ann kiemel

i pulled on my sweats.

my tacky, cut up top.

tied my running shoes that

are beginning to lose their worth.

but.....beat-up running shoes are

sentimental to me because they

have carried me through thousands of

miles.

 

Jesus, my running Partner, was on time

and waiting for me at the gym.  i always know

because,  as i bow my head and ask for strength,

i can almost see Him.  touch Him.  a Hand on my

shoulder. starting really easy, i begin to challenge

my body to stick close to my Partner,  and slowly

increase my speed and encourage the endorphines

to kick in.

 

running begins to close out the world.

even all the troubling things in each of our

lives.  and Jesus has our full attention.

i learn many things from my great Partner

if i am silent enough to listen as the miles

and time clock in.

 

today, i  heard Jesus reassure me that

jan is going to be okay.  that the pieces

are being lined up in such a way that

her terrible pain will subside.  it means

so much to us that so many of you all

are praying for her.

 

a clear sky.  slight breeze.  and two

hours later, i crawl off the eliptical...no,

more like peel myself off...and chalk up

alot of good miles.

 

i want to run

and feel the wind  

at my back...and know that

God loves me and He needs me and

there is NOTHING that He and i and you

can't do.  feel the sun on your skin and

know that it is God's way of reminding us

that He is magnificently and wonderfully

made.  and ALL He is is ours because

we are His kids. 

 

take a hand and squeeze it.

make cookies and share them.

love your children unconditionally

because that is what Jesus demands:

unconditional love.   nurture their hearts.

remind them that life is ALL about the heart.

and we know that God will take care

of the rest. i really love you all!