New blog

Check out Karins blog at www.allpointswhole.wordpress.com
We will still do family updates here

What do you get when you mix friends and Arugula?

Today, I went to my friend Hannah's to write. She is on a Starbux break so we decided to meet there instead. We ground up some Haitian coffee beans and brewed individual cups of Haitian coffee...oh man, so good. It totally hyped us up. She also made us a pretty sweet lunch. Arugula pesto pasta. Just had to share. Have you had any cool lunches recently?

Recently published article

http://www.ungrind.org/2011/05/poverty-and-paradise.html

It's been a long time....

It's been a long time. The past few months have been busy with life, work and family. (yes I realize those are way out of balance) I'm not sure I even still have readers. But that's okay. This blog has morphed over the years from a place to document the building of our first house to a possible overseas adoption to leaving a ministry positon to attempting to plant a church to the death of Brian's mother-the miracle of conceiving Chase to his first year of life to the first time I was published to becoming a contributer writing for Ungrind to training for my first half marathon to the death of Brian's dad. (And lots of healthy eats and too many soccer games to count) Wow. It's been a wild ride these last four years.

Along the way, I posted several thoughts and feelings I had about the church, my faith, Christianity, life, etc. I've posted bible studies and simple encouragement. I think for now, I am in the place to use the blog as a catharsis-to ask the great blogsphere the complex questions of life.

A lot has happened since my last post. Brian and I traveled to Haiti and have since been very involved raising money and helping build a school and rebuild an orphanage. We've enjoyed having the community rally around us and this coming weekend we are putting on our town's first ever 5k to raise money for the rebuilding of Macrombe Academy in Haiti.

In the midst of all of these "good doings", I still cant help but feel a little lost. I look around and still feel disconnected from who I am or what my purpose is. There are so many distractions around me that I find it very difficult to be in tune with my calling or to hear God's voice. I'm not sure how to remedy this in our techologically driven world.

Recently, I asked Brian what our purpose was. He replied "maybe its just to focus on our kids; to really focus on Tayler these last two years that he is with us." For the first time in my life, I felt like I had permission to "just focus" on my children. You see it is so ingrained in me to be globally and locally minded that sometimes and often-I have overlooked my children for the greater good.

While I think this has its pros, it also has its cons. I think it is crippling to myself and my children to just focus on them and not teach them that its others first but at the same time, they need to feel like they are valued as much as the "others" in my life.

So as I ponder these things, I wonder - where is God in all of this? Lately, I havent felt like I've heard His voice or felt His presence. Its probably because I dont still myself to listen. I want to get to the place where I know my Savior....really know Him and experience intimacy with Him. There are different levels and I feel like I've definitely had this in the past...but I am feeling called to go deeper, to listen.

So thats what I plan to do. Unplug more often and listen. Quiet my mind and hear. Be a better mother. Let my kids know that I value them and appreciate their uniqueness. Love my husband and be his greatest supporter. And along the way, I might just share some of my brokeness with you.

I pray that as my words are launched out into cyberspace, someone will recognize themselves in me and be encourged-to not give up, to hold out hope, to conquer life and spread joy along the way

My experience in Haiti

Read about it here

http://cpccweb.org/story.aspx?storyid=921

Happy New Year!

In light of the new year, let's recap last's years resolutions and then look ahead to 2011.

It's a New Year and a chance for a New YOU! 2010 Resolutions


1. Study God's word in depth; spend more time with Christ getting to know Him for who He really is. study and put into practice His principles and try to model my life after His



Feel good about this one, but always growing and learning. Joined BSF and studied the book of John. Also studying Isaiah now. Did Esther study this summer. But most importantly, seeking Him first and listening to HIs voice more consistently. Obedience and suffering were a major lesson in 2010 . I learned a lot through my running injury as well. Lots of refining this year





2. Strengthen my bonds of marriage and with my children

Definitely feel like this one was a success! I feel closer to my my husband and children and feel like we understand each other and take time to listen and appreciate one another. 2010 was a hard year in many respects, but the trials only brought us closer which is a major improvement from years past




3. Focus on writing as a career



I picked up more hours writing and am now a member of the Communications team. I am learning and growing so much. Writing a page a day on my manuscript is a fail but I am writing everyday. I also started a new manuscript and continue to meet with my critique partners



4. Stop watching so much reality TV; this one is critical to number 3 being accomplished.

Major sucess. We cut off our cable and I stayed in book club for the year.




5. Read more!

Definitely did. Read one book or more a month





6. Eliminate as many toxins as possible in my body

Definitely did. Started shopping weekly at Whole Foods and ate mostly organic all year




7. Run my first mini marathon!

Success! And completed a 10 mile race, a 4 mile race, a 20 mile race and a Triathlon! I was close to logging 1,000 miles for the year before I got injured in October. But, I learned there are more important things than mileage




8. Incorporate more diversity into my life

Still working on this one. But ventured downtown so much more. Went to the Art Museum some and Broad Ripple. Discovered many new areas and also traveled to Haiti.






9. Spend time doing things that help develop who I am and who God intended me to be (I have put most of my interests on the backburner for several years if not a decade; no one asked me to-I just did)

Did this through developing my love of cooking, running and writing




10. Travel more

Went to Knoxville quite a bit, Disney, Hilton Head, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Haiti.







Now for 2011!!

Wow, I feel like I accomplished most on my list. But, my list this year is really going to be quite simple and difficult at the same time

1) I just want to be more like Jesus. I want to serve like He did, love like He did, pray like He did and be willing to suffer like He did. You only have one shot in this life. I dont want to waste my time on this earth. I want to be willing to go where He leads me-no matter the cost


What are your resolutions?

Please pray for Haiti and Taper Madness

As you may know, I am going to Haiti in December. As you may also know, a Cholera outbreak is spreading fast and the Haitians are in danger of losing even more lives. Please pray for them. I am not sure if our trip will be cancelled or not due to the looming danger
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39787756/ns/health-infectious_diseases/?GT1=43001

Honestly, I feel ridiculous even talking about this after posting about Haiti. However, if you have been following my training, I wanted to give an update. Taper Madness has officially set in and I am forced to not run and nurse an injury. (on top of the other craziness Taper mind brings!) Not sure if I will still get to run the marathon. Please also pray for fast healing for my leg and for God's will to be done. (Obviously not near as important as your prayers for Haiti-so if you pick one, pick them)

Happy Fall Y'all

Chase just loves his Woody costume as he is obsessed with Woody! What are your kiddos going to be for Halloween?

Tayler's soccer season came to a close and they only lost one game! The Varsity Boys and Girls were Conference Champs! At the Awards Banquet, Tayler won the best hair award...how fitting:)

Adventures in Potty Training

We've known for a while now that Chase is ready but I dont know if we are...but potty training has officially started! (Chase peed on the potty a few weeks ago!!)

He was quite excited about Woody and Yo Gabba Gabba underwear!

The Wedding

WE had a blast at Katey's wedding. It was beautiful and so nice to see family for a joyous occasion...so many have been sad lately. The wedding was a Jewish/Christian wedding so we absolutely loved all of the traditions...Here are just a few pics of our overnight visit to Knoxville.

the cousins...

 

                                                                 Father/Daughter

                                                                       The happy couple!

22 miler!

This was a 5 miler + 22 miler because I forgot to download my watch...but hoping this is a good sign for my time for race day

                                                                      this was the real time

                                                                got my game face on!

                                                         read em and weep!! 22 baby!

that's right...we are awesome!

Cant believe I am just now posting this! The run was unbelievable! WE rocked it out. Jenny at a 9:59 pace and me at 10:05. The run was very enjoyable and we pushed ourselves as hard as we could. We even climbed a monstrous hill at mile 17. Insanity. Afterwards, I had to drive 6 hrs to Knoxville for a wedding and even danced in heels that night! I was on cloud nine! What a day!

Identity Lost

My recently published article. Take a peek and share your feedback!

http://www.ungrind.org/2010/10/identity-lost.html

Radioactive-Kings of Leon

Totally awesome Twenty!!

So this weekend was our first 20 miler! Luckily, we did a race that was downtown. It was a chilly, windy morning with temps at about 45. There was also a light drizzle for part of the race. We took off and for miles 1-10 we chatted with some girls we know from the mini marathon training.

Miles 11-14 were so sweet! I felt like I was flying and had no pain! I was on cloud 9! Miles 14-20,  Jenny took off. I had to dig deep and finish strong. I found my inner warrior, but the roads were really uneven and not paved...that caused a few issues for my feet/knees. I thanked every cop at each intersection...that pumped me up every 1/2 mile!

In the end, I was able to keep going and not stop to walk. Time was 3:32/10:37 pace.  Jenny's pace was a 10:20 pace...thats her goal and I need to work on catching up to her so I dont have to run any of the marathon alone (unless its the very end!) It was definitely a huge milestone and I am very proud of myself! Jenny came in 9th and I came in 10th out of our age division! Rock it!

Breakfast of champs! 16 grams of protein, chia seeds for endurance and oats for carbs!

okay blogger is going to tell the story backwards..oh well too lazy to fix it. This is my updated bib board

Me and my boys!

Me and the fam

The finish!

Before..keeping warm

Jenny waiting in car

How I rode all the way home

My precious!

Totally awesome Twenty!!

Excellent Eighteen!

WE did it! 18 miles in 3:14! 10:44 pace..not too shabby! We took a scenic route..14 neighborhoods, 2 parks, 2 towns and 18 miles later, we were feeling great! We celebrated at Starbucks with a protein smoothie and some delicious, hot coffee! Sunday, we have a 20 mile race...wish us luck!!

That's 18 fingers baby!!

Love my garmy:)

Celebratory coffee!

"Just say you'll see me next time".....

As I sit here on this chilly September morning sipping my dark expresso roast coffee, my heart is heavy. Today we leave for Franklin, TN to say goodbye to William Bradford Hume...better known as my father- in- law. Words really can not do justice to a life, can they? I mean how can I really describe all that he was..and is today as he sits on the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Oh how happy he must now be to be dancing in the presence of Jesus!

But, we that are left behind here on earth, bow our heads in sorrow. We mourn the great life this man had and all that he accomplished with his time here. Sure, he was successful according to the world' standards but more importantly, he was a wonderful, dedicated father and grandfather. He took the time to invest in our lives and always believed the best about us. He never doubted we could accomplish ANYTHING we set our minds to.

Deep down, he was full of compassion and understanding-although he may not have always shown that to those around him. He was stubborn, determined and quite opionated....he liked to run the show when we were around but I think in the end, he just wanted us to have the best experiences possible. His intentions seemed to always be good when it concerned us and he showed me a love that only a father can have. Its that sweet unconditional love-what a beautiful and rare thing.

He accepted Tayler and I as his daughter and grandson and always voiced what gems we were and how lucky Brian was to have us in his life. But, we were the ones that were so lucky, so blessed to have be given the gift of him into our lives!

We have many lessons that he tried to teach us-just waiting in the wings to be learned by us-dreams that are now time to be birthed. We promise to step up and help those dreams become reality. There is so much to take from his short time on this earth. And we dont take that calling lightly. Again, words cant do his life justice but in this early morning with the stroke of my fingers on the keyboard, I give it my best shot.

As I think about his funeral this weekend and the songs he wished to have played, like "Let it Be"...I take to heart the words he wanted us to fully embrace..."let it be, let it be." The message is clear and we must receive it. We have to choose to let go of such a beautiful life...we have to face this world without him by our side. We promise to honor your life Brad and to carry on the Hume name with dignity and respect. We want to make you proud and surely we will. Your legacy will not only live on in our lives but in the lives of generations to come.

When it was time to leave a few weeks ago after our visit, I wrapped my arms around you, with tears in my eyes and voiced that I didnt want to say goodbye. You told me then and I hear you now, whisper, "dont say goodbye, just say I'll see you next time." I think about the next time we will see you and it brings a smile to my face. When we see you next time, there will be no more tears, no more sorrow....just sweet, sweet joy.

I envision the next time we see you -and all of your grandchildren and great- grandchildren are piling on your lap, and thanking you for the legacy you left for them-kinda like Chase did a few weeks ago when he wouldnt stop lying his head on your chest, hugging you and saying "papaw, papaw" Yes, I picture all of us together once again and we arent crying like we are today. We are rejoicing together  with Jesus!

So as we gather our family to travel today, I promise that we will try to lift our heads a little higher and just "let it be." It wont be easy but we know thats what you wanted. And more than anything else, we want to honor you and your wishes. And in the end,  I guess you're insight was right Brad...as we leave today to pay our final respects, we dont really have to say goodbye...we just have to say, "see you next time."


Psalm 23


A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,



3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name's sake.



4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley, [a]

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.



5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.



6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

(this Psalm was read to Brad over and over again in hospice by his request)

Surreal Seventeen...

After finding out that my father in law probably wouldnt live for 24 more hours, we set out to run 17 miles. Brian left for the airport just before we took off. It was a gorgeous run and just what I needed to clear my head. The first 10 miles flew by as we watched the sun rise. Miles 11-17 were pretty as we made our way on a new route through a different town. We looped through the park and that was so beautiful. The sun was beaming through the trees and leaves were crunching under our feet....ahh, love Fall running!

We ended at Flap Jacks but our plan to eat didnt work out. I came home and helped make pancakes for my sister and her family who came into town for C's birthday. It was a great run and our pace was 10:41..I actually cant wait for our 18 miler!!

11 miler

This was an easy 11 miler the night before our TRI. It was a set back week and we were lovin' every minute of it. We have 17 this Friday! Wish us luck!!

                                    

Go Girl Triathlon

This was my first Triathlon and it was so much fun! Being surrounded by so many strong women definitely inspired me! The race was a blast and we placed 13th out of 43 teams...not too shabby for not really competing!

Our team! Abby, myself and Sarah

BFF's

The gang (notice Jenny-my running partner in the middle and Summer in the blue-the girl who taught me all I know about running:)

Abby after she got marked up

15 miles of torture!

According to our fab 14, this should've said 2:33

(right before we jumped in the pool)

Friday night, Jenny and I set out for our 15 miler with great expectations. By mile 2, those were crushed for me as it was 87 out and way to hot to be running such a far distance. The sun was literally beating down on us and I was squinting to see from mile 2-4. Around mile 5, I really wanted to stop (well who am I kidding? I wanted to stop at mile 2!) but Jenny's hubby

brought us water and I dumped it on my head and drank some of it. That gave me the push I needed to keep going.

At mile 7.7, some friends, Lisa and her kiddos, stood on their sidewalk and cheered us on...that was super neat! When I passed by her, I yelled, "its awful! it so freakin hot!!" All I wanted was more water at this point but we had to wait until mile 11 for more water (from Jenny's hubby) Mile 10 couldnt come soon enough and when we turned the corner, Brian and Chase were waiting for us at the corner!!! I was so surprised and it really gave me the boost I needed!

However, our last stretch of road was the death of me. I immediately started feeling overheated and STARVING! Typically, I dont even drink on long runs much less get hungry, so this was a new experience for me. I tried to tap into all of the mental strength that I hadnt already used up, but at 12.6, my body gave out and I had to stop.

I have never been so fearful of passing out in my life! My legs felt so weak; I had chills and felt so hungry still!! I stopped and poor Jenny walked with me for about half a mile until I knew I was okay. I made it back to my car, scarfed down a granola bar and picked the run back up. Those last 2.5 miles seemed to take and eternity! But, I finished!! I tell myself thats all that matters, but the competitor in me says otherwise. I've been pretty bummed and am trying to make myself get back out there and build my confidence again

Have you ever experienced a bad run? If so, how did you psyche yourself back up?