Motivate me!!??

I have been desperately trying to get back into shape after my very long recovery from major illnesses after Caitlyn was born. I actually started to run last summer and did it for a while, and lost some weight while doing it. But then we moved to Upstate NY in winter!! After the long break, let's just say, my same ol' attitude about running is back. I only run when chased! Karate has been fantastic, but it's not enough, at only 3 days/wk for 45 min. The roads out here are great, little traffic, beautiful scenery, and a little hilly (which isn't great for a beginner runner). But, I just can't seem to make myself do it! There is a 5k race in Sept, which seems really far off, and such a short distance. i cannot find anymore races around here, was hoping for a 10k. Although, that sounds like soooooooo much running! Oh yeah, not to mention the really scarey Rotty that lives about 5 houses down! He's one scarey, and BIG dog!! He lives down the flat road, which forces me to run down the other hilly road. So, there's my babble and whining about running and fitness. My dear running friends, kick my cyber bum and get me motivated to run!!!

Freedom

FREEDOM: 1.exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. 2.the power to determine action without restraint. 3.political or national independence. 4.personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery

Today our pastor spoke on Freedom, and what it means to those of us who believe. As we celebrate our nation's freedom, with picnics, parties, fireworks and all the festivities, do we really understand what we have? Do we understand the lengths to which the soldiers went for this freedom? Freedom to worship Him who gave us this freedom. What else are we free from, in Christ?

Free from fear of death. When we believe in Him, we have no reason to fear death. Death actually means life, no more sin and sadness but life for Eternity with Him!

Freedom from condemnation. Christ died so that our sins would be forgiven, wihout guilt and conviction. To know that if we make a mistake, we can come to Him, with a repentant heart and He will truly forgive us! That we can brush off, and start anew each time we fall.

I know sometimes I take these things for granted, much more than I should. Thankyou Lord, for all you have done for us, and for the freedom we have to worship you. Thankyou for the men that fought for this freedom, let us not take our freedom for granted!

I had the feeling I was being watched by something tonight. As I was standing on our sidewalk waiting for the kiddos to come inside, and I turned towards the bush in fron of me and there sat a bird, about 2 ft from me. He never moved, just continued to watch me, and then Caitlyn, Ethan and Aaron. Yes, we looked him over from a small distance to make sure he wasn't hurt, nothing seemed to be wrong. Bizarre. He just kept tilting his head, wondering what we were doing. The children even got really close to it and he never moved. Nature is so amazing!