You will Give Your Time to what you Value

I hate pain. I especially hate it when I’m running. Whether it’s shin splints or muscle strain or side stitch, it slows me down. It also makes me think the worst. That my side is going to split open if I take another step, or my leg muscle will be injured for life if I keep going. Now sometimes, pain is an indicator that something’s off, and may need to be addressed. I’m not really talking about that. I’m talking about the pain that’s just part of running….or just part of life. There’s a certain amount of “rub” that happens when we’re apart of fellowship containing PEOPLE. It’s called “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Pr. 27:17) It’s unavoidable. God made us all different and then tells us to love one another as we would our self. God has a great sense of humor! But sometimes, when that conflict arises, instead of pushing through or asking our self if this particular pain is just apart of the “run”, we flee. Whether it’s to stop the pain or save face, that’s our tendency.

Do you pray with your spouse?

After 15 years, do you know what stands out in my mind most about my wedding night? Nope, not the food. Not the sheets. Not even the I-can't-believe-my-parents-really-let-me-do-this feeling that I was married (we were 18!)! I remember something even more intimate than what went on in our hotel room. I remember that for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Adam Steck, we prayed together.

Top 5 Date Night Rules

1)      Set aside $$ - Sometimes we think our money should go to anything and everything but investing in our marriage. We think it has to be an anniversary or special occasion to justify the expense. This just isn't so! With so many things vying for our money, we have to be intentional about this and not just “wait and see” if there’s money left over. Something else will surly seem “more important” and take its place.  Right after giving, why not make it a habit and put back $100-$200 (whatever is suitable for your budget – maybe less, maybe more) for a month of dates? Will you need to hire a babysitter or do you have family or friends nearby you can easily use? We have some family nearby, but enjoy hiring a babysitter for 2 reasons. #1 is the kids enjoy getting to know someone new and spending time with them. #2 Adam and I enjoy walking in to a quiet, sleeping house and ending our time together in peace. Because let’s just be honest: Bedtimes can be stressful!

Bigger is always Better...or Is It?

   Things are just bigger in Texas! We have bigger burgers, bigger hats, bigger cows, and maybe even bigger people. We look naturally to the BIGGER, thinking somehow it’s better.

   For many of us, we want to accomplish BIG things in life. We toil and strive to come out on top – to be distinguished and noticed in our field of expertise. Why throw a tiny pebble into the pond when a large boulder will make a much larger ripple effect? Have you ever tried to pick up one of those boulders? Or tried to launch it? I argue, your ability to would depend on how many smaller, “lesser” ones you’ve practiced on previously. The untrained can throw their back trying!

Better Than a Black Friday Sale

Proverbs 24:3-4 “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

   How do we build a house with wisdom? This verse says our house will be established through understanding. That like couches and tables that fill our actual house, the beautiful antique treasures in this metaphorical house get there by knowledge.

Come as you are

The words “Come as you are,” washed over me as I ran down the road, stirring up the leaves as I passed by. I thought of the changing seasons and how that parallels to so much of life. What if the trees stubbornly resisted the impending dropping of leaves? Or decided they would not grow new ones this year because they love the winter too much? Sometimes, honestly, that’s how I feel. I don’t want to grow, it’s hard. I don’t want to change seasons, for that requires changing out clothes and I just got used to everything. Why can’t things just stay the way they are?! But if the leaves don’t drop in fall, the tree would die in winter for lack of food. If no bud of leaves appear in Spring, that tree is future firewood. Change is ordained by God and good for us that we may grow and thrive.

Refreshments Anyone?

   At the end of a long run my legs ACHE, my lungs HEAVE, and my taste buds crave a re-hydration drink. Crossing that finish line is the only goal in my mind. I can smell it…or is that my sweat dripping down? Giving it all I’ve got, once I cross that line, AHHH I made it, now I can rest. After a good workout our body needs to replenished, right? Well, in the same way, our SPIRIT needs refreshment after its been exercised. After those uphill battles in life, we just need a good lemonade stand!