to know they are a new creation from God. I don't know hopefully that made sense. LOL!

The start of the new year is a symbol of a new start. Yes you can start anything anytime you want. But starting at 1 has such tremendous significance. For me it gives me the opportunity to track progress. I like to see where I was at the start of the year compared to the end of the year. This past year I didn't have lots of resolutions. Matter of fact I only made one. And that was to never get drunk again. I am proud to say in 2008 I was never intoxicated and as a matter of fact I can count on one hand when I drank alcohol! This year I doubt I will drink at all! The reason being is I will be participating in the Portland City Marathon on October 4th 2009! That's right baby, 26.2 miles of pure glorious running/walking.

As some of you might know it has been along time since I have been able to run. After getting hurt in the Army I never thought I would see the day. Matter of fact doctors told me all the time you will get stronger but you will never be able to run again. The first couple years after that I was in pain and depressed. In 2006 and 2007 I had an amazing osteopathic doctor that started to help me. He helped me to the point where there was no pain and I was able to start working out moderately again. Then last year I was able to work with a personal trainer that helped me strengthen my core. Everything started to feel great. Back in July on a family camping trip I had this urge to run. Nothing serious, I just to move my legs, something short. My nephews were with me at the river and they wanted to run back to the campsite. They took off and then next thing I knew I was too. My pace was steady, my breathing normal, and I felt great!!! When I got back to the campsite I waited for the pain. It never came! After that I had more urges to run. I felt a part inside of me come alive again! My running is no where back to what it used to be. But I know it will, one day!

I know God has an amazing plan for me this year (just like He does every year). My resolutions for this year are as follows:

1. Train myself physically and mentally for the next 10 months.
(I will be participating in as many little walkathons/marathons as
possible to help me get there)
2. Strengthen my relationship with Christ!
3. Be a better wife, friend, mentor, and counselor.

That wraps up my resolutions this year. I know God will be leading me through it all.

I also want to just mention something to everyone (including myself). Each year we set resolutions and a lot of times I believe people think they fail at what they set out to do. To hopefully avoid that feeling this year, keep your mind open. We are not control of everything. Circumstances happen. Always be ready to adjust and refocus the goal. And most of all, remember God is in control. We have plans but sometimes God's plans are different for us. Talk to Him and ask Him to help you follow His plan!