There is a season

There is a season

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh;  A time to mourn and a time to dance.  A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace."  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In the past month, I have rejoiced over the birth of a child, prayed with a friend whose parent was (and still is) in the ICU, celebrated my son's 16th birthday, gone to two funerals, had a friend diagnosed with cancer, cried and prayed over countless situations and faced a life-changing circumstance in my own life. Every day things are changing. I used to long for change and find myself now wanting time to stop.  I remember wanting to grow up quickly to get away from my parents and now I dread the day I can no longer pick up the phone to talk to them. I remember being a newlywed and now I'm going on 23 years of marriage. I remember longing for the day when the kids would be a little older so I would have some time to myself and now I dread the day they will leave home.  

I suppose that's human nature though. I think the phrase "you don't know what you've got til it's gone" has a lot of truth to it.   It just seems we are never happy...that is, until we know Christ. King Soloman (who wrote Ecclesiastes), the son of King David, tried many things (lots of wives and concubines, acquiring material things, alcohol, soul searching, gaining wisdom) in life trying to find fulfillment until he finally realized that true happiness comes only from God. Ecclesiastes 3 points out that every good "season" of life is followed by one that is not so easy and that there is truly a "time for everything and every event under heaven."

Soloman learned the secret of true happiness and Paul knew the secret of true contentment when, as a prisoner, he wrote the words, "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13.  It's only through Christ that we can find happiness and contentment in every season, situation and circumstance of life.  In the good times praise Him (and embrace the time with all you have)-and in the bad times, praise Him too taking shelter in His arms.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for this life you have given us. May we be find contentment in You so that we may enjoy wherever we are in our life's journey.  When the seasons change for what we believe to be the worst, may we trust in You knowing that your plan is perfect. Surround us with Your presence Lord so we will never be without You-the true source of our strength and happiness.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKu8_BUGPKc
There is none like you.  I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like you-Shane and Shane.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem

"So go ahead. Eat your food and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a dash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

Seize the day! We've all heard the saying, seen it written on clothing and advertisements and maybe even said it ourselves a time or two. But what does it really mean? To fully understand and live it, we should take a look at the life of Jesus-the pioneer of making each day count. Though his ministry was only about three and a half years long, he preached life-changing sermons and spoke in parables that still challenge the most intellectual of minds. He healed the sick, fed the poor, calmed the storms, walked on water, raised people from the dead and trained eleven disciples to continue preaching the Gospel after He died on the cross to save us from our sins.  In fact, John 21:25 tells us that, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Wow, will what we did with our life be enough to fill up even one single page?

He did so much in such a short amount of time because He was not willing to let a moment pass when He was not helping someone or serving His Father.  Like us, He had a purpose.   Luke 9:62 gives the best definition of the phrase when "Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”

God has a purpose for each of us I assure you-one as individual as we are.  I pray that you find your purpose and fulfill it.  Before another day passes, resolve to live like Christ-making each moment count and "No backward looks."  Press on and seize the day... Let the story of your life fill many pages and inspire someone else to do the same.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving each of us a purpose.  If any of us is unsure of Your will, I pray we search and pray ceaselessly until it is revealed.   May we live our life with no regrets, not looking back but fixing our eyes on You.  I pray we make a difference in someone's life today and "Carpe Diem".  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDlX17W4AgA

I hope you dance-Mandisa

Finding balance

Finding balance

"But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law." Psalm 1:2

What a joy it was to have a three day weekend to celebrate Independence Day.  Like many other Americans, I spent it vacationing with the family.  Rather than waste one precious moment I might get to spend with my husband and children, I arranged a basket by our camper door that contained everything I would need to run.  I woke up early, grabbed the basket and headed to the public restrooms to change to avoid waking them up and then headed out for a quick 5 miles. While it would be much easier to skip the workout,  I would miss out on my daily meeting.... my alone time with God. 

I've learned that finding a balance makes life much easier and that a little sacrifice offers huge rewards.  So many times we resist going for that short run or doing just a few minutes of bible study because we can't do "a lot".  Sometimes we just have to "be okay" with "being okay".   In the period of three days, 5 miles turned into 15 and 30 minutes of daily bible study turned into 90.  Just think how that can add up in the course of a lifetime!

Spending time with God should always be our main priority whether we are at home or on vacation.  At times you just have to be creative though.  If you're not able to run, go for a walk. If that's not possible, just find a quiet spot.  While on my run Friday morning, I saw a lady reading her bible while sitting under a tree at the campground-my heart smiled as I waved and wished her a blessed day. Starting our day off with His guidance is the best way to ensure that we stay focused on Him. Unfortunately, these family times will pass by quickly.... children grow and life goes on. Find that balance that you need to enjoy it now without neglecting the One who gave it. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the this gift of life.  Thank you for family and friends that make it so much more enjoyable. Help us to find a balance.  While we know there are times when we seem stretched to find time for everything, remind us that You are what's important and help us to find ways to spend time with You.   In your precious name we pray, Jesus.   Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I'm here to meet with you.  Come and meet with me-Paul Baloche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgox2owHEM

God Bless America

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

God Bless America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAXHr0qccvE

Heavenly Father, thank you for the soldiers who have fought for our freedom.  Thank you for this country that we live in where we are still free to worship You.  I pray that this nation would turn to You and we could once again  truly be a nation "under God."  Please bless and protect our soldiers as they battle for what they believe in risking their lives every day.   Truly we pray.....God bless America, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.  From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam.  God bless America, my home sweet home.  In your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God

Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining

Just as bright as his brass.

Step forward now you Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?

The Soldier squared his shoulders and said

No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work on Sundays

And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep.

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills just got too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help

Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here,

Lord, It needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne

Where the saints had often trod

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burden well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell. 

Author Unknown

Remember that Freedom is never free.  Thank a soldier today.  

Let's rejoice today!

Let's rejoice today!

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7

Wow, let's hear it for undeserved blessings!  Yesterday was the second day of July and the high was only 77. Running felt so effortless and easy after running in the heat and humidity. While it is not expected to last (back in the 90s by Monday), it sure was a welcome relief.   Everywhere I went it seemed people were talking about the beautiful day we were having here in "the Ozarks."  Funny thing is though, if this had happened in March or April (a time when the weather is normally pleasant) we wouldn't be talking about it. 

Isn't that so true about how we live our lives?  When things are going well we don't seem to appreciate the "little things".  When life is without bumps, obstacles and heat indexes, we tend to settle into a comfortable existence.  But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that we should,  "Be thankful in all circumstances".  And sometimes being thankful for the good circumstances can only come from experiencing the bad circumstances.  It's from running through "life's storms" that we truly appreciate running on "solid ground".   I assure you that God's blessings can be found in both.  In the storm we take refuge in Him and in the sunshine we praise Him.  Everyday ( whether it's 110 degrees or 10 below) we should make it our goal to say, "This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:".   So whether you're in a dry season or a season of plenty, be thankful for God's presence and take refuge in Him.  Let Christ, and not life's conditions, be the true source of your joy.  It's then that you can be "thankful in all circumstances."  He made this day, let's rejoice and be glad in it no matter the temperature!!

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this time of refreshing that you have given us.  I pray that we have not taken it for granted.  May we praise You in every circumstance... the good and the bad knowing that they are both bringing blessings. In Your precious name we pray Jesus.  Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

You are my hiding place.  You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid.-Selah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dR0H0tAYT8

Slow down and press on

Slow down and press on

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

I have to admit, running in the heat and humidity the last few days has been rough.  I know many of you are experiencing the same thing and wondering "what's the deal"?!!  Well....consider the following facts about running in these conditions before you lose hope and toss your running shoes:

Heat

When you run strenuously in temperatures above 60°F, your core body temperature is raised.  Your body’s natural cooling system kicks in; some of the blood that would have been going to your running muscles gets diverted to the capillaries of your skin to cool it off.  That cooler blood then returns to your core and that brings your core temperature down.  What a great invention!  Unfortunately, that means less blood in your running muscles.  That means less oxygen.  It also means that your system of removing the waste byproducts from the muscles can get backed up as well.  Both of these result in a slower pace.

Temperature changes also alter the density of the air.  More dense, more oxygen with each intake of breath.  i.e. colder weather makes you faster.

Add it all up and you get:  cold weather facilitates a faster speed.  Heat slows you down.  This is one of the main reasons you see the majority of marathons in the Spring & Fall.

Humidity

Humidity also affects your core body temperature.  This is because sweating is one of the main functions of your body’s cooling system.  For sweat to do its job, it needs to evaporate and take some heat with it.  Unfortunately, high humidity means slower evaporation.  Slower evaporation of sweat means slower cooling.  That means that your body’s core temperature is not being lowered effectively.  Final result: high humidity leads to slower pace.

Conclusion

I have not found a formula that can tell us how much we will slow down, but you need to understand that you can’t run at your optimal pace in less than optimal conditions.  If you slow down a little in the heat & humidity, give yourself a break.  Your body is doing the right thing.

The good news is that even though your training might be slowed a great deal during the summer, your training will lead to MUCH faster times when things cool off again.

Have patience.  Forgive yourself for the slower pace.  http://wiserunning.com/2012/07/04/effects-of-heat-humidity-on-running-pace/

Isn't it amazing that God made our bodies in such wondrous ways?  Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  I just love that.  He knew that we would encounter many different situations in our "race" and made our bodies to adapt to them.  This is just another reminder that when "the heat is on" and we are going through rough times, we simply need to adjust our pace and drink more fluids (think Living Water).   Don't give up!  Just slow down, press on and embrace the journey. It's never about how fast you got to the finish, just that you finished.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for making our bodies in such unique ways.  They are another miraculous testimony to the wonderful works Your hands have made.  Help us to get through the hard times in life by knowing it's okay to struggle as long as we don't give up.  May we keep pressing on until we receive the prize of joining You in Heaven.  In Your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will follow, I will press on even when the walk feels long. -Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXxBqbTM-2U

At the feet of Jesus

At the feet of Jesus

"You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. " Psalm 128:2

Work is a necessary part of life.  We work at a job to provide the income we need to have a home, food and electricity.  We work at home to keep everything together. We work out every day to keep our bodies working as well as they can.  There never seems to be a shortage of things to do.  In fact, we were designed to work.  Since we are made "in the image of God" (Genesis 1:27) and He is always working,"My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." John 5:17, then we are obviously meant to work as well.  

Unfortunately, many people can make work more important than the reason why they work.  Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Martha and Mary.  While Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet, Martha was "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!"   Jesus reminded her that Mary had "chosen what is better."  What a great illustration to put work into perspective.  Don't get so busy serving Him that you neglect spending time with Him.  Or so busy working to give your family "things" that you forfeit giving them "time."

If you're overwhelmed and feeling the stress of too much work, maybe you just need to rearrange your priorities?  Or maybe, like Martha, today you just need to choose "what is better" and sit at the feet of Jesus. Take a rest and reconnect with Christ and your family.   "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a purpose and the ability to work.  I pray that we remember that we should always work as if working for You and toil with a joyful spirit.  Help us to relax sometimes and just enjoy Your presence.  It's time with You that gives us strength for another day.  In your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

We bow down.  We lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus-Kutless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hT4jKDiGdY