awakening

Amidst other firsts happening this, my first year of mid 30's, I've taken up running. I have to say that I heart it. I thought I'd never be able to run as I get horrendous shin splints even when walking or hiking. I found out at the running store that I have unbelievably high arches which causes the pain. And after purchasing the most amazing shoes on earth with the highest arch support possible, it's wonderful. It's like walking on a cloud of marshmallow yumminess. Course, that would totally defeat the purpose of running.

The last time I ran I didn't have any shin splint pain. Now granted, I've only run twice, but the days I can't run, I wish I could. I yearn. Long. Drool. ok..not that bad. Even when it's raining outside. Even after a long day of work. It's so theraputic. I pop my ear buds in after work, crank up my Black Eyed Peas (and other assorted fast paced, loud music) and head down to the lake for the three mile trek.

Then my friend Katie threw a challenge at me. You see, she's a runner. Has run marathons. Many marathons. She was SO excited when I told her I started running. She said I should run a marathon and my first question was, "how long is it?" I balked at her answer and said NO WAY! (yes..that loudly too) But she wasn't about to give up heckling me (she really didn't heckle me...ok maybe a wee heckle). A week later she asked "How about a half marathon?" My question: how long is it? 13 miles. That sounded a little more doable. She even said I don't have to talk to her while running. So I agreed.

June 26th is my day of death.

I asked about training and was informed to start with a mile. I laughed out loud and explained that the longest I've run is 3/4 of a mile and about died. But she waved it off as no biggie.

I have 3 months right?

A Review of A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review. A Distant Melody was the first novel for author Sarah Sundin.

A tale set during WWII about two of the least likely people who find friendship through corresponding across the ocean. Heartache, loss of family and friends and discovery of one's self are waves of themes throughout this book.

A great book overall. A bit long in places, but for a first novel, it was good. This is the first book in the series Wings of Glory and I would definitely read the second.

Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Falling in love

This is not an official book review. I didn't receive this book from a publisher, but as a Christmas gift to our family from the school my husband attends. It has been collecting dust on the bookshelf for the past three months. This past week my friend and mentor, Jane (who is awesome), brought it with her to our meeting and read a story from it. It triggered something in me. I went home that night and blew the dust off of it.

We started reading it before bed. Alina has asked every night if we can read a story from the Bible and end up reading at least three. The language it uses is so appealing to kids my kids' age. It easily explains the lineage of Christ. In every story there is a reference to why Christ came and The Secret Rescue Plan. It has been a huge springboard in discussions about Christ and God and being in God's family.

I also think it's a great time to read it with Easter coming, though we'll more than likely finish it before then at the rate we're going.

I also don't think it's just for kids. With reading the stories out loud, it's seeping into my soul. This is a very good thing as my soul needs it.

So if you are looking for a kids' bible, I highly recommend The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.