Oct. 8, 2009
Poor neglected blog!
still trying to figure out how to do all the things I'd like to do! my poor blog doesn't get to know about all the things going on in life and what I'd like to share!
Things are hectic. I still haven't posted pictures and info about the mission trip - though I'm almost through posting picts on facebook - I'll have to eliminate a lot for here. Hubby defends his dissertation this coming week!
Saturday is our 11 year anniversary. Anna is 18 months and is as cute as a button - quite adventurous though! She has learned how to say Jenna and they way she says it is SO cute.
Hubby is at a conference this week. Things haven't been going smoothly at all. and I've been emotional and trying to put everything into perspective. I need to update my last post on the august books - and I need to post septembers too. This year is flying by!
Well, i have to run. Just stopping by to try and not forget I actually own a blog! of course i have 2 other neglected blogs too - i like to go all out i guess! LOL
marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
Things are hectic. I still haven't posted pictures and info about the mission trip - though I'm almost through posting picts on facebook - I'll have to eliminate a lot for here. Hubby defends his dissertation this coming week!
Saturday is our 11 year anniversary. Anna is 18 months and is as cute as a button - quite adventurous though! She has learned how to say Jenna and they way she says it is SO cute.
Hubby is at a conference this week. Things haven't been going smoothly at all. and I've been emotional and trying to put everything into perspective. I need to update my last post on the august books - and I need to post septembers too. This year is flying by!
Well, i have to run. Just stopping by to try and not forget I actually own a blog! of course i have 2 other neglected blogs too - i like to go all out i guess! LOL
marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 0 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Sep. 19, 2009
Books I read in August
Here are the books I read in August - I'll come back later to add in ratings and more synopsis - just wanted to get them out there.
34 - 50/50 by Dean Karnazes - about the man who ran 50 marathons in 50 days.
35 - Performance Nurition for Runners - EXCELLENT book - I had no idea that most oils break down into toxic free radicals when you heat them - the only one that doesn't is Extra Virgin Olive Oil!!! So many neat tips in this book.
36 - Body Clutter by Flylady - great book on overcoming negative thinking, bad habits and nutrition issues.
37 - Grace Based Parenting by ___________ - Great Book I read while on the mission trip - more about it later.
38 - The Soldiers Lady - next 3 books are all a Christian Fiction series written by Michael Phillips - set in the Carolinas during Civil war times. Fascinating books.
39 - Never Too Late
40 - Miss Katie's Rosewood
41 - Here I Stand - by Roland Bainton - Finished this while on the mission trip as well. Story of Martin Luther. Really awesome book - though complicated and hard to read in places.
ok - I'll come back soon to fill in the gaps. Looks like I won't be able to get my goal of reading 100 books this year - although if I counted the kids school books I could make it ;)
marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
34 - 50/50 by Dean Karnazes - about the man who ran 50 marathons in 50 days.
35 - Performance Nurition for Runners - EXCELLENT book - I had no idea that most oils break down into toxic free radicals when you heat them - the only one that doesn't is Extra Virgin Olive Oil!!! So many neat tips in this book.
36 - Body Clutter by Flylady - great book on overcoming negative thinking, bad habits and nutrition issues.
37 - Grace Based Parenting by ___________ - Great Book I read while on the mission trip - more about it later.
38 - The Soldiers Lady - next 3 books are all a Christian Fiction series written by Michael Phillips - set in the Carolinas during Civil war times. Fascinating books.
39 - Never Too Late
40 - Miss Katie's Rosewood
41 - Here I Stand - by Roland Bainton - Finished this while on the mission trip as well. Story of Martin Luther. Really awesome book - though complicated and hard to read in places.
ok - I'll come back soon to fill in the gaps. Looks like I won't be able to get my goal of reading 100 books this year - although if I counted the kids school books I could make it ;)
marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 0 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Sep. 18, 2009
Unfortunate Circumstances and Life Changing Experiences!!!
Still haven't taken the time to post about things that happened on the trip...but here I write a bit about what's happened and thoughts I've had since returning...One thing I realized pretty quickly is that life goes on normally while you are gone and when you return there are issues trying to get back into normal life. When you go away one a mission trip and do different things and acts of service you are changed but things are the same when coming home. It takes to figure out how to go forward from there.
We returned the second week of September and it was one of the hardest weeks I'd had in a while due to a race I ran that didn't go well, and some health issues and trying to figure out how the new me would relate to those around me. I was pretty emotional and feeling messed up the whole week. I pulled back from people and prayed a lot...Then this week things have been smoother and I've felt a difference in me. More willing to do what is needed and keep going regardless of how people respond. I have committed to making changes on returning from the trip - changes in the things and time I spend with my family, changes in how I view difficulties and changes in my relationships with others. I am slowly seeing those changes happen and I feel more freedom then in the past. More confident that the person I was on the trip didn't go away...I believe the enemy may have been attacking me and trying to keep me from making those changes, wanting me to fall back into the old me I was before the mission trip. The last few weeks are hard, but he is losing and God is working.
Here are some thoughts on that.
----
As I sat yesterday trying to contemplate thoughts on the trip - lessons I learned I verbalized some of them with these words:
---
The past is the past. It doesn't matter anymore. It's not who I am.
I am a child of God - a child of worth - no less then those children in Honduras and around the world born into more unfortunate circumstances.
We all have unfortunate circumstances. God gives us what we need to make something of all our lives, even those unfortunate circumstances. To learn and grow, forgive and change.
When we turn to Him out of those circumstances we bring beautiful results into our lives and those around us - Hope, grace, love, peace, mercy and strength.
God loves me and cherishes me enough to die for me. I can hope and dream others will love me and care for me in the way that makes me come alive. But if they don't I can still be who God designed me to me - who I want to be. The choices I have to make, the work I do is valuable even if no one appreciates the effort. That is no reason to give up.
God has saved me from others and myself, from unfortunate circumstances, mistakes and sin. He has blessed me with gifts and strength and He waits for me to turn to Him and use them to get through life, even the hard days to come. I am confident the future will be better then the past bec ause God will guide my steps and teach me valuable lessons and truths. In return we are supposed to tell others about those truths. This is the reason I believe God gave me the desire to go to Honduras. To dedicate my time and actions to living out what I know in my heart is true.
What has followed me home is that I know these truths deeper then before. Love and faith is more real and unlike the walls we built in order to bless the families in Honduras, I find myself desiring to tear down the walls brick by brick that I've built around myself all these years to protect myself. Or as Santos would say bloque (Blah-K). I desire to remove them by trusting more, living less fearfully - not getting discouraged by others or those circumstances.
Things I knew before still were hard to live when I was hurt by others and not treated the ways I'd hoped. I let my disappointments create doubt and keep me back from goals. but my trust and confidence in God is stronger after this trip. I went and I poured my heart out unreservedly without hesitation, doing things that were asked of me - and doing things that weren't asked but I saw a need there that others might not have seen and I gave myself without fear or restraint. Probably the most genuine acts of love I'd ever shown - the real me showed up in Honduras. The person I always thought I could be someday.
And that person has followed me home! I know I've let many people down and I am sorry for that. I know I've second guessed myself and let others view of me become my own even when I've known it wasn't always true. I have learned God's plan will be fulfilled and it is always the best...and that no matter how long it takes to make changes it's never too late. He is patient and kind and understanding. His strength is everlasting and His power can do amazing things when we ask Him for His help.
-----
I hope if you've never considered a mission trip before that you will consider one in the future. It was an amazing journey - that I know won't actually end for a while....More pictures and posts later.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
We returned the second week of September and it was one of the hardest weeks I'd had in a while due to a race I ran that didn't go well, and some health issues and trying to figure out how the new me would relate to those around me. I was pretty emotional and feeling messed up the whole week. I pulled back from people and prayed a lot...Then this week things have been smoother and I've felt a difference in me. More willing to do what is needed and keep going regardless of how people respond. I have committed to making changes on returning from the trip - changes in the things and time I spend with my family, changes in how I view difficulties and changes in my relationships with others. I am slowly seeing those changes happen and I feel more freedom then in the past. More confident that the person I was on the trip didn't go away...I believe the enemy may have been attacking me and trying to keep me from making those changes, wanting me to fall back into the old me I was before the mission trip. The last few weeks are hard, but he is losing and God is working.
Here are some thoughts on that.
----
As I sat yesterday trying to contemplate thoughts on the trip - lessons I learned I verbalized some of them with these words:
---
The past is the past. It doesn't matter anymore. It's not who I am.
I am a child of God - a child of worth - no less then those children in Honduras and around the world born into more unfortunate circumstances.
We all have unfortunate circumstances. God gives us what we need to make something of all our lives, even those unfortunate circumstances. To learn and grow, forgive and change.
When we turn to Him out of those circumstances we bring beautiful results into our lives and those around us - Hope, grace, love, peace, mercy and strength.
God loves me and cherishes me enough to die for me. I can hope and dream others will love me and care for me in the way that makes me come alive. But if they don't I can still be who God designed me to me - who I want to be. The choices I have to make, the work I do is valuable even if no one appreciates the effort. That is no reason to give up.
God has saved me from others and myself, from unfortunate circumstances, mistakes and sin. He has blessed me with gifts and strength and He waits for me to turn to Him and use them to get through life, even the hard days to come. I am confident the future will be better then the past bec ause God will guide my steps and teach me valuable lessons and truths. In return we are supposed to tell others about those truths. This is the reason I believe God gave me the desire to go to Honduras. To dedicate my time and actions to living out what I know in my heart is true.
What has followed me home is that I know these truths deeper then before. Love and faith is more real and unlike the walls we built in order to bless the families in Honduras, I find myself desiring to tear down the walls brick by brick that I've built around myself all these years to protect myself. Or as Santos would say bloque (Blah-K). I desire to remove them by trusting more, living less fearfully - not getting discouraged by others or those circumstances.
Things I knew before still were hard to live when I was hurt by others and not treated the ways I'd hoped. I let my disappointments create doubt and keep me back from goals. but my trust and confidence in God is stronger after this trip. I went and I poured my heart out unreservedly without hesitation, doing things that were asked of me - and doing things that weren't asked but I saw a need there that others might not have seen and I gave myself without fear or restraint. Probably the most genuine acts of love I'd ever shown - the real me showed up in Honduras. The person I always thought I could be someday.
And that person has followed me home! I know I've let many people down and I am sorry for that. I know I've second guessed myself and let others view of me become my own even when I've known it wasn't always true. I have learned God's plan will be fulfilled and it is always the best...and that no matter how long it takes to make changes it's never too late. He is patient and kind and understanding. His strength is everlasting and His power can do amazing things when we ask Him for His help.
-----
I hope if you've never considered a mission trip before that you will consider one in the future. It was an amazing journey - that I know won't actually end for a while....More pictures and posts later.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 3 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Sep. 1, 2009
Dreams
I know - another post from me! Amazing isn't it. I don't have many readers for my blog anymore. That's what happens when you aren't regular I guess - people stop coming by to visit....but I still want to write about things that are going on. So here I am.
Last night I dreamed about Honduras. I was back there but I was saying bye again and as a crowd of kids were around me I wanted to remember their faces but I couldn't see them well through my tears. I was truly blessed to be able to go to Honduras. There are many changes I want to make in my life to not take things as much for granted as I do. I need to break out of bad habits and set new ones. Set new goals and do things with a more focused purpose and not just aimlessly wander near the goals I have currently.
I miss Honduras deeply. A part of me wishes we could just up and move there. My family would probably think I was crazy if they knew that. I seriously doubt that would ever happen anyways...but I know a huge part of me I left behind there. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. I know all things happen for a reason. I'm sure at some point if God wants me to understand why it took 12 years after graduation from college for me to go on a mission trip then I will come to realize it in time. Plans often don't turn out the way we wish. My desire to be a medical missionary in a third world country didn't come about - but I do know as God's children we are all missionaries every day to the people we interact with. I hope God will grow me to be a better witness for him here where are family currently is.
Who knows, maybe my daughter will end up there. She has said several times she wants to go to Honduras and play with the kids and share some of her toys and talk to them. She bounces around between want she wants to be, she's wanted to be a vet - because she loves horses. A couple years ago when reading the book Missionary Stories for the Millers she said she wanted to be a missionary. She has also said she wants to be a stay at home mom...and a Pampered Chef consultant too. I see in her a desire to be like me, but also to do different things that are in her heart. I wonder how it will turn out. Time will tell. In the meantime maybe my thoughts can help others re-evaluate their life just like I'm doing with mine and make changes if they wish.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
Last night I dreamed about Honduras. I was back there but I was saying bye again and as a crowd of kids were around me I wanted to remember their faces but I couldn't see them well through my tears. I was truly blessed to be able to go to Honduras. There are many changes I want to make in my life to not take things as much for granted as I do. I need to break out of bad habits and set new ones. Set new goals and do things with a more focused purpose and not just aimlessly wander near the goals I have currently.
I miss Honduras deeply. A part of me wishes we could just up and move there. My family would probably think I was crazy if they knew that. I seriously doubt that would ever happen anyways...but I know a huge part of me I left behind there. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. I know all things happen for a reason. I'm sure at some point if God wants me to understand why it took 12 years after graduation from college for me to go on a mission trip then I will come to realize it in time. Plans often don't turn out the way we wish. My desire to be a medical missionary in a third world country didn't come about - but I do know as God's children we are all missionaries every day to the people we interact with. I hope God will grow me to be a better witness for him here where are family currently is.
Who knows, maybe my daughter will end up there. She has said several times she wants to go to Honduras and play with the kids and share some of her toys and talk to them. She bounces around between want she wants to be, she's wanted to be a vet - because she loves horses. A couple years ago when reading the book Missionary Stories for the Millers she said she wanted to be a missionary. She has also said she wants to be a stay at home mom...and a Pampered Chef consultant too. I see in her a desire to be like me, but also to do different things that are in her heart. I wonder how it will turn out. Time will tell. In the meantime maybe my thoughts can help others re-evaluate their life just like I'm doing with mine and make changes if they wish.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 3 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Sep. 1, 2009
Books I Read in June and July!
Well, I didn't realize I had not posted my list of books I'd read for the past couple months...So I'll post them all here with short little blurbs about them!
In June I read:
27 - A Quest For More - by Paul Tripp - I loved this book! I would rate it the highest I could rate it on any scale that's out there. It was a great book about living your life with eternal purpose and not trying to fit God into a smaller role of your life - but to have His kingdom be magnified - way bigger then the size of our little kingdoms we try to make and rule ourselves. Excellent!!!
28 - The Shame and the Sacrifice by Edwin Robertson - another excellent book - It's about Dietrich Bonhoeffer - it was fascinating to read about his life, the things going on in his family and with his friends and learn more about the current state of things in Germany! A very compelling biography that shows one person can make a huge difference!
29 - A Perilous Proposal by Michael Phillips - The first book in the Carolina Cousins series - a companion to the Shenendoah series that has similar events but some differences. It is a good book about a white teenager and a black teenager that God brings together and teaches them how to love ad learn from each other.
In July I read:
July
30 - When You Lie About Your Age the Terriorists Win: Reflections in the Mirror - by Carol Leifer - She's a comedian of Jewish Heritage. Not really a book I'd recommend. Some of it is funny but some of it is rude and makes fun on mainstream conservative religion. She talks about discovering she's gay and all sorts of things. It was a quick and easy read - otherwise I wouldn't have finished reading the book.
31 - A Day To Pick Your Own Cotton - by Michael Phillips - book 2 in the Shenandoah Sisters series. .
32 - The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart by Michael Phillips - book 3 in the Shenandoah series - both have the struggle with the white and black girl to keep the plantation going without Katie's parents being there since they are both orphans. Other characters come into the story - love interests and other family members (uncles) that begin to help out. Real good books.
33 - What's a Christian to do With Harry Potter by Connie Neill - Excellent book that talks about some of the concerns people have with the series: witchcraft. sorcery, etc. There are many excellent passages in here about how to talk about the good qualities developing in some of the characters and bad qualities in others. The author's position is that you can read the books with discernment and pick out a lot of lessons the characters have learned that you can share with your children. Very enlightening book that I recommend.
I will come back and post August's books soon - I read way more books in August then I've done in awhile. It will take me a bit to review them :)
As always - if you've read any good books leave me a comment about them and I will add it to my list!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
In June I read:
27 - A Quest For More - by Paul Tripp - I loved this book! I would rate it the highest I could rate it on any scale that's out there. It was a great book about living your life with eternal purpose and not trying to fit God into a smaller role of your life - but to have His kingdom be magnified - way bigger then the size of our little kingdoms we try to make and rule ourselves. Excellent!!!
28 - The Shame and the Sacrifice by Edwin Robertson - another excellent book - It's about Dietrich Bonhoeffer - it was fascinating to read about his life, the things going on in his family and with his friends and learn more about the current state of things in Germany! A very compelling biography that shows one person can make a huge difference!
29 - A Perilous Proposal by Michael Phillips - The first book in the Carolina Cousins series - a companion to the Shenendoah series that has similar events but some differences. It is a good book about a white teenager and a black teenager that God brings together and teaches them how to love ad learn from each other.
In July I read:
July
30 - When You Lie About Your Age the Terriorists Win: Reflections in the Mirror - by Carol Leifer - She's a comedian of Jewish Heritage. Not really a book I'd recommend. Some of it is funny but some of it is rude and makes fun on mainstream conservative religion. She talks about discovering she's gay and all sorts of things. It was a quick and easy read - otherwise I wouldn't have finished reading the book.
31 - A Day To Pick Your Own Cotton - by Michael Phillips - book 2 in the Shenandoah Sisters series. .
32 - The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart by Michael Phillips - book 3 in the Shenandoah series - both have the struggle with the white and black girl to keep the plantation going without Katie's parents being there since they are both orphans. Other characters come into the story - love interests and other family members (uncles) that begin to help out. Real good books.
33 - What's a Christian to do With Harry Potter by Connie Neill - Excellent book that talks about some of the concerns people have with the series: witchcraft. sorcery, etc. There are many excellent passages in here about how to talk about the good qualities developing in some of the characters and bad qualities in others. The author's position is that you can read the books with discernment and pick out a lot of lessons the characters have learned that you can share with your children. Very enlightening book that I recommend.
I will come back and post August's books soon - I read way more books in August then I've done in awhile. It will take me a bit to review them :)
As always - if you've read any good books leave me a comment about them and I will add it to my list!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 0 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Aug. 29, 2009
So Many Thoughts - So Little Time...
Since returning from Honduras so many thoughts have been swirling around in my head. Ramifications of the way I live. I am happy with who I am as a person (which is huge for me to say that). God has taught me a lot of lessons. He's working on me and helping me in my relationships and other goals and desires....Yet I see things I could do different. Usually when these thoughts hit me I'm cooking dinner or in the shower and so I don't have the opportunity to write them down - and then they start to fade.
Some of them I posted on my facebook account...feeling I haven't accomplished much at home since returning from Honduras - (Yet I think some of that was due to an allergic reaction I had to the malaria medicine. Because of that - and being so active while gone I think my body needed more rest and so I've been slower in some of my tasks since I've been back)
I also have seen more ways that I am my family are selfish. I can do things to change some of my issues but I'm not sure about what I should say to my family. I have sorted through my closet and pulled out clothes that are too big, clothes I don't wear that much or that I don't like anymore. I have a lot of clothes to donate and my closet looks neat - it's not stuffed with ridiculous amounts of clothes!
I am considering donating some of my discretionary money to the missionaries in Honduras - or maybe seeing if we can cut some categories expenses and donate more then I would be able to do otherwise. I'll continue to post thoughts that I have about my life and things I can do to make more of a difference in my local community - I know I have been blessed so much - and I take much of it for granted and am always wanting more. I hope God can change me into a more giving, selfless person.
Stay tuned for more thoughtful posts - and soon those pictures of things we did while in Honduras.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
Some of them I posted on my facebook account...feeling I haven't accomplished much at home since returning from Honduras - (Yet I think some of that was due to an allergic reaction I had to the malaria medicine. Because of that - and being so active while gone I think my body needed more rest and so I've been slower in some of my tasks since I've been back)
I also have seen more ways that I am my family are selfish. I can do things to change some of my issues but I'm not sure about what I should say to my family. I have sorted through my closet and pulled out clothes that are too big, clothes I don't wear that much or that I don't like anymore. I have a lot of clothes to donate and my closet looks neat - it's not stuffed with ridiculous amounts of clothes!
I am considering donating some of my discretionary money to the missionaries in Honduras - or maybe seeing if we can cut some categories expenses and donate more then I would be able to do otherwise. I'll continue to post thoughts that I have about my life and things I can do to make more of a difference in my local community - I know I have been blessed so much - and I take much of it for granted and am always wanting more. I hope God can change me into a more giving, selfless person.
Stay tuned for more thoughtful posts - and soon those pictures of things we did while in Honduras.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 0 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Aug. 26, 2009
Honduras - where to begin???
Our team returned from the mission trip to Honduras around midnight Sat night/Sun morning. We had a wonderful time serving the people there, working along the missionary families and getting to know each other on the team even more!
It was truly amazing. I am not even sure how to begin starting sharing about it. I have tons of pictures. I'll have to narrow down the ones I want to post here. I will post a lot more of the pictures on my facebook account, so send me your info for FB if you want to see more of the pictures then I'll share here.
I wrote some journal entries while there...I will type some of them in and share them here with you so you can know more of the things we did and the thoughts I had. Coming back to my family after a week away was wonderful. I had missed them a lot and they had missed me too. I am more aware of what I want my family to look like, our home to look like and the things we will do together. I knew that God had blessed our family, but after my trip I am way more aware of all the little things we take for granted that are huge blessings from God.
I miss the people in Honduras terribly. I have been praying for them everyday. I have even cried a couple times and wished I'd had a bit longer there. The Pettengill family and McCann family are doing amazing works there. Please pray for them! Check out their blogs too if you would like.
Pettengill’s Ministry Blog:
http://www.
Erin Pettengill’s Blog:
http://pettengillmissionaries.
McCann’s Ministry Blog:
http://mccannsinhonduras.
McCann’s Family Blog:
http://cosmocam.blogspot.com/
Mike
Missionary to Honduras
www.pettengillmissionaries.org
I will try to start posting stuff about the trip real soon.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
It was truly amazing. I am not even sure how to begin starting sharing about it. I have tons of pictures. I'll have to narrow down the ones I want to post here. I will post a lot more of the pictures on my facebook account, so send me your info for FB if you want to see more of the pictures then I'll share here.
I wrote some journal entries while there...I will type some of them in and share them here with you so you can know more of the things we did and the thoughts I had. Coming back to my family after a week away was wonderful. I had missed them a lot and they had missed me too. I am more aware of what I want my family to look like, our home to look like and the things we will do together. I knew that God had blessed our family, but after my trip I am way more aware of all the little things we take for granted that are huge blessings from God.
I miss the people in Honduras terribly. I have been praying for them everyday. I have even cried a couple times and wished I'd had a bit longer there. The Pettengill family and McCann family are doing amazing works there. Please pray for them! Check out their blogs too if you would like.
Pettengill’s Ministry Blog:
http://www.
Erin Pettengill’s Blog:
http://pettengillmissionaries.
McCann’s Ministry Blog:
http://mccannsinhonduras.
McCann’s Family Blog:
http://cosmocam.blogspot.com/
Mike
Missionary to Honduras
www.pettengillmissionaries.org
I will try to start posting stuff about the trip real soon.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 1 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Aug. 24, 2009
My Summer......
Just writing the title makes me think of high school and those essays we used to write at the beginning of the school year on what we did over the summer.
My essays were always a struggle for me, trying to find something cool to write about. The truth was most of my summers were boring and sad. I didn't have friends wanting to play with me. My family wasn't really interested in spending time with me. I was usually alone. Sometimes we did get to go to the beach and visit my grandparents and cousins. I usually ended up writing about that.
Well I've been blessed since college and in my marriage to always seem to have interesting things going on! Sometimes those things aren't particularly fun - like a couple summers ago when I was pregnant with Anna and was a frequent visitor at the hospital. Other times I've done lots of neat things like vacations and field trips. This summer has been a great time of learning more about myself and what it means to reach out to others without fear and with confidence...2 of the big things I struggle with the most.
God is growing me, stretching me and always sustaining me, even when I don't realize it. His grace is amazing! I can't wait to tell y'all all about the things that have been going on!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
My essays were always a struggle for me, trying to find something cool to write about. The truth was most of my summers were boring and sad. I didn't have friends wanting to play with me. My family wasn't really interested in spending time with me. I was usually alone. Sometimes we did get to go to the beach and visit my grandparents and cousins. I usually ended up writing about that.
Well I've been blessed since college and in my marriage to always seem to have interesting things going on! Sometimes those things aren't particularly fun - like a couple summers ago when I was pregnant with Anna and was a frequent visitor at the hospital. Other times I've done lots of neat things like vacations and field trips. This summer has been a great time of learning more about myself and what it means to reach out to others without fear and with confidence...2 of the big things I struggle with the most.
God is growing me, stretching me and always sustaining me, even when I don't realize it. His grace is amazing! I can't wait to tell y'all all about the things that have been going on!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 1 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Aug. 14, 2009
Half Marathon Training - Goals and Surprises!!!!
On Saturday, Aug 8th I left my home planning to do my longest run ever....10 miles. I was nervous and doubtful that I'd be able to do it. I felt a bit of pressure to accomplish it without backing down because the race was scheduled for Sept 12th (more on that later). I didn't have many more runs to attempt these longer distances before doing the suggested pre-race taper to let my body rest a bit.
It was a beautiful morning here in the desert, not too hot yet and there was a very pretty sunrise. I didn't even feel as tired as I had some times before. I ran up to the bike path intending to get off at one exit but I missed it so went a little farther. I was absolutely amazed when I looked down at my iPod and saw I'd already gone 8 miles and wasn't that tired yet! I decided to go farther instead of turning back to go home. I just kept going. I was even running on some hilly routes and it was amazing that I was keepign a consistent pace! My total distance for that day was 12.5 miles in 2 and 1/2 hours!
When I walked in the door of my home I was totally excited. I felt amazed, blessed and more confident. Events may be easy but pushing yourself to do more, or be faster or improve can be hard. That's what training is for. It's getting ready for a different level - mentally, physically and spiritually as well. It isn't just health and fitness that's improved, but confidence levels and for me even spiritual realizations about not giving up when struggling. There are a lot of lessons to be learned insetting difficult goals and working towards them bit by bit. There are surprises along the way...like breaths of fresh air given to invigorate us when we are doubting or tired or confused.
I am looking forward to more long runs that will challenge me...and the same with cycling I've started doing. I did a very challenging 8 mile route with a friend. Even though I wanted to give up I didn't! There was a long hill (about 1 mile long) that is about a 5-6% grade. I so wanted to stop but he kept encouraging me to get to the next leveled off place and then we could rest a bit if I wanted. So I pushed myself to keep going. Tackling something that is hard and succeeding helps me be more confident at home with all the projects that I'm faced with - including school (in those moments when I don't know whey I am teaching my kids!)
The half-marathon may not happen - there are some issues the group is trying to work through. If it's canceled it will be ok. There will be another one at some point and I know I can be ready for it. God is teaching me to keep moving.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
It was a beautiful morning here in the desert, not too hot yet and there was a very pretty sunrise. I didn't even feel as tired as I had some times before. I ran up to the bike path intending to get off at one exit but I missed it so went a little farther. I was absolutely amazed when I looked down at my iPod and saw I'd already gone 8 miles and wasn't that tired yet! I decided to go farther instead of turning back to go home. I just kept going. I was even running on some hilly routes and it was amazing that I was keepign a consistent pace! My total distance for that day was 12.5 miles in 2 and 1/2 hours!
When I walked in the door of my home I was totally excited. I felt amazed, blessed and more confident. Events may be easy but pushing yourself to do more, or be faster or improve can be hard. That's what training is for. It's getting ready for a different level - mentally, physically and spiritually as well. It isn't just health and fitness that's improved, but confidence levels and for me even spiritual realizations about not giving up when struggling. There are a lot of lessons to be learned insetting difficult goals and working towards them bit by bit. There are surprises along the way...like breaths of fresh air given to invigorate us when we are doubting or tired or confused.
I am looking forward to more long runs that will challenge me...and the same with cycling I've started doing. I did a very challenging 8 mile route with a friend. Even though I wanted to give up I didn't! There was a long hill (about 1 mile long) that is about a 5-6% grade. I so wanted to stop but he kept encouraging me to get to the next leveled off place and then we could rest a bit if I wanted. So I pushed myself to keep going. Tackling something that is hard and succeeding helps me be more confident at home with all the projects that I'm faced with - including school (in those moments when I don't know whey I am teaching my kids!)
The half-marathon may not happen - there are some issues the group is trying to work through. If it's canceled it will be ok. There will be another one at some point and I know I can be ready for it. God is teaching me to keep moving.
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
* 1 Comments
* Post A Comment!
* Permanent Link
Aug. 13, 2009
Just about time to leave the country!!!!
In 24 hours I'll be heading to the airport to get on a plane and go to Honduras! Please pray for safe travels, good health and that God will be glorified and the people will be drawn to Him.
I don't have much time to type any more - still packing and getting things ready for dad at home! I'll update when I can when I get back!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
I don't have much time to type any more - still packing and getting things ready for dad at home! I'll update when I can when I get back!
Marie
Copyright 2009PumpkinsMomma
