Pressing On

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Forgiven

I love this photo I ordered online. The artist did an amazing job capturing a seen from the TV series, The Chosen. If you have not yet seen it, I highly recommend you do. The creators, writers and actors do an incredible job bringing the Bible to life. This is the actor who plays Jesus and he is holding Mary Magdalene. Mary was demon possessed and Jesus heals her. In the show Mary has tried everything to deal with her battle. She frequents the local bar and is ridiculed by most of the men that hang out there. She is so desperate that she wants to end her life. But Jesus! He walks up to her in the bar, grabs her hand before she can take a drink and says, “This is not for you.” She has no idea who He is. She flees the bar and He follows her. He goes after her and calls her by her real given name, He recites the Words from Isaiah that she has put to memory, “ Mary, Thus says the Lord who created you, he who formed you, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called yo

Cool Mornings and Coyotes

This is the time of year we all sing praises for living in Arizona. Cool enough in the morning and evenings to call for a light jacket and/or patio heater while the perfect temp midday allows doors and windows to be open letting in the fresh air. Ah, Spring! It also makes for a great morning since the sun comes up a little earlier. Annie loves it too since I can once again, take her with me on an early morning run. I’m still somewhat of a chicken to run in the dark alone even with her. But these crisp mornings have been great and sunrises are my favorite. So, off we went the other day just as the sun was rising. We did our typical run through the neighbor that has become so familiar to not only me but Annie as well. She even has the same spots to relieve herself. She likes to lead and I like to let her think she is, but I do have her on somewhat of a short leash. Mostly, because she is stronger than I am and I really don’t want any more road rash than she’s been known to give

Woods and Deserts

A dear friend of mine in Houston posted a photo of her daughter and friend walking either to or from school. At least that is what I assumed. It was a great picture of friendship shared between these two young teens. I recognized the path in the Woodlands. I’ve always loved the woods and that’s one of the many reasons why I loved living there. The massive trees, smell of bark, the rustling sound of fallen leaves and the warmth of the sun peeking through those shade covering trees. Nature is one of my favorite places to connect with God. I had many conversations with Him running on those paths. I messaged my friend, “Ah. I miss those paths.” And she quickly replied with, “The paths miss you.” Haha. I think what she really meant was….. I am missed and it made my heart smile. I miss a lot about various places we have lived over the years. I am often asked, “Of all the places you have lived, where is your favorite?” My response is usually, “I have favorite things about each one for

RBJ and a Barf Bag

It’s been thirty years since I got breast implants. Having birthed and nursed two babies my boobs were left looking like tube socks sporting tennis balls in each one dangling from my chest. At twenty-eight years old, living in the world that put so much importance on outward appearance, I thought that I needed enhancement to feel better about myself. Looking back, maybe it did serve its purpose for a while. But, I was never truly comfortable with them. They were larger than I wanted and I’m fairly modest so I don’t like the attention I thought they brought in my younger years. Shopping for clothes, especially swimsuits has always been a challenge for me. All those cute summer dresses made me look pregnant and bras were very uncomfortable. I’m not anti-plastic surgery, implants or whatever. I’m just older and in a different stage in life and view things from a more Godly perspective now that I seek His ways for my life. I’ve known for several years that the implants in my body needed

Growing Pains

I was in my normal spin class the other day and was surprised when I walked in and saw a substitute teacher in our regular instructor’s spot. Who is this and where is Susan? I have become somewhat structured in my old age. I know what I am going to do on each day of the week. That includes my exercise routine. Wednesdays I spin with Susan. I know what kind of a workout I am going to get. It’s going to be tough. The music, while not always my personal choice; will be loud and motivating. I will walk out with noodle legs, entire body drenched with sweat and feel exhilarated for having accomplished a rigorous workout by 6:30 am. Who is this stranger filling in? Is she qualified? Does she have a certification to lead us? What kind of music is she going to play? Has she been vetted? I was tempted to leave but I didn’t want to be rude. I had my reservations and with an eyebrow raised, I adjusted my bike. I started my fitness tracking watch and began pedaling with a less than willing at

Back in the Saddle Again

It sounds a little melodramatic to say that I am grieving running since my silly little stress fracture. But I do miss it. It’s been nearly three months since I last went for a run. Running became a part of me some twenty five years ago. Holy cow have I really been hitting the pavement that long? I started running to clear my head at a time when our marriage was in a rough spot. It helped numb some pain, sweat out toxins, burn calories and allowed me to escape the chaos of fighting kids for at least thirty to forty minutes a couple of times a week. I began to look forward to this activity and increased how often I would head out the door with my running shoes. I found that I almost needed it and that morphed into a habit and eventually a lifestyle. Several years later when God grabbed ahold of me and Jim started running with me, it morphed again. It turned into a space for my time with God. Jim had taken our running to the next level of racing and doing long distance training. It w