In His Shoes

This is cute.

There is nothing new under the sun

We don't have a TV License at the moment, that means we can't watch programmes as they are being broadcast.  For the few programmes we watch we make good use of catch-up services on the internet.  This means I am reading a lot more.

I have read a lot of books this year.  At least 3 of them brought to my mind the horrors of prejudice.  I have read 'An Imperfect God - George Washington, His Slaves and the Creation of America' and was once again shocked about the inhumane treatment of slaves, all because of the colour of their skin.  That the slave triangle ever came into existence is beyond belief but the fact that it lasted for so long is incredible.  Thank God for William Wilberforce and others who fought hard to abolish the trade.

Alas, our job is not completed as modern day slavery still exists around our world.  In the 21st Century.

'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' is another book about prejudice.  Told from the point of view of a 9 year old boy.  Towards the end of the book he has a conversation with his sister and it is obvious he hasn't understood that he isn't supposed to like the Jews.  During the conversation he says "I don't understand why we're not allowed on the other side of it (the fence).  What's so wrong with us that we can't go over there and play?"  His sister tries to explain that the Jews have to stay together, and that they ('the Opposites') can't mix with them.  The little boy just doesn't understand this at all and asks his sister "Well, why don't we like them?"  Her answer is short and to the point "Because they're Jews,". 

Are we any different today?  How many people don't mix with 'Opposites' just because of race, colour or some other different feature?  Thank God, Christianity (in its perfect form as Jesus created it) is without prejudice 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.'

The last book I want to mention is called  'The Island' by Victoria Hislop.  It is a story about a lady who wants to find out about her past.  She is led to Crete and finds out things that she didn't know and people she didn't know existed.  One theme in the book is leprosy and how people react to those with it.  Misinformation and folklore lead to lots of prejudice and awful behaviour perpetrated from one group of humans towards another.

In the UK recently a reporter went undercover for 5 weeks into a home for adults with learning disabilities.  He recorded the behaviour he witnessed and then made a TV programme about it.  The Carers' behaviour towards their clients was abhorrent; the men and women were abused purely because of their disabilities.  Here is a report about it and a video which is distressing. 

The awful thing is that the report is recent.  It is now.  It is no different from what went on during the slave trade and the war.  It is sad.  We have to use our voices to speak out against prejudice and hatred.  And the show the world that there is a hope and a different way in the person of Jesus.

I did it!

Way back in February (the last time I posted!) I entered a 5k race (Race for Life).  I carried on with my usual exercise plan but also went back to running after a hiatus over the winter months.  I whizzed through the C25K this year as I found I was able to run without expiring.  I eventually got to the 5k run.  I admit to running some of them in my house, going round and round the rooms.  But I still ran 5k.

A month ago, I ran the whole race around the edge of my town.  It was early in the day but it was a beautiful Spring Day.  I was listening to my cheesy C25K Christian Indie music that both inspires and makes me laugh. I had a great run and even (dare I say this) enjoyed the run.  You have to understand when I was younger I could barely run the first 200 metres of a 1500 run!  I would get wheezy just running around the playground with friends.  Looking back now I think you could say I had asthma but it wasn't treated and therefore, exercise could be difficult for me.  My ability to run now as an adult has come from having my asthma treated and shear determination.  So back to that Thursday a month ago.  I arrived home proud of myself.  I had run a 5k and was on track for my race.

Except that night my small toe on my left foot started to feel funny.  I put it down to a bad pair of socks rubbing my feet.  I woke up on the Friday morning and more of my foot was incredibly red and painful.  Even I knew it was time for a trip to the Drs.  He diagnosed Cellulitis and prescribed anti-biotics and some cream for athlete's foot.  Needless to say my running (and any exercise) was put on hold for a while, even walking was way to painful.  Like someone was hitting my foot with a small brush with fine metal bristles.

I have to admit to being really disappointed that I wouldn't be running my first race, and at the start of my illness it didn't even look like I would be able to walk the distance.  However, as those near and dear to me will testify I am a determined little thing.  I haven't done any training or exercise (except walking the children to school and to work and back for a month) but last night I was able to run all but 3 minutes of the race.  My finish time was 35 minutes.  So all the training has paid off and was well worth it.  Some of the ladies I went along with managed to run the whole race without a spot of training BUT for the little red-head who would expire in the corner after the smallest amount of physical exertion I have come a long way.

Next goal: 10k .......................

Sponsored Run

I have entered myself to run a 5K race.  The first of many I hope.

It is to raise money for Cancer Research in the UK.  I have had many friends suffer in one way or another with this disease so my race will help with this dreadful disease.  Please sponsor me if you feel able.



Thanks.

Big But

               
           

I found this interesting and amusing.

Achievements planned for 2011 - Updated.

Ok, so that is just another name for New Years resolutions.

1. I plan to book and pass my driving theory.
2. I plan to book and pass my driving practical.
3. And then drive with confidence and not crash.
4. I would like to read the bible in more depth.  I have started to read my bible and ask myself a few questions each time.  It is helping as it keeps me focussed. 
5. I need to stop letting people make me feel inferior.
6. I would like to laugh more and smile at the little things.
7. I am plan to seek out more friends.  For so long I have allowed the fear of rejection stop me.  
8. I am going to carry on with my exercise routine.  I log my daily exercise onto facebook.
9. Run a proper race.  I have run my first 5k in 35 minutes.
10. I would also like to join a running club but I need to either a) get my number 2 achievement sorted really quickly or b) or start working on 7 and hope they can give me a lift!
11. I am going to read a lot more books.  I have already read loads this year, given up the TV license and re-found my local library.
12. I would like to learn more about cooking.  I enjoy it.  And I am going to be proud of my achievements.
13. Resume my body-boarding career in the better weather.
14. To be the person God has created me to be.
15. To give Debs her giggly big sister back.   

I would say that is enough to be going on with for the moment.

Today is national delurking day!

I have a tracker on my blog so I can see the location of where you come from.  Although since changing Internet provider I am not sure of the accuracy but I think it gives the correct country.

So who are you?  How'd you find the blog?  Please tell me about yourself.  Anything you want to say.  I want to know who you are.

 

I started blogging in order to write down quotations but I write more of how I feel now.  I also like to post videos of songs etc.  What do you blog about mainly?