Let Them Call us Crazy

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3 NKJV

In an almost unbelievable story titled “A 31-year-old marathon runner thought she had norovirus. She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer” published by Business Insider yesterday, the writer relayed the story of Katelyn Jonozzo, who from a young age took pride in being active.

Up until she was 18, she practiced gymnastics 4 to 5 days a week. "I loved the discipline, I loved having a regimented schedule," Jonozzo, 31, told Business Insider. "That instilled how important health and fitness are to your lifestyle."

In her 20s, she gravitated toward marathon running. A supply chain analyst, Jonozzo would regularly wake up at 4 or 5 am to lift for two hours and run before going to work. In 2024, she qualified to run the Boston Marathon. She couldn't wait to run it in 2025.

That was before she felt a sudden, sharp stomach pain in February.

Jonozzo started experiencing flu-like symptoms and throwing up. She chalked it up to norovirus, which was going around at the time in her Cleveland suburb.
"My stomach started to get really, really bloated — I looked like I was almost pregnant," Jonozzo said. "But that was also a symptom of norovirus, so I kind of just lumped it into that."

When the pain got worse — stabbing sensations in her sides and nonstop vomiting — her two best friends urged her to go to the ER instead of waiting another day. Jonozzo complied, assuming the worst-case scenario was appendicitis

After an emergency surgery to remove part of her colon, she learned she had stage 3 colon cancer, with secondary cancer in her abdomen… Within the next 48 hours, she had an emergency colostomy that removed one-third of her colon and installed a colostomy bag. "I was just in so much shock and so much was going on that I didn't really know what was happening," she said.

Jonozzo went on to discuss the chemotherapy journey that followed and her bid to remain active. The biggest obstacle, she said, was the colostomy bag. "I was obviously super self-conscious about the bag in the beginning.” But as she started to connect with other young cancer patients through The Gathering Place support group and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, she began to embrace the bag.

After seven months of treatment, Jonozzo was deemed cancer-free. She finished chemotherapy in August and had a colostomy reversal in November. In mid-December, her first screening since finishing treatment, she'll learn more about her future screening schedule, which she already knows will include two colonoscopies a year. She'll also be officially cleared to work out after her surgery — and is eager to go back to her old routine.

"I'm a little nervous just because normally I can just pop out and run and do those things, but I have to take baby steps back into it," she said. She plans to run three marathons in 2026, with the hopes of re-qualifying for Boston through one of them.

She's especially excited for the Cleveland Marathon in May. She'll run it as the team captain for her cancer fundraising group, which she said awakened new passions in her. "I love advocating, I love talking to people," she said. "I've always loved doing that — I just didn't have the confidence to do so before."

It's just one of the ways that her cancer experience changed her, she said, along with becoming more present.

"People think I'm crazy for saying this, but I truly believe it was one of the best things that ever happened to me," she said. "I would not trade this experience for anything. I really wouldn't."

Wow, right? The way Jonozzo chose to view her ‘experience’ or set of circumstances is completely contrary to the way the majority of the world views seemingly “bad” circumstances or experiences such as this. 

But this is the way every believer should regard the trials and tribulations of life. Although these times are hard, and more importantly because they are hard, they produce in us perseverance; and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope--which is a confident, steadfast expectation of future good, based on the promises and character of God that we experience in the present built on His trustworthiness we’ve experienced in the past. It is a deep-seated belief in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, providing a secure and certain faith even amidst suffering.

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

Paul, the writer of Romans, knew the truth of this better than most anyone. He lived a life full of tribulations, that could be described as the type of stresses that severely test a person. These times led him to discover that each and every trial that he patiently endured and overcame by the power of Jesus Christ grew his endurance! That’s why Paul said he would boast in his sufferings! What the devil used to try and break him only made his faith stronger! Which, in turn, strengthened the faith of those around him and now strengthens our faith!! Talk about the power of viewing things through an eternal lens rather than a secular one!

Think about it this way. A runner must be stressed to gain endurance. Sailors must go to sea. Soldiers must go to battle. For the Christian, tribulation is just part of our Christian life. It’s the training ground by which we grow. Which means, we should not desire or hope for a tribulation-free (or stress-free) Christian life then because it wouldn't showcase the power of God working through our agony, uncertainty, and affliction. 

 
Spurgeon explains it this way “A Christian man should be willing to be tried; he should be pleased to let his religion be put to the test. ‘There,’ says he, ‘hammer away if you like.’ Do you want to be carried to heaven on a feather bed?”

For this reason, let us glory in our tribulations knowing that God has a purpose in them, whether or not we understand them. God will not only use them to make us more like Him, but will use them to draw other others to Him.

So, rather than asking God to remove your trials, ask Him to give you the strength to endure them my friend. Keep the joy in all circumstances and trust that when God is done, you will come out better for the trial and God will get the glory. And you can then rejoice when people call you crazy!

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that although we don’t always understand your ways, your ways are always good. Throughout history, You have never failed to work a trial, test or tribulation for the good of those who love You and are called according to your purpose. When we are going through the fire Lord, help us to trust in You that we might keep our joy and inspire others to seek You by your peace that is displayed through us. Help us to be so different from the world by the way that we endure affliction that people take notice and call us crazy. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

 
Happy Running!

We are Called to Shine

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV

In a story titled “Fastest runners shine in Seattle Marathon as new course debuts at Lake Union” published Sunday, the writer reported that the 55th annual Seattle Marathon concluded on November 30 at Pier 66 in downtown Seattle, marking another successful year for the iconic race.

This year's marathon introduced a new course that took runners along the northern edge of Lake Union after crossing the Montlake Bridge. The fastest male runner completed the 26.2-mile course in an impressive 2 hours and 17 minutes, while the fastest female runner finished in 2 hours and 49 minutes.

Approximately 8,500 participants took part in the half and full marathons, making it one of the largest turnouts in the event's history.

Wow right? It’s no wonder these runners were said to “shine!” With the average marathon mile pace coming in at 10:30 per mile, the male runner clocked a 5:15 minute mile pace for 26.2 miles and the female kept a 6:26 mile pace for the same distance. With that speed, it was easy to see that the winners were far from the norm.

In the same way these winners stood out from the norm, believers are called to stand out from the norm as well. In fact, believers are called to “shine as lights in the world.” This is something we do by refusing to adopt to the customs and ways of this ”crooked and perverse generation" and by doing “all things without complaining and disputing.”

You see, we live in a world where it’s become the norm for people to grumble about their circumstances or to whine about the things they don’t have and gripe about things they feel they deserve, even expressing attitudes of entitlement. But believers are not to adopt to this worldly way of thinking or acting. We are to always show ourselves to be “children of God without fault” through the faith and trust we display in the Lord.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

This faith and trust shows itself in a humble submission to Christ—being thankful for all that we have rather than moaning or whining about what we don’t have. This faith and trust shows itself in a confident reliance on God—acknowledging that He is the Giver of all good things and is more than capable of taking care of us. This faith and trust refuses to fear the future and shows itself in a peaceful, gentle and contrite spirit that every true believer should have.

In this way, we “shine” bright in a dark world. And the brighter our lights shine, the more we shine the light on the “Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” Which means, it's a great time to be a believer! 

So refuse to be like the world my friend. Seek to stand out from the norm! Seek to be known for your joy, kindness, and sunny disposition so that the lost will see Christ in you by the way you shine His love and will be inspired to follow Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to be so set apart from the world that we shine as lights. As this world gets darker and darker, help us to courageously go out into all the world and illuminate the path to You and to push back the darkness, no matter the opposition that might come our way. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION-Aim For Consistency

Now let's get started by talking about how inconsistent our weather has been, keeping in mind that it's still fall and winter won't make it's "official" arrival until December 21, now matter how it might appear. 

Which means, now is the time to start thinking about consistency. Why? Because, if you don't have a plan B, C, and even D in place, you might be inclined to skip your workouts. And skipping workouts means you might fall short of reaching your spring potential... the time when running and racing are ramping back up. And falling short in the spring might lead to a further pattern of inconsistency which might take you away from your fall goals that, of course, should include participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series Marathon weekend of events and/or the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs (check out their spring and summer races too). See where I'm going with this? Inconsistency can wreak havoc on your fitness goals in the short term and in the long term. 

That being said, let's look at why winter consistency will make you a stronger runner. This "why" (and we all need a "why"), I hope, will propel you to have different fitness plans in place so you can stay consistent this winter season. 

Besides that, winter running is a special kind of magic that you won't want to miss out on. There’s something about frosty breath, crunchy leaves, and that first mile that feels like you’re starring in your own epic Rocky montage (people will think you're tough for consistently braving the cold and the elements). But let’s be honest—winter also tries really hard to talk us out of our running goals. Cold mornings, early darkness, and the gravitational pull of a warm blanket can make even the most dedicated runner want to hibernate.

But here’s the thing: winter consistency is one of the biggest performance boosters you’ll ever have. It's true!! It doesn’t just keep you fit—it builds grit, discipline, and the kind of mental strength that shows up in your spring PRs. It also keeps your mind fit! This is a truly underrated benefit of running. Running (and movement in general) is good for your mental health!!!

So, without further ado, let's break down why sticking with it (even when it’s chilly) matters so much.

1. Winter Consistency Builds Spring Fitness

Every mile you log in the winter becomes the foundation for your spring and summer races (which lay the foundation for summer and then fall). Think of winter training as your behind-the-scenes highlight reel. Nobody sees the early morning miles, the snowy sidewalks, or the wind-burned cheeks… but they will see the results and so will you. 

If you want to feel strong when the weather warms up, winter is where that strength is built.

*On a side note, running outside in the winter can inspire others to lace up. This is something that should be a goal of every runner.   

2. It Keeps Your Routine Alive

Running is as much a habit as it is a sport. Missing one run? Fine. Missing a whole month because it’s cold? That’s a different story. And let's not discount the mental health aspect of running as I said before. Keeping your routine alive means keeping your joy alive!

Maintaining a consistent routine also keeps your rhythm—and motivation—alive. When spring rolls around, you won’t be starting from scratch. You’ll already have momentum.

 3. Winter Miles Make You Mentally Tough

Cold and wind don’t just make your nose run—they also build resilience. Layering up, pushing through the chill, and showing up anyway teaches your mind how to stay strong when conditions aren’t perfect.

And let’s be real: races are rarely perfect. Winter running prepares you for anything a race day might throw your way.

*On another side note, winter miles boost your immune system!

  

4. Your Workouts Might Look Different… and That’s Okay

One of the best parts of winter training is its flexibility. When the weather changes, your workouts can change with it:

Too icy for speedwork? Do an easy run or treadmill intervals. And don't forget about about traction cleats. Adding these to your arsenal of winter gear can help keep you upright and outside. 

Snowstorm? Hill repeats in boots count as cross-training.

  

Negative windchill? Strength training in the living room is perfectly acceptable. Or check out aqua running. Working out in a heated pool is a win-win when the temps dip too low. 

The goal isn’t to do the same workout—it’s to stay consistent with some workout. That consistency keeps your fitness, your discipline, and your confidence intact all season long. It also allows you to work different muscles (including different mental muscles) which will make you an all around better runner. 

5. Winter Running Is Fun (Yes, Really!)

With the right mindset, winter training feels like an adventure. Frosty trails, holiday lights, post-run hot cocoa (or in my case hot coffee), and the bliss of warm showers… there’s a kind of joy in embracing the season instead of hiding from it.

Besides, you get bragging rights. And we all know runners love bragging rights.

Final Word: Keep Showing Up

Your winter workouts don’t have to be perfect or fast or fancy. They just need to be consistent. Whether it’s a short run, a treadmill session, a strength day, or even a walk on the days when the weather wins—keep moving.

And there you have it friends. Those are some great ways and some great reasons why you can and should be consistent when the weather is inconsistent. Winter will be here before we know it and we live in Missouri. Which means we could have snow and ice one day and then rain and heat the next. So be ready for it by preparing your plan B, C, and D. This will keep you moving forward—something your mind and body will thank you for. Happy Running!

Make Sure They Know

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.’” John 3:36 NKJV

In a sad story published by the Korea JoongAng Daily yesterday, it was reported that a runner in their 20s who was left brain-dead after being hit by a truck during a marathon in North Chungcheong died on Sunday.

According to the city of Cheongju, the victim — an athlete affiliated with the city’s municipal athletics team — passed away at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday while receiving treatment at a hospital.

The runner was struck on Nov. 10 around 10 a.m. while taking part in a marathon in Okcheon County. The person was hit by a one-ton Porter truck driven by an individual in their 80s and suffered severe head and upper body injuries, resulting in brain death.

At the time, only the second lane of a two-lane road was closed to traffic for the marathon. The truck, which had been traveling in the first lane, reportedly changed lanes and crashed into the runner at a speed of 57 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour).

The driver told police they were looking at a traffic signal about 100 meters (328 feet) ahead of the crash site and failed to notice the runner.

And, you know, as tragic as this story was, if this young runner had made the decision to trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior, we could mourn for the loss but smile knowing that the athlete inherited eternal life and was now in heaven. This is true because the Bible tells us that everyone “who believes in the Son has everlasting life…” The Bible also tells us that everyone who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.‘“ Matthew 25:46 NKJV

You see, death is not the end for anyone. It’s either the joyous beginning of “eternal life” for those who choose to follow Jesus or the wretched start of “everlasting punishment” for those who reject Jesus. There is no purgatory and no second chance once a person takes their last breath on earth. They will either enter into heaven or hell based on the decision they made while they were alive. And let me remind you, not making a choice is making the choice to reject Jesus.

In that respect then, each and every person chooses their own eternity—thus dispelling the myth that God sends people to hell. The truth is, people send themselves to hell.

Which is the very reason that the decision to accept Jesus should not be put off. As this story shows, life is fleeting at best, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. I’m sure this young runner never anticipated that Sunday would be his or her last day. But it was. The person’s life ended quickly—as did their opportunity to choose where they would spend eternity.

“For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Romans 10:13

Likewise, whether a person is 20 or 80, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and only those who call “on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Being a good person won’t save you, inheriting your parents’ religion won’t save you, doing good deeds won’t save you, and having religion but not a relationship with Christ won’t save you. Salvation is only found in Jesus. 

So, if you haven’t made the choice to accept Jesus as your Savior, won’t you do it today my friend? It’s the absolute most important decision you could ever make and it must not be put off until tomorrow—because tomorrow may never come. And if you are a believer, won’t you share the Message of Salvation with everyone that you know? It’s a conversation that could be started with a simple question… “If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity?” If their answer is no, share the only Message that has the power to save.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that there are only two places a person can go when they die, heaven or hell. Help us to be bold in sharing that with the world Lord, that no one would die in their sins because of our failure to share the Good News. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!

Share the Evidence

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

In an amazing story published by BBC News over the weekend, it was reported that: A long-distance runner believes he has beaten the world record for the most ultramarathons completed on consecutive days by a man.

This week, Sam King from Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, said he had reached 61 ultramarathons since starting his challenge in September.

The world record attempt is yet to be verified but, according to Guinness World Records, the record stood at 60 ultramarathons in as many days.

Sam hopes his challenge, a fundraiser for the brain injury charity Headway, will continue for 79 days.The 32-year-old wanted to raise money for the charity after his mum, who he described as "the most amazing woman", suffered a bleed on the brain earlier this year.

"We spent 24 hours at the hospital waiting for her to take her last breath and that just threw my whole life into perspective."

He quit his job in London and moved nearer to his hometown of Frinton-on-Sea so he could spend more time with her. He had planned to run 74 ultramarathons in as many days – one for each year of his mum's life before she became unwell – but he has extended the challenge to 79 days so it finishes on a weekend.

"What's an extra five days after running 74?" he laughed, before setting off on a run with a friend who was visiting from Exeter to support Sam's challenge.

His mum watched him finish his record-breaking run on Wednesday, which Sam said was "one of the best moments of my life".

He runs 50km (31 miles) in about five hours each day, which is about the same distance as running from Wembley Stadium to Gatwick Airport.

"I struggled a lot through the first few weeks but I've adapted into it now. It's just incredible how your body can adapt to these things and how good I'm feeling."He said he had already applied to Guinness World Records to contest the previous record set by Col Krishnan Badhwar in India in January 2023.

Sam records his efforts using two running watches and take lots of photos and videos ready to submit to an adjudicator at the end of his challenge.

"Hopefully they're happy and satisfied with the evidence at the end when I upload it," he added.

And, you know, when it comes to having evidence that leaves no room for scrutiny in proving the validity of a claim, the Bible tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” And since God, who is the substance and solid foundation of our faith, can not be seen with human eyes, we must learn to view Him through an eternal lens—something that takes a deep trust in the evidence that can be seen. 

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:20

Thankfully, God has made it easy for us to know Him in ways other than by physical sight and touch and to therefore put our total confidence in Him. And He’s done this by revealing Himself to us through both the Word and through the world—thereby giving us irrefutable evidence of His existence and of “His eternal power and Godhead” so we have no excuse for not following Him. 

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Furthermore, the Bible is clear that God “is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” through the Scriptures which allows even “the simple” to know and understand Him. That’s why it so important for us to seek and search for God with all our hearts that we might develop the faith that pleases Him and the faith that shows itself to be true through our actions.

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” James 2:17-24

You see, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Which is the very reason Abraham, and many other saints, were commended for their deeds in Hebrews 11. Abraham's faith and actions worked together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. Abraham’s leaps of faith (and those of the others listed in the Hall of Faith) displayed the evidence of God’s mighty power for all to behold. They couldn’t see the Lord with their human eyes but they could see what the faith of Abraham produced... descendants as numerous as the sands on the seashore. And this was evidence of God’s existence!

So, do all you must do to grow your faith my friend. Read your Bible each and every day. Pray, meditate on God’s Word, spend time with other believers, embrace trials, and make time to get out into nature. But don’t stop there! Let your faith spur you to action by stepping out to do whatever it is God is calling you to do… trusting Him to provide for you in the same way He did for Abraham and countless other saints, especially when the task seems impossible. These works and your testimony will further serve as evidence of God’s existence that you can share to inspire the lost to seek Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God with a proven track record. You have never changed, Your Word has never been disproven, and Your power has no limit. Help us to acquire and grow the type of faith that moves mountains Lord that we might inspire the lost to seek and trust in You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Contentment Must be Learned

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

If you’re like the majority of people on this Black Friday (aka the day after Thanksgiving considered the best time to get a discounted price on items from footwear to furniture), you’ll either be hitting the stores or surfing the web for something you “need.”

And while there’s nothing wrong with looking for the best deal on necessities and essentials, after all we are called to be good stewards of our money, shopping for many has become an obsession as detailed in an article titled "Black Friday: How a Post-Thanksgiving Sale Became a National Obsession" published earlier this year. In the write-up, the author detailed the history of Black Friday and what it has become:

When Macy’s launched its first holiday parade in 1924 — then called the Christmas Parade, and three years later dubbed the Thanksgiving Day Parade — it wasn’t just pageantry. It was a signal flare for the retail world, capped by Santa Claus waving in the official countdown to Christmas.

“The Thanksgiving Day parade was one of the first experiential marketing moments,” says Barbara Kahn, professor of marketing at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “It didn’t say ‘go shop now,’ but it absolutely started the holiday period.”

Three decades later, Black Friday sparked our nation’s collective obsession with holiday deal-hunting. According to History.com, the term was first used in this context in the 1950s in Philadelphia, where it was coined by police to describe the gridlocked streets and unruly crowds that flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving. Marketers later used accounting terminology to flip the narrative, rebranding Black Friday as the day businesses went from “in the red” to “in the black.”

By the 1980s, that clever spin had stuck: Retailers embraced it, the media amplified it, and shopping became cemented as a post-feast tradition. Lining up and chasing a deal became a quintessential part of the holiday experience.

And while, a good majority of people now opt for online shopping rather than visiting the stores and the malls, one thing hasn’t changed… a great majority of the world is still obsessed with acquiring things.

But this is the deal with chasing after an abundance of “things,” specifically the “things” of this world, they will never be enough. They will exhaust themselves trying to acquire more and more but it will be in vain. You see, the person who seeks comfort and contentment in the “things” of this world will never have enough things because apart from Jesus Christ, there is no true contentment. 

This was something the apostle Paul had 'learned' that led him to say, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Unfortunately, many people take Philippians 4:13 out of context and use it to reinforce a “triumphalist” (think about completing a marathon after just a few training runs) or “super-Christian” mentality, instead of seeing that the strength of Jesus in Paul’s life was evident in his ability to be content in all his circumstances, not in the ability to always change or overcome them.

You see, contentment is an inward spiritual state of peaceful happiness that isn't dependent on circumstances (with having a little or a lot), but is instead rooted in trusting God's sovereignty and goodness. It involves a deep-seated satisfaction with what God provides, a cheerful submission to His will, and a joyful acceptance of one's lot in life, recognizing that God is sufficient and that our greatest treasure is found in Him, not in worldly possessions.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

As you can imagine, being content with what God provides is not always an easy thing. Especially with the advent of social media which constantly reinforces the idea that we “need” this to be happy or that to fit in. That’s the very reason Paul relied on Jesus for the strength to resist the temptation to pursue the things of this world and to be satisfied with what God provided instead, knowing it would always be enough to meet his needs and not his greeds. This dependence on God was a constant reminder that Paul could do nothing apart from Him, and that the more he relied on the Lord, the more fruit he would show. Being content in Christ kept Paul humble and so was a win for him and it’s a win for us as well.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

“for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand.” Psalm 50:10

So, knowing that the total dependence that leads to godly contentment must be learned, pray for the Lord to show you how to abide in Him my friend. But don’t be surprised when those lessons come in the form of trials and testing as they are oftentimes the best teachers. Keep the joy in all situations and trust that the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills can and will provide for every one of your needs and, in doing so, will draw you closer to Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to provide for all of our needs. Help us to understand that your resources are as limitless as your love for us. Teach us to abide in You God that we might learn to be content in You by drawing on the strength of Jesus. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

God Created us to be Grateful

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 NIV

Like thousands of other runners around the world on this Thanksgiving morning, I will be running a “turkey trot” with family and friends. As a wellness and running coach, I can attest to the many benefits of getting in a workout before sitting down for a big meal. After all, our bodies were made for movement—something that is made clear by the reward system God has put in place.

You see, movement releases endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and endocannabinoids (the body’s feel-good chemicals) which naturally improve mood, reduce stress, and boost overall mental well-being. Exercise increases levels of these neurotransmitters, with some evidence suggesting that endocannabinoids may be responsible for the euphoric feeling often associated with a "runner's high.” Movement also provides clarity of mind and keeps our bodies ready for service. It’s no wonder then that God, the One who personally created our inmost beings and individually knit each one of us together in our mother’s womb, would make us in such a way that we would be drawn to and rewarded for keeping His commandments. 

Know that the LORD is God It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:3-5

I don’t know about you, but the more I learn about the human body and the way that it functions, the more I can’t help but acknowledge and thank the divine Creator… the One who made us and calls us “his people” and “the sheep of his pasture.”

He is the One who commands us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise” and to “give thanks to him and praise his name.” Why? because “the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Our Creator is worthy of our praise! Furthermore, science shows that displaying thanks and praise comes with mental and physical rewards in the same way running does! Pretty neat right? Gratitude actually triggers physiological changes, like activating the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, and prompting the brain to release oxytocin.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Gratitude reduces stress and lowers blood pressure, which improves heart health in the same way physical activity does. It can also lead to better sleep, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of depression and anxiety just as exercise does. These effects occur because practicing gratitude (notice it’s not a one time thing but a practice?) shifts our focus from ourselves to God. It causes us to continually remember His faithfulness, which in turn allows us keep worry at bay. After all, if God was faithful in the past, He will be faithful in the future… through all generations.

So, as you celebrate Thanksgiving today, be sure to give thanks to the One who made you to praise Him my friend. And then give thanks publicly for all He has done and make it a practice from this day on! It’s hands down the best thing you can do for your physical, mental, and spiritual health.


Heavenly Father, thank You for making us in such a way as to receive rewards for obedience. Help us to be people who are known for being grateful for all You have given us and for praising You at all times and on all occasions. Help us to influence a lost world to seek You by the way we acknowledge You as our Creator. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!