THREE DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL HE'S OFF RUNNING AGAIN!

It is so hard to believe that my Sweetie is only three days away from running his third Marathon within one year. I am so proud of him. I never thought this would become a regular thing. I was thinking once he ran one he would be done. I mean, why would anyone want to run 26 and two-tenths miles once, let alone 3 times!?! Certainly not me. But I do love to walk and I guess if I ever got into walking 5K's etc. it might become a regular thing for me, too.

Anyways, Saturday is the day and I don't know which of us is the most excited. I must admit I get a bit nervous, knowing people die in these things all the time. And even though I know he "runs smart" using a heart monitor so as to not overtax himself, I still get concerned at times ... After all, he is over 50 now ... in fact, soon to receive those senior citizen discounts we have joked around about for so long!

Here's to my Honey that he might finish the race safely and have fun doing it!

TRANSITIONS .... LEANING ON JESUS
My son and his wife are going through a big transition in their lives right now ... I think it is much bigger than any they have had thus far in their married life. I remember going through such times in our own married life ... Times of uncertainty, and yet "God's peace"; Times of sadness, and yet joy; Times of apprehension, and yet excitement ... Knowing that: "God is in control" (and wondering what on earth He is up to!:), "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me", and "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord." Having the sweet assurance that when a "door closes", we need only look for a "window" that God has prepared for us to crawl through to "new adventures".
I have not met many that really enjoy change. But change is good. It stretches us, challenges us, and improves us. It helps us develop character and lean more heavily on Jesus when we have just "gotten comfortable" working by His side.
Change in our lives is rarely easy to go through, and it is even more difficult for us to watch those we love go through it. It is so good to know I can pray God's "umbrella of protection" upon my children and know He is faithful and will provide for them, no matter what comes their way. He will carry them. He will direct them. He will hold them in the palm of His Hand! Thank you, Sweet Jesus.

RUN, BABY, RUN!!!

Jim found out about a 4 mile Labor Day run in Newton Falls yesterday at church. He decided it would be good for him to get it in before his marathon the end of this month so he registered and ran it today. He came in 28th of (I believe) 95 entrants ... I know it was at least 90. His time was 30:35 and he placed for the first time in his "running career", taking 3rd place in his age division (49-54). Next year he will be in the next age division!

I know he runs just for the joy of running and his goal is just to "complete the course" each time but it is a special joy for him (and me) when he not only completes the course but has the special bonus of actually placing. He won a T-shirt advertising the race itself - "Kiwanis 17th Annual Labor Day Run" - celebrating Newton Falls' Bicentennial (1806-2006). Unfortunately we did not know about it soon enough to tell our congregation but I am sure they will be proud of their pastor placing for the first time in a race held in their home town!!