Happy Birthday to Me!

It's been a good day. I got up and ran/walked 2.74 miles in about 35 minutes this morning. I was huffing and puffing there toward the end, but I did the full 25 minutes of running. I've talked to both my mom and my mother-in-law today. I've finished working. I'm planning on giving blood in a little over an hour and going out to eat with my family. It's been a great day. Oh, and there have been 80-something people who have wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. Dark chocolate as a gift...perfect hot bath snack. So, all in all, 34 is starting off well.

Running

I like running, I really do, but it seems to have taken a back seat again. I ran Monday. I did C25K W6D3, which was a 25 minute run flanked by a 5 minute warm up and cool down. It was great. I made the first 5 minutes last to one end of my street and the 25 minute run started right as I made the turn at the stop sign. Came ALL the way up the street to the other stop sign and back down the street to the original stop sign before the 5 minute cool down started for a total of 2.79 miles. I really think I enjoy street running much more than track running. I like the challenge of the hills (which I think I did quite nicely on).

I was supposed to run yesterday, but it was raining when I woke up and I just couldn't get myself moving. I planned on going this morning, but again woke up to rain (thunderstorms) and couldn't get moving. Tomorrow's forecast is more of the same, so maybe Saturday will be the day.

Praise You in this Storm

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone (yeah oh oh)

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the sufferin' Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to

'Cause when I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to

Came and went

So, Thursday came and went without any word. Friday also came and went. Looks like we're waiting for Monday to know whether or not this chapter is over. It's been a peaceful, calm week. I feel good about whatever the outcome is. Praying that it is a good answer.

I have good news! I can now see the carpet in my living room. It's been vacuumed. It's horrid, though. Spots and stains everywhere. I was going to try a stain remover that I found online, but realized after I sprinkled the baking soda on the carpet that I have to vacuum it up before blotting it with vinegar, dish detergent, and warm water. Guess it will wait until tomorrow since everyone but me is in bed and asleep.

I still haven't done anything more on my bathroom. I really need to get on it so I can get it finished. Today would have been the perfect day since we didn't go to the in-laws' and spend all day there. Maybe next weekend. Or maybe I'll work on it during the week.

In running news, I've started C25K again, but picked up at week 6. I did the first 2 days and managed both pretty easily. I even added distance to the 2nd day compared to when I first ran it back in February. I was supposed to do day 3 on Friday, but my calves were (and still are) sore from jumping rope Thursday afternoon. I didn't do much more than 5 minutes, but that was enough. I may try again a couple days next week since it's good cardio exercise. I plan to attempt W6D3 Monday. It's a full 25 minute run, so we'll see how that goes. I still need to find a 5K to do so I'll have more focus. I covered 2.3 miles in 30 minutes on Monday and 2.63 in 34 minutes on Wednesday.

Simply being thankful

Tomorrow is D-Day, so to speak. We are praying that this trial is over tomorrow. I have such a peace right now. I know that whatever happens tomorrow I am loved by the Almighty God. He holds my right hand. I have much to be thankful for. I have seen God's hand throughout this entire endeavor, no matter how absurd it has seemed. (And, yes, it has seemed quite absurd at times). I have been given His peace that passes understanding. That sounds so...churchy...but truly, there is no other description. I am thankful for the body of believers that has surrounded us and has lifted us up and has believed in us. I am thankful that the same body of believers will continue to lift us up tomorrow and through whatever may follow. I am thankful that I have been brought this far. That I can look back and say that yes, my faith has been tested. Yes, bad things have happened. Yes, bad things may still happen. BUT, my God is faithful. He has brought us through each trial. He has brought us closer to him. He has brought us closer to each other. Oh, that I were as faithful to him as he is to me. What a wonder that would be. Thankful for forgiveness. For the perfect, sinless man who died on a tree so that I may live. Thank you Jesus.

Quiet few days

The last few days have been quiet. I've been peaceful and not worried about the outcome of this whole situation. Clayton and I were finally able to sit and talk about all of it Friday night. Hearing his view and feelings helped me tremendously. Yeah, we have no idea how this is all going to turn out, but we're praying, believing, and expecting for it all to end by Thursday. If it doesn't, God is STILL in control and we will trust him to give us the strength to get through the rest of this ordeal. I am so thankful for the faithful friends and family who have been praying us through this. It is humbling to know how many people are praying for us and praying constantly. I know that through this, God has brought Clayton and me closer together. He has brought me closer to himself. If that is all that comes out of this, it's enough. It's worth going through this trial to be closer to my God and to my husband.

Time for more thankfulness

1. Healthy family
2. A job I love (most of the time)
3. Peace from God
4. A couple hours by myself each day
5. Worship on Wednesdays
6. Covenant group
7. A loving husband
8. Christian radio
9. Random (or maybe not so random) Bible verses
10. Prayer for others
11. Prayer from others
12. A roof over my head
13. Clothes on my body
14. Food to eat
15. Money in the bank
16. God's timing - even when I don't understand it
17. Family who cares
18. Running water
19. Two working vehicles
20. An entertaining cat...especially when the neighbor's cats come on our porch
    

Can't work

I'm supposed to be working, but I can't when God is speaking to me from every angle. Daily Bible verse for today: Romans 8:32 - "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" He gave Jesus for us, to take away our sins. The ULTIMATE thing he could ever give. How can he not give us all things? And to follow that, the one that brought me to tears just now, Casting Crowns posted on FB: "Do not be anxious about anything but in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus." Found in Philippians 4. Thanksgiving. Even in the hard times. When you don't understand what HE is up to. When it hurts to walk through the fire. The peace is indescribable. It's incredible. Just to know that He is there. Walking with you. I've never known that more than I have in the last 6.5 weeks as my and my family's world has been turned on its side. Through it all, though, God has been good. And He will continue to be good. I firmly believe that.

Will it end?

We got a phone call yesterday that puts a hold on moving on from police work and into computer work. My first reaction was a bit panicky. Finances. New phones. Gave money away. At that moment, God reached down to me and reminded me that Clayton and I have been in his hands throughout this entire situation and that WE ARE STILL THERE. He hasn't let go of us. He isn't going to let go of us. He knows all about what is going on and how it is going to end. And WHEN it will end. I have to be honest, I am beyond ready for all of this to be over. Whatever the rest of this trial is that we have to walk through, I just want it over. I'm worn out. Clayton's worn out.

Yesterday's verse from Daily Bible was 2 Thessalonians 3:3 - "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." How I needed that encouragement. He IS faithful.

Catching up again

So, I ran again Friday morning. Settled into the run earlier than the previous runs, but still couldn't hold it for more than about 8 minutes. Total distance was 2.32 miles. It's not looking good to run in the upcoming week. Supposed to rain tonight through Wednesday night. I don't mind running in the rain, but it's supposed to rain pretty hard, at least tomorrow.

We did a little shopping this week. New cell phones, new clothes for Clayton for his new job, and a birthday present for my nephew who will be 5 this week.

Friday we drove down to Atlanta for his birthday. I always love spending time with my parents and my brother's family. We just have a good time. We at supper at a place called Huey Leuy's Friday night. Really good Mexican food. We had a great time and got pictures of the kids (and my dad) in the "happy birthday" sombrero. Great memories. Saturday was the birthday party at the park. Supper was smoked burgers, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, and baked beans. So much good food this weekend.

I've got bread rising so Clayton can take his lunch/supper to work this week. Looks both of those meals will eaten out of the house.