Hi there! I've decided to write a post about my book, "Why We Run", and how on earth it got published. I'll try to keep this short and sweet. :)
My whole life I've loved to read, and sometimes write. In 4th grade, I won the young writers conference with my picture book, "Santa's Lost Socks". I got to spend the day at Iowa Wesleyan College. It was so fun.
Then, in 11th grade, I wrote an essay about Farm Safety, sponsored by the REC in Mt. Pleasant. I won a trip to Washington DC. It really is a miracle, as I'm not a farm girl. I have no idea how this victory came about. Anyway, I remember packing my suitcase, the night before my first flight ever. We were watching that movie about the plane roof that ripped off. True story. People were being sucked out of the plane, still strapped in their seats. Mom, why were we watching that?
When I became a mom, I had this intense desire to write a children's book for my children. I knew it had to be about running, as that was such an important part of my life. I have very vivid memories of running with my dad as a little girl.. I wanted my kids to feel that bond, as well.
Then I became involved with the 12:1 Run. Hmm.. maybe my story could incorporate helping others?
In the Summer of 2011, God blessed my life with a trip to Burundi, Africa. While there, we delivered the chlorine producing units that the 12:1 Run raised money for. We spent a week teaching the villagers how to use these. A week looking at filthy, sick children, who made my heart hurt. I became overwhelmed with emotion for these people. Their lives were being dramatically changed. Dramatically improved! These mothers were holding their babes, and looking at us with hope!
And I became emotional for my people at home. The 12:1 Run Team, who have become my closest friends. Who pour their hearts into loving people they will never meet, this side of heaven. The sponsors, volunteers, and registrants who sacrifice their money, time, and energy into loving people they will never meet, this side of heaven. I just can't believe God lets me be a part of something so amazing.
I came home from Africa with a new drive towards the 12:1 Run. Yes, it's a lot of work. A lot of time. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes exhausting. But, I saw first-hand what God uses the 12:1 Run for.
I laid in bed one night.. tossing and turning. Then, the Lord spoke to me. I didn't actually hear His voice, but I knew it was from Him. I knew what my book was to be about. I hopped up, and started writing. Four hours later, I had written my first children's book. I believe with all my heart, that the words were from God.
The next morning, I read it to my kids. They were very sweet, very encouraging and very patient. I couldn't read it without crying. They patted my back, and Will dabbed my eyes with toilet paper. Mission accomplished. I wrote a children's book for my children.
As time went on...I felt an urging to pursue this book. It was on my computer, but maybe it needed to be (gasp!) published? No way. I'm a mom, and a nurse. I'm not a writer. But I kept feeling the Holy Spirit prompt me.. to pursue...
Enough for today.. stay tuned :)
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Looks so right, but oh, so wrong!
This past Summer, some good friends of ours hosted a BBQ at their home. The host and hostess, incredibly friendly people, invited a lot of guests. Men and women mingled about, while the yard crawled with kids. In an effort to ease the restroom traffic indoors, our friends rented a port-potty for outdoors. I have made it my personal mission in life to avoid port-potties. They're just...disgusting.
Soon enough, my five-year-old daughter had to go potty. I assessed the situation. The party had just started, so I didn't think anyone else had been in there. It looked fairly newish. No strong odors lurking about. And I knew my friend, nicknamed "Princess", would only rent the best.
Resigned, I took Faith's hand and we entered the structure. So far, so good. All was well. Just as we were about to make our exit, and be home free, Faith grabbed a round disk and proceeded to wash her hands. Did I mention the round disk was in the urinal?? Screaming, I snatched my girl, and we rushed outside to the hand sanitizer.
What was that? It appeared to be a bar of soap, but why was it in the urinal? Alarmed, I marched over to where my husband was enjoying his hamburger with a group of his buddies. Their mouths dropped open as I asked why a bar of soap would be in the urinal. The mouths dropped further when they heard Faith washed her hands with it. Suddenly, I met a collective burst of chortling and guffawing, that resonated throughout the yard. How was I supposed to know what a urinal puck was? I'm not a dude. And I don't go in porta-potties. It looked so right...but was just so terribly wrong.
Have you ever been in a situation that seemed right...but was terribly wrong? Maybe it was a little lie, needed to obtain something you wanted. Or a flirtatious look towards someone taken. Maybe it was a loss of temper, that should have been restrained. Or succumbing to something, that you know is an addiction.
In the Old Testament, David found himself in a situation that seemed right...but was terribly wrong. We know David as a King, a war hero, the victor over Goliath, strong and handsome. He was also a man who loved God. In fact, he was known as a man after God's own heart. Could you imagine if God nicknamed you that? Yet, there he was, creeping on the married Bathsheba as she bathed in the courtyard.
Right then, David had a choice. He could flee...or he could fall. David assessed the situation, and chose to fall. David fell deeper and deeper into sin- he committed adultery, impregnated Bathsheba, killed her husband and deceived all who loved him.
David was caught. And punished. His son died. God promised that murder would be a constant threat in his rebellious family, and someone else would sleep with his wives. So many people were hurt in the wake of David's selfish decision. Yet the One he hurt the most, was the One who loved him the most.
What if David had played out that scene..in his mind? Before he fell. He would see the pain, agony, and death. Bathsheba might not have been looking so good.
God has made a promise to us. "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (I Corinthians 10:13) It's a promise. God doesn't break those.
Is there a happy ending? Yes! God restored David, the broken man. Psalm 51 is David's song to the Lord; his plea for mercy, forgiveness and cleansing. God blessed David and Bathsheba with a son named Solomon, also called Jedediah. The meaning of this name is "Loved by the Lord". David did not continue to dwell on his sin. Nor should we. When we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives us a fresh start.
The best part? God did not take David's nickname...he was still a man after God's own heart. And suffice it to say, Faith and I will not be visiting any more port-potties in the near future!
Happy endings for all.
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
Soon enough, my five-year-old daughter had to go potty. I assessed the situation. The party had just started, so I didn't think anyone else had been in there. It looked fairly newish. No strong odors lurking about. And I knew my friend, nicknamed "Princess", would only rent the best.
Resigned, I took Faith's hand and we entered the structure. So far, so good. All was well. Just as we were about to make our exit, and be home free, Faith grabbed a round disk and proceeded to wash her hands. Did I mention the round disk was in the urinal?? Screaming, I snatched my girl, and we rushed outside to the hand sanitizer.
What was that? It appeared to be a bar of soap, but why was it in the urinal? Alarmed, I marched over to where my husband was enjoying his hamburger with a group of his buddies. Their mouths dropped open as I asked why a bar of soap would be in the urinal. The mouths dropped further when they heard Faith washed her hands with it. Suddenly, I met a collective burst of chortling and guffawing, that resonated throughout the yard. How was I supposed to know what a urinal puck was? I'm not a dude. And I don't go in porta-potties. It looked so right...but was just so terribly wrong.
Have you ever been in a situation that seemed right...but was terribly wrong? Maybe it was a little lie, needed to obtain something you wanted. Or a flirtatious look towards someone taken. Maybe it was a loss of temper, that should have been restrained. Or succumbing to something, that you know is an addiction.
In the Old Testament, David found himself in a situation that seemed right...but was terribly wrong. We know David as a King, a war hero, the victor over Goliath, strong and handsome. He was also a man who loved God. In fact, he was known as a man after God's own heart. Could you imagine if God nicknamed you that? Yet, there he was, creeping on the married Bathsheba as she bathed in the courtyard.
Right then, David had a choice. He could flee...or he could fall. David assessed the situation, and chose to fall. David fell deeper and deeper into sin- he committed adultery, impregnated Bathsheba, killed her husband and deceived all who loved him.
David was caught. And punished. His son died. God promised that murder would be a constant threat in his rebellious family, and someone else would sleep with his wives. So many people were hurt in the wake of David's selfish decision. Yet the One he hurt the most, was the One who loved him the most.
What if David had played out that scene..in his mind? Before he fell. He would see the pain, agony, and death. Bathsheba might not have been looking so good.
God has made a promise to us. "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (I Corinthians 10:13) It's a promise. God doesn't break those.
Is there a happy ending? Yes! God restored David, the broken man. Psalm 51 is David's song to the Lord; his plea for mercy, forgiveness and cleansing. God blessed David and Bathsheba with a son named Solomon, also called Jedediah. The meaning of this name is "Loved by the Lord". David did not continue to dwell on his sin. Nor should we. When we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives us a fresh start.
The best part? God did not take David's nickname...he was still a man after God's own heart. And suffice it to say, Faith and I will not be visiting any more port-potties in the near future!
Happy endings for all.
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
Monday, July 9, 2012
Persevering
This past year, I was blessed with an opportunity to travel to Burundi, Africa. Our purpose was to bring water units to villages that didn't have clean drinking water. These units produce a chlorine that makes water safe to drink. We were there to bless the people.
Burundi is one of the ten poorest countries in the world, and it shows. As the plane landed, my friends and I were instantly sobered by the living conditions. We viewed crowded, filthy streets framed by door-less mud houses, dirty and half naked children running about unattended, while their shoe-less parents worked hard in their fields. A pastor named Jean Marie met us, and was our host for the week. As we spent time with him, he reminded me of the Apostle Paul. Always thanking God, and always proclaiming blessings from Him.
Jean Marie took us to a medical clinic, if you could call it that. They didn't have any more medicine there, than I had in my own cabinet at home. Looking at the children lying in their hospital beds, in the summer heat with flies all around, I thought of the pediatric unit I work in. The comparisons made my heart hurt. We asked the medical director how we could pray for them. He sobered as he spoke of the needs. Yet, the man was not defeated. He spoke as if he knew God would provide, in his own time. He spoke with joy and hope. Looking at the surroundings, I wanted his faith. The man was persevering.
The next stop was a country school. Surrounded by lush greenery, but exposed to the elements, the school had sustained serious damage. Storms had blown the roof off three separate times. Villagers were unable to replace it, instead forced to send their children to the next door building. This room, about the size of the first floor of my home, schooled 92 kids. Kids sat five to a desk, with only one teacher. We spoke with the principal, and asked him how we could pray. Again, I was amazed by his requests. He knew God would answer, he just didn't know when. His eyes were warm and full of hope. He did not cave in to the circumstances surrounding him. Rather, he met them head on with the Lords strength. The man was persevering.
I’ll never forget the day we visited the orphanage. Beautiful, smiling children ran to meet us as we pulled in. Forty-two kids with no parents, yet they treated us with such respect. The couple that lived there, with their own children, exuded joy and warmth. The children showed us about their home. Bunk beds were neatly made, and we realized the kids slept two or three to a bed. A frame for a wooden fence surrounded the perimeter of the orphanage, but the money was not there to complete it. Hence, outside villagers would frequently sneak in and steal the orphanages possessions. We quickly learned that the forty two kids ate one meal a day, beans and rice. One meal a day extended to the couple and their children, as well. Once again, we asked, “How can we pray?” And once again, soft voices were lifted, praising God and proclaiming His goodness. There wasn't a dry eye in the group as we witnessed the dire situation with hope. The forty-two kids and the family were persevering.
The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-2)
Maybe your race isn’t a race at all. Maybe it’s a family situation, an illness, loss of a loved one. Or maybe it’s survival in one of the poorest countries in the world. Whatever it may be, God is encouraging you to persevere. Never give up. Ask God for the strength you need. “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) Without ceasing; that’s a lot of prayer.
I grew to love the people of Burundi, despite their dirt and grime. I loved their hearts. I loved their faith. I loved the God they loved. Our water units were a blessing to them, and 45,000 of the villagers now have clean water. What I never estimated was the blessing they were to me. My heart is forever changed, and my daily prayer is consistent... to persevere.
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
This past year, I was blessed with an opportunity to travel to Burundi, Africa. Our purpose was to bring water units to villages that didn't have clean drinking water. These units produce a chlorine that makes water safe to drink. We were there to bless the people.Burundi is one of the ten poorest countries in the world, and it shows. As the plane landed, my friends and I were instantly sobered by the living conditions. We viewed crowded, filthy streets framed by door-less mud houses, dirty and half naked children running about unattended, while their shoe-less parents worked hard in their fields. A pastor named Jean Marie met us, and was our host for the week. As we spent time with him, he reminded me of the Apostle Paul. Always thanking God, and always proclaiming blessings from Him.
Jean Marie took us to a medical clinic, if you could call it that. They didn't have any more medicine there, than I had in my own cabinet at home. Looking at the children lying in their hospital beds, in the summer heat with flies all around, I thought of the pediatric unit I work in. The comparisons made my heart hurt. We asked the medical director how we could pray for them. He sobered as he spoke of the needs. Yet, the man was not defeated. He spoke as if he knew God would provide, in his own time. He spoke with joy and hope. Looking at the surroundings, I wanted his faith. The man was persevering.
The next stop was a country school. Surrounded by lush greenery, but exposed to the elements, the school had sustained serious damage. Storms had blown the roof off three separate times. Villagers were unable to replace it, instead forced to send their children to the next door building. This room, about the size of the first floor of my home, schooled 92 kids. Kids sat five to a desk, with only one teacher. We spoke with the principal, and asked him how we could pray. Again, I was amazed by his requests. He knew God would answer, he just didn't know when. His eyes were warm and full of hope. He did not cave in to the circumstances surrounding him. Rather, he met them head on with the Lords strength. The man was persevering.
I’ll never forget the day we visited the orphanage. Beautiful, smiling children ran to meet us as we pulled in. Forty-two kids with no parents, yet they treated us with such respect. The couple that lived there, with their own children, exuded joy and warmth. The children showed us about their home. Bunk beds were neatly made, and we realized the kids slept two or three to a bed. A frame for a wooden fence surrounded the perimeter of the orphanage, but the money was not there to complete it. Hence, outside villagers would frequently sneak in and steal the orphanages possessions. We quickly learned that the forty two kids ate one meal a day, beans and rice. One meal a day extended to the couple and their children, as well. Once again, we asked, “How can we pray?” And once again, soft voices were lifted, praising God and proclaiming His goodness. There wasn't a dry eye in the group as we witnessed the dire situation with hope. The forty-two kids and the family were persevering.
The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-2)
Maybe your race isn’t a race at all. Maybe it’s a family situation, an illness, loss of a loved one. Or maybe it’s survival in one of the poorest countries in the world. Whatever it may be, God is encouraging you to persevere. Never give up. Ask God for the strength you need. “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) Without ceasing; that’s a lot of prayer.
I grew to love the people of Burundi, despite their dirt and grime. I loved their hearts. I loved their faith. I loved the God they loved. Our water units were a blessing to them, and 45,000 of the villagers now have clean water. What I never estimated was the blessing they were to me. My heart is forever changed, and my daily prayer is consistent... to persevere.
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
Friday, July 6, 2012
Introductions
 |
| Left to Right: Faith, Jason, Kyle, Grant, Will, Libby and Wade |
So, this is the very first blog post I've ever written! Wow. I'm nervous. I've toyed with the idea of a blog for a couple of years now. I love to write, but rarely take the time. I don't know if I love to have people read what I write. I'll find that out soon enough. I actually wrote a book! It's a children's book, and by the grace of God, a publishing company, Cross River Media Group, liked it. In order to help promote the book, a blog was encouraged. It might be the kick in the pants that I needed.
First things first, I'll introduce myself. My name is Libby. I'm a Christian girl, who loves God with all her heart, though I often disappoint Him. Family is crazy important to me. My parents are incredibly Godly people. My dad likes to run, and my mom likes to write. I love that I have that in me.
My brother, Brian, is a hard working guy who would cut off his right arm for you. He was my worst enemy and best friend growing up. Tough as nails, people didn't mess with me, thanks to him.
My sister, Amy, is my soul mate. Besides my husband, of course. Not a day goes by without talking, mostly about what's for dinner. She is so incredibly wise, I call her Solomon. Without all the marriages. Amy has the ability to see things through Gods eyes, and her heart is solid gold. You could say she's my hero.
I married my childhood crush, Jason. He is, hands down, the funniest person I've ever met. When he's not cracking me up, he's busy providing for our family of seven, loving God, and becoming a better man each and every day. Dedicated. That's a good word for him. And smoking' hot.
God gave us five kids! They are the lights of our lives. Parenting is hard. I'm talking, really hard! But then, one of them will say something super sweet, or display some kind of unprovoked kindness, and your heart melts. And it's all worth it.
Grant is our oldest, and he is a Warrior, through and through. Fiercely competitive, he's a natural born leader. Grant is such a hard worker, too. He will dig in, and get it done. No complaints.
Wade is the Wise one. Seriously, some of the stuff he says! Wade has a way of looking at things, and verbalizing all these things I've never noticed. And he's hilarious. I'm dreading the day I realize he's smarter than me.
Kyle is the Brave one. Has been ever since he was a baby. I love his assertiveness, and fearless attitude. He doesn't quit, either. He's a fighter. Much to his brothers' delight.
Will is a Lover, oh my. He melts my heart, especially when he's sleepy. He'll start telling me lots of gooey things. Will really boosts my self esteem :) His heart is huge. He'll pick out the little guy, and just love on him.
And then there's Faith. The baby we most definitely didn't plan, but God did. Wow, has she stolen our hearts. Our only daughter, she can play princess while packing a mean right hook. And she loves God. So much. Faith brings so much happiness to all of us. The boys need her presence in their lives. She makes them kinder, and gentler.
That's me in a nutshell! Oh, I'm also the Race Director of the 12:1 Run. It's a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon that raises money for clean drinking water. And I'm a pediatric RN. I absolutely love my job. God gave me these passions, and for that, I'm thankful.
Thanks for stopping by! Stay tuned for more posts about... whatever!
Blessings and JOY!
Libby
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)