Friday, June 25, 2010

Holy, Holy, Holy

How many times have you read and heard the scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6? If you're like me, you've seen it and heard it more times than you can count.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

I've read my bible, in fact, I've read these words many times, as well as the scripture following, but last night, in conversation with a friend, I stopped and went, "Whoa!" This is awesome!

Proverbs 3:7-8
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones."

Romans 5:3-5
"We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, proven character; and proven character hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our heart through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

This past year has brought on trials and tribulations, and I have tried to follow the wisdom brought forth in Proverbs 3:5-6; trust and acknowledge Him. As I reflect on my past year, I know God is faithful! My physical body continues to heal, and day after day I am becoming more whole and refreshed again.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, Holy, Holy

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Purpose

From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy Bride; with His own blood he bought her and for her life He died...One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses with every grace endued.
The Church's One Foundation

Two thoughts come to mind--what beautiful imagery, and I love the unity!

On a different note, Ephesians 2:10 coupled with Isaiah 43:7 gives us our purpose in life--to glorify Godhead! I love how God uses His word both throughout the OT and NT to teach us.

"For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10

"Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed even whom I have made."
Isaiah 43:7

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Heart of Texas Triathlon #2

I competed in my first triathlon this morning. My running coach is the race director, and I thought it would be fun to try out. I've wanted to compete in a tri for quite a few years now, but have never done it. A friend from my running club, Kathleen, allowed me to borrow a bike, as mine is a mountain bike, and I could not ride my mountain bike as fast as I could one of hers. In fact, yesterday, I went over and rode three different bikes, determining which bicycle to borrow for the event. Thanks Kathleen for your generosity! :)

Before the race I was quite nervous. I was thankful for Kathleen's help, encouragement, and explanations of everything going on, how to handle it, and what to expect. She's an experienced triathlete. She helped me park the bike, put the towel down, take the bike for inspection, register, and everything else a person does in order to prepare.

I do not own a tri-suit, nor am I making an investment, so I felt kind of silly to say the least in my bikini bottom and sports bra, but at least they matched and it worked quite well for my purposes.

I was the very last person to start...number 115, as per my request. I know I am not a strong swimmer, or not anymore at least. Our swim was short, 300 meters, which took me 13 minutes! Swimmers started every 20 seconds. Number 105 went off, and then I had to wait, 20 seconds, 20 seconds, etc. until Number 115 was called. The people in between did not show up. I waited nervously for my number to be called so that I could start. And I started way too fast. After 50 meters, I was worn out. You swim up and down the lane, and then under the lane, and up and down the next lane. This goes on for six laps. The swim was tough for me, and I wasn't sure I wanted to even finish half way through them swim. Thank God for encouraging people all throughout!

When I finished swimming, I looked at my watch and kind of laughed at how bad I was. The next two parts were by far, my fav! I love riding and running, so with flip flops on my feet, I walked across the grass, took off the flip flops, put on my shorts, shirt, socks, and shoes, and helmet, and was ready to ride. The ride was 10 miles. It was relatively easy--I even passed some people! Wahoo!

After riding, I took off my helmet, placed my bike on the rack, and started to run. Wow! That was the hardest run I have ever done! The first 1/4 mile I was trying not to fall over and trip. No wonder people say that bike to run is difficult. I kept a nice clip on my run. I was surprised that I had ran the first mile in the 8's. I was able to pass a few more people on the run. The run was 2 miles, and I finished the entire race in 1:11:10. Surprisingly, I won an award. You can see a picture of the medal below. After the awards ceremony a group picture was taken, this picture will be on next weeks t-shirt. Guess I'm doing another tri!


As you can see, I am number 115. I am proudly wearing my medal!


The medal I won at my first triathlon!