There is Hope after Tragedy

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:11-14 NKJV

In a story titled “Drunk driver sentenced for killing Eugene marathon runner” published Wednesday, it was reported that a man found guilty in the death of a well-known Eugene educator and musician out for a morning run last spring has been sentenced to 75 months in prison.

Scott Stolarczyk was found guilty by a jury last week after a three-day trial of second-degree manslaughter and DUI for Sharon Shuman's death on the Amazon running path. Stolarczyk drove off the roadway and struck Shuman, who had been a professor at the University of Oregon, an accomplished violinist and a marathon runner.

Stolarczyk had claimed he blacked out during a coughing fit while driving. However, his blood alcohol level was more than twice the presumed legal limit at 0.19%.

In addition to more than six years in prison, he will be on post-prison supervision for 45 months after his release. He will lose his driver's license for life.

In an online video, Stolarcyzk shared a quick statement before the sentence was read:

"There are no words I can say to fully apologize for what I have done to Mrs. Schuman and her family and my friends and family. I take full responsibility for my actions and I hope to come out of this a better person."

And, you know, while this story is truly a tragedy, there is hope for Scott to “come out of this a better person” if he chooses to turn from his sin and to turn to God with reverent fear.

You see, God’s mercy is as high as the heavens are above the earth “toward those who fear Him.” This great mercy is the compassionate, unearned, and loving withholding of punishment that humanity deserves due to sin. It is a divine, active, and infinite lovingkindness that forgives mistakes, offers comfort, and restores relationships. Essentially, God’s mercy means not receiving the judgment we deserve. 

Now, while God’s mercy won't eliminate the consequences of a person’s sin in this world, it will eliminate the punishment they are deserving of in the next world. Pretty amazing right?  

And if that’s not enough to understand how good God is, consider that the sins of those who love, trust, and fear Him are removed entirely as far as the east is from the west. That means those who fear God can have their records wiped clean! 

What does this fear look like exactly? Well…this fear of the Lord is not the type of terror, dread, and panic that terrifies and immobilizes a person but a profound, reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness, authority, and power. It's an attitude of love and obedience, that acknowledges the Lord's greatness and leads to a deep desire to please Him, to honor Him, and to depart from your wrongdoing. 

Furthermore, "as a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Do you get that? Not only does the Lord grant mercy and forgiveness to all those who fear Him, He acts with fatherly compassion to them as well. 

Why? Because God understands human frailty and grasps man's inherent weakness to sin. Because of that, God doesn't treat us solely according to our sins and failings but understands that we are prone to make messes of our lives (and the lives of others) when we go astray, and yet chooses to care for us anyway. 

I don't know about you, but the realization of how much God loves us reminds me that there is no one beyond redemption who chooses to turn from their wicked ways and turn to God in reverent fear. That means, no matter what a person might have done, there is hope after tragedy. There is hope in the One who extends abundant mercy and completely removes the transgressions from all who fear Him. 

So, if you're in need of hope after tragedy today, turn to the Lord and allow Him to change your life my friend. This forgiveness won't remove the consequences from your wrongdoing, but it will give you a new start and allow you to come out of your trial a better person who’s intent on serving God and obeying His commands. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to love us the way that You do. We are all sinners gone astray and yet You, like a good Father, always welcome us back. Help the person who needs forgiveness and a new start turn to You today Lord, so they can experience your great love, kindness, and mercy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t Play the Comparison Game

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15 NKJV

In a story titled “When Can You Really Start Calling Yourself a Runner?” published by Runner’s World yesterday, writer and runner Aly Ellis said “This is how I confronted my imposter syndrome when it came to lacing up and hitting the road.”

Growing up, I played basketball, softball, and lacrosse, even dabbled in fencing, but always stayed away from running. Other kids were faster than me, so I left running to them. When I moved to New York in my early 30s, I discovered the joy of a 5K, and started to lace up regularly.

A decade later, I’m still at it. By now I’ve run nearly 100 races, including five marathons. I work as an editor at the world’s best running magazine, and I cohost The Amazing Runner’s World Show with Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. Yet some days I still feel like a fraud.

As I look around my office, filled with runners who are faster than me, it’s hard not to compare myself with them. Some of my coworkers have been running since grade school. Some ran on college teams. Several have won races!

And then, there’s me. I’m a back-of-the-pack runner. Party-pace runner, whose normal cruising speed is around 13 minutes per mile. My goal is to get faster, but I doubt I’ll ever make it to a winner’s podium.

Yet nothing lights me up like talk­ing about this sport I love so much. After speaking on a panel at the New York City Marathon last year, a runner approached me, saying she felt nervous about the race. It was my second time running it, so I talked her through the course to calm her nerves.

Afterward, she messaged me to let me know she finished and had a great race. While I may not know everything about running the way some of my coworkers do, I’m learning it can be a good thing. I have a different perspective and connect to other party-pace runners and newbies who are just dipping their toes into running.

And, you know, while it can be hard to keep our minds from playing the comparison game, it’s important that we do. Why? Because comparison will not only steal our joy, it will steal our confidence and keep us from fulfilling our unique calling.

You see, the Bible tells us that God, Himself, formed our inward parts in our mothers womb, and “skillfully wrought” us “in the lowest parts of the earth.” This "skillfully wrought," as used in the Bible describes a process of intricate, artistic, and purposeful creation. The phrase implies being meticulously fashioned, woven (think DNA), or embroidered, typically referring to God’s deliberate and detailed formation of human life in the womb, as well as the skilled craftsmanship used in building the Tabernacle. Pretty neat, right?

This means we are not only precious to the Lord, but are one-of-a-kind marvelous works of art.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

As such, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,” good works that are specific to the way we were “skillfully wrought” and our life experiences that stem from our divine craftsmanship. 

Think about it this way. Whether Aly knows it or not, her “different perspective” that allows her to “connect to other party-pace runners and newbies who are just dipping their toes into running” comes as a direct result from the way she was made.

Spiritually speaking, this means God makes us all different and gives us all different perspectives to reach a broad range of different people. If we were all fast, who would reach the middle of the pack runners? And if we were all middle of the pack runners, who would connect with the award winners or the back of the packers? See where I’m going with this?

God seeks to reach all people with the Gospel and will use all people—with their unique quirks, varied talents, different personalities and walks of life—to get it done. And for that, we should not only refrain from playing the comparison game but rejoice in the way that we are made— looking for unique opportunities to reach the people we are uniquely qualified and called to connect to.

So, be thankful that you’re not like anyone else my friend! Rejoice in your differences and in the One who made you one of His marvelous works!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created for purposes unique to the way we were designed. Rather than playing the comparison game that steals our joy, help us to rejoice in our uniqueness and to use it for Your glory to connect to the lost. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Get Away From the Noise

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about excessive noise. If this is a subject you haven't thought about before, you're not alone. It was certainly one I never gave much thought to. That was until Monday when my husband's surgery took me away from running the peaceful, quiet, and solitary trails of my hometown to running the streets surrounding the Mizzou Orthopedic Institute in Columbia, MO.

After arriving early that morning to help get my husband checked in and prepped for a full knee replacement, I headed out for a few miles after they took him back for surgery to pray and quiet my anxious thoughts, knowing I'd have at least 90 minutes before I had to be back at the clinic.

But, let me tell you, the majority of that run was anything but peaceful. The area surrounding the surgery center (which includes a large college campus, a major sports stadium, a huge hospital and a network of other medical centers and related facilities) was exceedingly busy and the traffic was nonstop and noisy. No matter what road I turned down, I couldn't get away from the clamor, cacophony, and commotion all around me. "So much for a peaceful run," I found myself saying.

Thankfully that all changed near the end of my workout when I discovered a quaint trail that was lined with trees and the sounds of nature which, to my utter delight, blocked out most of the city clatter. To say that I experienced immediate joy and delight would be an understatement! The serenity and stillness of the gravel path brought instant relief from the nervousness and tension that had been building up within me, and the time in nature (albeit short) refreshed my spirit in a way that only nature can. 

Knowing how much just a small bit of noise pollution affected me, I decided to look into the connection between noise and health. And this is what I found according to Harvard Medical who concluded that noise pollution is more than just a nuisance... it's a health risk.

They went on to say:

For half a century, U.S. agencies such as the EPA have deemed noise pollution “a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation’s population.” The European Environmental Agency reports that noise ranks second only to air pollution as the environmental exposure most harmful to public health.

Yet, in sectors from government regulation to health care practice, the threats posed by noise remain “often underestimated,” according to the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise.

Researchers and clinicians are trying to change this. They’ve shown that noise pollution not only drives hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypersensitivity to sound, but can cause or exacerbate cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; sleep disturbances; stress; mental health and cognition problems, including memory impairment and attention deficits; childhood learning delays; and low birth weight. Scientists are investigating other possible links, including to dementia...

Estimates hold that chronic noise exposure contributes to 48,000 new cases of heart disease in Europe each year and disrupts the sleep of 6.5 million people...

Another branch of inquiry focuses on how vibrations from noise can cause impairments. Part of the answer lies in the stress-response system. Researchers have found that the more people are bothered by noise, the greater the health risks they face from it. Yet, even those who tune out noise pollution, whether when awake or asleep, experience autonomic stress reactions.

Ahmed Tawakol, an HMS associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Michael Osborne, an HMS instructor in medicine at Mass General, have used advanced PET scanning to show that transportation noise is associated with heightened activity of the amygdala relative to regulatory cortical regions. Amygdalar activity can trigger stress pathways, including inflammation, that can lead to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Participants with a higher ratio of amygdalar to cortical activity had more risk for adverse outcomes in follow-up. The link persisted even after accounting for other disease risk factors.

In the clinic, Tawakol and Osborne say that evidence supports strategic intervention rather than trying to squeeze questions about noise into each patient encounter.

“If a patient mentions noise as a cause of stress, especially if they have or are at risk of cardiovascular disease, I’d certainly recommend personal noise mitigation strategies and stress reduction techniques,” Osborne says.

I don't know about you, but I found that research extremely interesting! And it backs up what I already knew to be true. Trails and quiet time spent in nature are good for our minds, bodies, spirits and souls. So much so, that every runner should find a place where they can routinely go where the only noises that can be heard are the sounds of the birds singing, the rush of the wind blowing, the trickling of a stream, and the echoes of footsteps hitting the ground.

If you ask me, this is the ultimate personal noise mitigation strategy and stress reduction technique that anyone could ever have!

So, do your research and find a solitary spot to escape to regularly friends. Every walk and run with nature brings rewards and that means you'll be the better for each and every one you take. 
Happy Running!

Make God your Top Priority

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV

In a story posted by Runner’s World last week, it was reported that Olympic medalist, Josh Kerr, will attempt to break the mile world record.

Josh Kerr has the world titles. Now, he’s ready to etch his name in the history books alongside one of the most storied world records in track and field: the mile.

On July 18 at the London Diamond League meeting, the Scotsman will chase 3:43.13 for the full mile. The world record mark was memorably set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco at the 1999 Golden Gala in Rome, Italy, with his Olympic rival Noah Ngeny of Kenya also running under the previous record in 3:43.40. El Guerrouj is also the world record holder in the 1500 meters, running 3:26.00 in 1998.

The historic records are almost as old as Kerr himself, who turns 29 later this year.

“It’s one of the most important track and field records of all time right now,” Kerr said to Runner’s World. “I’m not trying to do this quietly, because I think it deserves more respect than that. I’m at a point in my career where I have some great medals, I’m able to show up consistently when I need to, and I have amazing coaching staff and people around me that I think we can get pretty close if we’re not going to be getting it. It’s time to call my shot and try and create that moment for track and field…”

Ideally, he says, he will be able to roll into Commonwealth Games and European Championships after the London Diamond League in top condition but the record attempt itself is his top priority for the year.
And, if a priority can be defined as something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives, you and I would do well to remember that we are called to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, all our souls, and with all our strength. Which means God must have top priority over everything else in our lives, and we are never to entertain any “thing” that might compete with our attention.

You see, although it’s not bad to have goals and dreams, if we put them before God (like anything else that we put before God), they can quickly become idols and lead us astray.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV

This is the very reason Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Matthew 6:31-32

Now while Jesus spoke these words in regard to worry, the same principle applies over every area of our lives. When we make God the top priority in life—seeking to spend time with Him first, praying without ceasing, meditating on the Word, and living to please Him above all else—life has a tendency of falling into place, bringing peace, purpose, and divine provision. In addition, when we seek God first, we are reminded that we have no need to worry about the things the Father knows we need and is faithful to provide.

This certainly doesn’t mean that we won’t have our fair share of trials and troubles though, but it does mean that we can avoid the self-inflicted problems that come from following the world rather than the Way. The problems that come from seeking our will above His will, and from seeking career, family, fame, possessions,titles, records, and self-interest above a relationship with God.

So, if you want to live a life of true peace and divine purpose, make God your top priority my friend. Doing so will ensure that your other priorities in life will be in their rightful order and you will be able to ‘roll into’ every new day with a smile on your face. 
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that cultivating and keeping a close relationship with You must be our highest priority and will ensure the rest of priorities fall into the right order. Help us to see both the present and the eternal benefits of loving You with all our hearts, souls, and strength Lord that we would put in the work it takes to seek You above all. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

We Are All Ambassadors

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthian 5:20 NKJV

In a story published by BBC News last week, it was reported that a blind runner plans to run a marathon using technology that allows sighted people to see what he sees - and to give him directions - in real time.

By day, 45-year-old Clarke Reynolds is a creator who turns braille into works of art to help raise awareness of sight loss.

But he said that running has given him "another opportunity to spread the word".

He previously completed the London marathon with the help of a physical guide runner - but plans on running his next with the help of a worldwide network of virtual volunteers.

He is being supported by Fight for Sight, a charity which funds research into sight loss, for which he is an ambassador…

"I'm really excited to do this," he said. "If you had told me 13 years ago that I'd be an ambassador for a major charity and I'd be inspiring visually impaired children around the world, I'd never have believed you."

And, you know, while a brand ambassador can be defined as a person hired or engaged by an organization to represent its brand in a positive light, increasing awareness, trust, and sales, a biblical ambassador is an authorized representative of Christ’s kingdom, entrusted with the message of reconciliation to the world.

Now if you think representing Christ and His kingdom to the world is the job of a few select believers, think again. When Paul said “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us,” he was making it very clear that it was the job of every believer to embody the title of ambassador and to implore others “on Christ’s behalf” to “be reconciled to God.” This means that, as Christians, we represent Jesus and His message to the world.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Which also means that we must “be diligent” in not only studying the Word but in living out the commands contained in it. We must represent Christ in such a way that we will “not need to be ashamed” because of the way we interpret Scripture and share it with the world. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

So, let us remember that the simple message of reconciliation has not changed in the 2,000 years since Paul wrote these words my friend. And the simple but profound and life-changing message is this… Jesus Christ forgives all those who trust in Him as Savior, “not imputing their trespasses to them.”  By His death on the cross, Jesus reconciles them back to God and makes them “a new creation.” Is that amazing or what?

Furthermore, the call for each and every believer to be an “ambassador for Christ” hasn’t changed either. Which means this “ministry of reconciliation” is the ministry of every follower of Jesus Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to be busy going about the ministry of reconciliation. Help us to understand that being an ambassador of Jesus Christ is not an option to be considered but a command that we should be excited about! After all, this message of reconciliation has the power to change the lives of those who hear it and those who share it get the awesome blessing of seeing that power in action. Spur our hearts to be found busy. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

 

Jesus Had One Reason

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.‘“ Luke 19:10 ESV

As I was running yesterday morning, in deep contemplation over all Jesus suffered to save us, I was overcome with emotion. To think that the Son of God would leave His throne to walk among us and then to die for us is unfathomable.

Sadly though, a growing number of people can’t answer the question, “Why did Jesus come to this world?” And don’t fully understand why we celebrate “Easter.”

If that’s you today, take heart knowing that you’re not alone and then check out easy to understand explanation from the  BGEA:

Jesus Christ came into the world for one reason: to make it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and go to Heaven when we die. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

You see, God created us, and He meant for us to live in His presence forever. But something changed that plan, and that “something” is what the Bible calls sin. God is perfect and holy—but we have rebelled against Him, and we no longer have the right to be with Him in Heaven. No matter how good we are, we’ll never be good enough to go to Heaven on our own.

But God loves us—and because He loves us, He has provided a way for our sins to be forgiven and cleansed. That way is Jesus Christ. He was without sin (for He was God in human form)—but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took the judgment that we deserve. Now He offers us salvation as a free gift—free, because He has already paid the price.

How do we know this is true? We know it because Jesus Christ not only died for us, but He rose again from the dead by the power of God. Don’t turn away from Jesus, but put your faith and trust in Him today. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

So, now that you know the reason Jesus came to this world, won’t you share it my friend? After all, there is only ONE way to eternal life and Resurrection weekend is a great time to extend the offer of salvation to all those who have not accepted it. It will ensure they have eternal life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness, new life, and eternal life that was provided through the death, burial, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to comprehend the enormity of this sacrifice that we might never take it for granted, but offer up our lives as living sacrifices in response to it. Compel us to share the Gospel everywhere we go Lord that the lost would come to know You and accept You as Savior, and thereby gain eternal life. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

Be Prepared and Compelled

"That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:15-16 NIV

In another disturbing story titled, “'Be more prepared': Runner escapes attack at east Louisville park,” it was reported that a woman in Louisville, KY was attacked while training for a marathon at Beckley Creek Park on Sunday morning. She is now reminding others to be alert.

Jaden Barker said she arrived at the park before 9 a.m. for a long run as part of her marathon training.

"It's just nice, and I can get a lot of miles in because I'm in double digits. I'm running 16, 18 miles at a time," Barker said.

While running on one of the wooded paths, Barker said she noticed a man wearing gray sweatpants and a black surgical face mask. At first, she thought nothing of his behavior.

“He was like running and then was like, walk, run and walk,” Barker said. “And I went, 'OK, he’s interval training.' I do that all the time as a runner. I’m like, nothing new.”

However, Barker said she soon felt something was wrong, and she pulled out her mace.

"As I started turning, that's when he grabbed my hips and just slammed me to the ground, and then started pulling on my pants. But thankfully, I had the mace, I was macing him and hitting him in the face," Barker said. "I thought I was going to die because it’s just me and this grown man in the woods."

Barker said the man eventually ran away. She then ran for help and called police.

Although she said she escaped with only scratches, Barker said the emotional impact remains.

Now, Barker hopes speaking out will help others stay prepared.

And, you know, while it’s extremely important to speak out to help people avoid physical danger, it’s even more important to speak out to help people avoid the spiritual danger that leads to eternal death. 

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

You see, there is only ONE way to eternal life. And that way is ONLY through Jesus, the One whose death, burial, and resurrection we are getting ready to celebrate.

Which is the very reason every believer should, like Paul, be compelled and prepared to “preach the Gospel everywhere they go—eager to join him in declaring, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’” Acts 4:12

Did you get that? The gospel is the power of God that grants eternal life to everyone who believes! And that power to give eternal life is found NO other name under heaven. Not in the name of Allah and not in the name of Buddha. In fact, there are an estimated 4200 world religions, but there is only ONE empty tomb… which proves that Jesus is the ONLY way. 

So, don’t be ashamed to preach the gospel my friend. After all, how can a lost person call on the ONLY Name that saves if we don’t share the Good News? The answer is they can’t. Which is the reason we must be prepared and compelled at all times. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it abundantly clear that the ONLY way to eternal life is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Lord, help us to understand how horrible hell is that we would be compelled to reach the lost, knowing it will be the destination of all those who die in their sin. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!