The 29th Year

"I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans for you to prosper. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The above scripture was one that came to mind last night as I was thinking of my favorite scripture. It's so easy to forget that God has everything under control when life is uncertain, isn't it? It's so easy to fret and worry over the big things, or even the little things, isn't it? It is for me at least. But time and time again there is God, standing patiently, waiting for me to trust Him, to let go.

Today marks the start of my 29th year. So far it's looking as though this will be the best one yet! This morning I woke up next to the most amazing, Godly man, my husband. I picked up a fresh produce box on my front porch. I then proceeded to make the most delicious green smoothie ever! I then headed off to my day job.... substitute teaching.

At about 9am, the email arrived in my inbox that I had been waiting for; a job offer! Starting next school year I will be teaching at a local private Christian High School and I can not wait! What's so amazing is that I will be the second Mrs. Dunlap teaching there. Yes, I am following in my mother-in-law's footsteps!

What more could I have ever wished for on the day marking the start of my 29th year?

Here's to the best year yet!

Pain Vs. Misery

Misery is optional; pain is not.   

Misery as defined by Webster is "a state of great unhappiness and emotional distress".  Pain on the other hand is "trouble, care, or effort taken to accomplish something".

I first heard the above quote from a pastor a couple weeks ago.  The quote was so profound that I could not stop thinking about it.  Misery versus pain can relate to so many aspects of life in general, and my life specifically.  When I first heard this quote, my mind immediately went to running.  Earlier that morning I had run 14.25 miles as a part of my preparation for my upcoming marathon. When I arrived to church someone asked me, "Don't your legs ever hurt?"  

I quickly responded, "Yes, of course!" 

This person then asked, "How do you push past the pain?"  I tried to explain that some days are easier than others, that it helps to have a partner to talk to so they can distract you from the pain, and there are times when it becomes too much and you must walk for a bit.  The pain is inevitable.  Misery, however, is optional.

Throughout life we all experience pain; divorce, let downs, loss of a loved one, etc.  It is up to us, however, to not allow this pain to turn into a state of misery. Too bad this is so much easier to say than do, right?!  As I like to remember, "It is progress, not perfection" I am after.

Lord, please help me to choose to accept life's pain and to not allow it to turn into misery.  Amen.

On 09/15/12 at the Run United Live United 10k race, 

my friend won 2nd place in her age division

and I won 1st place female finisher!

 

It was an exciting day for the kids too!  

They ran in their first ever race 

and came in at first and second place!