Sunday, June 22, 2008

Sunday Night, Running, and a few other things to record

Tonight our church went from a missionary church to a particular church. This means that our tiny church, which has been in the planting phase for four years now, can now stand on its own with no monetary support from the Presbytery. And Scott and I got to be a part of the celebration, as members.

As I sat in the celebration service tonight, I felt very taken care of by God. And very aware of how much I do not know about what I need. I remember the first time with visited South Point, and, in pride, we expressed to each other that we weren't sure if it was what we were looking for. Because, of course, we were looking for Intown, which was not to be found in South Atlanta. What I have found since then, is that Southpoint seems like the perfect fit for our family. We have grown to love the people and the church, and no matter where life takes us, this small church will always be so special to me because it is the first church Scott and I joined as a married couple, and it will be the church where Ada is baptized (more on that later because that has been a decision I have wrestled with). Tonight let me see even more into the hearts of the people who first started Southpoint, and it was very encouraging to hear how much they desire for everyone to know the gospel. Simple as that. It all comes back to the gospel. God continues to provide in such specific and unpredictable ways.

On a completely opposite note, I am just having the hardest time with the half-marathon training, and I am quickly losing steam. I just keep hitting brick wall after brick wall. The running is not getting easier, and I am getting more and more behind in my training. I can't even run three miles, and it's not for lack of effort. It feels physically impossible. Any advice, anyone? My motivation is hitting rock bottom, and I feel like throwing in the towel. I thought it would get easier. I am having a hard time remembering why I wanted to do this in the first place. I burn more calories doing tae bo boot camp, and it isn't nearly as hard for me to do. I don't know. Maybe I am just not a runner.

And the last random thing to share, our desk top computer is so very sick with a virus, and I don't know when I will be able to download any pictures. I am so scared that I am going to lose all of my pictures because of this. I have a few printed of Ada after she was born, and I have a few saved with Kodak Gallery, but not nearly as many as I have saved on the desktop. Any computer geniuses out there have any advice for getting rid of a virus?

P.S. tonight marks night three in letting Ada cry-it-out. She slept all night last night, but I think it was just a fluke. So with renewed determination, we will see what happens tonight. Stay posted.

6 comments:

Milla said...

Aw! I love hearing about your church. What a blessing it is to move somewhere new and grow and learn together as a family. And, what a blessing it is to be part of a church that seems to be growing and developing! Thanks for the update.

Milla said...

oh, and p.s. about the running - I feel your pain. I would say not to force yourself into something that makes you miserable! Or, maybe forget the big looming goal for now and just try to run just a mile or two at a time - learn to re-love running! Then, set a new goal if you want. That's my only thought...

rhodes1 said...

Sad about running. I wish I had some wonderful advice, but I can't really come up with any. I don't know if you have a way to run on a treadmill, but I've been running on a treadmill the past week and surprisingly found it easier. I listen to my ipod, and don't let myself look at the distance until one song is over. It makes it go by so much faster. An ipod makes an incredible difference too. I don't know if you have one, but it keeps your mind off of the pain :)

I have been working on your painting. I think I should finish it up in the next couple of days. I was thinking that maybe I could bring it to you after the 4th of July weekend. Mom and Dad are leaving for the beach on Monday, so maybe I could leave then as well and go to McDonough (sp?) for the night. I've gotten some good feedback on it, so hopefully you'll like it as well.

Bull said...

Here is my running advice, not that I'm an expert or anything, but it helped me get over the hump. Set goals that are just a bit farther than you can normally run, and then make up your mind that no matter what, you won't stop. You can slow down, but you cannot stop. If you can only run 2 miles, set your goal as 2.2, and keep running no matter how bad you feel. For me, and I think for most people, running is way more psychological than it is physical. Make up your mind that you won't stop, and you'll prove to yourself that you can do it. The value of attaining your goals is huge, from just a mental standpoint. Trust me, if I can do it as a huge land whale with bad knees and zero tolerance for discomfort, then you can do it too.

Lindsay said...

Thanks for sharing about your church. It reminds me that God will provide and take care of us when it comes to finding a church as well and that, possibly, we need to be a little more open minded and not compare to our other church? So excited Ada slept all last night!

jane said...

i may get booed here but-- i think running isn't good for you anyway! too much impact, especially for a woman. i may be an old wives tale- but my mother always said that it joggles up your insides too much, not to mention your knees.
just do what you love and enjoy. life is too full of things you don't enjoy, but HAVE to do!