"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,.." Hebrews 12:1

Washington DC - October 26, 2008 - Marine Corps Marathon
As Andrew hand-cycled from the starting line 10K course, Bill and Sara and I took off on foot - as the crow flies - to the finish line. Much less than 10K for sure, but felt like more to me as I only walk on an as-need basis.

When we came to "the dreaded hill" near the finish line, Bill & I decided to stop mid-way and wait for Andrew.

As we cheered on other athletes, we kept a careful eye for Andrew on his cycle. Finally our son was at the bottom of the hill but not advancing upward. He'd cycle back a few strokes and then forward hoping to get the momentum needed to continue up this hill that all the runners dread.

Seeing my son struggle I ran to the bottom of the hill, all the while shouting. "Come on Andrew, you can do it. Come on Andy. Go, Go! Buddy push - harder! You can do it!"

The crowd of spectators began shouting with me.

"Go Andy, Go!"

A Marine in uniform came behind Andrew, put his hand on his shoulder and gave just enough support to get him started up that hill. And then a runner took over, with both hands on my son's shoulders he took Andrew to the top of the hill. There he asked Andrew if he needed more help, but Andrew wanted to, and did, cross the finish line on his own.

I have attached a picture of Andrew and the Marine helping him. But look closer, look at the other runners. The couple in front of Andrew - is clapping. There is a runner behind Andrew in a pink shirt and another in a green and white shirt, and they are cheering Andrew on as well! (Sorry the picture was shrunk to fit my blog spot and these runners may not visible. I'll send you the picture through another vehicle if you wish. Just let me know.)

These are not bystanders, spectators like Bill & I. They are people in the race with Andrew. Feeling the pain, knowing the hill, up-close-and-personal.

Much like the "cloud of witnesses" we read about in the book of Hebrews. Those witnesses knew, up-close-and-personal, the struggles of being a Christian in a society of persecution. They faced hills, even mountains of adversity and trials. These witnesses were not merely cheering spectators!

I pray that today, we find opportunities to share how we completed a race of our own with God's help. Let's be transparent with our lives. Share our struggles, tell how God put His hands on our shoulders and helped us up those hills and through those dark valleys.

Let us be among that 'cloud of witnesses". We may just be the "push" someone needs to reach the top of their hill and finish their race.

Blessings, Carole

A Single Pink Sapphire Earring.

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting the whole of your cares, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (Amplified Version)

Faith 101, right?

Dedicating your life to Christ, your children in service to the Lord, signing papers allowing your only son to become a Marine, taking steps in re-marriage, facing a health crisis or awaiting the return of your severely injured son from Iraq. All opportunities to cast your cares upon Him.

Friday afternoon, Tampa, Florida September 2006. Since the weekend guests had not started checking-in, it was quiet at the Double Tree Suites. In fact I found myself alone pool side, praying about whether or not to follow Bill's lead and return to NJ now. At this point in Andrew's rehabilitation we were no longer needed. In fact we may have been hindering Andrew & Sara's transition to living with his quadriplegia.

Suddenly I noticed I was missing an earring. One of the pink sapphire earrings Bill gave me on my first Mother's Day 30 years ago. And then Christmas 2005, he presented me with a custom designed necklace to match. My first jewelry ensemble - other than inexpensive boxed sets.

Now, I diligently looked in all the obvious places and every not-so obvious place for the lost earring. I slowly walked the shallow end of the pool with sensitive feet, feeling for something on the bottom. Not being a good swimmer, I walked the perimeter of the deep end looking through the still water for the small earring. I retraced steps eyes peeled on the tile, checked the hotel room, checked my clothing. Nothing.

I didn't panic, although in another time and place I may have. I had just thanked the Lord for His work in Andrew's body and asked also for His guidance, so this lost earring didn't seem like such a big deal. Although I was sad about the loss.

Fast forward to Sunday. I had the pleasure of attending a church service with my new friend Crystal, a member of the hotel staff. The pastor's sermon truly helped in my latest worry - when to return to NJ. God spoke in a mighty way to me through the message. More on that another time.

While driving back to the hotel, my daughter Kelly, also staying at the hotel, called on my cell to say she was at the pool. There were more people compared to Friday but one gentleman swimming with his granddaughter looked at Kelly - out of all the folks poolside - and asked if she had lost an earring.

Kelly quickly responded, "My mom did! A pink sapphire one!"

And, there in that little child's hand was my lost earring.

In my searching on Friday I don't remember praying specifically for the earring. But I had "once and for all cast my cares" on Him. And once again God proved His "watchful" care of me. His watchful eye saw even to the bottom of that swimming pool.

I wear those earrings and necklace almost daily now. Pink after all "is the new black" or was last year in the fashion world. I reach for them often to make sure they are there. To be honest Bill had them refitted with screw backs upon my return to NJ. But each and every time I feel them securely there I remember my security in my heavenly Father's love, faithfulness and care for the huge things and the small.

Even as small as a single pink-sapphire earring.

To twitter or not to twitter. Now there's a question.

Hello friends, Today a discussion ensued on my online Writers' Group about
using the new online communication vehicle called Twitter. Twitter.com.
Be sure to read the Surgeon General's warning as to the addiction side
effects of said site.

As the conversation continued I couldn't help myself. I had go to dictionary.com.

twit-ter - verb (used without object)
1. to utter a succession of small, tremulous sounds, as a bird
2. to talk lightly and rapidly, esp. of trivial matters; chatter
3. to titter; giggle.
4. to tremble with excitement or the like; be in a flutter.
- verb (used with object)
5. to express or utter by twittering.
-noun
6. an act of twittering.
7. a twittering sound.
8. a state of tremulous excitement.

So there we were, a group of novelists, columnists etc twittering about
whether to twit or not to twit.

Personally?

I twitter (#2) and have for years. Anytime, anyplace to anyone with ears.
At the office, at home, in the line at the store. I should be about twittered out,
dontcha think? My kids say I twitter too much. Especially to strangers.
"You are embarrassing us Mom."

If I went to a site to twitter, I'd twiddle away my day and get nothing else
done. And I am so ADD or ADHD or OCD or some other D
that if I started twittering I'd get hooked and never see the light of day.
I am of course using verb definition #2 here.

I have been known to twitter (#4) but I take medicine for that at my age.

I never #3. I am more of a hearty loud somewhat obnoxious guffaw.
Which I guess could be birdlike - Big Bird.

Well enough of this. I must get going to Bible Study where
Thou Shalt Not Twitter!

Altho sharing prayer requests can be a bit ....

ENOUGH CAROLE! - SIGN OFF