Heart of Texas Triathlon #3

I completed my second triathlon this morning--a sprint tri. I was number 100, the last person to start. Ashley, who works for the race director, gave me a smiley face on my arm. She was excited for the double 0's. :)

Swim--300 meters, I cut my last swim time by 2 minutes and I actually passed one person in the pool.
Bike--12 miles
Run--2 miles, I was amazed at how fast I ran these two miles!

The triathlon was fun and I enjoyed the challenge!

Kathleen, myself, and Anna
(We run in the same club!)


I am on the far left, my running coach, John, behind myself, and then Kate, another friend from the running club.

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

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

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!

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!