Being Flexible

 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 1:16-18

When my son (now 15) was a baby, I lived away from family and didn't know very many people.  I didn't have a church family like I'm blessed with now.  My husband worked nights and I was usually alone with the baby.  If I wanted to run during this time in my life, it had to be done on a treadmill.  This was, to say the least, not the most enjoyable runs of my life.  They did serve the purpose though.  Nevertheless, when he got older, the treadmill got sold and I promised myself I would never run another mile on one.

Fast forward to today.  As I have told you, I developed a severe case of bursitis in my right ankle.  After some time off, I have started running again.  To aid the continuation of healing, I have tried to stick to flat, even surfaces.  And then the snow came!  The kids have been out of school all week and the roads are ice covered.  Normally I would have laced on my cleats and gone but knew that was a bad idea.   Once again, I felt called to the treadmill.

After realizing it was treadmill or no running, I gave in and used the one at the gym.  What a welcome surprise!!!  Treadmills now had mp3 hookups and they were smoother than I recalled.  Watched a movie on netflix and 15 miles flew by!  I noticed I was even able to get my running form back in order.

How many other good things had I passed up?  Was I that inflexible that I was unwilling to try new things?  Things God wants me to have?

Dr. Richard J. Krejcir describles flexiblity as being opened to the plans and ideas of others, and willing to be instructed and challenged to change for the better.  He goes on to say that this character will help us to see the big picture, how people and events are all interlinked with a sovereign God at the controls.  In this way, we can see that our plans and ways are not autonomous; we can trust God in all of it.  

Psalms 40:8 says, I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”.  We need to desire, above all else, to do the will of God.  For Simon and Andrew, that meant changing professions.  For me, it's means being open to new things God is showing me.  While there may be many routes to arriving at your destination, God's way is always going to be the best.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the lessons you are teaching us.  Help us to be more flexible, letting go of our will to do yours.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

This day is a gift

This day is a gift

"Every good and perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

As I have done every morning for the past few years, upon waking up and stretching, and before getting out of bed, I will say out loud, "Thank you Lord, it's going to be a great day!"  And I mean it!  It doesn't matter that I haven't checked the forecast or my to do list.  I have absolutely no idea what the day has in store for me in fact.  I do, however, know one thing, this day and every day you live is a gift from God.  It's a gift of salvation.  Totally undeserved and totally free.

In fact, in the New Testament, the writers used different Greek words to describe this magnificent gift. One is  Dorea, meaning "a free gift".    I love this definition.  It emphasizes the wonder of it.  It is something given from above and is unexpected and undeserved.  Jesus offered it to the woman at the well.  John 4:10 says "Jesus answered her, "if you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."  Romans 5:15 says "But the gift is not like the trespass.  For if the many died by the trespass of one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!"  Sound like a free gift and too good to be true?!!

Now this is exciting!!  The adverb form of this word is Dorean, translated "freely".   In Matthew 10:8, Jesus said,  "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received; freely give."  We have been justified (think JustIfIed never sinned) FREELY by grace through Jesus Christ and the motive is nothing more than the grace of the Giver.  That can't be earned!!!

The first few weeks I did this, my kids looked at me strange.  Now, they nod in agreement or say, "Mom's up."   I urge you to try this.  It will change your whole attitude!  Start the day off praising and knowing that God gave you this day for a reason.  It certainly wasn't to grumble about what the day holds.  Get up!  Go for a run!!!! Spend some time with God and thank Him for the gift of today!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for this gift called today.  And thank you for your gift of salvation.  Please help us to embrace these gifts with a thankful heart and to tell others about it so they, may too, know that this gift is for all those who ask in faith.  Be with us today Lord.  In your name Jesus, Amen.  

Here's another one for your playlist.  Guaranteed to make you pick up your pace:).

2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.

Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.

Embracing Pain

Embracing Pain 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Matthew 16:24-27

It's hard for most people to understand the love affair runners have with pain.  As in any relationship, it has its good days and bad.  Sometimes we welcome it and other times we pray for it to go away.  But, we know we can not quit. Being a Christian runner means taking your message to the missions field....aka the starting line for the members of TEAM413. It's a calling like no other and we embrace it.   Here's a share from Dr. Charles Stanley I found very interesting when you look at it from a runners viewpoint. 

 “God, if You love me, then why must I endure pain?” This question preoccupies many believers in their darkest hours of need. While pain takes different forms and has different durations, suffering always comes with an objective greater than our comfort, pleasure, or personal goals. If we seek the Lord’s purpose for grief, we will find both His peace and His deep love for us.

Pain instructs. Christ’s sufficiency is more apparent during times of suffering than in the midst of blessing. Discovering God’s faithful provision strengthens our resolve to endure.

Pain purifies. Counterfeit faith cannot withstand hardship’s flames. Like gold in a refiner’s fire, suffering believers experience the burning away of impurities until only things of value remain. Trials bring into focus the truth about the world we live in, the nature of people we meet, and the incomparable worth of our Father.

Pain motivates. Pain drives us to God. How often do we hear testimony from people who discovered Him during their worst trial? In His wisdom, the Lord knows whether we require motivation from blessing or from distress.

Pain opens us to intimacy with God. At the end of our own resources is the Lord’s boundless strength. Running into His arms guarantees us the comfort and energy that is available only through an intimate relationship with the Father.

*Living an easy life doesn’t earn rewards. Though our instinct is to sidestep pain, suffering helps us to find intimacy with God and the great purpose He sets for our life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of running.  Thank you for choosing us to glorify you through it and to witness to others along the way, one step at a time.  May I run as far and fast as you will me to go embracing the pain and becoming strengthened by it.  In your name Jesus, Amen.

2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.

Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.

fanatic

 What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it- we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.
But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.  John 3:1-3

Probably like you, I've been described as many things.  I'm a mother, a runner, friend, sister, aunt and answer to many other titles.  As stated above, I'm also a "child of God".  Those titles are all true and given to me by the blessings in my life.  Most importantly though, I am a fanatic of Jesus Christ.  I will follow wherever He leads me trusting Him completely.  

The freedictionary.com defines a fanatic as "a person marked or motivated by an extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm, as for a cause."  And, the Collins Dictionary describes a fanatic as "one who won't change his mind and won't change the subject."  

How about you, what motivates you?  Does Jesus' love for you inspire this same enthusiasm for Him?  If not, maybe you just don't believe that He died for you and that He loves you and longs to be all you need.  I can assure you that it's true.  Romans 5:7-9 says that "But God demonstrates His own love for us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

You are a child of God and that is a title worth claiming.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for dying for our sins. I pray that, if there's anyone who doesn't know you, they will seek and find you.  I also pray that those that do know you never miss the opportunity to be the one to share your truth.   In your name, Amen.

Hope you enjoy this.  A great addition to your playlist.                       

2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.

Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.

the 

Make me broken

  O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
  wFor you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
  The sacrifices of God are xa broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:15-17

Today I was able to run with no tendon pain.  I am so absolutely grateful that the Lord has healed my injury.  I was even able to return to somewhat of my normal form.  As I was praising God for this on my morning run, I was also praising him for His discipline.  Without this injury, I would have failed to appreciate the true honor it will be to glorify Him through the 100 mile race on March 29.

You see, I was approaching this endeavor with a less than worthy attitude and apprehension and stress over how to train, if I could fit this into my schedule and so on.  God doesn't need my sacrifice!!!! And He doesn't need yours.  He wants our brokenness.  Our willingness to "empty me of me" so He can fill us.  When faced with the reality that this injury could keep me from glorifying Him through this race, I began to feel deep remorse over my lack of faith and my selfish attitude.  Faced with the truth, I could do nothing but cry and call out to God begging forgiveness.   Psalm 51:17 says that "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."   This is connected with verse 16, "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.".  David is stating that there is nothing we can offer God to appease Him when we have sinned.  He wants true repentance.   He wants brokenness.  

There are some things in this life that need to be broken like pride, self will and stubbornness.  To us, broken things are worthless, but to God brokenness is priceless.  He takes broken and makes  it better. Something designed specifically for His use.  What are you struggling with today?  Are you willing to be broken so you can be better?

Heavenly Father, Please break us of our will today.  Make us into something you can use and take away our pride, reminding us of what a great gift it is to glorify you daily.  Amen.

2nd Annual Prairie Spirit Trail Ultra Race Saturday, 29 March 2014 Ottawa, Kansas Melissa and her teammates will endeavor to complete the 100-mile Ultra Race along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Please support them. Sponsor Team 413 at gracerunner413.blogspot.com or call 573-433-6684 or 573-774-4992 Missouri Team 413 Ambassador Melissa Martinez Members of TEAM 413 – GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES, INC. are raising funds to provide free Ultrasounds to women experiencing un-planned or crisis pregnancies in Pulaski County. All money raised will go towards training volunteer technicians and ultrasound maintenance at the Free Women’s Center. The Free Women’s Center empowers as many individuals as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with the intrinsic value of human life. The Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal education, and financial & material assistance. Learn more at www.supportmyfwc.com.

Here's this link also for donations. https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=173BB95D-9D6E-4547-B8B6-0E9CE19D56F8.

A quarterback for Christ

 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;bring an offering and come before him!Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;1 Chronicles 16:28-29

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you now know that the Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl last night.   And, you are probably also aware that Russell Wilson, the Seahawks quarterback gave all the glory to God as he was being interviewed after the game on the field.  I almost thought I had heard wrong!  They didn't even have time to edit the footage!!!     

As Christians, we should all be looking for opportunities to share what God has done in our lives.   Instead of making excuses for reasons God can't use us, we should be looking for ways He can.   Russell Wilson was a third round draft pick and considered too short (5'11") and too young (25) to be a quarterback.  When interviewed on "CBS This Morning", this is what he said:

"God's given me so much talent and my height doesn't define my skill set, I believe that God has given me a right arm and for some reason even though I'm 5'11" to be able to make the throws and make great decisions on the field and all that."  He went on to say that it was only through his faith, that he was able to deal with adversity.

  

Prior to the game, Wilson testified that he was turning only to Jesus Christ for help in the game.  And, in an interview with Pastor Mark Driscoll, the Seahawks quarterback said: "Jesus is love! At the end of the day, we are all looking for someone to comfort us, somebody to be there for us at all times. When we are at the worst times of our lives, when we are battling with something, or struggles, whatever it may be, when we are at our highest point as well, when things are going really well, we want somebody to comfort us and be there for us and to say, 'Well done.' That's Jesus!"

The question that comes to mind is if God has all the glory, which He does, how then do we “give Him” glory? How can we give God something which is His in the first place?  First, we “ascribe” or give glory to Him because it is His due. No one else deserves the praise and worship that we give to glorify Him. Isaiah 42:8 confirms this: "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Second, we are to “bring an offering” to God as part of the worship that glorifies Him. What is the offering we bring to God to glorify Him?  It is using whatever gift he has given us to share Him with others and to give Him the credit for our victories.  

When we tell of God’s work in our lives, how He saved us from sin, and the marvelous works He does in our hearts and minds every day, we glorify Him before others. Even though others don’t always want to hear our glorifying God, that should not stop us!!!! The crowd who heard Stephen hated what he said, covering their ears and rushing at him to stone him. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” Acts 7:55.

John 14:15 says , "If you love me, you will obey my command."  Glorifying God and loving Him can't be separated!  If you love Him, tell somebody!!

Dear Lord, Help me to be bold today and share your gift of salvation with someone in need.  Help me recognize Your purpose for my life and Your plan for helping me fulfill that purpose.  In your name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Psalm 118:24
King James Version (KJV)
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

This day is a gift. You will never get it back.  Make the choice to praise God today for it.  Enjoy!!!!