Training Week 3 in the books

Week 3 of my marathon training is in the books. I completed a 4 mile run this morning, my 4th run of the week, 17 miles run for the week, 48 miles run so far. I took it easy on myself and ran on the flat portion of the trail. I stopped and bought some new shoes after the run, and the man at the store wondered how I had been running on those shoes. Hopefully that will eliminate the shin splints.
The 4 mile runs are definitely getting easier, as is the recovery. This was my fastest 4 mile time so far, even faster than my last treadmill run. The weather has been great the past couple of weeks, I have only had to run inside twice out of 12 training runs. I hope this continues. It was a great way to end the year.

Will the weather make up it's mind?

I had a great training run today. It was my 11th training run, 4 miles today, 13 miles for the week, and 44 miles overall. Yesterday, when I started my run, I had to take ice off the car window as I opened the door to get my IPOD out. This afternoon, it was 68 degrees. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather today, but it's hard to believe i went from a 29 degree run to a 68 degree run that quickly.
While I did enjoy being outside today, I was fighting soreness from the big hills I ran yesterday. I took it pretty easy for the first three miles, then ran the last mile pretty hard.

Rebekah overcomes

One of the great challenges of having four children is being able to find the time to adequately spend with each one of them on an individual basis. It is easier with my son Fernando, as he is interested in the things that interest me, but it's sometimes more challenging to find those things to do with my older two daughters.
Rebekah is my second daughter, she is 11 years old. Those who know Rebekah know what a unique child she is. She has some physical and mental challenges in her life, but she has so much spirit. She has a zest for life, always asking questions. She loves to play, and loves to pretend, but is short on patience. As her mental and academic abilities have lagged behind her physical age, she has started to become frustrated at times with not being able to do what other kids can do, such as read. She can also be very fearful at times, as she can be clumsy. Just yesterday, she fell walking down the hill at Silver Dollar City. I saw it coming, but was powerless to stop it.
As a result, she many times is afraid to try things she doesn't fully understand. After a day of shopping, she asked me if we could go to Silver Dollar City at 7 PM. It closed at 9. No one else wanted to go, so I saw the opportunity to spend some time with Rebekah. We jumped into the car and made the 2 minute drive to Silver Dollar City, in the very cold weather.
We watched the Christmas parade, walked through the shops, rode the rides in kiddy land, and had a fun time. Rebekah said, this is fun, because it's just me and daddy, nobody else. After riding one of the rides in kiddy land, I realized one of my brand new running gloves was missing. I was devestated, as I had just bought them that afternoon and had not even run in them yet. I retraced my steps, and could not find them anywhere. Rebekah knew they were missing, but was just happy to be there.
Finally, I decided it wasn't important, the glove that is. I will go get another pair tomorrow, because tonight was something special. I love roller coasters, and that's something I share with my oldest daughter, but not with Rebekah. So, I suggested to Rebekah we ride Thunderation. It's the smallest roller coaster of the three at Silver Dollar City, but a major lesson in courage for my young Rebekah. We walked through the line, and Rebekah asked every question in the world about it there was. Did it go fast. Did it go down. Was there tracks. Did it have trains. Did it go down fast. Did it turn. What color was it. Will you hold on to me. Was it a train. Did it go down a hill. Fortunately, the line was short and we walked right onto the train.
The car rolled right into the first turn, and Rebekah held on for dear life. She didn't breath during the first three turns, then it stopped to go up the lift chain, and she took a breath. She still wasn't sure. She asked if it was going to go down. Just a little bit I said. It did, and then it was over. Rebekah turned and smiled at me and said, I liked Thunderation. Was that a roller coaster? I said, yes it was. She said I loved it. I asked do you want to go again. She said no. And it was over!
We walked to the exit and bought a giant chocolate chip cookie and then came back to the condo. Emilie could tell I was saddened about losing my glove (They were not cheap), but who could be down when Rebekah was so excited about going on a roller coaster. She said down with 100's of barbie dolls and little people she takes everywhere, and of course they went on a roller coaster with their daddy's. What could be better?

A country mile

I have heard the phrase "as long as a country mile" before, but I have never really understood what that meant until this morning.
For my marathon training, today is where the rubber really hit the road. I have disciplined myself to run at home, incorporating it into my daily routine. Right now, I am on a short getaway with my family in Branson, Mo. After a great day at Silver Dollar City yesterday, getting up and running in the cold was not the first thing I wanted to do. But, i have to run 3 miles today, making 9 for the week, and 40 overall.
So, not really motivated but knowing I had to, I took to the road. It started with the steepest hill I have ever run on. After a half mile I was totally winded. At the top of the hill, I started down a nice incline, great pace. I looked down at my watch and saw I had been running downhill for over a mile. What goes down must come back and, and as I ran back up a hill that was over a mile long, and everything hurt and burned, I knew what a country mile was!
I do feel a big difference even just three weeks into training. I don't think I would have finished this run comfortably three weeks ago, but I did this morning. I will be doing the whole thing again in the morning, 4 miles this time. Should be a fun run.

Marathon Training Week 3

Today marked the beginning of week 3 of my marathon training. My 6 mile run this morning was the 9th run of my training, 37 miles total.
The weather was once again nice for running, depending on your perspective. It was drizzly and about 45 degrees, which to me is perfect running weather. There was just enough drizzle to keep people off the trail, but it didn't rain hard enough to impede my progress. For some strange reason, I decided to start towards the Delaware Hill. Tulsa runners know this hill well. We don't have many hills in Tulsa, but that is one of the most notorious. I ran my first 1.5 miles that way and was hurting.
Fortunately, what goes up must come down, and the last 4.5 miles were pretty easy. I ran an even pace, focusing on correct running form. It was slower than Saturday, but a good pace for a long run. My next run will be in Branson on Wednesday morning. Something tells me I will be missing the Delaware Hill.

Christmas Eve Marathon Training

What a beautiful day for a run. This is perfect running weather. Again, you must live in a place that has consistently cold weather to truly appreciate another 50 degree December day, on Christmas Eve no less. It was in the low 30's when i started, but with the sun out it became a flawless morning for a four mile run.
I was feeling the effects of the rest of the miles this week on my shins. I had shin splints throughout the first mile or so. They did go away in the second mile, but I was pretty shore. Despite that, it was a pretty good run, the fastest 4 miles I have run during training. This was training run number 8, 16 miles for this week, and 31 miles overall.
With that, I will take an afternoon and day off to celebrate Christmas. I'll be right back at it on Monday morning with my 6 mile long run.

Marathon Training Week 2- Run number 7

I think I am starting to get the hang of this. I had a great 4 mile run today, my fastest training run to date, with no soreness. My knees did not bother me at all, and no shin splints. I am adjusting well to the new diet as well.
The only downside to my run today was that it was inside. A cold front moved in. I was going to run at lunch, but was not able to. When I went out to run at 4, the temperature had dropped into the 30's, and I didn't have my gear, so off to the indoor track I went. My knees probably needed a break. No hills inside either.

Marathon Training Week 2

Today's run was just 3 miles. It is the shortest run of the week. For some reason, these are usually the hardest for me. Today, it wasn't that bad. I decided to do this outside, even though it was getting dark. It was a pretty hilly run, but I had my best time for a 3 mile stretch so far. This was run number 6, and marked 23 miles of training.
The knees were bothering me a little bit after this run. There were more hills than on my Monday route. It might be time for new shoes. I also had some shin splints from the 1.5 to 2 mile stretch, but they went away on the last mile. I will be running the same route in the morning, only I will be running 4 instead of 3 miles, so I will be watching to see if the shin splints come back.
The increase in my running and the weight watchers has sent my blood sugars plummeting the past few days. I've experienced more lows than I ever have. I think it will be time to adjust some medications soon, which is exactly why I am doing this.

Marathin Training Week 2

Today marked the beginning of my second week of marathon training. Because of my work schedule, being off most Mondays, I have chosen Mondays as my long run days. So, I begin the week with my long run, or end the previous week on Monday? Anyway, I do the long runs on Monday, and today was my long run, 5 miles.
It was my 5th training run, and I trained a total of 20 miles. I am feeling good, have only had cramps twice, and neither time was during a run. The cramps in my abs are a little different than what I have experienced before, but I think they may have been due to carrying some extra weight.
This also marks the beginning of week 2 of weight watchers. This past week, I lost 7 pounds. How much is 7 pounds? I've had to cut insulin use by 1/3, and the back pain I have been waking up with is gone.

Marathon Training Day 6

I think you have to live in a place that gets really cold weather to really appreciate a 58 degree December day. It was absolutely perfect out there for my 4 mile run on the Creek Turnpike Trail.
We had a dress rehearsal for our kids musical production tomorrow morning, and I cheated a little bit and partook of God's second greatest gift to man, Nacho Cheese. I was pretty sorry going in mile number 2. I am not sure if it was the nacho cheese are the bananas I had. I will need to start carrying antacids with me again I guess. I actually wished at the end of mile four I could run longer, but I am not going to be foolish and stick to my training. That makes 15 miles for this first week, and I only ran 9 miles last week, in "maintenance mode," so I better ease into this increased mileage.
After a week of weight watchers, marathon training, and putting the finishing touches on the biggest Christmas musical production we have done since I have been at Christian Chapel, I am feeling good about both my diet and my training, and my ability to fit this all into my life.

Chick Fil A comes to Peters

This morning, Chick Fil A at 71st and Garnett donated over 100 chicken biscuits for our Friday morning bible club. We had a full house, and had a great time. From Keith's opening retelling of the Great Grape Ape, to the prize drawings and Christmas carols led by Amy Skeie, to the glowing pickle that ended my Christmas message, we had a morning full of energy, fun, and of course, great food. Thanks to Emilie, Amy, Elise, Morgan, Megan, Zach, Keith and Wayne for your continued involvement and sacrifices to make an impact in the lives of the kids in our local elementary school.

Marathon Training Day 4

One of the reasons I wanted to chronicle my training every single day online involves my understanding of the monumental task ahead of me. It is not just about the running, but I understand to complete this goal, I must change my diet as well. I know I must lose at least 15 pounds to alleviate the punishment my shins, feet and knees are going to take.
On Monday, I began Weight Watchers along with my running program. I think most of my friends who will take the time to read this will understand the struggles of taking weight off and keeping it off, and hopefully reading these posts will inspire you, amuse you, or give you something to use, even if it's by way of learning from my mistakes!
I had a nice 4 mile run this morning. I did it on the treadmill. For some reason, that seems to lesson the impact on my joints, though I know some people claim the opposite. It works for me, and it make a predictable time table for my workout. I plan to do at least 2 of my weekly runs on the treadmill. I felt great, and felt no ill effects from having run three miles yesterday.
As far as weight watchers goes, I can't seem to eat all the points I am getting every day. I know it is usually the opposite, but if nothing else, this program is teaching me that I don't eat too much, I was just not putting the right fuel into my body. So far, I have not struggled with it at all, and I have to say I feel much better and don't miss french fries at all- yet.

Running in the rain

Today I realized there are going to be days when getting a run in is going to be difficult, both because of time constraints and weather conditions. I was able to sneak in a 3 mile run today during lunch. It was pretty ugly. It was drizzling and the temperature was nice, so I decided to go ahead and brave it. Of course, as soon as I got into my second mile it began to rain harder and harder. I was never able to get into a rhythm, but I did finish the run, which was just 3 miles.

http://www.okcmarathon.com/

Cheto plays the CPO Christmas Party

Tonight, Cheto and I were able to play the CPO Christmas party for the third time. It is always a great gig, well organized, with plenty of food and Entertainment. CPO, or Crisis Pregnancy Outreach, is a ministry that ministers to women in crisis. The organization is run completely by volunteers, and it is always a great privilege for me to serve them in any way. You can read more about CPO here. http://crisispregnancyoutreach.org/

Marathon training Day 2

I hit the gym at 6:15 for some cross training. I remembered last night that I had to finish the field test for the HPE class I am taking at ORU. So, I walked 2 miles on the treadmill in 24:05. The field test needed to be walked, not run. I do not think I have ever walked that fast, and I realized about halfway through it is much easier to run a 12 minute mile than it is to walk a 12 minute mile. It was a nice walk, and helped to stretch out the soreness in my legs.
My goal this morning was to run the field test in under 24 minutes, which would be 100%. I fell just short, at 24:05. I was briefly disappointed with the prospect of getting a 99 instead of a 100, then I remembered the class was actually pass/fail. That is what I get for my vanity!

http://www.okcmarathon.com/

It's not a sprint it's a marathon

I started training for the Oklahoma City marathon this morning with my first 4 mile run. Because of the wind, I ran 44 laps around the track at All American. Those 4 mile runs are always challenging for me, as I never seem to stop hurting until after the first 4 miles.
Today was slow, even for me, but as the saying goes, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon, and it was the first run on a 5 month journey.

http://www.okcmarathon.com/

On the Outside Looking in and Target Popcorn

Anyone who has ever heard me speak more than once has probably heard me speak of my love of roller coasters and amusement parks. I have always been fascinated with things that move on tracks.

My grandfather has had some health struggles recently, and I have spent much time thinking about some of the things he has deposited in my life. One of the greatest memories I have of him is him taking me to Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s is a southern California institution, full of wild roller coasters and daredevil fun. My grandfather would say, “We are going to Knott’s,” and we would jump in the car. We would drive up to Knott’s Berry Farm, I would see the large sign that said “welcome to Knott’s”, and we would keep in driving to the parking lot across the street. We would get out of the car, and my grandfather would lead us to a lake, and he would sit down on a bench by the lake, and we would look at Knott’s Berry Farm, from across the street! I remember watching the roller coasters while sitting next to my grandpa. I remember watching the parachutes move up and down the tower, they are no longer there, and I would sit with wonder, dreaming of the day I could would be able to ride them.

I was probably 16 years old before I actually went inside of Knott’s Berry Farm and rode Montezuma’s Revenge and the parachutes. I don’t even remember the first time I actually went inside, but I can remember the days I sat on the bench across the street, watching, because I with my grandma, and my grandpa. It didn’t matter that we were actually going inside the park, I was with them, and that was enough. We were at Knott’s.

All I have to say to my daughter Rebekah is “let’s go to Target”, and she’ll stop what she is doing, put on her shoes and go and get in the car. When we go to Target, it’s just her and I. We don’t buy anything. She doesn’t even ask for anything. We walk straight to the concession stand and buy one bag of popcorn and a slushy. It’s not expensive, it’s not fancy, but it’s our time. No one else gets to go to Target, just Bekah and daddy.

In this era of spending our lives in the pursuit of more, bigger houses, better paying jobs, more influence, we lose sight of the times at Target and across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm in our lives. We can’t ever forget that our children aren’t going to remember what we spent, or how prestigious what we gave them or where we took them was, but what they are going to remember is that we were there with them, we were together. There is nothing more important. Our kids spell love T I M E. In the temptation to spend our lives giving our kids everything we never had, and make sure they have everything we need, let’s never forget that sometimes the greatest gift we can give them might not cost us any money at all. Make the time today to make your Knott’s Berry Farm or your Target for you and your child; it’s an investment of time you will never forget, and neither will they.

The loney road

It's been awhile since I have posted. It has been an eventful eight months of ministry. In many ways, everything has changed over the past eight months.
Today, I sent up to the youth group the first group I have taken all the way through elementary school. This afternoon, I took them to lunch, gave them a bible and wished them well. They are excited for the next chapter in their lives, to move up and be with the big kids, and I am excited for them, somewhat sad to not have them anymore, but also relieved because they have outgrown their place within our children's ministry.
Tonight, I think about some of the unique challenges of children's ministry, and why God has wired those who would answer this calling differently. At 39 years old, through camps, school outreaches, mission trips, outreaches and being a full time pastor in three churches, I have ministered to thousands of children. Tonight, I really have no idea what kind of impact I have had.
Now, I understand the impact is eternal. I know I will see some of those in heaven. I rejoice in that that face. However, many times children's ministry is a lonely road, as it is a one way impartation, as children are not capable of giving back. The relationships change as the kids get older, and now I have the joy of having fellowship with kids who are now grown up, married, and in ministry themselves, but at one time sat in Kid's Church under our leadership. I cherish those moments, to hear a 20 year old tell you their faith journey began in that setting, the foundations for their life were set, they asked Jesus into their heart one Sunday morning or night. But, the road to those relationships can be lonely, as you give and give and give and maybe never see anything in return. The person called to children's ministry has to be more long suffering and willing to endure than most others in ministry. God gives us a special grace in that regard, but on nights like this, I just hand over my group of kids to the Lord and pray the foundation laid in their will be built upon. For the most part, it is more sweet than it is bitter, as there is a sense of completion and satisfaction knowing I given them all I can give them.
I cannot take too long to think about what is behind, with the departure of the older group, we welcomed the youngest group we have ever had at Christian Chapel. It's time to start all over again.

Opportunity knocks

Sometimes opportunities come when we least expect them. Next week, I will take my favorite character Cheto back on the road, appearing 15 times this winter and spring, Friday mornings at Peters Elementary school.
This will be my fifth year doing the bible club at Peters with Amy Skeie, Wayne, and this year, Keith McIntyre as the roadie. Wayne has made the preparations to all of our road gear, puppet stages, sound equipment, and it looks like we are ready to go.
Next Friday I will begin a 9 part series on the power in the fruit of the spirit. Please pray as we have been given a unique opportunity to share the gospel on a regular basis in our neighborhood school.

Six people who changed the world- Mimi

Last week, 2010 finally came to an end, but not
before claiming Emilie's beloved grandmother, Mimi. Mimi passed away on December 26, and we were actually in Ohio when it happened. That was just like Mimi, to die when we were all there, so no one would be inconvenienced. Though it might sound strange to say, being in Ohio and being with family when she passed was a loving, memorable experience. We are saddened by the passing of Mimi, but again, it was a celebration of a woman who taught us compassion, loyalty, and love. Just like with Popo, Mimi made me feel welcome. She would call Emilie before we would visit to ask what I ate. She was huge fan of Albert Belle, and Manny Ramirez. She had no love for Lebron after he left Cleveland, however! Mimi was Mimi till the end.
She lived a life of obedience to the Savior. She opened her home to missionaries, to family, to Emilie's friends, and even to my friends! Thank you for your life and example, Mimi. I hope my home is a place like yours, and my kids and their friends will always fill my home the way your kids and grand kids and their friends filled yours. We will miss you, but we rejoice with you, as you are finally free.

Six people who changed the world- Cheyenne

Thinking back over the lives of my grandparents has been a truly joyous exercise. Though I saddened by their loss, I can celebrate their longevity and impacts they made the world. That is going to be more challenging with Cheyenne.
The most difficult thing I have ever had to do as a parent was walk into my 11 year old daughters room last July and tell her Cheyenne had passed away during the night.
When we moved to Oklahoma, Cheyenne was Katriel's first friend. Cheyennes house was the first place she ever spent the night away from family. They were friends, played together, got in trouble together, did the things little girls do together. Cheyenne spent the night with us Memorial day 2009, and we enjoyed a day of swimming. It was a fun day, and the last day we would spend with Cheyenne. Later that summer, she would be diagnosed with cancer, and just a year later, she was gone.
Cheyenne was not on earth long enough, but she certainly changed the world around her. That little girl had more spirit than any kid I have ever ministered too or been associated with. She was a fighter. The fight in her, and her unshakable faith inspired all of those around her. One of the greatest nights I ever remember in the ministry was the evening she showed up with Katriel. My 5th and 6th graders had been praying for her, and she comes and for one night she was the old Cheyenne. There was a song on her lips and mischief in her eyes! What a wonderful memory and impact I and all of those kids will carry.
Her life was too short, but her impact will last forever. None of us who knew her will ever forget Cheyenne. We love you Cheyenne, and I know you are waiting for all of us. I hope all of us here can live our lives as fully as you did.

Six people who changed the world- Grandpa Abeyta

I can barely remember my grandpa before his stroke. I believe I was 11 years old, and my grandfather was a very young man, in his 50's, when he suffered a debilitating stroke, almost completely paralyzing him on his left size. A man who had made his living working with his hands his entire life was now without the use of them. When I think about my grandpa Abeyta, I think about strength, unbelievable strength. He did not let his paralysis stop him. Before the stroke, he had always worked full time and pastored churches on the weekend. Now, he would minister full time. He would drive his motor home, paralyzed, 100 miles each way every Sunday to pastor the church at Rio Chiquito in Northern New Mexico. With one hand, he would hitch his tow car to the back of the motor home.
As the effects of the stroke and being paralyzed for 2t years took its toll on my grandfather, his body began to deteriorate. When I would return to visit, he would not always recognize me, or my wife or my kids. Still, it was a shock when he died, days after the birth of my daughter, and exactly 2 weeks later than Grandma Lala.
As I prepared to speak at his funeral, I realized that everything I did before I preach came from him. From the time I arrive at the church to the way I kept my notes, I learned that from him. He's a part of me, forever.

Six people who changed the world- Grandma Lala

Grandma Lala. Just hearing those words as a child would bring joy to my heart. My grandmother was one of the most joyful people I have ever known. She always had a song on her lips, and a hug and a burrito for anyone who came to the house. I cannot even begin to describe what my Grandma Lala gave to me. She worked hard every day of her life. Her house was always spotless. She gave away everything that she ever had. She lived the greatest commandments, love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. My grandmother taught us all to love for others, that to give is better than to receive. None of us would ever forget the shed, the "casita" in the backyard full of clothes and items for anyone who ever needed them. She fed the homeless, and cared for the widow and the orphan. She was the personification of true religion. To me, nothing will ever showcase the amazing spirit of this woman more than the night of her memorial service. A humble woman of simple means, she died with not much to her name. Yet, her funeral services took place in a beautiful cathedral on a hill overlooking downtown Los Angeles. Even more grandiose than that however, was the fact the sanctuary was full of people who had been touched by her generosity. I thank the Lord I was able to serve her by officiating that memorial service, and the graveside service. When I look at her life, I can honestly say I feel nothing but joy that she is finally receiving her eternal reward. Yes, we miss her terribly, but she was a woman who lived life to the fullest here on earth, and though not a woman of means, she was the richest person I knew. The Lord took one Lala, and gave us a Baby Lala a week later. Now, every day, I will have see my grandma Lala in my Baby Lala, I can only pray she becomes a woman of prayer, kindness and joy as the woman with whom she shares her name.

Six People who changed the world- Maggie

Of the six people in my life who changed the world, Maggie is the only one who is not actually a person. I don't wish to saunter down the theological road which leads to discussions on whether or not animals have a soul. The undisputed fact is, Maggie was an important part of our family, and made an enormous impact upon us.
On February 16, 2010, thirteen year relationship between man and dog ended. Suffering and not understanding what was happening to her enlarged heart, I made the excruciating decision to end her life.
What kind of benefit can an animal bring to our lives, and how does that contribution change the world? In the deepest part of our hearts, we all have a desire above all else to be loved, to be admired. No matter how bad a day I had, or how many people were frustrated or upset with me, when I came home, that dog was there waiting for me, and each day she acted like a king had entered the room! She loved unconditionally. Yes, she was just an animal, but she was placed by God into our lives. We did not idolize her, buy her clothes or treat her like she was really part of the family, but we appreciated her for what she was, someone who brought me joy every day of her life. I miss her just as much today as I did the day she left.
Some may say it is a sign of weakness for a man to establish a connection like that to an animal, but I would worry about anyone who was not capable of sharing love in that way, especially a minster of the gospel. I will always be thankful for the time I had with Maggie, my life was a better when she was alive, and is a little emptier now that she gone.

Six people who changed the world- Popo

While Popo did not actually leave us in 2010, he was the first of our grandparents to pass away in December of 2009. Popo was a man who had a profound impact on the world. From the moment I met him, I liked him. He did everything he could to make me feel welcome in his home. I would enjoy our journeys to Ohio, knowing Emilie and I were going to stay at his house. I waited for him to show me slides and tell me stories about his carpet business and his travels around the world. I remember seeing the Rock of Gibraltar in one of his pictures, and his eyes lit up when I asked him about it. I also remember sneaking away to the East of Chicago Pizza buffet before he got his feeding tube, and him telling us not to tell Mimi about it. What wonderful memories.
He was a great husband, father and grandfather, but so are many men. What made Popo a man who changed the word? From the first moments I met him, I knew this man loved missions. He talked about missions conventions he had traveled to, and his trips to Haiti. This wasn't a man who just talked about missions, but he lived it. He supported it with his money, his time, his heart. He didn't talk about helping people in Haiti, he did it. It cost him something. Popo didn't dream about being able to impact the world someday, he did it. Opening his home to a young Haitian pastor while he went to bible college was evidence of the character and obedience to calling that Popo lived and taught all of us. Popo changed the world around him.

Six people who changed the world

2010 is finally over. It was one of the most challenging years of my entire life. In one tumultuous ten day period, I officiated my grandmothers funeral, received my ordination, missed the birth of my daughter, and spoke at my grandfathers funeral. It was a year full of highs and lows, tearful goodbyes, and new beginnings.
2010 has been a whirlwind. As I made the long drive from Ohio to Oklahoma this past week, I finally had time to reflect upon the people who made the greatest impact not only in my life but in the lives of everyone around them. Over the next few days, I will attempt to reflect on them and honor them the best I can. I am really glad 2010 is over.