Another Week, Another Race

We had a fun time watching the cyclocross races today. It started out raining, after the first two races the sun came out to warm us. Nate says of this first pic, "I'm still smiling, must've been the first lap." Which it was :)

The mud was very sticky, followed by stretches of gravel which stuck to the mud and built up on tires and other parts. There were a lot of broken bikes today. Many of the racers carried their bikes through the stickiest stretches.
Third lap, walking instead of jogging, getting tired.

Cowbells, along with shouts and various other vocalizations, are used to encourage the riders on to greater efforts. Some serious bell ringing going on here...

Brannon amused himself with trying to break open horse chestnuts on the pavement

The second race proceeded a bit faster than the first, with faster riders and a more packed track.

Love that smile :)

Third race. I loved these lines: the riders, the numbers, the fence posts, and more numbers.

A good friend of came along for the morning. The boys definitely enjoyed his company

A little rest anyone?

Trying to keep up with the big kids...good thing he had that little lounge...and good thing Zach will wait for him ;)

Bear in the lead

Over the barriers

Finding entertainment

Of course, hills equal sliding...especially if it's wet out

Finding agates

My fav pic of the day as far as photography goes...love the flying mud and the bright jersey. Not a bad second place finish either, especially for being up most of the night.

Beautiful smile

And last but not least, the results of sliding down muddy hills. Hopefully there's a towel in the car to cover the seat with... ;-)

Halloween Outreach Pics

We didn't actually take pictures once the people started flowing by, but we did get a few pics of costumes and setting up the canopy etc.
Me and my highlander--
Bear and Danita getting the "encouraging words" booth ready

Don and Danita came as the king and queen representing the King of Kings. I wish I had a pic of the full get-up :)

Tracy was my pirate buddy. Treasure hunters!

Elizabeth, Zach, and Lydia

The pirates hanging out together. Apparently Nate kept trying to get a candid and we kept walking away. The trials of being a photographer *sigh*

Special thanks goes out to Matt (sorry it's to the back of your head;) and Emily (who's pic I do not have) for all your hard work setting this whole thing up!

Enjoying our Heavenly Daddies touch before we get started.

We handed out lots of candy, hot chocolate and cider. Told lots of people how much the King of Kings, Jesus loves them, saw many faces light up in the encouraging words tent. Saw two physical healings. Enjoyed marvelous fellowship with one another. And spread a lot of Light around. Good times :)

Cyclocross Pics

Being the end of October it was a costume race. Nate went as a hula girl, courtesy of his mom's costume stash. Somewhat to my surprise most of the men wore feminine costumes. There was a cheerleader, pink bathrobe and curlers, ballerina and others. Slightly disturbing overall. But funny...
Wrecked and lost the skirt a quarter of the way through the first lap

A friend of ours, Don, dressed as a hillbilly

Joshua went up to him before the race started and said "I see you are dressed as a farmer" He was duly corrected.

The caveman is the only other competitor in Nate's class, gender and age group

His name is Jess McCloud and Nate is scheming to convince him to race in a kilt, I think because he wants to wear one and would like the company

Good thing little boys have grandmas to provide them with lots of snacks on such occasions ;)

Watching the second race

I had to leave before the third race because of a tired Joshy. Nate got a few pics.

I think Bear was the only one wearing a costume in this group. Captain Pistis (pistis is the name of their cycling team).

I should have some race pics to post tomorrow, although it's such a busy day I may not actually get them up. Sunday is busy too. So maybe Monday you'll get to see Nate's bike race, our home group's halloween outreach, and Sunday's annual soup and donut party. I'll have to bring the old camera too in case quarters are too close for my zoom lense. Should be good times. I've been slacking in the picture taking area lately. I'm looking forward to this weekend :)

Inspired by Friends

Today I had the privilege of hearing a friend describe an encounter with God in which he had asked God for a new way to praise Him and give Him glory. A way to touch a part of God's heart that had never been touched before. God's answer was to show him that every time we speak, something is created that was not there before. We speak the same words of praise we have lifted up a thousand times before and yet our voices create something entirely new, and we touch a piece of God's heart that has never been touched before.

From John 14: "The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act"

Another friend wrote about this encounter and added to it her own encounter with God and the prayers that came out of it. As I read her writings about praise, and nature, and creativity I was struck suddenly by the simple majestic beauty of what we as wives and mothers do for our families every day.

Folding the same clothes, washing the same dishes, sweeping the same floors. Preparing the same meals, washing the same little faces. In partnership with our King every single act is brand new every single time. An act of service and worship combined. "God knows that we are limited in our abilities, yet He chooses to take that which we are able to offer over and over again and reorganize it. He gives it new inspiration and new levels of detail. When we are alone with Him, He creates right through us. It is not what we say that creates His Glory, but what God tells us. It is not what we offer, but what God offers through us..." (J.M.)

God, please create in me an awareness of the wonder of creating with You in every mundane moment of the day. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, never wavering in my goal to glorify You in every area of my life. You are so astonishingly vast God, I love it, there is no end to You and no end to what You can accomplish in a willing heart. I love you Daddy!! Thank you for continually speaking to me. Thank you for your unending love. :)

If You Climb The Hill Behind Our House...

Worth the hike :) Although this time we drove most of the way up in Nate's dads truck.

He's Weeding My Garden

God that is. You may have noticed. It's been coming out a little in these posts. I love it. Most of the time. There are moments and days when I'd like to be DONE ALREADY! Thank you very much.

The part I love is this: The closer I get to God, the more I hear His voice, feel His heart, the more impossible it is to justify any negativity in me. I have a choice here. I can surrender to Him and give up the sin and justifications of it. Or I can move back from His side. Step back a step from intimacy with the Most High.

Well, option number two is not happening my friends. Not on your life.

So, I have the overwhelming joy of submitting to my Lord. Weeding forks, refining fire, whatever it takes. My constant cry is "Come deeper God! Come deeper. Don't stop. I surrender all to You."

And I have the stunning privilege not only of hearing His beautiful voice on a daily basis; I also get to watch the lives around me change because of MY surrender. Beginning with my wonderful husband and children and fanning out from there. It is glorious.

Luke 12:30-32 says (in The Message, can you tell which translation I've been enjoying lately:)

"People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself."

Seek first the Kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well...