Death is Not the End

“‘You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

In a tragic story published yesterday, it was reported that a runner in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series in Nashville on Saturday has died after receiving emergency treatment at the race, organizers said Sunday.The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series said the runner received urgent medical attention by an on-site team before being transported to a hospital, where the participant died. Organizers did not immediately release the identity of the runner. We appreciate the medical personnel who worked quickly to support the participant,” the statement from organizers said. “We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the race participant, and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.”

And you know, while we don’t know the identity of the person who died, we do know that it wasn’t the end of his or her story. Death is not the end of anyone’s story, contrary to popular belief. By the choice they made while alive, whether they took the “narrow gate” or the wide one, their eternal destination will have been determined. Those who chose to faithfully follow Jesus will be allowed to “enter God’s Kingdom” and inherit eternal life but those who chose the to follow the world will find that the “highway to hell” led them to a place of eternal damnation. 

So don’t be misled by the world my friend that insists there is more than one way to heaven and that hell is a fun place where you can party with your friends. The “gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” But those that do will reap the rewards, and those that don’t will forever regret their decision. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that there is life beyond the one we will experience in this world. By the decision to either follow you or not to follow you, a person decides where they will spend eternity after their physical death, whether in heaven or hell. Help us to be bold in sharing the message that there is only one way to You so that none would enter hell on account of us Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Sin is a Critical Condition

“So David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah, fought against it, and took it.” 2 Samuel 12:29 NKJV

In a story titled “Runner rescued after 80-foot fall in North Cheyenne Canon Park” published last week, it was reported that the Colorado Springs Fire Department says a trail runner is in critical condition Thursday evening after being successfully retrieved in a high-angle rescue at North Cheyenne Canon Park Thursday afternoon. The CSFD said on a social media post that the runner is believed to have fallen 80 feet off a steep rock. While injured, the runner was able to call 911. Several specialized fire crews responded around 3 p.m., including a wildland team that cut a trail down through rough terrain to the runner for the high-angle rescue team. The CSFD also utilized drones in the rescue, according to social media posts. 

And you know, when it comes to taking a fall steep enough to land a person in critical condition, the Bible details the story of David’s fall from grace after making the decision to stay at the palace rather than join his men in war… a decision that had disastrous consequences. After repenting though, David was forgiven and allowed to go back to doing what he should have done all along – leading Israel out to battle, instead of remaining in Jerusalem. Is our God good or what? Even after all that happened, David was allowed to experience victory once again— proving that sin doesn’t have to condemn us to a life of failure and defeat. God can and will restore all whose who come to Him in humble repentance. 

So be on your guard to avoid sin at all costs my friend, knowing that the consequences of falling into it might last a lifetime. But take heart in knowing that there is no fall that can land a person in such a critical condition that they are beyond redemption. David’s story proves it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the forgiveness You provide all those who come to You and humbly turn from their ways and ask for it. Help us to share this Message with a world in desperate need of hearing it so that even those most critically in danger of never getting back up again will find their way home to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Forget the Past

“Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NASB

In an inspiring story published by the Bonner County Daily Bee on Wednesday, it was reported that on Monday, April 15, Sandpoint resident Carol Wright crossed the finish line at the 2024 Boston Marathon in 5 hours and 54 minutes, winning the 80-plus women’s age division handily. At 82, she also happened to be this year’s oldest finisher, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Believe it or not, Wright’s running journey began not so long ago in 2012. Then 69 years old, Wright was on the phone with her daughter, Amy, who just got done running a 5K in Bellingham, Wash., as part of a weight-loss journey. Wright’s daughter said the following year she was going to run a half-marathon. “If I can do it, you can do it,” Wright remembers her daughter saying…Wright has now completed 18 marathons in her lifetime and has finished the Boston Marathon seven times, her first finish coming in 2016… Even at 82, Wright’s journey has arguably just begun, and she still has one lofty goal in mind — be the oldest person to ever finish the Boston Marathon. The record, which is 84 years old, was set by a female from Santa Monica, Calif., in 2018. Wright believes she is in good enough shape to eventually pull it off...

And you know, when it comes to lofty goals, our greatest aspiration at any age should be to be champions for Christ. Which means we must practice spiritual forgetfulness by no longer allowing ourselves to be influenced, held back, or affected by our former lives. You see, too often we allow ourselves to be weighed down by our previous sinfulness or shackled by our memories of past failures or mistakes. Paul clearly understood that he had no power to change the past (in the same way we don’t) and so chose to focus on the present instead, which meant “reaching forward to what lies ahead,” rather than reaching back for what “lies behind.” He was unwilling to let anything cause him to be sidelined or sidetracked in his pursuit of crossing the finish line and spending eternity with Christ.  

So let us all follow the example of Paul my friend. Let us practice forgetfulness as we “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It’s the greatest ambition we could ever have. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our past doesn’t have to define us nor does it have the power to determine our future when we give our lives to You. Help us to run the race with all endurance Lord knowing that the pursuit of perfection will be worth it in the end when we see You face to face. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Choose to Put in the Work

“Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV

In an inspiring story published yesterday by the Good News Network, it was reported that 19-year-old Lloyd Martin has become the youngest person ever to finish the London Marathon with Down Syndrome.

Receiving a Guinness World Records plaque at the finishing line, Martin says it’s a dream come true, and celebrated the 26.4 miles with some pretty fly dance moves for someone with impaired motor function.
He ran continuously for the first 14 miles—a personal best—before switching to bouts of walking and jogging. In Lloyd’s words, it’s achieving his dream,” said his mom, Ceri Hooper. “Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it.” Hooper represented Wales internationally in track and field competitions, and ensured that her son Lloyd had all the training and motivation he needed when he set his mind on the task of a marathon. He had developed his strength and stamina mainly through 5k races.

And you know, just as continually running 5k races developed Lloyd’s strength and stamina to the point he had the staying power and mental grit to complete a marathon, only those whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” and who meditate on “His Law” day and night will develop the spiritual strength and stamina to run according to the rules and finish the race. You see, just as in running, there’s no shortcut to spiritual maturity and endurance. A person must put in the work of training in the Word if they want to stand firm on the Truths laid out in the Bible and press on until the end to claim the prize God has waiting for every faithful follower. 

So choose to put in the work my friend by choosing to read and study the Scriptures each and every day. The knowledge you’ll gain will have you “running” faster and longer than ever before. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can’t run in the race unless we know the rules. And we can’t run fast and far to the finish line unless we discipline our bodies to put those rules into practice and to keep going until the race is done. Help us to do this Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Add in Plogging to Keep Yourself Motivated

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about the annual observance of Earth Day that took place on Monday. I don't know about you, but it wasn't even on my radar until I arrived at one of the local Elementary schools I’m blessed to teach a running program at. As the kids (pictured above) began their run/walk around the track for 20 minutes (our equivalent of a mile) as they do on the days I’m there, one of them grabbed a bag and said, "Let's pick up trash while we run for Earth Day!" And as I watched them, I smiled so big! These kids were having so much fun picking up discarded rubbish as they were running (aka Plogging) that they didn't give much voice to their usual questions... "How much time do we have left coach? Are we almost done coach?" Which totally made me smile. And totally made me think that if plogging can motivate these little runners in such a great way, it can surely motivate us bigger runners as well.

So let's take a look at what plogging (a Swedish trend that started back in 2016) is, what benefits there are to engaging in the practice often, and some tips to get started according to MARATHON HANDBOOK:

What is Plogging?

Plogging is a term made by enmeshing “jogging” with “plocka upp,” which is Swedish for “pick up.” Therefore, the plogging definition is an emerging fitness that involves picking up litter or trash while you run. It combines exercise and environmentalism in one fell swoop.

Here are some of the top benefits of plogging:

• Improves cardiovascular health
• Improves mood and makes you feel good about yourself
•  Provides intrinsic motivation to exercise
• Increases self-esteem
• Increases mindfulness about environmentalism
• Provides a way to do interval training
• Gets you outside in the fresh air
• Helps you move your body in different ways
• Makes exercise more fun and distracting 
• Gives back to your community
• Cleans up your community 
• Varies your routes
• Protects wildlife 
• Connects you online and builds social connections with other ploggers

How To Get Started

Before you start, you’ll need to outfit yourself with the right gear to get the job done.

If you’re already running or jogging, you should have a good pair of running shoes and running apparel. Beyond that, you’ll need a good pair of gloves to protect your hands from broken glass, soiled products, and sharp and dirty litter items you may pick up, and a trash bag of some sort for collecting what you pick up.

Depending on the climate in which you live, your budget, and your interest in this new activity, you can invest in some durable work gloves, which will be warmer and more protective than cleaning gloves, or disposable latex or non-latex surgical gloves.

If you only imagine you’ll dabble a little in this fitness activity, inexpensive disposable gloves should suffice, but be careful to get something that seems rip-proof. Carrying hand sanitizer in your pocket is ideal for a quick cleanup after you are done collecting litter in one area and dispose of your bag of collected trash.

Where To Go Plogging

Theoretically, you can go plogging almost anywhere you have permission to be. Depending on where you live, you may encounter trash along the side of the roads, parks, school playgrounds, trails, parking lots, town squares and bike paths.

Just be careful to be mindful of traffic if you’re along the side of a road picking up litter, and respect any private property lines.

How To Do Plogging

There’s no right or wrong way to get going. You can go alone, with your running friends, or in a big group.

You can structure your whole run around picking up trash the entire time, or you can run to a specific location—such as a local shopping mall parking lot—and plan to whip out your plogging gear and start picking up trash once you reach the location.

Ploggers are encouraged to take photos of their efforts and share them on social media to spread awareness and inspire others to join in on beautifying the environment while getting fit.

Tips For Plogging

The following tips will help you stay safe and allow you to maximize the benefits of your new hobby:

• Always wear gloves: Gloves are imperative for protecting your hands.
• Obey traffic safety rules: If you’re along the side of a road, be mindful of vehicular traffic and heed traffic rules.
• Wear a safety vest: A reflective safety vest can increase your visibility to drivers and help keep you safe.
• Don’t touch your face: Your gloves should be considered contaminated, so keep them far from your face.
• Don’t pick up needles: Disposed sharps and needles can be dangerous. Don’t pick up items such as shards of glass, broken bottles, or other items you aren’t comfortable touching even with gloved hands.
• Use your knees: Use proper squatting technique—bending your hips and knees and sitting back when you squat down—rather than bending over from your back. Switch your load: If your bag of collected rubbish starts to get heavy, be sure to alternate the arm you are using to carry the trash bag to prevent muscle imbalances or one side of your body getting overworked.
• Scan the area before you start: Taking a quick visual surveillance of the area can help you spot any dangerous people and will also help you spot the areas of notable trash to get started with.
• Thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands when you are done: Proper hygiene is key to preventing infection.
• Dispose of the trash and recycling properly: You can visit sites like https://dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/reduce-reuse-recycle to learn what can be recycled and where it can be done in your area.
• Post your plogging adventures: This new activity has spread around the world due to social media posts. Keep spreading the movement by posting your plogging picture with the hashtags #DoBeautifulThings and #Plogging.
• Gather a group: Plogging is a great group activity and you can cover more ground when you’re picking up trash with friends.
• Plan ahead: Set a goal and make a plan before you head out plogging. How long do you want to be gone? Do you have a distance goal? Do you want to collect a certain number of pieces of litter? A goal can make plogging more motivating and can give you a start and end to the outing.
• Play games: To make plogging more fun, play games with yourself. Try to find a piece of trash that starts with every letter of the alphabet, or try to get 100 snack bags, or look for a piece of litter for each color of the rainbow.

So there you have it friends. Plogging is not only a great way to make your little area of the world a little cleaner, brighter, and safer while boosting your own health, fitness, and mood, it's a great motivator to inspire you to get out and get moving like it did the kids! And it's also a great activity to aid in the conservation efforts that the Bass Pro Shops are known for which makes it a great addition to your Bass Pro Fitness Series training as well!! So grab a friend, a trash bag, and some gloves and get out there for a plog. It will be a win-win in so many ways. Happy Running!

When Dreams Come True

“It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.” Proverbs 13:19 NLT

In a story titled “Pittsburgh-area runner wins women's Hakuna Matata 10-Miler at Walt Disney World” published Sunday it was reported that Mars, Pa. native Emily Hensel (1:05:26) beat her time from last year to be the first woman to cross the finish line again. She narrowly defeated Orlando-area runner Kelly Stoll, who finished just 28 seconds behind her, and Jennifer Masamitsu of Denver, Colorado (1:06:46). "It's like a dream come true,'' Hensel said after the race. "I absolutely love running. I love Disney. I love coming here with my family. And they were all hoping I would cross first since we came down here, so it just feels amazing that I was able to do it two years in a row.''

And you know, when it comes to dreams coming true, King Solomon wisely said that “it is pleasant” when our desires are fulfilled – especially when we “see our dreams come true” as a result of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. To the one who walks with Christ, this brings life satisfaction. On the flip side, Solomon was clear that the fool, or one who rejects Jesus, will “refuse to turn from evil” and so will never attain or see the sweetness of a fulfilled desire. George Waltke explained it this way, “A person’s life depends on finding his drives and appetites satisfied. The frustrated fool goes from failure to failure, but the gratified righteous go from strength to strength.” 

So knowing that living a full and satisfied life comes only from a right relationship with Jesus, seek Him above all else my friend. By doing so, you’ll find that your dreams and aspirations are to do those things that bring Him glory and that will fill your heart to the brim with happiness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only those things we do for You will ever bring us true satisfaction in this life. Help us to align our will with yours Lord so we would seek after “pleasant” and pure things. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Watch and Gauge their Actions

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:16 NKJV

In a story titled “Beijing half marathon winner stripped of medal after video shows competitors allowing Chinese runner to win” published last week, it was reported that the trophy and treasure China’s top distance runner, He Jie, gained at the Mengniu Beijing Half Marathon on April 14 were indeed ill-gotten ones as most everyone suspected. Organizers announced the decision after footage from the race went viral over the weekend. Video evidence from the final moments of the race showed He trailing behind Kenya's Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopia's Dejene Hailu. Mnangat told BBC Sport Africa that the group had not been not running competitively, but rather as pacemakers for He. An investigation into the incident found that four runners had, in fact, been invited by a race sponsor to serve only as pacemakers, but the main organizers were unaware of this… All four runners, including He, were disqualified and forced to return their medals and award money. 

And you know, when it comes to being disqualified for knowing the rules but not following them, Paul, in writing to Titus about Crete's false teachers, was clear that those “who profess to know God” but “deny Him” by the way they live are ineligible and unfit “for every good work.” You see, although these false teachers claimed to be true believers in Christ, their actions showed otherwise. Hence the reason Paul deemed them to be "disqualified." The takeaway is this… although we can never be totally sure of what's happening in another person's heart, we can and should gauge their actions to see if they're compatible with a redeemed life. In this way, we can determine with a great degree of certainty whether a person is truly a Christ follower. 

So knowing that a person's conduct speaks volumes about what they truly believe, let us live in such a way that people know, without a doubt, that we are true followers of Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean that we will be perfect, but it does mean that we will strive for righteousness each and every day--repenting when we do wrong, loving others as we are commanded, and standing firm on the Truths laid out in the Bible. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are and always be false teachers among us. In fact, this is something Paul said would increase as we get closer to the return of Jesus. Knowing that Lord, help us to spot and avoid false teachers and doctrines that are contrary to the Truths laid out in the Bible so that we ourselves won't be led astray and be disqualified. Help us to shine bright in this dark world Father so that we would lead the lost to You and remain faithful until the day You call us home. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!