The Official First

So, this is officially my first blog post.  I have already backspaced, typed, backspaced, retyped, and backspaced again 13 times...so please be merciful, as this is my first attempt at blogging.  Here it goes...

In the last two years, my life has been completely turned upside down: marriage...followed by divorce, broken family relationships, financial stress, inadequate feelings related to my job as a teacher, a roller coaster ride of dating relationships (some made difficult because the other party/some made difficult by me), and an unavoidable appetite (ok, those of you who know me are allowed to laugh at this word choice) to seek something bigger than myself and my circumstances.

I'll save you all the details and just get straight to the point.  In the last year, I have moved from calling myself a Christian to becoming an actual follower of Christ.  I started attending NewSpring Church in Irmo, SC, became an owner (member) there, began serving on the greeting team, was baptized and started a small group with some AMAZING ladies that are supporting me, holding me accountable, and encouraging me as I grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ.  There is still so much I don't know...I can learn more...grow closer.

I also started running again and made a goal in November of 2009 to run a half marathon.  After 12 weeks of 5:45am runs in 18-30 degree weather, I completed my first half marathon on February 5, 2009.  The weather was not on my side that day...COLD and raining.  And when I say raining...I don't mean a sprinkle.  It was more like a monsoon.  By the end of the race, the road was completely covered in water and we were practically swimming the last 3 miles.  Nevertheless, my goal was 2 hours and my official finish time was 1:56:44.  I am happy that I achieved my goal, but I know I can get better...run faster...run longer.

So that leads me to this blog.  I've made a new goal, well two actually: 

1) To learn to "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10) and trust that he is working all things together for my good and His glory

2) Complete a full Ironman Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) in the spring of 2013

Is it possible to be still and keep running?  Over the next year and a half, I will fill you in on the good, the bad, and the ugly of my growing faith in Jesus Christ and my training toward a goal that, without Him, would seem impossible.

"Now to him who is able to do more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory..." Ephesians 3:20-21