Some days its just too hard to put one foot in front of the other

The pain and grief are just sometimes too much.

Pray for me

Rest for the weary: The blessing of vacation

Mark 6:31(NASB) And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)


I rarely ever feel joy or just sheer happiness from the day-to-day occurrences.  Usually I have to go within and to the Lord to find it.  From my life situations I find frustration, anger, disappointment, and anxiety.  But I can shout HALLELUJAH for a vacation I just went on with my family.  A vacation that restored my soul and renewed my faith that my frustrating life situations can change and one day I will find joy and happiness from the day-to-day.  

We rented this beautiful house on Lake Sidney Lanier in Georgia for a week.

Every morning, this is what I woke up to... (after a run, a bike ride, or a swim in the lake) 

Then we would head out on my uncle's boat for a cruise.

At one point when we were out on the water I became so overcome with emotion.  I thought about all that I have had to endure over the past few years-the loss of some dear family members, watching a very close friend lose her battle with cancer, my infertility, the challenges of keeping my marriage strong, and facing financial struggles.  Being on the water and surrounded by this wonderful setting that God created, I felt comforted and in His presence.  So I was thankful for my big hat and sunglasses so no one could see my mascara running!

The week was not without some adventure

And a little sightseeing

But in the end it was all about time well spent with my family

And rest for my weariness

May I continue to see glimpses of my burden becoming lighter.  In Jesus name,

First bike race...hopefully of many!

Isaiah 32:15-17 till the Spirit is poured is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.  The Lord's justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field.  The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

Because so many doors have been closed for me, I lack the confidence to open the window to new experiences.  From my painful and limited way of thinking, why even try something new only to be met with more disappointment?  Its so much easier to stay in my comfort zone and do what I have always done.  In my heart I know that if I keep doing the same things that I have always done, my life will remain the same  lacking growth.  But after being knocked down so many times, I struggle with the motivation to get up again.

So I take baby steps and look for fresh perspectives on my comfort zone activities.  I have been cycling with my road bike for a little over 8 years.  I've just done recreational rides around my neighborhood usually for an hour or two never really pushing myself.

  For the first time I branched out and did an organized bike race/ride-the Air Force Classic Ride in Crystal City, VA

I picked up my race packet the day before.

Got my trusty bike tuned up and ready to go.

Race day finally came and I was so nervous!  There were over 1800 cyclist and I have never ridden with such a large group before.  

As I crossed the starting line, my adrenaline really kicked in.

  I felt really motivated to push myself harder than I normally would just because of the collective energy of all the other riders.  

 By the end of the race I discovered that I had gone fast enough to receive a gold medal!  I went from nervous apprehension to achieving more than I thought possible.  May my confidence continue to increase and may I see that growth is still possible despite my disappointments. In Jesus name