The faith of a child

The last month has been a roller coaster ride of sorts. One minute we are celebrating life in the form of a birthday, the next we are praying for those who are suffering with terminal illnesses, family difficulties, financial problems, and more. It is merely a bold reminder that we are not home yet, but rather, we are in a temporary place, a fallen world.

On Wednesday I had the ultimate joy of beholding the face of my granddaughter within the womb of my daughter. As a mom of six, I have been blessed to see this several times before, but this time was so different. This was my first-born sharing with me a view into the private residence of her first-born. Not only was this a huge blessing, but so was the realization that not only are we gaining a beautiful grandchild, but we are also gaining a son! My daughter's fiance is my son. I felt it in my heart just as sure as I have felt that way about any of my biological children. Anyone who knows me, knows that only God could have changed my heart in this way.

While looking upon the face of my sweet grand-daughter, I received word that dear Natalia had gone home to Our Father. She was only 16. I know that her family knows that she is safe in His Arms, completely healed and happily dancing with Jesus. But I also know that they grieve their loss.

A dear friend of mine, Kelly is also in her last hours as I write this post. She has fought a brave fight and she is winning her reward of eternal life. I know that her boys will be safe and sound with their dad. I believe that Kelly will be the catalyst for a great conversion for this young father.

I can't help but yearn to see my mom's face right now. But photograph's will have to suffice. I know that we meet in the Eucharist, but it sure would be nice to have a real hug and smell that special perfume she loved to wear.

I have felt the ups and downs of the past few weeks and obviously the children have too. Often, my kids will ask me, "where are you going, Mama?" I will answer jokingly, "Crazy! Wanna go?" They laugh as we get on about our business. Today, I told the kids to get their shoes on as we were going out to run a few errands. When Fish asked, "Where are we going?" Boo quickly answered, "We are going to Crazy! Yeah! We are going to Crazy!"

His joy at following me to Crazy was so contagious! Everyone cheered and loaded into the car ready to land in Crazy! Who knows where it is, but they weren't second guessing it.

Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of faith? To trust that no matter where our Father calls us, we trust Him enough that if He says, "Let's go to Crazy" we would follow, and not only would we follow, we would be joyful about it! Ah, the faith of a child. Simple, pure, real.

Personal Records

Best Personal Records To Date

5K:  22:46
7:19/mile
November 24, 2012 Run the Woodlands 5K

5 mile:  40:26
8:05/ mile
2009-Run Thru the Woods

10K: 51:26

8:16/mile

2016 Esprit de She Woodlands

4th place AG

10 mile:  1:25
8:32/mile
2009-10 for Texas

20K Trail: 1:53:35

9:08/mile

Texas Trails Endurance Run

1st place Masters

2nd Overall Female

16th Overall

Half Marathon: 2:17:07

10:28/mile 

2016 Nutrabolt Half Marathon

*first race without inhaler

10th place AG

25K Trail Run:  2:47
10:48/mile
2010 Rocky Raccoon 

Marathon - 26.2 miles  4:02
9:24/mile
2012 - The Woodlands Marathon

50K Trail Run - 5:56
11:29/mile
2011 Texas Trails Endurance Run

50 Mile Trail Run - 12:07
12:07/mile
2012 Rocky Raccoon

100 Mile Trail Run - 26:04:40
15:38/mile
2011 Rocky Raccoon 

1st place AG

Multi Sport Events

(all events listed)

Sprint Tri:  2012
CB & I:  1:37
Y Freedom Tri:  1:14
Bridgeland Tri:  1:29

Olympic Tri: 2012
Clear Lake:  3:23 

Sprint Tri - 2013

Texas Star Triathlon: 1:10:47

1st place AG

5th female

Ironman Texas 2013

The Woodlands Texas

May Version - aka REALLY HOT and the reason it was moved to April

Finish Time:  15:27:20

Gear and Nutrition Reviews

A list of gear and nutritional products that I have written unsolicited reviews for.

Brooks PureProject Flow and Injinji Socks

Brooks PureProject Grit Review 

Tailwind Nutrition