I remember training for my first 10K run. It sounded so daunting, yet exciting at the same time. My husband would tell you that up to that point, I was allergic to exercise and healthy living. I would encourage him and the girls in their athletic adventures but I was not interested in joining them. But when the offer to experience something new came along, I quickly accepted. By nature, I don’t see myself as a quitter, so I knew I was all-in once I made the commitment. I had to prepare my mind and my body for any race day conditions. It started with my mind. I had to be mentally ready to endure whatever I was faced with on the day of the race. I started this process with setting a goal. Sure, I knew I would finish the race, but that wasn’t enough for me. I set a time for me to cross the finish line. My goal gave me something to work toward. My goal is what motivated me to get out of bed on mornings when I didn’t have anything planned. My goal is what motivated me to finish my p

What a day! There’s gymnastics practice three days per week for four hours each day. There’s synchronized swim team practice three days per week, sometimes four, for an hour and a half each day. Then there is track practice three days per week, soon to be five, for an hour to two hours each day. These activities all occur after a full school day, with a few practices sprinkled into the weekend. They fit in between ministry meetings at church and follow-up leadership responsibilities such as planning events, sending emails, drafting agendas, etc. These activities also dictate the availability of quality time with each child and, of course, we can’t forget quality time with my husband. These activities don’t replace responsibilities such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, and other household chores. Trying to describe this schedule to someone is exhausting but it really works. Every ounce of it makes sense and fits together just like pieces of a puzzle. Reflecting

“ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ” God’s grace truly prevailed and I was there as a witness. I once heard Christine Caine say “the miracle is in the breaking!” Soon thereafter, I was able to bear witness to a miracle that came from some breaking. I read the file and learned that this young man and his siblings had been caught in the middle of a family battle for years. His biological mother was addicted to alcohol and was unable to take care of her children. Their home environment was unstable but luckily for them, they had a praying grandmother who would open up her home to them any time they needed her. As I read the file, I wondered how long the cycle would cont