Running for Jesus

So, I have this goal to run a marathon. I think it is a God-given desire because I hate running. I want God to be glorified and honored with everything I do in my short life, and though I fail often, this is my passion-and I know by abiding in Him, He will be glorified (John 15: 7-8). I don't want to fit God into my own passions and ambitions, I want His will and plan to come and thwart all my plans, and for me to step aside and watch Him work. Saying all that, I believe that through running I spend a unique time abiding in God. It's desperate need of Him to help me not only physically, but defiantly mentally, as I accomplish something that takes a lot of time, commitment, perseverance, consistency, aces, and pains. My prayer is that these disciplines that I develop with spill over into the rest of my life, to better serve and glorify My God. To prove to myself that this was a serious ambition, I took my first step of commitment, and ran my first 5k race. I loved it, the energy of all the people was really cool, and I ran my PR! I took 6 min. off my best time. I still have a long way to get to 26 miles, but that is all part of the process that God is taking me on. Here are some silly photos of the morning.

Here's me putting my "race gear" on :)
I'm ready!

I was very cold, and nervous!

Trying to act excited about the next three miles that I was about to run.

You can't see me, but I was in there. A really humbling experience is letting all the people pass you (especially the older ladies, which I totally admire), as you try your best to pace yourself to not get burnt out in the first mile.

Racing to the finish line, I was so happy to see it, I sprinted all the way!

Afterward, tired, sweaty, but so happy with my time, God really helped me as I prayed the whole way!

Schaap Reunion

This is the family reunion that we went to up in Brainard MN, right by where they filmed the movie Fargo. I did not want to leave, it was so beautiful, we stayed right on the gorgeous lake, and the water felt like Hawaii, so warm! We have such a great time with family, we miss them already, I wish every weekend could be us all together (with my family too of course)! But it really was a refreshing, great time! Here is me trying to ski, not the best, but better then I expected! I kinda got up!

Nephew Aaron, attacked the chocolate cake on my lap. Sooooooo cute!

Mark, good at everything!

Me and Dad Schaap! So funny ;)

My sisters-in-laws (though I hate to call them in-laws) I love them a lot.

My niece Sydney, she was so cute, she was crying so much because she was scared of everyone getting in the water she kept saying "Daddy don't try it! Mommy don't try it." I think we traumatized her....but she still is just so adorable.

Crazy fun!

Oh, and here is our new (to us, it very used) car....we love it!