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Sunday, May 04, 2008

  • so I ran my first 5K yesterday! It was fun - after it was over - but during the race, I was thinking.."I will never do this again." It was quite windy and temperatures were in the 30s or low 40s when we started, but the weather was much better than the rainy, snowy morning they were predicting just 12 hours earlier. My goal was to finish in 30 minutes or less (not lofty, I know), and I did that so I was happy about that. This was the thing I needed to jumpstart my physical activity and fitness training. In the last month, since I started running, I probably did more running than in the last 4 years combined, since having kids! Mike also ran, and he stayed by me most of the run but of course, did sprint ahead of me near the end to finish ahead. We knew that he wouldn't beat the time he had two years ago when he was training for the marathon, but I guess it wasn't so much about the time this year as it was to just be able to run together! If I get a chance, I'm sure I'll be signing up again next year to do it! Maybe next time around, I won't be all concerned about not having the right running gear, and fashionable sports gear. Hehe. Sounds so silly, but for a bit, I did think I should go out and buy new running clothes so I could look more the part. But I restrained and wore these windpants and windbreaker that I have had for over 5 years.

    The kids were also there and Derek ran in the Trix Trot. I wish I had a digital picture of this, but Sarah had pictures taken with the Trix Rabbit, Lucky the Leprachaun and this Dollar Dog (our credit union mascot).  She loved these giant 'stuffed animals'. Quite a contrast from Derek 2 years ago, when he was screaming in the pictures with the Trix Rabbit and the Bee. Maybe it was the bee..that is kind of scary..! I'll have to scan all those pictures in when I get a chance. And maybe include a picture or two of me as well.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

  • Trusting in God

    It's easy to say that we trust in God through all the circumstances in our lives. For myself, I often find myself wanting to hope in God, but in reality, I'm still trusting that circumstances change, or that an emotion subsides. It's very humbling to think about what it means to trust in God. In one sense, there is certainty because we know the One we trust in is never changing. We know his character of love, and His desire to see us transformed more and more to be like Him.

    On the other hand, there is often times uncertainty - uncertainty that is purposefully there from God. And to seek certainty in those situations is pagan - to quote Pastor Craig's sermon yesterday on Isaiah. Here is the reference: 

    "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

    But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment" Isaiah 50:10-11

    Although there is nothing wrong to pray and ask God for clarity, wisdom, etc, I need to remember that God desires the relationship with us that will result in trusting in Him. My desire is to know Him. From earlier in the chapter, God assures us that His word for us will sustain the weary - His word is not something that will burden or wear us down. There are times He will give a clear word or direction. But to seek that only should not be our response as we walk through life.

    It was an encouragement for me to continue being in His word. I heard on the radio David Jeremiah saying something to the effect that if we really are soldiers for Christ, we would be on a suicide mission if we didn't read our bibles and let His word take root in our lives.

    So, why am I writing after this possibly longest hiatus that I've had from xanga? I'm not sure..

    Life these days with the kids is so much fun. Mei-mei is at a really fun stage, although the fact that her favorite word is "No!" may signal the terrible twos is not far off. And Derek has grown so much this year. He continues to be fascinated with numbers.

    I've been really challenged lately to think about Psalm 127: 3-5, (children being a blessing from God). It is very easy to thank God for my kids and recognize them as blessings! But someone made the comment that made me think. "Psalm 127 is the least believed passage among Christians". I guess a question to myself would be.."If God desires to bless me with children, are my hands fully open to that blessing?"

     

Sunday, August 26, 2007

  • I always get sucked into watching these performances on PBS of 50's songs! Today, it was Doo-wop of the 50's. These are songs performed by the original groups! I'm not sure if all of them are the original singers from that time? or if they've changed some of the singers. But in any case, I love those songs. I would love going to one of those performances, and not mind that I am 40 years younger than the rest of the audience! There was another one on the other day and I saw Brothers Four performing Greenfields. I love that song. I know. I'm so "not hip" and don't even know current music or music from my generation as well as these classics.

    We now attend Sojourn Campus Church - so I'm no longer able to tell people I'm part of CiA (Christians in Action, our former name). Our church is going through a "reboot" or "rebirth" of sorts and is renewing the mission on student and campus ministry. It's exciting.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

  • Currently Watching
    The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
    By Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh
    see related
    It's been a while since I last posted. We're into August already! That means a b-day has passed, and that's why I'm watching this movie, courtesy of my sister! (I must have seen this some point when I was younger on those Saturday afternoon kung fu movies but can't remember much of it). This is the recently re-released version.

    Other than that, I've been doing fairly well. I'm back to work (quarter-time only) and looking forward to some home renovation/upgrades that we're planning. It'll be busy, but changing out our old carpeting will probably help all of our allergies!

    I'm also really enjoying all the wisdom and grace that God continually shows me through His word. He is so faithful!! We're going through some changes in our church currently - good ones, but somewhat challenging for me in certain aspects. I need to remind myself not to dwell on griping and complaining, which is why abiding in Him is so key!

    Signing off for now..a crying baby is telling me that it's time for her to sleep!

Thursday, June 14, 2007