Setting Goals!

So, I've been really bad at blogging lately. My sister, Kim, inspired me earlier this year to start RUNNING. I was so impressed with her drive and dedication in setting a goal to run a half marathon and achieving it that I too set a goal to run a 5k.

So, in May I started running and set a goal to run the YMCA Turkey Trot 5k in November. I use that term, RUNNING, loosely. I've never been a runner before. I did the required running in school PE classes and played soccer and softball as a youth. I also got a group of friends together as an adult in a coed softball league. So running, VERY short, minuscule distances is all I had done.

In May, I started the couch to 5k program with Kim and good friend Wendolin. Kim was kind enough to tweak it for my non-running self. We literally started with 10 seconds of running alternated with 60 seconds of walking. I had to work up to the couch to 5k program. Part of the reason why was being out of shape and over weight.

I completed the couch to 5k program at the end of September. At that time, I was running a 20 minute mile. But I was running a mile without stopping and that was something that I never dreamed I would be able to do when I started. I am obviously going for DISTANCE not TIME.

I'm proud to say that I have continued the running to train for the 5k. I have also improved my time. Tonight, I ran 3.24 miles in 42 minutes and 41 seconds. I am now anxiously awaiting the Turkey Trot in less than a week on Thanksgiving Day.

I am realizing the importance of setting goals in both business, my personal and spiritual life. It is a great example for my kids and the feeling of accomplishment you feel when you achieve a goal is like nothing I've felt before.

So, get out there and set some goals and 10k training here I come!!!

Proud

Sunday evening was a very special evening. My husband was ordained as a Deacon at our Church. I am so proud of him and excited about how are family can serve the Lord.

The process for this special evening began months ago. In August, he was notified that he had been nominated. There was a very thorough questionnaire that had to be completed about himself, our family and our beliefs. The questionnaire was reviewed by the current Deacons and the Senior Ministry Staff at the Church. We were then contacted by a couple of the Deacons to set up a home interview. Two gentlemen that currently serve as Deacons came out to the home and talked with both Keith and I. At this time we both shared our testimony with the gentlemen and answered any questions they had in regards to the questionnaire that had been previously filled out. After a few more weeks we were contacted to have Keith attend a 3 week class, it met for two hours for three Sundays. Then came the BIG day. Deacon Ordination. We had NO clue what to expect that evening. It was one of the most touching evenings that I've ever had. It started off with breaking up into small groups. The groups included current Deacons, Deacon candidates, their wives and involved sharing with the group your testimony. It is amazing to see the different ways God works in each of our lives and how different each person's testimony is. It also showed how God never gives up on us and while we are each sinners his love and forgiveness is always there. Next, we headed into the house of worship and enjoyed singing some old hymns with Dennis George and wife Sharon and a special message delivered by Joe Patton. They then called each of the Deacon candidates and their wives up to the front of the Church. They had chairs spread out in front for the wives to sit in and next to each wife the Deacon candidate kneeled next to her. They then called the current Deacon body up and they laid hands on each wife and candidate and voiced prayers. It was absolutely amazing and humbling. The outpouring of love is one that I will never forget.

Keith's mom and grandmother were able to attend. We are so thankful that they could make it.

I also had to grab a picture of Keith with our Pastor John Mark Caton.

We are amazed and stunned at where God has led us. God has been working in our lives and we are excited about what the future holds.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17