Can't we all just be nice and accept eachother for our differences?

it is a particularly turbulent time in our society right now, what with all the fighting and siding with gun rights and gay marriage. I am not here to voice an opinion on either of these topics, mostly because neither of these topics affect me personally. However, I will voice my opinion and thoughts on what I see happening around me, and it makes me sick. I am so saddened by my fellow Christians showing such ugly sides by openly expressing such hatred. It makes me especially sad that this is happening right now during this Holy Week. The last few days and the next 3 days to come, I choose to reflect on Christ and how He suffered the death that I deserve to die, and he did it because he loves me. During this Easter season, my thoughts are focused on my own actions, and searching my own heart, I want to live out my Christian lifestyle by simply living in a way that reflects Christ's love. I am not God, and I am not the Judge. Therefore, I choose to live in a way that is accepting of my fellow friends, neighbors, and strangers in such a way that they will feel nothing but loved and welcomed by me. I am not here to "teach someone a lesson" or try to "prove the Bible to anyone." I feel that we are all put here on this earth to praise God, and the reality is that we are all given free will. I am sure I am going to have a lot of people disagree with me on this, and that's quite okay. I am not looking to start an argument or a debate.  I am not saying that I am right, as I very well might be very wrong in this way of thinking....but all I know for sure, is that Christ loves everyone, and he died for everyone that they may be forgiven. I open my door to anyone, regardless of your sexual orientation and ideas on other political things. I feel that by forcing Bible scriptures at people, is only going to turn people away from the One that we should be bringing people toward. Because we are all sinners, just in different ways.  If Christians really want to witness to people, then how about try by doing it in acts of Love and kindness, instead of judgmental acts of hate. that's all I have to say about that..

:)

The Canyonlands Half Marathon 2013

Last weekend I had such a wonderful time with some friends as we took a great little road trip to Moab, UT to run the Canyonlands Half Marathon. Last fall my friend, Kali, asked me to join her husband Matt and her to run the race with them. This has been one of the half marathons on my bucketlist of events for quite a while, so I jumped at the opportunity! We registered for the lottery and before I was ready, race day was here :)  

 
This is the first half marathon I have run since July 2011. I had a few other events since then, including the marathon, rky mt. relay, and a few smaller races, but I was feeling a little empty in the half department. I hate to admit after those other two big events, I had been feeling a little burned out with running and was a little scared to get back into it after those silly hip and knee problems of last year. So I was a little frustrated with myself this time around when I wasn't excited and motivated as I always was before my other races. I held back on my training runs, and I would skip the occasional 5 miler if I felt the slightest twinge in my knee, or first little bit of soreness in my hip. I skipped out on my last 11 mile run because it was snowing outside, and I made excuses and didn't want to slip and fall, and I didn't want to put in those miles on the treadmill. I think I let my fear of injury dictate a little too much of this whole thing. So needless to say, I was nervous about the outcome of this race when it came down to the morning of the event, but I was also ready to see if I still had it in me.


Friday morning Matt and Kali picked me up and we were on our way. We loaded up the Subaru {like a few good Colorado kids} and were on our way to Utah. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful drive along I-70 west, up and over the mountains of Colorado and into the desert of Utah. We took the scenic highway through the Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. I was in awe of the beautiful landscape of the mesas and canyons carved out by years of the elements.

welcome to the glorious canyonlands

We got to Moab and picked up our race packets. We met Matt's parents for a big pre-race pasta dinner and went for a nice little drive through the beautiful landscape afterward.

 

We tucked in for an early night and were up and at 'em early the next day. We got loaded up on coffee and were shuttled up into the canyons. The race didn't start until 10am but given that 4000 people had to be shuttled up to the start, we sat around for a couple hours until the race began. Finally it was go time.

me and Kali before the race

The first few miles I was feeling great as I was settling into my pace. I was so relieved to be running without any issues, and I felt like I could run forever. I was definitely out of shape because of my poor training, but I enjoyed every minute of this race for many reasons:

• I was out of town with great friends having a wonderful time
• I was running with 4000 people, and remembering why I loved it so much
• the path was so beautiful and I was inspired & in awe the entire way
• even when it started to hurt, it was a reminder that nothing is ever easy, but it is always worth it to push yourself to get to where you want to be.

I was mere meters from the finish line and I heard my name being called out by Kali's parents and they were just what I needed to be encouraged! I waved back and powered through to the finish. 02:11:29 was my official time, and although it was one of my slower half marathon times, I was proud and happy of my victory.  Also, I was super excited to be along for the ride my friend, as she ran her first half marathon. It was awesome to be able to be there and celebrate her big event.

we finished!

After the race, Kali's and Matt's parents took us out to lunch and we celebrated our victories. We drove back to Grand Junction and stayed with Kali's parents. We enjoyed dinner and even a little shopping, but it was early to bed for these tired kids....Too bad our twitchy and achy muscles had a different agenda for a restless night...

After a fantastic breakfast-spread and goodbyes it was back on the road to Denver. It was such a wonderful and fun weekend, and I felt so blessed to get to share it with Kali and Matt. It was so nice to be surrounded by family (even it it wasn't my own ;) and feel like a kid again. It truly was like a flahsback to elementary school slumber parties at Kali's. Dede was in such mommy mode, serving us cookies and milk after the race and a huge pancake breakfast the next day. It was so nice and comforting. Who know's, maybe in 30 years I'll be serving up cookies and milk to some little/grown up girls who after twenty-something years of friendship, still remain friends and try new things together :)

Life is good.
 

Baby Sister all grown up!

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of taking engagement photos of Sister and Justin.

Okay, first of all, can I just say, how in the world is it possible that my sweet little baby sister is all grown up and old enough to be getting married?? I can hardly believe it myself. But ready or not, the wedding of the year will be happening in six-months time & my sweet little sis will become a Mrs.

Laurie & Justin have been dating for seven years. SEVEN! [sigh] I suppose it was bound to happen sometime, right? I was honored to put my amateur photography skills to work in Fort Collins, and take a couple shots of the cute couple. Here are a few of my favorites :)

 

  

  

  

  

Well, here is the grown-up girl. She may be this stunning super model now, and one day we will be wrinkly old ladies; but in my head and in my heart she will always be this cute little munchkin. Love you, sissy.

Sisters, 20 years later! :)

 -just me and my thoughts.

blessings&love.