I saw the Wink!!
When I started this blog and was training so hard for my first 3Day walk for breast cancer I shared several times about the "Winks of God" along the way.
Life has been a little crazy since that first blog. So many things have happened to cause twists and turns and some pretty steep hills and quick descents in the road in this 'almost' year since that first post.
I completed that walk with the love and support of so many of you, old friends and new in September of 2013. It was an incredible journey that changed my life in so many ways. I was able to take two very dark times in my life and use them as fuel to create an experience that will forever shine light into those dark areas.
It taught me that through strength in training and determination I could do things I would have only dreamed of before. But most importantly, I found a true meaning of commitment to others. On days when it would have been easy to find an excuse for trimming a couple miles from my walk...it was my commitment to so many, and the trust you had shown in me that would remind me "my excuses were invalid."
Those 'Winks of God" (coincidences you may call them) always seemed to come at precisely the right moment....
My favorite was the time I was checking my pedometer..sure I must be close to my 10,000 steps..and Pandora chose at that exact moment to play "10,000 Reasons to Bless The Lord"
The morning I had decided to take a walk up a mountain trail and met a gentleman whose wife was battling breast cancer. I left the encounter with her name for my shirt.
The morning I slowed to walk with an older lady...her daughter I would learn,had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was thrilled to tell her she would be carried on my shirt for 60 miles...
The time I was on a LONG walk and feeling a bit tired and Chuck called to tell me his plant manager was making me PINK grips for my walking sticks...
The moment shortly after starting when my phone 'pinged..you have a message' I stopped to find "a donation of $120 has been made to your acct"
The morning of a 17 mile when a little boy stuck his head out the window to say "I like your pink shirt lady" and I smiled all the way home...
I could go on and on..(I trained for 7 months ) But each of these experiences were opportunities of a reminder that He knew exactly where I was and what I needed to spur me on.
Following the walk our house sold and 2 weeks later Jim had a total knee replacement. Our neighbors left the day we signed papers and offered their home as a place of recuperation. Wait...did you see that wink?
Shortly after his surgery another friend offered 5 weeks in his condo in Florida.
SOOO..here we are in sunny Florida while Montana has been covered with snow and the cold has been record setting. Two months of additional recuperation time for Jim and a welcome respite from the busyness and stress of the past few months.
Periodically the thought will cross my mind that I am without a home to call my own. When someone asks "where do you live" I am in a quandary. A curious place to be at my age to be sure.
A few days ago a friend of another time in life informed me that she was going to, at sometime during this year surprise me with a blessing. She had made a decision to start the new year on a positive note, and was choosing the first five people to recognize her offer. She then ask for a favorite scripture or saying. Several went through my mind and I was at a standstill as which to choose. Then it happened..I remembered another time of decisions to be made..(when we lived in the same little town as my friend)...Jim's job was gone. Where would we live and where would we go....only this time we were living on a farm with cattle, and 5 children."What do we do???"
We were impressed to read the first chapter of Joshua in the Bible. There was much in that chapter that spoke to our hearts (go ahead...read it!) As I re-read it now and got to verse 9 I am pretty sure God smiled and gave me a wink. The message to "Be Strong and Courageous and not to fear because He will be with me WHEREVER I go" was received loud and clear. I stopped to join Him in a smile and a time of peace.
For this moment I may be a Vagabond, traveling from place to place, but I am not lost and without a compass. He knows where I am and has my route and destination chosen. I just need to follow closely to the path and watch for His footsteps!! (Please Lord, no detours!!)
So thank you Gwen for being a part of this wink!!
I think there were two!
First, my "chance"of seeing your decision to be a blessing.
Second my remembrance of Lakeview and another time of challenge and promise.
I'm sure I feel Him smiling just knowing I caught the wink, and His gift of peace has been delivered, received and opened!!
How about YOU....have you shared a Wink with God lately?? Have ya taken time to look??
Message me an share your wink!
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Let the Adventure Begin
We are almost two weeks into our time in Florida and the adventure is set to begin. We have spent the last 10 days exploring close to "home " and lying in the sun. What a refreshing time it has been.
THE STICKS HAVE RETURNED!
Our walking sticks arrived yesterday. After putting them together, walking shoes on..it was time to kick the training into gear. I can't think of a more beautiful place to begin than down the trails, across the waterways and down the beaches of Florida!! The sunshine and sand definitely provide a safety factor lacking in the snow and ice of Montana.
A year of new friends, new stories, new motivation has begun. An opportunity to join thousands of other women and men walking hundreds of miles with the dream of seeing an end to breast cancer. I will keep you posted on how to be a part of my team :)
We packed our bags and headed north. It was interesting to see the landscape change as we traveled the miles to Orlando..THE LAND OF DISNEY!!
Miles of swamp or Everglade, orange groves and finally pasture land with cows and horses. Huge transport trucks loaded to the top with oranges sped along the freeway. On the West Coast those same trucks would be loaded with potatoes, onions, corn, apples,or melons.
Made us realize how diverse or country is. How blessed we are to live in a country that 'grows it all' and ships from coast to coast!!
Walking thru the stores there is good chance of hearing a smorgasbord of languages to be mixed with the fashion choices of those you meet.
We have arrived in Orlando and will spend the next few days exploring the streets of Disney, greeting Mickey ,Goofy and all of Disney characters gathering memories and stories to be shared with family and friends.
So it is with hearts full of thanks for our many blessings we will ride some rides, see the sights and find a younger us for the next few days.
Sent from my iPad
THE STICKS HAVE RETURNED!
Our walking sticks arrived yesterday. After putting them together, walking shoes on..it was time to kick the training into gear. I can't think of a more beautiful place to begin than down the trails, across the waterways and down the beaches of Florida!! The sunshine and sand definitely provide a safety factor lacking in the snow and ice of Montana.
A year of new friends, new stories, new motivation has begun. An opportunity to join thousands of other women and men walking hundreds of miles with the dream of seeing an end to breast cancer. I will keep you posted on how to be a part of my team :)
We packed our bags and headed north. It was interesting to see the landscape change as we traveled the miles to Orlando..THE LAND OF DISNEY!!
Miles of swamp or Everglade, orange groves and finally pasture land with cows and horses. Huge transport trucks loaded to the top with oranges sped along the freeway. On the West Coast those same trucks would be loaded with potatoes, onions, corn, apples,or melons.
Made us realize how diverse or country is. How blessed we are to live in a country that 'grows it all' and ships from coast to coast!!
Walking thru the stores there is good chance of hearing a smorgasbord of languages to be mixed with the fashion choices of those you meet.
We have arrived in Orlando and will spend the next few days exploring the streets of Disney, greeting Mickey ,Goofy and all of Disney characters gathering memories and stories to be shared with family and friends.
So it is with hearts full of thanks for our many blessings we will ride some rides, see the sights and find a younger us for the next few days.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Fueled by Commitment
It has been three days since I crossed the finish line...60 Miles in 3 Days!! With a feeling of tremendous satisfaction I completed a commitment made nearly 7 months ago and renewed many times to friends and family who showed their support financially and emotionally. One hundred and eighty cancer patients who have, or are, fighting the battle for a lifetime (Some who fought valiantly and lost) I carried with me, names imprinted on my walking shirt a promise made to "take them with me across the finish line."
I trained hard for seven months in order to be prepared for the challenge I knew was ahead. After the first day I realized how thankful I was for the months of training...but worried it wasn't enough. For the first time since my commitment a little voice began to 'speak the words of doubt.' Those of you who have followed my journey know that your support and those 'Winks from God' have been my inspiration and motivation. Friday was no different...I arrived at camp to find several letters and cards of encouragement waiting for me, my phone 'pinged' with countless messages of love, pride and ' you go girl' from friends and family. Hugs and love from strangers topped the day. The doubt was dispelled and the assurance that nothing would come between me and that finish line returned! I began to recognize the power of the faith placed in me and the commitment I knew I had made to so many.
The second day brought with it it's own share of hills and challenges. I found myself in the role of encourager to many as they fought their own battles with doubts, exhaustion and blisters. My strength and joy seemed to return with each step as I again began to recall my reasons for being here and the commitment I had made. As the sun set on day two I found my commitment renewed, motivation restored and myself 20 miles closer to the goal!
Day three arrived with the promise of a shorter route and a celebration to be shared with my 1200 fellow walkers at the close. It also arrived wet and windy. Mother Nature threw her last hurrah in the final four hours on the trail. The skies opened to pour a deluge of water on the parade of pink and winds strong enough to be called 'tree trimmers' by the weatherman hurled their forces in an attempt to slow or even stop our progress.
At the beginning of the storm the most brilliant rainbow appeared reaching from the horizon to a fluffy cloud the shape of a cotton ball floating above. It seemed to hover over the trail for several miles. It served as a beautiful reminder of a promise from God and provided the feeling He knew exactly where I was at that moment in time.
Before me lay the opportunity to proclaim victory over all the obstacles and doubts produced by the challenge of the route.With that opportunity came the reminder that every step was fueled by a commitment I had made and that my walk was meant to bring Honor and Hope to so many!!
As the last hill came into sight, lined with people in all shades of pink and carrying a variety of noisemakers. Family, Friends and Strangers giving HIGH FIVES and hugs of congratulations. Tears of joy overflowed as the realization of a mission accomplished began to set in. After a time in 'holding' we filed onto the field to our closing ceremony. 1200 walkers celebrating the end of 3 incredible days with one goal in mind...bringing an end to breast cancer !! As the song "WE ARE FAMILY" reverberated from the speakers we hugged, cried and celebrated life...our own and those whose lives would be changed and given HOPE by the three million dollars we had collectively raised.
The commitment I made 7 months ago and renewed often to friends and family proved to be the fuel for the motivation to see the end of the most amazing life changing adventure of a lifetime!
I owe gratitude and thanks to so many but the support of my husband through the hundreds of miles walked in training, seeing his smiling face and sharing a hug and tears of celebration at the end of my journey was a gift beyond measure! The arrival of our daughter and family for the closing ceremony was priceless :)
Get ready San Diego 3Day we will be coming your way Nov. 21-23 of 2014 for the challenge you lay out....
I trained hard for seven months in order to be prepared for the challenge I knew was ahead. After the first day I realized how thankful I was for the months of training...but worried it wasn't enough. For the first time since my commitment a little voice began to 'speak the words of doubt.' Those of you who have followed my journey know that your support and those 'Winks from God' have been my inspiration and motivation. Friday was no different...I arrived at camp to find several letters and cards of encouragement waiting for me, my phone 'pinged' with countless messages of love, pride and ' you go girl' from friends and family. Hugs and love from strangers topped the day. The doubt was dispelled and the assurance that nothing would come between me and that finish line returned! I began to recognize the power of the faith placed in me and the commitment I knew I had made to so many.
The second day brought with it it's own share of hills and challenges. I found myself in the role of encourager to many as they fought their own battles with doubts, exhaustion and blisters. My strength and joy seemed to return with each step as I again began to recall my reasons for being here and the commitment I had made. As the sun set on day two I found my commitment renewed, motivation restored and myself 20 miles closer to the goal!
Day three arrived with the promise of a shorter route and a celebration to be shared with my 1200 fellow walkers at the close. It also arrived wet and windy. Mother Nature threw her last hurrah in the final four hours on the trail. The skies opened to pour a deluge of water on the parade of pink and winds strong enough to be called 'tree trimmers' by the weatherman hurled their forces in an attempt to slow or even stop our progress.
At the beginning of the storm the most brilliant rainbow appeared reaching from the horizon to a fluffy cloud the shape of a cotton ball floating above. It seemed to hover over the trail for several miles. It served as a beautiful reminder of a promise from God and provided the feeling He knew exactly where I was at that moment in time.
Before me lay the opportunity to proclaim victory over all the obstacles and doubts produced by the challenge of the route.With that opportunity came the reminder that every step was fueled by a commitment I had made and that my walk was meant to bring Honor and Hope to so many!!
As the last hill came into sight, lined with people in all shades of pink and carrying a variety of noisemakers. Family, Friends and Strangers giving HIGH FIVES and hugs of congratulations. Tears of joy overflowed as the realization of a mission accomplished began to set in. After a time in 'holding' we filed onto the field to our closing ceremony. 1200 walkers celebrating the end of 3 incredible days with one goal in mind...bringing an end to breast cancer !! As the song "WE ARE FAMILY" reverberated from the speakers we hugged, cried and celebrated life...our own and those whose lives would be changed and given HOPE by the three million dollars we had collectively raised.
The commitment I made 7 months ago and renewed often to friends and family proved to be the fuel for the motivation to see the end of the most amazing life changing adventure of a lifetime!
I owe gratitude and thanks to so many but the support of my husband through the hundreds of miles walked in training, seeing his smiling face and sharing a hug and tears of celebration at the end of my journey was a gift beyond measure! The arrival of our daughter and family for the closing ceremony was priceless :)
Get ready San Diego 3Day we will be coming your way Nov. 21-23 of 2014 for the challenge you lay out....
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
MOTIVATION
Motivation...As I have mentioned in previous blogs I am training for the Susan G Komen 3day 60 mile walk for the cure of breast cancer. After posting that I am REALLY close to 800 miles since making my commitment in March a friend asked, "What is it that keeps you motivated?"
The answer was really quite simple for me.."I walk in honor of the donations made on my behalf but more than that I walk to honor all those who have or are now fighting their battle with the " BIG C. " Friends,family and strangers alike have chosen to support me financially and emotionally through this journey. My promise to them has been to WALK STRONG.
When I feel tired, or think," I did a good walk yesterday," I only have to remember that someone out there does not have a choice on which day to be strong and carry on...that is motivation for me to grab my sticks and get on the road. Then there are those little 'wonders' that drop into my path..like the older lady struggling to put one foot in front of the other, but determined to 'get her walk in for the day.' I casually slow my speed and meander with her for the next little while till we reach her home. We talk about the beauty around us, the gift of health and walking and I learn her daughter is dealing with breast cancer. I get her daughters name, assure her that I will carry her name on my walking shirt as I do the BIG walk and finish my 16 miles with a new motivation.
The 'wonders' have been many, a story shared, a ping on my phone "a donation has been made on your behalf" when I am feeling a bit tired and least expect it. A 10 mile walk with a 17 year old who assured me "I'm a dancer..I don't get tired" and then proved it while keeping me company and making my walk go so much more quickly. The old man who was awed by my walking sticks and excited to think that "with a set of those he could once again get back to doing something he loved and missed".. a walk.
How often I take the simple things in my life for granted, like being able to walk across the room without pain, the ability to speak, see, hear and hug.(one of my favorites!)
The fact that I am loved, have a home and family that are intact. ( Not perfect but mine none the less.) When I give myself time to think and meditate on these things I am motivated to bring HOPE and HELP to someone else, if not through walking sometimes through just being there, taking a moment to be.
In your busy life..What is that motivates you? What is that you find makes you want to be the best you that you can be?
Montana Gram
Walking Strong Because Everyone Deserves a Lifetime
My 3 Day Journey
The answer was really quite simple for me.."I walk in honor of the donations made on my behalf but more than that I walk to honor all those who have or are now fighting their battle with the " BIG C. " Friends,family and strangers alike have chosen to support me financially and emotionally through this journey. My promise to them has been to WALK STRONG.
When I feel tired, or think," I did a good walk yesterday," I only have to remember that someone out there does not have a choice on which day to be strong and carry on...that is motivation for me to grab my sticks and get on the road. Then there are those little 'wonders' that drop into my path..like the older lady struggling to put one foot in front of the other, but determined to 'get her walk in for the day.' I casually slow my speed and meander with her for the next little while till we reach her home. We talk about the beauty around us, the gift of health and walking and I learn her daughter is dealing with breast cancer. I get her daughters name, assure her that I will carry her name on my walking shirt as I do the BIG walk and finish my 16 miles with a new motivation.
The 'wonders' have been many, a story shared, a ping on my phone "a donation has been made on your behalf" when I am feeling a bit tired and least expect it. A 10 mile walk with a 17 year old who assured me "I'm a dancer..I don't get tired" and then proved it while keeping me company and making my walk go so much more quickly. The old man who was awed by my walking sticks and excited to think that "with a set of those he could once again get back to doing something he loved and missed".. a walk.
How often I take the simple things in my life for granted, like being able to walk across the room without pain, the ability to speak, see, hear and hug.(one of my favorites!)
The fact that I am loved, have a home and family that are intact. ( Not perfect but mine none the less.) When I give myself time to think and meditate on these things I am motivated to bring HOPE and HELP to someone else, if not through walking sometimes through just being there, taking a moment to be.
In your busy life..What is that motivates you? What is that you find makes you want to be the best you that you can be?
Montana Gram
Walking Strong Because Everyone Deserves a Lifetime
My 3 Day Journey
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