Jingle Bell Run

It's me and my Mom! Yep! This past Sunday we ran in the "Jingle Bell Run". Everyone wore bells on their shoes. The sound through the forest was indescribable...hundreds of light smooth sounding bells. It was only a 5K, but it was a good one. I came in 3rd for my age category and received a bigger bell (see picture) and my Mom won that exercise thing she is stretching in the picture. So great and the day was warm...unlike now...it is FREEZING!!! Brrrrr...I have been drinking hot water all day. Anyways that night was the African church service which was also so amazing. I spoke some French to a teenage girl...she has just gotten to the states and knows very little English. I really do love French. =0) Oh yes...it has been a couple of eventful weeks. Backflash: last week (before the race) I went to visit my Grandparents with my cousin Josh. I hung out with my Grandma and got to go to a quilting class and she is MAKING ME A PURSE for my Birthday!!!!!!! I am really excited about that. I was able to pick out the materials and everything for it!!! Going to the farm was also great. I played in the corn like I used to do when I was little and took the tractor for a spin and went up into the hay loft and just was a kid and it was wonderful. I felt so free running around the farm with the wind in my hair. Happy Sigh.

This past week I traveled to Chicago to see an old friend. I hurt to see her so miserable. I don't even think she realizes how much pain she is in. I prayed and wanted to show Christ to her, but I really am a selfish being. I was emotional exhausted and had a hard time really speaking up. She is so closed off to help, every time I tried she would make up excuses. I guess the bottom line is...I should have spoken more freely of Jesus in my own life than I did. I guess it is just a learning experience.

I also am getting stronger…sadly and also thankfully from my ex. What a mess. Life at times seems like a soap opera. It makes me relieved that I am not alone. Nope…God is by my side. “And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. “And the God of peace with soon crush satan under your feet” Romans 16:20. Sadly, most do not know they can also have this hope. My prayer now is that I can work through my anger. I don’t get angry often at people, but find myself angry at him and how he treated me. Yes, he tried to do things right…and truthfully in some ways he was great…but in many ways…he was UNWISE and immature. The thing is…I have to work this out on my own and forgive without involving him because he has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be involved which is really too bad because I think we could have help each other grow quite a bit. Anyways….

I keep seeing people that are falling apart and it makes me hurt. In the past couple of weeks…there just seems to be so much of it. Why? Christians and nonchristians alike. I don’t understand. And I don’t get my role in society. I want to help others…but how? It seems like most are living to please themselves…to get ahead or enjoy life. I know I want to enjoy life too, but people seem to be going about it the wrong way or something. Selfishness and seeking material pleasures…placing them first. It is good to have fun and go places and experience things, but that shouldn’t be the focus. The focus is on pleasing God and glorifying him all that you do. Agh! I always have more to say, but I need to go. Life. I am thankful for it. Lord, please give me your wisdom...I really need it. May I glorify you in all I say, think and do.