When I had to buy a new step for the step aerobics I do at home, I noticed there was a new product at the sport’s store: a slanted step. I wondered how the slanted step differed from the flat one, so I figured I would buy it and see. I had a difficult time getting used to the slant. I constantly looked down at my feet to ensure I wasn’t about to fall off. And I was more careful doing the aerobic moves that used to be so easy for me. I felt like I was balancing more, and the full length of my foot never seemed to touch the step. I was always on the balls of my feet! Afterwards, I was ... Read the Post
Archives for April 2014
Dream Lake
The path is steadily upward, well traveled. I walk slowly and purposefully, age causing me to stop frequently. Yet each pause allows time to reflect, rest and marvel in the simple beauty of a lone bluejay, a chipmunk rolling in the dust, a spray of colorful wildflowers growing from a small cleft of a rock. As the elevation rises, the sounds of traffic lower. The crisp mountain air softly blowing on my sun drenched skin. A fragrance of pine sends its soft aroma. Each shadow lends a chill to the air. As I look upward, towering granite sentinels make me feel small in their majestic ... Read the Post
Playing with Dirt
“They’re still playing with dirt.” From the front seat of our truck, I smiled at Chase’s observation about the main entrance of our neighborhood. When we moved into our house a few years ago, the front entrance to our subdivision was mostly woods with a couple of ponds on the south side, while on the north side was a sandy field dotted with pine trees, live oaks, and scrub brush that we affectionately called “the sand pit.” We often ran around the sand pit during our frequent family walks. We were saddened when, last fall, the sand pit was razed, leaving behind a bare, brown expanse now ... Read the Post
The Twine
For a long time, I believed that God was able to show His power tangibly to people but just not to me. I had come to the conclusion that I wasn't on His radar, but I was totally okay with experiencing His power vicariously through others. One day I was taking my 3 small children around our neighborhood for a walk. My 4 and 6 year old were slowly riding their bikes, and I was pulling my 2 year old in a red wagon. I had to be very careful because our neighborhood does not have sidewalks, so we all had to use the street. After about 20 minutes, my older 2 kids starting crying because their ... Read the Post
Comfort in Pain
My daughter is determined and dedicated when it comes to sports. At the ripe old age of fourteen, she has earned more first place ribbons and medals in two years than I have in my lifetime. As she began considering the path she wanted to take in high school sports, she opted for cheerleading. With only two and a half months to prepare for tryouts, she went full-force into tumbling classes and private lessons. Her instructor could not believe her work ethic and drive to succeed. When the day of tryouts came, my daughter felt confident and excited. She knew the hard work and perseverance ... Read the Post