Thunderstruck

First order of business - HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kiera Faith!!!! I can't believe you are so grown up. I really thought I took this picture yesterday, but I guess it's been a few years. :) I love you and I am so thankful to be your cousin.


Next up - can I reiterate how much I LOVE the OKC Thunder?


Via their Facebook page:

In this intense heat, firefighters across Oklahoma need your help. Donate water and Gatorade at your local volunteer fire station. Thunder brought a big shipment of Gatorade to Amber FD in rural Grady County today. GM Sam Presti: "It's part of being a community partner, helping when there's a need."

The OKC Thunder visited the tiny town a few miles southwest of me to deliver much needed Gatorade yesterday. How needed? Well, according to some pretty reputable sources, the FD was down to their last bottles of water - for the year. As a volunteer group, they get a certain amount, and when they're out, they're out. Well, the Thunder have long said "Team is ONE" and this is one great example of going out of their way to demonstrate.

Now, onto more funsies. Mr. Wilkerson at Transformation Martial Arts has started this class that I fondly refer to as "HolyCowWhatAFreakingWorkout," better known as Power Toning. A few of my blog friends have truly been a great motivation to get more active, and when I heard about this class from my mom/brother, I thought it sounded like just the thing. I was picturing ballet moves, yoga, pilates, etc. Uhm...I couldn't be more wrong. Try 30 minutes of non-stop ridiculousness, minus the 60-seconds he counts down for us to take a break in the middle. Not that I'm complaining, because good soreness is typically an indicator of something working, but man. I will say I am truly enjoying the class so far and I love that it is a total body workout. If you're around Chickasha I definitely recommend looking into it!

Yeah - I think I'll stick to Mr. Wilkerson's class!!

In Oklahoma...

Some things just aren't supposed to happen.

Bombings. Shootings. Heartbreaks.

Thankfully, we live in a state where the great outshines the bad and we know firsthand that we can overcome any challenge. More than that, I'm thankful to serve a God who is bigger than the storm.

The shooting in Bricktown after the Thunder game last night was too close for comfort. I'm thankful God kept Chase, Caden and me safe, and I'm praying for those who were injured. Such a terrifying event to happen on such an exciting night.

"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you." Is. 41:13

#ThunderUP #TeamIsOne

"Love...will always prevail over evil."

Today was the 12th annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. I didn't count how many of us went, but just off the top of my head, I think about 25-30 of us met at AmPo high school at 4-ish this morning to drive up together. Amazingly, "our parking lot" was available - I'm not giving away the location but I'll just say it's awesome enough that I'm amazed we get to park there every year. We walk to remember Blake Ryan Kennedy.

The Kennedy kids & friends who participated in this year's race, surrounding Blake's chair. 

Blake's cousins Kolby, Avery, Addison & Ainslee

Blake's family members who participated in this year's race.

Earlier this week, I also was remembering my sweet cousin Cameron, who went to be with Jesus 10 years and two days ago. This time of the year always brings about memories. My heart hurts and I still don't understand it. But I look around and see the green grass and the blooming flowers this time of year also brings, showing me a promise. A promise that though I might not ever understand the storm, the pain, the tears, God will bring beauty, hope and comfort to those who are faithful.

Quote from the announcer prior to the beginning of the 5k.