One step at a time...

Running for me and most is a form of therapy. Sometimes it helps manifest problems I may need to address. Anything that is going on in your brain will manifest in your running. You can't separate it.

One of my biggest struggles is worry. I will worry about things that have a less than 1% chance of happening. In the past year I have realized that by worrying, I am not trusting in God. But, it's interesting how much we can let worry infiltrate our lives.

I realized that I've done this in my running. Oddly enough...it has nothing to do with my falling! I've started running with a running group, and the coach and all the other runners keep telling me that I should be running 15 miles for my long run to train for the full in January. I know these are coaches that have gotten hundreds of runners across the finish line, but I still am worried that I'm not running enough!

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner

That quote is true, but when to train too hard too soon, you are asking for an injury. Then, all in one moment, your hard work, dedication and hope is gone. All because I worried and trained too hard.

So, I will train for the race of life as I train for the race set before me on January 15, 2012. One step at a time. With diligence, patience, and care. I will trust the Lord to get me through life just as I will trust coaches to get me across the finish line.

After all, I trust the Lord with their lives...www.asourown.com...why don't I trust Him with mine?

I love Fall!!

When I was younger, my favorite time of year was Spring/Summer...or let's call it like it is...the 8 months of the year that are triple-digit temps in Houston. I loved that it was hot, there was no school, you could spend all day at the pool, go to the lake, and so much more. It was a season of renewal. But, let's face it...Summer is a bit of a selfish season. It's all about the bikini body, fun, and freedom.

Maybe it's a sign of me aging (I know I know... not old...yet), but the past two years, Fall has wedged it's way into my heart. I think it shows that my priorities have changed over the years. Fall is when the holidays start and family events begin. I love the food, the decorations, and the idea that family, friends, and love really matter.

Also, Fall has become the season that reminds me of new beginnings. Two years ago in October, I met my favorite person :). We spent the Fall and Winter learning about each other and ourselves. That same year, I was able to venture to India where I met some amazing girls that touched my heart. My life has never been the same, and I thank God for Fall 2009.

When I came back from India, first, I looked to see if a certain someone had emailed or messaged me! Then, I thought, how do I bring this fight back to the states. I had seen the Red Light District and the homeless suffering. But I had also seen girls rescued to the light and men determined to spread love to a country.

Almost two years later, it feels like a dream. India was the most amazing experience of my life. And as much as I want to be there, hugging these sweet, amazing young woman, I know that I am an advocate on this side of the world. That is why I run. As the air cools, I am reminded of packing by bags, and heading across the world.

We are here for a short time. How do I want my time used? I want to do something extraordinary. I want to do something that lives beyond my years. So I run. I run for every girl in India that has been told her life is worthless. I run for every girl that needs to know she is a daughter of the King.

If you want to be a part of something that will last for eternity and will leave a legacy of love across the world, please consider donating. You can donate to As Our Own by clicking the title of this blog or copying this into your browser https://iwillrun.myetap.org/fundraiser/houston/individual.do?participationRef=977.0.134245405. I promise, you won't regret leaving your legacy.

Aramco Houston Half Marathon

Unsafe water kills about 2 million children per year, and that's if they can get any water at all. One dime can provide clean water for one person for 37 days. I know I'm the worst about being annoyed by loose change, but I never thought my loose change could save a person's life.

When I was in India, we saw children walking to a well filled with dirty water. They made a few trips in order to bring water to their village. Now, just think if that same water they used to provide for their village was also killing them. Can you imagine spending most of your day travelling to get dirty water? We talk about how these countries don't have proper education or medical care, but none of that matters if they don't have clean water, or any water at all.

About a week ago, I was informed that I was chosen to run with Team Living Water in the Aramco Half Marathon in Houston on January 30, 2010. I am so blessed to do what I love to help benefit those that God loves. Living Water International sends mission trips all over the world to build water wells, so these families can have clean water to drink.

It breaks my heart to think that somewhere a child may love to run and play, and may have the gift of running, but spends his time walking miles to get dirty water for his family. Imagine the next time you step on a treadmill or on your favorite trail (or walk your favorite mall) that the distance you run or walk, a child may have to walk that far to get dirty water.

Hebrews 12:1,2 says "Let Us Run With Perseverance The Race That Is Set Before Us..." The race set before me is not only to make it to the finish line, but also to spread the word of those suffering. The race these children and families run is of survival. We can delight and rejoice that any money raised will not only bring clean water but also a seed of hope and love to devastated people.

There is a quote I love by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'” That is how I feel about running and about life. The Bible says to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I hope to love my neighbor as God loves them. He created each hair on their head, called them by name, and loves them as dearly as He loves us, so why are we the ones blessed to have clean water?

We are blessed to be a blessing.

If you feel lead, please visit my donor page at http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=6619&CRID=29&CID=245.

My goal is to raise $1,000 by January 30, 2010. I do ask that everyone please join me in prayer for these people and as I train and fund raise for them as well.