God is the God of All Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV

“One year. Words cannot express the ache l have felt everyday since losing Jr. While I find comfort in family and friends, nothing compares to the comfort I'm provided through God. I have grown so close to Him through Jr’s loss, and while I wish more than anything Jr. could physically still be here - I know his loss sparked, not only mine, but many others to seek Jesus. That is the light I find in the darkness.

I know I will see Jr again, but it'll be in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. How beautiful is that?

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ Revelation 21:4”

Those were the words Iyleena Zevallos posted on her Instagram account Sunday along with a photo of her sitting on the bench that honors the untimely passing of her 18-year-old brother, Rudy Zevallos, Jr., on October 5, 2024. It was indeed a day that changed a lot of people lives, including those of my husband and me who were some of the last people to see Rudy after he crossed the finish line of the Frog Hill Half Marathon and collapsed. Although first responders reached him quickly, he was pronounced dead later at the hospital, leaving a family and countless friends to mourn his passing.

But you can be sure Rudy’s passing wasn’t the end of his story or his influence. You see, the church where Rudy had been baptized months earlier was completely full the day of his funeral. Hundreds of people not only attended the memorial service, but countless people later gave their lives to Jesus because of the tragedy and Rudy's example of faith. His family even got baptized! And many of his young friends as well! Is that amazing or what?

But that’s the way our God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort works. In a way that cannot be explained but only felt, the Lord “comforts us in all our tribulation.” Did you get that ALL part? Every trial, every hardship, every experience that brings pain, deep sorrow, and a longing for relief is an opportunity for God to bring solace, peace, relief and consolation to those who are hurting, and is an opportunity to show them that He is real.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 NKJV

And He does this through his Presence and through the Promises of the Bible. Promises such as Revelation 21:4 that brought Lorraina and so many of Jr’s friends and family comfort. Knowing that Jr. was in a place where God dwells with His people, wipes the tears from their eyes, and where there is no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain replaced much of their sadness with joy.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

Think about it… Lorraina and her family not only know where Junior is but they know they will see him again one day because they made the decision to follow Jesus!

And you can be sure their pain will not be wasted. They have shared (and continue to share) the comfort they themselves received, which has comforted many who are experiencing the same trouble. That’s the way God turns tragedies into testimonies. The “God of all comfort” makes Himself known in our deepest sorrows so that we can comfort others in the same way.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

So, if you’re going through a trial, tribulation, or tough time today, hang in there my friend. Allow God to comfort You through the pages of the Bible and through his Presence. Take a few moments to “be still” and know that He is God, the One who will be exalted among the nations and in the earth, and the One who comforts us in all our tribulation in a way that only the Good Father can.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are God and that your ways are much higher than ours. Lord, when we don’t understand they ‘why’s’ of the world, remind us that there has never been a time when You didn’t bring good from a tragedy. Help us to trust You during these times and to cling to You that our faith might be made stronger and that others would see it and be inspired to seek You and the comfort Yoi provide. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Storms Will Come to Everyone

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 ESV

“Christ is my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaken
I've never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
'Cause He's never let me down
He's faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won't
… No, He won't, no, He won't
No, He won't
He won't, He won't, He won't, He won't”

As I sang those words in church yesterday morning, I lifted my hands in praise as I fought back tears. While the band continued, my mind thought back on some of the trials of the last three weeks. My husband had a full knee replacement, my mother (who lives with us) had another heart attack, work was busier than usual with two separate weekend events that required long hours and lots of manual labor, and I was doing my best to hold it all together while still tending to my normal responsibilities, routine and activities. 

To top it off, my SI joint went out Thursday afternoon  and Friday’s trip to the chiropractor offered only temporary respite. To say I was relieved to wrap up the last event that began with a Friday night 5k and ended with a 10k and half marathon Saturday would be an understatement (although it was a glorious event!). By the time I got to church, I was tired, I was worn out, I was itching (apparently I had gotten poison ivy while marking the course and getting into the weeds on Thursday), and I was still in a lot of hip and back pain…. But I was so thankful that I had chosen to trust Jesus and press on. He had gotten me through… again. And I knew He would continue. What needed to be done, got done! Because it was by His strength and not by mine!! Can I get a “hallelujah?!!” God is so good!

“Rain came, wind blew
But my house was built on You
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (I feel somebody's faith rising)
Rain came, wind blew
But my house was built on You (this is the reason you made it, 'cause)
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (one more time, oh, rain came)
Rain came, wind blew
My house was built on You (this is the reason I'm standing)
I'm safe with You
I'm gonna make it through (I'm gonna make it)
Yeah, I'm gonna make it through ('cause I'm standing)
'Cause I'm standing strong on You (I'm gonna make it)
Yeah, I'm gonna make it through (my house is built on)
'Cause my house is built on You (one more time, y'all, sing)”

“Oh Lord,” I thought to myself as I continued to praise and sing. “I love you so much. Thank You for being my firm foundation. The rains came as they always do, especially when I’m serving You. The winds blew… hard. But my house was built on You, and so weathered and withstood the storm... Again. You have never failed me and I know You never will.”

"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:14

And, you know, regardless of what some 'teachers' say, faith in Jesus does NOT always result in prosperity, ease, and freedom from disease, pain, hardship, or harm. This is not only a false teaching but a blatant lie. Jesus Himself warned His followers that the path to life was a hard and difficult one entered only through a narrow gate. In fact, Jesus later described the difficulty that would face every human life, using the picture of a great storm, assuring all that the rain will fall, the floods will rise, and the wind will blow with a vengeance. 

Furthermore, Christ never promised that there would be no storms. What He did promise though, by using the analogy of building a house. is that those who trust in Him will survive those storms. This "house" is a person's spiritual strength, their beliefs, and the life they construct as a result of choosing to fully follow Jesus. Those who live by His teaching will be like a man who has built a house on a foundation of rock. Although the storms beat on the house, the house will survive it all because the foundation is sound. The house (that’s us) may look a little worse for the wear afterwards and might even require a few repairs or some repainting, but it will stand firm. 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.’” Matthew 7:24-27

On the flip side, the same storms of life that beat up believers will come against those who do NOT trust in Christ and follow His teaching as well. But, because they have chosen (and it’s a choice—failure to choose is also choosing) to ignore the words of Christ, they are “like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” When the rains fall (not if) and the floods come—in the form of trials, hardships, and uncertainties—they have no foundation or strength to withstand the beating and will fall to the ground.

Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. Without a Savior and the promises of God to cling to when life gets hard, people can hang on for a while but will eventually fall apart and their marriages and relationships will fail. Many try clinging to false idols (money, drugs, works, belief systems, false religions, etc.) to weather the storm, but this  proves to be insanity in the end, as these man-made gods have no power to save only to numb.

So, if you have not placed your trust in Jesus, do it today my friend. It will be the best decision you will ever make. I made the decision decades ago, and have  had some amazing mountaintop expenses since then. But I’ve also walked through many valleys and encountered countless storms, floods and hurricane force winds. But God, who is my firm foundation held me fast until every one of them passed... every time, without exception. And He can do the same for you. 

Won’t you choose to trust Him today? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that without building our lives on You, the only solid foundation, we will have no strength to withstand life’s storms and will fall. Lord, as we see this world get shakier and shakier, help us to not only lean on You but to inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be Known by God

“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV

In a story published by BBC News yesterday, it was reported that "A man who died after crossing the line in a half marathon was an "absolute legend" who will be missed by everyone, his son has said.

Tony Knight, aged in his 70s, suffered a medical episode after completing the 13.1-mile (21km) Potters 'Arf Marathon in Stoke-on-Trent, on Sunday. He was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital from Fountain Square, Hanley, at about 13:30 BST but died a short time later, West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed.

Writing on Facebook, his son Matthew said his dad was known for his many years of running in Stoke-on-Trent and became known as "Tony the Tiger" during previous races when he donned a tiger suit. "He was an absolute legend and will be missed by everyone," he said."

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.‘“ Luke 10:20 NKJV

And while being known and remembered as a legend might sound like a worthy pursuit in life, the most worthy pursuit a person could ever embark on is being “known by God,” something that happens when a person loves God and gives their life to Him.

You see, when you and I are “known by God,”(who is the most legendary One of all by the way) we are assured that our “names are written in heaven!” Is that amazing or what? Talk about achieving legendary status! Could there be any higher and more esteemed place for our names to be remembered than Heaven? The best part is... all God's people share in this joy! Isn't that mind-blowing? I mean, it's one thing to know God, the Creator of all things, but it's a whole other thing to be "known by God,” the Lord Almighty and the Maker of the universe.

“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” Psalm 147:4 NKJV

“But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.” Luke 12:7 NASB

Think about that for a moment… The same God who counts the number of the stars and calls them ALL by name is the same God who has counted every hair on our heads. And this is the same God who “knows” all those who truly love Him. Wow, right? 

So, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, rejoice my friend! It means you not only have the blessing and honor of serving Him in this lifetime but will spend eternity with Him in the next life! And if you aren’t a follower, won’t you make the decision to give your life to Him today before it’s too late? It will be the BEST decision that you will ever make and willl ensure that you are "known by God." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that clearly tells us that ONLY those who follow You in this life will be known by You in the next life. Help us to spread this Message with the lost that they might be inspired to seek You before it’s too late and to gain the eternal legendary status that all those who are known by You have. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Don't Plan on Slowing Down

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

In an inspiring story titled “74-year-old runner completes 100th marathon,” published by WFMZ News yesterday, the writer said, "For most runners, finishing a marathon is the achievement of a lifetime. But one senior citizen achieved a larger milestone after finishing a marathon this weekend. Mike Oliver crossed the line in Iowa on Sunday morning, capping off a journey that's taken him across the country. The 74-year-old runner completed his 100th marathon. Oliver said the journey started decades ago when his mother encouraged him to keep running after his 10th race. He's been part of the local marathon ever since.

This year's finish line in downtown Moline capped off decades of races across the country, including a personal goal he reached just last year: completing marathons in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.  "Some of them were pretty intriguing and interesting, with nice scenic routes, for example - the one in Redding, California was very challenging because there were a lot of hills involved," Oliver said. Oliver is also now one of just 11 runners who have completed every Quad Cities Marathon in Iowa since the first race 28 years ago. The group calls itself the "Interstate Road Warriors" because the course crosses from Illinois into Iowa and back again. 

Oliver says that runners can expect him there next year as he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon." 

And, you know, Mike is quite a role model if you ask me. At an age when most people are slowing down, or at least planning to slow down, he plans on moving forward. And he can do this because he has kept himself in prime shape for it. You see, for decades Mike has been running 26.2 mile races which means he has made exercise, eating right, and getting enough sleep a habit—because believe me, a person can run a marathon or two without establishing healthy habits but will never be able to continue doing it for decades. Which is why it pays dividends to treat your body well at all stages of life.

This is a principle that applies especially to believers since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who resides in us, "whom we received from God." Because of that, we are not our own but belong to Christ, who paid a very high price for our salvation. For this reason, we are to honor God with our bodies—-something we do by treating our temples well, thereby keeping them serviceable for life.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

Think about it this way. Each and every one of us is called to be an ambassador of Christ. This is a lifetime position! And a position that, if we are to serve well, requires us to be our best at every stage of life. We have to be ready to go when God calls us to go which means we have to be physically, spiritually, and mentally ready at all times—something that requires intention.

In the same way an athlete trains to be prepared for a race, we must train to be prepared for the missions field. We must exercise our bodies and our minds, eat right, rest as needed, get ample sleep, and most importantly read the Word each and every day, with no plans of slowing down in our mission to serve the Lord! After all, as I said before, being an ambassador of Christ is a lifetime position!

So, remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit my friend. And just as you wouldn’t dream of letting the temple where you worship fall into disarray, don’t let it happen to your body either. Take care of the temple God gave you so that you can serve Him with your whole heart now and well into old age.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no right to do with our bodies what we choose since they belong to You. Help us to understand the enormity of that truth that we might set ourselves apart from the world by the way we treat our bodies, carefully guarding what goes into our mouths, ears, and eyes and making the time to exercise our bodies and our minds through daily activity and Bible study. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Health is Wealth

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about wealth and how it relates to health and running. If this has you wondering how I’m going to tie all this together, let me ask you this question. Have you ever heard the proverb that “Health is Wealth?” Honestly I have but never gave it much thought until I read an article published by Runner’s World recently.

In the article titled, "I Thought a Driver Was Going to Heckle Me on My Run. I’m Still Thinking About What He Said,” the writer, Theo Kahler, relayed the story of an early morning run he was on with a friend when a driver passed by and yelled out “Health is Wealth!” At first Theo said he was confused since he normally hears “Run, Forrest, Run.” But when the driver repeated the proverb as he gave a thumbs up, Theo gave a thumbs up in return and was thankful for the encouragement.

It goes without saying that there are many health benefits of running. Check out these seven benefits of jogging regularly, and seven benefits of running every day which shows that you don't have to be fast, but you do have to be consistent. And believe me, this consistency will profit you in so many ways! Without further ado, let's dive into the meaning of this proverb and some of the ways we prosper when we have good health. 

"Health is wealth" means that good physical and mental health (something running helps provide) is a far more valuable and essential asset than financial wealth, as it enables one to enjoy life, pursue goals, and achieve overall well-being. Without good health, the satisfaction and enjoyment that money can bring are diminished, making health the true foundation for a fulfilling and prosperous life. See where I'm going with this? Health is our most valuable asset!!!

Here's a further breakdown of the meaning along with a few reasons why "Health is Wealth":

Health is an asset as I said before: Good health is considered a valuable resource, a form of capital that allows you to live life to its fullest. Think about that! If you've ever run a marathon, you know that it means to live life to the fullest! But accomplishing a goal such as this requires optimal mental and physical health. Think about it this way. Many people have the money to register for a 26.2 mile race but very few (and I mean very few) have the health to actually commit to the training and finish the race!

It enables other pursuits: When you are healthy, you have the energy, mental clarity, and strength to work, study, and care for others, which are often prerequisites for accumulating financial wealth. 

Money cannot buy health: While wealth can provide comfort and support well-being, it cannot restore lost health, emphasizing the irreplaceability of good physical and mental condition. Hence the reason it's important to maintain healthy habits (like running, eating well, and stress management) over a lifetime. 

Illness can quickly diminish wealth: In the form of missed work days, doctor copays, hospital bills, and pharmaceutical expenses, poor health can quickly wipe out a person's savings and keep them from building it back up. Long-term illness can be even more financially devastating.  

It leads to happiness: Health allows you to experience life's simple pleasures and provides a sense of fulfillment and happiness that money alone cannot guarantee. Think about the things you can see while hiking or running at the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Without good health, the vast "wealth" of nature would be inaccessible.

And there you have it friends, the proverb "Health is Wealth" encourages prioritizing your health so that you can live a long, vibrant, and joyful life. So take it to heart and remember that running is one of the greatest ways a person can improve their mental and physical health. After all, movement is medicine... both for preventing illness and treating it. So get out there and get in a run today. It's one of the best investments you can make in your health and your life. Happy Running!

God is the Source of True Happiness

“Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Psalm 144:15 NKJV

In a story titled “She's set American records in the half and full marathon, and now Keira D'Amato is telling her story” published by Richmond News yesterday, the famous runner said "I've learned a lot, I've failed a lot, and I've laughed a lot. But I didn't come back to where I started."

As impressive as it has all been, D'Amato wasn't sure it was worthy of a book, finding the idea more than a little self-indulgent. But the more she was asked about her resurgence as a runner, the more the idea grew on her. "I felt like I had it in my bones to write a book but that I didn't have a story to tell," D'Amato explained. "People would tell me 'You need to write a book', and I would answer 'Well, I don't have an ending yet'."

And she may not for some time. She will train for the World Championships in both the half-marathon next year, and the full marathon in 2027. Putting in the work for those is far easier for her than finding the opening line for a book. "The first step in anything is the hardest," D'Amato admitted. "When I started running again, that first step was the hardest. The first word of the book was the hardest. But once I got going and figured out what I wanted to say, it flowed pretty naturally." Written with Runner's World contributor Evelyn Spence, D'Amato's book aims to inspire people to find whatever motivates them.

"I want people to find the courage to start," D'Amato said. "Find something that scares them but makes them happy. It doesn't have to be running, but something that makes them happy and feel fulfilled."

And, you know, the search for “something” that makes us feel happy and fulfilled isn’t a new one. It’s been the goal of nearly every human being since the beginning of time. And while there’s nothing innately wrong with searching for those things, you can be sure that obtainment of them in this life apart from Christ is only short-lived. 

You see, worldly happiness (the kind that comes from fame, relationships, possessions, comforts or accomplishments) is fleeting because it’s a transient emotion, much like joy, anger, or sadness, and not a permanent state of being. Worldly happiness is a product of its circumstances and a state of being that is reliant on outward factors that can change in an instant, thereby making it temporary. 

For example, gaining a world record might make a person happy, but what happens when that record is broken by someone else? And writing a great book might cause a person to feel fulfilled, but what happens when that book stops selling? Similarly, a person might find happiness in a spouse or significant other, but what happens when that person fails to meet their needs? Or wants to leave the relationship?  

See where I'm going with this? Godly happiness on the other hand is different. It’s the emotional state of wellbeing and contentment that comes from a relationship with the Lord who never changes. Which is the very reason the psalmist declared “Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!”

“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle—My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?” Psalm 144:1-3

What is that state you might ask? As David indicated, it’s a state of peace, trust, faith, and contentment in the midst of trying times (even in battles and war) rather than in the absence of them. You see, the Lord was David’s rock, his lovingkindness, and his fortress. If that weren’t enough, David went on to describe God as his high tower, his deliverer, his shield, and the One in whom he could take refuge. This was something that never changed, unlike his circumstances, because God never changes!

Furthermore, David understood his lowly position and so found great joy in knowing that the Creator of the universe, Himself, was “mindful of him.” How could David not then declare “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!?” He understood that the Father had complete knowledge of him and would provide for all of his needs (and those of all believers)—including the need to feel safe, purposeful, protected, loved, cherished, and cared for.

So, knowing that lasting happiness and fulfillment can only come from a right relationship with the Lord, seek Him with your whole heart my friend. Then allow Him to guide you into your life’s purpose and fill you with constant and abundant joy both in the midst of peace and in the midst of unrest in the way that only He can.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that reveals how great and majestic You are. Thank you also for the revelation of your deep love for mankind and the lovingkindness You show to those who put their trust in You. Help us to look to You, and only You, to fill our need for purpose, happiness, and fulfillment that we might avoid the pitfalls of chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Bible Tells us to Expect It

“Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’” Matthew 24:3 NKJV

One of the things I love most about my Sunday morning runs before church are the way they prepare my heart for worship. And although my husband and I wouldn’t be attending in person yesterday due to his very recent knee replacement, I awoke at my usual time to do Bible study and get out the door and back by the time online services began.

Sadly though, we were met with an onslaught of news stories covering the tragic shooting in Michigan the moment we went to log on. According to initial reports, a gunman (who was later killed by police) rammed a pickup truck through a church in central Michigan during service yesterday and opened fire, killing at least two people and injuring eight others before deliberately setting the church ablaze. It was said that hundreds of people were attending the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, a suburb of Flint, Michigan and that there might be more victims once first responders find the area where the fire was.

Now if this has you shaking your head, you’re not alone. There’s been a lot of violence directed towards houses of worship recently. And while a precise count is difficult due to varying definitions and reporting, numerous church shootings have occurred in the last few years, reflecting a broader rise in hostile incidents against churches. The Family Research Council, an evangelical nonprofit, reported that attacks on U.S. churches more than doubled from 2022 to 2023 and the number is continuing to rise.

"And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matthew 24:10-12

Sadly, this is not something that should surprise the discerning believer though, since Jesus gave us clear warnings about the end times and the signs of His return in Matthew 24. Of the many things Jesus told us was, that near the end of the age, “many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another... And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 3:1-5

The Apostle Paul went on to say, that in the last days, perilous times and perilous men would come. "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." That's quite an unsavory list of characteristics that mark the way people will be in the end times, isn't it? That time is now! It's no wonder then that Paul warned us to turn away from such people!

So, as you can see by the widespread brutality happening all over our world today, the love of many has certainly grown cold... so cold, in fact, that it's causing the hate of many to heat up to the point of unrestrained savagery. You can be sure though that, according to the Bible, the increase in violence is a predicted part of the end-times scenario and only the "beginning of sorrows." Which means that, as these wicked acts intended to harm and kill innocent people increase, particularly against Christians, it will get much worse before it ever gets better—and it will only get better when Christ physically returns to judge the world in righteousness.

"For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

In light of that, refuse to live in fear my friend. Boldly preach the Message of the Gospel and compel all those who have not chosen to accept Jesus as their Savior to do it today before it's too late instead. After all, "now is the day of salvation" and "now" may be all a person has. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and only those who call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved.

Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what to expect before the time of your imminent return, that we might not be unaware as to why our world is spiraling into hatred, violence, and unbelief. Help us to not lose heart by what's happening around us Lord, but to work hard to spread the Truth of the Gospel to those who are perishing, that they might repent and be saved before it's too late. Fill us with purpose and strength Lord, knowing that Your return could happen at any time and we must be found busy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Same Standard Applies to All

For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.'" Romans 10:13 NKJV

In a story titled "Boston Marathon Cutoff Time Announced: Entrants Must Have Run 4:34 Faster Than Qualifying Mark" published Tuesday, it was reported that "Nearly 9,000 runners who ran qualifying times were not accepted to the race."

In the first year after quickening the qualifying standards, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced that to gain entry into the 2026 Boston Marathon, participants had to run four minutes and 34 seconds faster than the qualifying times for their gender and age group. The organization said in a press release on Tuesday that it received 33,249 total applications and 24,362 were accepted, meaning that 8,887 qualifiers did not receive entry into the race. The field is limited to 30,000 runners and the rest of the race will be filled out by runners raising money for charity, sponsors, and invited athletes.

The 4:34 “cutoff time” is the smallest since 2018, when the cutoff was 3:23. Last year, registrants had to run 6:51 faster than their respective qualifying times—the largest in a non-pandemic year. “The sport of marathoning is gaining momentum world-wide, and we recognize the dedication it takes to qualify and earn a spot on the starting line for the Boston Marathon,” said Jack Fleming, the president and CEO of the B.A.A., in a statement. “Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept all applicants into the event, but we do want to applaud all who train and aspire to participate in the Boston Marathon.”

"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

And while, the B.A.A. issued an apology to all those who "qualified" under the qualifying times they had listed but were denied entry anyway, it certainly doesn't soften the blow to all those who put in the hard work. Thankfully though, the conditions set forth in the Bible to gain entry into heaven never change... "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Isn't that wonderful news?  I'd say it's the Best News ever!

Think about it. That standards never change! If a person confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was raised from the dead, that person will be saved! The standards don't change based on age or gender either. "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek for the same Lord over all is rich to all how call upon Him." Did you get that ALL part? 

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord," Acts 3:19

And if the news couldn't get any better, we are told that when a person then repents (which is a sign that a person has truly believed and been converted), their sins are blotted out and times of refreshing "come from the presence of the Lord." Is God good or what? Not only does has He redeemed us by the blood of Jesus Christ, but He forgives our sins and restores our spirits in a way that only He can. 

So, if you have not made Jesus your Savior today, I urge you to do it at this very moment my friend. Not only will you be assured entry into heaven on the day you breathe your last or Jesus comes to meet believers in the air, but you can live free from the condemnation and guilt that unrepentant and unforgiven sin always brings. You can be free through the standards that never change! You simply need to all upon the name of the Lord and believe that He is indeed our risen Lord. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making the standard to enter heaven so clear, concise, and unchanging so that even the simple can understand the way to eternal life. Lord, in light of all that is happening in the world today that points to your imminent return, help us to be bold in sharing the Good News that none would perish on account of us not telling them. Remind us Lord that ONLY those who choose to follow You in this life will inherit eternal life no matter what any other religions claim. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Everyone Can Do Something

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV

In an inspiring story titled "Meet the Grassroots Run Crew That’s Changing Lives in Georgia" published by Runner's World Tuesday, the writer explained how the "We Are The Traffic" running group got started and the impact it's having in Albany. Randall King, a former Marine who also has a background in sprinting and football, decided to start a running group that meets three times a week at 5:00 a.m. (what he calls the discipline hour) when he learned from the local coroner that Albany residents were dying of preventable, health-related issues. “We live in a poor, impoverished area, so we don’t always have the most healthy food places or whatever,” he says, “But even if we don't have healthy food, we can do something and not just sit around.” So....

On July 19, Randall posted a video of himself running downtown at about 5 a.m., making an open invitation on social media for others to join him for an early morning run, and “next thing you know, people wanted to join.” There were those inaugural 16. On the next run, 60 people showed up, and there were 200 attendees for the third session. By the fourth meeting, Randall said the group had swelled to 600 people.

We Are The Traffic currently averages around 200 people per run, and they meet like clockwork on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 5 a.m. Evening runs were recently added for those who can’t make it in the morning. The group began by completing just under two miles, but they’ve added laps to their downtown route and are up to nearly three miles. Walkers are welcome, and there are “road guards” and “motivators” who look out for everyone’s safety and morale. He attributes the rapid growth to word of mouth and social media, and they’ve attracted so much interest that they’ve inspired other groups in surrounding counties and cities to start their own community runs.

“People are joining all over south Georgia because of what we started in Albany,” Randall says. “I just had an idea, and all this kind of happened by mistake, and we kept it going.”

The best part? Randall reported that "We Are The Traffic is having a real-life impact on the local community. Randall has surveyed the group’s attendees and tracks data from the runs. He says people have reported that they’re losing weight, their diabetes (and other illnesses) are improving and/or becoming more manageable, and their mental wellbeing has been boosted thanks to the camaraderie of the group.” Wow, right?

Isn’t it amazing what can happen when a person sees a need and takes action to meet that need? Sadly, “good works” such as Randall’s are seemingly rare in the world that we live in today. But they shouldn’t be… Especially among believers.

You see, as servants of the Lord, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This means that doing good works is something we should be known for. You can be sure that works aren’t what saves us, but our works show that we have been saved. In fact, this is one of the things that sets us apart as followers of Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

And while Randall was “prepared beforehand” (by his talents, mindset, and life experiences) to start a running group to meet the need he saw in his community, we must understand that we are are all “prepared beforehand” differently and uniquely for the special purpose God has for us. Which means we all have different ways to meet the needs we see--and it also means that everyone can do something. There’s not one person who’s been made new in Christ that doesn’t have a gift or talent that can be used to serve others and further the Kingdom by doing so.

So, look for needs in your own community my friend and pray for God to reveal the way in which you can fill those needs. This will not only set you apart as God‘s workmanship, but will lead others to seek the One who inspires such love and action.

Heavenly Father, thank you for gifting every believer with unique skills, talents, and abilities to use to serveYou. Help us to see the needs within our community that need to be filled and to step out and do those good works that point back to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Train Like a Centenarian

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about the “long run.” I'm not talking about your weekly Bass Pro training run that includes a lot of miles which means it lasts for a long time though. I’m talking about making smart choices now so you can continue crossing finish lines for decades to come, so you can train with longevity in mind. This is certainly my goal and I hope it’s yours too.

 
That being said, I will tell you that I’ve learned a lot about running over the three decades that I’ve been doing it. And let’s just say that if I’d have known then (when I first started) what I know now, I would have trained a whole lot differently—which would have saved me from experiencing a litany of injuries and made me a better runner. But you know what they say about hindsight right? 

And while I have more than 30 years of hindsight to look back on and learn from, 103-year-old Mike Fremont from Cincinnati has more than double that! Which is the very reason I wanted to share the 5 morning habits (that actually don’t involve any supplements) Mike shared with VegOut Magazine that he says “keep him healthier than most 40-year-olds.” So healthy, in fact that he even took part in the Flying Pig weekend festivities, becoming the oldest participant in the event's 27-year history. 

 

So without further ado, check out parts of the article that will help you in the “long run” to run long and to run for a long time:

"Strip away the headlines and what’s left is a spreadsheet of tiny inputs done on loop. That’s the part many of us drop when life gets loud. Below are five morning habits threaded through the latest reports and earlier profiles of Fremont—habits that travel well, scale with age, and don’t require perfect genetics or a wide-open calendar.

Where relevant, I’ve included a simple “borrow it by Monday” nudge so this doesn’t just stay inspiring—it becomes useful.

1) Step outside within 30 minutes of waking

Fremont’s mornings start outdoors. Some days it’s an easy jog at conversational pace — other days it’s a brisk walk or stair loops before breakfast. The common denominator is light and light movement: a few minutes of natural morning sun and a gentle rise in heart rate to cue the day’s rhythm.

That one-two combo lifts mood, anchors circadian timing, and builds momentum before screens start negotiating for attention. The recent Cincinnati pieces emphasize his bias for parks and fresh air over gadgets — when “outside first” becomes the default, the rest of the day has to work around a non-negotiable.

Borrow it by Monday: stage shoes and a light layer by the door the night before; collect 10–15 minutes of daylight before checking your phone. If running isn’t on the menu, walk loops, climb a few flights, or sweep your block.

The aim is rhythm, not records.

2) Lead with a fiber-first, plant-forward breakfast

Across profiles, Fremont’s eating pattern is simple and minimally processed—especially in the morning. Think whole grains, fruit, greens, and legumes. Trim the sugary, ultra-processed items that make energy seesaw by 10 a.m. It isn’t flashy, but it’s potent. People love to debate “best” breakfasts; what outlives trends is a small set of ingredients you can prep half-asleep and repeat for years.

Recent lifestyle coverage about him underscores the plant-forward core of his routine, built long before it was fashionable.

Borrow it by Monday: build around one whole grain (oats or whole-grain toast), one legume or nut/seed (tofu scramble, leftover lentils, or nut butter), and one green (a quick handful of sautéed spinach). If you crave variety, rotate toppings; don’t reinvent the base.

3) Hydrate plainly and early

It’s tempting to reach for neon sports drinks or complicated “morning tonics.” Fremont’s routine tilts the other way: plain water, sipped early, often paired with that first movement block outdoors.

The logic is deliberately boring—overnight dehydration impersonates fatigue, crankiness, and brain fog, and the fix is to refill before you caffeinate.

Reporters who’ve followed him keep coming back to his preference for simple inputs and clean environments—gardens, parks, river time—over complicated biohacks.

Borrow it by Monday: put a glass by the sink at night and drink 300–500 ml on waking, then coffee.

If you’re out longer than ~45 minutes, carry a small bottle; otherwise, another glass post-session covers most people.

4) Move like you plan to do this for decades

What jumps off the page in both the fresh pieces and older local segments isn’t heroism—it’s repeatability.

At 99, Fremont was still logging park miles three mornings a week, often with a small crew — in 2025 at age 103, he continued to appear at community running events.

The point isn’t mileage — it’s cadence.

Frequent, modest strain lets connective tissue adapt; predictable sessions remove decision fatigue; training with friends adds social glue. Daily activity is the constant; intensity and modality flex with the season.

Borrow it by Monday: choose three fixed morning slots (say, Mon/Wed/Fri 7:00–7:40). Commit to easy miles or a brisk walk, conversation pace only.

On off-days, spend 10 minutes on hips-ankles-thoracic mobility while the kettle heats.

5) Guard last night’s sleep to protect this morning’s run

A thread that runs through the coverage is the discipline many people half his age neglect: consistent, generous sleep.

Fremont treats bedtime like part of training—same window most nights—so the morning session isn’t bargaining with exhaustion. That doesn’t require perfection; it requires structure.

When sleep becomes routine instead of a nightly negotiation, your morning effort stops feeling like a fight and starts feeling like the natural next step.

The “boring backbone” of longevity looks exactly like this.

Borrow it by Monday: set a lights-out alarm 30–45 minutes earlier, keep the bedroom cool and dark, and pair wake-up with your step-outside ritual so your brain relearns the loop: night ends, light begins, body moves.

The wider impact? The payoff is compounding: fewer injuries, stabler mood, and better decision quality in the hours when work actually matters."

And there you have it friends. Each of these tips in themselves may not seem like big or important things. But when you combine them together over the “long run” you can see how they add up. So, take these tips to heart and add them to your training so you can keep running for years and even decades. Age will catch us all, it will even slow us down, but it doesn’t have to stop us completely. Mike is proof of that. 

Speaking of age and running... you're never too old to run or walk one of the events the Bass Pro Fitness Series has to offer. Believe it or not, William Cooksey completed a half marathon at the age of 102! And Mathea Allensmith completed a half marathon at the age of 94! Pretty inspiring right? So get out there and get training. Marathon Weekend will be here soon and you won't want to miss it! Happy Running!

Stay Alert for Snakes

"'Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." Matthew 12:33-35 NKJV

In a story titled "Runner bitten by copperhead on Ozark Trail" published by local news station Ozarks First last week, it was reported that, "A runner was bitten by a copperhead snake Friday, Sept. 19, on the Finley River Greenway Trail near the Ozark Career Center, according to the Ozark Police Department (OPD) in a social media post from the city. The following day, Sara Forhetz — a local speaker, journalist and podcaster — announced on her social media page she was the person who was bitten. “I was the one,” she said in a video, noting she’s doing “really good.” Forhetz said she’d been listening to the Bible on her phone when she stepped on the snake. “It bit me through my shoe — I had tennis shoes and socks on,” she said. “It hurt. It almost felt like a phantom pain.” Forhetz said the situation was one of her worst fears, but she’s OK.

In the post, the city reminded trail users to stay alert for wildlife, especially in wooded areas or near the river. Copperheads can be identified by hourglass-shaped crossbands on their bodies, resembling Hershey Kisses, and by their grayish brown to pinkish tan coloring, the city noted..."

"Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.'" Matthew 12:24

And while the outside markings of a snake can be used to identify it's “type”, thereby making it easy to determine whether the snake is poisonous or harmless, venomous people aren't so easy to identify. Not at first anyway. This was something Jesus made clear when he called out the Pharisees for blaspheming against the Holy Spirit when they attributed the power by which Christ did miracles to Satan. By all outward appearances, these "spiritual men" seemed to follow God by strictly adhering to Jewish laws and traditions. But their "holier than though" facade was shattered by the words they spoke which showed the true condition of their hearts. Think about it… the Pharisees had just witnessed a demon-possessed man be healed. But they couldn’t find even one shred of goodness in their hearts to celebrate the life-changing miracle. Instead, they said,” This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Hence the reason, Jesus called them a "brood of vipers!" and then asked the question, "How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4

Jesus made it well known that a person’s “type” is ultimately revealed by their fruits or their words, when he went on to say, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." This means that, although a viper or evil person might be able to put on a show of piety for a little while, eventually their speech will give them away, showing them to be at enmity with God and, therefore, at enmity with all those who follow Him. And you can be sure that their words aren't so much the problem but the heart from whence the words came. 

You see, a venomous heart spews venom because the heart is full of poison. Which is the very reason believers should "stay alert for" and avoid people with a venomous heart —because nothing (and I mean nothing) good comes from being a friend with anyone who has made themselves an enemy of Jesus. All we do by associating with these “types” of people then, is put ourselves in a position to get bit.

So, be careful who you label as “good” my friend. Just as a poisonous snake can appear innocent until a close and thorough inspection makes known their “type”, those who appear to love Jesus could very well belong to the “brood of vipers” Jesus talked about. Therefore, you must inspect a persons fruit carefully over time, remembering that a facade of good is only a short-lived front, and that only a friend of God is truly a friend of ours. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are vipers among your sheep. Help us to be ultra discerning in these ends days Lord that we might not be fooled by the facade of the enemy who masquerades as an angel of light and seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. Knowing that people speak out of the overflow that is in their hearts, give us the discernment to tell good fruit from bad fruit and the wisdom to choose our friends based on the condition of their hearts. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running

God Works Evil for Good

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV

To say that yesterday was filled with emotion would be an understatement. I woke up earlier than usual on a Sunday morning to get in a run (after Bible study of course) and prayer time before heading to downtown Dixon, Missouri to help prepare for a city-wide church service. The second annual Cow Days Worship Service that I was blessed to emcee included four personal testimonies given by four different people from four different walks of life who had one thing in common… a love for Jesus Christ and a story of how He saved them.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

As I said, the stories may have been different but at the core of each story was this shared truth… all the evil the devil brought into the lives of these people (who are now new creations in Christ) that was intended to destroy them... the drug addiction, the imprisonments that followed, the broken families and torn relationships, the years of wasted purpose, and the many unfulfilled dreams… was turned to good by the power of Jesus Christ. And I have no doubt, these stories of redemption planted seeds of hope in the hearers of their stories… stories that will have a ripple effect in the Kingdom.

The same can be said about the story of Charlie Kirk, a man who courageously fought for truth and whose life was cut short on September 10. As I watched his memorial service with my husband later that afternoon, I observed the packed stadium and knew there were millions more watching online and outside the arena who had sought the Lord because of the death of one of God’s beloved saints, a man who served the Lord with his whole heart and “left this earth with no regrets” according to his wife Erika. 

You can be sure that the devil meant to harm the cause of Christ through the martyrdom of Charlie, but the opposite happened. “As it is this day” thousands of people are choosing to follow Jesus because of the enemy’s failed plan—and the ripple effects of the good that came out of it will be seen for years and even generations to come.

But this is what God does. He takes what the enemy intends for evil and works it for good. And, in doing so, saves more lives because of the act of evil than would have been saved in the absence of the act of evil! Only the God of all creation could do that! Is that amazing or what?

So, knowing that the chain of events that work evil for good often begins with our personal testimonies, share what God has done for you today my friend… and share it often. Our stories have the power to change lives. Especially when we add... if God can do it for me, He can do it for you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways You work evil for good. Throughout the pages of the Bible from the beginning of time, this promise for the believer has never failed to come true. Lord, help us to be bold in doing our part to make heaven full that we wouldn't shy away from sharing our stories, speaking the Truth, and bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be a Prudent Believer

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 22:3 NLT

In a story titled “Rocky River runner attack suspect still at large; Metroparks Police say parks remain safe” published by ABC News 5 Cleveland on Wednesday, the writer said, “Over a week ago, a woman was attacked while on a run in the Metroparks. While the suspect remains at large, the Metroparks police chief insists the parks are still safe as the investigation continues… The concern among some park goers comes after Vani Shukla told police she was attacked at the Rocky Reservation Saturday, Sept. 6, while on a 20-mile run. She said she was grabbed from behind and strangled until she fell unconscious. “Her description of this male was an unknown race, taller than 5’8’, wearing dark clothing and possibly a hooded sweatshirt,” said Metro Parks Police Chief Kelly Stillman. The incident occurred just after 8:30 p.m., along the all-purpose trail between Brookway and the Rocky River Nature Center...”

And while Metro Parks continue to declare that the park is safe, many runners like Hannah Tansey, who is a regular at Rocky River Reservation, aren’t buying it. “It's beautiful, especially when the foliage changes,” said Tansey. But after hearing Vani Shukla’s story, Tansey’s taking extra precautions. In fact, she even posted on Instagram that she now runs with her boyfriend, who also serves as her bodyguard. This was a very wise move on Hannah’s part.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

2 Timothy 3:1-1-5

This is also a very wise move on the part of all believers in the times that we are living in… the terrible times that Paul warned Timothy would come upon believers in the last days, and are now here. 

And while many politicians, government officials, and mainstream news and media outlets deny the increase in violent crimes—which we know are caused by the rapid spiritual degradation (that shows itself in the increasing manifestation of the ungodly behaviors Paul listed in 2 Timothy) taking place in our world today—the prudent person, with unveiled spiritual eyes to see through the lies, “foresees danger”, discerns the times, and takes precautions to avoid harm. The simpleton, however (the one with veiled eyes who chooses to follow the god of this world rather than the one true God), goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

So, don’t be misled my friend. These are perilous times we are living in, no matter what anyone says. We mustn’t live our lives in fear by any means though, but must be bold in sharing the Gospel no matter the cost. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our enemy, the devil, is busy at work through those people whose eyes have been blinded. Help us to be sober minded and alert at all times to avoid danger Lord, but unafraid to face it when we must. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!