Today is a day to give thanks, and I could go on forever about all the things I am thankful for, but since I know a turkey is in the oven and I don't have a whole lot of time, I'm forced to limit my list.
First off, I need to give thanks for my wife Dawn, and all she has tolerated this past year. From holding my tray in the hospital when I was puking so I didn't make a mess of the lovely gown they provided me with, making sure I eat all the right things and continue to improve my health, to making sure that I'm happy. Thanks Dawn.
I give thanks to my daughters Brittney and Brianna for being there to make me smile and a proud father with all they've accomplished and continue to accomplish. The happiness that they have brought into my life is immeasurable. I give thanks for my son-in-law Curt, as he is on the other side of the world in Australia playing his music and spreading the good news about Jesus to those on the other side of the world. I'm so proud of how he is using his gifts that he has been blessed with.
While I am thankful of family, friends and a good job, this year I have to give thanks for all those that have helped me as my health returns. Dr. Willekes, Dr. Foster and the entire Cardiac Rehab staff from Spectrum Hospital at the Blodgett campus. Fortunately there was a fun run this morning in East Grand Rapids where I could run with others and see how far I've come. So I ran in the first ever "Gobble Wobble", 4.2 miles around Reed's Lake. I made it the entire way, and my girls were there waiting for me at the finish line 41 minutes and 25 seconds or so after I started. I started out well running the first mile in 8:44, but I slowed down after that (it must have been the hills)with the last mile (from the 3 mile mark to the 4 mile mark) taking me 10:14. But those of you familiar with Reed's Lake, you know how hilly it is, I'm not trying to make up excuses but... None the less, I did the run, something I couldn't have accomplished these past two years had it not been for a lot of help and encouragement from more people than I can imagine. So thanks to all those who encouraged me and those who pushed me to get back into shape.
And most importantly, I have to give thanks to my God. Without him, none of this would have been possible, He has blessed me more than I deserve. He has answered my prayers and surrounded me with family and friends who helped make this all possible. I can't think of anyone who should be blessed the way I have been. It is humbling knowing that he is looking out for me and wants what is best for me, even though I have failed so many times along the way, but He still loves me and watches over me despite it all.
I hope your Thanksgiving is a joyous day, and you take the time to count your blessings.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Working Weekends
This business of working during the week and trying to get things done around the house is taking a toll on me. We had an especially busy weekend. Curt came up with the band (No Greater Sky), they had a show in town so we went and watched them Friday night. Nic and Clark left Saturday morning about 1 or so, while Curt stayed behind and slept in and left late Saturday afternoon to Ithaca. He did come bearing gifts for us. Brittney made a purse for Dawn, and I received some tee shirts for running with some custom designs on them.
We also had the pleasure of Brianna staying with us for the weekend since Hope was closed for the noro-like virus, she went back tonight (Tuesday). Sunday I spent the afternoon sucking up the leaves with the lawnmower and digging up canna bulbs in the rain snow mixture. While my chores getting ready for winter are closer to being done, I look forward to being able to relax on the weekend, after all, isn't that what they are meant for. One more session of cardiac rehab down at Blodgett, and then I have to push myself and get the exercise without them monitoring me.
Good morning. A champion is someone who wins a lot. A champion is someone who realizes that the reality of defeat, humiliation, and pain exists but refuses to be held back by fear. A champion is someone who is resilient, someone who has been knocked down in life, and possibly by life, but gets back up again..... After Fred Astaire's first screen test in 1933, a memo from a MGM testing director said, “Can't act. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” Its reported that the legendary Fred Astaire kept that memo over the fireplace in his Beverly Hills home. Stay focused... God is on your side!
God is Love
We also had the pleasure of Brianna staying with us for the weekend since Hope was closed for the noro-like virus, she went back tonight (Tuesday). Sunday I spent the afternoon sucking up the leaves with the lawnmower and digging up canna bulbs in the rain snow mixture. While my chores getting ready for winter are closer to being done, I look forward to being able to relax on the weekend, after all, isn't that what they are meant for. One more session of cardiac rehab down at Blodgett, and then I have to push myself and get the exercise without them monitoring me.
That's all for now, I mainly just wanted to post the pictures of my new tee shirts.
Good morning. A champion is someone who wins a lot. A champion is someone who realizes that the reality of defeat, humiliation, and pain exists but refuses to be held back by fear. A champion is someone who is resilient, someone who has been knocked down in life, and possibly by life, but gets back up again..... After Fred Astaire's first screen test in 1933, a memo from a MGM testing director said, “Can't act. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.” Its reported that the legendary Fred Astaire kept that memo over the fireplace in his Beverly Hills home. Stay focused... God is on your side!
God is Love
Rev Run
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