OFMG!!

I haven't posted the last few days because when I wasn't busy doing something, I could be found laying in the recliner or bed.  The "crude" decided to pay me a visit and as always, it had bad timing.

Back in August, my walking partner, Beth, recommended starting the Couch to 5k plan so that we would be ready to run a 5k in our community on Oct. 1st.  With great enthusiasm, we started meeting at 6 am three days a week. I'll just point out that I am not much of a morning person.  I'll confess that I tried many ways to make the gettin' up and goin' easier....One time I even slept in my running clothes, got up, put my bra, socks and shoes on, and left.....didn't do that again cause I just felt too gross. haha!
Anyway, our group started out with 5 and would grow to 7.  The early weeks weren't too hard but as we began to run longer and physical pain would hinder me, it became clear that I needed more than me to reach my 5k goal.  Before or after we run each time, our group prays together.  And when the running gets hard and I want to stop, I remember I'm running to take care of this one body my God gave me....praising Him in my exercise.  OFMG....Only For My God would I get up at 5:30 am to go run!  But oh the lesson I would learn in reaching this goal!....it takes more than me!!  I needed my running crew to be accountable to and to encourage me!
Isn't that how life is!? We get wore down, burned out, and beat up.  But when we realize that it takes more than ourselves to get through the days, the burden eases.  Giving up our burdens to the God isn't easy! I'm an Indian giver when it comes to this. haha! But I'm getting better. I'm breathing easier and feeling stronger in the daily rat race when I remember it take more than me.

GO OFMG C25K CREW!!
-Neesa


Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deed."

Here goes nothin'!

 At the beginning of 2011, I made a "resolution" to step outside of my box when I felt nudged by the little angel sitting on my shoulder.  Stepping out has been harder than I thought it would be.  Many times it has been fear that has paralyzed my body from acting on thoughts of other people and ideas, like this blog, that have popped up in my mind and placed on my heart.  Fear of what others may think or say has been the biggest shadow in my journey.  Fear can really sap the fun out of life and hold you back from doing amazing things! 
You know that little thought that pops in your head about a friend or the thought of doing something for someone?  That is what I've tried to listen to and act on more. I'll be the first to say, I haven't been the best at following through on those actions.  But this year, I have strived to change that and I've stood amazed a what He does when you put feet to your faith.
This isn't an easy journey we are on.  As a full-time working mom I am often frazzled and thinking, "You REALLY want me to find time for that, God?!" And the answer is "Yes. Yes, I do." My prayer is that you would be encouraged on your journey.  If just one is encouraged, my purpose is acheived.
I struggle daily with the balance of faith, family, and work.  But I am finding a great peace in focusing on more than me.
~Neesa