In the Homestretch

As a runner, one of the favorite parts of almost every run is the homestretch. The last mile or so when I know I'm almost done with a grueling run. I mentally feel better just knowing I am headed towards my car or apt and that means I'm even closer to a shower, food and elastic waist pants.

I am running the Mercedes Half Marathon on Valentine's day in a few weeks. It'll be my 3rd Half, my 2nd Mercedes and my 1st time running the new course. Training wise-I'm in the home stretch. I have about one more long run left and then I can sort of taper off in my training. I know that when I round mile 12 on February 14th, I'll really be in the homestretch of these past 8 weeks of training.

I think in a lot of ways my parents are in the homestretch. My Mom just got the go ahead to drive again and is hopefully rounding her mile 12 and headed to the finish line of recovery. My Dad is in the homestretch of his career and heading towards retirement. My prayer for both of them is that they will mentally and physically enjoy the homestretch.

The best part of the homestretch is the mental relaxation that takes place. Thoughts of water and BBQ (every Birmingham race serves BBQ at the post-race party) fill your tired mind and it allows you to just enjoy the last mile. To just push on to the finish line and let the wind blow through your sweaty hair as you finish the task.

However, I think a lot of times I fall into this homestretch mentality with my Christian walk and that is a huge mistake. I mentally let my guard down and dream of my life beyond the one I am called to live. I don't think the homestretch ever occurs for us on earth. I think as Christians we must constantly be running this race. We are called, chosen people!

Ephesians 1:4-6 (New International Version)

4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[a] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

In Bible study and even in my own personal time with God, I have been reading a lot about taking up our cross daily. DAILY being the key. We can't become complacent and say, "Well I took up my cross on Monday and it's Friday so I'm in the homestretch."

The beauty of "taking up our cross daily" is that the cross is where restoration, redemption and grace can be found and instead of dreading the idea of taking up our cross let us revel in the beauty that the cross represents and know that we are chosen.

I am reading "Into the Word" by Anne Graham Lotz and she said something so thought provoking. I am paraphrasing here but she said something along the lines that-If we take up our cross daily be ready because after the cross comes the power, resurrection and the glory.

So how can we not take up our cross? The homestretch is waiting for us in the afterlife and I have a feeling there will be a lot more to be excited about than just BBQ and elastic waist pants!

Luke 9:22-24 (New International Version)

22And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.

Ashes to Beauty

I named this blog after the verse in Isaiah:
Isaiah 61:3 (New International Version)

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

It was such a beautiful picture in my mind when I was feeling utterly hopeless in the days after my parent's accident. I wanted to experience beauty from these ashes, gladness for my mourning and praise in place of my despair. I wanted and craved all those things and I knew the only way to find beauty in the madness and calamity my family was experiencing was at the foot of the cross.

In the hours, days, weeks, months and now a year, I found moments of beauty. Whether that came from a phone call, email, visit, prayer, good reports from doctors or laughter from my parents, I knew that ultimately there would be gladness for mourning.

I have tried to start 2010 more positive. I have a running joke with some of my friends that whatever resolution or goal you want this year just insert it into the year. For example 20honest10, 20loseweight10, and so on. Not sure why we think this is so funny or helpful but it works!

20beautyforashes10!

I am ready for the beauty AND I am seeing the beauty! In weird small ways God is showing me that He is here and has been all along and the days ahead won't be so hard. The days ahead will have trials but He has already overcome those.

Mom is doing really well for having two recent surgeries. She is in less pain and is ready to start healing. Thank you to all who have read my blog and responded. She is always in such good spirits when I call and talk to her. She either has just gotten off the phone with someone, read a note in the mail or has someone coming over to visit or bring food.

You are all too kind to my family! I hope that my words express the gratitude in my heart. I am so amazed every day by the love shone to them and your care and concern. 20thankyousomuch10 (okay sorry enough with that).

Anyways-I wanted to share a song with you. It really translates what Ashes to Beauty looks like. It is when we find Beauty no matter what at the cross where he suffered for us.




Kathryn Scott
At the Foot of the Cross

At the foot of the cross
Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart
Yes You've won my heart
Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death You bore for me

I'm laying every burden down
I'm laying every burden down

God is Victorious

I just wanted to share something with all of you out there. I follow a few blogs since my parent's accident and one that I have been following faithfully is Katherine Arnold Wolf. She is a few years younger than me and attended Samford at the same time I was there. She was Ms. Samford and Ms. Alabama. Let me just say flat out-She is beautiful. She was one of those girls you would walk pass on the sidewalk and just stare at because she was so pretty but also seemed so approachable or was always laughing. We didn't know each other and have never met. Yet her story and journey has touched parts of my heart so deep its hard to explain.

The video below gives a bit of background about her story, her brain injury and her life now (which medically should not exist). Please take a moment to watch (i hope I posted the video right!!). You will be blessed and know that whatever struggles you are experiencing, God is Victorious. God is in the business of working miracles and giving Restoration. The word Restoration continues to crop up repeatedly just in these first 7 days of the new year. God can make things whole again. It may not look like what you thought it would look like but have no doubt that He "binds up the brokenhearted." Isaiah 61:1




Here is the you tube link if I didn't post it correctly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59YMj7fFxfQ

Katherine's own blog
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katherinewolf

A New Year! A New You!

I’m sure many of you made New Year’s Resolutions this past Friday. I have always been a fan of resolutions. I like the idea of a clean slate, a blank chalkboard. The thought of having 365 days ahead of me with untold stories and adventures. To give myself a chance to accomplish something. To have a whole year to improve my self and to try to give back to those around me.

I will be very honest and say I did not have this outlook last January. I was dreading each day and the untold stories. Stories of gloom, sadness and despair. I think I could even turn a happy day into a sad one. I am not normally a negative person and I always try to find the silver lining. However, I think the only bright spot I could find in 2009 was the last day on the calendar, Dec 31st. The day I could kiss 2009 behind and my poor attitude.

So here we are facing 2010. What can you do with days ahead?

I think our sermon on Sunday is too good not to share. I attend Dawson Memorial Baptist in Homewood and Dr. Gary Fenton preached an excellent sermon that I really needed to hear. I am pretty sure the things to avoid were the things I wallowed in last year. My hope and prayer is that I use 2010 as a chance to move forward.

The sermon was based on Eph 6: 10-20 (Putting on the Full Armor of God) and was entitled, “Protecting Yourself From Evil.” Dr. Fenton went on to say that sometimes that evil lurks within us!

The 3 major points he discussed were as follows:
1. Protect yourself from Self Pity and have faith in God’s Goodness. If we continue to dwell in a woe is me attitude what we are really saying is that we don’t trust God and his ultimate goodness. God is good at ALL times! He will overcome!

2. Protect yourself from Despair and have faith in God’s Victory. Sometimes his victory is not physical healing or what we think is a victory but He will be victorious in the situation and circumstances. His purpose will be fulfilled.

3. Protect yourself from the “sin” of Cynicism and have faith in God’s Power. God can change us. He has the power to make us a new creature and to restore us. Because of what his Son did on the cross, we are now able to be made whole and complete.

When we are faced with evil whether external or internal we have a few choices to either run, deny, fight by ourselves or join God in his ability to restore and allow him to make broken things whole again.

Will you join with me in 2010 and pray that we can make our broken hearts and dreams of 2009 whole again with God’s redemptive power?


Please continue to pray for My Mom as she heals. She is pretty down these days and in a great deal of pain. I know she is overcome with the thought of the long healing road ahead. As I have said before, if you have the chance to call or stop by please feel free. I know she would love the company.

Post a comment and leave me your email address, if you need information about how to get in touch with them.