it isn’t what. it is why.

I bet he will never realize how powerful his words were that day.  I sat in front of the computer, trying to figure out how to format his ipod and transfer thousands of his songs to his macbook, and I declared, “I can’t do this, I don’t know how!”  He sat back, fairly upset with me and said, “How do you know you can’t, you haven’t even tried!” He was right, I hadn’t really tried.  I guess thinking I can’t was an excuse that I didn’t want to — but for some reason, I willingly volunteered to pretend like I could.

Since then, every time I try something new and think about giving up, I’m reminded of that frustrating exchange of dialogue, three years ago.  I’ve conquered all sorts of things in the last few years.  Things I never thought I would have accomplished.  Each time, thinking, I can’t quit now.

I recently tried a new water sport and as I was crouched in the water waiting for the boat to take off, I thought — I’m gonna do this.  At that moment it felt good to prove him wrong, that I am trying to learn and do new things.

I’m still unsure why I thought it would be fun to run the TC 10 in October.  As each foot hits the ground in the last week, it’s really easy for me to think that I can’t do this — that I will never be able to make 10 miles.  If I don’t change my attitude, I will definitely bail on this whole deal.

As with many of us, when it gets too hard, we quit.  School, the job, relationships — we drop out of our commitment.  We give up, we give in — we call it quits.

I’m working on adjusting my attitude when I have to run when I don’t feel like it.  It’s a great thing I have such fantastic friends who encourage me to keep pushing — to feel the burn and finish strong.  We’ve decided on a quote that really defines us in this race of life, “The real race is not in finshing first, but in crossing the line.”  Because we need each other, we will continue to cheer one another on — toward the same goal — to finish strong.

We were not created to do life alone.  We need people to help us go the distance.  To help us refine our perspective, our determination, and our confidence.  Together, we can.

The EBC Running Club made their proud debut last night at the Torchlight Race.  It was one of the best things our group has done together this year.  It’s taken a long time, but I am starting to see growth in so many areas in these ladies.  It’s the beauty of a small group.  People who come together for a similar purpose — to grow in their faith and relationships with other people in similar stages of life.  I’m so glad that when leading got tough and lonely this year, we didn’t give up — but we kept pressing in because if we would have done what I wanted to do, we would have missed out on such beautiful transformation in our lives.  It’s so exciting to be a small part of God’s glorious plan for our lives.

Interested in joining the EBC Running Club?  I’ll get you in contact with the one who created the group with the purpose to encourage and challenge people while enjoying similar interests in life.  Life is so much about the journey and those you invite to run with you.

Awesome job girls!!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”  Hebrews 12:1

I looked in the mirror on Friday.  At first, I wasn’t really sure what I saw.  But, the longer I looked, the more familiar the face became.  It was the first annual Freedom Weekend that kicked it off.  But time changes people and/or friendships and although we didn’t celebrate what would have been a third annual celebratory weekend this year (or last year), I’m thankful for those times with friends where things pick up, right where they were left.

I think most of us have our groups of people in life.  Those who have known us longer than others.  Those who make you laugh so hard – you wonder how you get through each day without them.  Those who are mere acquaintances, and yet, there are those who not only support or encourage your dreams — but they completely understand, and sometimes, talking to them makes you feel like you’re looking in a mirror.

And so we both looked in the mirror for a long time.  Probably more amazed that we saw so much of each other in ourselves.  I’ve enlisted her to join my team and she’s been assigned a task.  It’s an important role, one that I believe nobody else in my life could complete with everything I’d want it to include.  I would fail at finding a way to describe how and what, but in her perfect gifting, she will find a way to make it just as it should be.  Because we just get each other.  Because when we talk about a goal for our life with one another, what I see in the mirror isn’t just me, but someone who gets it like I do.

Conversations or the equivelant to — is where you will find her.  And you’ll want to keep your eye on this one because we’re both emerging into a place in the unknown that is vulnerable, yet enjoyable.  You don’t want to miss out.  Trust me.

I didn’t really expect to be selected to join the team.  I completed my application on the airplane and sent it close to the deadline, hundreds of miles away from home.  I figured I was probably one of many if not hundreds who expressed interest.  Why would they really choose me?

About a month later, I received an email inviting me to be apart of the team.  On October 13, 2008 — I will be traveling with a team of six other Eagle Brookers to Mozambique, Africa.   A few years ago, as part of their God’s Amazing Church Campaign, EBC decided it’s time to build out.  In partnership with World Vision, EBC has committed to sponsor an entire village in Mozambique to help with economic development, AIDS issues, religious information, health, schooling, and more.  EBC individuals and families currently support 1,100 children through World Vision’s sponsorship.

In the last year, nearly 8,000 people were shown the JESUS film and more than 300 people committed to follow Christ.  Hundreds of pastors, church leaders, men, women, & children received training on church formation, woman’s issues, HIV & AIDS, and Bible courses.  Finally, over 4,200 Bibles were distributed in addition to the 10,000 pieces of Christian literature.

God is doing something amazing in Mozambique.

One of the most exciting elements of this trip is the opportunity I may have to meet my sponsored child, Felzardo.  He’ll be six this year and he and my dad share the same birthday, August 25.

I’m excited and a little nervous for this new adventure.  The preparation and training can get intense, but it is certainly a good reminder that we should be ready, always, to give a reason for the hope that we have.  Africa or my backyard, there are opportunities to make a difference all over the world.

I ask for your prayer as our team prepares for this journey.  For the people of Mozambique, for strength & compassion, and for those back home who will be encouraged to sponsor children & support the commitment of EBC through World Vision.