What Size is God?

Sunday night was a late night working on my budget with my dad when I came to realize I was making less money this summer than I thought and therefore I should've spent less this summer as well. I also got to thinking about only having a month to get back in shape for cross-country which makes me nervous. Very tired, stressed, worried and kinda bummed I opened my devotional (Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado) to the headline "What Size is God?" and the verse "God can do all things." (Matthew 19:26). Wow. God knew my very needs that night. To follow is the paragraph from the devotion. The last couple of days, if I start to worry or get stressed or discouraged about fiances or school or cross-country I've just tried to remind myself that God is BIG.

"Nature is God's workshop. The sky is His resume. The universe is His calling card. You want to know who God is? See what He has done. You want to know His power? Take a look at His creation. Curious about His strength? Pay a visit to His home address 1 Billion Starry Sky Avenue. He is untainted by the atmosphere of sin, unbridled by the time line of history, unhindered by the weariness of the body. What controls you doesn't control Him. What troubles You doesn't trouble Him. What fatigues You doesn't fatigue Him. Is an eagle disturbed by traffic? No, He rises above it. Is the whale perturbed by a hurricane? Of course not, he plunges beneath it. Is the lion flustered by the mouse standing directly in his way? No, he steps over it. How much more is God able to soar above, plunge beneath, and step over the troubles of the earth!"

After reading this paragraph again, I don't like exactly how it's worded because it makes it sound like God is so much better than our problems/troubles that He doesn't care about them, which is totally NOT the case, and I think the author would agree. We have a Great High Priest who sympathizes with us, who has gone through everything we ever will. We have a God who counts all our tears and hears even our groans and sighs. By trusting in Him, WE can rise above, plunge beneath, and step over the troubles of this earth and not be robbed of our joy or security in Him.

Sunshine & Summertime

I got my wisdom teeth out on Thursday the 16th. Heidi took me home to take care of me and Jason was there only a few minutes after we walked in the door. He held me while I slept. My sweet friends Monz and Hannah also came over with ice cream and movies! I slept most of the day though. On Friday I spent the afternoon at Jason sleeping again and then that night my roommate Kate came from Idaho to visit! Jason, Heidi, and I met her and we all went o Dairy Queen. On Saturday Jason, Glenda and I took Kate garage saling! We has a blast and some great fellowship! Then Kate and I drove up to the lake because the rest of my family was there. She had fun sailing and boating and I took it easy or laid on the dock with her. We slept out under the stars in the hammocks! Jason and Heidi joined us all Sunday morning. We had such a great time! I'm very blessed by my roommate and dear friend Kate! It was a blast for her to be with my family and boyfriend too! It's more like one giant family!

Best Marathon Runner Overall

My dad ran the Missoula Marathon, sadly without me, on July 11th. Monz, Lauren Morey, Heidi and I woke up at 4am to drive him to the shuttle station downtown and then drove out to mile 3 and set up camp to watch the runners. At 6am they were off. We sat on the hood of our car and cheered for them, some would talk and wave back too! A lady even ran up to us and said, "I'm gonna be gross and pee behind your car." We were glad to be there for her! After my dad ran by we drove to mile 8 so we could give him his chomps. After a quick stop for our own energy fuel-- coffee (it's hard work cheering!!) -- we met him again just across the bridge where my mom and brother and Josie were too and we traded the car for bikes. It was fun to bike along the rest of the way and cheer him and everyone on!! I'm so proud of him!! He did so great!! We thought it would be a lofty goal to make it in 4 hours. He finished in 3 hours and 48 minutes!! And he seemed just as strong and healthy after! He's made for this! Next year I plan on running with him!

I am so thankful you only have to get your wisdom teeth out once! It's miserable!

Greater Plans Than My Own...

My MRI results came back yesterday for my foot. I do not have a stress fracture, in fact I have very healthy bones! But I do have tendonitus, probably from running on my really bad shin splint for so long! That means the marathon is cancelled for my! I'm bummed about that, but it's best right now as I need to focus on getting healed and summer training for my fall season. My dad is still running though, and the race is this Sunday! Obviously God has greater plans in mind =)