Mudshakes, Mother's Day, Giveaways and More!

Happy Monday, Friends!!

How was your weekend?? For all of my mommy readers, I hope that your Mother's Day was filled with joyful moments and happy memories!  After a long trip home from visiting family, they boys were eager to jump out of the vehicle and soak in the last of the day's sunlight.  The evening was calm and cool, calling all of us to "come out and play!" The older ones practiced a little baseball with dad, but the younger two....

well, as you can see, they had a little bit different idea about play time!!

Within minutes of "helping" me with the garden and yard work, they were covered from head to toe with the irresistibly cool, slimy mud. (Boys and mud are magnetic, aren't they??  It's impossible to keep them apart!) I knew this would mean an evening of scrubbing and soaking their mud-stained clothes, but I didn't mind at all.  

They were having so much fun making mud soup and mudshakes together that I didn't have the heart to divert them to cleaner forms of entertainment.  Seeing all of my little men taking delight in being outdoors and being together did my heart so much good!

 It was the perfect end to the perfect day!!

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In other news...

Last week I hosted a t-shirt giveaway from the fantastic company Run Pretty Far, and was overwhelmed by such a great response!! The lucky winner is Molly Pratt!!

Also last week my lovely friend, Cynthia, who authors one of my favorite blogs, Finding Great Joy, shared with us another fantastic "Mother-to-Mother" guest post series.  This one addressed the topic of disciplining children.  You can tap into the "Mother-to-Mother" archives (a tab at the top of the home page) for more great posts from past series.  I always learn so much from the series.  And, if she is always looking for contributors, if you are interested in sharing your wisdom!!

There's so much going on around here this week! Life on the farm is REALLY getting busy, and the boys are eager to roll up their sleeves, hop on equipment and help.  Our garden is coming along splendidly, thanks to the temps finally rising, school is winding down (hooray!!) and I'm starting the Whole30 program today. 

(More on that later!)

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC week!!

Raising Boys: 10 Loving Lessons Just For Moms

With Mother's Day being just a few short days away, I am writing this post honor of all of the moms who have ever raised, or who are raising boys.  What a gift is this special opportunity that we have been given to love such precious ones!!  I share in the admiration that you have for your own sons, as well as your joys and your struggles in striving to raise them well!!

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If someone would have told me 13 years ago that I would someday be the mother of 5 boys, I'm not sure if I would have laughed or ran screaming in the opposite direction!!  Raising our sons has offered me greater challenges and deeper joys than I could have ever imagined.  And, while, I would dearly love to have a daughter, I wouldn't change a chapter of this story for anything!

When our first son, Ben, was born, I had read so many books on motherhood that I thought for sure I had it all down, and that it would be just that - textbook, predictable, planned.  Go ahead and laugh, because I am!! Good golly, I even tried to apply the "textbook" method to Ben's labor and delivery, and (of course) it went NOTHING like I imagined it was supposed to. Life has a terrific way of humbling us, doesn't it??

Nearly 13 years and 5 sons later, I have learned a great deal from many incredible parents, grandparents and numerous experts a wealth of essential tips and truths on raising healthy, happy boys.  Without any girls to identify with, I'll readily admit that, at times, I have felt overwhelmed and confused, to say the least. Some of the lessons have been difficult, and yet others have come surprisingly natural to me (I account those to grace alone.).  And, I'm still learning - every day, I'm learning.  Thankfully, I have an amazing husband by my side to help me understand the (sometimes) maddening mysteries of manhood! 

I often hear parents say, "We raise all of our children the same, none are ever treated differently....it's only fair, really."  Pardon me, while I respectfully disagree with that for a moment.  While I applaud any parents' aspirations to be fair and just, what we must realize is that fair doesn't always mean "same" or "exactly alike." Every child deserves to be raised as an individual, as they each have different needs, different personalities, and different gifts.  And, I know this is going to be a shocker, but boys and girls should not be raised the same.  Loved equally, yes, absolutely.  Raised identically, no. I hope that as you read on, you will find sincerity as well as objectivity in my explanations. 

Are you still here?? Great!! I'd love to share with you some of the lessons that I have learned about raising, nurturing and understanding the heart of a boy, lessons that may seem obvious to a dad, but ones that perhaps a mom might appreciate hearing from the heart of another mom.  In the end, I hope you come away from this post feeling encouraged and supported in your very important, irreplaceable role as a mother.

1.  This may be an obvious one, but boys need to have the freedom to wrestle and climb, to roar and grunt and karate chop your house plants. They do not have ADD, they have energy, and they need an generous amount of time and space to run free.  Don't freak out when they act a little wild, a little fearless. Don't take them to the doctor, don't Google symptoms of hyperactivity, and don't suffocate them by constantly telling them to calm down, sit down and be quiet.  No, I don't mean let them behave destructively or disrespectfully (more about that in #2), but do not stifle their enthusiasm.  If you do, they will rebel and probably find a way to channel their energy into something else, something unhealthy.  I see many young boys engaging in video games, because they truly feel as though they have nothing else to do. This is a travesty. Trust me, it is very, very difficult to mend a boy's broken spirit.  Let them play!  You will have to repaint your walls, reinforce their bunk beds with scrap iron, and patch holes in their jeans.  Accept that, and then let them be off on their next adventure.

2.  As a natural response to #1, please know that I am speaking in terms of balance, not extremes.  That being said, boys do need to be taught self-control, prudence, the value of being polite, having manners and demonstrating proper etiquette.   Don't make excuses for them when they are thoughtless, rude or sloppy, by saying, "Oh, he's just being a boy!"  If you patiently teach them that times and situations call for a particular type of behavior and attitude, they will not only become natural leaders, but they will also gain self-confidence as well as the respect of others. Moms, it is proper for us to expect good manners at the supper table, "please" and "thank you" in daily interactions and please, never, ever allow your son(s) to speak disrespectfully to you (your husband should always be at your side in these situations). Knights were once required to learn proper etiquette/manners before they could wield a sword. It was the beginning stage of proving their worth as knights. Why? Self-control and discipline in the small things opens the door to strength and wisdom in the bigger battles of life.

3.  This lesson was inspired by Dr. Dobson's Bringing Up Boys, and I'm sharing it with you, because we've heeded it with every single one of our boys, and hold fast to it's importance. As moms we hold our baby boys close with all of our motherly love and attentiveness, as we should, but when our sons turn 2, it is very important for us to use those arms to toss them towards daddy! Step back a bit.  Allow more father-son time to take place, one-on-one.  This will help foster the natural masculinity of your son, because he will be able to identify more assuredly with his father.  You don't need to be gone for long periods of time, just an hour or two each week.  Consider going for an evening walk a couple of times a week, meeting up with friends, shopping for groceries or encouraging your "men" to go outside and play together or work on a project while you make supper.  Your son won't love you less - in fact, he will love and appreciate you even more! Let him go out and be a "big boy" with his papa.  He needs this from you.   In addition, I have seen many moms over the years who have an excessive (controlling) closeness with their sons, sons who are young men or even adults.  Cut. The. Cord.  Your main man should be your husband, he is first in priority of your love and attentiveness, not your son.  Your son should know his place in the family, without question.....and so should you.

4.  You didn't think I would forget to add how horribly and horrifyingly gross boys can be to this list did you?? If your boys should ever get lost in a forest and are near starvation, they will not hunt for berries or edible plants.  They will eat their boogers and then yell, "MOM!!!" until they loose their voices.  The whole booger issue totally mystifies me, and I find them everywhere, I mean everywhere!!  And, then there's the poop saga.  I have literally gone into my sons' bathroom 3 days in a row and seen no toilet paper on the ring.  Seriously??  Then, I get to the laundry and I see the damage that 3 days of no toilet paper can do. Uuuggghhhh!!! (I KNOW you can relate!!)  "Stop picking, please wipe, don't forget to flush and, for the love of Pete, wash your hands!!" will be on repeat for all of us moms until our boys flee the nest.  The only real way to deal with this unfortunate circumstance is with wine.  Lots and lots of wine.

5.  Cook for your sons.  They will never forget how beautifully you loved them in this sacrificial way. I know it seems small or old-fashioned, but some of our best family conversations have taken place around the supper table. And, I get the BEST hugs after a killer meal!  Food can also be used to achieve particular goals.  Are you followin' me here??  If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so too be a boys!  Hold a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies above their heads and their rooms will be cleaned faster than you can say dust bunnies.

6.   Chill out a bit with the toy weapons.  I once had a neighbor who would not let her child play with my boys, because we allowed them to have wooden rifles.  However, she thought that swords were just fine - you know, a more civilized way of engaging in warfare.  Oh, I get it!! No, I don't, I'm lying right now. {Sigh.} Like it or not, here's the facts: If you keep every plastic pistol or pirate sword out of a boy's grip, they will find a way to fashion some type of weapon out of tree branches, tinker-toys or chop-sticks.  Your boys are not violent, they are not killers or haters, and letting them play with toy weapons isn't going to turn them into monsters.  Boys are born to be protectors, and if their instincts are nurtured in the proper way, someday they will protect your freshly sprouting garden from pests and more importantly, they will protect a lady from a predator - without hesitation.  Your sons are in more serious danger of developing a violent nature when they engage in violent video games, television and movies than they are if allowed to participate in innocent, imaginative play with friends. Just ask your father or grandfather - those "great" generations - about this.

7.  The world is pretty good at telling boys that they aren't as good as girls or really any different than girls, so they shouldn't act different or be different.  This is a terrible lie.  Don't buy into it.  Boys absolutely need to be boys and feel no shame or make no apologies for that. Praise and admire their masculine strengths!  Our sons natural talents should not be minimized because they are faster or stronger than their female peers, and they shouldn't be punished for it either.  As men and women, we're made to be complimentary not competitive, unique, not uniform.  It is our very complimentarity that brings beauty, strength and individuality to the world.  When you embrace your authentic femininity as a mother, you actually help your son grow to become an authentic man. 

8.  If you were ever a cheerleader back in the day, now is the time to practice those chants.  Boys don't need us to tell them how to throw the ball or tackle the opponent (even though many of us are awesome at sports and could easily coach our sons!), they need us to cheer for them, to encourage them, and then to let them know that we'll be their most loyal supporter, win or lose, whether it be on the football field or in the classroom.  Don't be a boss.  I've been to countless athletic events where the mom is  screaming red-faced at her son while the dad stands by texting on his phone. Those aren't tough-love moms, they're misguided moms.  And Dads, oh, dads, (slap-slap) wake up.  As parents we are here to guide, not take over the coach's job, and not make our sons feel as though their very lives depend on a touch-down pass.  Rah-rah, that's your job.  Now do it.  Do it proudly, moms!

9.  This one is closely related to #8.  A boy's (and a man's) biggest fear is failure.  So many mom's out there want to raise "good" boys who are virtuous and successful in life.  But, I know from experience, that when I'm on them all of the time with everything (school work, chores, fighting with siblings etc.) they can easily lose confidence in themselves.  They are already putting enough pressure on themselves in every aspect of life, they don't really need us to drop a few hundred extra pounds on their shoulders.  There are times when I've gone to bed at night and felt contrite for being too nit-picky with my young boys, for being too hard on them, for taking discipline too far, for lecturing too long. Let things go once in a while....it's okay.  Sometimes they need a hug and a pass more than they need a lecture or a punishment. (Isn't that true for us as well??)

10.  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I must confess that one of the most difficult aspects of living in a house full of boys is dealing with my own sensitive nature.  As women, we are more easily hurt, offended and slighted than men are.  It doesn't mean that boys are insensitive or cold, they just aren't wired the same way that we are, and as moms, we need to show them how to be more tender without belittling their personhood or being overly dramatic.  One thing that has helped me when I'm tempted to fall into loneliness or self-pity after being slighted by a son is this: Whenever one of my sons draws me a picture or writes me a note of any kind, I save it in a special place.  And, when one has hurt my feelings or is struggling with a particular discipline issue that is difficult for me to handle, I go back to the pictures/notes and remember the love that my boys have for me, and the love that I have for them.  It truly does mend a broken heart.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MY FRIENDS!! YOU ARE LOVED!!

Five Favorites ~ Sweetness!

I'm really starting to look forward to Wednesday's Five Favorites link-up hosted by the fabulous Hallie at Moxie Wife.  It's a fun platform to write from, yes, but reading what others have to share is really the best part!! If you're a blogger and you're reading this, you should join us! Link it, baby, link it!  Now, that I'm through cyber-pressuring my readers, here are my (sweet) fives for the week:

{1.}

Sweet Spring: L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette

Ahh, Spring, you know that season that is supposed to guide us out of the blinding winter and ease us into the inferno of summer??? Yeah, she ain't be round here neither.  I miss her.  I miss her much.  I bought some of this delightful fragrance last year at the duty free shop in Switzerland when I went to visit my sister, Sara.  It really is spring in a spritz.  One whiff of perfumes of any type typically give me a raging headache, but not this one, it's very merciful.

{2.}

Sweet Sips:  Fever Tree Tonic 

(I must also give props to their Ginger Beer for for a dandyMoscow Mule) 

A couple of years ago, my lover and I were sitting at the bar of P.F. Chang's, sans children, and we lost our minds over their gin and tonics, because they were crazy good!! I had to know their secret because - let's be honest - most people think gin tastes like toilet. It's not the gin's fault, it's the crappy tonic.  But, crappy tonic no more.  Get some of this, and you and your gin will be very happy!  I buy it in bulk via Wal-Mart.com or Amazon.com (whomever offers me the sweetest deal).

{3.}

Sweet Serenade:  Boys' Piano Recital

Raising 5 boys on a farm out in the middle of nowhere truly is a great adventure.  But, there are times when we need to leave the boots behind and take on life-experiences outside of green acres.  Last Sunday the top three comrades shared their musical talents at the spring recital, and did a terrific job!  

It was their idea to get snazzed up in their Easter duds.  This pic was taken just seconds after they inhaled three dozen cookies from the reception table.  I seriously had to photo shop chocolate chip chunks from their ties and their teeth.  I did that just for you.  Okay, I did it for me.  Next...

{4.}

Sweet Skin: Yes to Cucumber Facial Towlettes

I'm in a bit of a weird place with my skin right now.  You see, after every pregnancy/birth, my hormones decide to spiral down and crash somewhere beneath the depths of hell, and they like it there, because they just don't want to come back (little devils).  And that does all kinds of strange and complicated things to my brain, my emotions, my body and my skin.  Basically, my skin is *bleep*.  And, it would take Gwyneth Paltrow's army of experts to fix it.  Ain't got no time and no money fo dat!  Products are confusing and they don't work.  I bought some of these Yes to Cucumber facial towlettes to use when I travel, but I like them so much right now, that I'm using them every day.  Fresh, clean, simple.

{5.}

Sweet Baby: Charlie's "I'm Sweet"

Okay, so being the "baby" of of the house, our precious Charlie gets a lot of attention from his parents and his brothers.  Now that he's a big 2 year old, he truly feels like he's a big boy, pushing his trucks around the house like he's boss, screaming "MOM!!!!!!!" when he wants something, and getting into everything that he thinks should be his.  We get our fill of laughs every day just listening to him talk.  New words pop into his vocab by the hour and the boys LOVE to help him with this.  It's like Rosetta Stone playing 24/7 around here.  We are gettin' this English language da-own!! They say a word, and he repeats it. Over.  And over.  And over 'til mommy's crazy!!  One of the boys took this clip yesterday in the car.  Notice how obsessed we are with safety, as Charlie has squirmed out of the shoulder straps.  Nice.  Please overlook our elementary parenting skills.  Gracias.

{P.S. If you haven't signed up for my Run Pretty Far shirt giveaway, it's not too late!}

Run Pretty Far Giveaway (Because, I love you!)

Happy Monday, Friends!! Today, I am one week post-marathon and still feeling so much joy and gratitude from that milestone in my life, that there is really only one thing for me to do with that joy and that's share it with all ya'll!!  But, first, a little story...

If you don't already know, one (of many) of my life-loves besides running is discovering and supporting small, yet mighty, businesses. Growing up in a small town, my parents instilled in my siblings and myself the importance of supporting local business.  I still feel that way today. 

Big chain stores may be convenient, or even a little bit less expensive, but driving out of the way to enjoy a local diner or mom and pop shop is where you will find rewards far greater than food and merchandise.  You find loyalty, character, friendship, and a story about how that business came to be.

Thankfully, many small businesses have online stores, which is great for those of us who live out the middle of nowhere! In the course of my marathon training, I stumbled onto an online company called Run Pretty Far, and it has quickly become one of my favorites!  Not only does Jenn, the founder, have a fabulous line of fun clothing items, including tops and headbands, she also writes a thoughtful blog which highlights everything from her running adventures to motherhood. 

Since I personally own two shirts from Run Pretty Far , I've decided to let you in on the sweetness, by

 GIVING AWAY A T-SHIRT OR TANK TO ONE OF MY LUCKY READERS!!!!

To give you a peek at their awesomeness, I have selected a few of my favorites.  But, you can view the entire collection on their website (as well as other items such as head bands and i-phone covers!).

With summer on the way, this one is patio-perfect!!

Not a margarita fan?? How about cupcakes??!!

I love this tank.  It reminds me of the feeling that comes from running on the perfect day.

The logo tee is one that I own.  It's super comfy and super cute.  Winner!

Sunrise and sunset are two of the most visually spectacular times to run, and this beautiful tank captures  the essence of that!  This is the tank being worn by the model above.

HOUSEKEEPING:

- The giveaway will end one week from today (May 13, 2013).

- The winner will be contacted on that day and given the opportunity to select the t-shirt or tank of their choice!

- You can come back every day to sign up for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!!

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon 2103 - An Experience of a Lifetime!

It is difficult to put into words exactly what running the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has meant to me.  On the outside looking in, a marathon appears to be a feat of great physical proportions (and to some degree it is), but from my vantage point, running has always been about so much more than the sport. (More details here and here.)  The reality of that perspective was impressed indelibly upon my heart when I found myself striding along the 26.2 mile course, along with nearly 25,000 fellow runners, witnessing sights that moved me so deeply that I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was in the company of heroes, warriors, and saints...

I was humbly inspired by individuals in wheel chairs using the incredible strength of their arms and unbelievable determination to tackle the miles, and a father pushing his handicapped son in a stroller - a son who cheered me on as I passed by.  The most precious vision was an elderly couple, tall and slender with white hair wearing long socks, friendly smiles and a twinkle in their eyes.  They held hands devotedly as they took each mile one small stride at a time together down the road.

{photo credit}

There were veterans of war holding our own American flag as they ran, firefighters in full dress packing the burdensome weight of their gear for the 1/2 marathon, several runners with unique physical disabilities fueled by a grit and determination that few of us will ever understand, and waves of enthusiastic participants who showed their love and support for Boston through their red socks or blue and yellow shirts.  A few runners, who were unable to complete the Boston marathon, were invited by the marathon committee to join the race, giving them the opportunity to finish an emotional race that had really begun weeks ago.

It wasn't just the company of runners who inspired me, but the thousands of volunteers who rallied around the event to do everything from pass out water and cheer on runners to hold back traffic and stand alert, ready to protect us from any possible danger or harm. Countless families came out to show their love and support, including kiddos who, still donning fuzzy jammies and rooster tails, stood along the road's edge, offering high fives and grins filled with so much enthusiasm you couldn't help but smile back.

Covering the distance wasn't easy, I'll admit, but the training of the body is by far secondary to the training of the mind, of the heart.  And, that is where the running community finds their connection - not in running but in the reasons why we run.  Every sacrifice, every burden, every disappointment, every pain, every loss, every ounce of hunger for healing, for peace, for authentic love that we have ever experienced in life is why we run, and running is simply the tangible expression of the faith that we have in something greater than ourselves, greater than the moment, greater than the miles we have overcome.

Running in the marathon, accomplishing a goal that took 17 years to fulfill, has truly nourished my heart and soul in ways that I never could have anticipated.  And, the love that I have for the running community at large has a permanent place inside of me, a love that I hope that I can continue to share with others, including my own family.  I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who lovingly offered to pray for me during the race, who have supported me from start to finish and who always believed that despite my age and physical set backs I could do it.  You truly were there with me during the weeks of training and the race, participating in all of the grace filled moments of a journey that I have waited so long to make.  I will forever be honored by your faith in me!

What will my next running venture be?? Well, honestly, the sweetest adventure in my life isn't running, it's being a mom!  Steve and I would love to have more children, and if we cannot, then adoption is a beautiful road we would be happy to travel down.  If more children are not in the Lord's plan for our lives, then I definitely see a life-time of running in my future, including a return trip to Oklahoma City, and the organization of a LIFE Runners chapter in our community.

Here is a chronological scrapbook of the weekend.  

I hope you enjoy it!

(You may also view a short You Tube clip highlighting the race here.)

The marathon wasn't the only focus of the weekend - having some getaway time with Steve was something we had both been looking forward to for a long time!! We stayed at the Historic Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.  It was beautiful!!

Of course, the only photo I took was of the lounge (go figure).  Whoever sewed those curtains must have a crazy wicked sewing machine and talent to match!

The red piano was stunning.  I wish the boys had been there to play it!

Down the hall, just outside our room, was this incredibly stylish chaise lounge and a retro phone.  I'm not above goofing around a bit! Thankfully, Steve kept me in stitches all day on Saturday, which helped tame the nerves a bit.

Organization is the key to a successful race, and OK City has this perfected.  After I picked up my packet, we went on to the running expo, where they had several great vendors selling everything from shoes and ear buds to blinking light accessories for night running.  The famous runner, Dick Beardsley, was there to share his story, give advice and sign autographs.

Before the race began, a prayer service took place along with 168 seconds of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the 1995 bombing.

Every year the race begins at sunrise in front of the memorial, a beautiful way to honor all those who died in and who have been affected by the 1995 tragedy.

Another view of the start of the race (photo courtesy of OKC Marathon).

Me posing with my friend Challie (who ran the 1/2) just before the race began at 6:30 a.m.

I love this photo of the kids marathon - a perfect expression of innocence and hope!

The route was truly beautiful, winding through historic neighborhoods, down to the capital building and even around a scenic lake.  There was always something to set your sights upon, which helps distract you from the pain!

The route was lined with the greatest supporters and fans cheering the runners on, and holding up funny signs that truly made you laugh out loud!

The marathon sponsored several bands to play for us along the route, and in addition to that, many enthusiastic spectators set up speaker systems that played everything from heavy metal to 80's punk.  It was great!!

Steve met me at mile 5, mile 13, mile 20 and mile 25 to let me know where he would be standing near the finish.  He snapped this picture of me, just as I saw his face about 1/2 mile from the finish line.

I wasn't prepared for the emotion that I would feel when I saw him so close to the finish along with his sister, Jennifer, her two children and a few of their friends.

I did the ugly cry at the finish, and with my hands covering my face in embarrassment, a gentleman (who looked like Sean Connery) put a medal around my neck and his arms around my shoulders, letting me know that it was okay to cry.  That just made me cry even more.  I was a mess.  Next time, I'll wear sunglasses.

My biggest fan.  The marathon was a beautiful experience for both of us!

Enjoying a brew with my sister-in-law,   Jennifer.

Of course, there must be a post-marathon celebration!!  Nothing sounded better to me than an icy cold mug of beer and a burger (with fries, extra grease and lots of salt, please)!!

After popping in to check out this pub, we decided it would do.  

At least we knew their taps would not run out!

If anyone knows where I can get a copy of this print, please message me.  I'm in love with this man.

After a shower and a nap, we were surprised to hear room service knock at our door offering these beautiful gifts sent up by my sister, Sara, and her family and my parents.  Yum!!  

When I got home, the boys covered me with hugs.  They took turns wearing my medal, asking me if I had won the race.  When I told them no, my 5 year old, Henry, said, "That's okay, Mom, you'll win next time."  I already have, Henry.  I already have.

You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.

- Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire