BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Add Hiking to Your Winter Routine

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 crazy snowstorm that hit much of the nation, but definitely the Ozarks, over the weekend. And let's not fail to mention the bitter cold that came along with the winter precipitation. Between the two, many runners (except those who own and embrace a treadmill) like me were in a quandary over what to do. 

I knew running would be possible on the slick streets with the proper footwear, which I have (HOKA trail shoes and YakTrax). But I also knew that getting in the mileage I wanted was going to take forever, as I'd have to dramatically slow the pace for safety reasons, and I wanted to use my time stuck at home to complete some projects my husband and I had been putting off. So instead of counting miles, I decided to count effort. And let me tell you, I enjoyed myself so much that I'll be doing more hiking and winter walking this winter. 

I not only hiked all the hills in my neighborhood numerous times over the weekend, but joined my husband on the trails for some swift winter walking and some serious observation of nature. I didn't go out for a set amount of miles but for a set time of two hours. And time well spent!

That being said, let's look at some of the benefits of winter walking and hiking and why you should make it part of your seasonal routine:

Boost Your Cardiovascular Health
The crisp air and colder temperatures encourage your heart to work more efficiently, improving circulation and building endurance. A brisk walk in winter is a heart-healthy way to stay active.

Strengthen Muscles and Joints
Snowy or uneven terrain activates stabilizer muscles that don’t get much use on flat surfaces, improving balance and joint strength. As we age, staying active and mobile is essential for long-term health, and winter walking is a perfect way to do that.

Boost Your Immune System
Exposure to colder weather can stimulate your immune system, helping you stay strong against seasonal illnesses. It’s like a natural, refreshing workout for your body’s defenses.

Burn More Calories
Winter walking generally burns more calories than summer walking because the body works harder to maintain its core temperature in cold weather, a process known as thermogenesis. Shivering, added clothing weight, and walking in snow increase energy expenditure, with studies suggesting potential increases of up to 34% more calories burned in colder conditions.

Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Short winter days can leave us feeling low, but natural light—even on cloudy days—helps boost serotonin and energy levels. Getting outdoors for a walk can be one of the most effective ways to counteract the winter blues.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety
There’s something undeniably calming about a quiet winter landscape. The crunch of snow underfoot, the sight of frosty trees, or the sparkle of sunlight on ice can be a balm for the soul, helping to ease stress and anxiety.

Boost Endorphins and Mood
A walk in the brisk winter air triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones, leaving you energized and uplifted. I have never not felt better after getting outside to move in the winter. It's good for the mind, body, and spirit. 

See Fewer People
Far fewer people hike in winter. That means far less crowds, and tons more solitude. This may not seem like a perk, but if you're constantly surrounded by people, solitude can be a priceless gift. 

Enjoy Incredible Scenery

The trail is so different when the ice and snow hits. On a winter hike, you’ll see things so differently. Check out the photo above of one of my favorite trails that runs adjacent to the Roubidoux River. The sub-zero temps created a unique view only seen this time of year. It makes getting outside so worth it!

See Winter-Only Views
Some views only open up in winter when the leaves are off the trees. One of the greatest benefits of winter hiking is that the number of peekaboo views and fresh angles on beloved scenes goes through the roof.

Learn the Thousand Forms of Ice
Frozen water has so many forms, you don’t even know. Icicles are just the beginning. 

Give Your Knees a Break
When the trail is covered in ice and snow, all those lump rocks are covered too — which means much less foot-pounding and ankle twisting. (Just make sure you have excellent traction.)

Give Your Ears a Treat
You don’t know the meaning of quiet until you’ve heard the quiet of a tree covered trail after snowfall. It’s as close to absolute silence as you can get outside of a lab or library. And it's a beautiful sound!! 

Alter Your Perception of Winter
Winter may not ever be your favorite season, but you don't have to hate it. Having the right gear makes all the difference! Do your research and invest in some key items that will ensure you're able to get outside when the mercury drops and snow descends upon us again. After all, we have two more months of this. 

Rise to The Challenge
There’s no question that winter hiking and walking is way more challenging than summer hiking and walking — and if you think that’s a benefit, you’re right! It not only helps you gain grit but it gives you Rockstar status in the eyes of those people who secretly wish they had the motivation to get outside and brave the elements. And who knows? By rising to the challenge, you just might inspire others to meet you out on the snow packed streets and trails.

And there you have it friends. Winter is a special time of year to get outside for so many reasons--reasons you can't understand until you experience them. So, bundle up and enjoy the season. You'll be so happy you did! 

Happy Running! and walking and hiking!

Sin Damages the Heart

"And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?'" Mark 8:17-21 ESV

In a story titled "Does running marathons damage your heart? This decade-long study has the answers" published by Runner's World over the weekend, it was reported that Researchers tracked recreational marathon runners for 10 years to explore whether long term endurance training causes lasting changes to heart function.

Interestingly enough, "this study looked at long term changes in ventricular function in recreational marathon runners. To be even more accurate, the study zeroed in on whether marathon-induced troponin T release (a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged or injured) was associated with long-term right ventricular remodelling after 10 years of repetitive endurance exercise. Why is that important? The right ventricle is not only responsible for sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs to be replenished, but is more sensitive to structural change when under load when compared to the left."

In the study, 152 male runners were assessed pre-race, immediately after the race, on days one and three post-race, and at a 10-year follow-up. Cardiac biomarkers, like troponin T release, were recorded.

The results showed that marathon-induced acute troponin T increase was not associated with a change in right ventricular ejection fraction (the percentage of blood pumped out of the right ventricle with each beat) after 10 years of endurance training and competition. There were changes to the left ventricle over the 10 year period, but these remained within normal limits.

So, this data suggests that repetitive and strenuous exercise training and endurance competitions did not induce long-term deterioration of right ventricular function in most recreational male endurance athletes.

In conclusion, the writer said, "This is good news, but it is a small sample set. If you ever have any worries or concerns about your heart health, speak to your GP."

And while we would all do well to monitor the condition of our physical hearts, the condition of our spiritual hearts warrants even more careful and consistent introspection. You see, sin can quickly harden our hearts if left unchecked (even briefly), because it has a cumulative effect. Which means over time, it can cause lasting negative changes. 

To understand why that matters, consider that the biblical heart is not merely a physical organ or seat of emotions, but the central "control center" of a person's inner life, encompassing their mind, will, and emotions. It represents the core of human personality, motivation, and spiritual character, acting as the source of our thoughts, decisions, and intentions. 

"Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread." Mark 8:14-16

It's easy to see then how a hardened heart could be deadly because a heart that's lost its sensitivity dulls a person’s ability to perceive and understand--something that can happen to even the most faithful Christians. This was something Jesus pointed out to the disciples when they became concerned with their meager bread supply. From their discussion over having "no bread,"  it was clear that each of them had forgotten how Jesus had just fed thousands with only a few loaves.

Hence the reason Jesus said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve." 

Jesus went on to question them, thus further showing the hardness of their hearts, saying, "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?" By these questions, Jesus spelled out for us the characteristics of this spiritual heart condition as an inability to see, understand, hear, and remember--a condition that can overtake the Christian very quickly. 

So knowing that it doesn't take long for us to forget the many ways Jesus can and does provide for our needs (after all distraction and forgetfulness are some of the enemy's greatest tactics), make it a point to check your heart often my friend by remembering all the ways God has been faithful to you in the past. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

And then choose to recollect daily and recall repeatedly that the love of the Lord NEVER ceases and his mercies NEVER come to an end. They are new EVERY morning and God's faithfulness is GREAT enough to meet all of your needs and mine. Causing your heart to meditate on these truths will keep it soft so that you can see, understand, hear, and remember. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that when we forget your past provisions, we fret and worry about your future ones. Help us to recall all the ways that You provide for us Lord so that we would keep our hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit that we would be able to see things as they truly are. Help us to keep our hearts and minds set on You at all times Lord. Point out any area in our lives where we are failing to do this Lord that we might repent and get back on track. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Put in the Work to Remain Pure

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3 NIV

In a story titled "American 800m runner smashes indoor world record" published by Canadian Running over the weekend, it was reported that Josh Hoey broke a world record that has stood since 1997. 

On Saturday afternoon at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, the American lowered Kipketer’s legendary mark by more than a tenth of a second, breaking the tape in a time of 1:42:50 for a new world record.

When the 26-year-old American crossed the finish line, he initially thought he had missed the mark. It wasn’t until Hoey saw his time appear on the official clock that he knew he had smashed Kipketer’s record.

Hoey’s historic performance came seven weeks after he set a world indoor 600m best, also in Boston. For both records, Hoey was paced by his brothers Jaxson and Jonah.

In a post-race interview with Canadian Running, Hoey called the family moment “special...”

The indoor 800m world record wasn’t the only mark to fall at The TRACK at New Balance. American distance runner Hobbs Kessler broke the great Kenenisa Bekele’s indoor 2,000m world best of 4:49.99 by more than a second. The 2026 meet marked the first time two world records were set since the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix moved to this state-of-the-art venue in 2023. 

Wow, right? It goes without saying that these two record-breaking runners put in years of hard work to smash these records. After all, the process of becoming a world-renowned runner doesn't happen overnight nor does it happen without putting in consistent effort and putting aside anything that would deter them from reaching their goal. 

This same principle is true in our spiritual lives as well. You see, all those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ (that's us!), thereby gaining the awesome privilege of becoming a child of God, are called to live as Jesus did. That means we are to continually be in the process of growing in our walk with God so that we resemble Him more and more (in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions) each and every day. After all, sons and daughters are to look like their Father right?

And while this might seem like a huge undertaking, when we truly understand the "great love the Father has lavished on us," this becomes something we not only want to do, but something we take pleasure in doing. When we fully grasp it, we will want to please the Father so much that we voluntarily do what it takes to purify ourselves, "just as he is pure” to reach our goal of being "like him." 

"Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." 1 Timothy 5:22

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22

To be spiritually pure then, we must put in the consistent effort and work it takes to be morally clean and completely unadulterated. Which means we must not "share in the sins of others." We must repent of any current sins and encompass a whole-hearted devotion to God. We must cultivate a transformed mind that's stayed on Him and reflects His character. And then we must completely obey the truth so that we have a sincere and deep love for our brothers and sisters that comes from a changed heart that's focused on serving others rather than being served. 

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." Romans 8:29

 So, remember that the Christian race is not a sprint, but a lifelong process of becoming more and more like Jesus my friend. Therefore, train with intention each and every day by getting in the Word, taking time to pray, and asking the Holy Spirit to help you live it out. This is the only way to ensure that you'll finish the race and hit the mark. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that becoming like You is a process that will not end until Christ appears. Help us to understand how much You love us so that we would live to make You proud. Give us the strength to train in the Word as we should and to do the work it takes to purify ourselves just as You are pure. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God Receives the Forsaken

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” Psalm 27:10 NIV

In a follow-up to a story (about a Hong Kong man attempting to run a marathon with a baby strapped to his chest-something that could cause serious harm to the child) that went viral over the weekend, the following was reported yesterday:

Hong Kong police said Wednesday (Jan 21) that they were investigating report of suspected child abuse after a man took part in the city's annual marathon with a baby strapped to his chest.

Video footage of a man running with his race bib and number pinned onto the baby's pink clothes during the race went viral on social media.

"The case was referred to the Child Abuse Investigation Unit," Hong Kong police said Wednesday, adding that they had received a report one day after Sunday's event.

No arrests have been made so far, police said.
The South China Morning Post reported that police had contacted a man from China's southwestern Guangxi province for further investigation.

The Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA) said the man did not finish the race, with local media reporting he was asked to stop running and told to leave the course. - AFP

And while it’s hard to fathom why a father would put his child at risk to achieve his own goals, we know that this type of behavior is neither new nor uncommon. Abuse of children has been happening since the time sin came into this world. 

And of course we know that child abuse can come in many forms—including neglect, physical harm, harsh words, undue and strict punishment, and even abandonment, just to name a few. Regardless of the form it takes though, abuse of a child can have lasting effects for the one that was abused and for generations to come. 

To see why the problem extends beyond what we can see, consider that the latest statistics say that “More than 550,000 children are known to U.S. authorities to be abused. An estimated 558,899 children (unique incidents) were victims of abuse and neglect in the U.S. in 2022, the most recent year for which there is national data. That’s 8 children out of every thousand.” Sadly though, we know that number is much higher since the majority of cases of abuse go unreported.

But there is hope, thankfully, for all those who have been abused, abandoned, and mistreated by a parent or both parents. And that hope is found in the Lord, the One who personally receives or gathers to Himself all those who have been forsaken by their father and mother as David wrote in Psalm 27.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” Psalm 68:5-6

Now we aren’t to glean from this that David's father and mother had forsaken him as they were probably dead at the time of his flight from Absalom. What David meant is that, even if we are forsaken by those nearest and dearest (as he was by his own son), the Lord would never leave us nor forsake us. The expression is proverbial and confirms God’s promise to be with us wherever we go. 

Furthermore, He is a “father to the fatherless” and “God sets the lonely in families” through the bonds of our church family. These bonds, which are formed by a mutual love of Jesus Christ, can be much stronger than those formed by blood. These bonds fill the voids created by abusive and absent parents. That’s the power of being in the family of God. They are the relatives God gives us so that we are never alone. 

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—“ John 1:12

So, if you’re suffering from loneliness, pain, or hurt because of an abusive or absent parent today, take heart my friend. You’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer anymore. If you choose to follow Jesus, you instantly join the ranks of those who have been given “the right to be called children of God” and you now have a family and a Heavenly Father who will love you more than you could ask for or even imagine.

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to never leave us or forsake us. Help us to understand that abuse is never our fault no matter what we've been told. Help us to forgive those who have harmed us Lord that we might go on to live lives that show the healing power of Jesus Christ and the supernatural love that the children of God share with one another. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Let Go and Move Forward

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV

In a story titled “I Compared Myself to the Runner I Used to Be—I’m Learning to Let Go and Move Forward” published by Runner's World yesterday, Cindy Kuzma said, “In November 2025, I crossed the finish line of the Scottsdale Every Woman’s Marathon, and took a breath before looking at my watch. When I finally peered down, the time I saw was more than 30 minutes behind what I’d run for a marathon the year prior. In fact, it was the second-slowest of my 24 marathons.”

 
She went on to say, “Objectively, I knew there were plenty of good reasons for this. A summer injury interrupted my training, and, while I was able to safely build back up to cover the distance using walk intervals, I came in slower than I had originally anticipated. My first emotion upon finishing was gratitude for the experience and for finishing healthy, but seeing the cold, hard numbers—not to mention the race photos—stirred up other feelings, too.

I’m a masters athlete now, and, even if I’d had the perfect training block, I’d be nowhere near my personal best, 3:21:02 at the 2009 Chicago Marathon. Not only are my times slower, but my shorts and tank are a couple of sizes larger than they used to be.

I’ve tried, for years, not to compare myself to others, whether it’s athletes I know in real life or those whose highlights pop up in my social media feeds. As runners, we often focus on numbers, and our culture prizes looks, so it’s tough to keep that noise at bay. Now, I have a new runner I can’t quite measure up to: My younger self.”

After lamenting over the way her running has changed (titling the description ‘The Plight of the Aging Athlete’) as she’s gotten older, Cindy detailed how other masters runners (those over 40) and sport psychology experts showed her “how to fight for my future instead of my past.” This allowed her to avoid looking back at the runner she once was and focus on the runner she is now and, more importantly, the runner she wants to be in the future.

 
And, you know, as this story clearly illustrates, time stands still for no one. Every person will eventually age and will be faced with physical limitations. Thankfully, the very opposite is true in our spiritual lives because, although we mature in our relationship with Christ, we don’t have to slow down. In fact, according to Paul we should be picking up speed as we get closer and closer to our final finish line! 

This is something we do by refusing to look back at who we once were, and looking forward to what lies ahead—something Paul explained when he said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Because Paul realized that he had not arrived, there was only one option open for him. He had to press on. Just as we have to.

“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:62

We, like Paul must put our hand to the plow and refuse to look back. We must press on with all our physical strength and mental fortitude to do God’s will and not our own. Which means we are to be so focused on running the race for God’s glory that we don’t allow those things which are behind us (our past) to distract us, whether they be good things or bad things. We must let go of past glories or regrets and strain forward for spiritual perfection, not self-reliance. And we must focus on today's work (thereby putting our hand to the plow) and "to those things which are ahead" that we might be found "fit for the kingdom of God."

So, choose to let the past go and move forward my friend. Refuse to look back at past failures, disappointments, sins, or even past achievements so that you can strain forward like an athlete focused on winning the race. It won't be easy but it will be worth it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that as new creations in You, we are not to let our past dictate our future. Help us to let go of and forget anything that's holding us back from serving You as we should, that we might press on toward the goal of being a fit co-laborer with Christ. Remind us Lord that we are running this race for You and not ourselves. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Strengthen Your Intrinsic Motivation

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 obvious. It’s cold… really cold. Especially if you run in the early morning hours like I do and have to brave single digit temperatures (and let's not forget about those frigid Missouri winds as well). 

Which means it’s hard to get out the door sometimes. Especially without something to motivate you like a big crowd cheering you on or the anticipation of a finish line festival. There’s just not a whole lot going on when the mercury dips.

This is the very reason that every runner would do well to find some intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic. To better understand this concept, consider that extrinsic motivation comes from outside (rewards, praise, avoiding punishment, etc.), while intrinsic motivation comes from within (enjoyment, satisfaction, personal growth, to set a good example, to treat your body like a temple, etc.), making intrinsic motivation better for doing hard things and achieving long-term goals, and extrinsic useful for routine tasks or getting started.

For winter running then, intrinsic motivation can be a great driving force to spur you to get in the miles when you’d rather be snuggled up under an electric blanket on the couch-- because it is personally meaningful and rewarding, not because of external rewards or pressure.

This type of motivation will have you running because:

• You value how it makes you feel

• You enjoy the process

• It aligns with who you are

• It supports your long-term goals

As I said before, when it’s cold outside, there are fewer reasons to run that come from the outside world. Winter running requires us to make an internal decision that says,“I’m running today because it matters to me.”

Intrinsic motivation creates consistency because it isn’t dependent on comfort or recognition. It keeps runners showing up when they're all alone, when progress feels slow, and when there’s no sign of a warmup in the forecast. 

As a long-time running coach, I’ve learned that the runners who make the most progress year-round are the ones who run from internal commitment—not convenience. And as a long-time runner, I've learned that those who run because of internal commitments are way more apt to put in the work when it not's convenient or comfortable. 

Now that we've established that, let's look at some of the some of the most powerful intrinsic motivators that help runners lace up even on the coldest days:

1. Identity

Running becomes part of who you are—not just something you do when conditions are perfect.

“I am a runner.”

That identity doesn’t change with the weather.

2. Personal Growth

Winter miles build discipline, resilience, and confidence. Each cold run reinforces the belief:

“I can do hard things.”

That mindset carries far beyond running.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Many runners head out in winter for clarity, stress relief, and emotional balance. Running becomes a tool for mental health—a way to reset, reflect, and breathe. Remembering that this is a gift only you can give yourself is an excellent intrinsic motivator. Personally, this is one of the biggest driving forces for me. When I take the time to reflect on how I feel before my runs and then after my runs, I make the choice to get in the miles regardless of the weather. The mental benefits are just that good! 

4. Commitment to Long-Term Goals

Intrinsic motivation keeps runners focused on the bigger picture. Winter runs are investments in spring goals, stronger bodies, and deeper endurance. These winter runs build the foundation for spring training which leads into the summer training that gets us ready for those fall Bass Pro Fitness Series races.  You’re not chasing instant results then—you’re building something lasting.

5. Gratitude for Movement

Some days, the motivation is simple: appreciation for what your body can do. Running becomes an act of gratitude on those days, rather than obligation. I can never stress this enough. Running is not something you HAVE to do, it's something you GET to do. That mindset can change everything.  

Here are a few more mental shifts to strengthen your intrinsic motivation:

• Reconnect with your “why” – Write it down and revisit it often. Find as many "whys" as you can so they will outnumber your "why nots." 

• Shift focus from pace to purpose – Showing up matters more than speed

• Celebrate effort – Consistency is a win

• Embrace the season – Winter isn’t a setback; it’s a training ground

And there you have it friends. When motivation comes from within, cold temperatures lose their power. Every run becomes a victory of sorts—one that strengthens not just your legs, but your mind. Winter running helps you become gritty! And gritty runners are the ones who get out and get it done! So lace up this winter. Not because it’s easy. But because your reasons "why" outnumber your reasons for "why not." 

Happy Running!

Jesus Absolutely Changes Lives

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.” Psalm 107:1-3 NKJV

In an inspiring story titled “'My artificial pancreas makes running ultra-marathons much easier'” published by the BBC over the weekend, the writer said: Jonty Brown clearly loves running. He regularly competes in ultra-marathons and he says that thanks to new technology which he has been pioneering as a user, the fact he is also a type 1 diabetic has not got in the way of him pursuing his passion.

The 35-year-old, originally from Harrogate, was first diagnosed with the condition when he was 12 and he vividly remembers that initially he found it incredibly hard to control his blood sugar levels. "When I was diagnosed, it was the first thing that went through my mind: that I was going to have to inject myself multiple times a day," he recalls.

"I was on 10 to 15 finger pricks and five or six injections. I actually had a phobia of needles, so it wasn't a good start."However, with what he describes as "amazing support" from hospital staff in Harrogate and from his family, he did learn to manage his diabetes, though he says he found it easier when he was later given an insulin pump and a blood glucose monitor.Then, two years ago, Jonty became one of the first people in the UK to receive what is known technically as a hybrid closed loop system, but which is more commonly referred to as an artificial pancreas.

He explains: "I have a blood glucose monitor which goes on the back of my arm that continuously checks what my blood sugar levels are. "Then, on the back side of my leg I put my insulin pump." The two devices connect and "talk to each other" through a computer programme or app, he says. "It will try and regulate it for me."

Jonty says the technology, which is now being rolled out to more adults and children with type 1 diabetes, has "absolutely" changed his life.

And, you know, while we should all be thankful for new technology that helps us live longer and healthier lives, we should never fail to thank and sing the praises of the One who truly changes lives. This was something the psalmist understood when he said, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south."

The psalmist went on to list four ways (Psalm 107) the Lord further showed His faithful love and unending mercy to the Israelites. Not only did He deliver them from their Babylonian exile (caused by their own disobedience), but rescued the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed—people He is still rescuing today. 

"They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place." - Psalm 107:4-7

To the lost sinner, God showed His love by putting the drifter on the good path and providing for their needs. Because of His mercy, when they cried out, He didn’t leave the vagrants to wander aimlessly but gave them a permanent home. 

"Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons—Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces." Psalm 107:10-14

To the one held down by the cords of adversity or imprisoned because of their rebelliousness, God broke their chains in pieces when they cried out to Him. Because of His mercy, the captive didn’t receive the just penalty due them and because of His love, they were saved from their misery and brought out of darkness into marvelous light. 

"Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:17-20

To the one suffering from sickness and affliction, God rescued and redeemed them. Even though their trouble could be traced back to their own foolishness, when they cried out to Him, God's love and mercy freed them from their self-imposed ruin.

"Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:23-30

To the one who was storm-tossed by the waves and the winds of life, God quieted their fears, stilled their hearts and steered them into a place of serenity. Because of His love and mercy, when they cried out to Him, those who were anxious and restless found peace, tranquility, and comfort.

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"

Thankfully, the same God who delivered the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed in the days of the psalmist is still the same God who delivers all those who are lost, down-trodden, and hurting today. Which is the very reason we are called to "give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" This was to be the response of every person delivered then (hence the reason it was repeated in the psalm), and is to be the response of every one of us who have been or are being delivered today—knowing that we all have been the wanderer, the prisoner, the sick, and the storm-tossed.

But giving thanks to the Lord is not the end of it my friend. We are to tell our stories! The redeemed of the Lord (that’s us) should "say so" that others might be inspired to seek the Lord and receive the same deliverance that we have received. I don't know about you but Jesus absolutely changed my life so much that I can't help but tell others!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are still in the business of saving lives, restoring peace, and providing abundant joy to all those who call upon your Name. Lord, help us to understand that no one is too far gone to receive the forgiveness and redemption that only You can provide. Help us to grasp that we can become a new creation and have a new life simply by turning from our disobedient ways and turning to You. Thank You for your faithful love and your unending mercy Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!