Long Time No Write

It has been since January since I have posted anything.  WOW!  Lots have gone on since then.  Back in my last post it talked about applying to teach aerobics........Well, I am teaching 5 classes a week.  Talk about staying busy.  My vinyl business has also take a huge BOOM.  I am so thankful to know that when I pray, God hears my cries and my struggles and he provides.  Ben and I just finished The Warrior Dash in Manchester.  It was a 3.14 mile run with 12 obstacles.  IT WAS AWESOME.  I was so worried the days and weeks before it.  I didn't want to disappoint myself or Ben.  Let me tell you something......I did every one of those obstacles all by myself.  Even the 10 foot tall wall.  I had a great friend tell me that the wall was my Goliath.  I conquered that Goliath with ease.  I am so proud of myself for accomplishing what I did on Saturday.  I had Phil 4:13 written all over my arms.  Look it up....See what it says.  It was so true on Saturday for me.  So where do I go next.  I think it is half-marathon time.  The Music City Marathon in Nashville is in April.  They have a half-marathon so I do believe you will see me running in that.  I know my time will not be good but it is not the time but it is the finish.  I read somewhere that "No matter how slow you are, you WILL always be faster than the person on the couch".  That is TRUE!!!  I want to challenge everyone to get up off the couch and MOVE.  Remember if your not moving, your not losing (quoted from the Biggest Loser).  I have struggled the past 9 months to find my place in life.  I am still not sure I know what it is but I do know the biggest part is to be the best Christian and Witness for Christ I can be.  I also want to inspire others to get healthy.  Who know what you can accomplish....Maybe even The Warrior Dash.  Who knew I could do an event like that.  I have to say "Thank You" to Lisa Dudley for having faith in me and pushing me to my limits.  You were truly brought into my life to show me who I really am.  Well, I have rambled enough tonight.  Everyone have a blessed night.  Who can I inspire tomorrow?

A New Year!!!

The year 2010 was quite a ride.  So many memorable things happened during the year.  I can honestly say that it was a good year.  I began a new adventure in August.........Running. I am ready to continue with that adventure but step it up a little.  I want to train for a half marathon.  My goal is lose 20 more pounds during the training.  I have also applied to teach aerobics again.  I have not taught aerobics in over 9 years but I am ready to start back.  Hopefully, they will hire me.

Another goal is to be a Better Witness.  I want people to know that I LOVE JESUS with all of my heart.  I struggle with "letting my light shine".  I want to live my life the exact same way away from church as I do at church.

My last three goals are to be a better wife, better mom, and spend less money.

Better wife-I want Ben to know how much I love him.  I am so thankful that he is my husband and Caleb's dad.  He provides for us, leads us, and comforts us.  I appreciate him more than he will ever know.

Better Mom-I want Caleb to know that I love him unconditionally.  He is an amazing little boy.  God has blessed me beyond belief.  I want Caleb to know that I will get upset with him at times.  I may raise my voice.  I may discipline him but I love him, and I am only doing these things to make him a better child.

Spend Less Money-Coupons, Eating at Home, Cutting Out Trips to Town, Turning off Lights, Turning Down the Thermostat....etc!

Those are all of my goals for 2011.  I am hopeful that by December 2011, I can honestly say that I have accomplished all of these. 

Thankfulness!!!

I just watched "Biggest Loser-Where are they now" and was so moved.  It showed many past contestants doing 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, full marathons, and a triathlons. I cried hearing what they were saying.  They weren't necessarily concerned with winning a race but it was to FINISH the race.  I can joyfully say I have FINISHED two 5Ks.  I will be running my 3rd one on Saturday.  I will probably never be in the "race" for a trophy or medal but I will always be doing something that makes me proud of myself.  I can finally say I am so very proud of myself for accomplishing this in life.  I have so many things to be thankful for this year.  My salvation, husband, beautiful little boy, my family, my friends, my house.......I could go on forever.  But this year I can say I am thankful that I have been persistent in my journey of running and being healthier.  I am not dropping pounds right and left but I am slowly but surely "finishing" my race or losing weight.  I challenge all people who think it is not possible to regain your life back....Look at me!!!  I am a kidney transplant patient (4 yrs ago) who accomplished this.  Keep up the good work everyone!!

It has been awhile!

Since my last post I ran yet another 5K race.  My time did not improve at all but I finished.  Remember back when I said running the trail on Country Club Drive always intimidated me?  Well, I conquered it during the Robert E. Lee Great Pumpkin 5K.  I am very proud of myself.  Now, on to the next one on November 27th.  Training has been lacking lately due to crafts that I am making.  I will post pictures soon of the Ballerina Tutus, Leg Warmers, and Vinyl Lettering.

I FINSHED!!!!!

Today was the Cue for the Cure 5K run/walk in Lynchburg.  We left the house around 6:20 this morning heading to Lynchburg.  I cannot tell you how many emotions I was going through.  I was so nervous.  Once we arrived, my brother and nephew(who was also running) was there.  That was reassuring to see them.  I had many family members there.  Caleb was so encouraging all morning, except when he told me this was nuts because it was dark when we woke up.  LOL!!!  We started the run at 7:30 AM.  It was SO cold.  My hands and legs were freezing.  The first half mile was hard but then I seemed to get into a rhythm.  I wanted to walk so bad after the first 1 mile but I kept praying.  I could feel God pushing me the entire way.  Near the finish line, I looked up and my brother was standing there waiting on me.  He ran a short distance with me and said "Your running it in my yourself."  It was amazing to see him waiting on me.  When I topped the last hill the first people I could see was Ben and Caleb.  I started crying at that point finished the run in 45 minutes. The time is HORRIBLE but the amount of self-confidence I gained was AMAZING.  I am so proud of myself for doing this.  Yeah, my legs hurt now but the pain is so worth it.  I never thought I could say "I ran a 5K."  The past 9 weeks have been long and hurt but the end result was more than I could ever imagine.  I think I have the running bug now.  I am planning on running a 5K next weekend.  My ultimate goal is a half marathon.  Let the fun begin!!!

Excited!!!

I had a GREAT day.  Not much went on but my attitude was very good.  I struggle so much with my attitude but every time I start to get upset or down I say "Jesus" over and over.  I learned that in my small group Bible study last week.  The devil cannot enter where Jesus lives (Thanks Angela).  I have to admit it WORKED!!!!  These past few days have been rough because Ben has been really sick.  All you ladies know how men are when they are sick,  WIMPY!!!  I know he has felt bad but I seem to recall I cooked supper the day after I came home from transplant.  I always tell him "Get up and move around. You will feel tons better."  He does no t appreciate that too well.  OH DARN!!!  I am beginning to listen to God about my direction in life I need to take.  So many things have played over and over in my head since Sunday morning worship.  I cannot quite pinpoint exactly the "adventure" he wants me to start on but I am sure as I learn to open my heart more to Him, I will be able to hear his calling.  I want to be a strong, inspirational woman.  I want to stand for what I believe in and who I am.  I want Jesus' light to shine through me.  I am starting a new small groups Bible study on Sunday night.  It is called "Share Jesus Without Fear."  I pray this study truly, deeply speaks to my heart and shows me how to witness the way Jesus commands us to do in the world.  I want the devil to say in the mornings when my feet hit the ground "Oh no, Niki is up.  She is on a mission for God today so I better take a "bunch" of steps back."  I also want more importantly for God to say "Niki is up.  Let's see what kind of Godly impact she will make on someone today."  I feel on fire for God but unsure of how to let the flame out into the world.  I will continue to pray for my "adventure" to be shown to me.  I will be patient and understanding.  God's "adventure" my not be the "adventure" I have in mind.  I pray for his will to be done.  Everyone have a blessed night.  Just a side note.....One more training left for my 5K run.  Say a quick prayer for me Friday night or Saturday morning(early-we have to be there at 6:30-YIKES!).

Running

I have less than 5 days left until I run my first 5K.  I have trained for 9 weeks.  I am running with my brother, Bryan.  I wanted to do something with Bryan because I so long for that brother/sister bond.  He has either texted me daily or I have texted him daily to keep up with my training.  It has been GREAT to hear how proud he is of me.  He has been doing these for quite some time now.  He has even started doing some Run/Bike Events.  Yeah, I am out on running 14 miles and biking 28 miles.  Lets just get to my 3.1 mile goal.  HA! We will run Saturday morning at a VERY early 7AM in Lynchburg.  I am excited but extremely nervous because I have very high expectations for myself.  My goal is to have run the entire 3.1 miles.  I don't want to walk at all.  I am pretty sure I will be in the bottom group in time but my motto is "Slow and Steady will "Finish" the Race."  You remember The Tortoise and The Hare story?  Well, I just re-invented the saying of "Slow and Steady Wins the Race."  I will have family there to cheer me on.  Ben and Caleb have been huge supporters of this goal I am trying obtain.  I think Ben is very impressed with me.  You see, I am not one to stick to a plan for any length of time, but this "adventure" (as I like to call many things I go through or take on) has given me a new found sense of accomplishment and pride.  People tell me all the time that I am a strong person but I don't see a strong person when I look in the mirror.  Now; however, I can look in the mirror and say "I can run 3 miles."  I have NEVER been able to run any length of distance.  I can remember in middle school when during P.E. we would have to run down Country Club Drive on the trail.  I think it was a mile or so.  I was ALWAYS last to come back to school (I would normally be walking after the first 1/2 mile).  Mrs. Crick would stand there and wait on me no matter the time.  She would always tell me keep trying.  Now, I tell myself to keep running to the next driveway.  Those driveways end up making mile after mile.  As I sit here typing, I am plotting my next route I will run this morning to get ready.  I am putting on my headphones and going for a run in the cool, crisp Fall air.  Everyone have a BLESSED day!!