I am a runner striving, as the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, to (joyfully) do everything, whether by words or actions, "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
The Maryville Marathon was held Saturday, June 14. Packet pickup was from 4-8pm the day before the race where they (Chamber of Commerce) were kind enough to allow TEAM 413 to attend. Loved getting to know the runners and share what our ministry is about. There was such a variety of runners as the race had a 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon all starting together. Loved hearing the different stories of why the individuals chose their race distances and what their goals were.
The race was to begin at 6:30 am Saturday morning with a prerace prayer at 6:00 a.m. at the race starting line. Shannon Briscoe and I were up by 5 am and out the door by 5:45. We rode with Jim Mcdermott to the race start. All three of us were signed up for the full marathon (26.2 miles). Crazy as it sounds, we were all wearing jackets. The middle of June and it was a cold start to the day-the wind was blowing like crazy too. 25mph winds were forecasted for the morning and the afternoon. Unfortunately, 15 of the 26 miles would be spent battling that wind head on.
Prerace prayer. The young kid in the middle, Peter, was only 14 years old and running his first marathon. I knew then one of the reasons God had brought us to Maryville-we prayed over this young man and offered advice and encouragement. He ended up finishing in 3 hours and 42 minutes-an amazing accomplishment for any marathon but more so for a first time race,a hard and hilly course and brutal winds.
One of our new TEAM 413 members.
We sold very few shirts but pray we planted
many seeds.
Some fun in the parking lot prerace with Jim and Shannon.
The Army was with us for the first 2 miles
leading us on with their chants.
The race started right on schedule. There were close to 300 people total running all four distances so I made sure to enjoy the company while it was there. I knew it would get quieter and quieter as the runners not running the full marathon completed their distance or turned to circle back on their marked routes. There were about 70 runners that attempted the full marathon.
The first three miles were somewhat easy and then the fun began. Hills, hills and more hills. Wind, wind and more wind-blowing so hard at times it was hard to exhale making it more difficult to breathe. It seemed I was expending the energy of an 8 minute pace but barely keeping it at 9. This was going to be tough. The wind was relentless. But, the day was beautiful and the temperature staying under 70. There were water stations every mile with gatorade and smiling volunteers. Plenty of porta potties too (its a runner thing). The half marathoners finished where the race started as the rest of us made a loop in front of the finish line to run the 13.1 mile loop for the second time. As expected, the second loop was far harder than the first. The temperature had gone up and it seemed the hills had grown. As I was getting tired and slowing down, I thought, "Ok Lord, what do You have in store for me?" From experience I know that God puts me in places in a race where He wants me, not where I want to be so I was ready. I was pleasantly surprised when I came upon a young man named Matt that was struggling and badly cramping (I gave him a gel which seemed to help a bit). As God would have it, we spent the last 9 miles talking and helping eachother to the finish line. Time didn't matter, only that moment in time. I prayed to find the words he needed to hear as we discussed some things going on in his life and the reasons he ran. I mostly listened and silently prayed as we trudged along. When the time was right, I shared how God loved Him and would carry him through just as he would today when we relied on His strength to get to the finish line.... and we finally did!!!
Jim beginning the race.
Got to chat briefly with our new member.
Shannon and I were just happy to be done!! Smiles of relief!
This will go down as one of the top 3 hardest marathons I've done but, crazy as it sounds, one of the most enjoyable. The course itself was hard and, with little crowd support, it was easy to get discouraged. The 25 mph winds were the biggest thing we battled. But, as always, God is good and we finished the race proving, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." Joshua 1:8
Before you run a race, you must read or listen to the instructions and obey them to avoid being disqualified. Generally the harder and/or longer the race, the more instructions there are. I've seen instruction "manuals" from one small sheet (or one quick briefing) to ten pages long (think ultra races). It's only by reading, learning and obeying the rules that a person will succeed in the race.
This is the same in our pursuit of Christ. The difference is that this is a daily race. You could even say that it's the ultimate ultra marathon. As such, we have to study the bible (the book of instruction) continually. The bible tells us to meditate on it day and night to be sure to obey everything written in it. It's only then that we will prosper and succeed. In this fast paced world, what does it really mean to meditate and is it really necessary on days when there's really no time left for anything but sleep? You bet. If God said it, He meant it.
Merriam Webster defines meditate as: to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over. But here's the great part-the reward for doing so, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3. God promises us perfect peace if we keep our eyes fixed on him, meditating day and night on His word. The fabulous part is you can do this anywhere, God is always there. It sometimes just takes losing the distractions to hear Him. But remember, just like with race instructions you must read them and know them to be able meditate on them. The better you know the rules, the better you run the race.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the bible to know your Word and thoughts. Thank you also for the gift of the Holy Spirit living within us that speaks to us wherever we are. That is such a priceless gift that we don't deserve. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross because you loved us. May we spend our lives serving You and sharing the gift of salvation as we run this race of life. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is." Psalm 39:4
I came across a story yesterday about Terry Fox, one I haven't thought of in a while. It's the account of a man who died much too young but accomplished more than most people ever will in a lifetime. In March 1977, he was 18 years old and a college freshman cross-country runner who went to the hospital with severe pain in his right knee. Oh, how his life would change from that moment. He was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (a form of bone cancer) and his right leg was amputated six inches above the knee four days later. As God would have it, his high school basketball coach showed Terry an article about an amputee who ran the New York City Marathon. Romans 8:28 reminds us that, "God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose." And what a purpose Terry had. Before he left the hospital, he had a plan to raise $1 million for cancer research by running across Canada. On April 12, 1980, he dipped his leg in the Atlantic Ocean and made his way toward Vancouver. He ran close to a marathon every day, followed by his friend driving a camper, collecting money from people along the way. Unfortunately, around the halfway mark of his run, his cancer had spread to his lungs. As he was wheeled out of the hospital, he told reporters, "Now the cancer is in my lung and I have to go home...I'll do everything I can. I'm gonna do my very best. I'll fight. I promise I won't give up." Fox had run 3,339 miles in 143 days, about 23.3 miles a day. He raised more than $11 million for cancer research and died June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. “There was nation-wide mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast. But people didn't forget him and his story didn't end with his death,” writes the Terry Fox Foundation. “The first Terry Fox Run was held that September—more than 300,000 people walked or ran or cycled in his memory and raised $3.5 million.” And 30 years later, the Terry Fox foundation is still raising money for cancer research. http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/Sept/Terry-Fox-Marathon-of-Hope.html
“It was supposed to happen,” his mother said. “I believe he was supposed to get cancer. And do this run for cancer research. He wasn’t meant to … to live.” What faith she must have had. I pray this story inspires you to do what you can with what you have while you still have time. Leave a legacy-make a difference. As God reminds us in James 4:14, "Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone."
Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that tragedies can be turned into triumphs. Rather than let the circumstances of life bring us down, may we turn to you, surrender our will, and allow you to use us as a testimony to your power, strength and love. Thank you for working all things to our good if we will love and follow you with all we have. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." Romans 12:3
When you think of your favorite band or artist, what generally comes to mind? Probably the lead singer right? That's the person most people think of when they think about their dearest song or performer. But, what about the other people involved? What about the songwriter, the producer, the drummer, guitarist or keyboard player? Not to mention the family, friends and sponsors that support the band and that lead singer that seems to get all the attention.
We see and hear about great preachers and missionaries that are saving souls every day. And what a glorious position to have. But, if we were all in "the spotlight" who would operate the "lights"? Who would do the other jobs that need to be done? Are they less important? Of course not! It's when we all work together, that we accomplish great things. God made us all different, but of equal importance, for good reason-to work together in ways to glorify Him.
Chris Tomlin recorded the song , "How Great is our God" several years ago. It won Worship Song of the Year at the 2006 and 2008 GMA Dove awards. In 2012, "How Great is our God: World Edition" was produced. The lyrics were sung in several different languages: Hindi, Indonesian, Russian, Spanish, Portugese, Zulue, Arikanns and Mandarin. The greatest part about this rendition is that it was not rehearsed or prepared as you would normally record a song with all the singers present. Each vocalist (pastors and worship leaders around the world) sang the song (in their own language and countries) the way they felt God leading them and it was then put together in a studio. What a fabulous illustration of the way God uses different people to glorify His name-each person as significant as the other using their individual God-given gifts, talents and abilities to produce this God-inspired praise song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg5qDljEw7Q
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us all different gifts and abilities but for the same purpose-to serve You, glorify You and bring You praise. May we discover Your will for our lives, embrace it and use it to bring others to You. You are worthy to be praised in every tongue, tribe and nation. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!! www.team413.org
Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.-Psalm 104:1
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalm 73:26
Here's a feel good story for the day I couldn't help but share. Have you ever wondered what Forrest Gump would be doing today if he hadn't gotten tired and decided to stop running? Well, I believe this is your answer.
PAYSON, Ariz. -- Three days a week, 90-year-old Ernie Andrus puts on his support stockings and tennis shoes, gently lowers himself out of the RV he's been living in since October, and slowly returns to his mission.
"The older I get, the slower I go," said Andrus.
Andrus will become the oldest person in America to run across America. "I'm running the whole thing, every step of the way," Andrus told CBS News. He began eight months ago near San Diego. As of June 6, he is about a hundred miles east of Phoenix.
Andrus obviously loves running, but the World War II veteran says there's another, much greater purpose here. "You want people to know what the war was all about, and what it took to win it," said Andrus.
Specifically, this old Navy man is running to raise awareness for one of the unsung heroes of the war -- a ship he served on called an LST. It stands for "Landing Ship, Tank" and it's how the Allies got heavy equipment onto beaches.
The U.S. built more than a thousand LSTs during the war, but today only one remains in its original configuration. It's parked on the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana. And Andrus says if he can run across the country at 90, the least you can do is drive to Indiana to see the thing.
"This shouldn't be forgotten. Eisenhower and Churchill both made a similar remark that it's the ship that won the war ... Without 'em how could you have taken all those islands? How could you have even taken Normandy?" Andrus said.
Which is why, 70 years later, Andrus is out here returning the favor -- out here, pretty much by himself. He runs five miles, hitchhikes back to his vehicle, and then runs another five, two days later. He's hoping to reach the Atlantic by his 94th birthday.
"If you fail, you're a crazy old man. If you succeed, you're a hero," said Andrus. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wwii-veteran-ernie-andrus-runs-across-u-s-to-raise-awareness-for-lst/
What a fabulous story about the determination of the human spirit and what a person can accomplish when they stay focused on what they believe to be important. There should be nothing more important in our lives than Christ though. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Imagine all that could be "established" if we all worked as hard and as long as Ernie Andrus-if we all used our gifts, talents and abilities to pursue Christ. This is just another reminder how a person can be an inspiration at any age.
Heavenly Father, thank you for this reminder that we can serve you in extraordinary ways whether we are 5 or 95 if our heart is set on You. I pray that we have a new determination to do great things to glorify Your name today. Set a fire in our hearts Lord and open up our eyes to the "the calling" You have given us. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” ~ C.S Lewis
Friday, I had the pleasure of working at the expo with TEAM 413 for the Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City. I am always in awe of the array of people that run and the reason(s) behind their pursuit of the finish line. One thing is certain though. Regardless of why a person starts, what keeps them going most often is friends. True friends are such an undeserved blessing. And Christian friends even more so. I was blessed to meet a group of older women on their way to run together (the 5k took place at 7pm Friday night). They were all attempting their first race as a team-something they admit they would never have done alone. It seems that as we age we are more reluctant to try new things and even more reluctant to make goals where we are held accountable. Funny thing is though, this is also the time in our lives where our bonds of friendship become more solid giving us the support we need to step out of our comfort zone. It's the time when really appreciate our "sisters" and lean on them. Since nothing God does is by coincidence, I can only thank Him for this.
It was no accident that God led them there to our booth. We talked about what they were doing and why. These girls had come a long way to be running this 5k and put in a lot of work. They all had various stories but one thing they shared was determination. They all bought TEAM 413 shirts and I know they were a blessing to someone on that course. There's NO way that you can glorify God through scripture and not bless someone. So, if you're running with friends today or just spending time with them, thank God for it. And, if you're not, why don't you call one? A day spent with a friend is a day to be grateful for. Heavenly Father, thank you for the friends you have put in our lives. May our friendships serve to make our faith stronger as we lift one another up in prayer. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!! www.team413.org
The 2014 Hospital Hill Run was held on Saturday, June 7 in Kansas City, MO. The race was set to begin at 7:00 am. There was a 100% chance of rain forecast for the day so we were hopeful that the race would go on!
Walking to the hotel lobby prerace with my sister Caren and friends, Laura and Sandra.
All dressed up ready to go.
We were up by 5:30 am to get ready to head to the lobby for prerace prayer at 6:30 am . Really didn't need an alarm clock as the thunder and lightning mixed with the anticipation and excitement of running the race was enough to rouse us. By the time we were dressed, the rain was coming in sideways and the thunder and lightning appearing more frequently. Prayed we would be able to find some trash bags since none us us remembered to bring a rain parka. About 20 people showed up for our prerace prayer in the middle of a jam packed lobby of runners taking shelter. We joined hands and thanked Him for being able to be at this race. We prayed for God's protection over us, the race and all the runners and for the weather to "simmer down" enough to keep the race from being called off. And then....we sat back and waited.
So, here we are. Our makeshift rain coats. Now we're ready!
The race had a 30 minute delayed start as the storm passed through. And did it ever! It just stopped. Just in time as we headed to our corrals. Chad Speer (farthest left in the photo) remarked that this was nothing other than God. Had to agree with that one. It stayed rain free until about mile 2. From that point on, it was a nice soft rain with intermittent downpours.... in other words, it was a glorious day! The temperatures stayed down, the humidity was low and the runners acted like kids as they ran through the puddles. It was awesome! As the name suggests, the race had a lot of hills-big hills. But, as they say, everything that goes up must come down. The downhills were a reward for getting over the humps. The aid stations were so friendly and plentiful-a very well planned race.
Was blessed to run this race with my sister and brother in law. These medals were huge and must have weighed 3 pounds! Loved them. Enjoyed some postrace chocolate milk and then off to warm up.
3187 runners finished the Hospital Hill Half marathon. I'm unsure how many dropped out before the race or dropped down to the 10k because of the rain. But to those that did either, a great time was missed. God's presence was all around us in the form of raindrops to refresh us, old friends to laugh with, and new friends to enjoy. What a reminder of the reason we run. God willing, will run this for the 5th time next year. Did I say that I love this race?!!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of running and endurance. Thank you for the gift of joy and being able to laugh, praise and worship you in the rain. I praise You for Your presence at this race and for Your grace and mercy every day. In your precious name Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!! www.team413.org
Hanging out waiting for the rain to stop. Notice out the window how dark it is?
My brother in law was our "outfit maker" tailoring us all with beautiful trash bags. Thank you Hefty!
Carl Chapman and his daughter running together. Love these guys.
