Wordless Wednesday

Well, a few words.  These are pics from my 3rd 5K when I ran for Angel and our angels.  I wanted to share them.


Ready... set... GO!


Pointing upward - for our angels!


I'm on the right, kneeling on the very end.
 
 
 

my first Fun Run with my girls

This was sooo much fun! Here's the story...

We got to a local park about an hour before the one mile fun run started. Main reason we got there so early was because we hadn't registered ahead of time (Michael decided to do the 5K), and the t-shirts for those who weren't pre-registered were only on a first come, first served basis. And I've discovered, I'm a sucker for a racing t-shirt. LOL

Anyway, Hannah and Beth were impatient for the race to start. We almost lost Beth - twice - because the girl can't stay close by us for anything! She just wanders off as if the whole universe were her playground - and a safe one at that (WRONG). And Hannah just wanted OUT! OF! THE! STROLLER!!! To complicate things a tad more, it was a bit chilly tonight.


Our new - used - double jogging stroller we found on the local Facebook online yard sale. $50 steal!

Yes, Hannah is in her Halloween costume.  Costumes were welcome at this event.  The rest of us didn't dress up in costumes.  The only real reason I did it for Hannah was to keep her extra warm ;-)

After Beth warmed up to being there (also physically), she stopped hiding in the stroller (and she started to wander from us...).


Hannah on the other hand, warmed up to sitting - staying - in the stroller.


The announcement was made to get ready for the fun run, so we made our way to the starting line...

 
 
Then it was ready... set... go!
 
 




You'll notice, Beth is beside the stroller.  She wanted to run as much  of this as possible, and she did!  In fact, she challenged mommy to go super fast!!!    Occasionally, she would hop into the stroller for a 30 sec. break, but then she would hop back out and speed on ahead!  THEN, near the end, she stayed in the stroller and YELLED AT ME THE WHOLE WAY BACK!  She said she was trying to be like Jillian Michaels and "motivate me."  She wanted me to go faster; I said I couldn't.  She screamed, "YES YOU CAN!" And so, I did. ;-)

We had one problema during this run, and that was when the front stroller wheel came unlocked from the stroller.  It probably put us back 2 minutes as it slowed us down and I had to stop and try to shove it back in.  It was hard!  Thankfully, a good Samaritan stopped and helped me out.  Then, we got back on our way.

I would do this again in a heartbeat!  This fun run was, well, fun.  It was great to see Beth ENJOY running.  It was also great to share this with her - my new love of running.  I hope this inspires her to try running more. 


Beth's first run!
We ran the fun run - with technical difficulties - in 14:17.  I can't wait to do another one with them; however, it may have to wait until the weather warms up again.

All in all, we had a great time.  Especially my big girl...



my new page

I made a page to keep track of my running achievements.

I like :-)))

Check it out!

It's off to the left, but here is the link too...

My Running Journal/Journey

Godly decisions

In education, we talk about essential questions when teaching lessons.  "An essential question is – well, essential: important, vital, at the heart of the matter – the essence of the issue." - Big Ideas   Essential questions help us to remember the point of lessons, units, and/or assignments. 

You remember my previous post said I was contemplating some pretty big decisions?  Well, I found a sermon from one of my most favorite preachers - James MacDonald. This sermon was on how to make Godly decisions.  You can listen to it at One Place

Because I often use this blog to just work out my thoughts, I listened to the sermon and took notes here.  I'm not sure how I'm going to answer these below essential questions on making Godly decisions, but I am beginning to contemplate the answers to them.

I thought I'd post them here - just in case you are needing to make a decision any time soon ;-)

Essential questions for decisions:

What does God think about your decision?  Ask these questions to answer that question...

Spiritually
  • Will this bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:23)  "Glory is the reflection of the reality of God's presence in the world..."
  • Is this a decision that Jesus would make? (1 Peter 2:21)  How did Jesus live His life?  Humble, obedient, blameless, servant, passionate, selflessness, willingness to suffer.
  • Will I be proud of this decision at the judgement seat of Christ? (Romans 14:10) Why are you REALLY doing this?  How will this impact my family, my worship, and my ministry?
Relationally
  • Would I want this done to me?  (Romans 13:8)  Love your neighbor as yourself. 
  • Could this appear wrong even though it is right? (1 Thessalonians 5:22) 
  • Will this cause a brother or sister to struggle spiritually? (Romans 14:13) 
Internally
  • Could this lead me into bondage? (1 Corinthians 6:12)
  • Can I do this with confidence that it is right?  (Romans 14:22)  Don't do anything until you are sure it is right for you to do!
  • Am I breaking any previous commitments?  (Ecclesiastes 3, Matthew 5:37)
Like I said, I have no idea how to answer these questions right - especially as they pertain to possibly looking for a new church home.  However, I'm working on it...

Hope to post again soon!

the wave of light

For Angel.  For all our angels.


October 15th

running for Angel and angels

Today, I participated in the 2nd annual "A Walk To Remember and 5k"  in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.  I was so honored to be a part of this!

I awoke at 6am to get ready and drive about an hour north to where the event was being held.

new cold weather running shirt and pants - love it

I put on my forget-me-not necklace, made sure I had written down the names of those babies I was going to run for - in addition to Angel - and made my way north. It was a beautiful drive! The sun rose over the mountains, and I was in awe of my savior! So much so, I had to try to snap a few picks... shhhhh....

See the pretty mountain in the distance?
Beautiful trees on both sides of the road, and beautiful mountains in the distance.

I was very reflective on my drive up to the event. I thought about how nice it was to be able to do something like this for Angel and all our babies.  I thought about Angel, and smiled.  It was nice to be able to think about Angel and smile.  I find I can do that more and more as time passes. Smile and not cry or feel that dull ache.

I got to the 5k and got my t-shirt. First thing I did was to write the names of Angel and our babies on the shirt, and then, I put it on.




The event was run VERY well.  This was my third 5k, and it was the smallest one I've been to; however, I was not disappointed.  It was beyond fun to run with other ladies I knew were running for their babies and friends' babies.  It was emotional too.  I cried only once when before the race began the guest speaker read the following poem...

"What Makes a Mother?"

I closed my eyes
And Prayed to God today
I asked, "What makes a mother?"
And I know I heard him say
A mother has a baby
This we know is true
But, God can you be a mother
When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can he replied
With confidence in his voice
I give any women babies
When they leave it is not their choice
Some I send for a lifetime
And others for the day
And some I send to feel your womb
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God
I want my baby here
He took a breath
and his cleared his throat
And then I saw a tear
I wish I could show you
What your child is doing here

If you could see your child smile
With other children and say
"We go to earth to learn out lesson out of life and fear, but
My Mommy loved me so much
I got to come straight here!"
I feel so lucky to have a Mom who
had so much love for me
I learned my lessons very quickly
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow is were I lay
I stroke her hair and kiss her check
And whisper in her ear
"Mommy, Please don't be sad
Today I'm your baby and I am here"

So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are okay
Your babies are here in My Home
And this is where they'll stay
They'll wait for you with Me
Until your lessons there are through
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates waiting for you

So now you see
What makes a Mother
It's the feeling in your heart
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start
 
If you read that, it's okay. Take a moment. I sure had to!

Oh, and I can't forget to mention the balloon release...

in honor of our babies - simply beautiful
And then, we were off! They started the 5k before the walk.  I had my Map My Run app on my phone going during the race, and so, I was able to get the following stats on my run:

I ran with MapMyRUN! Distance: 3.03mi, time: 35:15, pace: 11:38min/mi, speed: 5.16mi/h.

This is one minute better than my previous 5k.  Each one I run, my time improves! I wasn't trying to improve my time on this one. My only goal was to run it all despite any hills, and I did that!  MapMyRUN told me a few times as I was running that I hit 6mi/h.  I impressed myself.  Mostly, I was glad I could run impressively for my Angel and for our babies.  So much so that... I won 1st place in my age group!!!

The first place ribbon was made by the children of a local church - how special is that?!
It was a great day!  I even won a raffle price - I never win anything!!! What a winning day! ;-)

my raffle prize

Click HERE to see additional pics from my run!

I had a great time.  It was a great event.  And I'm so thankful my great God has gifted me with the ability and desire to run.  And glad that I got to use that desire/ability to honor Angel and our babies.

It just seemed right to listen to the following song on the way home today.  Enjoy...




a liebster blog award

My new found love of running had me searching the world wide web for running blogs not too long ago.  My search lead me to the blog My First 5k and More...

Darlene is the author of this running blog whose daily posts I sooo look forward to getting in my inbox.  Her love of running is infectious!  So, I started following that blog, and then, she started following mine.  And now, she has given me a blogging award!

In the spirit of "paying it forward" in bloggie land, I cheerfully accept this award and will cheerfully share it.  The rules of the award...

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award has set for you.
3. Create 11 questions for the people you will be giving the award to.
4. Choose 11 people to award and send them a link to your post. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.

To begin - 11 things about myself...

1. I love Honey Nut Cheerios.
2. I love chocolate.
3. I love Greys Anatomy.
4. I love The Biggest Loser.
5. I love to scrapbook - when I can find the time.
6. I love my Jesus - got saved July 1995.
7. I love the color pink.
8. I love Walt Disney World - It's a small world after all!
9. I love fuzzy socks.
10. I love sleep - who doesn't!?
11. I love the word... love ;-)

11 Questions for me from Darlene at My First 5k and more...

  1. Running, Biking, Swimming or Other?   Running! Don't own a bike, and I ashamedly admit, I don't know how to swim.
  2. Dog or Cats?  Both.  Although, most of the time I wish neither.  I have a yellow lab - Lucky - and two cats - Jinxy and Precious.  All were gotten before we had kids - when we actually had time for them. Now, we're just too busy, and unfortunately, they get neglected a lot.
  3. Favorite Racing Distance? I'm loving 5ks!  I haven't tired anything else... yet... ;-)
  4. One Goal for 2012 that you have accomplished? Losing the "baby weight" from the pregnancy with Hannah.  I've lost the most I've ever lost, AND I'm smaller now than I've ever been!  Thank you running!
  5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor? Vanilla
  6. Favorite Race? My first.  The Action Dash at University of Georgia.
  7. Marathon: Done It, Someday or Never?  I don't want to say never, but I'm not interested in it.
  8. Favorite Book?  The Great Gatsby
  9. Favorite Movie? The Last of the Mohicans - love Daniel Day Lewis!
  10. If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?  New car!
  11. Worst Fear? I hate driving over bridges as much as I hate spiders, I think...
Now, my questions for those I'm about to pass along this award to...

1. Do you have any hidden talents?
2. Name two things you consider yourself bad at.
3. Favorite color? Why?
4. Favorite TV show? Why?
5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
6. Favorite food? Why?
7. What outdoor activity do you enjoy the most? Why?
8. What is one thing in your life you couldn't live without?
9. Goals?
10. Pets?
11. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

Now, for those I think deserve a little recognition, love, and hugz...

 
 
 
Wow!  That was a lot of work, but it was fun! I love ya'll bloggie friends!!!
 
((hugz))
 

YOUR baby's name

I run for our babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or lost far too early after birth this coming Saturday. I would be honored to write your baby's name on my running t-shirt.  Just put your angel's name below, and I'll be sure it gets on my shirt.

This will be my third 5k.  My only goal for this race is to make our babies proud! 

I ran my second 5k this past Saturday and improved my time by 3 mins. I ran the 5k in 36.12 seconds. I only power walked a couple times up some insane hills. 

Believe it or not, I still love running! The sense of accomplishment is like no other.

Thank you Jesus for the love of running!

in hot pursuit of the eternal life

1 Timothy 6:11 Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

This was the passage referenced in today's sermon at church.  And it spoke to me.

I've decided. I am not going to coach speech next year.  Notice I didn't say I am not going to coach speech ever again. I do believe that God will call me to coach again. I believe in what it does for students' lives. I think God does too.  However, I need a break. And it's mostly because I'm "missing the mark "as it pertains to the above scripture. And He knows it...

I need to focus more on pursing "the eternal life to which" I was called.  Now, what does that mean? I found a good commentary online that explains what the apostle Paul probably meant by this...

From Living Stream Ministry...
In verse 12 Paul specifically says that we have been called to eternal life. No other book in the New Testament speaks of “the eternal life to which you were called.” This is a particular characteristic of 1 Timothy. Do you realize that you have been called to eternal life? This eternal life does not mainly refer to blessings in the future. To be called to eternal life does not mean that we have been called to enjoy blessings in heaven. Eternal life should be our life today, a life for our present daily living. By our first birth, the physical birth, we received the Adamic life. But because we have been called to eternal life, we should no longer live the Adamic life, the natural life. Yes, we must be truly human, even Jesus was human, but not in our natural life. On the contrary, we need to live a human life by the eternal life. We have been called to this life, and now we need to live it.

And so, how do we live this eternal life?  We need to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 

Righteousness - Right living.  Seeking to enjoy the right things and to shun that which is sin.  I'm decent at this, but far from perfect.

Godliness - Pursing God.  My quite time could be better.

Faith - That is believing and trusting in Him instead of in myself.  Giving control over to Jesus.  And since I'm a control freak by nature, this is a struggle.

Love - We know what this is, right?  And there are just some people that it is tough to love... need to work on that.

Endurance - Steadfastness in what is righteous.  Again.  Needs work.

Gentleness - I need to work on this with my children - most especially Beth.

Anyway, I have important things I need to concentrate on - obviously - and I can't do that if I'm preoccupied on Saturdays and/or working late because of speech and debate practices.  Not to mention, I can't work on all of the above if speech and debate is stressing me out.  It makes me a poor teacher at times, and it makes me a poor wife and mother at times.  And these times need to stop.  I can't afford to lose precious moments with my family and with my students (to which I am called first and foremost as a teacher). As I said in my previous post, something has got to give, and I believe God is showing me what it is.

It kinda makes me sad that I won't be directly involved in this anymore.  I'll still help with our tournament and with literary competitions, but coaching and chaperoning Saturday tournaments, I just can't do that anymore.  I'm praying that the students who will still want to be involved in this can find another teacher to help them out.  I know that if God wants this to continue at our school, they will be successful in this.

I need to be with my family - with them that we are not guaranteed another day with. I need to be with my children who need their mommy just a bit more right now.  I need time to focus on being a better teacher - because I don't feel all that effective at the moment.  I just need more time. And this is the solution, for now. 

I just hope my principal and the debate coach understand and are supportive of my decision.  We'll see.  I'll announce it in March.

Irony

Irony -  Incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result.

That is what I am experiencing right now as I write this post - a heightened sense of irony.  Let me explain...

In a previous post, I wrote this: "Until God says, 'Stop, Jamie. Move in a different direction,' I'll keep juggling my roles as wife, mother, friend, teacher, and coach."

I wrote that expecting not to hear something like that from God any time soon.  And yet, today - just over a week later - I feel a tug on my heart.  I hear a voice in my head saying, "Jamie.  Something has gotta give."  No more coaching speech? Teaching?! I dunno!  What?!?!!

You see, I'm tired, ya'll. Tired.  And, I'm tired of being tired.

But more than that, I'm tired of looking around at my house and watching it fall apart.  I think my husband is picking up on this, and it's why he is right now as I type this at 8:30pm cleaning our bathroom. LOL

But even more than the house looking mighty ghetto lately, I feel as if I'm neglecting Beth. Hannah really doesn't need me as much as Beth does right now.  Hannah can get the things she needs from anyone willing to feed, clean, and hug her.  But Beth, she needs mommy more.

Beth needs a mommy to do school work with her.  A mommy to help her learn how to pronounce her blends and write her numbers.  But this mommy hardly has time to do those basic things with her daughter nowadays.  And even MORE than that? Because I'm often tired and stressed out from work and my dirty house, I am very short with her.  She wears what little patience I have left at the end of the day completely out, and I have major mommy fail moments with my eldest.  This is not good.  This is not acceptable.

So this is why I'm thinking major changes have to be made.  Right? Perhaps it is as simple as saying I can't coach speech anymore.  At least for this season in my life.  For now?  Or perhaps it's that AND looking to teach part time in another county?  I don't know.  I only know one thing really, and that is that something has got to give.

I need to pray about this. God is is a God of joy and peace, even in storms.  Yet, I'm not feeling peaceful.  Just sick.  And tired.

Real. Tired.

pregnancy and infant loss awareness month

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.

This is the month that we - those of us who have experienced a loss - remember our babies and remember others who have had the misfortune to walk down that same road. 

For me, it is a month where I usually struggle to find something meaningful to do in honor of Angel and my friends' sweet babies.  However this year, it was not a struggle to think of something to do! 
:-) My new found love of running 5Ks lead me to my plan to honor and remember those lost far too soon...

Remembering our Babies - A Walk to Remember - will be in held in Chatsworth, GA this year on October 13th.  In addition to the walk, the organizer decided to add a 5K to the event!  And so, my plan is to run in honor of Angel and all our babies gone on to heaven before us. 

I'm so excited to be doing this!  I'm going to get a a white t-shirt and write Angel's name on it, and I plan on wearing that when I run. I would love to write the names of others who were lost too soon and run in honor of them as well.

Just leave the name of your angel below in the comments or e-mail me at mrsnice777@hotmail.com.  I'll be sure to include your little one's name on my t-shirt.

 Here's to remembering our babies!