Each Day Is a Gift

Five years ago almost to the date, my husband was called and sustained to be the Stake President of the Lehi Utah North Stake which has since grown to encompass 14 wards and one branch.  Today our Stake was divided and a new Stake, the Lehi Utah Cedar Hollow Stake, was organized.  It was a joyous, bittersweet and historical occasion.   What a privilege and pleasure it is to witness the work of the Lord moving forward through His faithful and diligent servants.  The Spirit was abundant, tears of joy and gratitude flowed freely.  Indeed we are no more strangers but are fellow saints.   What a blessing it is to live among such choice people, to serve with such kind and loving brothers and sisters.

I am grateful for the knowledge and testimony that I have of a living Father in Heaven who loves us and knows us by names.  Indeed, the first word uttered by God, the Father, in this dispensation was:  "Joseph!"  For He knows Joseph and called him by name as He introduced His Son, "this is my Beloved Son, hear him."  I bear witness that He lives and knows us individually.  He loves us.  He hears and answers our prayers.  I testify that His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer.  

Through the power of the Holy Ghost, I come to know for myself that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared before Joseph Smith.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  Through him, the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the holy priesthood along with all the saving ordinances were restored.  I am grateful for the knowledge and testimony that I have of the Plan of Salvation.  I know that family can be forever.  Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be made whole.  Because of His triumphant over death, we can attain immortality and eternal life. 

I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  It is another testament of Jesus Christ.  I know we have living prophets here on earth today to guide and lead us.  I know President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God.  With every fiber of my being, I bear witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Savior of all mankind.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His kingdom on earth and this is His work.  What a glorious privilege it is to be counted as one of His disciples and to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel.  I share my testimony (which is dear and precious to me) with you and whoever read this,  I do so with much love and gratitude, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I'm supposed to run the one and only VO2 max workout today.  NO GO!  I can barely move.  My calves have been sore and swollen.  The areas behind the knees at the top of my calves are very tender to touch.  What was I thinking pounding up and down the 1,080 concrete stairs at the Marriott Center and did nothing to warm up before or cool down later???!!!  DUMB DUMB ME!!!  I have done nothing but sat for hours through meetings this entire weekend. 

The IV puncture area of my right arm has been bruised badly with a big patch of black, purple and green.  Today, 2 weeks later, the bruise is finally faded to a patch of green.  This tells me that it takes a minimum of two weeks for damaged tissues to rid of its debrie.  

At this point, I don't know if I am up to running Ogden.  :(

When I woke up, the calves were still tight and swollen.  By afternoon I was feeling depressed, I really need to run to feel better emotionally.  With the wicked wind and uncertainty of how far I could go, I opted for the treadmill. 

The first couple miles were slow and painful.  I noticed the pain didn't get any worse when I picked up the pace a bit.  Concentrated on proper form.  Shorter strides seem to be the most comfortable.   Stopped to stretch every 2 miles.  It was a good recovery run!

8 mi in 1:16:45.   AP: 9:35

The lumber jacks are here bright and early.  It's both scary and fun to watch them cut down the 40-50 feet tall poplars lining my property in that cold gusty wind.  They have to climb up some of the trees in the far corner since the crane/bucket won't reach.  

Had to stay close to home b/c of workers in my yard.  Ran 4 clunky recovery around the 'hood.  Minimal right calf twitches and left ankle pain at push off.  If hubby gets home early tonight, I'll go down to the Legacy Center and try out a stationary bike.  Meanwhile, house cleaning and laundry day!

Didn't make it to the LC last night.  Ran with Wendy and Carolyn easy conversational pace this beautiful morning.  AP: 9:46.  Hope the weather is like this next Sat.

I am not in the St. George Marathon entrants list.  I emailed Kami Ellsworth, the Runner Series director.  She said she was hand-entering me along with all the snail mail Runner Series entrants in.  So, I hope I am IN!

This run with my SSF and Lowell will forever be edged in my memory!!!!  I treasure each moment, each step, each laughter with them.  They are such joy and blessings to me.  I LOVE them both SOOO MUCH!!!!