Avoid Being Like the Pharisees

“‘Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:27-28 NIV

In a harrowing story published by The Canada Chronicle Herald yesterday, it was reported that a woman running in Shubie Park last Friday morning was seriously injured when a tree fell on her. According to Halifax Fire deputy chief David Meldrum, his members responded at about 10:30 a.m. to a report of a woman trapped by a tree. “On arrival they were directed to the patient, who was pinned under a fallen tree,” said Meldrum in a written statement. “They used a chainsaw to remove the tree and free the woman. They then assisted Emergency Health Services paramedics in the care and transport of the woman to a parking area where she was placed into an ambulance…” The woman, who is pregnant, was transported to hospital, where she was kept in a medically induced coma. Thankfully, the woman is now stable and will hopefully make a full recovery. The writer went on to explain why the woman had been caught by surprise, “The tree appears to have been a white birch, which are prone to staying up while rotting from inside their bark and can fall suddenly.”

And, you know, in the same way that we should steer clear of trees that are known for looking healthy on the outside but can be rotten on the inside, we should steer clear of becoming like the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who Jesus described as “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Jesus was calling them out on their hypocrisy by comparing them to the gravestones that were cleaned up when a crowd was expected. You see, it was the custom of the Jews of that time to whitewash the tombs in the city of Jerusalem before Passover so that no one would touch one accidentally, thus making themselves ceremonially unclean. Jesus said these religious leaders were like these whitewashed tombs - pretty on the outside, but ugly and dead on the inside. Men might see them as righteous, but God did not. And although they put on a good show, God is never fooled by what man shows on the outside. He sees them for what they actually are, not what they appear to be to other people. Which is the very reason you and I must strive each and every day to be sure that our hearts align with our actions. Now this won’t mean we will be perfect as we all fall short of the mark. But it will mean that our hearts are set on pleasing God and not man. 

So avoid being like the white birch tree my friend. Serve God with your whole heart, confess your sins to Him and then turn away from them so you won’t rot within. This will keep you beautiful on both the inside and the outside. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You see the whole of man and can never be fooled by our pretentious behavior. Lord, point out any hypocritical ways within us that we might turn from those ways and avoid being a whitewashed tomb. Help us to shine the pure light of Jesus in the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Live to be the Light

“Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Acts 9:39 NIV

In a heartbreaking story about a life cut short by tragedy aired by the Daily Mail recently, it was reported that eerie footage captured elite Houston runner Lilia Vazquez's last moments before she was tragically struck and killed. The family of the accomplished runner is now pleading for help in finding the driver responsible for her death. Vazquez, 61, was preparing to run in the Houston Marathon next week as an invited Elite Runner. She was hit while jogging along Westpark, between Ocee and Jeanetta, early Friday morning. As a testament to her character and why Lilia will be missed by so many, it was said that “On Monday, several of Vazquez's running friends gathered at her home wearing medals from the marathons she had won across the country. ‘She had a natural gift for running. She's a mentor to a lot of us, she's a pillar in the running community, and hundreds of people love this woman,' Brenda Gonzalez, one of her friends, said.” Known as a woman who was always praying, it was said that she also touched countless lives through her work at Baylor over the past four years, where she dedicated herself to helping patients in the physical therapy unit. Talk about living a life that made a difference in the lives of others. 

And, you know, living to make a difference in the lives of others by selflessly using the time, talents, and treasures God has given us is something we, and every other believer, should be known for. It was certainly something Dorcas was known for, being described as a woman who “was always doing good and helping the poor.” Dorcas was so beloved, in fact, that when she became sick and died, her fellow disciples sent two men to meet Peter and beg him to come at once. Upon arriving, Peter “was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” She was obviously adored by the many people she helped who rejoiced when Peter, by the power of Jesus working in him, brought her back to life. 

So look for ways to be “the light of the world” by making a difference in the lives of others while you still have the chance my friend. As these two stories show, it can be as simple as clothing the poor, mentoring someone, praying for those in need, or helping people heal. Whatever gift God has given you, use it for His glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all unique gifts and abilities. Help us to recognize ways we can use these to make a difference in the lives of others and to lead the lost to the One who inspires these acts of love and kindness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Tips to Brave the Weather

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what's coming up soon. Christmas will be here in exactly one week. I’m excited! But the first day of winter will be here even sooner than that. On Saturday to be exact and, according to Brandon Beck at KY3, the high will be a balmy 40 degrees. Nice right? Well don't get used to it because, as every person who has lived in Missouri for any length of time knows, it's just a matter of time before we will be running in negative temperatures. But, as we've discussed before, there are a lot of perks to running outside in the winter... if you do it safely that is. With that being said, check out these tips (*with my two cents thrown in of course) from the NYRR's Medical Director, a man who definitely knows something about running in harsh conditions. 

On a side note, the 25th Annual Run for the Ranch is happening on December 28th and you won't want to miss it! Following these tips will ensure that you're ready to battle whatever conditions the day holds. As someone who's been blessed to run the Marathon distance (they have a 1 mile, 5k and half marathon distance as well, along with a 6-hour endurance run) several times, I'll tell you from experience that we could get temps in the high 50's or ones dipping well below freezing. But whatever the day holds, this is a race worth running... put on by great folks (OMRR the same great folks that put on the Bass Pro training groups), for a great cause!

With that being said, sub-freezing temperatures require some changes of plan for your regular training runs and for racing. Following are some helpful tips for staying healthy if it’s cold, damp, and/or windy. With the right clothing and adequate precautions, even single-digit weather can be enjoyable for runners.

This was the coldest year I can recall running at RFTR. But we all had the right clothes on and had a great time!

Wear synthetic fabrics and layer your clothing. In the cold, keep most of your body covered. The fabric closest to your skin should be synthetic and preferably sweat-wicking and it should fit snugly. (Running tights are ideal for the waist down.) Your outermost layer should be wind-resistant and waterproof if it’s raining or snowing. Ideally, your clothing should be able to adapt as you warm up, or as the weather does: Unzipping a jacket, pushing up your sleeves (or removing arm warmers), rolling up the edges of a ski-style hat, and/or putting your gloves into a pocket will all keep you in the temperate zone as you get into your run—and they’re all reversible if it’s evening and you’re running into cooling temperatures. If you plan to race, it’s smart to test everything that you plan to wear in advance to make sure it’s warm enough and comfortable to race in.

• Protect your face, head, and extremities. Wear a hat and gloves (*I prefer mittens when the temps get low as they are warmer than gloves), preferably of synthetic, wicking material, and in extreme cold, use a face mask or scarf to cover your neck and face. Wind increases the effects of the cold; you may risk a mild form of frostbite called “frost nip” on unprotected areas if it’s near-freezing and windy. Apply a sweat-resistant sport moisturizer and lip balm for extra protection. Apply petroleum jelly (*I'm a fan of A&D ointment as well) to any spots prone to chafing or chapping.

• For a race in the cold—and especially if it’s wet out—have a friend or family member meet you afterward with warm clothing, including dry socks, warm sweatpants, a long-sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and/or jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. You’ll be very glad to have these things after you finish a race if the weather is near freezing. As an alternative, you can check a bag that includes these items.

• Stay warm before the race. If it’s really cold, bring a discardable sweatshirt to wear after you’ve checked your bag. If rain is in the forecast, bring a large-size plastic trash bags with you to wear as a throwaway raincoat. A thorough warm-up jog or warm-up exercises/drills will get your blood flowing, warm up your body and get you to the start ready to go.

• As always, respect your limits. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and therefore restrict blood flow, which can cause muscles to contract and even cramp. You may feel stiff and tight, especially as you begin a run, and if you try to force the pace, you may damage a muscle. Adjust your pace and your expectations to allow your body extra time to warm up. *Keep in mind that the slower the go, the more clothes you'll need to wear. 

• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls below 95 degrees; symptoms can include confusion and uncontrollable shivering. Frostbite occurs when circulation is restricted in the extremities (fingers, toes, ears, and nose); symptoms can include feeling numb or turning white or blue. Pay attention to your body while you run and watch for these symptoms. *If it's super cold, stash hot hands in your mittens and pockets. 

• Don’t forget to drink. In cold weather, it’s easy—and harmful—to overlook your fluid needs. Your body is still sweating, despite the cold, so replenish your fluids appropriately. The rule of thumb during exercise is to drink when you feel thirsty and no more than one cup (8 ounces) of fluid every 20 minutes. While racing in the cold, slow down a bit more than usual at drink stations to avoid spilling liquid on your gloves. In sub-freezing temperatures, the water in the cups can form a thin layer of ice at the top. Squeeze the cup slightly to break this layer, then drink.

• Shorten your stride in snow, ice, sleet, or heavy rain. If there is snow, ice, or excessive water on the ground, shorten your stride slightly and pay attention to your footing and the runners around you to avoid accidents. Ice creates a much greater danger of a slip-and-fall, which can send you to the hospital with a broken bone. If you race in this kind of weather, don’t expect to run a personal best; instead, plan for a safe race.

• Take care of yourself after your run. Get inside right away; although you’ll feel warm just after finishing, those wet clothes will chill quickly, and so will you. At a race, try to get out of your wet clothes and into your packed dry outfit after you reclaim your checked bag. Keep moving, and get inside as soon as you can. *Run for the Ranch is a looped course and parking is right near the start/finish line which makes it super easy to get changed and then get back out to the course to cheer on the other runners. The fine folks at OMRR always have hot soup at the finish line and that will also help you warm up. 

And there you have it friends. Winter weather is on the way and will be here to stay for a while. But with the right gear, the right game plan, and the right attitude, you can "weather" the season with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. Speaking of joy, if you want to make that runner in your life happy Christmas morning, gift them an entry into the 2024 Run for the Ranch event and you'll most likely get a big hug for doing so! 

Happy Running!

It’s a Lifetime Commitment

“He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” Matthew 19:4-6 ESV

In a heartwarming story titled “North Texas runner with ALS aims for 100 marathons with support from family & friends,” published earlier this month, the tale of Troy and Laura Pruett illustrates what it means to truly honor the “for better or worse, and in sickness and in health” part of the traditional vows that a man and woman make on their wedding day. Their saga began in 2012 when Troy started to lose the use of his legs, then his speech. He was diagnosed with ALS last year. "We were told, you know, two years survival, maybe," said Laura. "It was devastating. We had only been married not quite ten years when he was diagnosed." At first, the diagnosis crushed them. But after a while, Laura says Troy got back to what brought them together: running. "He had already set the goal of 100 marathon runs before his diagnosis," said Laura. He can't run on his own now, so friends from his running club push him – all while he wears his Grinch costume… At the BMW Dallas Marathon, Laura will be waiting at the finish line to kiss him, just like she has at every finish line since they met. "We just have this tradition. He always stops and gives me a kiss somewhere along the way, and then, especially at the finish line," said Laura.

And, you know, in a world that places little importance on the sanctity of marriage, viewing it more as a temporary contract that can be easily broken rather than a covenant that is binding for life, we would do well to remember that when a man and a woman make a vow before God, the vows aren’t just between them but between them and their Creator. “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Because of this, a man and a woman (barring extreme circumstances), are to “hold fast” to one another for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, and are to weather the storms of life together— loving one another with the same, steadfast love that Christ modeled when He died on the cross— til death do they part. Something you can be sure will never be easy but will be worth the fight. 

So, if you’re currently married, vow to love, honor and cherish your partner until the end my friend. And if you’re not, be sure to choose your spouse wisely. Second to following Jesus Christ, it will be the most important decision you will ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that marriage was designed by You to represent the love of Christ to the world. Help us to love our spouses as Jesus loves us that we might stay committed for life and fulfill our vows as You have called us to.  It’s in your precious name we pray  Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Store your Treasures in Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”Matthew 6:19-20 NIV

In a timely story titled “The 5 Worst Gifts for Runners,” published over the weekend, the writer had this advice. “Before you hit the running store for holiday shopping, here’s a friendly reminder that even the most thoughtful gifts can miss the mark for the capital “R” Runner in your life.” The writer went on to say, “Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a gift of any kind. After all, it’s the thought that counts! But around holidays and the birthdays, I fret that my friends and family might waste money buying me things that, as a runner, I don’t want or need. 

And, you know, if we’re honest, the majority of us would admit to possessing much more than we need but certainly not all that we want. Which is the very reason Jesus warns us to be content with having only our needs (the necessary things for us to live a safe and stable life in service to Him) met and not our greeds. In this way, we will refrain from the pursuit of storing or stockpiling up for ourselves temporary treasures (money and possessions) on earth and will instead invest the resources and time God has given us into doing things that will bring people into the Kingdom, thereby storing up our eternal “treasures in heaven.” You can be sure, though, that this is only possible through trust, faith and perseverance… trusting Christ to know what we need, the faith to know He will provide for those needs, and the determination to do His will in light of that knowledge. 

So, do all that you can to prevent wasting your time and money on things that won’t have an eternal value my friend, especially this time of year when it’s tempting to buy things that aren’t wanted or needed. Invest what you have been given into Kingdom work instead, knowing that it will have value both now and forever. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no reason to seek more than our daily bread. Help us to trust that You will provide for all our needs Lord so that we won’t chase after the things of this world but will chase after the lost instead, so that we might do our part in making heaven full. Remind us Lord that we can’t take any possessions into heaven but we can take people. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Persistence Pays Off

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV

In a heartwarming story titled “Senior dog follows runner all the way home. Now, ‘persistent’ pup is up for adoption” published by the Miami Herald on Tuesday, the writer said: A dog followed a runner all the way home — and now the “persistent” older pup is up for adoption.“He is the sweetest senior at our shelter, and we’re really hoping that the right heart is touched by this post,” a Florida animal shelter wrote Dec. 9 on Facebook. “He’s had a tough life. Let’s get him seen. Let’s get him home.” Orange County Animal Services said Rocky is ready for a second chance after experiencing a rough patch. A woman was exercising when she saw him lying motionless near her running path in October, according to the social media post and an online adoption profile. “The dog looked like he was in rough condition,” the Orlando-based shelter wrote. “She walked up to the dog to check if he was still alive, and that was when the dog suddenly woke up. The resident said the dog followed her on the rest of her run, and then followed her home. She was surprised, because the dog was very persistent.” Rocky slept on the woman’s porch overnight before she took him to animal services as a stray. 

And, you know, when it comes to the benefits of being persistent, the Bible gives us the Parable of the Persistent Widow. In it, a corrupt judge who lacks compassion and has no fear of God is repeatedly approached by a woman seeking justice. Initially rejecting her demands, he eventually honors her request so he won’t be worn out by her persistence, thereby demonstrating that effective prayer many times requires great tenacity and faithfulness. You see, God wants and expects us to be persistent—to keep on asking, seeking, knocking, and praying until the answers come. Why? Because as Pastor Rick Henderson explains, “Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us. God uses our persistence to mold us, shape us and tune our hearts with His. Sometimes the persistence doesn’t pay off in the way we might expect, but the persistence will always achieve the purpose it was set out for: to perfect the pray-er.”

So if your prayers haven’t been answered, don’t give up praying my friend. While many times the answer is no, many times it’s yes, but will come to pass in God’s perfect timing for God’s perfect purpose… if you don’t give up praying that is. So don’t give up! Ever! Disciples of Jesus are people that should be known for their persistent faith which comes through persistent prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that some prayers are answered instantly while some are answered only after months, years, or even decades of praying. Lord, help us to be known as people that never give up praying no matter how bleak the situation might appear. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Death is Not to be Feared

“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 NLT

In a heartbreaking story titled “Marathon runner with 'perfect' blood test results diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer - his only symptom was easy to dismiss,” published earlier this week, it was reported that a father-of-two who put the 'dull ache' in his lower abdomen down to stress levels was eventually diagnosed with ultra-deadly pancreatic cancer — and has warned others not to dismiss warning signs. Lee Rawlinson, 51, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, has been told he has months to live, after doctors spotted the disease that is 'inoperable', and has spread to his liver. The 'brutal' diagnosis came as a total shock — not only because he is a fit and healthy marathon runner, but due to his normal blood and urine tests. Of his imminent and certain departure, Lee said, “This will be my last Christmas. I’m facing the jaws of death. I’m sailing towards it and I can’t do anything about it, yet I just have to face it. I don’t fear death, I fear leaving my children and my wife behind…”

And you know, while most people would say that their biggest fear is death, believers in Jesus Christ should never share that fear. You see, as Paul reminds us, “when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” In other words, when our current bodies perish, they will be replaced by bodies in heaven that will never die. Though we’re mortal now, if we’re in Christ when we pass from this life to the next, we’ll be immortal, living forever with Him in heaven—a place where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering. Which means, for Christians, death is not something to fear.

So, knowing that not even death can separate us from the love of God, live your life on fire for him every day my friend. As this story shows, our days are numbered and we have only so much time to serve Christ and to inspire others to seek Him. So don’t waste even one minute of it! Every day is a gift from God to be used in service to God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, that defeated death once and for all. Help us to remember that, as George Whitfield once said, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.” And to hold on to the promise that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!