Monday, March 8, 2010

PEACE LOVE And 13.1

He had a dream. He wanted to dig wells in countries where people didn't have clean water to drink. She said that she would follow him and his dream. Now, they live in Africa nine months out of the year. They drill wells.

Their names are Gary and Elizabeth. They're the founders of By Provision. And we're partnering with them to fulfill our own well-drilling dream. We believe that our loving God led us to By Provision, and He has given us PEACE in making this decision.

Gary and Elizabeth can drill one well for $5,000. Thanks to the generosity of our Sunday School class, we're half way to funding our first well!

You can visit Gary and Elizabeth at http://www.byprovision.org/. They would love to have you stop by and get to know them.

Thank you for the LOVE and concern that you've shown toward Jody and Kim and their family. I appreciate all of the comments, E-mails, and prayers. You are the best! Jody and Kim are improving, and the girls are doing fine. Your compassion amazes me and humbles me.

And now for the 13.1! All of you runners out there know what 13.1 means. But just in case you don't know, I'll explain. A half-marathon is 13.1 miles.

And I ran my first half yesterday! No, it wasn't pretty at all. I struggled to run the last four miles. Had to run/walk. Actually, a lot of walking.

Really, really struggled.

But I made it.

It took two hours and forty-five minutes. After I finished, I felt nausated and weak.

But I got my tee shirt and my Vera Bradley tote bag. It's way cute.

I'm sore today.

But the sad thing is that I'm already thinking that I want to run another one.

Now, how crazy is that?

I run in the path of your commands, for You have set my heart free (Psalm 119:32).

May you sense His perfect PEACE and His amazing LOVE this week. And may you run/walk your 13.1 in obedience to His word.

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20 comments:

  1. That's awesome on the run. My New Years resolution is to be able to run. I'm doing the Couch to 3k right now. Where's a pic of the bag? ;o)

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  2. Deb,

    I say, "Congratulations and time for a celebration. What a huge milestone and accomplishment! I am just so super proud of you and think you're awesome and inspiring. Here is hoping that you're even better at the next one. Way to go!

    I love that you are sponsoring this dream to build wells as it is so vital to give back what we can and you are doing a phenomenal job. Thanks for linking us to where we can help as well.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  3. Congrats DEB!!! And I really have no clue why they always call it a half. Because 13.1 miles is a whole lotta running to do! It's a whole race in my book! I am so proud of you! That is sooooo cool. And totally cool about the wells. I have heard of organizations digging wells, and that is just the best way to help out others who so need it!

    You are such an inspiration!!! Way to go!
    Kate

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  4. I'm so very proud of you Deb. Wish I could run the same, but just last week, I did something to my hip that has prevented much movement since then. I'm just getting old I suppose...

    You're awesome! Keep to it, sister, and should I get inspired, I'll meet you on the track soon.

    peace~elaine

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  5. Kelly, you can do it! Let me know when you run that 5k. And I'll try to post a pic of the bag a little later this week.

    Kat, you have such a gift for encouraging others. Thank you for blessing me.

    Kate, love your thoughts about 13.1 being a half. It is a lot of running!

    Elaine, what happened to your hip? And, no, you're not getting old. Better. Sassier. But not old. Let's plan a run this summer. A short one, ok?

    Sweet dreams, y'all.

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  6. Congratulations and GOD bless,
    andrea

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  7. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!

    Blessings to you.

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  8. Deb, you are amazing!!! And inspiring!!! Now, I am challenged to run, but first I have to walk.

    Blessings to you, dear friend!

    Much love,

    Andrea

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  9. Congrats, Deb..wear that tee shirt and bag proudly!

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  10. Deb,

    You are "TOTALLY AWESOME" in every way running, writing,mothering,sistering,friending don't you just love all those ing's. You are also one of God's awesome soldiers and I am so proud of that.

    Missed you at the party. I took your Man for a ride or he took me for one.

    Love Ya,
    Next to big Sis

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  11. Wow...I am so very impressed. I love the post....and so proud of your first half. My daughter does her first half in April.

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  12. Yay!!! So proud of you! I had never run a mile before August, I completed the Couch to 5 K in a 10 week period, then Gateway to 8 K in another 10 week period, then tried desperately to get in the miles required by the Freeway to 10 K program on my treadmill but I am not a big fan of long runs indoor on the 'mill. Now that I can run outside again I am rehashing the Freeway to 10K program and loving it. Never thought I would be a runner, but it adds much needed balance to my life and is one of the very few things I get to do ALONE :)

    But a half marathon? Woman, that's FAR! =) SO excited about this accomplishment for you!

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  13. Wow, I am so impressed! Way to go! The longest I've ever run is 3 miles and I almost died! :P God Bless.

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  14. Congratulations on your half-marathon, the t-shirt and THE Vera Bradley! How exilerating! I could power-walk 2 hours, but run? You are amazing!

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  15. Hi Deb!! My dear friend! I am so inspired by you. I think it so awesome to see you step out in faith this way. Can't wait to hear how God leads you on this journey!

    Glad to hear everyone is recovering well. You have been through quite a rough season.

    Just got back from the writing conference. It was amazing beyond words. I'd love to catch up by phone soon .. maybe this weekend??? I miss you!

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  16. Deb, I have to confess, if I had to march and play an instrument, I would trip over my feet and create a domino effect with the rest of the band. I just liked the hat so I begged it off my neighbor.

    Have a great day!
    Kate

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  17. woo hoo. love that you did this. I'm a runner...not in marathons...in the woods....where God speaks...in the quiet of nature...running through trees, up hills...my heart soars...I know the feeling of always wanting to run again. Way to go Deb.....

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  18. congratulations on you first half marathon, Deb! You beat me to it...for did you know that it is my goal this year to train for twelve months to be ready to run in a marathon by 2011?

    Well, you surely are an inspiration to me!

    And yes, I will pray for your well drilling project... I just love the story of people drilling wells! Abraham was one, Isaac was another.

    Wow!

    Blessings on your day...

    Love
    Lidj

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  19. I've been waiting for the updates BUT checking FB isntead...

    I know better now!

    Totally different post for you and yet I love the way it's written. Good variety & mix up!

    Diggine new wells too,

    Margie

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