Try 2013

I thought this was funny. It is definitely for me right now. The fitness level I am at now needs a boost and so 

I am challenged to start training for triathalon. 

The last few years I seem to be caving in to a Fear mentality. After taking a few STEPS of Faith, or LEAPS or JUMPS,  we felt discouraged, fearful, cautious, defeated about doing many things. 

Our whole family seems to be feeling it. I found it interested that Greg, Caleb and Andy all preached at the Watch night service- all 3 messages kinda went together. 

Greg- having Triumph in Christ, Caleb - Be a Nevertheless Christian and Andy - Fear Not.

In 2012, our family has been challenged and stretched. To get away from the Fear. To once again, step out and Do hard things. Good things that the Lord wants to help us with. 

My kids have been serving in an assisted living home, since 2 of the men in our church have not been able to be there. Caleb is 15 and does the preaching, Andrew is 14 and does the prayer reqests and Jonathan age 10 is the song leader. They had been practicing in this capacity for a while with their Dad, but lately they have been running the services themselves. Emily and Rachel and Caleb all take turns playing the piano. We are being pushed out of our comfort zones and it is good. 

In 2012 the Lord revealed to me that I am scared to go on a missions trip. Scared of the unknown, pain, trials, uncomfortable situations that I could be faced with.  I surrendered to the Lord that I would go on a missions trip if He wanted me to. For Christmas we received money for Greg and I to get our passports and buy tickets to go to the Philippines and Thailand this year.  WOW.

So the triathalon is just another extension of this, walking in Faith and not in Fear.  I went for my first outdoor  run last night with my friend Liz. I was scared I would fall on the ice. I did not fall. It was FUN!! I was afraid   

I would not make it to the end, but I did. ( it was a run/walk/run/walk/run /walk) lol. Thank you Lord for helping me to get over the fear. 

Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. 

Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.