Every year after completing two years of confirmation classes, the boys and girls stand up in front of church, answer questions, recite bible passages, and read their "faith story" to the congregation. Well, this was my first journey down this road as a mother. Every day in our home we are constantly working on choices, tone of voice, respect, "do as Jesus would do attitudes", living our lives as a Light for Christ. So one might say that this day is like standing on top of one of the smaller mountains of life....meaning that life is a road traveled and there are peaks and valleys. Although this is not the ultimate peak (that being heaven) this I would consider a precipice on which to rest for a moment and look back on the younger formative years and what has been learned and instilled on the road and journey thus far. That being said Devin has written his faith story which is a glimpse of his heart, an unfolding of character, and a look at where he hopes his road leads in his mind in the future. I hope you enjoy it as I did:
Devin's Faith Story
My name is Devin Radford. I was born on August 1st, the year 1996. 10 days following, I was baptized very near where I stand right now......that date has been and will be the most important in my life because that was the day that Jesus took me into his arms and welcomed me as a sanctified member of His family.
Ever since that day nearly 15 years ago, my faith has been allowed to grow through the efforts of my family. They've taken me to church almost every week, urged me to study and marvel at the works of the Bible, as well as to thank the Lord for both the roses AND the thorns of this life. I lean on them for support and encouragement when the world seems too much for me alone to handle. I'm truly blessed to have such amazing people around me.
Then came the day of my first confirmation class. I have to admit I was a little disconcerted about going to study under the big man that preached so strongly every week. As I came to know him better, Pastor ceased to be the big loud guy and became the caring man that we all know and trust. He's given me a much deeper insight about what it means to follow the Bible and to be a better Christian in this world. That's a gift without price since what I learned here will be a part of me forever.
Confirmation is special for me because it symbolizes my joining the congregation and becoming a true member of the church body. My confirmation verse is Proverbs 2:1,9. "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, {...} then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path." I chose this verse because it has elements of both the Law and the Gospel. In short, it reminds me to focus on the Bible, while assuring me that of the many tempting paths life offers, it will lead me down the right one.
In the future, I plan to continue praising the Lord on the organ, to earn the Eagle scout rank, and to reach my earthly goal of becoming a doctor. But ultimately I'll strive to walk beside Jesus for the rest of my life.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Ironman 70.3 New Orleans
This was my first race of this 2011 season. I have never been to New Orleans so the city was a new experience as well. The city was different. I loved the food, I loved the historical sections that I saw, and I was amazed at Bourbon Street and how it truly is a party way beyond when I would ever be still awake (like as I was driving to the race Sunday morning people were still stumbling through the streets).
The race was also an experience. The day before the race it was super windy...we did a practice ride to kind of feel the headwind as well as the tailwind in case conditions did not improve for race day. As we glanced at the swim venue in the morning it was crazy wavy...so we opted not to do a practice swim...however, as the day went on we decided we might as well get in and take on those 5 foot waves to prepare for the following morning. Luckily, we swim in the gulf which is wavy periodically so it was challenging but not totally foreign to us. On race morning the conditions had not improved, if anything the wind was worse. Race director announced that wind speeds were 25+ mph so the swim would be cancelled...a major disappointment I must say...but I understand safety first! So bike was a time trial start (never done that before)which means you are lined up by age group and started in pairs every 30 seconds...not bad but not my favorite! Bike was flat and windy....let me clarify...head windy!!! About 35 miles of it was 20+ mph headwinds...felt like two steps forward 3 steps back. I just kept telling myself everyone is enduring this just keep pedaling....keep your cadence at 90... I arrived at the half way point and was about 8 minutes behind my minimum goal so a negative split was in order. So I put my head down and finished it out with a negative split..not the time I was hoping for but I will take it with the conditions. I think my average speed was 19.6...thank you Mother Nature for the gusty winds..you taught me yet another lesson in mental toughness! Run was an improvement coming off of last years injury infested season....but still alot of work to do. Big take home from the run was "you do not need water at every water stop Tracy" Needless to say the crowd support at the finish was amazing...I was glad to see the finish and I wanted to not ride in any wind for at least a week! All in all good race, disappointed in no swim, keep working on run, and another race in the experience tank of 70.3 racing. Can't wait to take on Augusta and Miami in the fall. Until then I will train hard and enjoy the journey!
The race was also an experience. The day before the race it was super windy...we did a practice ride to kind of feel the headwind as well as the tailwind in case conditions did not improve for race day. As we glanced at the swim venue in the morning it was crazy wavy...so we opted not to do a practice swim...however, as the day went on we decided we might as well get in and take on those 5 foot waves to prepare for the following morning. Luckily, we swim in the gulf which is wavy periodically so it was challenging but not totally foreign to us. On race morning the conditions had not improved, if anything the wind was worse. Race director announced that wind speeds were 25+ mph so the swim would be cancelled...a major disappointment I must say...but I understand safety first! So bike was a time trial start (never done that before)which means you are lined up by age group and started in pairs every 30 seconds...not bad but not my favorite! Bike was flat and windy....let me clarify...head windy!!! About 35 miles of it was 20+ mph headwinds...felt like two steps forward 3 steps back. I just kept telling myself everyone is enduring this just keep pedaling....keep your cadence at 90... I arrived at the half way point and was about 8 minutes behind my minimum goal so a negative split was in order. So I put my head down and finished it out with a negative split..not the time I was hoping for but I will take it with the conditions. I think my average speed was 19.6...thank you Mother Nature for the gusty winds..you taught me yet another lesson in mental toughness! Run was an improvement coming off of last years injury infested season....but still alot of work to do. Big take home from the run was "you do not need water at every water stop Tracy" Needless to say the crowd support at the finish was amazing...I was glad to see the finish and I wanted to not ride in any wind for at least a week! All in all good race, disappointed in no swim, keep working on run, and another race in the experience tank of 70.3 racing. Can't wait to take on Augusta and Miami in the fall. Until then I will train hard and enjoy the journey!
Happy 13th Birthday Mitchell
Mitchell turned 13 this year and I can hardly believe it. Mitchell is characterized by his tender heart and his wonderful sense of humor. He nightly entertains at the dinner table with his humorous interpretations of his surroundings. Many evenings he has all of us laughing almost to the point of tears...it is truly a gift! Mitchell is taking on a few new challenges this year with competitive soccer and competing in speech competitions doing none other than humorous interpretations. He is a joy to be around and it is amazing to look back over the years and see how he has changed and yet remained the same. I feel so blessed to have had every day to be with him as he grows and continues to change right before my eyes. I would not give back one moment I have had on this journey with him and look forward to seeing how his road bends and curves every day in the future on his journey through the teen years. Happy Birthday my Sweet Mitchell!!
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