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

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Resolutions Begin with a Shiny Sink




Yes, that's a picture of my sink. Why, you ask? Well, first, did you notice how shiny it is? That's a photo right after I shined my sink because a shinysink is the beginning to a clean house, according to Flylady. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, visit www.flylady.net. Basically, Flylady has a system for de-cluttering your home and your life and blessing your family in the process. It is really a great website, and will help simplify your life. I have been "flying" sporadically for 10 years. Honestly, I haven't put forth much effort since I moved into my current house 6 1/2 years ago. How could I? I was expecting my 3rd child and had 4 1/2 year old twin daughters to also care for. Even as they've grown older, my priority has been my children...not my house...not my husband...not me. I decided now that my kids are in school, 2012 is the year to REALLY try to stick to the routines so that we will all be blessed. This came to me when I was thinking about how I dread "housework" and don't think about it being a blessing. Instead, I think of it as a burden. I need to change my thinking and simplify my life. After all, I chose to be a stay at home mom. So, I'm doing what I want to do. Why is it so hard?

You see, I have always wanted my life to be simple. Not easy, but simple. Well, then I had kids! I should have known that wasn't going to simplify my life! LOL! I am a fairly organized person, but you wouldn't believe me if you saw my house most days. I get lazy, I don't prioritize, things pile up, then it just gets out of control and overwhelms me! I felt very organized and stress-free this holiday season. I didn't stress about not having everything done just right. I just rolled with the punches and enjoyed it. That's what I want all the time.

I feel I have been very blessed in 2011. I gained a niece and 3 of my cousins had babies (one on Dec. 30!!), our family stayed healthy (except for one case of strep the week before Christmas), we came out ahead on our finances (which is goodbecause the list is long for 2012), I have enjoyed lots of great running and races, I had an opportunity to try out coaching and made the decision to go ahead with it (more about that in my next blog), and I have truly enjoyed my family and being a mom and wife.

God has taught me some important lessons as well. I learned to be patient and wait on the Lord to show me what direction to go, then to obey Him. I learned to listen to God a little more carefully and not allow Satan (other people's opinions) to take me off the path. I have also learned that I need to work on not judging others and being more humble at times.


This is a piece of art my friend Jen drew/composed. It is in my family room right now. I love the colors, the mixed media, and the message. Obey the Lord and follow His path. That's what I've learned from 2011. I feel like I've walked the path I'm supposed to, but I picture myself up at the top of that drawing about to go into the scary forest. I'm standing there staring not knowing where to go just yet because I can't see the way and wondering if I'm really supposed to go in there. But I know I am going to a good land. :)

So, along with my resolution to stick to some routines, I have a few that go along with that. I'm just going to list a few things:

- Stick to Flylady's routines so that my house stays relatively clean with much less effort
- At least 20 minutes of God time everyday
- Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier (this is a hard one for me)
- Spend more time with my family everyday (less time on the computer)
- Catch up on unfinished projects
- Complete my triathlon coach certification and start coaching!

I think last year, God was having me focus on waiting/patience and listening and obeying. This year is going to be all about trust and overcoming fear (and more listening and obeying, of course). I know He will be faithful, and I need to do the same.

I hope you all have had a great start to your year and I wish you a blessed 2012!

I'm linking up with Jen:

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