We Don't Have to Earn God's Love

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NKJV

Like a large number of runners who routinely tackle long distances, I began running marathons (26.2 miles) and ultramarathons (distances over 26.2 miles) to deal with pain, emotional abuse, and feelings of helplessness.

And while running can be a wonderful outlet for psychological pain, I'll be the first to tell you that the relief it gives is only temporary. Hence the reason I sought it again and again and again, in the same way an addict tenaciously seeks a substance again and again to remove their pain, going back for more each time the ache returns.

Over the course of nearly twenty years, the physical suffering of running taught me how to put my mental and emotional pain in a box. And it taught me how to press on when every fiber of my being wanted to give up on life. In other words, pain made me a good runner.

The irony is that I had become exceptionally good at enduring the pain of ultrarunning because I had spent much of my life learning how to endure emotional pain, first from my father and then my ex-husband.

In fact, the emotional abuse and trauma that I was going through became such a powerful motivator, that I used it to propel me to complete more than 100 marathons and ultramarathons, including 12 one hundred mile races. Every footstep provided relief and every finish line crossed brought temporary accolades from the people who caused the pain, which reinforced the behavior. Strange how that works, isn't it?

Running had been my escape for so long, in fact, that I found it strange when, after finding the strength to break free and move on many years ago, my relationship with running began to slowly change. This was something that became very apparent on Saturday.

While attempting to complete my thirteenth one-hundred mile race, I began to cry about 14 miles in. "Lord, I don't have any pain, bitterness, unforgiveness or resentment anymore to drive me. And I know now, with all my heart, that I don't have to earn your love or that of my husband."

This epiphany that had been coming for a long time caused me to call my husband of four years (who is a gift from God and the sweetest, kindest, and most godly man I have ever met) who was out on the course running the 50k distance to say, "Honey, I feel led to drop down to the 100k. I just don't have it in me anymore." To which he replied, "Okay, honey. I love you. Pray over it and let me know what you decide."

And then it hit me... why even bother with the 100k? Why not just run back to my husband (who was several miles behind me due to a later start time) and run with him to his finish line? Which is exactly what I did! By the time we met up, he had 17 miles to go which meant we had several hours of precious time together out on the trails to celebrate his birthday.

And while I didn't get a medal, I got something much better. I got to walk with my husband (aka sweet Larry) across the finish line. And he said it was the best birthday he had ever had. Does that make you smile or what?

And, you know, while it might have taken me years to find "the one" whose love I never had to earn, this experience reminded me how blessed I am to truly understand that I don't have to earn God's love either. None of us do.

Sadly, though, many people think otherwise. Especially if they had an earthly father or spouse whose love was conditional and based on their performance and/or obedience. But this is the deal. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Do you get that? "God demonstrates His own love toward us" as we are. There's nothing we could do to earn this love and nothing we could do for Him to withhold this love. It's unconditional!

Think about it. God’s love is completely independent of human performance, meaning we never have to earn His approval or fear losing His affection based on our failures or accomplishments. This means our worth isn't determined by how much we can endure, how far we can run, or how many medals we bring home. And while the world may make us feel that love and acceptance must be earned, God's love is different.

Think about that. God loved us before we ever did anything to deserve His love. We didn't have to prove ourselves, accomplish something extraordinary, or suffer enough to become worthy of it. Jesus went to the cross for us while we were still sinners. His love wasn't a reward for our performance. It was a gift of His grace.

So remember, running can be a wonderful outlet for emotional pain my friend, but it can't heal every wound or fill the void left by years of rejection and abuse. But Jesus can. I’m living proof of that. And that healing and filling of the void starts with truly understanding that you don't have to earn God's love. Pretty amazing, right?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us when we didn't love You. There could be no greater example of unconditional love than the one Jesus showed when He willingly laid down His life for us. Help us to truly understand this Lord, that we might not relentlessly strive to win Your love but to seek Your approval by giving our lives back to You in response. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

There is no "Rest in Peace" Apart from Jesus

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 NKJV

In a heartbreaking story published by Yahoo News, it was reported that 25-year-old South Korean running influencer Yoo Ji-won collapsed near the finish line of a half marathon and later passed away.

According to a statement released by Seoul Race, she collapsed at the 20.6-kilometer mark and was transported to a medical facility, where she later died.

The statement concluded with these words: “We pray for the deceased's soul to rest in peace and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”

And, you know, while this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that none of us knows when we will take our final breath, it also serves as a grave reminder that the choice we make to either follow Jesus or to not follow Jesus before we take our final breath matters.

Because that choice determines where we will spend eternity.

You see, regardless of what some religions might teach or what some people might think, there are only two places to go when we take our final breath… Heaven or Hell.

And since Scripture tells us that we die once, and after that comes judgment, our eternal destination is determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ during our earthly lives, not by the prayers or wishes of those we leave behind.

Jesus made this clear in John 14:6 when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV)

And while we certainly cannot know the condition of this young woman's heart or presume to know her eternal destination, her tragic passing should remind us of the urgency of sharing the gospel while we still have the opportunity.

“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

Think about that. We spend so much time preparing for what lies ahead. We make plans, set goals, train for races, and fill our calendars with things we hope to accomplish. Yet none of us is guaranteed another tomorrow.

And that is exactly why we should be concerned about where we, and those around us, will spend eternity.

As believers, we are called to comfort those who mourn, pray for grieving families, and demonstrate the love of Christ. But we are also called to share the truth of the gospel with a world that desperately needs Him. Because the time to find peace with God is not after we die. It is right now.

Furthermore, Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV). That is the peace we should want everyone to experience. Not simply the absence of suffering after death, but the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

We cannot change someone's eternal destination after they have crossed life's finish line. But while we are still running our own race, we have the opportunity to point others toward the One who offers eternal life.

So rather than simply wishing that people will rest in peace when they die, let us make it our mission to help them discover the peace that can only be found in Jesus while they are still alive.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are no second chances to accept Jesus once a person breathes their final breath. Help us to truly understand the enormity of this that we would be bold in sharing the Gospel that no one should perish on account of our not telling them about Jesus. Lord, cause us to grasp that there is no resting in peace apart from finding rest in Jesus. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Practice the Golden Rule

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 NIV

In an refreshijg story posted by the BBC yesterday, it was reported that a runner who travelled 4,000 miles (6,437km) to compete in a marathon was shocked and "lost for words" when hundreds of strangers were out on the streets cheering him on and holding homemade signs with his name on them. 

Ethan Woodhead, 24, travelled from his home in Guernsey, France to America alone, expecting to complete Sunday's Chicago Marathon without any friends or family supporting him along the route.

Unknown to him, his uncle Phil Woodhead had taken to Facebook to ask people in Chicago if they could surprise his nephew with a cheer as he ran past.

The post attracted thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and shares, with strangers turning out to support him...

His uncle Phil said he was one of his biggest fans...

He said: "There was something in me that hated the idea that nobody would be there to support him, so I thought why not ask people at the marathon to give him a cheer."

By the time the marathon had started he said he had already received "hundreds of messages from strangers saying they will be there supporting him."

"In a world where people are so divided, isn't it so wonderful to see that people are still willing to do something nice for one another without there being anything in it for themselves," he added.

And, you know doing something nice for someone else without there being anything in it for ourselves is exactly how Jesus calls us to live. 

Hence the reason He told the disciples and the multitude that had gathered with them on the Sermon on the Plain to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, this simple instruction was a powerful challenge to them then, and to us now, to put the needs of others ahead of our own selfish desires.

Notice that Jesus didn’t tell us to treat others the way they treat us. He tells us to treat them the way we would want to be treated. There's a big difference!

We are called to love others because Christ first loved us.


Think about those hundreds of strangers who showed up to cheer for a runner they had never met. They had nothing to gain from their efforts. They simply recognized an opportunity to encourage someone and took it.

And while their actions may seem small, imagine the difference they made to a young man who thought he would be running alone.

As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world where so many people are running their own difficult races. Some are struggling with loneliness, others are carrying burdens we know nothing about, and many are simply longing for someone to notice them.


And while you and I might not be able to change their circumstances, we can certainly change how they experience them.

A kind word. A thoughtful gesture. A little encouragement. Sometimes that's all it takes to remind someone that they aren't alone.

And here's something else worth remembering. Jesus didn't give us the Golden Rule as a suggestion for when it's convenient. He gave it as a standard for how we should live every single day, even when loving others requires sacrificing our own time, comfort, or convenience.


After all, isn't that exactly what Jesus did for us?So today, let's look beyond ourselves and intentionally treat others the way we would want to be treated. Not because we expect something in return, but because we have already received more love and mercy from Jesus than we could ever deserve.


And who knows? Your simple act of kindness might be exactly the encouragement someone needs to keep running their race.

Heavenly Father, thank You loving us when we didn’t deserve it by sending your one and onlySon to die for our sins. Lord, help us to model this same love to others that we might inspire them to seek the One who inspires this treatment that’s so contrary to the world. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace Taper Time

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 time it is… it’s taper time. And while many runners absolutely dread this period before race day, it’s a time you should embrace. 

After all, you’ve logged the miles. You've gotten up early every Saturday, pushed through tough workouts, and sacrificed time and energy for months to prepare for this moment. And now, with just two weeks until the Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon, you’ve earned a rest. 

Unfortunately though, for many runners, rest comes with restlessness. Which means this downtime might have you suddenly questioning everything. 

Did I train enough? What if I can't finish? What if I start too fast? Am I really ready? What if I get sick? What if I have to walk? Is this pain in my hip real? 

If you're a first-time marathoner or half marathoner, these thoughts may be running through your mind faster than you've ever run in training. For real! And even if you've raced before, those pre-race nerves have a way of showing up when the starting line gets close.

Let me assure you of something. What you're feeling is normal!

In fact, these final two weeks can be just as much of a mental challenge as a physical one. But knowing what to expect, and more importantly, knowing what to do with those thoughts, can make all the difference when you toe the starting line.

Trust Your Training and Embrace the Taper

One of the biggest mistakes runners make in the final two weeks is trying to squeeze in more training because they suddenly feel unprepared.

Don't do it!

Now’s the time to remember that the hard work is behind you. It’s time to let your body recover, repair, and prepare for race day. This is called tapering, and while it might feel counterproductive to run less when you're about to run farther than ever, it's one of the most important parts of your training.

During these final two weeks, your mileage should decrease while you maintain some of your normal running rhythm. Your longest runs are in the rear view, and your focus should shift from building fitness to arriving at the starting line rested and ready.

You may notice that your legs feel heavy, sluggish, or even unusually sore during the taper. You might feel restless, irritable, or convinced that you're losing fitness. You're not! These sensations are common as your body adjusts to reduced training. You aren't losing the fitness you've spent months building. You're allowing your body to absorb that training.

Remember, you don't gain fitness by cramming in an extra miles during the final two weeks. You gain readiness by recovering from the miles you've already run.

Which means you must follow your training plan, resist the temptation to test yourself with one more long run, and trust the process.

Expect the Pre-Race Doubts

For many first-time runners, the final two weeks bring a flood of self-doubt. As race day approaches, the distance you’re about to run suddenly becomes very real.

You may find yourself replaying your hardest training runs, remembering the times you struggled, or comparing yourself to runners who seem faster, stronger, or better prepared.

But here's something I want you to understand: Just because you think something doesn't mean it's true. Feelings aren’t facts. 

When your mind says, "I can't do this," remind yourself of what you've already done. Think about those early mornings when you got out of bed even though you wanted to sleep. Remember the long runs you completed when your legs were tired. Think about the days when you didn't feel like running but showed up anyway.

Instead of thinking, "I've never run that far before," remind yourself, "I've trained to take on this challenge and I'm ready."

And instead of comparing yourself to someone else's journey, celebrate your own. After all, as I’ve said before, comparison is the thief of joy. 

In just two weeks, all those training miles will lead you to the starting line of the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon.

So, over these next two weeks, give your body the rest it needs and your mind the encouragement it deserves. Stop worrying about whether you've done enough and start appreciating everything you've already accomplished.

The time for building fitness is behind you. The time for trusting your training is here. In other words, “the hay’s in the barn”. You’ve planted the seed, you’ve tended the growth, and you’ve brought in the harvest. Race day is the time we bake the bread. 

And there you have it friends. Training for race day has been hard. But taping for race day can be hard as well. So, stick to the taper plan, take hold of your restless thoughts, and get ready for race day. It will be here before you know it and all that training will pay off. I don’t know about you but I’m excited! Happy Running!

When Things Don’t Go as You Hoped

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

In a story titled “70 ultramarathon runners evacuated after being stranded by heavy rain: Officials” published over the weekend, it was reported that 70 runners and volunteers participating in Utah's Moab 240 ultramarathon were evacuated from the rugged outdoor race course on Sunday after being stranded overnight by a heavy rainstorm that hit the area.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office said on Sunday that it coordinated with race organizers to assist the stranded runners, who had been unable to safely leave the affected areas.

Destination Trail, which organizes and manages the race, said in an update on Sunday afternoon that buses were evacuating the final group of affected participants, who were stuck at an aid station near the Bridger Jack Mesa in the Bear Ears National Monument.

To understand why this was such a huge disappointment to the runners, consider that the entry fee alone was over $2,000 and that the runners who participated trained for months or even years to be there—some who would never get another chance to attempt such a monumental goal. And while the organizers were going to issue a refund for their entry fees, the runners would not be reimbursed for travel and training expenses, which you can be sure were at least as much as the entry fee. 

"We know this isn't how anyone hoped Moab 240 would go," Destination Trail said in a social media post to the stranded participants. "So many of you trained for months and traveled a long way to be here, and we're truly sorry the race ended this way. Sometimes the weather has other plans, and when it does, everyone’s safety has to come first."

And, you know, as this story illustrates, there will be times in every persons life when things won’t go as they had hoped or planned; no matter how meticulous the planning was.

These are the times when we, as believers, have two choices. We can either cry and complain over the uncontrollable change in our situation, thereby denying that God is sovereign over our steps, or we can look up and say, “Okay Lord, my plan didn’t go as I planned, so I will trust that your plan is better than mine.”

The latter response, which is the only fitting one for a Christian, not only acknowledges our understanding that “the Lord directs” our steps, but affirms our belief that His direction is always better than what our hearts planned.

You see, this verse reminds us that when our personal plans fail or unexpectedly shift, God could very well be at work steering those steps toward a higher purpose and a greater ultimate outcome.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Which is the very reason we must trust God completely so we don’t miss that purpose, especially when we don't understand what He is doing or where He is leading us.

Furthermore, consider this… when we trust Him completely and yield fully when things don’t go as we hoped or planned, we can react to life’s changes in a way (with joy and anticipation) that’s so contrary to the world that people will take notice.

So, choose to view the disruptions of life as divine redirections my friend. And when things don’t go the way you hoped or planned, look up and say, “Lord, I trust You with all my heart. I willingly and joyfully surrender to your redirection. Lead me along the path You have laid out for me.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for being sovereign over our footsteps. Help us to trust You when our plans go awry and our dreams are dashed. Help us to follow the path You have for us rather than focusing on the one that was closed off, knowing that Your ways are higher ans better than ours. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Shared Suffering is Easier Suffering

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

After completing countless solo training miles over the course of countless weeks in anticipation of an upcoming 100 mile race (happening this weekend) I signed up for, I was absolutely stoked when I saw that Fleet Feet Springfield was hosting a 20 mile run for those training for the Bass Pro Marathon (there was also a 10 mile option for those training for the Cohick Half) that I will be both running and pacing on November 1.

“Finally,” I told my husband (who is also training for an ultra this weekend and pacing the BP half), “we will have people to run with! I have been finding it super hard to keep my motivation up alone." 

And let me tell you what! The encouragement I received from fellow runners along the course led to my having the best run I have had in a long time. Lots of people were struggling, but struggling together made it so much easier and, in a strange way, made it much more enjoyable. 

But, you know, ask nearly any runner (especially those who run long distances) and they'll tell you that there's something about sharing the miles with others that makes the hard miles seem easier. The distance doesn't change. The hills don't get smaller. And the legs still get tired. But when we have someone beside us who understands what we're going through and why we choose to go through it, the suffering becomes easier to bear.

In this way, shared suffering makes for easier suffering.

And the same is true in our Christian walk.

To illustrate this point, we need only look at the story of Paul and Silas who were beaten severely before being locked in the inner prison (with their feet fastened in stocks) in Philippi for casting a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl. 

Instead of despairing though, Paul and Silas (who no doubt mutually encouraged one another) began praying and singing hymns to God at midnight while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly, an earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening their chains. What followed was the conversion of the jailer and his household. Amazing, right?!

Their shared faith and steadfastness under extreme suffering provided a shared strength and a powerful witness to everyone around them. 

That's the power of collective suffering! It not only motivates individuals to keep going when the race gets hard but inspires those around them to continue running as well!

Think about that for a minute. Paul and Silas had every reason to complain. They were hurting. They were imprisoned. And they were uncertain of what would happen next. Yet, instead of focusing on their circumstances, they focused on God. And rather than allowing their suffering to steal their joy, they chose to worship together.

And people “were listening to them.”

So, in this race of life, be sure to surround yourself with other believers as often as you can my friend. It will not only serve to strengthen your resolve to press on when things get hard, but will strengthen theirs as well. This, in turn, will help you keep the joy in the midst of suffering that you might, like Paul and Silas, continue to worship God and influence those around you to do the same by your witness.

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people in our lives who will come alongside us and encourage us to embrace suffering as a means to grow our own faith and that of those around us. Lord, help us to be people who suffer well that we might choose to sing in the midst of our greatest pain; and in doing so cause those listening to seek the only One who can inspire this type of unusual behavior. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Be Thankful for the Sun and the Maker of it

“Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;” Ecclesiastes 11:7 NKJV

In a recent story titled “Runner aims to complete 50 marathons before losing her vision,” Penny Frey shared her journey of running a marathon in all 50 states while slowly losing her eyesight to a hereditary disease. With only four states remaining, Penny is determined to finish her goal while she can still see the beauty around her.

What struck me most about her story wasn't the number of marathons she’s completed, but her appreciation for something many of us take for granted: watching the sunrise.

In fact, this is what she said, “Every mile is a chance to savor the sunrise. I do, because I know someday I might not be able to see that.”

Penny knows there’s coming a day when she will no longer be able see the sun come up in all of its glory, so she makes a point to savor every opportunity she has to witness it. 

In Ecclesiastes 11:7, Solomon (considered the wisest man to have ever lived) reminded us that life is a gift from God and that we should find joy in the simple blessings He places before us, saying “Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.”

Think about that for a moment. When’s the last time you thanked God for the warmth of the sunshine and the beauty of a sunrise?

How about the time spent with loved ones, or even the ability to get out of bed each morning? These are blessings we often overlook because we assume they will always be there.

But they won't.

"whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14 NKJV

James reminds us that our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This means we aren't promised tomorrow, which makes today all the more precious.

I don’t know about you, but Penny’s story reminds me that I shouldn't wait until I’m about to lose something to appreciate it. None of us should.

Hence the reason you and I should wake up each and every morning recognizing that every breath, every sunrise, every opportunity to love and serve others, and every moment spent in God's presence is a gift. 

“From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

So be thankful for the sun and the Maker of it today my friend. And then don’t forget to thank God for all of the blessings you can see, to trust Him with the all the things you can’t see, and to praise His holy Name for all of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways you bless us. Help us to meditate on all those ways that we would not take any of them for granted. Lord, help us to start each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise and to end each and every one of our days with thanksgiving and praise. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!