dinner dates

the tricky things and the beautiful things

sometimes lists are the best way to express any-given situation.

here are some tricky things (thoughts, decisions, etc) that are processing in my mind right now:

1. understanding God's mercy

2. learning to love the hard to love

3. managing time

4. enjoying family when life is taken away

5. learning to use html settings to set a pretty background for my blog

6. getting through fridays when the weekend is hours away

7. opening bottles with oily fingers

8. knowing sarah is far away

9. deciding to eat healthy when there are unhealthy options all around

10. doing what you love

here are the beautiful things that manifest from thinking about any of these things for any given period of time.

1. never will understand His mercy. just knowing that He is all I need. relying on that one promise is enough to get me through any challenge.

2. mmm. still processing. "and the greatest of these is love..." 1 Cor 13:13

Heard the other day one of my close friends say, "I know I have to love (him/her), but I don't have to like (him/her)." I think this is so interesting.

3. we'll never be masters at this. i am convinced. no amount of organization or $$$ spent at the container store, ikea, or target will ever organize life...we just can't fit it in a container/file cabinet/desk drawer/journal/blackberry/macbook. so i am relaxing and just thanking God for patience (beauty) through it all. my life that is...and it's little nuances that cause me to stress over organization.

4. i learned a little bit more about loss this past weekend. such a bittersweet (beautiful) moment. can't tell you how sad it is to lose a loved one, but can say that i praise God for salvation and his promises for a heaven that is to come for those of us alive on earth that will one day be with Him.

5. beauty. not in a silly blog page. but the fact that He allows me to express myself in many ways. greatness.

6. i like that starbucks has free wi-fi to be able to give me a place to take a break from work. aren't breaks, pure bliss?

7. haha. had product on my hands this morning and couldn't get a bottle open. silly, i know. but the nerd that i am thought about the chemistry behind oily emollients and the things that break down oil. lol. what normal people call soap. hannah- go wash your hands already.

8. sending her funny cards. mail. beautiful thing. ...more importantly, the art of a hand written letter. thanks mimi for teaching me the importance of so many long-lost ways of art.

9. i gave in. baked goods. pumpkin loaf on a friday, just in time for my pre-run day carb-up. :) the beauty of it all....it tastes like fall in my mouth and i haven't one single regret. i'll just sit here and take my time savoring it all up.

10. i live. that's what i love. reading a book, Lifegiving. wonderfully written by two ladies (Tamra and Tammy)- about life and things that go wrong and how, as women, we have such a God-given ability to offer life to others in so many ways. the beauty of it all, is that no one else (meaning men) can't do it the way we do. i love this. chase, you may call me a feminist or w/e, but i am truly happy to be blessed as a woman of God...i may not like certain things that i do day to day, but i love being a vessel who offers life to others.

be blessed, friends, today. not because of anything you're doing or are able to do, but because life is so precious. :) have a lovely weekend. ~h

sparkly glass walls

Healing Begins

Mike Donehey/Jason Ingram/Jeff Owen

So you thought you had to keep this up

All the work that you do so we think that you're good

And you can't believe it’s not enough

All the walls you built up are just glass on the outside

So let them fall down

There’s freedom waiting in the sound

When you let your walls fall to the ground

We’re here now

This is where the healing begins

This is where the healing starts

When you come to where you're broken within

The light meets the dark

The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out

Everything that you hide could come crashing through the door now

But too scared to face all your fear

So you hide but you find that the shame won't disappear

Sparks will fly as grace collides

With the dark inside of us

So please don't fight this coming light

Let this blood come cover us

His blood can cover us

...

Ever need healing? Yes, a broken leg, arm, or skin tear from crashing your bike or running it into a parked car (this might of happened to me...just saying) might need healing; but what about heart healing? I find it amazing that God knows about how paper thin our hearts can be sometimes. He knows the little things that tear us apart...and the big things ...those that may completely wipe us out. In 10th Ave North's CD (big fan, btw)- Healing Begins is track #1. I have no idea why they put it first (true, it has the words to the title of the album in it), but I find hope in track one dealing with healing...I need healing at the beginning. Before I go anywhere with the Lord, He has to heal me. Why is it that we think something has to be broken to be healed...most of the time, broken things come looking new. ie:

Walls. Texas is notorious for foundation repairs. Hairline cracks occur and we homeowners, putty and paint over them. Not healing the crack, but fixin' it.

China. Same thing happens in foodservice with China and glassware. How often to goblets, coffee cups, and bowls get used and obtain hairline cracks?

In the song, the guys, write:

All the walls you built up are just glass on the outside
So let them fall down
There’s freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground

Don't know what my glass walls really look like, but I know they're custom built, sparkling from how many times I have used Windex on them, and thick. :)) It's ridiculous really. The whole idea of having these walls that people can see through...

So I crashed mine. Last night.

I suggest a breaking point for everyone. The sound of it all hitting the ground really is something to Praise Him for - and then, healing begins.

He's waiting right there. Never changing. Just there. Ready to pick you up and carry you on. Without sparkly walls up anymore. (there were streaks anyway- I'm glad there gone, it really is better when the walls are removed.)

Suzi & the lifeguard

Sometimes at the end of the day, it takes a good foot rub and fresh coat of paint to change my mindset on things....that's just what I did last night.

Jinny the lady at the nail salon gave me my pedicure. It's just what i needed after a stressful week (yes it was only thurs night). Now, I have to get over the bruised spine that I have from the massage chair. It's amazing how just sitting back and relaxing changes things....I had to stop the massage chair unfortunately because it was "punching" a little too hard. Left with my toes looking pretty, legs relaxed and ready for the weekend.

Maybe the pool is an option this weekend...? mmm. Only place that it won't be 105 degrees.

warrior dash

So, I am taking on an endeavor in November called Warrior Dash in Austin. Going to be quite fun, I can imagine. I was looking at the site, and well...read below...I can't wait! (italicized words taken from their site http://www.warriordash.com/index.php)

How do I train for Warrior Dash?
1. Day one: run as far as you can. Go home. Day two: do the same thing.
2. Find the dirtiest pond in your neighborhood and snorkel in it - in your slippers, without goggles.
3. Practice your climbing and crawling skills at your local jungle gym. Ignore the small children and parental glares.
4. Do not shower or shave for weeks in order to obtain a true Warrior look.

Seriously though, your best bet is to do plenty of running leading up to the race.

Well, I can definitely tackle the 3-4 mile feat. I did double that this am, mud, though...I need to buy some all terrains soon...gear...well, I think Ames and I will have to decide on special costumes and hats for that day (FO SHO!).

In all things, we are more than conquerors! (Romans 8:35-37)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:"For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37

Have a blessed day, friends.

i'm thinking...fall

It finally hit me this weekend. The heat. Not just summer heat. Texas summer heat. Maybe when the humidity reached 160% at 545 sat am and my face was sweating before I even took off running on the trails on Saturday. I was happy to have my Nike "breathing" shirt on...because I did a little of that Saturday.

...

Fall is sounding wonderful about now. Even the shades of fall are looking enticing. I told the florist at CM the other day that I wanted something fall... it was August 1st, and since I am not buying pencils or notepads or back-to-school clothesshe led me to a beautiful arrangement of PURPLE (eggplant purple) spider mums. mmm. They are now residing in little Martinelli's apple juice jars on my kitchen table, reminding me to GO PURPLE and also that fall is near. Warm sweaters, pants (that don't make you too hot and sweaty due to wearing pants in the 100 degree weather...yikes), scarves, football, getting ready for the holidays...ok. enough.
I am happy to be where I'm at. Fall will come. Just enjoying be a 20-something friend and loved one to my family and friends.

Great things are happening:
1. 2 sweet friends have new job arrangements that I'm so happy for...
2. I am getting better at putt-putt
3. My marathon is now scheduled
4. I have a new interest...

hula hooping. What did you think I was going to say?

not the blogger, but the believer...

Wild and crazy week. It's been so victorious, though. One that I will definitely remember for the rest of my life. How can one be so challenged by the grace of God? Well, for one, I keep praying and two, He loves me. I've truly enjoyed my current season of my life. (**I keep thinking why did it take me so long to get here?)

I'll touch on the running thing- Even with 1,000,000 knats flying into my face yesterday morning, the humidity at 90% and the weather man saying that a high-level pressure system is laying right ontop of North Texas, and hearing the words, "I have to have heart surgery" or "I really don't like my job anymore" or hearing the cry of a loved one with a broken heart... I'm forced to find a reason to continue and to strive for more. The Lord is my reason. He uses the word, "running" all throughout scripture. I think it's amazing that what is now "my sport" is most sports punishment, but the Lord shines on us when we run (metaphorically or physically). He gives strength to the weak and faint-hearted, like when I am on my 9 of 11 miler and my legs feel like bricks, and the pavement changes to hard-unevened bricks and I think, "can't I just stop?" Well, yes, yes, I could, but what would that prove???....in our normal lives, if we're headed towards a hard spot: car trouble, a disagreement, being overworked, or even deeper, being lonely, thinking no one cares or no one sees you struggling to get out of your pit....He sees us, and says, "Only for the time being. I will work this out for my Good." He told us in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble." Let's prepare, friends, and believers of the body....let's overcome the world through Christ. Let Him lift you up today. Run steadfast into His arms.

glimmer...(a post I wrote in January)

The joy that I've been overwhelmed with for the past week has been remarkable. When speaking with one of my friends tonight, I spoke of this joy and explained that it is surmountable for any human to feel on their own... I can only contribute it to the Lord in this time of my life. As I work, learn, play, grow, and fellowship with other people (Christians and those needing Jesus), I patiently share this joy.

The challenge to myself and anyone needing a breath of fresh air (seems crazy--but)- continue to pray for the fresh dose of God's love everyday. Deeper than we can even imagine is a love that is richer and more fulfilling than most things we've ever tasted. The flavor and taste lingers on forever...Christ's blood was responsible for it. The way Christ renewed himself everyday is the very example for us to follow. I know that sometimes the daily tasks of work, school, and chores get so daunting, but there is HOPE....and everlasting joy that comes with the fullness of the Lord.

How far can we take Christ in 2010? Or rather how far can Christ take us? Phil 2:9-11 Every knee will bow and every tongue confess...that Jesus Christ is Lord.

a friday...

after a week of so many happenings, it's hard to believe that i made it through. short-staffed, state reviewed, illness running rampid, ....even forgetting to eat lunch... i just sing praises to the one and only Jesus Christ for the strength that i never have, but he has given to me.

things that made me smile today:
1. well, this was last night, but i wore my hairnet almost half-way home before i realized it. haha. lunch lady hannah for you.
2. found out that one of my staff passed his driving test! woohoo. i am so proud of you!
3. heard that snow is coming
4. wendy lynne is coming in a week to TX!
5. mom and me are spending the day together tomorrow, and that always makes for a better friday.
6. precious james, snuggled up to me as i was staying with him, and he said (as he played his DS), ms hannah, i am so comfy snuggled up under your arm. don't move. and give me more of that blanket.

the Lord is doing great things. please know, that if you are reading this and a believer, you are called to share this love with everyone you meet. if you have not yet, accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior, He died for your very sins, was raised from the dead, and the mystery of his life is that he did it for free...no works/acts/doings will ever be enough. he asks only for us to love, and serve him and share his love with others. may His Word be heard throughout the nations.

Passion, Mystery, and then...

I am reminded the importance of the light Jesus has brought into our lives, as saved ones that He calls His own. This verse really spoke to me, because He states to have nothing to do with the darkness. There have been various things that have happened to me in my 23 years of living that I throw off- to get out of the darkness. As I move through life now- presently- I live each day as it is. I want that light that no one on earth can offer. The peace that passes understanding. And for Him to say, "well done, my good and faithful servant."

Ephesians 5:8-16
For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: Wake up, O sleeper, Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

wake up and let the light shine on you and your world today.