Run the Race

It feels great to have completed a few things on my 40 before 40 bucket list.  I'm working on some currently but my biggest challenge so far is the 5K Run. I've never been into fitness or sports so that's why this is such a big deal for me.

I started with drinking more water, then walking,  next jogging and finally running.  I still can't run a complete mile but slow progress is still progress.   Also, I  have a great support system that pushes me and motivates me to do better.  This makes all the difference in the world to me because without them I would find every excuse not to push harder.

Until recently I was training but had no idea what run I would register for.  Then a few weeks ago while surfing the Internet I found the perfect 5K: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's (ALSF)- The Lemon Run.   It's a 5K to help with research and treatments for childhood cancer.  So,  I have decided to complete 2 of my bucket list items with this one event.  Not only will I be running, I will also be raising funds for ALSF through Briana's Soles of Love.

This event is more than just a run; it's personal.  I will be running this race in honor of our Princess Briana McBride who lost her battle with Neuroblastoma at the age of 6. What makes it even more special is that the run takes place November 8, the day before her birthday.

In the beginning I  was training without a true purpose.  Now, I have a mission to complete.  It won't be easy but it will definitely be worth it. 

           

All Things New

On my 40 before 40 journey I have decided to do 4 DIY projects.  I just love to see old things repurposed, restored  and renewed. 

Recently, my husband along with the help of  our wonderful cousins Ray and Evelyn have taken on a huge  DIY remodel; our bedroom.  We literally have removed everything to the bare walls.  Our first project was to prime and paint.  Pretty simple right, until you see the exposed walls and all it's holes, cracks and chipped paint.  All of them out in the open visible, noticeable and it's not a pretty sight.  There was plenty of work in store, cracks to be repaired, holes to be spackled and chipped paint to be scraped and sanded down.   It took a lot of elbow grease and patience to get those walls looking in great condition but we got it done.

Once the repairing was complete it was time to prime and paint.    I couldn't believe the transformation.  It turned out absolutely wonderful (pics to come soon). It was great to see that labor of love turn into something so beautiful and my husband and I are so proud of what we have accomplished so far.

However, the Lord is the Master Transformer!  He is ready to restore, repurpose and renew us.  He wants us to come to Him with  no masks, no cover ups, just US in our truest self with all of our cracks, holes and chipped "paint".   All we  have to do is "expose our bare walls" to Him and He will begin to repair us...in fact He will make us new.   His labor of love will certainly transform us into something wonderful and beautiful. A creation that He certainly is most proud of!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17