One of my goals for this years was to run a marathon or some kind of run.
I have just officially registered for the Iron Girl. It is mini triathlon, we swim for 1K/.62 mi, bike for 30K/17 mi, and run for 5K/3.3 mi. I am really excited and somewhat nervous. I have plenty of time to train and build the endurance for it but I am still nervous about the fact that I officially have to do it. I mean I paid money to enter this thing so there is no backing out. The countdown to August 19th, 2007 is set at 172 days.
In April I will be registering to run the Army Ten-Miler in October as well. Again excited and nervous.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
It has begun...
Today I started my 40 days of fasting coffee and chocolate for Lent. I am a little worried as those who know me must realize I am both a chocoholic and coffeeholic. I started weening myself off over the long weekend but am still slightly worried as to whether I will be able to make through 40 days! We'll see, lets just say that this should hopefully make my prayer life much stronger. (I hope)
Friday, February 16, 2007
Psalm 95 and 96
Psalm 95
1. O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
2. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3. For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods,
4. In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are His also.
5. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land.
6. Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand Today, if you would hear His voice,
8. Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,
9. "When your fathers tested Me, They tried Me, though they had seen My work.
10. "For forty years I loathed that generation, And said they are a people who err in their heart, And they do not know My ways.
11"Therefore I swore in My anger, Truly they shall not enter into My rest."
Psalm 96
1. Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
4. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
5. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.
6. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts.
9. Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10. Say among the nations, " The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity."
11. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
12. Let the field exult, and all that is in it then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
13. Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
1. O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
2. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
3. For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods,
4. In whose hand are the depths of the earth, The peaks of the mountains are His also.
5. The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land.
6. Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand Today, if you would hear His voice,
8. Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,
9. "When your fathers tested Me, They tried Me, though they had seen My work.
10. "For forty years I loathed that generation, And said they are a people who err in their heart, And they do not know My ways.
11"Therefore I swore in My anger, Truly they shall not enter into My rest."
Psalm 96
1. Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
3. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
4. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
5. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.
6. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts.
9. Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10. Say among the nations, " The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity."
11. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
12. Let the field exult, and all that is in it then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
13. Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Hope, Be Undismayed: Conversations in bed
Thanks to Sara, who may or may not know me from BBC. What she posted here was a much needed slap in the face. As well as the comment from Elizabeth. It doesn't mean that things will be any easier and that I still won't struggle with being depressed and bitter but at least I have a strong reminder of the ONE who cares enough to always be a way out of that depression and an antidote for the bitterness. Hope, Be Undismayed: Conversations in bed
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
My heart is clinging tightly...
Psalm 77
1 I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens.
2-6 I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn't heal. When friends said, "Everything will turn out all right," I didn't/don't believe a word they said/say. I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. I'm awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me. I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.
7-10 Will the Lord walk off and leave us for good? Will he never smile again? Is his love worn threadbare? Has his salvation promise burned out? Has God forgotten his manners? Has he angrily stalked off and left us? "Just my luck," I said. "The High God goes out of business just the moment I need him."
11-12 Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.
13-15 O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do—You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16-19 Ocean saw you in action, God, saw you and trembled with fear; Deep Ocean was scared to death. Clouds belched buckets of rain, Sky exploded with thunder, your arrows flashing this way and that. From Whirlwind came your thundering voice, Lightning exposed the world, Earth reeled and rocked. You strode right through Ocean, walked straight through roaring Ocean, but nobody saw you come or go.
20 Hidden in the hands of Moses and Aaron, You led your people like a flock of sheep.
1 I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens.
2-6 I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn't heal. When friends said, "Everything will turn out all right," I didn't/don't believe a word they said/say. I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. I'm awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me. I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.
7-10 Will the Lord walk off and leave us for good? Will he never smile again? Is his love worn threadbare? Has his salvation promise burned out? Has God forgotten his manners? Has he angrily stalked off and left us? "Just my luck," I said. "The High God goes out of business just the moment I need him."
11-12 Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.
13-15 O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do—You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.
16-19 Ocean saw you in action, God, saw you and trembled with fear; Deep Ocean was scared to death. Clouds belched buckets of rain, Sky exploded with thunder, your arrows flashing this way and that. From Whirlwind came your thundering voice, Lightning exposed the world, Earth reeled and rocked. You strode right through Ocean, walked straight through roaring Ocean, but nobody saw you come or go.
20 Hidden in the hands of Moses and Aaron, You led your people like a flock of sheep.
Friday, February 09, 2007
I LOVE BIBLEGATEWAY.COM
All I have to say is whoever thought of Biblegateway.com was a lifesaver.
I needed this passage today to remind me that living for "fame" on earth and a name for "legend" is pointless. I don't want to be known on earth by everyone as someone who did something or made money. I want to be known as having loved God and served Him and done whatever He asked of me. I want to leave this earth with my name being synonymous with being a servant. I don't mean in a prideful way, I want people to recoginze that I wasn't doing anything for my own Glory, I want all I do and did to be known as for His glory.
Psalm 49
10For he sees that even wise men die; The stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.
11Their inner thought is that their houses are forever and their dwelling places to all generations; They have called their lands after their own names.
12But man in his pomp will not endure; He is like the beasts that perish.
13This is the way of those who are foolish, and of those after them who approve their words. Selah.
I needed this passage today to remind me that living for "fame" on earth and a name for "legend" is pointless. I don't want to be known on earth by everyone as someone who did something or made money. I want to be known as having loved God and served Him and done whatever He asked of me. I want to leave this earth with my name being synonymous with being a servant. I don't mean in a prideful way, I want people to recoginze that I wasn't doing anything for my own Glory, I want all I do and did to be known as for His glory.
Psalm 49
10For he sees that even wise men die; The stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.
11Their inner thought is that their houses are forever and their dwelling places to all generations; They have called their lands after their own names.
12But man in his pomp will not endure; He is like the beasts that perish.
13This is the way of those who are foolish, and of those after them who approve their words. Selah.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Sermon on the Mount
I love how The Message translates this passage of scripture. It finally makes sense when it is written in layman's terms.
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
when will it be MY turn?!
I don't want to wait anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
State of my attempt to follow God
You know for as much as I struggle in my relationship with God it is always encouraging for me to read about how others are battling forward as well. I love how my Pastor puts it "let's storm the gates of Hell! We aren't commanded to sit on the sidelines but to get up and play the offense." Okay so its a little more loosely taken from what he said but that is the gist of it.
I am encouraged everyday by my Pastor and his openness with not only his church but with any and all who come upon his blog. It is such an encouragement to me when he relates his struggles and frustrations. It helps remind me that he needs prayer just as much as the next person and that just because he's a Pastor doesn't mean he won't face the same temptations as you or me.
This past weekend Pastor Mark's message was "The State of the Church." Basically an NCC version of the "State of the Union" address. Only better cause it's about NCC. :-) Although Pastor Mark talked about all the good that has been happening this past year at NCC, what with the opening of Ebenezers (which was by the way voted the #2 Coffeehouse in DC on the AOL city guide), and the starting of two more services at the Ebs location, he ended the service on this note after showing our Baptism video (go to Baptism by the Bay). And I again quote loosely because I am not sure exactly how he said it. This video is what its all about, its about the lives that are changed and the people who come to Christ as their own.
I am encouraged everyday by my Pastor and his openness with not only his church but with any and all who come upon his blog. It is such an encouragement to me when he relates his struggles and frustrations. It helps remind me that he needs prayer just as much as the next person and that just because he's a Pastor doesn't mean he won't face the same temptations as you or me.
This past weekend Pastor Mark's message was "The State of the Church." Basically an NCC version of the "State of the Union" address. Only better cause it's about NCC. :-) Although Pastor Mark talked about all the good that has been happening this past year at NCC, what with the opening of Ebenezers (which was by the way voted the #2 Coffeehouse in DC on the AOL city guide), and the starting of two more services at the Ebs location, he ended the service on this note after showing our Baptism video (go to Baptism by the Bay). And I again quote loosely because I am not sure exactly how he said it. This video is what its all about, its about the lives that are changed and the people who come to Christ as their own.
Monday, February 05, 2007
FRIGID Temps
Okay so it is the coldest it has been in a decade in DC right now. The temp. this morning when I left for work...20 but felt like -1. Now its 20 but feels like 2. I thought I had it bad until I checked the temp. in Iowa, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Respectively they were 7 in IA, 17 but felt like 0 in NJ and in Pennsylvania it was 12 but felt like -5. OY!!! Our only hope lies in the fact that Punxsatawny Phil said Spring will be here soon!! I sure hope so because I don't like this cold.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Psalm 8
1. O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
2. From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
3. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
4. What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?
5. Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6. You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,
7. All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field,
8. The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9. O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
2. From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
3. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
4. What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?
5. Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6. You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,
7. All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field,
8. The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9. O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
You Know My Name - Detour 180
Help me remember the reason I’m alive
And that I was on your mind the day you died
Help me imagine, this is not my home
And some day I’ll be resting by your side
Help me remember the day you won my heart
And you paid my way to freedom with your love
Help me imagine the beauty of this gift
A grace that I am so unworthy of
But you’ll never let me fall away from you
You know my name
You know my story
Still you’ve taken on the world
Just for me
I am amazed that you hear me speaking
You listen close to every word I say
Who am I to be loved this way?
You know my name
If I rise, if I fall
My only hope is this
That you’d be with me everyday
Who am I to be loved this way?
We Beseech Thee (Godspell)
Father, hear thy children's call
Humbly at thy feet we fall
Prodigals confessing all
We beseech thee, hear us!
We thy call have disobeyed
Into paths of sin have strayed
And repentence have delayed
We beseech thee, hear us!
Come sing about Love!
That made us first to be
Come sing about Love!
That made the stone and tree
Come sing about Love!
That draws us lovingly
We beseech thee, hear us!
Sick! We come come to thee for cure
Guilty! We seek thy mercy sure
Evil! We long to be made pure
We beseech thee, hear us!
Blind! We pray that we may see
Bound! We pray to be made free
Stained! We pray for sanctity
We beseech thee, hear us!
By the gracious saving call
Spoken tenderly to all
Who have shared man's guilt and fall
We beseech thee, hear us!
By the love that longs to bless
Pitying our sore distress
Leading us to holiness
We beseech thee, hear us!
Grant us all from earth to rise
And to strain with eager eyes
Towards the promised Heavenly prize
We beseech thee, hear us!
Come sing about Love! Love!
That made us first to be
Come sing about Love! Love!
That made the stone and tree
Come sing about Love! Love! Love! Love! Love!
That draws us lovingly
We beseech thee, hear us!
Help me remember the reason I’m alive
And that I was on your mind the day you died
Help me imagine, this is not my home
And some day I’ll be resting by your side
Help me remember the day you won my heart
And you paid my way to freedom with your love
Help me imagine the beauty of this gift
A grace that I am so unworthy of
But you’ll never let me fall away from you
You know my name
You know my story
Still you’ve taken on the world
Just for me
I am amazed that you hear me speaking
You listen close to every word I say
Who am I to be loved this way?
You know my name
If I rise, if I fall
My only hope is this
That you’d be with me everyday
Who am I to be loved this way?
We Beseech Thee (Godspell)
Father, hear thy children's call
Humbly at thy feet we fall
Prodigals confessing all
We beseech thee, hear us!
We thy call have disobeyed
Into paths of sin have strayed
And repentence have delayed
We beseech thee, hear us!
Come sing about Love!
That made us first to be
Come sing about Love!
That made the stone and tree
Come sing about Love!
That draws us lovingly
We beseech thee, hear us!
Sick! We come come to thee for cure
Guilty! We seek thy mercy sure
Evil! We long to be made pure
We beseech thee, hear us!
Blind! We pray that we may see
Bound! We pray to be made free
Stained! We pray for sanctity
We beseech thee, hear us!
By the gracious saving call
Spoken tenderly to all
Who have shared man's guilt and fall
We beseech thee, hear us!
By the love that longs to bless
Pitying our sore distress
Leading us to holiness
We beseech thee, hear us!
Grant us all from earth to rise
And to strain with eager eyes
Towards the promised Heavenly prize
We beseech thee, hear us!
Come sing about Love! Love!
That made us first to be
Come sing about Love! Love!
That made the stone and tree
Come sing about Love! Love! Love! Love! Love!
That draws us lovingly
We beseech thee, hear us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)