Birthday Morning Prayer

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
~Hebrews 12:1-3

It's 5:15, it's very dark out side, and I am drinking just a bit of coffee trying to wake up for the race. We will leave in about 40 minutes. I woke up thinking about this scripture this morning. I always think it's in Corinthians, so I had to look it up...I 'm glad I did.

I 'm praying that this morning I can run with perseverance the 10 miles laid out before me in the next few hours, but more importnatnly, on this my 35th birthday I am reminded that life is like a race: sometimes it's easy and I feel I can go full tilt; sometimes it's hard and I can't catch my breath. There are pitfalls, and hills, and blisters and if you don't drink enough water there is deep aching thirst. There are good things too, the sights, the sunrise, the people and of course the finish line...all laid out by God. The course is not a mystery to Him .

I am thankful for the blessing of God, and I pray that I will finish the race of the day, and of my life, strong and with my eyes on Him.

As a side note can I tell you how thankful I am to God that he brought this scripture to mind in wee hours if this morning? It is proof to me that drinking coffee is biblical...you know, He-brews...reading the scripture and drinking the coffee felt like the sweetest birthday gift!

OK, I am off! I'll update with pictures in a few short hours!

A very grateful, La Vida Dulce!