Runner 12 days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A shirt from TEAM four one three

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans 

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Windproof  Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Nike Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Brand new sports bras

Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
12 hot pink tutus

Eleven Brand new sports bras

Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

Who cut in?

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

If you have ever been to a marathon or watched one on TV, you might have seen the winner break the tape as they sprint across the finish line. There are actually two tapes, one for the male winner and one for the female. At last Saturday's Dallas Marathon, the coveted banner (for the female division) was ripped apart by someone other than the winner - something I've never seen before. The women's top finisher, Shitaye Gemechu from Ethiopia, was headed down victory lane ready to break the tape and claim her first place finish when she was passed (at the very last moment) by a relay runner, identified as Janice Moore, who had out-sprinted her (relay runners are typically a 5 person group with each member running 5 to 5.6 miles of the race). Gemechu told the Dallas Morning News, “I was disappointed a little, for a moment, I thought I lost. I didn’t know where she came from." http://running.competitor.com/2014/12/news/dallas-marathon-winner-upstaged-relay-runner_119870

It was later determined that Gemechu was in fact the winner, as Moore was merely the "last leg" of a relay team (which came in 6th in the relay division). Although Moore apologized, the damage was done. Gemechu had lost out on claiming the victory (in the grandest fashion by breaking the tape) she had been running so hard for. The bible warns us how one person's actions can affect those around them. Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV) says, "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Paul is giving us a reminder to be careful and that, just as a little yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise, listening to the persuasive words or advice of just one misguided person can spread and infect others. Any teachings contrary to what the Word of God tells us can keep us from obeying the truth.

In your run to the finish line, be careful to not let anyone or anything "cut in on you". By knowing the truth and staying focused on Christ, we can "press on to reach the end of the race for which God is calling us."

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word to know the truth to run the good race before us. I pray that we would always be alert and ready to avoid anything or anyone that might cut in on us and keep us from claiming the heavenly price that you are calling us to. Be with us every step of the way Father, guiding our steps and providing us strength. We ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Run - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJGDKM6XsfQ

the priceless Gift

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7

I've heard it said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" which, according to google, means: beauty cannot be judged objectively, for what one person finds beautiful or admirable may not appeal to another. And value is defined as: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. With that in mind, "value is in the eye of the beholder" can be said as well.

While shopping for candles Saturday, I surveyed the clearance table for a bargain. Picking up a large glass candle holder marked down to five dollars, I examined it closely to see whether I really liked it. That's when I saw the initial price tag - this marked down item used to be twenty five dollars - five times its current value. Instantly, it seemed to become more beautiful and definitely more valuable to me. The item hadn't changed but my opinion had, based on my new knowledge. Could it be that people don't value Jesus as they should because they don't know his true value? Maybe they simply lack the knowledge of his worth? At this time of year, He has been reduced to a cute little baby in a manger, born in a stable surrounded by wise men and farm animals. But He is so much more than that!  And we all know that the rarer the object, the more it is worth right? Acts 4:12 tells us that, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

Jesus Christ is worth more than we could ever comprehend then! He is the only one who can offer us the gift of salvation and the only one true God. His value is beyond compare and his "unfailing love" is priceless.  If only the world could know that the immeasurable love of Christ is free to all of us... how different things would be. Will you tell someone today?

Heavenly Father, You are truly worth more than any words could say. You are the one true God and the only one worthy of our praise. My prayer is that we would all know the immeasurable cost of salvation and view you as the priceless King and Friend you are. Help us to share this knowledge with others today. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

What Child is this - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1WVAa_pM_s

It's about the Cross

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John  3:17

The past few days were absolutely beautiful. It's the middle of December and there were highs in the 60s. Hate to burst anyone's bubble but it was a gift from God, undeserved I might add, and not from Mother Nature. Not only was I able to get in a few runs without wearing a coat, going in and out of stores Christmas shopping seemed like a treat. Funny how few people seemed to notice though. It's supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year" right? As I passed another shopper in the parking lot, I commented on what great weather we were having and was met with the response, "it's a little windy and could be a few degrees warmer." Oh boy, some people just don't get it I thought. 

If they did, they'd be dancing in the aisles and singing in the checkout lines. Praise God, we are getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! There's so much more to the "happiest season of all" than just buying presents, going to parties and wearing ugly sweaters. What a gift, undeserved I might add, that along with the celebration of His birth, we are able to spend time with loved ones, bless others with gifts and have a special time of joy and renewed peace. Perhaps we have merely forgotten the true meaning of the season. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

No matter the weather, there is a reason to be happy. As you're out and about this wonderful holiday season, remember what it is you're truly celebrating. And what a gift, totally underserved, we have all received by the birth of Jesus - forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. Now that should put a smile on your face. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the birth of your son Jesus. Thank You for the gift of forgivenss of sins and eternal salvation through His sacrifice. I pray that we would have that joy in our hearts and on our lips as we prepare to celebrate the season. May we be so overflowing with thanksgiving over what we have received that others see it in us and want to know why. What a great way to share the story of Christmas! We ask these things in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

It's about the Cross - Go Fish

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

The thorn

"I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses." 2 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV)

Runners love to brag to each other. Join a group of them talking and you'll likely hear about someone's latest PR, most recent race or the litany of injuries they are running through. Inevitably the conversation will usually turn to who was able to run through the most pain... the winner gaining a badge of honor among the others - respect. Pain is just an accepted part of running, never very pleasant but a situation that must be overcome. And it is always humbling - a constant reminder that we are not the ones in control regardless of our race statistics.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, the apostle Paul says, "Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me." The bible never tells us what the "thorn" in Paul's flesh was but whatever it was, it caused him enough grief to repeatedly ask the Lord to remove it. There's no doubt that God loved Paul, so why didn't he just take it away? When Paul inquired of God to remove it, He simply said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (V.9). Because of this ailment, whatever it might have been, Paul remained humble and in constant knowledge that God was in control. It's that knowledge that inspired Paul to respond, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (V. 9-10). Because of Paul's response, his relationship with Christ and trust in Christ not only became stronger, he was a witness to all those around him as they saw God working in his life.

While I can't even begin to guess why some people are "blessed" with a thorn and others not, I do know that God is in control of it all. We can choose, like Paul, to embrace it and boast of the good things God has done in spite of and through our weaknesses, hardships or difficulties or we can allow our "thorns" to only bring us pain. As for me, I will boast in my pain and in the victories God allows me to achieve despite them, through Him, by Him and for Him. What a blessing to do so!

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings you have given us. Thank You especially for the hardships, injuries, pain and difficulties. It's through those that we have learned to trust You far more than the brightest day could ever get us to do. Thank You for giving us the strength to overcome and for your sufficient grace. May we forever boast in the power of your grace in our lives. When we don't understand why Lord, give us the faith to accept, embrace and trust your plan for our lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Bring the Rain - Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

I've got the JOY

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Do you know any of those people? The kind that always seem to have a smile on their face? Even at mile 20 of a marathon?  Always happy no matter the circumstances? While you might say they drive you crazy with their constant joy, do you secretly wonder what makes them that way? Do you secretly wish you could be more like that? Overflowing with hope? As one of those people, I will tell you the secret - which is not really a secret at all. The source of joy can be found in merely looking closer at the word itself:

J - Jesus

O - Others

Y - Yourself

What a simple equation! Joy comes by putting Jesus first, then others and then yourself - in that order... JOY can't be spelled or found any other way.  Philippians 2:1-4 sums it up perfectly, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Joy is made complete by loving Jesus and looking to the interests of others before ourselves.

Goes against all worldly reason doesn't it? Written by an unknown author, "Don't worry about making others happy, worry about making yourself happy before anything." If this is the motto you're living by, maybe it's time to rearrange the letters? "Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD." Psalm 89:15 (NLT). When you arrange the letters perfectly... Jesus Others Yourself, you've got it. You've got the JOY!!

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You have given us. If we have scripture to read your word, friends to share it, and a new day to give You praise, we are truly blessed, Let us not let the attitudes of the world change us Lord. We will never have joy if we are trying to make ourselves happy. I pray that we would know that true happiness comes only through You and is too great to not share with others. What a reason to smile. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Joy to the world - Go Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnhcyfDd82E

Keep Christ in it

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15(NIV)

I would never claim to be a very smart person - blessed, yes. Smart? No. God gave me an ability to run and a love for Him but definitely not the knowledge of Solomon. There's one thing that isn't hard to figure out though. You can't have a race without a runner right? So why are so many people trying to have Christmas without Christ? What is so offensive about Jesus? He came into this world for one reason - to die for our sins - mine and your's. He came to show us mercy, love and grace. What is so offensive about that?

We are now replacing Christmas trees with holiday trees and the term "Merry Christmas" is off limits to most retailers. What does "Happy Holidays" mean anyway? There is nothing happy about a holiday without Christ. In fact, there is nothing happy about an eternity without Him either. The bible says this about the lost, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:46 (NIV). But Romans 10:13-15 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

It's pretty simple, without Christ, there is no reason for celebration - today or on Christmas. But, we have so much to celebrate when we accept Him as our Savior! Let us be the ones bringing the "good news!" to those who may "have not heard." Don't be afraid to say Merry Christmas. In fact, say it every chance you get. If you are "sent" to the mall, say it. If you are "sent" to the post office, say it. Just say it...  MERRY CHRISTMAS. "How can they hear without someone preaching to them?".

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your son to die for our sins. Thank You for Christmas as a way to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate the good things You have given us, namely Salvation - the greatest gift of all. May we be bold this holiday season and be the ones to bring the "good news" to those around us. We pray this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Christmas with a Capital C - Go Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIj94yepfU