My thoughts on a day never forgotten...

It's 9/11.
Today I remember.
and I'll never forget.

I walked into a High School English class to note that my teacher had a very concerned look on her face. She switched on the TV. We watched for quite a while as the media continued to show the planes deliberately fly into the Twin Towers. Then came word of the Pentagon and the flight in Pennsylvania. What in the world? Not in America.

I remember my dad always talking about "bomb drills" from when he was in school. I wondered if we might possibly start practicing some kind of our own. The events of that day infuriated me and made me so sad for those precious families.

Now that it has been ten years and I reflect back to that day and the days and years that followed, my mind goes several places.

One- to our military. If any of you ever read this, Thank You! Those two words will never be enough to completely show how I feel about what you do for our country. Cliche, maybe, True, absolutely- Freedom is NOT Free and we can't forget it.

Two- Patriotism- Where is it??? Yes,  we all know Toby Keith wrote the song 'Have You Forgotten,' but it might should have been written a long time ago. Our country, long before 9/11, fought for its freedom.  Men and Women have died for centuries preserving the best country in the world. If our country does not unite and cross party lines and people do not stop looking out for only themselves, we are in deep trouble.  Wave your flags people, sing the National Anthem at college football games, show pride in where we live!

Three (and I think most important)- God is doing a work in you, and in people all over the world. Why would this come to my mind today? Because, our Creator and Sustainer of life knew that 9/11 would happen. He loved those people who died, including the men driving the planes into the towers. He has used that day to bring glory unto Himself, despite the hardship and loss so many have gone through. "Men meant evil against me, but God used it for good."- Genesis 50:20 What He wants more than anything is for us to Love our enemies and Bless those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44) We may die trying, but if we proclaim the name of Jesus to the world and truly show love to those who hate us... only then have we demonstrated the Gospel of Christ.

Several years ago, Travis and I visited New York City and traveled to the 9/11 memorial site. Here are a few pictures from there. Just thought I would share for today....

Fire Station right outside of 9/11 memorial

Rebuilding....

                                                            Flag on top of Ladder Co. 10



Peace and Love,
Kristen

My running ability...

....or the lack there of!

Travis and I are three or four weeks into training for a 10k. Yes, I know, some of you who read this are runners and are laughing at the thought of training for a 10k, but for us it's a big deal. It's amazing that him being 8 inches taller than me makes such a difference in running. Tonight, I was running around a 9 minute pace (yes, runners, it is ridiculous, but good for me!) and Travis was able to walk (rather quickly, but still!) while I was running.

It just makes me mad!!

I also have to have a puff of my inhaler and eat a tums tablet before we go. He just jogs his happy little rear end right on out there.  Like I said...my running ability (or the lack there of)--it just does not come naturally. But, I really enjoy it! It actually seems to give me energy and relieves stress, both of which I desperately need!  It also has given us a way to exercise together. Before we started this, Travis went to the gym to lift weights and I would walk or jog outside. It has given us a common goal and is something that we are able to fit into our schedules to do together.

Not to mention, any race we do is for a good cause. The last 5k I ran was with a former student and it was one of the most rewarding things I have done.  This race that we are hoping to run in October is to help raise money for the Lincoln Co. Education Foundation. Anything that we can do to help children (of all ages) is special to us!


On one last note...which is off key from the rest of this post...it's September...you know what that means??? FOOTBALL!!!

GO DAWGS!!!!

We are off to see our Bulldogs this weekend (with my dad, sister, and bro-in-law) against Boise State. Sick 'em Dawgs! :)

Peace and Love-
Kristen