I disconnected to connect!

Deactivate.... And then it got silent, the window was closed and I officially became disconnected from the Facebook world. Social media the beautiful disaster, for some relationships are reconnect, bonds are mended, but for others communication only comes from status updates. Time is spent in front of a screen, feelings are suppressed because you don't want to let the world how you are really feeling. You can know so much about a person through their wall, but really not know them at all.

A wise friend once told me "don't waste the sacrifice." I get to stay home with my kids, in order to do that we make sacrifices. We don't shop the way we "want", we don't vacation where we "want", but God has never failed to provide what we need. Sitting in front a computer screen while my kids run crazy for 45 mins is a waste of sacrifice. Laying with my boys during nap time going through my phone, wondering what everyone is doing is wasting my sacrifice. Driving in the car with my family with my nose in the phone insteading of enjoying the sound of my son singing is wasting my sacrifice. Family gathering, fellowships and playing on the phone is wasting my sacrifice.

I felt connected but really was disconnected. I had to disconnect from social media to reconnect to what really matters... My life, faith, food and fitness! Im not hating on Facebook at all, I'll be back with moderation but for the season im in right now there isn't time. Its been a few weeks now, and in that time I've given the Lord a laundry list of things that need to change.. My eating, my exercising, my devotional time, and the list goes on and on... And in His gentle small voice He says "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)"

Right now I find myself in the middle of a crazy season, I pushed myself so hard for that half marathon, and pushed and stretched that I crashed and burned. What happen? What got lost? I tell you living a life of consistency. Slow and steady at a reasonable pace will always win the race. I have blogged about it before, this life is a marathon, not a 100 meter dash, or a short race. A complicated life will leave you tired and weary. Jesus loves simple. A simple life is what he requires, and I can be anything but simple sometimes.

I started this blog December of 2009 and my goal was to be in pursuit of a life centered around faith, food and fitness. Friends its two years later and I am still trying to figure it out. Im not perfect, I fail but im not giving up. Bible says "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)" Every good work, takes labor. I'm starting the labor again. For those faithful few that read would you please keep me in prayer as I labor. I am setting goals, I believe they are important and needed. I'll talk about goal setting tomorrow.

Paul in the book of phillipians didn't allow his present circumstances hinder his purpose of sharing the gospel, and blessing other. Are you in the need of prayer? Are you in a difficult season? You want to go along the journey with me? Let me know, I want to pray for you, go with you, cry with you, rejoice with you!

To another year of faith, food and fitness,
Love you guys
Moni

My Marathon Stats!

People say that just finishing is sufficient but the competitive nature in me still looked over the stats, and think that I could have done better! But there is always next time ;) did I say that? Just like labor once the soreness wore off I am ready to do it again!!! Here are some interesting facts about my run..

I came in:
7833rd place in the entire 1/2 Marathon field ( men & women any age) 2882 finished behind me, 73% ahead of me
4125th among women doing the 1/2 Marathon, 2174 finished behind me, 65% ahead of me
738th place in my age division ( 35-39) Darn I missed the younger division by one year! 324 behind me, 65% ahead

Out 10,715 people who finished the 1/2 marathon 59% were women and 41% were men
I passed 929 runners, and 64 passed me

My pace was 12:59 per mile and I finished in 2 Hr 50 min 4 sec

I was at mile 3 when the overall winner ( a male) finished the entire 1/2 marathon (whatthe?)
I was at mile 4 when the first women finished the entire 1/2 marathon
I was at mile 5 when the first person in my age group finished the entire 1/2 marathon!

So there it is in the books.. On to the next one!

Faith Racing

Please forgive me if this blog is long, and if you make it to the end thank you in advance!

I received my BIB on Saturday night and I aint going to lie, when I say that the words "half marathon" on the top terrified me. What in the world was I thinking. I went to bed at 11pm and as I laid there trying to fall asleep I cleaned out pictures on my phone. I noticed a picture of my treadmill that was taken back at the end of February. It was a picture of my time it said three miles @ 1 hour 10 minutes. Wow, I am not sure when it happen but over the course of the last five months I went from 23 minute miles to 10 minute miles.

And so we set out at 4:30am in the morning to long beach on only two hours of sleep, surprisingly I was not to nervous or tired. I proudly wore my pink shirt to honor my mom, and bring awareness to breast cancer. And on the right side of my shirt I ironed on a "G" so that I remembered to take Gracie with me. I lined up with my dad, brother and my brothers girl friend who were also running the race.

As it got closer for our wave to start people started to file in and then it became real and totally claustrophobic. There was so many people, doubt started to creep in and then it was right in front of me " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"- Philippians 4:13..

This man was wearing a shirt from Team 413 a Christian running ministry who wear the shirts to spread the gospel and give encouragement. This scripture happens to be my life scripture and it was divine timing that I was behind this gentleman at the start of the race.

I decided to flick some pictures and document my run, since some of you have followed my journey along the way. It only seemed appropriate for those involved in Operation Pledge Prayer. It was so beautiful out there, the course was amazing, the weather couldn't be better. As I approached mile five, I couldn't help but think of Gracie. I posted a pic of mile five with the caption " The first five were for Gracie". It wasn't till now that I remember that the number five in numerology is the number of "Grace".

There were moments when I was running that It became emotional. I cried, I laughed and I prayed alot. All the runners were great on the course, so friendly. One lady asked if I was ok because I was crying, not able to say much I said yes "God is good". When I was running I felt the prayers of all those praying for me. In the five months of training, I have never had a better day of breathing. That has always been my struggle and that day, I had never experienced breathing that came so natural.


When I approached mile six I was greeted with, I think is my biggest fan. It was just the boost that I needed. There stood Noah and daddy, and I could see the excitement in his face that made my heart smile.

Well friends I wish I could say it was smooth sailing from there but then I hit the wall! I mean big time. Miles 7 through 10 I believe were all ran on the beach on the bike path. When I hit mile 8, I thought that I had already ran that mile and when I realized I didn't it freaked me out. I started to see people stopping to stretch, made me wonder if I should. Then I looked ahead it there was no end to the sea of runners. Doubt started to sink in, my legs started to get tight, I started to get a cramp and I had to stop to use the potty. For a second I started to feel lonely but there were thousands of people around.

This can also relate to our race of faith. When I started to look to the right and left ( other runners) and instead of up I started to feel like Peter when he got out of the boat and started to sink. Then mix that with doubt and my physical circumstances it was a recipe for disaster. When I could not see that there was a mile marker ahead and the road looked long I started to panic. I didn't want to stop running, but when I got to mile nine, my feet started to burn.

Like really bad, every step felt like torture. So I started to walk and pray, I prayed for Noah, Elias, Sheanne and Sarah. My present circumstances were nothing to the things they face daily. I am sure there are times when their "Miles" seem long. Finally I approached mile ten. Then I resurfaced and snapped another picture, sent it to facebook. I had been silent since mile six, just like in life there are times when the Lord has us in a place of still. When we feel like we are lonely and the present time seems tough, but it was those miles that I will remember. Those miles made me stronger. Miles five through ten where labor, labor for operation pledge prayer.

And if I am being honest, the nice man passing out donut holes at mile ten gave me the boost that I needed. It was at mile 11 that I saw another team 413 runner and I knew that the Lord was speaking to me. I walked miles 9 through 11 so I feel that like my body recovered somewhat, so I started to run.

As I turned the corner and saw the finish line, there were thousands of people on both side of the street. It felt like a movie, I didn't hear anything other than the worship from my ipod and I didn't see anything but the words "finish line". There was no greater feeling, I simply heard my Lord say " you finished well". Many start the race, not many finish and even fewer finish well.

Now it was time to locate the family, but how in thousands of people? As I came around the corner to leave the corral where all the racers were I saw Mike & Anna Aroz standing there. And I didn't at the time, but am now... crying. There she was wearing her button with a picture of Gracie and it just completed the day.

I have been reflecting the last two days and it seemed like I was training forever but the race was so quick. I looked over the course map and it still amazes me that I completed the run. All and I mean ALL Glory goes to God! I will never take credit because I am weak, I hated running and I doubt to much.

Today I take joy in achieving a goal, that I know that I was not capable of, but only through the support of my husband, friends, family, prayers and the Lord. I am excited for more things to come. I know that there are more plans in the works for FFF and children's cancer.

And now I thank you.. I thank you for taking time in reading my blogs. I thank you for praying for me, but more importantly praying for my warriors. Please don't stop, please I know they feel them, I did. I was so humbled and overwhelmed by the calls, texts, FB
comments I received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart..

Also if I can ask for a favor, check out this ministry.. They are truly making an impact on the course. You just don't know how much of a difference a shirt with scripture can make when all you have is that to cling to..

http://www.team413.org/

If you are lead to buy a shirt, and who knows maybe one day you will wear it on a run and someone will be encouraged. If you missed that, I am challenging you.. :) But more to come..!
Will leave you with this gorge pic!




I will stop I know this is really long.. I will post stats tomorrow.. Night.. love you all!!!

Late for the race

We searched up and down for the street. I cant imagine this is where the race starts, there are no people. "wait here, I'm going to go check" my hubby replies. As I am feeding Caleb cheerios, he runs back " hurry it started." I looked at my watch and it was 7:45am.

I started to run like I never ran before, see I remember the rules said that no one could start the marathon later than 7:40. But perhaps if I just made it there they would make the exception. I saw the starting line, and I was running as hard as I could but there was a problem. I was not moving, no matter how hard I was running, my legs were moving but my body wasn't. What the heck the starting line was so close yet I could not get to it. It was just as I was on the verge of tears, I woke up.

It was my dream last night. I have exactly 11 days till my half marathon. And as I said it before to some it is just 13.2 miles but to me it seems like a 100. To be honest it is starting to mentally trip me out. Ive trained but not the conventional way. I didn't join a team, I am a team of one. I didn't follow the training guideline, but I did the best I could with our schedules. I don't have a coach, but I have Jesus.

I have experienced, knee pain, ankle pain, toe pain and have struggled the last month with bad lower back pain!

By faith, prayers and with a purpose I am pressing on. I am doing it to remember Gracie, I am doing it so that Noah can have a long life, I am doing it for Elias so one day he can be on the field again playing with his team. I am doing it for Sarah, because she just had another round of chemo. I am doing it for you! Because I asked that you would pray if I ran and you did and still are (I hope).

I am doing it because I don't have a cure for cancer but I have legs that work. I am doing it because I have faith in my God that laboring will provide a good work. He knows my struggles, He knows my weakness. I thought I would have blogged more about my journey but as I trained I realized that this time was some personal intimate time with the Lord.

Running for me isn't physical, I know if my mind tells my body to do it, it will. I remember back to one of my first blogs, when I celebrated running longer than 4 minutes and today I can do mile after mile. It has been through the power of the Holy Spirit, prayers and the examples of strength for the ones I am running for.

I thank you for praying, the last few days I have felt them. I truly have, I have a ton of distractions with schedules, ministry etc. that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed but I am somehow find some calm in the midst.

Please don't stop praying for my friends. Operation Pledge Prayer shouldn't end the day I finish my 13.2 miles. Please continue to pray for my pals that are battling, and all the others that have this terrible disease.

Love you all,
Mon

Cancer didn't win and it will never win, because being with the Father is winning!

A few days ago, before bed I was praying with my three year old. When we got done praying our conversation went like this:

Noah: Mommy we forgot to pray for Gracie, so that she feels better.
Me: Oh son Gracie isn't sick anymore
Noah: She feels better now mommy?
Me: Yes son she is better, she is healed no more sickies
Noah: Her mommy and daddy made her feel better mommy?
Me: Yes son her daddy, Jesus healed her.
Noah: Oh thank you Jesus!!!!.... Mommy we also forgot one more person.. spiderman boy!

Such innocence, yet so comforting to me. You see the other day when I found out that she passed I was sad, like really sad. I guess my prayers were selfish for her and her family. I never asked for her to be healed eternally, only for us all to see a miracle. I prayed that this 17 year old beautiful girl, would get up from her bed and walk. Would awake cancer free and hear the words of Jesus telling her that she had been healed. That one day she would be married, have kids and a wonderful life serving the Lord.

So it crushed me, but the innocence of a child and a teen has showed me how to truly rejoice and know that the will of the father was done. Noah taught me to give thanks to the Lord for he has healed her! After I heard the news, I was also a little upset, not with anyone but with cancer. That day I cried out to the Lord and told Him that I was tired of another losing the battle with cancer. I believe my words were like this " I hate cancer, it is from the pit of hell, I am sick of it."

Shortly after that I read a tweet of one of Gracie's good friends and she said this:

"Some may think the cancer won, but it didn't. It lost. I know this to be true because, the moment Gracie walked through those pearly white gates and into the arms of Jesus, she was healed forever. #TakeThatCancer" - Vanessa Contreras

I have been thinking alot about Gracie and her battle. I heard a message on Wednesday night that was Gods appointed time. It was in the book of Romans chapter 8 starting from verse 18-28. I was reminded that the sufferings of today are nothing for what awaits us in heaven. Gracie's smile may no longer be here on earth, but will be forever embedded in our hearts. Her legacy lives with her amazing strength and faith that she had in her " Last days." I believe that many will come to know the love of the father through her story.

I pray that in our last days that we to can live an extraordinary life, rejoicing in our circumstances, having unwavering faith and finishing well.. I thank my son for shows me how important it is to give thanks to Jesus always. I thank Vanessa for reminding me that Cancer didn't win and it will never win, because being with the Father is winning! I thank Gracie, although I never got the chance to really know you, you have touched my life.

You have taught me how to fight through the pain and never lose heart or faith. Please keep the Aroz family in your prayers, please keep Gracie's siblings, her aunts and everyone one else that love Gracie so much as well. Also for those of you that read this blog that are not on facebook below are the details of her memorial:

GRACIE AROZ MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Diamond Bar, CA. September 10th, 2011 at 6:00 pm. 22324 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar, CA. 91765-2449. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set by Calvary Chapel Montebello to aid defray expenses For more information, please call Calvary Chapel Montebello @ 323.724.8464

Thank you for your support.. I have only 5 weeks till my marathon, so please keep praying! Operation pledge prayer!
XOXOX
Mon

To everything there is a season

Several weeks ago in my reading a scripture stood out. Thinking that it was for a different purpose so I text it to a friend. It wasn't and over the last month or so I have seen it in my reading, on blogs, on facebook and even on a card that I randomly picked up. It could only mean one thing it was meant for me.

"To everything [there is] a season, A time for every purpose under heaven"- ECC 3:1

It has been one crazy season I tell you, working around ministry schedules, marathon training, maintaining the home on zero sleep, Noah's testing and Caleb is just straight crazy!!! It has me asking... Lord what the heck is going on up in here!

Webster definition of season is this:

"an indefinite period of time" or a "time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature"

This particular season has tested my faith, proved that I don't have it all together, realize there is still so much I need to learn about being a Godly wife, a patient mom, a better friend, and a better Christian. In the moments that I want to give up and throw in the towel, I reminded of the word "season." I rejoice that seasons don't last forever, if they did, it would not be called a season. I am also aware of the fruit that is produced in the changing of the season.

We need the rain of the winter, the sun of the summer, the beauty of the fall and even the pollen of the spring. I like the NASB version of the same scripture:

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every [fn]event under heaven."

Appointed time... , this means that the season that you are in is no mistake. Understand that if your season is battling hurricane Irene right now it is your appointed time. Whether your season is filled with joy, happiness, struggles, suffering or sorrow it is an appointed time.

A season that shall pass like the turning of the leaves. There is one thing that you need to know, no matter what season that you are in. Seasons change but God does not. He is the same as yesterday, today and tomorrow! He is the God that gives, takes, disciplines and blesses and love you all the same!

Instead of asking God to change your circumstances or your season, ask Him to change you while you are in the circumstances. Are you being stretched? Ask Him to make you more flexible. Are you suffering? Ask Him to give you the strength to handle the pain. Are you Joyful? Ask Him to help you remember this time. Are you tired? Ask Him to give you the energy.

I don't understand some of the things that are going on right now, but I just trust Him. Why? Because when I look at my track record with Him. He has never failed me or took me to a place where I regretted going. I remember the good thanking Him for it, forget the bad it was the past and I am forgiven, and learn from the ugly, always lessons to be learned!

Thanking God for seasons..

Mon

I run because she cant!

Its been awhile since I have blogged so let me update you on our Operation Pledge Prayer. We are up to 303 hours of pledged prayer! I am so blown away, my goal was only to hit 100 hours and we have tripled that number! The good news is that there is still time to pledge if you haven't done so, my marathon isn't till October 9th.

Saturday I set out for my first long run of 8 miles. Training has not been the best with a teething infant, a needy 3 1/2 toddler, hubbys ministry schedule and family obligations and everything else in between. It was a great morning to run, not hot at all, I set out on the streets.. Me, my ipod and Jesus! This is my usual! As I hit mile three, I all of a sudden hit a wall. My legs got tired, my breathing got harder and mind started to doubt. Why on earth did I commit to this?

Then I thought of Gracie. I heard the prior night that she was back in the hospital with severe leg pain. As I ran I started to pray for her, you see the pain in my legs were no where near the pain in her legs. And the difference between her and was I could recover and she may not. I run because she cant! As I prayed for her and the others I am running for, I was reminded that you all have pledged to pray. I run, you pray and that is what motivates me.

I tell people that I don't train with anyone, I don't run with a friend, don't train with a group. But I realized on Saturday that I am not alone. I have a group I run with, I run with Jesus, Noah, Gracie, Elias, Sheyanne and Sarah. Gracie is part of my team, and she needed prayer, so Sunday we had a call to action.

A group of us headed to CHOC LA to pray. We had no other expecations other than to stand in front of that hospital and pray. To lift up Gracie and her family. We stood there in one accord and asked Jesus for basically a miracle. To heal, to touch and to bring peace to Gracie and those around. Because as a church when they hurt we all hurt. Up until this point I have still never met Gracie. Only seen her one time and keep tabs through friends.

As we were praying Gracie's father and aunt came down. They were amazing! They were some of the sweetest people I have met. Thanking us for coming out, but in reality it is our duty and our love for the brothern that we come. As we started to pack up to leave, we heard that Gracie wanted to come down. As we heard the news Gracie's wanted to come down. We heard people talking saying " that's Gracie" " Stubborn Gracie" " that girl (shaking their head)". I didn't understand until she came down and I met her. Gracie is a sassy kind of girl. Through the pain, I saw her joy, I saw her sass, I saw her faith but most of all I saw her peace. Her smile is beautiful, her smile says I am ok. I am ready for whatever this season takes me. Her smile tells her auntie that she wants a double double from In N Out! I had the opportunity to meet Gracie's mom, Anna. As a mom, I cant even begin to imagine the journey. This lady radiates faith, Her strength comes from her eyes and the peace shows from her heart. I am sure she has her moments but she truly ministered to me.

Gracie's aunts were the sweetest things! They talked as if Gracie were their own daughter! They were so gentle and grateful and appreciative for us being there. And then there is Gracie's dad, a man of strength, the head of the family. He to found moments to smile, a gentle man that caressed Caleb's head as he lay on my shoulder. This family blessed me a million times over. I went to pray to be a blessing and I was blessed. I was ministered to by this family that in spite of this horrific circumstance they remain strong, with peace, with hope, gentle and with sass!

If you have not already pledged prayer I ask that you take time to consider. If you already are praying I ask that you fast. Time is not on our side, and God gives us a simple command to ask. I ask in the name of Jesus for a modern day miracle and I pray that you join me. Please specifically pray for Gracie's siblings her sister and two brothers. As they start to prepare for the next step, pray for her parents.

Tomorrow I will blog about my experience of sitting in front of CHOC. I thank you, the Aroz family thanks you and I know Gracie thanks you!

Running to win,
Moni