Grace and Prayers

Remember this picture from a post I did a few weeks ago? My sweet friend, Kristi, is chowing down on some yummy dessert and loving every bite of it! Well, Kristi, was finally allowed to "chow down" on some Italian ice yesterday morning in the hospital. Her first "food" in about 24 hours.

Saturday mornings, in her household and mine, are made for long runs or long bike rides. My hubby rides with her, her husband, Dwayne, and other friends. I choose to run! ( Kristi is a great runner, btw--one of the fastest women in SC!) Hubby, Kristi, Dwayne, and Phil--another precious friend, had decided to do an easy 50 mile bike ride in the mountains ( yes, I'm kidding about the word "easy!"). They had finished riding, changed clothes, and were on their way back into town to eat lunch. They were in two cars. Hubby and Phil were ahead, and Kristi and Dwayne were just a few cars back. Hubby got to chick-fil-a and called to see where they were. No answer. A few minutes later, Dwayne called on Kristi's phone and said that they had been in a car accident and to come back. By the time Hubby and Phil arrived, so had the ambulance, police and firetrucks...amazing. Hubby and Phil were shocked at the Dwayne's forerunner. Upside down and in a stranger's yard...bike stuff strewn all over. We still have not found Dwayne's cell phone. He located Kristi's in the yard...and her battery a few feet away. He had to use it to call.

Another car came from a side road and broadsided Dwayne on the driver's side. He swerved to try to miss her and his car flipped and slid across the road. He crawled out through his window and a woman was standing there. She asked if there were any children in the car. He said no. Then she said, "I didn't see you. I am so sorry." Dwayne was more concerned about getting Kristi out of the car at that time than the woman. He had to crawl back into the driver's side--her side was crushed--undo her safety belt--she's STILL upside down!!! Then, he dragged her out. They were sore and had cuts and scrapes, but they were alive. That in itself is a miracle.

And where was Runner Mom in all of this?? Two hours away at my cousin's wedding! Kristi didn't want me to know until I got home...but I found out and got to the hospital as soon as possible. Mercy!

Y'all, her arm has a large and deep cut. This morning, the surgeons will operate again. There may have to be more surgeries if it doesn't heal on its own. It's not pretty. I watched my friend suffer on Saturday. I had the privilege of holding her hand in the ER while the doctors pulled off nasty, sticky gauze that had been on an open wound for hours. I could love on her and pray for her and pull more grass and glass out of her hair. I got her some food--just crackers--but the pain meds made her feel sick, so she couldn't eat. After almost 6 hours in the hallway in the ER, she was admitted to a room. The last thing that she told me was to keep praying--which I have been. And, this little gal with the big heart also said to pray for the woman who had hit them, and then left the scene of the accident. Kristi forgives her. This is all about grace.

I just ask the same. That you please pray for Kristi's healing and for this woman who made a huge mistake on Saturday morning. This is something that she will always have to live with. But with God, there is forgiveness and grace.

Sweet blessings,

Mary, Martha, and fruit kabobs

Guess what I did last weekend?? Couldn't make it to She Speaks in NC, but I did make it to our women's planning retreat at the lake! Mercy, we had fun! Here is a group picture with some of the gals--not everyone could make it, and we truly missed them!

Our focus was on Luke 10:42. Jesus is at the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is scurrying around cleaning and cooking and waiting on her guests. We know of at least 13 visitors(Jesus and his 12 disciples). There could have been more followers of Christ just wanting to hear Him speak. Can you imagine 13 plus guests coming over for supper?? That's a lot of cleaning and a ton of cooking, people! But then, there was Martha. Bless her heart!

Sister Mary was no where to be found to help with the baking of the bread or washing the cups for drinks. No, Mary had found a comfy little spot...right near Jesus. She simply sat and listened to His Words. And, Martha didn't like it one bit!

This weekend, we focused on being still...just like Mary and listening to the Word of God. We were not Marthas! That was kind of cool too! When was the last time that you let your Mary spirit overtake your Martha one? Hmmm??? Jesus even told Martha that Mary had chosen what was better to do. Sit, listen and pray. Without distractions. Intentially putting away "stuff" to spend time with the Lord. Period. How refreshing it was to sit at the feet of Christ.

Now, we did do some eating! Don't get me wrong! Most of it was prepared prior to the retreat. On Friday, we had BBQ sandwiches, pasta salad, tomato pie and lots of desserts. Saturday morning, we were greeted to the aroma of breakfast casserole and these yummy fruit kabobs! Y'all, I am struggling with blogger and my photos a lot lately! Trying to enlarge them AND move them around to fit my posts is not happening. So, that's why the fruit pic is WAY up there! Sorry!

Pull out those wooden skewers you have in the back of your kitchen drawers and slice some fruit. Place on the skewers and the final touch---sprinkle lightly with some powdered sugar! Yum! Your kids will think you hung the moon!

I encourage you to find a quiet place today. Sit at the feet of God and just soak in His Presence.

Sweet Blessings!

Sweet Shot Tuesday...on Wednesday!

Make me walk along the paths of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:35

This picture of my sweet friend makes me smile. We were scoping out places for a photo shoot. We parked the car and simply began to walk down this dirt road/path. Funny thing is, we walked and didn't run. She loves running even more than I do! For us to slow down and walk was huge. It's the same way with the Lord. When we run ahead of Him, we tend t0 miss out on His wonderful plans and blessings for us. We think that we have all of the answers, when we truly don't. This Scripture has been whispering to my heart all week. I want the blessings of His happiness. In order to receive that, I need to slow down, spend time in His Word to hear those commands and pray.

Slowing down a bit....and enjoying each moment!
Join me at Sweet Shot Tuesday for more photos...I am running/walking a day behind!!

Sweet Blessings!

Sweet Shot Tuesday

I just love surprises! A hug from my boys when I least expect it. A phone call from a friend that felt a gentle nudge from God to call me. A compliment from my hubby when he's talking to someone and doesn't realize that I can hear him!! A package from UPS! A great sale at my favorite running store! The shadow of movement from my kitchen window that made me grab my camera and fly outside to watch one of my favorite creatures...butterflies!



Butterflies are so graceful. I love watching their flight...one flower to the next. They know where they are going. They need no guidance, no one to teach them. On the other hand, I DO!!!



"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5



Join me at Sweet Shot Tuesday for more inspirational photos and precious shots!



Sweet Blessings,

Friends...love them!

Marathon mommies get out of the house!

Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to eat out--not at McDonalds or Chic-fil-a(which are yummy!)--at a restaurant with cloth napkins and real tablecloths! No plastic on those tables! Whoohoo! Fine dining does occur every once and awhile. We went to Larkins by the River downtown. And, we all smelled good and had on make-up and had cute shoes and jewelry!! No smelly Nikes adorned our feet. And, we were not sweating--oops, I mean glistening!


All of these gals and I have spent time together on the roads or trails training for various races. All of these gals and I have spent time together encouraging each other through the...

the loss of a job

the pain of losing a parent


the anxiety of being diagnosed with cancer--again and again


the fear of having another stroke


the stress of not being able to have a child


the worry of having a special needs child


and the list goes on.



But, the joy that we have in our relationship with the Lord and with each other surpasses those losses, pains, fears, anxieties, and stress. We have seen the Lord do a work in each of us in that is amazing...more than we could have imagined.


Please don't get so wrapped up in your own lives that you leave no time for your friends. Family is so important, but we need those friends just as much. And, make sure to let your friends know that you love them. We take it for granted that we know the love that we have for one another. When was the last time you told your friend that you loved them and appreciated them? Four years ago, a friend and I were talking at church just like we had done for a "million" years! Laughing and cutting up about life, our kids, and "stuff"---like we did each time we were together. Three days later, Kelly was mowing the grass at her home, and her heart stopped. I never saw her again. My eyes are filled with tears as I type. I really miss her. But, the last we were together, she said, "Susan, I just need to tell you that I love you! I love how God has blessed our friendship!!" Y'all, I am so thankful for that moment. Take nothing for granted. Live and love each day to the fullest.


If you hop over to Melanie's blog, you can read a little more about my running under her See My Mom Run blog section. She was so sweet to ask me to share about my running. Melanie is a dear friend who has a powerful testimony. I love her dearly.

Sweet Shot Tuesday

My soul finds rest in God alone,

my salvation comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2

This shot was taken across the road from a beautiful mountain, Table Rock. It was such a bright and gorgeous afternoon! So peaceful, so quiet. I could have rested in Him there for quite some time, but...supper time was calling! What are some of your favorite quiet places? I would love for you to share them with us.

Join me at Sweet Shot Tuesday for more great photographs! Lots of beautiful 4th of July shots. Y'all have a great day and try to stay cool!


Sweet Blessings,

God Bless America!

God bless America,

Land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains, to the prairies,

to the oceans white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home!

A local 5k race this morning started with a beautiful tune that we all know and love, "God Bless America." I did a little research on it, and wanted to share it with y'all. It was composed in 1918 by an immigrant from Siberia. Any ideas as to who this was?

Irving Berlin! He wrote the lyrics and then put them aside. In 1938, he was asked to write a song to promote peace before we entered World War II. Berlin remembered the lyrics and revised them. Kate Smith sang them on her radio show in remembrance of Armistice Day 1938 (when the Allies signed the armistice with Germany at the end of World War I).

Berlin established the "God Bless America" fund from the royalties that he received from the sheet music sales. He dedicated the fund to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Pretty cool!

As we celebrate the birthday of our nation, I pray that you will continue to ask God to bless America...now more than ever before! Enjoy your special time with family, friends and fireworks, but please cover the US in your prayers each and every day.


Happy 4th of July from my family to yours!!

Sweet Blessings,