You Need a What.....hmmm...Let Me See!

The neighborhood children had just got together and decided to go to the green space down the way to play Airsoft. I am not to fond of Airsoft but there is richness in community, collaboration, problem solving and strategizing even at the expense of being pelleted by a "friend" who after the rules are laid and the teams made...may be your opposition.

My third born was not interested in going so I thought it would be a great idea if him and I walked our crazy muts that we acquired at Christmas time. We set off him and I and two dogs unequal in size. We decided to walk down by where the children were playing. As we were walking we embarked on great conversation about life and how things were feeling since we moved. We talked about our neighborhood and our neighbors, what we missed and what we would do different and/keep the same.

As we rounded the corner I could hear the shout outs from the "leaders". It was very military! I could also here the shear joy of children playing together. And what I saw when we rounded the corner were 12 boys running around climbing, jumping and shouting, dodging the ammo. And then they saw me.....

The all retreated to the bench, sat down and played it off like they were just chatting about logistics! I chuckled because I knew why they were "innocent". I have voiced my concern about them "playing" with guns and shooting each other. I gave them a smile of approval and my third born and I carried on walking and talking.

I said to him "Mommy should really try to find some new friends because new friends seem to be fun. I miss my old ones. I miss my angels but I know there are friends here for me somewhere. I should leave the house once in a while and try to make new friends." He concurred and we carried on with the dogs.

We had just passed one of his little friends houses and after about 3 more was when Max (the beagle/ english pointer mix) decided he needed to relieve himself. As I went to get my bag to pick up after my pet I realized there were no bags in the bag dispenser so I sent my boy on his way to his little friends house to ask for a bag. I sat down on the cement and waited. When your send a child on a task he is unfamiliar with and a bit uncomfortable with it sometimes takes a lot of time! So I waited......

Meanwhile the lady whose house I was in front of came out and looked at me with a bit of concern. I tried to never mind her as not to bother her. She kept looking and looking and finally came down her driveway and asked me if I was OK. I explained what I was doing. (AKWARD..explaining that my dog did his duty on her lawn and I wanted to clean it up and was waiting for my son to return with a bag......) She was so grateful and went and got me a bag.

In my attempt to try to be kind and LOVE people (and the fact that I LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk) a conversation ensued. I kept looking at her. Looking deeply at her. This is nothing new for me. I often get told that I listen with authority and intently as if to draw more out of a person. Finally I said "I know you from somewhere." We went through the usual and nothing fit. Her children were grown she was not involved in anything I was involved in (which is not much) so I decided it must have been the grocery store down the way.

We got on to the dogs and where I got my dogs.....

And if you can believe it she had gotten her dog at the same shelter we got the little dog at only she adopted hers (and yes you adopt these animals you don't buy them ((I learned at the shelter when I said I wanted to buy that dog)) several years ago. She invited us up to her back yard to see her dog and introduce the dogs.

Her and I continued to talk. My boy tried so hard to be patient. He knows his momma loves to talk and he always knows he is in for a long stay when I begin to chat. So he endured as we continued. She shared with me what she had been doing that day; putting away Christmas decorations and going through stuff in the attic. She showed me these wonderful sports banners she made her children when they were young. She was sad because she did not know what to do with them. I wanted to ask her why she wouldn't give them to her children but before it came out (thankfully) she shared with me that her daughter lived at home again after graduating University and her son was home on break from University......

And then she looked at me deeply and tears began to stream down her face...and she said.....
"My husband passed away in May and this was my first Christmas with out him and I am lost and it is hard." And by the GRACE and MERCY of GOD I embraced her and hugged her (not my normal behavior) and told her I was sorry for her loss and I prayed for words because I had none...I can't ever seem to find words in situations like that.....and I kept hearing....LOVE HER SHE NEEDS A FRIEND RIGHT NOW! As she profusely apologized for her tears I reassured her it was more than OK to cry!

And she cried and I held her!

She began to tell me that she was looking for an new job. A full time job with benefits and a stable salary. She currently worked at Pier 1 and that was not enough for her to sustain their home. She shared her worry about having to sell their home that they had lived in since they moved to Texas in 1997.

I said..."That is how I know you....I saw you in Pier 1. You were on your way out the door that day and I was working with your manager ordering stuff and she needed to talk to you before you left and asked you to wait" She said "You remember that?" "YES, YES I do!"...............

This day in this moment I saw GOD. I saw that he knows me! He knew I needed that moment. He prepared me for that moment weeks before when I saw her in Pier 1! He knew I needed to be a friend so I could have that new friend I desire. He makes no mistakes this was not by mishap this was authored and planned. A part of my story to prepare me for what he has for me. To mold me and shape me to LOVE people like HE first LOVED me! TO LIVE BEYOND MYSELF!

The most beautiful aspect of all of this is that a little boy who is learning about LOVE and friendship got to experience this moment with one of his mentors and teachers who sits under the Authority of her Maker. He got to watch his momma LOVE this woman who was sad and hurting. He got to see how to comfort those in need. He got to witness what it is like when your heart has a desire!

I have not seen this woman again but today as I was running for Parul it was laid on my heart to take her a card and maybe even dinner and check in to see if she has found a new job! LOVE people ...LIVE BEYOND MYSELF!

I RuN Because?????'

I aspire to be a runner.  I have for a few years now.  It began about 7 years ago when my mother asked me to run the Peachtree Road Race 10k with her in Atlanta Georgia.  With the help of a supportive friend we embarked on the training necessary to accomplish that what seemed like huge endeavor.  

July 4th rolled around and I ran that race.  It was this moment that I now would answer the questions "What do you like to do in your free time?, What are your hobbies/interests?  Who am I?"  Running captured me.This would now be a part of me.  

People would often respond with a "WOW!  You run marathons!"  NO NO I don't.

10K was far enough for me.  I could enjoy and hour of running but more than that did not excite me!

I vowed to never run beyond 10k....that would be more than crazy, boring, silly!

Years came and went and my running was often strong but sometimes at a lull.  In those time where I could not run regularly or when I was in between running partners (it is more fun to run with someone)  I longed to be a runner.  I longed to say to people "I run!".

For the past year my running has been non existent due to life circumstances.  But I longed for it. I longed for what is has become for me.  I longed for what it gave me.  I busted needed a nudge.

AND

The nudge came.

Her name is Parul.

As Our Own-Parul

SOOOO...

Saturday, Jan. 01 2012

I began again.  I began being a runner.  This time for more than me.  This time for someone else who needs  me to be a runner more than I need myself to be a runner.

I began training for a half marathon on her behalf.

I am stepping out of my 10 k comfort zone and pushing to something more.

Not for me.  For Parul.

Jan. 08  2012

After only 2 days of very very short runs with beautiful running partners (I found a few new ones here in my new location:)

I embarked on my first long run!  I have to build up to 13 somehow!

My second born has found a love for running through his new school here so I encouraged him, my third born and Max (our new dog) to sent out with me on this adventure!

And so off we went......

The three of them were champs and hung in there as long as they could and then headed for home while I continued.

I don't usually run with my i pod because usually I have someone held captive as a listener as we run and/or I love to run in silence and listen to the majestic sound of the Creators beauty.

But today.....

I took my i pod!

When my running partners left me I plugged in!

PROVIDENCE

At minute 25 I was done.

MY feet were slowing down.

My muscles were tightening.

I wanted to walk.

AND 

A sweet gentle whisper...a nudge....

JUSTICE!

Your not running for you!  Your running for Parul.  A beautiful girl held captive.

and the music in my ears began speaking to me....

My Heart is Open by Keith Urban

"My heart is open, I am letting you in.   Cause you give me a reason the faith I have been needing to start again!"

I was back at pace!

Runnin' Runnin'

My Maker started speaking very clearly to me!

And I ran and ran and ran!

And singing in my ears was My Wish by Rascal Flatt

I hope the days come easy!

Days don't come easy for these girls.

I can choose to run.  

They don't have that choice.

"My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to.  Your dreams stay big your worries stay small.   You never need to carry more than you can hold."

These girls carry a tremendous amount of pain and suffering.

And I ran and ran and ran.

It became very very clear to me at this moment.  I run for freedom.  I run to meet with my Maker.

Not only was He speaking to me about Parul.....

He was speaking to me about me!

My story!

Never Gonna Be Alone by Nickelback

Your never gonna be alone.  From this moment on.  If you ever feel like letting go, won't let you fall.  When all hope is gone, know that you can carry on....

My Maker never leave me nor forsakes me.  He is my HOPE!  He won't let me go!

Runin' Runnin'

After that heavy heavy conversation with God...

Never Wanted Nothing More by Kenney Chesney

"I am what I am I am what not..."

I am me...created for His good works!  Made new by HIM!

Minute 41

I am experiencing chills and that burn in my stomach.

And I again here the whisper....

Parul's stomach certainly must feel sick when she is being perpetrated and exploited....

It must be chilling not to have a choice to say "NO"

FREEDOM

Night Like This by Shawn Desmond

"I feel like nothing nothing can touch me know.  In this moment right here.  No one can bring me down.  I don't want this feeling to end.  It is like anything can happen!"

"Freedom you just can not deny"

Runnin' Runnin'

Burnin'

But I see the end.

PARUL PARUL PARUL

No Air by Jordin Sparks....

"Tell me how I am supposed to breathe with no air"

And I felt like I couldn't breathe.  Burn in my stomach, burn in my legs but mostly overwhelmed with this experience and thankful that He chose me.  He nudged me to run.  I listened and in obedience I am running for Parul.
He chose me to LOVE!

He too chose you!

All things are possible through Him who strengthens me.

I will train and run 13.1 on March 25th in Dallas Texas.


Runnin' for As Our Own.....

I will run for Parul.  

I will run for FREEDOM!

I will run with Bayou City Fellowship as a body of believers who LOVE JESUS and LOVE PEOPLE!

I am a runner!

I challenge you to find a race near you to run to help these girls in India.

Come run with us in Dallas, we would love to have you join our team!

Pray for us!

Support our team!

It is amazing when Mercy and Justice collide!

All Y'all Did It Again! Texas Style

Whew.....It has been an adventurous 6 months...

The summer flew by and from previous posts you would know I have been absent....absent minded for sure but absent from the blog and sharing what living in FREEDOM means to me, to us, to you!

We relocated in October.  It has been slow going organizing the house but the children have embraced the move and are handling it like champs.   My wonderful free spirited 3rd born who believes in living abundantly and sharing it with those around him longed for a Birthday Party and a Christmas tree amidst the disorganization.  

 I worked DILIGENTLY to organize the house enough i to honor his request for a Birthday Party.

It would have been easier to have the party at a "location" however the cost would take away the meaning and purpose of how we do Birthday parties.   We came to the consensus to have the party at our house!  

My post Happy Happy Birthday! shares our hearts in regards to how we approach birthdays!

This year right here in sunny Texas we experienced the same abundance.  With a house full of boys they set out on a wild scavenger hunt.  There has to be a bit of competitiveness with boys so we challenged them to collect items for the Fort Bend Women's Center.....And that they did!

We proudly dropped off our car full of Gifts and food to the Penny Wise Store to be sent to the shelter!

This is how we change lives together year by year!

NOT only the lives of the recipients but the lives of the children who join us each year!

Happy Birthday!
Y'All did it AGAIN!

Me and My MAC

I did it.....

Hold on and stay tuned because it is amazing and E Z!!!

My AdVeNtURouS Summer became ABUNDANTLY AdVeNtURouS

Friends,
WOW has it been a long time and I am missing sharing all of the excitement that I am blessed with.
This post will be short as I am in a hotel business center because I was missing this experience and just had to attempt fill my longing right here in Sugarland Texas....

The summer started out as....
3 Mommas
6 Children
and a brilliant idea to get in touch with nature...
And so we set off to Ingrid's Farm (the post right before this one:)
We continued fulfilling our brilliant ideas  by fishing at DeWitts pond near to where we live and then off to Wyoming on a 7 day adventure but not with out a little pneumonia saying hello the day we were to leave.
Thousands of miles later and many hours sitting in the vehicle we unloaded new bikes and children some of which experienced emergency rooms in another country some of which experienced tire shops in a small town in another country.
2 days later.....on an airplane headed to the East Coast of Canada.
1 week and 2 days later we broke the news to our children and family and friends we would be moving....
We finished our vacation (which was full of adventurous hikes, beaches, festivals and fun) and my second child and I  headed to Doane College to get my first born settled in his first year of University and then headed home to meet grandma (she was moving to our house here now she will move to our house there:) and the other 2 of our fabulously fantastic five. 
The work began....
Cleaning and de-cluttering so the house could go up for sale and we could fit our stuff into a moving van....
10 days later I was on a plane to our new location to find a new home.
AND
Here my man and I are 6 days later trying to make the right decision on a home for our family...
It has been that adventurous summer that I desired....
I love when I am given all that I ask for and MORE!
It has truly been an amazing trip and as SOON as I have more that 20 minutes I will let you know the beauty in each and every step of our summer journey.
Stay tuned and may your adventures be all they hope for.

PS  My apologies for no pics..I am either technologically illiterate :) or the mouse doesn't work properly!

Were on our way, on our way to Ingrids farm.....

When Mommas have nothing but time on their hands (and all you mommas know the surplus of time that we have) and they sit around eating Bon Bons and watching Oprah (remember....she retired her show:)  great ideas produce themselves!

3 Mommas...

6 Children....

A summer holiday (6 short weeks)

and the Brilliant idea to get in touch with nature....

A journey of connecting and discovering and the continuation of writing our life stories as we cultivate a relationship with Nature.

And the list was made and the miles planned...

First Stop

"Ingrid's Farm!"

We decided we would start with a short trip!  A 1 hour drive to be exact!  We were out of practice and thought that it would be best if we tested our packing skills before we embarked on the "Mother of a Journey".

It was the last day of school and the bags were packed....The Mommas were off to gather up their beautiful offspring and head north.....

The last door slammed, the horn honked, the Mommas cheered, the offspring jeered and

down the road we went....

Oh dear...I forgot the food....

Oh dear... I forgot the car seat....

Oh dear, Oh dear....

One hour late and some anxiously awaiting offspring on the other end...we made it to the farm.

From sun up to sun down the children played and connected, explored and discovered....

AND

There were no electronics!

NONE!

Pure Creativity and Adventure....

It was BEAUTIFUL....

A perfect beginning to What will be the best summer Adventures EVER!

A perfect beginning to embracing Nature and allowing it to fill our souls in the deepest parts, transforming us in ways yet to be known!

BaKiNg BrEaD

The first ahhhhhhhh! moment that I embraced as a celebration of  the completion of a long busy six months was....

 BaKiNg BrEaD! 

The dough groweth over!

Our dear friend (she is an amazing baker) posted a wonderful picture of her bread that she baked!

A few of us girls were inspired so we invited ourselves over to learn how to produce something so enticingly delicious!



THE INSPIRATION



It was a beautiful day!  The sun was shining and the birds were singing.

A day of connecting and spending time catching up! 

Making the perfect round shape!

A time of learning something new beyond a bread recipe! 

It was a time of children's laughter and the smell of Spring and freshness! 

 It was a day that represented "newness"! 

The end of one season and the beginning of another.

And what a better way to celebrate a new season of life than with wonderful women coming together to build relationships and enjoy each others company...

AND the bread was scrumpdeliciciosous! 

Fresh out of the oven with butter....who could ask for a better treat! 

Warm Buns...Melted Butter...YUM!

Hot, Fresh Homemade Buns

I am sure that other than our wonderful teacher....

Teaching the girls how to knead dough!

 none of us have baked bread since our bread baking lesson but the time we spent together was far more enriching than the flour we used!

History and Heritage Rekindled!