Be a Man of Courage

“Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 BSB

As my husband and I pulled up to the 2026 Show Me State Games Road Race early yesterday morning, I knew directing this year's race would look a little different than in years past. Not only had the Salvation Army partnered with the 5k/10k, but they were onsite to honor a young man who had served with the organization from a young age. SPC Jason D. Fingar, a native of Columbia, MO was killed in action during his first deployment in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Per the information listed, I came to know and share with the runners that "Jason had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge during his military career. Jason was actively involved with The Salvation Army from birth and was an avid musician, playing guitar, piano and brass instruments as part of The Salvation Army church band." 

Much of that was easy to announce over the microphone until I had to read this part, "He was a soldier at the Columbia Corps Community Center and believed that you could be a man of God and still fight for your country – and he did so proudly. He loved to read the Bible...” "Oh how we need more men like that," I thought to myself as I fought back tears. "Men that will stand up for their country and for God no matter the outcome or pushback." 

Later that evening, I went on to discover that Corey Phan, a member of Jason's platoon, believed Fingar was in his platoon for a reason — to share God’s word with his fellow soldiers. He went on to say, "God’s will was done with Jason because any time anybody was in despair, he always had a way to motivate them and tell them how he overcomes everything.”

Wow, right? 

And, you know, Paul was also a man who was known for standing up for God no matter the outcome and urged his brothers and sisters at Corinth to do the same by being on the alert, standing firm in the faith, and being men (and women) of courage known for their strength. All of this Paul said, was to be done in love. 

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

This was Paul’s rallying cry for them and for us—a cry for believers to remain spiritually vigilant, doctrinally steadfast, and brave in the face of cultural opposition and moral challenges. Especially as the end days draw near and we see a rise in false teachings and persecution against God's followers.

Which means that we must "study to shew" ourselves approved unto God by reading our Bibles each and every day. 

So, knowing that the only life worthy of honoring is a life lived for Jesus, seek to leave a legacy worth remembering my friend. Love God, serve others, and be a person known for being courageous. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to mature in our faith and strong in our convictions and beliefs. Help us to be men and women of courage that are worth remembering Lord that we might lead others to You by the way that we live our lives. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

God's Good Work will Continue

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6 NKJV

In an inspiring story aired by KWQC6, it was reported that when the first Bix 7 (an iconic 7-mile race through downtown Davenport, Iowa) launched in 1975, only 84 runners crossed the starting line. Ed Lillis was one of them — and more than 50 years later, he is still coming back.

Lillis, now 80, is one of only four runners from that original field who competed in all 50 years of the race.

“I was one of the 84 that came and ran that one, just like a lot of other ones,” Lillis said. “But then only four of us stuck with it for 50 years. And so two years ago, the 50th took place, and that was a lot of fun. But I think we’ve all gone through our share of medical trials and tribulations.”

Hip surgeries haven’t stopped him. Despite hip surgeries, Lillis has continued to participate in the race each year.

“There’s been some challenges, you know, that are just outside of your control,” he said. “But it’s always been a great excuse to try and stay in some degree of shape, just in case you can do it when the time comes.”

This year, Lillis will run the two-mile race.

Pretty amazing right?

And, you know, in the same way that Lillis continues to “participate in the race each year,” God continues to do “a good work” in every believer that will not be complete “until the day of Jesus Christ.”

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

What does this mean? Well…. It means that God began the initial work of bringing us to faith at the time of our salvation. At that time, we were made alive in Christ—regenerated and made new. Then, through an ongoing, lifelong process called sanctification, God finishes, perfects, and completes His work in us—using our challenges, trials, and tribulations to grow us and to transform us into the image of His Son. 

And, since this is entirely God's doing and not a result of human effort, we don't have to worry that age will stop the process. 

So, seek the Lord with your whole heart each and every day my friend knowing that strict spiritual training will keep you growing and running the race until you reach that final finish line. And that is the place where God's "good work in you" will finally be complete. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for continuing the sanctification process in us so that we will continually grow in our faith and look more like Jesus. Help us to understand that this series of steps will involve challenges that You will use to grow our faith in a way that will make us more like Jesus. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running! 

Bust out the Church Walls

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV

Having not been at church for three consecutive Sundays, my husband Larry and I were overcome with joy on Tuesday night to spend an evening fellowshipping with several of our “church family” members with whom we serve on the Board of our local Pregnancy Help Center. 

And while we shared several stories, a few somber moments, and some laughter as we conducted our monthly business meeting, the real communion began after the meeting was over and we began to talk about life and all the good things God was doing. 

“I’ve missed you Kim,” I said to one of my dear friends as we talked in the quaint kitchen of the home where the meeting was graciously held. I went on to say, “I feel like we haven’t been to church in forever.” “I feel you sister,” she responded before elaborating on all the adventures she, herself, had been on over the last few weeks. Between traveling to record a Christian podcast, record music, and write for her website (of which I’m blessed to be a writer), she had been as busy as Larry and I had.

I then updated her on all the amazing places and races the Lord had allowed my husband and I to travel to as Race Directors and summed up our ventures by saying, “We’ve been out working in the missions field and it’s been exciting!” 

This was something I could honestly say as my spouse and I view everywhere we go as an opportunity to share the Gospel. I then shared with her how our unique job gives us an uncommon platform to talk to people we might never see on Sunday mornings—people that we share the Gospel with. To which she replied, “We’re bustin out of those church walls sister! I pray more people will do that.”

And, you know, while it’s true that believers aren’t to make “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” “the manner” or habit as some do, it’s also true that when we, as individuals, are called to the missions field, (wherever that might be) that we aren’t to allow church attendance to keep us from going wherever God is calling us to go and doing whatever it is God is calling us to do.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

“Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23

You see, while church can certainly be defined as a house of worship and a place where believers come together to praise the Lord, to encourage one another, to grow in the knowledge of His Word, and to consider ways "to stir up love and good works" in our brothers and sisters, church can also be defined as “the body of Christ,” made up of individuals with different talents and unique gifts—talents and gifts that are given to these individuals by God to “go out” and share the gospel and to make disciples.

Did you get that “go out” part? This means there will be times when each one of us will need to, as my friend Kim says, “bust out the walls of the church” to go out  “into the highways and hedges” of our communities to compel the lost to seek Jesus before it’s too late.

Now, while the way we do this might look different for everyone, one thing is the same… we are the church wherever we go.

So, if God is calling you to “go out” into the missions field, by all means go out my friend! But be sure to not forsake “assembling” with those in the body of Christ as often as you can… especially as we see the Day approaching. This is the place where you and I can be sharpened, strengthened, and refreshed for whatever God has in store for us. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that “church” is not only a building but the body of Christ, commissioned with the job of going out and making disciples. Lord, as we see the Day approaching, help us see the importance of fellowshipping that we might encourage one another to stay strong and complete the mission You have for us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Limit the Junk Food

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about National Junk Food Day that happens every year on July 21 (yesterday). While the day is a celebration of uninhibited eating, nutritionists, dentists, and coaches like me often use the holiday as a gentle reminder of the importance of maintaining balance. Because junk foods are highly dense in sugars, starches, fats, and salt, enjoying them on this specific day is meant to be a fun, temporary detour from an otherwise healthy lifestyle.

But here's the deal, many of us don't have "an otherwise healthy lifestyle" but consume "junk food" (think processed and fast food) regularly. The problem with that? You can't out-train a poor diet--meaning a poor diet will affect your performance. 

So, with National Junk Food Day in the rear view mirror and Week 3 of official Bass Pro Marathon, Half Marathon, and Dogwood Canyon Trail Run training programs starting Saturday, let's talk about why it's a great time to revamp your diet. 
This means training your mind to make healthy choices, training your body to recover well, and training your will to choose foods that help you perform instead of foods that hold you back.

With that being said, let's get into the weeds with this and talk about.... 

Why Junk Food Hurts Running Performance

1. It Doesn't Provide Lasting Energy

Highly processed foods loaded with refined sugars create quick spikes in blood sugar followed by energy crashes. Instead of steady endurance, you'll often feel sluggish before your run is even over.

Your body performs best when fueled by complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that provide consistent energy.

2. Recovery Takes Longer

Hard workouts create tiny amounts of muscle damage that must be repaired. Junk food provides calories but very few of the nutrients your muscles actually need.

Protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help rebuild stronger muscles and prepare you for your next workout.

3. It Increases Inflammation

Many processed foods are high in refined oils, added sugars, and sodium that can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation can leave runners feeling sore longer, increase fatigue, and make it harder to bounce back between training sessions.

4. It Can Lead to Unwanted Weight Gain

Running becomes easier when you're carrying less unnecessary weight.

Consistently eating calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods can make training feel harder than it needs to be and place additional stress on your joints with every step.

5. It Weakens Your Immune System

Marathon training already places stress on your body. A diet filled with junk food may leave your immune system less prepared to fight off illness.

Missing a week of training because you're sick is much more difficult than simply saying "no" to a drive-thru meal.

6. Poor Nutrition Means Poor Recovery

Recovery doesn't begin after the race—it begins after every workout.

Your muscles need carbohydrates to replace glycogen, protein to repair tissue, and fluids and electrolytes to restore what was lost through sweat. Junk food simply doesn't provide those nutrients in the amounts your body needs.

7. Mental Performance Matters Too

Nutrition doesn't just affect your legs—it affects your brain.

Highly processed foods can leave you feeling tired, unfocused, and unmotivated. Good nutrition helps improve concentration, mood, decision-making, and the mental toughness required to push through difficult workouts.

Every Food Choice Is Part of Your Training

Many runners think training only happens when the watch starts.

In reality, every meal, every snack, every drink, every night of sleep, and every recovery decision becomes part of your training plan.

When you choose water instead of soda…
When you grab fruit instead of fig newtons…
When you prepare dinner instead of relying on fast food…

You're building the same discipline that helps you finish long runs and cross finish lines.

Train Your Will

Running teaches us that discipline often beats motivation.

The same principle applies in the kitchen.

There will always be temptations. Convenience foods are everywhere (and I mean everywhere). But every healthy choice strengthens something far more valuable than your muscles—it strengthens your will.  

The will to choose what helps instead of what hurts. Fast food might taste good in the moment but too much of it will hurt your performance. Choose whole foods! Keep in mind that this means you must think ahead. Plan for the day and pack your food so you won't be tempted to give in. 

The will to think long-term instead of momentary satisfaction. This discipline will pay dividends since the race is completed one mile at a time. A long-term attitude will lead to long-term success. 

The will to become the healthiest version of yourself. For real! Gaining the discipline to eat right will spill over into other areas of your life as cutting out "junk food" not only makes you feel better but it makes you think better! 

Week 3 Challenge

As you head into Week 3 of the official Bass Pro Marathon, Half Marathon, and Dogwood Canyon Trail Run training, don't just commit to completing every workout.

Commit to fueling every workout as best as you can.

This week, challenge yourself to:

• Drink more water.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

• Include lean protein with your meals.

• Shop on the outside perimeter of the grocery store where the whole foods are found.

• Limit highly processed foods and sugary drinks.

• Read ingredient labels before buying packaged foods. This is super important!! Many "healthy" foods aren't. 

Remember, the best runners aren't simply those who train the hardest. They're the runners who consistently make choices that help their bodies perform at their best. And our bodies perform at our best when we treat them well by training properly and eating properly. After all, what you put in is what you get out right?

And there you have it friends. Those are some great reasons to limit your intake of "junk food," aka fast food and ultra processed food, even if you're not training for one of the great events that the Bass Pro Fitness Series has to offer. But if you're not training, I have great news! There's still time to get signed up. Hope to see you at the start line! Happy Running!

Praise is a Weapon

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25

In a story titled “Josh Kerr Broke the World Record in the Mile. His Custom Shoes Were Designed to Be a ‘Weapon’” it was reported that the Brooks spike was designed to make Kerr feel like he’s running downhill.

When Josh Kerr announced his intention to break the iconic 27-year-old world record in the mile earlier this year, he wasn’t going it alone.

The 28-year-old Scottish middle distance runner approached the challenge with the full support of his sponsor, Brooks Running, and its product innovation team in an effort to shave more than two seconds from his personal best to break the 3:43.13 standard set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco in 1999. They went one better, as Kerr improved his best mark from 3:45.34 to an astounding 3:42.66 to capture the record and win the London Diamond League meeting by more than three seconds over rival Yared Nuguse of the United States.

In an interview with Popular Science, Brooks senior director of product development Danny Orr described how the custom spike, the Hyperion 222, was engineered for a fast, sustained race at world-record pace with no gear changes or kick at the end—the opposite of how 1500-meter races typically play out in major races” The notion of running slowly, or the notion of changing gears or speeding up, they’re going to feel awful in this shoe,” he says. “It’s just not designed to do that. It really is a weapon for him to run four laps at a really high speed and a really high cadence.”

And, you know, while the "custom spike" might be a weapon in the world of running, praising God is a powerful weapon in the world of spiritual warfare.

You see, when (not if) trials and troubles come our way, it's easy for us to fall into despair. The problem with that is the devil gets a foothold over our hearts and our minds and we can begin to lament over our situation rather than looking to God who is sovereign over our situation.

Consider the story of Paul and Silas that's found in Acts 16. After casting a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl in Philippi, Paul and Silas were stripped, severely beaten, and imprisoned. At midnight, while praying and singing hymns, a violent earthquake shook the prison, opening all doors and freeing the chains

Did you get that? Despite being locked in the inner prison with their feet in stocks, Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing praises to God, thereby turning worship into the weapon that defeated the enemy's attempt to make them think their situation was hopeless.

Their praise not only kept up their own spirits but caused the prisoners listening to them to remain in their cells after the earthquake shook the foundations and broke their chains! Can you believe that? That's the power of praise!

And get this... when the terrified jailer drew his sword to commit suicide, believing his prisoners had escaped (a failure punishable by death) , Paul stopped him, calling out that everyone was still there. Moved by their compassion and the miraculous event, the jailer fell trembling before them and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” The jailer then took them to his home, washed their wounds, and provided them food. 

Amazing right? But it gets even better… That same night, he and his entire family was baptized in celebration of their newfound faith. That's the power of praise my friend! 

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

So, no matter what situation you might be facing today, choose to pray and sing praises as you remember that God is not only sovereign over all of it, but works "all things together" for your good and for His glory. That's what He does for all those love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are sovereign over all situations. Help us to praise You in the good times and even more in our trials and troubles that those watching might seek You by the faith that we exhibit--the faith that says, "My situation might appear hopeless, but God has a plan and I will praise Him for it." Thank You for working all things for our good and for Your glory Lord. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

You’re Not Just a Number

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV

One of the things I love most about going out of town is trading in my familiar running routes for new ones. And while the path I chose to run yesterday morning in Columbia, MO wasn’t technically "new"—as I serve as the Race Director for the Show-Me State Games triathlon/duathlon every July—it was still out of the ordinary. Because of this, I paid extra special attention to the sites and sounds around me.

 
Which is the very reason that I heard the noise of a large symphony of birds nestled within the limbs and leaves of a small tree as I passed by before the sun fully came up. Their song was so loud and joyful that I instinctively knew they were praising the Creator. I don’t know how many there were but I knew there had to be a great number of them based on the volume of their praises.

 
As I stopped to take in the scene, I looked down to see a dead sparrow lying on the ground. “Awwww, poor thing,” I thought to myself. And then I smiled, knowing that even the death of this tiny, seemingly insignificant bird did not happen outside of the "Father’s will."

 
Speaking of insignificance, have you ever stopped to consider that there are approximately 1.6 billion sparrows worldwide (Globally, there are at least 141 recognized species in the sparrow family, meaning the total number of all sparrow species combined is significantly higher) and yet the Lord knows the status of each and every one of them? So much so that not even one of them falls to the ground without God knowing it. 

 
This not only shows the enormity of God the Creator, but the compassion of God the Father.

This was a fact that was driven home later in the morning before the start of the triathlon/duathlon, upon which I repeatedly issued the instruction to the registering participants to be sure that both arms or both calves were marked with their bib number so they could be identified. This was important since the typical race bib runners wear can not be worn in the water or on the bike. As each one of them came into the transition areas or
across the finish line or, I announced their positions by their numbers rather than their names. 

 
By the middle of the morning, I found myself thinking about how grateful I was that I wasn't "just a number" to God. None of the people out on the course were either. I may not have known their names but God did. 

And, you know, with 8.3 billion people in our world today, isn't it comforting to know that you aren’t just another number to God either? In fact, the Bible tells us that the very hairs of your head are all numbered and that you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

In fact, you and I are so valued by the Lord that He gave us His one and only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Because of that, every single person who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Is that amazing or what?

So if you have not chosen to accept Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to do it today my friend. It will be the best decision that you ever make. I promise you that! It will not only ensure that Jesus walks with you through this life, but will ensure that you walk with Him in the next life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You for the gift of salvation that we did not deserve, but that You so freely gave. Cause us to understand how deeply You love us Lord that we might spend our days loving others in the same way that we might bring them into the family of God. Help us to see others as You do, so valuable that their very hairs are numbered. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!


 

Christians Should be the Fittest People

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

In an interesting story published by dcnewsnow, it was reported that Arlington, Virginia, has been named the fittest city in America for the ninth year in a row, according to the 2026 American Fitness Index.

Washington, D.C., received the second spot in the fitness rankings of America’s 100 largest cities.

Arlington, Virginia continues its long-standing position as the nation’s fittest city, reflecting strong performance across multiple indicators including physical activity levels, access to parks and recreational facilities, and supportive transportation infrastructure. Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Seattle, and Denver round out the top five cities in this year’s rankings,” Shantanu Agrawal, MD, Chief Health Officer, Elevance Health, shared in a statement.

The survey measured cities based on 33 different criteria, including the quantity of parks and recreation, biking and running trails and swimming pools.

According to the index, lower-ranked cities show a presence of chronic disease indicators, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

And, you know, while you and I can’t control how fit the city we live in is overall, we can control how fit we are. In fact, this should be one of our top priorities.

You see, the Bible clearly tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us, whom we have from God, and we are not our own.

The Bible goes on to tell us that we were bought at a price and therefore we are to glorify God in our bodies and in our spirits which belong to God. Do you get that? You and I were created by God, we belong to God, we were redeemed by the death of God’s Son, and we were made to glorify God.

This means that we are to only put in things that build up the temple and maintain it. And if you’re thinking, I’m just talking about food, you’re wrong. It matters what we put into our eyes and our ears, as well as our mouths because all these things have the power to build up the temple or to tear it down. 

Think about it this way, if a person were to come in and spray paint your church, would you call that a crime? Of course you would! They would be defacing the house of God regardless of what “door” they entered in to do it! But we are doing the very same thing to our temples when we take in ultra processed foods, when we don’t get enough rest, when we listen to things that don’t glorify God, and when we set our eyes on things that are wicked.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

This is why the Bible is very clear that we are to be set apart from the world in the way that we think and in the way we act. We are not to be conformed to the patterns or the ways of this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we might not only know God’s will but live it out. In this way, we are to continually offer our bodies up as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.

We are to remain spiritually fit by not thinking like the world, by not eating like the world, by not viewing things as the world does, by not listening to the world’s music or perverse speech, and by not giving in to the temptation to skip workouts (aka perform maintenance and upkeep on the temple).

So, knowing that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, live in a way that shows it my friend. This will set you apart in such a way that other people will take notice. And when they do, you can point them to the One who lives inside you.

Heavenly Father, thank You the gift of the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Lord, help us to truly understand what that means that we might honor You with the way we treat our bodies and cause others to seek You because of it. Help us also to remember that the more fit we are, the better we feel and perform which allows us to serve You better and longer. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!