What is this?? A Monday Musings post?? I just checked, and I haven't done one of these posts since September of last year. *gasps*

Last week was busy, busy, busy. I had my first literary analysis to write on top of all my other usual assignments for my two college courses, and I made it my mission to get all my work written and submitted by 6:30 PM on Friday because I had big plans for the weekend.

First, my brother, Luke, and I saw the Kendrick brothers' new film Lifemark at the theater from 7:00 to 9:00 Friday evening. The movie was good, although not my favorite of theirs (Overcomer will probably forever hold that title). 

The movie was not political, but it was inspiring and very pro-life. It had a lot of sentimental moments (more so than any other of the Kendrick brothers' films), but also some humor (thanks to Nate, LOL). If you enjoy movies that are clean, Christian, based on real life events, carry a strong moral message, and will quite possibly make you cry, check out Lifemark. 

The timing of this movie night was perfect, as Luke and I had committed to walking 22 miles to raise funds for our local CareNet pregnancy center the very next day (Saturday). I will be honest - that was a long, hard walk, especially the last 4 miles, when we were running dangerously low on water (I had only a few sips left in my bottle) and our legs and feet were on fire. Brutal is the only word I can think of to describe it. We were not even sure if we could make it . . . at times I thought my body would give out on me. We had no intentions of giving up, however. We watched for benches, and when those seemed few and far in between, we sat on the ground until we had caught at least a smidgen of our second wind. Then we climbed back to our feet and resumed walking, cheering at every mile marker we passed. 4, 3, 2 . . .

I had read during my devotions that morning that God delights in the person "who keeps an oath even when it hurts" (Ps. 15.4, NIV). I had told all my sponsors I was doing 22 miles; when I signed up for the walk, I said I would do 22; and so, I planned to keep my word . . . even though it hurt. 

Partway through our last mile, Mom, Dad, and the kids (oh, and Fern) met up with us. Seeing them gave me a renewed sense of purpose and energy, and I jogged a short distance before ending. As I write this post, my feet are blistered and sore and my legs and lower back are achy and stiff, but boy! it was worth it. We raised a lot of money (more than I had counted on), and it was all for a very good cause. Some pictures from Saturday . . . 

We walked the entire trail (11 miles), then walked back (another 11 miles). Here I am at mile 16.

With 5 miles left to go, Luke ran out of water.

4 miles left to go, and I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Every muscle in my body that could hurt, did.
Finishing strong!
And here we are at the end, almost 7 hours after we started walking, feeling tired and sore . . . but so accomplished!
Did you enjoy reading this post? Have you missed my Monday Musings? Do you want to watch Lifemark? Have you walked 22 miles in one day before? Comment below!

Blessings,Ellen