Running Hero

First things first...yes, this is a pic from the 80's...so now you don't have to wonder about the track suit :) But I LOVE this picture...here's why:

This is more of my family heritage--this is my Uncle Gene. I am a life-long runner because of this man. In this picture, by looks of the flags in the background, his track suit, & the stop watch in his hand, he was a cross country & track coach in eastern MT--both of which sports I did all through junior high & high school (many meets, he cheered me on & coached me even though I wasn't on his 'team', which I loved)...& am a runner to this day. I also stand just like him (hand on the hip 'tude)...& we kinda look alike :) This awesome man is with the Lord now & I miss him cheering me on, but I am blessed with wonderful memories of him. And even as I was out on my run thismorning, I thought of him with his stopwatch getting splits.

Wife

So I have ventured into something a little new & different as far as leading a Bible study goes. My new small group met for the first time tonight & I am so excited! The Lord is so wise & wonderful to lead me to do such things! I am doing a small group approach to learning & growing to be an Excellent Wife--with some absolutely beautiful 'young wives.' I am thrilled to see where the Lord takes us! But as I thought about why I am doing this study, what my motives are...the Lord put some words on my heart, as He often does & this is what I shared with these girls tonight:

I don't claim to be a perfect wife, even an excellent wife. Because I am not a perfect woman or believer. I am far from a perfect person. Because as long as I walk this earth, I'm a sinner. But Jesus didn't come for the perfect...He came for the sinner, the sick, the imperfect...He came for me. I am a sinner saved by grace & I have been graced to a high calling. The calling of being a wife. To be a partner, helper, friend, encourager, lover, cheerleader to a man I call my husband. My loyalty is to God first, my Master, then to fulfill the wedding vows He gave & I said on my wedding day to my most prized earthly possession. I don't know it all, not even close, that's not why I am leading this small group, but I do know the best 2 things there are to know: to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, strength & to love people. The more I love Jesus, the more I'll love people, mainly, my husband. I am called to love. So that's what this is all about--to study to love better. It is one of my life goals to always study & learn how to be a better follower & wife...because I know I can't or won't know it all until I meet the Love of My Life face to face, so until then, I will do my best, all that I can to honor the love of my earthly life.

Oh, I am thrilled & can't wait to dig in with this group!