It's been a while since I've been active in the blogging world and man oh man a lot has happened!
It's been six months since my husband of over three years told me he was resigning from his position at our church and also walking out on our marriage. The last six months have not been the easiest, to say the least, but I have learned so much about myself, forgiveness and the promises God offers. I am finally at a place where I can recognize the good in the divorce and am able to forgive him for the pain he caused and the promises he backed out on.
Forgiveness is not an easy or quick road to walk down but it is one that I feel benefits me more than it benefits him. Just yesterday I was able to send him an email explaining to him that I had forgiven him for the pain and chaos he threw into my life-it wasn't about releasing him from any consequences of his actions or validating his choices, it was about releasing myself from the burden of his decision and letting myself move on. I forgave him because Christ first forgave me. Did he deserve my forgiveness? Maybe not but then again I don't deserve the forgiveness Christ has given me either.
So, what is "and this happens" now about? It's about the adventures I take as a single woman rediscovering herself, her purpose in life and her purpose in Christ. It's about seeing the silver lining in what seemed like a very dark, thick cloud.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, January 8, 2010
On to 2010...
or 2KX as some of my friends are calling it. It is interesting to hear all the variations, I wonder what will be most popular by the end of the year.
I ended 2009 with one of my most challenging accomplishments which was running a full marathon. I finished it in 4:30:36 and never walked! I had a great team of friends and family supporting me the whole way-through the training and during the actual run. It felt amazing to complete my challenge from CIY and to also raise $1100 for a well in Malawi, Africa. And, to answer your question-no, I have not run since! I have been working out but no running-my body needed a serious break after 4 months of training. However, I am registered for a half marathon in March so I need to get myself back on the road! My goal for 2010 is to run two half marathons and I have already registered for one and am close to registering for the second! I'm not sure I'll run another full one but I can sure do a half!
I am looking forward to 2010 because we have lots of exciting things to look forward to. As I'm sure you have done, I've set some goals for myself and can't wait to see how God works through me to accomplish them.
At the end of March we are planning on taking about 115 high school students and adult leaders to Mexico to build houses for the poor. We had to cancel this same trip last year due to the media hype but we are going full steam ahead this year! We are going with a new organization this year which not only focuses on building houses but also focuses on teaching communities about the love of Jesus Christ. I can't wait for this trip...when I was a senior in high school I went on this trip and it totally changed the course of my life.
Another thing that I am really excited for is a new adventure Matt and I have started with a couple of our friends. Every year we take high school students to a conference but there aren't really any great, affordable conferences for junior high students. This lead us to plan one on our own! It is a huge task but we are really looking forward to offering a high quality conference for junior high students in Northern California-so look forward to more information about Collision 2010!
I think that's all for now! I hope that you have a great 2010 and can't wait to see what 2KX has in store!
I ended 2009 with one of my most challenging accomplishments which was running a full marathon. I finished it in 4:30:36 and never walked! I had a great team of friends and family supporting me the whole way-through the training and during the actual run. It felt amazing to complete my challenge from CIY and to also raise $1100 for a well in Malawi, Africa. And, to answer your question-no, I have not run since! I have been working out but no running-my body needed a serious break after 4 months of training. However, I am registered for a half marathon in March so I need to get myself back on the road! My goal for 2010 is to run two half marathons and I have already registered for one and am close to registering for the second! I'm not sure I'll run another full one but I can sure do a half!
I am looking forward to 2010 because we have lots of exciting things to look forward to. As I'm sure you have done, I've set some goals for myself and can't wait to see how God works through me to accomplish them.
At the end of March we are planning on taking about 115 high school students and adult leaders to Mexico to build houses for the poor. We had to cancel this same trip last year due to the media hype but we are going full steam ahead this year! We are going with a new organization this year which not only focuses on building houses but also focuses on teaching communities about the love of Jesus Christ. I can't wait for this trip...when I was a senior in high school I went on this trip and it totally changed the course of my life.
Another thing that I am really excited for is a new adventure Matt and I have started with a couple of our friends. Every year we take high school students to a conference but there aren't really any great, affordable conferences for junior high students. This lead us to plan one on our own! It is a huge task but we are really looking forward to offering a high quality conference for junior high students in Northern California-so look forward to more information about Collision 2010!
I think that's all for now! I hope that you have a great 2010 and can't wait to see what 2KX has in store!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Mission Accomplished!
I'll post more later...when I can feel my legs again. For now, I just wanted to post that I officially finished my first marathon! 4 hours 30 minutes and 36 seconds! Thanks again for your support!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
One week!
I can't believe the day is almost here-I have one week until the California International Marathon! I am really excited to complete this challenge and truly appreciate all the support and encouragement you have given me. I have about 6 people ready to run alongside me during different parts of the marathon and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with my friends.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Death of Me
Not very many people can say they know the day they will die...I have a sneaking suspicion I may know the day and even a time range...December 6, 2009 between the hours of 7:00am and 11:15am. These are the hours in which I will be running my first marathon. Okay, now I don't really think it will be the death of me but it might bring me closer. Training has been taking up a lot of my "free time" which was already hard to come by. I have enjoyed the challenge and I am looking forward to the actual race but I can also say that I can't wait for it to be over! This whole thing started from a challenge at a summer conference called CIY and now in just a few weeks I will be completing the challenge! All the money I raise for the run will be going to bring clean water to a community in Malawi, Africa through playpumps international. Please read my support letter and pray about supporting playpumps either through my marathon or through their website. I have included my support letter in this post and ask that you would consider supporting the children in Malawi.
I hope this letter finds you well and getting ready for the quickly approaching holiday season! I can’t believe it is already November - I feel like I just returned from India! This year has been great as I graduated school last December, and was then offered a job at our church as the student ministries coordinator - Matt is now my boss! It is working out really well and I think we make a great team. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.
This summer we took 150 high school students to a conference in Southern California where everyone was given a challenge card, which contained one of many possible challenges. A group of 4 junior girls and myself decided to open our cards together so that we could keep each other accountable for our challenges. I was the last one to open my card and on it reads, “26.2- commit to being healthier. Train and run a marathon before next summer.” While I have always been active, I have never been a long distance runner by any means! I have already started my training and actually ran a half marathon in preparation for my full marathon on December 6.
I have decided to raise support for my marathon and donate all proceeds to PlayPumps International. This organization supports a cause that has really been on my heart - providing clean water for communities that do not have access. 1.1 billion people in our world do not have access to clean drinking water, which leads to premature deaths. Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water. In addition, in many communities, young girls walk an average of 5 miles a day to get this unsanitary water, which results in the girls not being able to attend school.
PlayPumps International installs wells in areas that don’t have access to clean water. These wells are attached to a merry-go-round, and every time kids spin the merry-go-round, water is pumped from the ground. Not only does this system provide clean drinking water, but it also provides a place for little kids to play. PlayPumps also hires local men to maintain the system. In addition, girls get the opportunity to attend school because they don’t have to walk for hours a day to get water.
I would love for you to join me in bringing awareness to this cause and this organization. I also ask that you would consider sponsoring me as I run 26.2 miles to bring awareness. All the support raised will go towards a PlayPump in Malawi, Africa. My goal is to raise $2500. If you are able to support this challenge of mine, you can make checks payable to PlayPumps International. Thank you for always supporting me in my adventures! This is by far the most challenging for me, so I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers-especially as December 6 gets closer.
With love and appreciation,
Heather
I would also like to add-I was not the only one who received a challenge at CIY and by the time I cross the finish line one of our students will have memorized the first chapter of Ephesians...on his way to memorizing the whole book by July 2010! Go Taylor!
I hope this letter finds you well and getting ready for the quickly approaching holiday season! I can’t believe it is already November - I feel like I just returned from India! This year has been great as I graduated school last December, and was then offered a job at our church as the student ministries coordinator - Matt is now my boss! It is working out really well and I think we make a great team. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.
This summer we took 150 high school students to a conference in Southern California where everyone was given a challenge card, which contained one of many possible challenges. A group of 4 junior girls and myself decided to open our cards together so that we could keep each other accountable for our challenges. I was the last one to open my card and on it reads, “26.2- commit to being healthier. Train and run a marathon before next summer.” While I have always been active, I have never been a long distance runner by any means! I have already started my training and actually ran a half marathon in preparation for my full marathon on December 6.
I have decided to raise support for my marathon and donate all proceeds to PlayPumps International. This organization supports a cause that has really been on my heart - providing clean water for communities that do not have access. 1.1 billion people in our world do not have access to clean drinking water, which leads to premature deaths. Every 15 seconds a child dies of a preventable disease related to unsafe water. In addition, in many communities, young girls walk an average of 5 miles a day to get this unsanitary water, which results in the girls not being able to attend school.
PlayPumps International installs wells in areas that don’t have access to clean water. These wells are attached to a merry-go-round, and every time kids spin the merry-go-round, water is pumped from the ground. Not only does this system provide clean drinking water, but it also provides a place for little kids to play. PlayPumps also hires local men to maintain the system. In addition, girls get the opportunity to attend school because they don’t have to walk for hours a day to get water.
I would love for you to join me in bringing awareness to this cause and this organization. I also ask that you would consider sponsoring me as I run 26.2 miles to bring awareness. All the support raised will go towards a PlayPump in Malawi, Africa. My goal is to raise $2500. If you are able to support this challenge of mine, you can make checks payable to PlayPumps International. Thank you for always supporting me in my adventures! This is by far the most challenging for me, so I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers-especially as December 6 gets closer.
With love and appreciation,
Heather
I would also like to add-I was not the only one who received a challenge at CIY and by the time I cross the finish line one of our students will have memorized the first chapter of Ephesians...on his way to memorizing the whole book by July 2010! Go Taylor!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
1/2 Marathon down...
I ran my first official 1/2 marathon race and boy was it exhilarating! I'll tell ya-sometimes it is difficult to go out and run 15 miles around town but I had a lot of fun at the race. There were thousands of other people there walking and running, bands every couple miles and lots of people lining the streets to cheer for people. My official finishing time was 2:08:15 which is quite a bit faster than my training pace so I am excited about that! When running for over two hours straight there are lots of interesting thoughts that pop into my head and I sort of wished I had brought my cell phone along so I could Tweet updates.
Since I didn't think ahead to bring my phone I will recap some of those thoughts here:
Mile 1: Are you kidding me...why is it so stinkin' cold?! (We started at 7:30am)
Mile 3: Are you kidding me-it's only been 3 miles?!
Mile 5: Oh yeah! I can do this...who chose that band? They are terrible!
Mile 5.5: Just saw a girl with a shirt that said "I'd rather be at church"-laughed to myself then pondered whether that was because she really enjoyed church or because she really hated running.
Mile 6: Got passed by some kids that looked all of 11 years old and realized I'm not even 1/2 way finished.
Mile 7: Took some Cytomax from the volunteers handing it out at the hydration station, spilled it all over myself...great, now I'm sticky.
Mile 8: I think the guy in front of me pooped his pants...I've heard of that in the Olympics and the Boston Marathon but come on...this is the Cow Town 1/2 marathon...take a few to use the porta-potties!
Mile 10: If someone offered me $100 to chop my foot off I would consider...my left foot is hurting so bad, ow...ow...ow. Dang it, an old man just passed me.
Mile 13: this is by far the longest mile ever...is this some sick joke?!
Mile 13.1: How am I going to do double that in a couple months?!!
I actually really enjoyed the whole race atmosphere and also like my cowbell finishing medal! I'm really glad I did the 1/2 and will consider carrying my phone with me for the full-if not to Twitter at least for use in case I need someone to pick me up and drive me to the finish line :-)
Since I didn't think ahead to bring my phone I will recap some of those thoughts here:
Mile 1: Are you kidding me...why is it so stinkin' cold?! (We started at 7:30am)
Mile 3: Are you kidding me-it's only been 3 miles?!
Mile 5: Oh yeah! I can do this...who chose that band? They are terrible!
Mile 5.5: Just saw a girl with a shirt that said "I'd rather be at church"-laughed to myself then pondered whether that was because she really enjoyed church or because she really hated running.
Mile 6: Got passed by some kids that looked all of 11 years old and realized I'm not even 1/2 way finished.
Mile 7: Took some Cytomax from the volunteers handing it out at the hydration station, spilled it all over myself...great, now I'm sticky.
Mile 8: I think the guy in front of me pooped his pants...I've heard of that in the Olympics and the Boston Marathon but come on...this is the Cow Town 1/2 marathon...take a few to use the porta-potties!
Mile 10: If someone offered me $100 to chop my foot off I would consider...my left foot is hurting so bad, ow...ow...ow. Dang it, an old man just passed me.
Mile 13: this is by far the longest mile ever...is this some sick joke?!
Mile 13.1: How am I going to do double that in a couple months?!!
I actually really enjoyed the whole race atmosphere and also like my cowbell finishing medal! I'm really glad I did the 1/2 and will consider carrying my phone with me for the full-if not to Twitter at least for use in case I need someone to pick me up and drive me to the finish line :-)
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