[Free Methodist] Bible Quiz Finals 2013

It was fantastic fun, the loudest laughter, the best group of students & leaders for 5 days at Roberts Wesleyan College. BIBLE QUIZZING FINALS 2013! I had been sincerely excited about this particular Nationals for a few reasons.

1) I had actually studied and nailed the 45 quote verses.
2) Kevin, Brian, Tara, and I were going to be QUIC* quizzing with other adults - my first time quizzing!
3) Every year I connect with more and more people from across the country, catch up on their lives and look forward to seeing them again next year. What a great community.
4) We were taking a wonderful conglomeration of Albion students along with Tara, Kevin and me.

*QUIC = quiz masters and coaches division (aka - grown ups get to quiz for no prize other than the joy of it, from 8:30-10pm, when we're exhausted. Just because.)

Our week. In Photos. 

That's me with Zach - the boy who kept us laughing and light-hearted all week. We're TWINSIES!

The Young Teen Rookie Quizzers on the jump seats

Kirsten helped keep those Middle Schoolers in line with this look. 

QUIC Quizzing was SO MUCH FUN, especially because we had worked hard to know the material well. We were seeded FIRST after the round robin quizzing, and then finished second in our B division.

the ecclesecclesecclesTHOM Quic Quiz Team. And Karl.

(Karl was a STV A* quizzer who came to support us. And check up on Kevin's quizzing ability. ;))

*senior teen veteran A division

My favorite (and quite handsome) quiz master

Kirsten quizzed all year with these sweet girls from Gowanda and they placed 1st in their STV B division!

The Eccles Three!

We're so proud of our Young Teen Rookie Quiz Team for securing a 5th Place win (out of 14 teams).

And a shout out to their coach, also a "rookie," who lead confidently and calmly!

Each year coaches are asked to nominate deserving high school years as potential recipients of the Dave Markell Excellence in Attitude Award. In my opinion this is the MOST IMPORTANT award you can receive at Nationals. It is given to a senior who has shown faithfulness and commitment to quizzing, and a Christ-like attitude in and out of the quizzing environment. We couldn't NOT nominate our girl, Kirsten, for this award. 

During the week of Nationals, the regional directors observe the nominees in their interactions with other quizzers, coaches, and quiz masters and eventually come to a decision. 

KIRSTEN WON!

Tears streamed down my face as I snapped this photo. I am incredibly proud of the godly life Kirsten leads and thankful that she was honored today with this prestigious character award. 

Thanks for being my roommate this week, Kirsten, 

and for being an amazing student and a true friend. Love you!

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Does Isaiah's Prophecy Apply?

In studying the first week of Beth Moore's Breaking Free, the central Scripture was Isaiah 61:1-3. 

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

    because the Lord has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

    to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

    and release to the prisoners;

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,

    and the day of vengeance of our God;

    to comfort all who mourn;

to provide for those who mourn in Zion—

    to give them a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

    the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

    the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.

As I first read this passage in the context of my breaking free from spiritual chains, I was applying these words to my own life, interpreting them as a prophecy written on my own life. Though I have read these verses in the context of Christ, for whatever reason my perspective was different this time. But then, I got to the next paragraph in Beth's study guide and she explicitly pointed out how these verses were indications of the great works and power the Messiah Jesus was going to have on earth (and referenced Luke 4:14-21 as prophetic fulfillment.) 

Certainly Beth is correct in his interpretation of these verses, but my heart was a bit down-trodden as I realized they weren't indications of prophecy meant for my life. I was disappointed, but moved on, knowing I serve a Christ who is capable of all of those things. 

And then, the moment of clarity came to me as quick as a flash, evidently a word from the Holy Spirit (John 14:12-13). 

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 

These words from the mouth of Jesus, the one fulfilling the prophecy to bind up the broken hearts, to bring (to BE) the Good News, and proclaim the Lord to all those who mourn, was telling me that through my faith in him I was do those same great deeds on his behalf -- and even greater. HOW POWERFUL!

My God is a God of redemption, of glory, of greatness, of healing and mercy. And through his anointing on my life, the righteousness poured into me through the sacrifice of his Son, I am given the power to do even greater things than Christ. 

Am I (are you?) prepared for the fullness of this prophecy in my life?  

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The One with the Longest Run Yet

The long run.

It's a newer venture for me as I am training for the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon (for hospice) on September 22nd. Eight years ago when I began this running thing, I never imagined I would ever in a million years be able to run 13.1 miles straight--let alone in a race. But after today, I see the destination and it's just a short mile away. 

For the past many weeks, I've been building my weekly mileage with a weekend long run. I started with 6 miles, as that was a pretty routine long run for me, and built from there. Today, I completed twelve miles! And let me tell you, running all but three of them along with my friend, Sheryl, makes them so much more attainable. (In case you don't know, it takes 2 or more hours to finish that many miles, and that's a long time to be out by yourself. Having someone to chat with makes it infinitely happier.) 

The crazy part of long runs for me is that around mile 6 I get a second wind. I feel happier, more alert, in a groove, like I could keep going and going for miles.

Running seems to be almost entirely a mental sport.
If you think you should be out of breath, you will be.
If you think you can't keep going, you won't.
If you think, the pain is too bad, you'll give up.
If you think the distance is overwhelming, it is.

But the great part is, the reverse is true as well.
If want to keep going, you will.
If you decide to settle in for the long haul, you'll do it.
If you don't think about how many miles are ahead of you, you won't get psyched out.

It's a beautiful thing when you can control your mind by taking every thought captive. 

Running is a beautiful metaphor for the Christian faith. All of those mental games cross over into the faith arena as well, especially for these long runs. If you prepare your mind, your heart and your body for a long journey, you will most certainly overcome the obstacles--be they physical or spiritual--that are thrown in your way. In those moments when you recognize the throbbing knees, the tired heart, the sore muscles, the labored breathing, you might be tempted to give up and collapse, but if you embrace the pain as part of the journey you might even come to consider them joy, because you know this testing develops perseverance, which leads to maturity and completion. Victory in crossing the finish line.

And most importantly, if you run the race marked out for you NOT ON YOUR OWN but with Christ alongside you, the journey is much more peaceful.

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 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

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The One with the SPU Photos

After a late night youth group bonfire party on June 24th, we met bright and early (or not really bright at all) in the church parking lot on Monday at 4:45am. Four Bible Quizzers (ages 12, 15, 17, and 18) and five adults (ages shall remain confidential. lol), headed to the Buffalo airport with loads of luggage in tow. 

First, a note: Yes, adults outnumbered students. Yes, it was kind of humorous. Kevin and I went as quiz masters so we got our registration paid for. One of the leaders was a student's mom, and the other two ladies have been directing quizzing together for more than a decade.

After 7 hours of flying (and feeling like it was 11am for hours and hours, thank you jet lag), we made it safely to Seattle Pacific University. After dropping off our luggage in our dorms, we hopped on the city bus and headed for Pike's Market. 

the girls and me (Jayne, Catherine, Kirsten)

a shot from inside Pike's Market. 

I'm impressed with this self-timed picture--
I precariously balanced our camera on a curved post

From Tuesday until Thursday, we were busy with round after round of Bible Quizzes. Tuesday and Wednesday, our team of four students had 16 rounds of quizzing against teams from all over (Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, and more!) While they were reciting Scripture, Kevin and I were busy judging answers by other quiz teams like them. I quiz mastered in the Young Teen Veteran B division (aka "students in grades 6-9 who have quizzed more than one year and aren't quite as awesome as A division, but still pretty great"). Kevin worked in the Senior Teen Vet B division. Quiz mastering is long and hard, but so much fun. What a fantastic opportunity for both of us.

Team Shot with Team Shirts
(shirt design thought of in my brain and executed by Kevin.)
Jesus Christ (infinity sign)
the same yesterday, today, and forever

In between all of the quizzing, we had morning chapels with a fantastic worship team and a riveting speaker. We ate way too much delicious food in the dining commons.
We played lots of overly competitive Rook.
We hung out around the grand piano in the student lounge.
We went to the SPU sponsored carnival and gallivanted around campus (well, I gallivanted while the other adults went to the coaches' meeting.)
We climbed FLIGHTS AND FLIGHTS of stairs. Seattle is crazy hilly.
We walked 2 miles to Gas Works Park overlooking downtown Seattle. It was a fantastic park where the quizzers enjoyed the sights, some soccer and ultimate frisbee, and some fun photo opps like this one--

Kirsten and I exploring Gas Works Park

After the quizzing week was over and we had packed up our rooms, we headed into downtown for an evening of sight-seeing. First stop? The Space Needle. This world-fair-attraction from 50 years ago is really quite the fantastic experience. We spent a couple of hours goofing around at 350 feet in the air.

At the top of the Space Needle

we heart Seattle

Space Needle after Dark

That night, we drove to a Super 8 motel and spent the night with more Rook and girly conversation late into the night. One of the teens asked me, "Mel, I think it's past your bedtime." She was right.

Saturday morning we made the 2 hour drive southeast to Mount Rainier National Park. Wow. This place is seriously breathtaking. We drove and drove through the winding (nail-biting) curves for most of the day, stopping to take pictures every few turns. We even ate our Subway lunch next to a 5 foot high pile of snow.

Kevin and I in Mt Rainier National Park

In the middle of all the driving, we did get out and hike around a 2 mile trail for a bit. Very awesome. The sights and sounds in a forest like this one is like nothing I've ever experienced. Incredible.

The group exploring Mt. Rainier National Park

Another night in another hotel, and we were off for the coast. You can't go to Seattle and not experience the Pacific Ocean, right? This was my favorite day of tourism as it was the most relaxed. The kids played in the chilly water for hours and hours, there was football throwing, and beach walking, fried-fish-eating, and book reading, window shopping, and ice cream cone eating. Perfect if you ask me.

Wave Jumping in Long Beach, WA

The girls and me at the Pacific Ocean

Sunday night brought us to another hotel where we had just enough time to go a brief swim in the pool, shower off, and play another round of Rook. We packed up our stuff for good in the morning, and headed to the airport. Our flight was delayed 2 hours, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the surprising amount of tourism that can be had in the SeaTac Airport before sitting on the plane for 4 hours. Thankfully, we made it to our transfer flight at Chicago Midway Airport with just 10 minutes to spare. *whew*. Another seemingly-quick flight and we were in Buffalo. It was 1:30am by the time we arrived home and I got to clean our bathroom thanks to the nasty smell of decaying fish that had found its way up the toilet after flushing our beloved goldfish last week (due to the high heats.) awesome. 

Despite the many days it's taken me to get over my jet lag and the plain ol' exhaustion of an 8 day trip, it was   A PHENOMENAL experience. I loved the time I had with those three girls, I loved the city of Seattle (and I don't even like cities!), I loved the sight seeing, I loved quiz mastering at the National Level, and I loved the other leaders on the trip. I'd call that a win! 

The One with Seattle (hang on.)

note: If you'd like to see more about this trip make sure you check out the more recent post (and all its pictures HERE.

The last week has been filled with Rook, snowball fights, splashing in the Pacific Ocean, quoting Hebrews, eating tofu, riding public transportation, sleeping in random hotels, getting to share said hotel rooms with teenaged girls, running on steep hills, overlooking the city of Seattle from 350 feet, venturing on mountains, spitting into waterfalls, arguing with the gps about directions, whispering secrets and giggling in the dark. 

Overflowing with goodness, the past 8 days at Bible Quiz Nationals were unforgettable. And I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend with our quizzers. I loved every minute with them. 

And after my body adjusts from jet lag and, well, 8 days with teenagers ;) I'll be sharing a few wonderful pictures from the week. 

Now? I sleep.

picture courtesy of The Space Needle
(and no, that's not the actual city behind us. This was inside the Needle.)

The One with My "Type A" Rationale

Currently our daily chronological Bible reading has Kevin and I reading through Exodus. The crazy thing is, I have no idea how many times I have previously studied through these passages, but reading straight through them in order brings so many details to light. Almost daily, Kevin hears me exclaim my startling realization. 

Today's proclamation was, "Oh my gosh, it was AARON who had the Israelites build the golden calf?! SERIOUSLY? And then he was crazy enough to say: So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf! Really, Aaron?" 

But that is neither here nor there. This post is about the justification for my Type A personality.

design by www.kevinandmel.com

These past  few days, our Bible reading schedule* has led us through the detailed explanations of Exodus chapters 25-32. The LORD God gave Moses explicit instructions on how to construct the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, the Altar, the Priestly Garments, and more. Most people would probably skim these sections as if they were reading those wordy genealogies sprinkled throughout Scripture. You know, it's just one of those things you all but ignore unless you're a scholar and need to study the passage for a certain reason. 

It may have something to do with my personality, or my desire to thoroughly comprehend each Scripture passage I read this year, but these chapters really struck me. Suddenly, like never before, I was in awe of MY God's attention to detail. He cared about every single aspect of each building project. God gave Moses instructions--that were more like commands--with precise dimensions, exact materials, and intricate ornamentation.  

The Lord wanted things "just-so" in order to ensure the holy set-apart-ness of each object. These weren't going to be run of the mill tents and boxes and garb. No, these were the representation of YHWH (YAHWEH--the very Spirit and Breath of God). They deserved special treatment, perfect details, elaborate jewels, awe-inspiring designs, and specific materials that were worthy of His presence. 

And you wouldn't believe how exciting, how comforting it was to realize that my Type A personality--the part of me that needs order, values the aesthetic, desires details--was a shadow of my Creator. The same quirks I so often get teased for, are the ways that I am uniquely created in HIS IMAGE. How cool is that?! 

So the next time you make fun of someone for being "uptight" about details or you feel like you're the crazy one for needing order in your life, recognize the reality--that is one aspect of our Lord God's essence. 

*Chronological Bible-in-a-Year Reading Schedule

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The One with the Still Mornings

so pleased to be joining up with Gypsy Mama's Five Minute Friday challenge. The starting concept is-

Awake

These past two weeks have been beautiful. Awaking early in the morning, before the sun rises, all because I have an 8am "devos" date with my husband. 

I have always been a morning person. I enjoy the thrill of early morning runs, watching the sun peek over the horizon, knowing so much of the town still sleeps. Those few days over the Christmas holiday were especially peaceful. Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse - surprisingly accurate depiction of small town America on the mornings of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not one car passed me. No one was out to get the newspaper. No garage doors creaking open to reveal cars packed and ready for the work day. Here or there a light shone in a window, a chimney released its warm smoke, but mostly all was still. 

I feel peace in the mornings, as hard as it is to pull back the warm covers and peel open my sleepy eyes. It is quiet. A new day, ready to be written. Will I follow obediently in the path God has laid out for me, holding his hand and following his lead? Or will I try to maintain control and guide my steps on my own? 

The One with Our Daily Bread

For the past week my heart has been so happy, so full. My husband and I made a commitment to spend a half hour together every single morning reading our Bibles, discussing, and praying together. We're not really "New Year Resolution" kind of people, but I guess that's exactly what we did. We resolved to change our lives, change our days, change our year before it even began.  

Thanks to Kevin's Grandma A for sharing the link to the Joni & Friends Chronological Bible-in-a-Year Reading Schedule, we have a purpose and a plan each morning and we go from there. We have found that it works best if we read the day's passage to ourselves, making notes or comments while reading, and then spend time sharing our thoughts once we're both finished. It has been so much fun doing this together. Our conversations start different every day, and who knows what we'll end up talking about, but having that time to think deeply, Scriptually, Spirit-led, together every day is incredible. 

Then we share our hearts--concerns, prayer requests, thoughts, burdens, joys. These types of interactions have proven to be joyful and fueling for both of us. And to start the day that way is just thrilling. 

It has given me a renewed purpose, a better reason to wake up early every morning. No excuses. Accountability to reading God's Word. Thought-provoking conversation. And time together, deepening our marriage relationship. 

And even though we're starting out in the book of Job (not exactly the easiest book of the Bible to read) and this past week wasn't the greatest, we couldn't be more joyful. There was one morning we had to leave the house at 8am--our devotional date time. I was going to read my passage on my ow, but Kevin eagerly asked if I would wait until the evening when we could spend the time together. ummm, YES, no problem. :) Amazing. 

Between this endeavor, and my commitment to pray for my husband each day in January, I feel joy-filled. 

Have you made any life changing commitments this month?  Or do you have any words of experience or advice to share with us? 

The One with "Mastering" a Great Day

What a fantastic day! It was just one of those all-too-rare days when my mood was good and my spirits were high for every moment of it. Even the getting-up-at-6am-on-a-Saturday didn't deter me (despite the struggle to fall asleep the night before). 

Besides the great mood, it was the first Bible Quiz of new school year--over Hebrews and I&II Peter. Rich books, I tell ya, but crazy difficult to memorize. These quote verses are killing me! (I like to memorize the 40 quotes along with the quizzers--to set an example and to continue hiding God's Word in my heart.) In any case, it was also mine and Kevin's maiden voyage into Western New York's quizzing conference--transported all the way from Southern Michigan. Some of the quizzers think we're here as undercover spies to report back to our Michigan directions. :)

You may remember my epic saga of becoming a quizmaster at this past summer's Quiz Nationals? Well, that transformed me into a regular conference quiz master in our new region! Kevin and I were both placed in 2 of the 4 top division rooms of today's quiz--which was super cool! I was a teensy bit nervous with my new responsibility, but I quickly found my groove.

quizmastering in action at Nationals 2011

Kevin @ Nationals

For the rest of the day I just couldn't help but think to myself, "I LOVE quizmastering!" And I really do! I don't know if that makes me a nerd (ok, it probably definitely does), but I'm fine with that. I love the moment by moment unpredictability combined with the repetitive cadence of each round. (Is that redundant? "repetitive cadence"?) I love that Kevin is 2 rooms down, asking the same questions, dealing with totally different issues, and gathering a unique set of stories to share with me at lunch and at the end of the quiz. I love seeing every different quizzer and coach throughout the day, getting to know them and having them welcome me into their "quiz family." And, I have to admit, I kinda love being in charge of the quiz room. It's that first born in me, soaring to new heights...errrr....soaring to that place of familiarity--leading, bossing--but with much more class and respectfulness than my 5 year old self. 

See, mom & dad? My bossy tendencies have been channeled into the right arenas and are now being properly put to good use! 

Besides having a blast quiz mastering, I ate the most delicious Subway sub, had hilarious conversation with Kevin and Eric (our new, but feels-like-we've-known-him-forever friend), shopping at Sam's Club with Kevin, drinking way too much Diet Coke & eating fan-friggin-tastic samples at said Club, purchasing Silk soy milk in pursuit of dealing with a potential lactose intolerance, finding my newly designed Piano Studio business cards sent from VistaPrint (and loving them!!!), and receiving a brand new copy of Angie Smith's book What Women Fear thanks to my friends at (in)courage. 

SEE?! What did I tell you?! A GREAT day! 

How was your Saturday? 

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The One with the Teens Loving Jesus

Want to know the highlight from my week with our teens at Family Camp? The sunshine in my days? The time that made my heart happy? 

Every morning, after most of the teens had spent an early morning hour chatting and laughing and enjoying a bowl of cereal, it was time for personal quiet times. A half hour before the morning service, we sent the students off to find a quiet space to read their Bibles and pray and seek Jesus. 

It was a beautiful thing to behold. There was never a complaint, or even a sigh. They went with good attitudes, as if they were anticipating the Word from the Lord. 

They scattered to tents, to Cross Hill, to a sunny bench, to a chair around the non-existent fire. And as I did the dishes, while the sun streamed through the trees, I took note of the beauty of the moment. Watching as they turned pages, chose a passage, took out a pen, and soaked in the Scriptures. 

What a beautiful thing. 

I don't think we could have done anything better for our students during this week. Praying they will take this new habit with them into the "regular" routines. God is so good.

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The One with the Final Quiz

[Free Methodist] Bible Quizzing. Are you familiar with this concept? I wasn't either until I started dating Kevin a few months into our freshmen year of college, and he was recounting stories of his Bible Quizzing days. Then I began attending monthly quizzes along with him as he quizmastered. I worked my way into the time-keeping position, then scorekeeping (which is WAY complicated), and just this year attempting quizmastering myself.

We spent the last 9 months challenging, studying with, and motivating (or attempting to motivate) our two teams of quizzers as they participating in monthly quiz meets. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons our teams weren't going to attend the Bible Quiz Finals competition--joining teams from across the nation. Kevin was planning to quizmaster at the competition (meaning his costs would be covered), but I didn't want to just spectate and pay a couple hundred dollars to do so. 

But then we heard the plea for additional quizmasters. I was in! For the past 2 days, Kevin and I have been quizmastering from 10am to 5pm. It's ridiculously challenging. It's quiet exhausting. But it's very fun too! I have learned SO much in my concentrated quizmaster experience. I am grateful. I went into that first quiz with the attitude that I was confident, I could do this, I was capable. Even though I really wasn't sure any of those statements were true. But things have worked out well, despite a few lapses in judgment and/or brain function. :) 

In the in-between times we've been catching up with old friends and making lots of new ones from all over the states--Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, New York, Nevada and more. We've eaten FAR too much delicious food. We've shared a campus dorm room--a definite no-no for those years when we were students. :D I've gone on early morning runs. We've been reliving memories--walking the P loop, the time before the clock tower was built or Gainey Hall or University Hall or this cute little courtyard. It was good times we've had on this campus. 

And now that I'm all "experienced" at this quizmaster thing, I look forward to a new season! So long, John; bring on Hebrews and I and II Peter.  

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The One with the Shelter of the Almighty

Finding the shelter in the wisdom of the Lord tonight, here in Isaiah 55:6-13

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
   call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way
   and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
   and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
   come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
   without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
   and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
   will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
   will clap their hands. 

The One with Your Study Tips

I need your help. I am planning on starting a women's small group for a few ladies in our church, and I'd love to find an awesome curriculum to use. My mom has done many Beth Moore studies in the past and always raves about them, so if you have a particular Moore book to recommend, please share! 

The group will likely consist of a perfect mix of 20somethings and 30 or 40somethings. Some of the members have a good grasp of Scripture, but others are hungry to learn as they have just recently turned their lives over to Christ's Lordship. I'm so excited to be a part of helping and teaching them what I've learned and experienced about God, and I look forward to learning from their wisdom and maturity in life. 

Please share your recommendations for Bible studies. 

Any tips would be welcomed--especially those geared towards women and new believers. 

Thanks, friends!

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The One with the Little Thrills

I have to share a few tidbits of excitement! (I use the word "excitement" loosely, as I realize my causes for excitement are different than most.) This morning I headed out for my run in the nine degree temperature. Yes, nine degrees is every bit as cold as it sounds. However, I have decided I would much prefer nine degrees to twenty-three degrees with winds of 15-20 mph. A run in that weather is not going to happen. In any case, I made it to my halfway point, ready to turn around, when I decided to take a side path through a neighborhood. Having done three 4 mile runs with Ingrid while in Tennessee, I knew adding a mile wouldn't be that big of deal. As I started down the road, I thought, "Hmm, maybe I'll just take that first road and circle around. NO! Come on, Mel, you can totally make it to the end." 

And I did. I finished my run like it was no big deal. It was an enjoyable run, despite the fact that my thighs were frost-bit through my pants. After my nose stopped dripping and my eyeballs stopped tearing, I decided I should see what my mileage was, just for the heck of it. I was surprised to discover that my regular 3 mile run was in fact 3.6 miles (awesome) and the total for today's run was 4.8 miles--almost an entire mile longer than I had anticipated--and I had finished in 41 minutes. I was so stoked with an 8.7 minute/mile pace knowing I hadn't pushed myself. Yay. 

Sorry. I had to be proud for a minute. :)

The other awesome thing of today was my new Bible study with my friend, Brandy. She's actually the mom of one of our teens and we've really hit it off. She's the friend God knew I was needing. We talk so easily, we understand one another, we listen, we open up. It's great. Brandy is relatively new to the whole Jesus following thing, so she wanted a partner in reading through the Gospels. I haven't had a Bible study in years and years, and I'm so excited to spend time studying Scripture with a good friend. 

And on top of that, Brandy sold one of the items I've been secretly creating. I was so stoked! More on that after Christmas! 

The One with Books and THE Book

Bible Quizzing is awesome.
Our quizzers totally rocked my socks off tonight.
It was a solid practice.
With kids actually studying together.
And many of them showing the fruits of their memorizing labor from this summer.
I'm so *proud.*

And it has to help that we've gone from 3 quizzers last season to 8-11 this year!
(I leave that range because we're sure numbers will change after the first month.)
Having more student committed and challenging each other is great peer pressure. :)

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I finished my fourth Karen Kingsbury series since this Spring.
I've completed Redemption (5 books), Fame (4 books), Sunrise (4 books), and now Above the Line (4 books).
They are all fabulous.
I'm going to miss the Baxters and the Flanigans and all the characters in between.
Karen is amazing at writing you into the stories.
I'm certain I know Bailey and Cody, Landon and Ashley, Kari and Dayne.
Yes, I realize that it's a fantasy world.
But all the same, those characters become alive.
Their stories resonate with mine.
And THAT is why Karen Kingsbury is an amazing author.