Saturday, May 29, 2010

Police Officers and Firefighters Memorial 5K and a Flying BBQ!

Race: Police Officers and Firefighters Memorial 5K
Distance: 5K (3.1069 mi)
Goal Time: None
Actual Time: 00:27:13 (8:45 min/mi)

This race was fun, although I was disappointed in myself with my time. I was hungry, and just wasn't feeling it this morning. I kept thinking I should have ate a whole burger last night, and not just half of one. The race started at 8AM, and by that time it was plenty humid! I spent the time before the run with one of the girls I train with, chatting, warming up, and stretching...this was great! :) Not too much to say about this race, as 5K's are so short. They're over before you start!

Flying BBQ's on the other hand, now there's a story! After the race, I left quickly, so that I could meet up with my family. My mother informed me that they were at Friedrich Park, and I should come and join them. I chose to take 281 to 410 to I-10. As I was approaching the 410/I-10 interchange, about a mile out, I noticed that the truck to my right, which I was starting to pass had a BBQ in the back of his truck that was teetering. This was a large BBQ that was not bungeed in or anything! (Think of your stereotypical Texan BBQ!)

I also looked to my left. There was a pick up, going just slighter faster than me, that noticed the same thing. Immediately, my brain said to my body, that BBQ is going to hit me in the face. Thank God the truck with a trailer to my left, noticed what I did, at the same time, and moved over a lane. I was able to speed up and move partially into the lane to my left, and the BBQ hit about a foot behind my car!

Thank you, Jesus for protecting me from flying BBQ's! The cars behind me were able to slam on their brakes and stop, and the truck who lost his BBQ also stopped. I am not sure what happened after that, as I continued on towards I-10, thankful that the BBQ did not want Faith on the grill!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Rejoice and be glad!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16

As I was reading my bible this morning, I realized that I experience the power of God through my faith.

The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17

This past semester I have been teaching in the book of Mark; primarily, about the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is here and now--it is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. I have spent the past semester asking the girls about the kingdom of God and how they live in and through it on a daily basis.

Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, For the Lord has done great things
Joel 2:21
We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20

I am saddened for people that do not know Christ or the power of God, as they also miss out on experiencing the kingdom and the righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. I want to be more like Peter and John, I cannot stop speaking about what I have seen and heard...I love how poignant their faith is in their lives.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Worship well!

Last Sunday, a friend made the following statement to me, "Worship well." I wrote those words on the top of my bulletin and for the past week I have been reflecting over those words and what it means to truly worship well.

Worship is an art. In Sunday school, we were discussing rejoicing as an art form, which I agree with, but if rejoicing is an art form, and part of worship is rejoicing in Christ the King, then worship too, must be an art.

I think about the times I go to church, come home, and wonder why I ever went. And it dawns on me, I failed to worship well. The very reason I go to church is to worship God, with a community of believers, and I come home, failing to do so--why? Attitude, selfish desires, sin, pride, I don't know, but what I do know is, I should never fail to worship well, when that is the primary purpose of going to church.

One of my girlfriends, whom I love dearly, made the following statement in college, "I study as a form of worship." This has had a profound effect on my life, since she shared her testimony. I realized that worshiping God is multi-faceted, and something that I too could do with different approaches.

I worship God at home, through quiet times, playing the piano, singing, and praying. I worship God at work, by being the best teacher I can. I worship God at church in fellowship with other believers, listening to the scriptures, the sermon, and the words God is speaking to us through His servants. I worship God as I drive by memorizing scripture. I worship God by encouraging and respecting others. I think all too often, we make worship difficult, when in reality, it is an attitude, a mind set--and ours should be that of Christ Jesus. How do you worship God?

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

Worship well, my friends! :)