Holy Week:A WHOLE week

Today I am pondering on the immense power of Holy Week! It is a sadly unacknowledged/uncelebrated holiday. I realize that we live in a busy time. But do you you ever wonder what it is about Christmas that ignites such high emotion and excitement (besides the gifts of course) that Easter is not able to do?  As a Christian, Easter should be one of the most humbling and meaningful holidays of the whole year. I have found that as I've grown, I realize this concept more and more; I'm sure this has much to do with my ever evolving knowledge and relationship with my God.


As I prepare for my week of vacation (spring break) and realize that this is after all Holy week... I will make a point to turn my eyes towards my resurrecting Christ a bit more. It is overwhelming for me to think about what Christ did on the cross for me all those years ago. As I try to fathom the immensity of His wondrous act, I find myself feeling a sense of great thankfulness that He has already paid the price, that He has come to save the world, that He has loved... so that I may love (and boy do I have a lot to love). Praise the Lord as we prepare for our coming Savior!

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and BELIEVES in me shall never die..." --John 11:25-26

"You make me a better person."

This a quote from a dear friend of mine. As we were conversing over an early supper tonight she said those kind and humbling words to me. Wow! What an amazing thing to hear from someone that I care about. I am very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life. I don't always think that I am a good (or great) friend but it was reassuring to hear that I am a positive influence in the lives of the people around me. I can not even put into words how much this 'out of the blue' comment meant to me. It also reminded me to tell the people around me how much they are impacting me; it reminded me to be thankful for the people that are impacting me. Thus, today I am so especially thankful for my dear friend, Ashley, and all of the other friends in my life that truly do 'make ME a better person'.

Phillipians 1:3
^"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.."

Gracefully Akward

Today I had my first winter-run fall. I have known that this day would come since I embarked on outdoor running again this winter. Last winter was one for the books as it was mild, had little snow fall and barely any ice; So I ran often last winter. I did not run outdoors much this winter until I signed up for the half-marathon because this winter was not quite as kind. Let me shorten my long story...


Basically, I've 'almost' fallen about 100 times in the past few months but managed to gracefully (or not so gracefully) gain my balance back and continue trotting along. Today, however, my luck ran out. I was out on my long run this afternoon and came to a point in the trail where I was going to meet a couple that was walking. There was a HUGE puddle at the point of intersection and I had two options, try to squeeze in by them as we met, or run around the puddle on my side and go into some sloppy grass. I opted for option two. At the exact moment that we crossed paths and I headed for the sloppy grass, I found out that the grass was actually a nice layer of ice and water. Needless to say, I fell. I fell right in front of the nice couple. I got up and laughed it off as they asked about my well-being (MN nice). I continued trotting for quite a few more miles and came home to heal my wounds.

All in all, it's not too bad. I'm a bit sore, have a few bruises and of course a bruised ego, but I'd say I paid my dues. I shouldn't have to worry about any more falls now since spring is upon us!

Not that this is my husband's fault or anything, but he did choose to go to the gym instead of running with me. My scripture is more for entertainment, but it did seem oh so fitting.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
-Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them (Bethany) falls down, one can help the other up.-

Today I'm thankful that I have been able to avoid a fall for so long. I am also thankful that my fall was very minor in damage. I'll be back at it tomorrow!