Dress For Success

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

In an entertaining story published yesterday titled “Canfield runner completes Pittsburgh marathon in potato costume,” it was reported that a local runner took part in the 2026 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday as a part of the Speedy Spuds dressed for Potatoes USA.

Anna Luongo of Canfield donned her potato costume and took to the course during the half-marathon, surrounded by 25 other runners who did the same.

Luongo was picked from a nationwide applicant pool and says she has carbs, community and Heinz ketchup running through her veins.

"The Pittsburgh Half Marathon did not disappoint,” Luongo stated. “Fueled with mashed potatoes on the course and the energy from the crowd was unmatched. So thankful for the incredible opportunity to run as a speedy spud this beautiful Sunday morning.”

Along with her fellow Speedy Spuds, the 26 potato team represents the 26 grams of carbohydrates found in a medium-sized skin-on potato.

Potatoes USA is a national marketing and research organization focused on strengthening the demand for potatoes nationwide.

According to a news release, this was the largest known coordinated potato costume running event in American history.

Wow, right? I would definitely consider their marketing campaign a win. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat a potato after watching 26 runners dressed like spuds run 13.1 miles and cross the finish line? In that way, you could definitely say they were dressed for success.

And you know, in the same way, what believers wear matters. Now we aren’t marketing a “product” per se, but we are promoting the eternal benefits of following Jesus Christ by what we say and what we do.

And one of the best ways we can do this is to clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” bearing with each other and forgiving one another as the Lord forgave us. And, then, after we’ve done all that… over all these virtues, we put on love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

What does that mean exactly? Well, it means we must first remember that we are “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” This designation means that these virtues are not meant to earn God's love, but are a natural response to being loved by Him already.

Then we are to remember that this “changing of clothes” (putting off the old self and putting on the new) describe the practical, daily adoption of five core virtues that are contrary to the attitudes of the world: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues, that should be clearly seen by our speech and behavior, symbolize the change that Jesus Christ has made in our lives—a change that’s so amazing that it should make others want to experience this change for themselves.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

Furthermore, this new clothing, or new way of life, also allows us to forgive one another when conflicts arise, modeling the otherworldly forgiveness God granted us. God loved us while we were still sinners and commands us to love others in the same way. That is not worldly behavior!

Finally, love is described as the final layer ("over all these virtues") that acts as a belt or binding agent, bringing all other virtues together in perfect harmony. This love has the power to inspire the lost to seek the One who inspires it in us!

So, be sure to dress for success every day my friend by clothing yourself with the virtues that will cause the lost to seek the Lord. It’s the best way to promote and glorify the One who has the power to transform lives.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, as believers, we are called to be set apart in everything that we say and do. Help us to clothe ourselves every day with the virtues that show we are followers of You so that others would be inspired to follow You as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus, amen. 

Happy Running!

Nothing Secret is Concealed From God

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Luke 12:2-3

In a story titled “Scientology "speed running" trend prompts church to remove door handles from its Hollywood buildings” it was reported that the Church of Scientology removed door handles from its Hollywood locations after viral "speed running" videos were filmed inside the buildings by masked activists who forced their way past security.

Runners, many of whom are masked, some of whom are wearing costumes, sprint past security through hallways and stairs until they're kicked out of the buildings.

"Trying to unlock as much as we can of the 'map' — is what they call it, to see what they have hidden," said one runner, who did not want to share her name. "Because they keep it very strict in there. You can't see anything up above. It's very secret and we want to know what it is all about."

She added that the trend is all about protest and exposure, hoping to get answers to what they believe is an effort by the Church of Scientology to conceal what they're doing.

"The public wants to know what's in there, what they are hiding," she said. "Why are they being so aggressive towards opening up about the truth?"

And, you know, the Church of Scientology (which is a false church and a false religion) is not the only “church” or organization that is hiding, or secretive about, their dealings, doings, and doctrine. There are thousands of false churches around our world today that are equally as aggressive towards opening up about the truth of what they represent because their theology, morality, and methodology are anything but holy and God-honoring. Hence the reason for secrecy. 

Two things are certain though, nothing is secret from God and “there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” In fact, what people have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what they have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs… no matter how much they try to hide it. 

This means all secret sins, hypocritical actions, and quiet disobedience will eventually be exposed in the final judgment. This serves as a reminder that God sees everything--something, you can be sure, is good news for some and bad news for others.

So, while it may appear that evil people, organizations, and agendas will continue to prosper and not be exposed, the Bible is very clear that nothing is truly hidden or concealed. There is coming a day when all will be exposed and judgment rendered. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, while it may appear that evil has no consequences, we know that You see everythingand will one day reward the righteous for their obedience and punish the unrighteousness for their disobedience. Help that to give us hope when we look at our world today, knowing that You are still on the throne and still in control. It’s in your precious name. We pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Be Prepared and Willing to Step In

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Peter 3:15 NKJV

In a story published yesterday by The Marlow Review, the following was reported:

In a heroic act of compassion and courage, Chadell Atkinson, a registered nurse and Marlow resident, played a pivotal role in saving a fellow runner's life during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon this past weekend.

As runners made their way through the grueling course, one participant suddenly collapsed, prompting immediate concern among those nearby. Without hesitation, Atkinson and an Oklahoma City firefighter, who was also racing, rushed to the scene. Together, they performed life-saving CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.

Thanks to their quick actions, the collapsed runner regained a pulse and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. After ensuring the runner received help, Atkinson demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing to complete her own marathon.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of being prepared and willing to step in during emergencies. Atkinson’s bravery and commitment to her fellow runners highlight the spirit of community and support that the marathon embodies.

"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15

" 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

And, you know, when it comes to being “prepared and willing to step in” during emergencies, the most urgent and dire situation we could ever find a person in is the state of unbelief. You see, while most people think death is the end, death is truly only the beginning—since a person will either spend eternity in heaven or in hell after their final breath here... a decision that's determined by the choice they make before they die to either accept Jesus as their Savior or to reject Him. 

This is the very reason that every believer must "sanctify the Lord God" in their hearts and "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks" them a reason for the hope that is in them, "with meekness and fear." This call to "always be ready" is a reminder that the opportunity to tell someone about the hope of the resurrection and eternal life that's found only in Jesus Christ might come unexpectedly and might only come once. 

Because of this, every believer must be prepared to speak about their faith, knowing that their testimony and transformed life will provoke further questions. In turn, they must be prepared to give a rational, spoken reason for their faith, based on biblical facts and not just their feelings. 

Furthermore, the tone of our sharing is critical. We must be humble and respectful, rather than aggressive or argumentative, always remembering that this spiritual CPR (think Critical explanation of your Personal Relationship), if done right, has the power to save a person's soul. 

So, be ready and willing to step in when you see someone in need of spiritual CPR my friend. Doing so could very well determine where that person spends eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the way that we live is very important since our total devotion to You, in the easy times and especially in the hard times, is one of the very things that compels unbelievers to ask us about the hope we have that’s only found in You. Help is to be ready and all times to answer their questions in such a way that the lost are compelled to seek You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - What We Can Learn From a Pro

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let’s get started by talking about what happened over the weekend. Not only did the Frisco Railroad Run take place (one of my all time favorites) but the London Marathon took place as well. 

And while OMRR reported some fast marathon finish times (as well as other distances), no one was as fast as Sebastian Sawe—who crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in 1:59:30. Sawe not only broke last year’s record but became the first person to ever run 26.2 miles in less than two hours. Wow, right? 

Now, before we get into what we can learn from Sabastian, let’s remember that, while training like a pro can make us faster, every person has their “fast” limit based on the way the good Lord made them. Elite runners, like Sawe, generally have a higher VO2 Max, possess a higher percentage of Type 1 (slow-twitch) muscle fibers (which are highly resistant to fatigue), and often have larger left ventricles and superior lung function, allowing for greater blood and oxygen circulation. Science shows that elite runners also show biomechanical superiority in many ways. But to sum it up, elite athletes such as Sawe were born to run, and to run fast. 

Other runners, like myself, were born to run too…. Just not as fast. But that’s okay. After all, running success, at the end of the day, isn’t only measured by the number on the clock but by the joy, friendships, and sense of accomplishment running brings. Not to mention the million other benefits that come from running; like a clearer mind, seeing new sunrises, and earning that iced coffee and extra slice of pizza. 

With that being said, all of us can learn a lot from elite runners such as Sawe, and the elite runners can learn a lot from us average runners as well. 

What exactly can we learn from Sawe? Well…. A quick AI search fetched these results: 

Sabastian Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour marathon (1:59:30) teaches that peak human performance results from blending relentless hard work, mental discipline, and humility with scientific advancements in fueling and footwear. His journey highlights the importance of consistency, simplicity, and running clean.

Key Lessons from Sabastian Sawe:

Discipline and Patience: Sawe emphasizes that "talent, with hard work, discipline and patience," is key to unlocking big achievements. He advocates for consistency, even rising from humble beginnings with minimal resources to reach the top.

Embrace Modern Technology and Science: Sawe credits his record-breaking success to advanced, lightweight Adidas footwear and specialized carbohydrate-based fueling strategies that optimize performance.

The Power of Simplicity: Despite being a global superstar, Sawe keeps his life and nutrition simple, such as eating simple meals like bread and honey before races, proving that basic, effective habits can support elite performance.

Run Clean and Promote Integrity: Sawe strongly advocates for anti-doping, urging increased testing to ensure a fair playing field and to prove that success can be achieved clean.

Belief and Preparation: Sawe's mantra, "I didn't believe, but I was well prepared," (not quite sure what that means but it apparently works for him) shows that intensive preparation builds the confidence needed to break barriers.

Stay Humble and Positive: His coach describes him as having positive energy and being exceptionally humble, demonstrating that kindness and humility can accompany top-tier talent.

And what can elite runners learn from average runners? First of all, that there's more of us than there are of them. Secondly, we all put on our shoes one foot at a time so humility fits us all well. And lastly, every mile, whether it’s slow or fast, is a gift to be treasured and celebrated. 

So, let us be thankful for every finish line friends. Whether we come in first, somewhere in the middle, or even dead last, we are all blessed to run. And for that, we should celebrate like the elites do with signature dances, huge smiles, fancy hand signals, and eating our favorite post race food. 

On that note, if you had running success over the weekend (however you define success) won't you tell us about it in the comment section so we can celebrate with you? By God's grace, I completed the 50 mile run at Frisco Saturday and went home with an awesome buckle and the award for being old and not dying (aka the Grand Master Female award) out on the course. I'd say that's not too bad for a day of running with amazing friends and treating running like a second job. While it was hard, every mile truly was a blessing and I can't wait for Dogwood Canyon and Bass Pro's Marathon Weekend to do it all over again! Are you signed up? 

 Happy Running!

Be Someone Worthy of Following

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

In a heartwarming story titled “Layton High School distance runner breaks 40 year-old record, set by assistant coach,” published Friday, it was reported that Sophomore Parker Harris unwittingly beat a 40 year-old record for the Davis School District track meet last month — coming in with a time of 9:24.8, in the 3,200 meter run.

“I had no idea. I just was going for the win,” Harris said.

Not only that, but he quickly learned of whose record he’d beaten — one set by his own assistant coach, Kurt Black as a member of the Davis High School team, in 1986. His time back then: 9:28.2.

“It was good at the time, but I didn’t think it would last that long,” Black said.

Black delivered the good news not long after Harris crossed the finish line.

“Five minutes later, (he) comes up to me was like, ‘gosh dang it, you got my 40 year-old record,'” Harris recalled. “It’s just so cool to see, I’m following in the footsteps of great athletes. I mean, Coach Black — he’s so awesome.”

And, you know, when it comes to following in the footsteps of great people, the apostle Paul served as an awesome example to the church at Corinth of what it means to run the race for Christ.

So much so that he didn’t hesitate to tell the Corinthian Christians to imitate his walk with the Lord. Paul knew the Corinthian Christians needed examples, and he was willing to be such an example, and a good example at that.

Why could Paul confidently say this? Because Paul knew he followed Jesus closely. He also knew that it was not “Paul” who was a worthy example, but “Paul the follower of Jesus” who was the example.

Furthermore, in saying “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” Paul clearly set a limit and a direction on the way we are to imitate others. “Just as I also imitate Christ” has the idea of “follow me as much as you see me following Jesus.”

Sadly, very few people today are able and willing to confidently say what Paul said! Instead, because of compromise and ungodliness, people are quicker to say, “Don’t look at me, look at Jesus.” And while it’s true that we must all ultimately look to Jesus as our greatest example, it’s also true that every believer should be an example of what it means to imitate Him.

The situation is even more sad when we consider that our world is in desperate need of godly role models. Hence the reason every believer should make it their mission to copy and emulate Jesus so closely that, if others followed in their footsteps, their footsteps would lead them closer to Jesus.

Can you just imagine the impact a flood of godly role models would have on our world today? You see, this world doesn’t need more Kim Kardashians or Cardi B’s, it needs more Deborahs and more Esthers. And you can be sure this world doesn’t need any more Bad Bunnys or Chris Browns either, but more Pauls, Johns, and Peters.

And that flood of godly influence must start with us. It must start with us imitating Christ so closely that we can confidently, like Paul, say to the world, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” What a change that would make!

So, vow to follow Christ with your whole heart each and every day my friend. Vow to be completely uncompromising on the truths laid out in the Bible and to live on fire for Jesus so that you can be an example to follow! This will not only benefit you but will benefit all those around you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that all believers have an obligation to be a godly example to those around us, and especially to the next generation. Cause our hearts to be stirred to live out that calling each and every day Lord that we might be the change this world so desperately needs. Help us to imitate You. It’s in your precious name. We pray Jesus amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Tore Down the Barrier

"Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.”And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split," Matthew 27:45-51

"The barrier has been broken! Sub 2! 4:33 per mile." That was just one of the posts that came across my Facebook notifications yesterday that described a moment in history that will not be forgotten. Sabastian Sawe accomplished what many runners have been trying to do for years. As reported by Hunts Post UK, Sebastian not only won the London Marathon for the second time on Sunday but broke the two-hour barrier to make marathon history.

The Kenyan won this race 12 months ago and successfully defended his title but more importantly he crossed the finish line in a time of one hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

His incredible run wiped 65 seconds off the previous record held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who did so at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

Sawe’s time is 10 seconds quicker than Eliud Kipchoge’s record in 2019 – which was not recognised as official because it was not in open competition and he was assisted by pacemakers.

And, you know, while it's mind blowing to witness the tearing down of the once elusive barrier to running 26.2 miles in less than two hours, it's even more mind blowing to read about the moment the elusive barrier between man and God was torn down--an event that was witnessed by many spectators and recorded for us so that we could understand the enormity of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The event occurred on Good Friday at about the ninth hour, specifically, right after Jesus, having been on the cross for approximately six hours (from about 9:00 a.m. which is the third hour until about 3:00 p.m. which was the ninth hour) "cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit." What happened next fulfilled prophecy and changed the course of history for the entire world! "Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,"

Did you get that part? The veil of the temple--which was roughly 60 feet tall, 30 feet wide, four inches thick, and said to be so heavy and cumbersome that it required 300 priests to move or manipulate it--was ripped in half from the top down. Only the hand of God Almighty could have done that!

Is that amazing or what? To truly grasp what this means, we must first understand that the word “veil” in Hebrew means "to separate" and this veil was there to separate sinful man from the holiness and majesty of God.

"and the LORD said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat." Leviticus 16:2

Behind this veil was the Holy of Holies, or "the Holy Place" and the mercy seat where the blood of the sacrifice was placed that would reconcile God and His people. Only once a year on the Day of Atonement, did a high priest enter this area "inside the veil” and offer the sacrifice.  

"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." Hebrews 10:14

"Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." 1 Corinthians 5:7

"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22

And here's where it gets good... From the moment the veil was torn, a priest was no longer needed to bring the blood of animals to atone for our sins. We could now, through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, go directly to our Lord. The blood Jesus shed on the cross allows us to now enter into the presence of God because, by His blood, the barrier was broken! Since Christ is our Passover then, we can "having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus" have unbroken communion with God.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

That means we no longer need a Jewish high priest, or anyone else for that matter, to atone for our sins or mediate on our behalf. The sacrifice of our Savior on the cross offered perfect atonement that allows us to approach God confidently without the intercession of a priest. Jesus death completely removed the barrier that separated man from God once and for all. 

If that wasn’t enough of a cause to celebrate, consider this…The tearing of the veil reminds us that God desires intimacy with His people and provided the perfect Way for us to experience it daily. Is that mind blowing or what?

So, let us celebrate the One who paid such a sacrifice to tear down the barrier between us and God today and every day my friend. And if you have yet to make the choice to accept Jesus as your Savior so that you can experience this great intimacy for yourself, I urge you to do it today. God broke down the barrier so that all can come to Him by faith in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us about the amazing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending your one and only Son to die for us so that we could boldly come to the throne and have a relationship with You. Help the enormity of the sacrifice of Jesus cause us to seek You each and every day and to boldly implore the lost to be reconciled back to God. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus amen. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

A PB is Measured by Obedience

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV

In a heartwarming story published by Sky News following Monday’s 130th Boston Marathon, it was reported that two men stopped their own race to help a fellow runner cross the finish line at this year's iconic race.

Ajay Haridasse fell to the ground shortly after the 26th mile mark at the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Aaron Beggs pulled Mr Haridasse to his feet and was joined by Robson De Oliveira - the pair then put their arms around Mr Haridasse to support him to the finish.

After falling down the fourth time, I was getting ready to crawl," Mr Haridasse told the Boston Herald. "Obviously the wheels kinda fell off at mile 26…"

“It was a split-second decision," Mr De Oliveira wrote on social media. "When I entered the final stretch of the marathon, I was just a few meters away from achieving my personal best, but in the distance I saw [Haridasse] collapsing.

"I knew I wouldn't have the strength to help him on my own. In that moment, I thought, 'God, if someone stops, I'll stop too and help him.'"

He said he knew he could help "because two are stronger than one."

Mr De Oliveira also ended up in the medical tent after the race with Mr Haridasse, who was suffering from extreme dehydration.

"The fact not many people realise you gave everything to help and ended up in a worse state than the guy we helped," Mr Beggs replied on Mr De Oliveira's post. "True star."

And, you know, quite sadly many people in our world today would say that De Oliveira made the wrong choice and should have finished the race and claimed the Personal Best (PB) he had worked so hard for. But this is the deal… God doesn’t measure a believer’s “personal best” in the same way the world does. He measures it by our obedience. De Oliveira knew Ajay needed help and he also knew that he, himself, needed another person’s help and cried out to God to provide it.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

And when the Lord answered that plea by sending Aaron, Robson immediately placed his own ambition and goal to the side to look out for the interest of a fallen runner who needed help.

In this way, Robson shone the spotlight on the Lord rather than on himself. He let his light shine before men in the good work that he did—something that glorifies the Father in heaven. And for that I agree that Robson is indeed a "true star".

A Personal Best (or PB) then, at the end of the day, isn’t measured by what we accomplished for ourselves but by what we did for others.

So, live your life to bring glory to God rather than to yourself my friend. Be obedient to the calling He has placed on your life and, in the end, you’ll find that submitting to God’s will rather than following your own is the greatest measure of success. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You don’t measure success in the same way the world does. Knowing that, help us to always choose serving You above going after our own goals that we might lead others to You and be obedient to the commands You have laid out in the Bible.  It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!