Memorial Day...

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky All is well,
safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light Dims the sight
And a star Gems the sky,
Gleaning bright From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.


"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

~ John 15:13 ...


Honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us and thanking those who have or are currently serving to protect our freedoms.
Honoring, thanking and praising our Lord who gave the ultimate sacrifice... the life of His son for our freedom from sin & death... for our salvation.

Happy Memorial Day!

500 Festival Mini Marathon ~ May 2, 2009

Just to preface this post... I did not run the mini marathon! No way! Not a runner! I have run the event on two different occassions (about 10 years ago) but I would rather ride 100 + miles on my bike than run 13.1 miles! I am not a runner, and still can't believe I actually accomplished participating in this event many years ago.

The 33rd 500 Festival Mini Marathon was this past Saturday. It's the largest half marathon in the United States. 35,000 runners participated this year, with an additional 4,000 running the 5K. Imagine almost 40,000 runners/walkers as well as thousands of spectators, volunteers etc all gathered downtown!

The Mini Marathon kicks off the month of May here in Indy... some of you may know that we have a BIG Indy Car race here at the end of May! ;)

The cycling club (Indianapolis South Stars) that I belong to volunteers each year to escort and call in times for the lead runners. We escort the lead Wheel Chair athlete, 1st, 2nd & 3rd overall male and female runners as well as the top Indiana (male & female) finishers.

I was assigned to follow the 2nd place overall woman. 2nd place changed only once and that was early on in the race. So I followed this gal basically for 12 of the 13.1 miles. At each mile marker I was to radio in her time and also keep folks off the course etc. Her name is Anzhelika Averkova. She is originally from the Ukraine, but currently lives and trains in New Jersey. Anzhelika finished the 13.1 miles in 1:14:58 - so I guess I did too! Ha Ha! Her pace average 5:44 minute mile.

By the way, I am the one on the bike! LOL!!!

It was quite an honor escorting an elite runner. Their physical fitness is amazing. You really don't even hear their feet hitting the ground, no labored breathing.

Here are some other pictures from the day...

The month of May is also kicked off by a hot air balloon race. Our friend Mike, who escorted the top overall female runner took this picture while on the road. If you look closely you can see the number one female (Janet Cherobon/Kenya - currently living and training in the state of Georgia) is in the white shirt on the right.

The photo above is the front stretch of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Part of the race is run on the 2.5 mile oval. This is just shy of the historic yard of bricks! This is a place I love to be as I started going to the Indy 50 when I was 9 years old. I stopped going about 10 years ago... but still enjoy getting out to the Speedway in May and tuning in to the 500 on Race Day.

I can't wait until next year. Jim and I had to be up at 5am in order to be downtown by 6:15am. It was well worth the experience. (Jim escorted the #3 female - a young lady from Kenya).

Since we finished so early we were able to sit on our bikes just shy of the finish line and cheer runners on! I was thrilled that I could watch my friend Paula come across the line! We still can't believe we found her out of 35,000 people! That's a God thing!

For all you gals out there who run! I am in awe of you! If you are ever in Indy in the month of May I suggest you run! But, you have to register early. The mini sells out in December!

Psalms of Ascent

Last week began my journey through the Psalms of Ascent. Our small group is doing Beth Moore's study "Stepping Up ~ A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent"

I have to admit, it was not until I started this study that I understood what the Psalms of Ascent consist of...

Psalm 120 - 134 (15 Psalms) These Psalms are associated to the Three Great Feasts (see Exodus 23:14). These feasts were also called the Pilgrimage Feasts.

I cannot tell you how excited I was to start this study... and how excited I am that with each lesson I am more excited to "step up" to the next lesson. It's going to be a journey. I am learning that I too am on a Pilgrimage... walking the desert toward the city of peace! We have three tasks as we work through the 15 Psalms. Say it, Work it, Pray it! What fun I am having (and will have) in God's Word!

Although I love many Bible teachers... Beth Moore's studies seem to really draw me in, speak to me and bring me back to a place that I need to be!

A few things that spoke to me in Beth's first introductory session:
Beth talked about "happiness" (not joy) but happiness...

"Happy has to do with circumstance. Your circumstances will feel a whole lot better if you get it in your head that you are only passing through that moment." Our joy can be with us at all times. Good and bad. But happiness... that has to do with our circumstances. And what joy can fill my heart when I know that when I am going through a tough time that it's only temporary. I am just "passing through that moment." Am I down? God has a remedy for that! He will lift me up!

Beth also pointed out "In God's economy the way up is down." How contrary is that to our present day economy. Beth has encouraged us to go face down before the LORD every day... at a time that works for us. Particularly prior to doing our study. (she does understand that some physical limitations might keep someone from physically getting face down on the ground with their nose in the carpet.)
I have been going face down before the LORD - to demonstrate reverence and surrender to the Most High. I want to grasp the greatness of God in humility. It's been a wonderful time for me to honor my extraordinary God!

I wish I could share how much more the Lord has spoken to me in this study. If I did, you would be reading for hours. I know I would put you to sleep! :) So for now I will leave you with a few more tidbits that jumped out throughout the first 5 days of study:

"If God had already taken us everywhere He intended, we'd be at His glorious feet by now." While I/we still draw breath, God has more for me/us to do and experience!

"I am reminded that God never dozes off, even when for a time the air is smooth and the way is clear. He doesn't jolt awake when the earth rumbles beneath your feet. He is in perfect attendance to your every step." Oh how I long to be that way with my God. Isn't it easy when things are going well to not necessarily pray as much, study as much etc. But oh when something big happens we are right there at His feet, calling out to Him. But He's right there... He never left. He never closed His eyes or turned His back. Always there to protect and guide.

"The Lord lets no harm befall us in the world where the truest threats lie." God always protects us. "... often from the physical threats of the world around us, but ALWAYS in the unseen realm where demons hiss and the gates of hell quake." Whew... those are frightening words. Demons, gates of hell... but God always protects us from the unseen spiritual realm that desires to destroy us! Snuggle up dear friends... under the protection of His mighty arms.

I encourage you to either take Beth's study, or read through the Psalms of Ascent for 15 days... Say It (out loud) Work It (circle every reference to to God or title given to God, underline any passages that stand out to you or speak to you) Pray It! In your own words personalize the Psalm in a journal or in a spiral notebook. If it doesn't pertain to something you are experiencing now, perhaps it can apply to a past experience.

Tonight we have our first session after the first 5 days of study. I can't wait t to meet with my beloved group to share God's Word!

I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
~Psalm 121: 1-2

Weekend Update

I chuckled as I typed "Weekend Update"... I recalled Chevy Chase, Jane Curtain, Gilda Radner and the original not ready for primetime players. I think they still do Weekend Update on SNL, but I have to say... I am usually snoozing about the time it would air. Ah youth... I used to be such a night owl. Now if I am up at night it's insomnia! LOL

We had a wonderful weekend. Friday's have turned into "house cleaning & grocery day" for me. I am thankful that I am self-employed and can "schedule" this into my work week. The weather was wonderful... I had the windows thrown open and a Yankee Country Linen candle burning. Dinner was chicken on the grill, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, cottage cheese & cantelope. We ate on the back deck and it truly was a taste of things to come this summer. Dining al fresco is a common occurance here.

Saturday's in the spring and summer mean long rides on our bikes. We got a nice 45 miler in this past Saturday. Looking forward to some longer rides as the weather gets warmer. The wind was brutal, but we had a great time. I think there were 16 of us. Being the only girl, the guys take good care of me. Protecting me from the wind and an occasional shove up a hill if I fall off the fast pace. Once home I made lunch, we putzed around the house and then headed to a friends to watch the Little 500 (any of you seen the movie "Breaking Away"?) We had some great food and enjoyed a good night w/ friends. Once home... I had to turn on the A/C... yes, turned on the A/C in April. It was humid and warm in the house and I refuse to try and sleep when the house is too warm!

Sunday was worship... and what a day to worship the creator of heaven and earth! The weather was wonderful! Flowers and flowering trees are blooming, grass is so green. This time of year reminds me of Easter, re-birth and the life we will have with the Father - everlasting!
I washed windows and put up the screens... I was tired of the bugs getting in on Friday & Saturday! Flower pots were removed from the barn, the rocking chair was put in it's place on the front porch... I rocked a bit w/ a glass of lemonade and my newest Better Homes & Gardens Magazine. We had some leftover rotisserie chicken for supper and a salad. Watched a bit of television, went through the ads in the paper and then fell into bed. We were tired!

Gotta love the weekends!

Not much else to report except that the Lord is good! Oh... I almost forgot... I wanted to share w/ ya'll that my friend Paula who is adopting the twins from Ethiopia got word that they were approved - they passed court. Thank you to those who have lifted the Spears family in prayer... I ask that you continue to do so as many more adventures are to follow. They are making plans to head to Ethiopia as a family to pick up the girls! Click here to see the lovely pictures of these sweet little ones.

Have a wonderful day my friends!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! ~ Psalm 118:24

Wow how time flies... and how little of it I am finding these days to really sit and write on my blog. Quick snippets here and there on Face Book and Twitter keep me connected with friends near and far. The slower months of winter definitely gave me more time to visit favorite blogs as well as write down thoughts on my own.

Fortunately the weather has been conducive to riding outside. Spin class is great, and is a wonderful change of pace in the winter months, but now it's time to get back out on the road. We have enjoyed some good training rides and some longer Saturday rides. Hitting the hills earlier this year than last. I am feeling good w/ my climbing skills this spring. I am still enjoying my strength and endurance class on Monday's and Wednesday's. A class I am continuing throughout the year. Love that our instructor Dodi kicks our rear ends twice a week! A blessing that has come out of my winter workouts is my new friend Paula! She has been a real blessing and keeps me accountable and motivated to stay working out. She runs marathons and does adventure racing. She has "talked" me into doing a 3 person triathalon this summer - she does the running, I do the cycling and another gal will do the swimming. I am also competing w/ her in an Urban Adventure Race in downtown Indy. The only part that I am REALLY concerned about is repelling down a 6 story building. I do not like heights - so that's gonna be a scary moment(s). She hasn't done much cycling and is excited to start riding w/ a group of us this summer to improve her skills!

Business has picked up and we are so grateful for that. God is good and will provide - always! It's still tough out there, but we are seeing improvements. We are still be good stewards with the gifts He has given us. I continue to pray for those of you that have been touched by this difficult economy and hope things are getting better for you.

Tomorrow our small group begins a new study. We had a wonderful 7 weeks going through The Workbook of Living Prayer & now we begin "Stepping Up ~ a journey thourgh the Psalms of Ascent" by Beth Moore. I am excited to be facilitating another study by Mama Siesta Beth... and also excited that the men in our group are excited as well! How awesome is that! Your prayers are appreciated as our group begins another journey in our walk with God!

It's also hard to believe that Easter has come and gone... well the day of Easter has come and gone. We are Easter people and Easter lives in our hearts all year long!

I wanted to share some pictures of my tables from our Easter celebration. Easter is the holiday I host w/ our families. We bring both sides together for our Resurrection Celebration. I started getting things together on Maundy Thursday. Preparing food, moving furniture, setting tables. What was wonderful about this year is that I definitely had the Martha/Mary thing balanced! :)

A close up picture of one of the tables

Jim & I clear out the living room and set up 3 additional tables... the dining table and sideboard are moved a bit to make more room to accomadate our family.


Each guest received a coaster. I made them and used them as the placecards(a craft I learned from my blog friends Christy & Kim)

My mom made this wonderful dessert. I will include the recipe at the bottom of this post! I was delish! Loved how she did the bunny!

My kitchen pig always has something good to say! He is Risen Indeed!

Chocolate Macaroon Tart
Active time 20 minutes
Total time 1 hour plus chilling
Makes 12 servings

1 package (10 oz.) soft coconut macaroon cookies
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec (if you don't want to use liqueur you might try orange extract or orange flavoring... but I would maybe only use a tablespoon)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. confectioners’ sugar
1 naval orange for garnish
1. Prepare oven to 350 degrees, spray 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom (I used pie pan) with nonstick cooking spray. In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse macaroons until fine crumbs form. With hand, press crumbs onto bottom and side of pan. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden-brown; cool completely on wire rack (about 30 minutes).
2. In a 1-quart saucepan, heat ¾ cup cream to boiling on medium heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; with wire whisk, whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in liqueur and vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture into tart shell. Refrigerate 2 hours or until set.
3. When ready to serve, in small bowl, combine sugar and remaining cream. With electric mixer on medium speed beat cream until soft peaks form. (I used Cool Whip)
4. With vegetable peeler, from orange, remove 3” by ½” strip of peel. With paring knife scrape off and discard white pith from peel; very thinly slice peel lengthwise. One at a time, wrap each strip around chopstick or pencil and hold 10 to 15 seconds or until curled. Garnish tart with whipped cream and citrus curls.

Have a blessed day friends!