Broken and Beautiful team members have not yet reached their St. Jude fundraising goals. There are three ways to donate:
1. Use Paypal - If you have a Paypal account just click on the widget to the right.
2. Use a credit card - Click on this Team Broken and Beautiful link to go to our team fundraising page and use your credit card to donate.
3. Check or cash - You may give your donation directly to any member of Team Broken and Beautiful and we will send it to St. Jude OR we will provide a form for your own mailing convenience.
Thanks for any donations that you can give, all money goes directly to St. Jude.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Firecracker 5K
Good Morning,
Yesterday officially began our racing season. Stacy, Stacie and I ran the Firecracker 5K in Shreveport, La. It was a nice easy run, not too many hills, but the sweltering heat made me want to die! :)
Before the race we were lucky enough to run into some friends, a former student of mine and my former boss - who just happened to be Stacy's HS principal. Mr. Patrick (the principal) has been a runner ever since I can remember. He and I talked at length when I worked for him about running - but I never quite caught the "bug."
Yesterday, as I fell further and further behind my friends, I began to think that maybe I'm just not a runner. Maybe my desire to run was like a "bug" bite. I got the initial sting, scratched it and now it's gone….and that little seed of doubt was all the devil needed to get started ruining my day!
The women I run with are faithful GODly women. They rely on their faith to lead their decision making in their homes, lives and work. They keep me level headed and focused on HIM when I find my path starts curving away from HIS will for my life. They call me down when I am in need of GODly correction and always temper it with love and friendship. They are always there for me to weather the storms of life! They NEVER waiver in their love for me!! – They are my TRUE friends and sisters in Christ! I LOVE THEM!!
That being said the old devil would like nothing more than to get his old stinky sneaker in between us and hinder the work we are trying to do for the glory of GOD’s kingdom. Yesterday- for a split second - he almost did! As I watched Stacy and Stacie jog on ahead without me I felt like a tire old 3rd wheel - you know the only person in the room "not" in on the joke! --As I crossed the finish line I was so disgusted with myself -- I completely forgot to ask The Stacy's how they did! I was completely self centered and un-Christ-like! We walked to our cars- them chatting - me in silence- feeling like a real loser! They talked about running this week at Stacy's - which I rarely get to do- because of my husband’s work and mine- and once again I felt like an outsider.
As I drove home I began reflecting (talking and crying to myself) and doing the one thing I knew to do to get Satan off my back; I prayed. I prayed that GOD would take away the self loathing I felt. I prayed that GOD would give me a spirit of joy for the accomplishments of others. I prayed that GOD would snuff out the ember of jealousy and competition that was beginning to take hold in me against my sisters in Christ. I prayed that GOD would remind me to be content in all my circumstances. And I prayed for direction on how this day could be used to witness to others.
It was about 20 miles from home that I began to feel better and realize - -if I was the one ahead you know who would be behind me cheering me on? The Stacy's! – If I was the one able to run every day and had millions of miles logged you know who would be happy and encouraging? The Stacy’s -- When I feel like I can only do 7 miles instead of 8 - you know who it is that graciously concedes to just do 7? The Stacy's! When I have to stop and walk on the long races - you know who stops and walks with me (forgoing their own time) The Stacy's! --
OMG—what a heifer I was being!! I realized that as bad as I wanted to "feel sorry for myself" no one else did- in fact- the people I tend to complain to the most (Stacy and Stacie) are my loudest cheerleaders! -- WOW-- That means they are either crazy or just really love me!
HUM-- since I know they are nowhere near as nuts as me -- I had to settle on that they love me! I also had to realize that 1) I have to train better to keep up and 2) I don't really love running as much as they do!
After giving these two points some thought I came to a couple of conclusions. First, I have to be committed to what I've started. My training has to be more consistent and I have to learn to push myself when I'm running alone. When I become bored with the monotony of running I have to stop, regroup, do something else - but ultimately I have to keep adding miles!! I didn't start running because it was something I loved. I started running to relieve stress- to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone - to sacrifice my comfort for pain- and to accomplish something few have the courage to believe they can do. It is sport where success and failure are solely mine. AND most importantly, I wanted running to open doors to minister to others….for me running has done all those things and more.
Secondly, I realized that not ONE TIME have the "Stacy's" or I defined ourselves as a running only team. The confinements I put on myself and the races I run are just that ---- MINE! -- I'm not ever going to be a real fast runner - because it bores me! However, I love the challenge and constant change that adventure racing offers. I want to succeed at something that is physically and mentally challenging for me each time I lace up my shoes; for me, running isn't going to be enough.
Finally - J - I have to be an encourager! – and learn to accept encouragement from others. Let me tell you that my friends Stacy and Stacie are THE BOMB!! They are ultimately the reason I’ve kept running and the root of why Broken and Beautiful is what it is. Our prayer is that someone will read our words- know we are human- and be encouraged by our trials as wives, mothers, teachers and runners. That YOU will see yourself in us and know that with faith of mustard seed NO mountain is immovable!!
Paula
Yesterday officially began our racing season. Stacy, Stacie and I ran the Firecracker 5K in Shreveport, La. It was a nice easy run, not too many hills, but the sweltering heat made me want to die! :)Before the race we were lucky enough to run into some friends, a former student of mine and my former boss - who just happened to be Stacy's HS principal. Mr. Patrick (the principal) has been a runner ever since I can remember. He and I talked at length when I worked for him about running - but I never quite caught the "bug."
Yesterday, as I fell further and further behind my friends, I began to think that maybe I'm just not a runner. Maybe my desire to run was like a "bug" bite. I got the initial sting, scratched it and now it's gone….and that little seed of doubt was all the devil needed to get started ruining my day!
The women I run with are faithful GODly women. They rely on their faith to lead their decision making in their homes, lives and work. They keep me level headed and focused on HIM when I find my path starts curving away from HIS will for my life. They call me down when I am in need of GODly correction and always temper it with love and friendship. They are always there for me to weather the storms of life! They NEVER waiver in their love for me!! – They are my TRUE friends and sisters in Christ! I LOVE THEM!!
That being said the old devil would like nothing more than to get his old stinky sneaker in between us and hinder the work we are trying to do for the glory of GOD’s kingdom. Yesterday- for a split second - he almost did! As I watched Stacy and Stacie jog on ahead without me I felt like a tire old 3rd wheel - you know the only person in the room "not" in on the joke! --As I crossed the finish line I was so disgusted with myself -- I completely forgot to ask The Stacy's how they did! I was completely self centered and un-Christ-like! We walked to our cars- them chatting - me in silence- feeling like a real loser! They talked about running this week at Stacy's - which I rarely get to do- because of my husband’s work and mine- and once again I felt like an outsider.
As I drove home I began reflecting (talking and crying to myself) and doing the one thing I knew to do to get Satan off my back; I prayed. I prayed that GOD would take away the self loathing I felt. I prayed that GOD would give me a spirit of joy for the accomplishments of others. I prayed that GOD would snuff out the ember of jealousy and competition that was beginning to take hold in me against my sisters in Christ. I prayed that GOD would remind me to be content in all my circumstances. And I prayed for direction on how this day could be used to witness to others.
It was about 20 miles from home that I began to feel better and realize - -if I was the one ahead you know who would be behind me cheering me on? The Stacy's! – If I was the one able to run every day and had millions of miles logged you know who would be happy and encouraging? The Stacy’s -- When I feel like I can only do 7 miles instead of 8 - you know who it is that graciously concedes to just do 7? The Stacy's! When I have to stop and walk on the long races - you know who stops and walks with me (forgoing their own time) The Stacy's! --
OMG—what a heifer I was being!! I realized that as bad as I wanted to "feel sorry for myself" no one else did- in fact- the people I tend to complain to the most (Stacy and Stacie) are my loudest cheerleaders! -- WOW-- That means they are either crazy or just really love me!
HUM-- since I know they are nowhere near as nuts as me -- I had to settle on that they love me! I also had to realize that 1) I have to train better to keep up and 2) I don't really love running as much as they do!
After giving these two points some thought I came to a couple of conclusions. First, I have to be committed to what I've started. My training has to be more consistent and I have to learn to push myself when I'm running alone. When I become bored with the monotony of running I have to stop, regroup, do something else - but ultimately I have to keep adding miles!! I didn't start running because it was something I loved. I started running to relieve stress- to push myself to do something out of my comfort zone - to sacrifice my comfort for pain- and to accomplish something few have the courage to believe they can do. It is sport where success and failure are solely mine. AND most importantly, I wanted running to open doors to minister to others….for me running has done all those things and more.
Secondly, I realized that not ONE TIME have the "Stacy's" or I defined ourselves as a running only team. The confinements I put on myself and the races I run are just that ---- MINE! -- I'm not ever going to be a real fast runner - because it bores me! However, I love the challenge and constant change that adventure racing offers. I want to succeed at something that is physically and mentally challenging for me each time I lace up my shoes; for me, running isn't going to be enough.
Finally - J - I have to be an encourager! – and learn to accept encouragement from others. Let me tell you that my friends Stacy and Stacie are THE BOMB!! They are ultimately the reason I’ve kept running and the root of why Broken and Beautiful is what it is. Our prayer is that someone will read our words- know we are human- and be encouraged by our trials as wives, mothers, teachers and runners. That YOU will see yourself in us and know that with faith of mustard seed NO mountain is immovable!!
Paula
Friday, June 1, 2012
Don't be afriad!
There is more to the story of Ahimaaz than just the fact that he needed to run. He did indeed run the King David carrying the news. But an interesting thing happened when he got there. Joab had sent a man from Cush on ahead of Ahimaaz, but our favorite biblical runner took a short cut and got there first.
The watchmen saw a man running and reported it to the king. They could tell by his gait that he was Ahimaaz and declared that he was a good man so must be bringing good news. When Ahimaaz entered the gates he told the king that "All is well!" Sounds like good news to me, but we know that he knew that all the news wasn't so peachy. What strikes me here is that Ahimaaz wanted to run with this news, he asked for the chance, begged for it even. But when his big moment came, he lost courage.
King David then asked specifically about Absalom and Ahimaaz lied. He said he didn't know what had happened in all the confusion. By now the runner from Cush is there to give the rest of the story. King David is shattered to learn of the loss of his son, but I don't find any record of the messengers being punished for bringing the tragic news. My commentary only states that Ahimaaz was afraid to tell the king the truth.
Again, I can identify with Ahimaaz. He pleaded for a shot and when he got what he wanted, he choked at his big moment. Doesn't that happen to all of us? We pray and our prayers are answered, but then we are afraid to take the next step. We are blessed and blessed again, but still feel anxious. We have one huge advantage over Ahimaaz, though. We have the words of Jesus. Repeated so often that He must really mean it, (Matt. 10:31, Matt. 14:27, Matt. 17:7, Mark 5:36) "Don't be afraid."
Don't be afraid to tell people bad news. Don't be afraid of training for a marathon. Don't be afraid to blog about running. Don't be afraid to take your chance once you get it, whatever that chance may be for you.
Please don't forget that we are not afraid to ask for your donations to help support St. Jude. Thanks!
The watchmen saw a man running and reported it to the king. They could tell by his gait that he was Ahimaaz and declared that he was a good man so must be bringing good news. When Ahimaaz entered the gates he told the king that "All is well!" Sounds like good news to me, but we know that he knew that all the news wasn't so peachy. What strikes me here is that Ahimaaz wanted to run with this news, he asked for the chance, begged for it even. But when his big moment came, he lost courage.
King David then asked specifically about Absalom and Ahimaaz lied. He said he didn't know what had happened in all the confusion. By now the runner from Cush is there to give the rest of the story. King David is shattered to learn of the loss of his son, but I don't find any record of the messengers being punished for bringing the tragic news. My commentary only states that Ahimaaz was afraid to tell the king the truth.
Again, I can identify with Ahimaaz. He pleaded for a shot and when he got what he wanted, he choked at his big moment. Doesn't that happen to all of us? We pray and our prayers are answered, but then we are afraid to take the next step. We are blessed and blessed again, but still feel anxious. We have one huge advantage over Ahimaaz, though. We have the words of Jesus. Repeated so often that He must really mean it, (Matt. 10:31, Matt. 14:27, Matt. 17:7, Mark 5:36) "Don't be afraid."
Don't be afraid to tell people bad news. Don't be afraid of training for a marathon. Don't be afraid to blog about running. Don't be afraid to take your chance once you get it, whatever that chance may be for you.
Please don't forget that we are not afraid to ask for your donations to help support St. Jude. Thanks!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Welcome, ZenTri Listeners!
Thanks for checking us out! While you are here, please click on our team fundraising page and make a donation. Even $5 will help children with cancer. In my experience, triathletes are good people. Thanks in advance for your help.
Friday, May 11, 2012
"Come what may, I want to run." There words are spoken by Ahimaaz, son of Zadok in 2 Samuel 18:23. He wanted to run to King David with the message that the rebel leader Absolom had been killed. But this good news for the armies of David was also heartbreak for the king. Absolom was not only an insurgent, he was also his son.
Even though Ahimaaz was warned that his news would not be well received, he still wanted to run with the message. (What happens when he gets there is another story for a later post...) My Bible's commentary says nothing about why he wanted to run so badly, but I speculate that his reasons for pleading to run are not that different from mine.
Granted, I don't usually run to carry messages from place to place. I have been known to run my books back to the library or my mail to the post office. But put me in a stressful situation, especially stress of my own making, and I want to run!
When my weekly mileage is up, I can better handle the pressures of our modern world. When the running shoe is on the other foot, and I'm not getting my miles in I just don't feel as "Stacy" as I should. Not every run is great. Most are just average, getting it done kind of runs. I have run with tears streaming down my face and with joy bursting out of my heart. I have run in the dark with a headlamp because I needed a "mommy break". My best running memories are crossing finish lines with the other B & B girls, but I also cherish those first few running-walking-gasping runs of five years ago.
Thousands of years and many cultural differences separate Ahimaaz and me, but our sentiments are the same. Come what may, I want to run.
What about you? What makes you want to run? Please comment below.
Visit the Broken and Beautiful team page and donate to St. Jude to help end childhood cancer.
Even though Ahimaaz was warned that his news would not be well received, he still wanted to run with the message. (What happens when he gets there is another story for a later post...) My Bible's commentary says nothing about why he wanted to run so badly, but I speculate that his reasons for pleading to run are not that different from mine.
Granted, I don't usually run to carry messages from place to place. I have been known to run my books back to the library or my mail to the post office. But put me in a stressful situation, especially stress of my own making, and I want to run!
When my weekly mileage is up, I can better handle the pressures of our modern world. When the running shoe is on the other foot, and I'm not getting my miles in I just don't feel as "Stacy" as I should. Not every run is great. Most are just average, getting it done kind of runs. I have run with tears streaming down my face and with joy bursting out of my heart. I have run in the dark with a headlamp because I needed a "mommy break". My best running memories are crossing finish lines with the other B & B girls, but I also cherish those first few running-walking-gasping runs of five years ago.
Thousands of years and many cultural differences separate Ahimaaz and me, but our sentiments are the same. Come what may, I want to run.
What about you? What makes you want to run? Please comment below.
Visit the Broken and Beautiful team page and donate to St. Jude to help end childhood cancer.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
In the beginning..............
In the beginning it all seemed so simple. I mean, after all, it's just running. How hard can it be??
I suppose for you to truly appreciate the ignorance of that thought--you should first know something about the idiot that thought it. That would be me. My name is Paula. I am a simple person. A wife, a teacher, a mother to one beautiful red-head and a mother to a feisty cancer survivor. A woman who ran because if I hadn't, cancer would have made me go crazy. It would've taken my breath, filled me with deep pain and dark emotions. So I ran---I ran to escape what I saw, what I smelled, what I heard, what I felt. I ran to the one person, the one steadfast true promise in my life. I ran to Jesus.
It was in His arms that I found a passion, a promise and a purpose. It was there that I found friendship.......
We don't know what GOD wants this blog to be, but we each have a longing to share our stories, our struggles, and our victories with you. We don't know who "you" are....but we believe GOD will lead you here as HE sees fit.
In the days, weeks and months to come we will share more of our journey with you. Who we are, how we came to this place and how we continue to learn and grow in GOD and with each other.
Until next time............
Paula, Stacie and Stacey
I suppose for you to truly appreciate the ignorance of that thought--you should first know something about the idiot that thought it. That would be me. My name is Paula. I am a simple person. A wife, a teacher, a mother to one beautiful red-head and a mother to a feisty cancer survivor. A woman who ran because if I hadn't, cancer would have made me go crazy. It would've taken my breath, filled me with deep pain and dark emotions. So I ran---I ran to escape what I saw, what I smelled, what I heard, what I felt. I ran to the one person, the one steadfast true promise in my life. I ran to Jesus.
It was in His arms that I found a passion, a promise and a purpose. It was there that I found friendship.......
We don't know what GOD wants this blog to be, but we each have a longing to share our stories, our struggles, and our victories with you. We don't know who "you" are....but we believe GOD will lead you here as HE sees fit.
In the days, weeks and months to come we will share more of our journey with you. Who we are, how we came to this place and how we continue to learn and grow in GOD and with each other.
Until next time............
Paula, Stacie and Stacey
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