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What is it that you want the most today? What made you pop (or drag) out of bed this morning? Having more time on my hands these days is a gift-a gift that I don’t want to waste. It sounds crazy, but the mere fact of not having to go meet clients in the studio all day has/is forcing me to make more decisions, not less! I have to choose my time, and what will I do, since it is not filled for me with my occupation. There is plenty to do, mind you, with adoption details, house hunting, and daily details that I am never bored, but this time is causing me to evaluate what matters most…  I am truly grateful for this time to be able to pause, spend time with my friends, do some volunteer work, work out-for fun and fitness and not as my profession (although I loved it as a profession and feel confidant that those days are not over-simply on auto pause right now), write, and learn Spanish. There is something about writing that puts a sense of urgency and perspective on goals/plans right?! Simply seeing those words on paper makes me accountable in a way, and gives me that spark I need to learn more than just ”where is the bathroom” in Spanish

So, the title CRAVE WHAT MATTERS is my personal alarm to pursue, to go after, to crave,  those things that have lasting value. I think God made us with deep longings, deep deep cravings that can only be filled as we seek Him. Sure, other things can make bring a smile to our faces and bring us a little happiness, but serve as temporary treats that leave us longing for our next “fix”.  We were made to crave, absolutely, but I think of that God shaped hole that we all have. It’s no mistake that the Creator created us with this void because He knows that He is the only one who can fill it completely.  I think of this and then I am reminded so beautifully of these words by author Lisa Terkeurst  that :

“Food can fill our stomachs but never our souls; posessions can fill our houses but never our hearts; children can fill our days but never our identities”.

I think of Jesus and the temptation He faced (yes, He was tempted too-just like us-He just rose above the temptation by focusing on what mattered most; check out Matthew 4).  The lure of doing something to make one look good in the eyes of others is something I think we all crave.   Pause with me, just for a minute, and think about  whether or not the things you are craving will bring temporary satisfaction or unending contentment.

NOTHING CHANGES UNTIL I MAKE THE CHOICE TO CHANGE! Little by little, I know that I will gain more confidence and clarity as I seek those things that REALLY MATTER-and so will you!

The Ticos trail run and ride is over, but the journey is still in full swing!  It seems that we are   about half way through this thorough, and oh so logistical process of international adoption!  A 570 question psychological  evaluation affirmed that Patrick and I are “normal”, or at least within normal ranges-whew-I had my doubts-still do-who wants to be “normal” anyway?! We joke, but also take a breath, as we get to check off one more item in our quest to get to Costa Rica and meet our little ones.

Also halfway through the process is our fundraising. In faith, we are  about half way in our fundraising efforts…. that fuels our passion, while serving as a motivator  to press on.

My favorite movies are the inspirational athletic stories, such as Remember the Titans, Rudy, The Rookie, Pride-you know the type! They get me going every time-and yes, I confess, I will still  sometimes watch them the night before a big race,  or at times when I need a little motivation.  I am inspired by the perseverance through trials, and always enjoy the “half times”, the time outs, the times of reflection, that require one to focus and re focus on the task at hand. I often feel like the coach is speaking directly to me, and I am always spurred on!

So, at this half time in our journey, I pause, and try to resist the tendency to jump to the finish line in my mind and heart. I take a water break, get on my kneess- because that is truly where the good stuff happens, share a bite of this “endurance bar” with my hubby, ask for grace to make the most of each day, and press on…. What an interesting time, a challenging time, an exciting time, so much in the works, and so much happening, while oftentimes seemingly not much happening…I hope this resonates in some way with you , and encourages you on your journey today, at whatever stage in the game you find yourself in. Press on!

I am so thankful for all of you that came out-and also for those of you that were there in spirit! I will have the website updated soon with the incredible pictures that were taken from 3 different photographer so stay tuned, but for now- a quick synopsis:

The day was amazing-the sun was shining, the trails were blazed, tons of food and hot beverages consumed, silent auction brought many gifts and smiles, fire pit provided some warmth and many smores, music kept us spirited, award ceremony kept us on our toes-it was a day I will never forget!

The blast of the horn sent many eager kids and adults off to tackle roots (many brightly painted ones thanks to my safety conscious principal husband), mud puddles (which was really fun to see/hear who went through them, and who-ahem…went around them!), log crossings (I am told 2 strong chics pushed a baby stroller through the whole course-and yes-a baby was in the stroller!),  a challenging headwind (although I am told the Rocky theme music was a timely inspiration, and there were even a few who enjoyed the course so much that they did the loop a third time!

I now step down from my full time “job” as event planner and MC (although there was some chatter about another event in the near future….) and pause take it all in and say THANK YOU! Patrick and I are honored to be a part of bringing  hope and love to children with you. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen and came together to be a part of something life changing!

The journey continues!!!!!

We are only TWO days away from our big Trails for Ticos event, and I thought it would be neat to post the pre race letter that is posted on our website for all the participants.

Before I do that…a few thoughts…. I am so excited, okay, giddy, about Saturday! I can’t believe all that has transpired in the last year to be where we are now. Starting with the decision to move forward with the adoption, choosing international, finding an agency, doing all the paperwork (and more to come!), FBI background checks, psychological testings/interviews, job changes for both of us, passions igniting, hearts softening, the “birthing” of this Trails for Ticos idea-this is where I land today.

I remember talking and being encouraged by my close friend Katie Bonner on how neat it would be to be able to do an adoption fundraiser involving biking/running the trails. Sure, a 5k road run might easier to manage- (although I now have the utmost respect for anybody that manages any kind of event!) but even that idea was a little overwhelming at the time. I wouldn’t even know where to begin! Well, fast forward to a road trip toWilmington (to surf , bike ride and watch our friends do the Wilmington Triathlon) and sharing this thought with Cecilia-who at the time had just purchased the 140 acre Down2Earth farm land, and our sharing of ideas culminated with the potential for some sort of biking and running event on her farm. How perfect-it was more than I could have hoped for-to  be able to share her dream, and incorporate ours! Not a random event, paying high fees to a random park, but this place, with this “down to earth” feel involving  my friends/family! On top of that, to be able to help build the trails and plan the course, made has served to make this  all the more real! To say how friend and family have walked beside us, given of their time, hearts, resources….I can’t say enough, but it is only complete because of them. I know that God puts people in your path for a reason, and His timing is perfect, and often times I have to step back and continue to RELEASE IT into His capable Hands.

I can’t believe all that will hopefully transpire on saturday: 2 organized trail runs and 2 organized bike rides, a huge silent auction, Red Rooster coffee (our sweet friends!), Christa Wells (my inspiration), face painting (Twila and Ann-my adoption encouragers), our many culinary talented donating friends (Amy, Stacy, Anne, Jim from Sweet Tomatoes, etc.), my silent auction “savior” Julie,  my out of town hoster, daily coffee chat friend and servant, and the many many sponsors and people that have made this happen-this list could go on. My friends (Lisa, Lori, Martha Mark, Richard, etc) who have donated countless hours and resources, and my friends who have given amazing things for the silent auction (you know who are!), and my friends who have shared many many a laugh, a tear, a thrill, all part of this adoptioin journey (Melina and I have covered a lot of physical and “heart” ground running/walking through the wood with me), I can’t believe that we are about to celebrate this on Saturday-but this is really only the BEGINNING!

We are all a part of something so much bigger than yourselves! Something I remind myself of daily…”this is not about me, Patrick, or us” but about bringing hope and love to God’s precious children! This trust and thankfulness will keep me (hopefully) from obsessing about any logistical details!! Game on, lets go!

Here is the letter:

Hello Ticos lovers!

I can’t believe that we are days away from our big day- so exciting! Here is the scoop for Saturday…

If you have not officially registered, its OKAY, you can do so Saturday morning.

The 10k will start at 9:00 and the 5k fun run/hike at 9:15 so plan to arrive between 7:30-8:30 and enjoy the fancy coffee/lattes/hot chocolate/teas/oatmeal/muffins/granola etc to start your day!

We will have a short meeting at 8:45 for the runners and at 9:45 for the bikers before the 10:00 bike start. Also note that we added a short bike ride (on que sheet) for those of you that want to just get moving a bit and enjoy the beautiful area.

There will be some brave souls who plan to do both events and these duathletes might miss the bike briefing, but don’t worry the que sheets for both events can be viewed here (PARKING MAP available here also).

We will have AWARDS for top 3 males/females for the 10k, 1st boy/girl for the 5k, fastest duathlete,  and a few others that I will keep you in suspense about…

We will start face painting around 10:30 and will have the fire pit ready for smores! In lieu of the pony walk, we will have games and hula hooping, and a time to explore the course on your mountain bike, take your dog for a hike (leash please), and Cecilia and Lisa will guide those interested  through the history of the land and organic farming.

Hot soups/salads/veggies/corn bread spread will arrive around 11:00, and around 12:00 (when most bikers have returned) we  will have the awards and close the silent auction. If the weather is not too cold, we will have chair massages performed by Ruthie Pappas!

A few important things to remember to bring with you:

1.Cash/checkbook: remember everything is a donation toward the $40k we are raising to bring our Ticos home! There will be tons of food (catered by Sweet Tomatoes and many other baked goods from our wonderful friends) and some extremely cool items to bid on at the silent auction ( think…. vacations, hand made jewelry/clothes, enticing tickets, massages, fitness, biking/running/triathlon gear, and much more)!

2.Chair or blanket so you can kick back and enjoy the beauty of the farm and awesome music

That should do it! What a day it is going to be, I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas! Patrick and I can’t wait to see you this Saturday!

Cheers,

Missy

The more I learn about my adoption into the family of God, the more the passion ignites. I looked up “adoption” in the Bible’s concordance, and I’m amazed at how Scripture is flooded with the idea of adoption. This “idea” is an amazing gift-a free gift-but definitely not cheap as it cost our Savior His life. Because of this sacrifice, we can accept this gift of being adopted into the family of Christ, and, in turn, call upon God as our Father. Crazy love,  we cannot fathom how or why, but thankfully, we accept our status and strive with all that we are (with the help of His Spirit within us) to live our lives worthy of His calling. Galatians 4 and Ephesians 1 talk much about these great truths, so dive in with me and explore the wonder of adoption.

I have heard parents of adopted children say that their love for their biological children is every bit as vast as their love for their adopted children, and I can only imagine how this reigns true. It is mind boggling but true that God’s love for us-His adopted children-is the same as His love for His Own Son!WOW, THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS! The only valid response is complete and total surrender, full of awe and wonder! Embrace this status that we now have-this wonderful status as His adopted, completely loved children!

Check out the song  by Nicole Witt and Christa Wells on my website “Event” page.  It is the perfect adoption song!!

Have you ever had somebody express your thoughts in a way that resonates deep within producing one of those  ”Ah ha  ” and  ”Amen sister” moments  inside your soul? I bet you have, and I have to “borrow” some more of one of my favorite author’s thoughts because she eloquently captures and expands my thoughts from my last blog about bending down in order to rise up. Ann Voscamp states, “How much larger your life would be if your self could become smaller in it!”

All I have to do is spend a little time in nature in order to experience this sense of smallness before grandeur. A bike ride in the Colorado Rockies, star-gazing on a clear night,  watching the sun disappear into the horizon from the beach,  gasping for breath in the cold air on race day-are just a few wonders that serve to  heighten my sense of my own smallness. This smallness is so  wonderful  because it produces a sense of joyful wonder that makes life large.  Ann goes on to say that all “wonder and worship can only grow out of smallness because the God-likeness within our smallness speaks to Father-God in His magnificence.” Matthew 5:5 says that “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” I worship a King who chose to show His lordship by living and dying a life of pure servanthood and One who says that in order to become great that we must become like  little children.  In order to be great, I bend down to receive His humble greatness, and I become less, and He becomes so much more. I humbly ask Him to live in this constant state of humble thankfulness.

I remind myself of what I wrote in the ”Perspective” blog and it all comes full circle here….I humbly give Him thanks, and I am able to see more of His goodness, which makes me even more humble, more thankful,  more open, and truly more joyful, and God exalts and gives more of this gift of Himself, which humbles even more…..  and…..the cycle repeates….again and again!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get to ride the crest of His waves of  grace, and this surf offers an ultimate joy ride that always has the end result of plunging lower-which  continues this never ending cycle of thanksgiving.

We continue to wait for our precious kids with watchful eyes on the horizon. The wait is filled with paperwork,  logistics, event planning for the Trails for Ticos (which has become my  full-time job), helping in the after school program for the YMCA, and Spanish 101.  Each day of waiting I strive to joyfully embrace each moment.

As we enter into a new year, I want to enter as a little child. I want to truly embrace every moment as a child full of wonder. As I take a picture from a bent position, I capture a different perspective-and I like it! How I want to enter this year with fresh eyes and through the wonder of a child. I think that my lens will be so much clearer when I see from this bent position because I will be smaller, and God, people, and the things that matter will grow bigger. Tozer captures this thought so well as he says, “God is looking for people through who He can do the impossible; what a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves”.

I want my life to be defined by what I stand for, rather than what I am against.

When you really think about it…..every moment is a miracle!

All of life is grace, God’s boundless, limitless grace!

Embrace it with me!