I heard a wonderful message this morning. It was from this lady, some of you know, named Beth Moore. I feel like I know her. I have been listening to her and doing her weekly Bible studies for 3 years now. And with each study, I seem to learn more. I learn more about God, life and, myself. I feel much more content with who I am since Beth has been speaking to me. I have given my life to God because He has the file on me and knows exactly what I need. It's a hard thing to do, to just giving it all to Him. But since I have, I feel peace and contentment in knowing that I am doing what He wants me to do. This morning's lesson was on joy. Abiding joy. I had to share it with you. Do you know what complete joy is? It's that kind where your heart is throbing and swelling. Have you ever felt that? She talked about the kingdom that is promised to us. A kingdom where we are royalty. Why is it that when we were little, we dressed up like princesses and there was no doubt that we were royalty. What happens to that feeling? Life takes over and circumstances happen and suddenly we no longer feel like princesses and knights. But it's not true. We ARE royalty. We have royal blood so we must feel that way. God's kingdom is waiting for us. Even when we are going through rough times in life, there is comfort in knowing that joy is coming. There may be tears tonight but there is that awesome joy tomorrow. Reminds me of the friend I know battling cancer. I thought about her and wanted to let her know that JOY is coming! God promises us that. Keep God in your heart. And know that we are all royalty, beautiful in His eyes and there is abiding joy coming to us all.

Oh yeah, this is my boy. Not so little anymore. He had an amazing game in football this past Monday...scored a touchdown and made some awesome blocks. He plays wide receiver, running back on offense and safety on defense (yes, I am learning these positions). Monday was so exciting for him and for us. It got even more exciting in the 4th quarter when the coach put him in as quaterback. He was nervous, but played it great. He just loves the game. Now that he is sleeping in his Green Bay Packer bedroom which I have since finished, I think he even dreams in green! I love watching him play, watching him learn and watching him grow into a wonderful all-around kid. But the best part-the part that makes me sure that I am doing an okay job- is that even this 9-yr. old still says I love you, mom, everyday. That's the part of him that never grows old.

My girls. Only 4 and 6 and how they have changed my life. When I was a little girl I always wanted to have a girl so I could fix her hair...and I got it! Two heads of beautiful hair to brush and braid. The oldest sometimes complains but someday I know she will understand why I just love to brush her hair, for no reason at all. They are best friends and it's so great to see them play together. The youngest does everything the oldest does. Like two peas in a pod. Okay it's not perfect all the time. There are squabbles, arguements over who gets what Barbie and who gets to wear the sparkly shirt, but all in all, they love each other. I pray they stay close when they get older. I'm very close to my only brother and I couldn't imagine not having him in my life. My girls talk about us doing "girl" things when we get older...like getting "pickles" on our eyes, as the 6-yr. old says, going to movies, shopping and getting our nails done. Yes, i have very girl-y girls. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to all the times we will share, as girls. Because there is nothing better than being a girl and doing all those "girl" things together.

What is it about fall that just gets me going in the morning? I love this time of year...football games, leaves changing colors and probably the most important thing, turtlenecks!! Okay, you may think I have totally lost it (maybe too much running) but I love getting out those turtleneck sweaters. Pair 'em up with jeans and I have my favorite outfit. Thinking of being able to wear them just makes me get up in the morning and want to get dressed! I wish I had every color and I'm always on the look out for them. I have always loved turtlenecks. For some reason, they make my hair look better. Sometimes I think it's just all in my head (or neck) but I really think fall gives me more good hair days. Who can complain about that? Whoever invented turtlenecks, thank you. They make me feel good about myself on those days that otherwise I might not. Hmmm...funny how something so silly can make the day. Could only happen to a woman!!

Well, I did it. I can now say I've completed a half marathon. And it's a great feeling. Looking back, I really can't believe it worked out the way it did. My bh was torn between a hunting trip and coming with me and after some discussion, we decided the antelope were calling his name. So I was left Saturday morning to fend for myself, the kids and the dog. Before even leaving town I had to take family pictures and go to my son's soccer game. It was a hectic morning but we all made it to where we needed to be and finally got on the road to Sioux Falls. After spending some awesome time with my dad and stepmom, we went to my mom's where we were spending the night. I went to bed early and my mind was spinning from one thing to another. 2 hours later I was still awake. Before I knew it it was 5:30 and I rolled out of bed. My adreneline took over. I dressed, ate a not-so-tasty energy bar and headed down the two blocks to the wellness center. I was amazed at the people there already, stretching out. I even knew some people. As we loaded the bus to the starting line, it was misting and very chilly. Not a bad day for running a race, I thought. I met up with my running partner and the anticipation grew. Finally the gun went off and we were off, running in the race that I have been working towards for 6 months. The people on the sidelines were amazing. They were cheering and clapping for us, I thought that was so cool. I yelled to them, thanks for working so early in the morning! Mile 1-6 were great, I felt great and it was so pretty out. I just kept looking around, remembering landmarks from growing up in S.F. Then we hit the bike trail. Mile 7...8...more people taking pictures, cheering, hey there's my running partner's family! There were even drummers playing a tune. I couldn't believe all these people were here for us! Mile 9...uh oh, there's the wall. I hit it everytime. It's the time when all of a sudden my knees start to tighten up, they start to feel robotic. I couldn't make them go any faster. I looked at my watch, we were a little behind where we wanted to be but my legs just wouldn't move. I started talking to God. Help me God, I need you here. I accepted what my body and what God was telling me. Mile 10...the longest one. I began to think they measured wrong. This has to be more than a mile! I could feel God with me though. Finally, mile 11...we're almost there. Mile 12...I started feeling good again, I picked up speed. I could hear the people cheering. Must be the finish line I thought. We turned the corner and it was the most awesome thing I've ever experienced...the people clapping, cheering for me a total stranger! I forgot about my robotic knees and just took it all in. I saw my kids, my mom, my dad and the most wonderful surprise. From a distance I heard "DeAnn!" Is that my friend from Monstrose! It was! I couldn't believe it, tears came to my eyes. Having that support was so cool. I've never felt so great before. Immediately afterwards, I knew right then, I was signing up next year. My bh called and after telling him about it, he wished he would've come with me. I could hear it in his voice, he was proud. That made me smile. It's okay, I thought, you'll do it with me next year.

I went home feeling fortunate that God helped me through this race. I'm so astonished at what He shows me everytime I run. I feel like He is right there with me, pulling me along. Now I'm taking a little break but I'm ready for the next race, ready for the next heart to heart talk with God. My tennis shoes are in clear view as we speak. God put them there to remind me how much running puts me one with Him. Thanks be to Him and to you, my friends for being there. It meant so much. Pictures to come!

I've been pounding the pavement for the last 6 months in anticipation of this weekend. It's the day of the big race. Aside from quitting my job 5 years ago to stay home with my kids and start a business, this is the next biggest thing I've ever done. I'm so excited yet scared. A half-marathon has been on my mind for a few years now and here it is, I'm going to do it. Can't back out now. Especially since my good friend and training partner will be waiting for me! I just hope it's an awesome experience. I'll be praying as I always do when I run for God to just help me through to the end. This whole training thing has changed me in a lot of ways. For one, now I actually like water! I never like the taste of water much, I'd prefer an icy Coke. But I made myself drink it after running because I knew it was better for me and I wanted to train the right way. Now I prefer the taste of water. I can drink it all the time and it tastes so good. My skin feels better too. I also appreciate the human body much more. After a 10 miler my knees would hurt so bad, it's hard to walk down the stairs. My friend and I got a huge laugh when we had to skoot down her steps on our butts. That was a sight. My knee still gets a little stiff but how it holds up during all that pounding is incredible. i'm truly thankful for having knees that work and can get me through the training and races. And running with a friend has been awesome. We have become so close going through it together. She has made me a better runner and a better person. So now the training has ended. The days of running those long runs in 100 degrees is over. The gun goes off in 3 days and I'm ready. Ready to run through Sioux Falls and see more of the beauty that God wants to show me.

funny how when you really look, you see beauty all around you. My business is very busy right now with seniors and families. Being in this area of the state, there is never a shortage of "photo spots." I try and make everyone's pictures a little different, try out a new spot. The other day I knew I had a senior booked and while driving to pick up the kids from school, I noticed a bridge. I did a double-take. Where did that come from? Wow, look at those wild flowers, how pretty! That would make a great "photo spot"! Hmmm, all these years in Yankton and I never noticed this bridge before. I decided right then, I was going to take my senior there for pictures to try it out. Wow, was I glad I did. Turns out, it made a beautiful place for pictures. It was like God just put this right in front of my face. Amazing how He does that. I told some friends at my M.O.P.S meeting this morning about it and they all agreed, God is amazing. Sometimes when I run, I notice things I never had before. Like a cornfield...or a trail...or a grove of trees. It's all part of His plan to help me create pictures. Pretty amazing.