Life Is A Race

Life is a race. Not a competitive race. Everyone's life is just a different race.

Our race may change course, there may be obstacles we must overcome, but if we keep our eyes on the Lord, we will reach our finish line and receive our prize. It is not always about the finish line, though. The journey is just as important. We need to make sure we don't miss something along the way while keeping our eyes on the prize.

Because I am a Christian and an athlete, this analogy is easy for me to see. Why do I race? Not to win (otherwise I would have given up long ago), but because it is a personal challenge. I'm a woman wearing so many hats -- wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, school volunteer, soccer mom -- juggling life's joys and frustrations. Talk about personal challenges! I hope to use this blog as an outlet for my frustrations and a proclamation of my joys as I tackle all the challenges I face in life.

One of my favorite Bible verses that helps me get through the hard times and relates to racing is also imprinted on my Road ID:

But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Monday, December 12, 2011

Be Prepared






It's been a while since I blogged. Just short on time and inspiration, I guess. So, here's a quick update. I have decided to get certified as a triathlon coach through an online program. My plan is to do that in January. I already have some prospective clients, which is great. I'm not going to worry about it until then because I have more important things to do right now!



It's that time of year again -- Christmas!!! I love Christmas. Every year, I get stressed and bogged down trying to get everything done. This year has been a bit different, though. Almost all my gifts are bought. The ones that are here (I order everything online) are wrapped and under the tree. The Christmas cards are ordered, though I still need to write the letter and print the labels. I have a couple packages to mail, but that should get done in the next day or two. I have baking to do, but a lot of it can be done next week when the kids are out of school. Of course, we have holiday parties this week and Polar Express Day and all kinds of fun activities for the kids at school. Holiday preparations can be fun, especially with a little holiday music in the background. I even had time to snap a few photos of our family's Christmas preparations and included them in this blog.


My kids love to help decorate the house -- the garland, the tree, the advent calendars and wreaths all come out, and they get so excited. They love all the "traditions."

My son bugged me non-stop for a week about putting the lights up because our neighbors had theirs up already! I let the kids do a lot of the decorating. They each have a tree in their rooms as well. It's just lots of fun for us, and I just do a little at a time. Do I sound too calm just 12 days from Christmas Eve?


Be prepared. I know what it means to be prepared here on this earth (even as we count down the days until Christmas), but what does it mean to be prepared in God's eyes? I honestly don't know that we can ever be fully prepared for anything since we don't know what is to come. If Jesus walked in my front door right now, I know I would probably faint! (or I might scream) But being prepared for the coming of Christ is different. We are to prepare our hearts and minds. What does that mean? During this Christmas season, think about preparing your hearts and minds for the love of God. Accept what He has in store for you, even if you don't feel prepared.

I think this season has gone more smoothly for me because I just haven't gotten wrapped up in everything being perfect and I've asked God to guide me. I've asked Him to make my to-do list. I'm prepared for Him to be in charge. Inviting God into your heart and asking Him to be a part of everything you do is part of what it means to be prepared. God will prepare you.


As you prepare and anticipate Jesus' birth, find some peace within the hustle and bustle of this world by just talking to God and asking Him to be your guide, just as the star guided the shepherds and wise men to Jesus. Trust that star. I hope you have a blessed season.


Linking up with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood at Finding Heaven Today:



and journeytoepiphany in her Picture Scavenger Hunt:



9 comments:

  1. Kelli,
    Glad to read your words friend, and thanks for sharing a bit of Christmas at your place with us.

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  2. Visiting from Jen's... your decorations are beautiful, but even more so your encouragement to spend some time alone with God. That is important any time of the year, but I believe even more so during this busy Christmas season.

    Blessings and Merry Christmas!
    Joan

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  3. Oh, can't wait to read more. I am a runner as well and look forward to reading some of your wisdom on the subject.

    Christmas can get lost in the business and I am glad you are staying more grounded with it all. Way to go!

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  4. Marlece, I think I may do a Be Prepared part 2, related to running. Every time I blog, I get inspired to blog more, then I'll have a time where I'm not inspired to write anything (or life gets in the way). ;)

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  5. I love your pictures. Everything looks so warm and cozy and peaceful. I'm glad I'm just a few miles away so I can join IRL.

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  6. It's amazing how often I've heard this same sentiment this year. I've decided to pull back on outward preparations and give more attention to inward ones! I love your picture of the wreath! I'm hosting a Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt and today's prompt is wreath...I'd love for you to linkup...Both your photo and your words will inspire others!

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  7. beautiful pictures...and I love the perspective God is giving...I wrote about my journey here...http://tuningmyhearttopraise.blogspot.com/2011/12/matthew1536when-he-had-given-thanks-he.html
    may you continue to gently journey where He takes you...

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  8. I really like your thoughts on asking God's help in preparing for Christmas.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  9. I love the fact that you reminded us that life is not a competitive race. Competitiveness is what slows us down as Christians. God bless.

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