Carrabba's Half Marathon Race

Race: Carrabba's Half Marathon Race
Distance: 13.1 miles
Goal Time: None
Actual Time: 02:08:27 (9:48 min/mi)

Mile 0: I looked for Emily, one of the girls I normally run and pace with, but did not see her. Oh well. On the other hand, I saw the girls relay group and military mens relay group from my club. I also saw Leroy, another one of the guys I run with. Since this race is chip time, I have no desire to start "on time" therefore, I waited a good 3.5-4 minutes before starting. This allowed people to go crazy fast, and other people to separate and move out of the way, as this race was quite crowded. I was able to run immediately and not start off walking or dodging people.

Loop 1: This was the longest of the four loops and I felt good upon completion. It was nice to be cheered on by John, one of the guys in my running club! In fact, he cheered me on for three of the four loops!

Loop 2: This loop went by relatively quickly and I was surprised in some ways when I had finished it. The longest "half" of the run was over, and I had finished in under an hour. I was pretty happy with my timing.

Loop 3: This was by far a challenging loop for me. I never really like mile 8. Even in training runs, they just don't seem to mesh with me.

Loop 4: Stopped for a restroom break. Wished I was a guy and could go anywhere. Alas, God has blessed me as a woman.

Finish: 2:08:27

My time is good, considering the heat and humidity here! I am pleased to have finished with that time and tomorrow I will do my first Triathlon.

Thank you letter

16 June 2010

Dear Friends:

When I first wrote you in December 2008, I asked for prayer concerning:

· That God would be glorified through my words and actions

· For opportunities to build Christ-centered relationships with students

I believed those prayers have been answered, although not in the way that I originally expected. I believe that God has been glorified through my words and actions. I have used opportunities afforded me to build Christ-centered relationships with students on the Westside of San Antonio. Thank you for your prayers that helped sustain me through this unexpected turn of events!

My passion for teaching high school mathematics remains and I look forward to being in the classroom again this fall. I am now interviewing for high school mathematics teaching positions in and near to San Antonio. I ask for your continued prayers that I will find a position soon. I look forward to expressing God’s love through teaching, and having an income allowing me to support other missionaries.

This year has been challenging emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. My health has improved tenfold, and I am running long distances again. The doctors never came to a solid conclusion regarding my health issues. As much as I want answers, none have been forthcoming, despite pursuing the best medical minds available. I am glad to report that God is healing me.

I want to once again thank all of you who have supported me financially – both through one times gifts and the ongoing support I have received. When health issues forced my return to San Antonio, I was concerned that my support would dwindle, but instead I was continually blessed by your ongoing concern and support. This allowed me to redirect my mission efforts to San Antonio. Thank you! Please note: As of the end of June, I will no longer be employed by The Mission Society, so any support you send after the end of this month will go to support other missionaries.

If you would like more details about my ministry and life, please read my blog at http://fullafaith.blogspot.com, which I update frequently. My blog is to tell you and remind me of the great things that God is doing, both in my life, and around me!

God’s blessings!

Faith Thomson

Just a couple recent pics...

Ready for church! :)

Red Hat Society! I am under 50, therefore my colours are pink and lavender.
Clearly, I am not wearing lavender in this picture. I'll throw on the cardigan later.

Call to Confession

Every Sunday at church, we have a "Call to Confession." More recently, this time has become poignant in my Christian walk. I have posted part of Sundays prayer below:

We are grateful that you did not create the world and leave it to fend for itself. Thank you for reaching out in love to us. Forgive us for being complacent when we should have been diligent. Our commitment to you has been shallow...

After we pray as a congregation, we are given some time to spend in personal prayer and reflection. For years, I just kind of skipped over this part of church, it never really seemed that important. I find now that it is both healing and cleansing, and changes my mind frame for the duration of our worship service.

This weeks opening prayer for the First Cup readings is another great hymn...you can hear a rendition below. I was only able to find the contemporary version, which excludes the majority of the strong theology found in the hymn. I invite you to watch this video, and reflect on Christ and his commitment to each of us.

I hear the Saviour say, "Thy strength indeed is small! Child of weakness, watch and pray; Find in me thine all in all." For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim--I will wash my garments white in the blood of Calvary's Lamb. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save," my lips shall still repeat. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain--He washed it white as snow.

Flag Day 5K Fun Run/10K Race

Race: Flag Day 5K Fun Run/10K Race

Distance: 10K (6.2138 mi)
Goal Time: None
Actual Time: 00:57:21 (9:13 min/mi)

This race was enjoyable, although it was quite hot and humid. The Boy Scouts were helping out with the race, and the proceeds went to benefit one of the local troops. I was excited to see friends from church--Jenni and Valerie, and I met Katie. I missed Ann though, and she was there!

I started off with Adrianna and Patrick, two people from my club. About a mile in a half into the run, I sped up, and the other two were right behind me. Shortly before the 5K split, I met a lady named Laura, who was starting to slow down, so came along and encouraged her to keep going. This slowed me down some, but I really did not mind. Patrick cut off at the 5K split, and then Adrianna joined Laura and I. Close to the end, Adrianna really picked up pace, as I was slowing down. She encouraged me and we went in together! :)

Adrianna and I chose to run another 5K together, after the race, looping the course once again. I ran the 5K with her, and then another 5K--my long run for the week is taken care of. It was a great day for a 20K, although too hot and humid for me. My shirt was soaking, I literally wrung it out after the first 15K and left it at the car; my shorts, they were as bad as the shirt. Oh well. Made for a wet drive home...yuck! Yay for nice, hot, long, showers!

My time is not impressive, but I am not upset either. I am glad I could encourage people along the way and run the extra distance with Adrianna! God is good!

100 Years

One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.
--The Church's One Foundation

First Presbyterian Church celebrated 100 years in the present sanctuary today. One of the men at the church had been there for 97 of them! How cool is that?

We sang the song, "Mighty to Save" and I was once again, reminded of why I love those words--it's about the Hope of the nations. God is here for you and me, and each of us NEEDS Him.

"Everyone needs compassion, love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations. "

We are to proclaim the Kingdom of God! To point people to the God who can heal individuals, communities, and nations!

"O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Be though our eternal home!"
--O God, our Help in ages past

On a side note--as I was walking from Sunday school to the Sanctuary, I overheard the following commentary from a mother to her six year old son...
Mother: Do not run!
Child: I am not; I am skipping!
In case you were wondering, the boy truly was skipping, and I found the whole dialogue absolutely hilarious!

In celebration of the beautiful day, I decided to wear my hat to church. It was fun to wear, and I fit right in with other classy women at the church! :)

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.
--Lift High the Cross

I will serve the King

This past week, our opening prayer has been taken from the hymn, "Who is on the Lord's side?" In response...

I am on the Lord's side. I will serve the King. I will be His helper, other lives to bring. I will leave the world's side. I will face the foe. I am on the Lord's side. I for Him will go. Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe, But the King's own army none can overthrow. Round His standard ranging, victory is secure. For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure. Joyfully enlisting by Thy grace divine, I am on the Lord's side, Saviour, I am Thine.

"Life doesn't always deliver what we expect and that sometimes events may not seem just or right, but we still have to live in those circumstances. We might feel let down when life doesn't seem fair, but that's precisely when we can find grace and strength if we turn to the Lord. "Life isn't fair" eventually became another way to say, "We may not understand, but God does.""
--Carol Vandesteeg

I've thought about both of these things quite a bit this week--I will serve the King, yet living in those circumstances can be quite difficult. I make conscience choices, to be God's helper, to bring others to Him, yet recently, I'm feeling let down--life is not fair. I love the part where it says, "Joyfully enlisting by Thy grace divine" as that is where I am at right now...I will find grace and strength when I turn to the Lord.

Good times!

I thought you might like to see some of the kids I hang out with during the week! Enjoy these pictures!

Just me hanging out. :)

Carrie playing with the girls

All smiles!

Sweet child

Carrie

Smile!

She loves to colour! :)

I love this dude! Intelligent, funny, and a handful!

I am the man!

Do you see the brotherly and sisterly love here?

Picture with the boys!

Myself with one cool dude!

Love this girl!

Myself and my little friend!

Just love this guy! He's so silly!

Take Time to be Holy

One thing I love about First Presbyterian Church, here in San Antonio, is how intentional the order of worship is, beginning with adoration of Christ the King. I love traditional service, as the theology in the hymns is rock solid.

Ev'ry day will I extol Thee and will bless Thy Holy Name
My song shall be of praise and honor, and of Thy glorious acts.
Thy works are wonderful, past our knowing.

Right before the call to confession, George Sturch, read the following scripture.

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord";
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Psalm 32:3-5

I run a lot in the lovely Texas heat. As the scripture was being read, I was thinking about how draining my runs are in the hot and humid weather we have had here recently. I thought about the race the other day, where I felt tired and lifeless, before the race had begun, due to the weather!

As George continued to read though, I became encouraged! I love that when we go to God, confessing our sins, He forgives us, and gives us that life again. He literally gives me water, to bring the tired and lifeless, drained out body of mine, into His glory. The story does not stop with I went to run the race, and I could not finish. No, communion with our Saviour is so sweet, and because of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy, I am in relationship with Him. I love all the things God does for us, He is faithful, He tells us I will do this or I will do that...and in this case, I forgave. I have replenished your body with the water you need. No need to be drained and lifeless with Me.

During the prayer of confession we are given time to pray personal prayers, and confess individually, and as a congregation. I personally find this time very powerful. As a group we ask for forgiveness, but as an individual, I have the opportunity every week to say, "God I'm sorry. I failed to be an obedient servant. I did _____ wrong or I treated _____ wrong or I messed up here, or whatever the case may be." I am not sinless, but I am forgiven. Thank you, God for life and vitality!

We move from the time of confession to the Gloria Patri--this is where we sing, "Glory be to the Father..." At this time in the service, the mood/attitude shifts to affirmation and dedication. This is where we state "The Apostles Creed," say the "Lord's Prayer," and sing the Doxology ("Old Hundredth"--Praise God from whom all blessings flow...) This is one of the happiest parts of worship for me, as it is fun to tell God how great and wondrous He is.

Abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide,
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
--Take Time to be Holy

I love these words! We enter into the time of proclamation, where God's character is declared. I am challenged by these words--abide in Him always, and feed on His word. It's one thing to read your bible, and to study it, but it's another to feed on His word. "Let Him be thy Guide, in joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord." These words not only convict me, but challenge me to be a better Christian. I want to feed on His word; I want to trust in His word; I want to be holy.

This is also where we learn more about God through the sermon. Sermons are one of my favourite parts of church! I love to learn what God has taught the pastor, and what He shares with us. This past Sundays sermon was on Acts 16:25-34, the theme was Counter Intuitive. I loved one of the points that John made, "When you're in prison, do you counter intuitively sing praises to God?" This challenges me. We see that Paul and Silas were in the midst of suffering, and it is here that the power of God, in Jesus Christ, was at work through the Holy Spirit. Glorying God in joy and suffering is counter intuitive, it is also holy. My challenge to you is to take time to be holy each and everyday! Worship well, my friends!

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!

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.

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! :)

I'm a winner! :)

Race: Military City 5K

Distance: 5K (3.1069 mi)
Goal Time: 26 minutes (8:22 min/mi)
Actual Time: 00:25:56 (8:20 min/mi)
1st finisher in my bracket out of 4
5/21 women racing
20/45 racers total

Mile 0: I'm here early, I should stretch and go for some warm up laps. I have no pace setter and the people I normally run with are not here today. What am I going to do? I talked to another girl in our club, and she said to ask around and find a pace setter. Good idea. I met a new friend, who I actually paced just barely behind for the entire run.

Mile 1: 7:44, Um...I think I started way to fast. This is not normal for me. I usually start WAY to slow.

Mile 2: 16:06, I slowed down a little, this is good, as I was too fast; I'm still happy with the time. And, whoa, this race is almost over. 5K's are so short, they are over before you get started.

Last little bit: Holy cow, I'm just about finished. I just started, though. As I was running up the last portion, I knew I was going to just barely beat my goal time! Wahoo! :) As cool as it was to win a first place trophy, my favourite part, was beating my goal time. Even if it was by a couple seconds!

This is my trophy! :) Yay! It says "Military City 5K" at the bottom.