kick crohns to the curb

So this is me and my girl V. This is one of my favorite pictures, in the whole world. No make-up, no fancy clothes or poses, just me and my girl, sweaty and happy. I couldn't have been more proud of her. It was just 2km, but to her it was like running a marathon. Two months before this photo was taken, she and I spent a week at Sick Kids hospital. She had numerous tests, many of them unpleasant, and we waited (and waited, and waited...) for a diagnosis. It was Crohns, which is what the medical team suspected. It isn't the best, but it is far from terrible. We can do this. I know she will have ups and downs. {She doesn't realize it yet}. But for this girl who couldn't do more than go to school then come home to sit or sleep, running 2km straight was a huge accomplishment. I am proud of her for this, and for so many other things. I don't want to forget how blessed I am.

He provided

Here it is, the second last day of July and I recieved the best gift ever. The kids are at their grandparents, hubby is at work. I woke up with no alarm clock, no children fighting and no to-do list. It was such a gift. I enjoyed my coffee in quiet and spent some time reading another chapter of Proverbs. After a bit of time I got my run gear on, filled my water belt, got my post-run drink made and in the freezer. And out the door. I wasn't even off the driveway and I was so overcome with love and gratitude. The feeling was filling me, of how God has provided for me. He knew how much I needed this morning. A morning of solitude and quiet, a morning for me and Him. I have missed running so much, in fact I didn't realize how much I had missed it. The sun, the quiet roads, the country air. I feel so blessed to live where we do. This time this morning made me fall in love with my home and community. The peace and solitude of where we live. I usually listen to a podcast as I run/walk, but today I decided I would spend it all quietly, praying and listening. I didn't hear any responses from God, but I know His answer to me today was this morning of peace. Thank you Lord for loving me and for gifting me with this day.