the Magnifying Glass

This is a share from Pastor Jack Graham.  I don't think I could have said it any better.  With the new year approaching, it's time to focus on how we can serve God with the gift He has given us.  While everyone's gift is different, our goal is the same...share our testimony and love others in a way to bring them to Christ.  Running is my "magnifying glass".  What's yours?

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Back when I was a little boy growing up in Conway, Arkansas, one of my favorite pastimes was to take a magnifying glass outside in the yard, gather a bunch of leaves together, and use that magnifying glass to focus the light on the leaves and burn them.

Without focus, there’s no way the sunlight could’ve burnt those leaves. But when focused, that light had the power to do something powerful.

But what is it that focuses us? What is the “magnifying glass” in our lives that enables us to use the time and energy we have to accomplish a purpose much greater than ourselves? It’s the Spirit of God.
You see, God’s Spirit in our lives gives us the wisdom we need to recognize how we are gifted and gives us the direction we need to be able to focus those giftings on one thing instead of many.

As we say goodbye to 2013 today, surrender to the Spirit of God and allow Him to focus your heart and your mind wherever He would have you go in 2014. Let the Spirit magnify your God-given talents and you’ll stay more focused than ever in the coming year!

STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU BY SUBMITTING TO THE SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE ON WHERE TO CONCENTRATE!

pure motives

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:3-4

What does this mean to us as Christian runners?  He is teaching that our motives for giving to God and others must be pure.  And that we are do to do His work expecting nothing in return.

As a runner, this is sometimes hard when God wants us to either slow down during a race to be a witness or an encourager or to, perhaps, run a race or distance we feel won't "look good" on our running resume or give us the bigger medal on our wall.  After all the time and effort training, we sometimes feel that we deserve to have that praise.  And, we certainly deserve to have that shiny medal!

But then, we come to the realization that we may not be running for Christ as we claim but for earthly praise and recognition exposing our pride and impure motives.  This attitude and the actions that follow are therefore, not of any benefit for spreading His love.  To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should our good deeds quietly with no thought of reward. That doesn't mean that we don't strive to be the best we can be, it means that in all we do, including the way we run our race, our actions should show that we are doing it for our true audience...God.  Let everything you do and say bring Him praise through the gift of running He has given you.

Maximize your life

A sermon worth sharing from Pastor Jack Graham:

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Peter 1:17-19


One of the great minds in the history of the world was Benjamin Franklin. During his life, he coined countless pithy statements that were packed with nuggets of truth. And one of my favorite quotes from Franklin is, “Doest thou love life? Then do not squander time, for time is the stuff life is made of.”

This statement reflects a very biblical truth: God has given each of us a certain number of minutes with which we’re able to make an impact in the world. Yet, many people squander their time here on earth and do nothing that is of significance for the Kingdom.

But the truth is that while we are here in the world (what today’s passage calls “exile”), God wants us to maximize our influence among others for the sake of the Kingdom. While many pursue riches that perish, we’re to pursue riches that will never perish… the things of Christ!

Every day you live is a gift from God. So as the Christmas decorations get ready to come down, get ready to step into the coming year renewed and recommitted to living your days to their fullest for the sake of Christ!

MAXIMIZE YOUR LIFE BY MAKING A REAL IMPACT FOR JESUS CHRIST EACH AND EVERY DAY!!!

PowerPoint Ministries · PO Box 799070, Dallas, TX 75379 · jackgraham.org

Christmas 2013

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6 NIV

What a glorious day. Spent 18 hours driving from Missouri to El Paso, TX to spend the holiday with my husband's family.  Arrived at about 5:30 this morning and went straight in to see what Santa brought (what my husband snuck in from the truck lol).  As tired as I was, and as much as I love my family, I couldnt wait to go for a run with my best friend to celebrate His birthday.  So, after an hour or so, I was out the door (this no longer surprises any of my family:)).

With my runner friends, we celebrate birthdays by going for a run and reminiscing and laughing.  Jesus is the absolute best friend and running partner I have and I crave His companionship.  Different though is, with my worldly friends, I take care in giving them the perfect birthday gift for their special day.  On Jesus' special day, I received the gift...  we all did.  The most carefully made and perfectly wrapped gift from God.... God gave His son, Jesus, who provided the gift of Salvation.  For that, I am forever grateful and will forever tell the world so that they might receive the same gift.  His present is His presence and He happily gives it to all who ask.

Merry Christmas runner friends!!!!  Spend some time with the Lord today and thank Him for giving us Jesus.  The priceless gift of Christmas.

Dry Seasons

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1


Ever find yourself in a dry place in your spiritual life?  If you're like me, it will affect your running, your attitude and the way you deal with life.

I have taken for granted that God has always been there for my day to day needs.  I trust Him and look forward to being in His presence on my daily runs, my favorite part of the day. But, for the last two weeks, I wasn't running well and I wasn't feeling His presence.  I knew that He hadn't deserted me but I wondered why He was so silent.  What lesson was there in this?  Whatever it was, I was feeling depressed.  
Yesterday, I decided I had had enough!  I was going to run and praise Him without abandon.  So, with headphones turned up and set to Toby Mac, I set off to do some speed work and hit the hills.  After an hour or so, I felt much better (at least I was pursuing the renewed relationship) but I still felt that cloud looming over me and the knowledge that my joy was not fully restored.  It was then I told the Lord that I was going to pray and worship until I could feel His presence again.  No stopping!  I was going to be a pest and keep asking Him to talk to me.   Then, at bible study later that day, Pastor made the comment that, in the dry seasons, God sometimes wants us to find Him in different ways.  That's it!!!  I had made my devotion time habitual.  Wake, coffee, run and praise, lunch and bible study...done.  Been going good for two years, why should I change?

Because God wanted to see if I still thirsted for Him!  Did I still long for Him?!!!  And, did I still believe that I am nothing without Him?  Yes, yes and yes!!!  Went to bed with a humble heart enveloped in His presence and woke up smiling and ready to run.  Did 10 miles of fast running and hills and feel rejuvenated and refreshed.  Haven't had a good run like that in a long time.  What's stopping you from the same?  If you don't know Him intimately, keep searching.  Show Him that you truly long for Him and He will restore you.

And your praise goes on....

Psalm 69:34

New International Version (NIV)

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
    the seas and all that move in them,

Set out this morning to run.  Wind chill of about 7-10 and snowing.  Snowed most of last night.  So, the kids got a school day.  And, I got to sleep in.  Already a great start to a blessed day for sure.  

While the kids played, I dressed in layers including trail shoes, a face mask and mittens.  The roads looked slick.  I soon found out looks were not deceiving this morning.  Rather than run close to the highway and risk being the victim of a sliding car, I took the gravel road close to my house.  It goes on for miles and is joined on both sides by pastures filled with black angus cows.  The only traffic today would be the farmers putting hay out for their animals.  So, it was very quiet and peaceful.  

I was in awe this morning of the sounds surrounding me.  The world is so noisy, God's whispers are drowned out.  As my feet melodically ground out a rhythm in the snow, the last remaining leaves in the trees rustled in the wind as the snow blew by.  The cattle followed me for a bit as I ran by making a stampeding noise barely muffled by the fallen snow.  Then they got spooked and ran off kicking up snow.  What a sight.  

Days like today remind me of God's omnipotence.  He truly is everywhere.  We only need to listen.  Once again, I am truly humbled by His creations.  What a beautiful world He created for us to enjoy.  So beautiful, in fact, it seems to praise Him for it.  

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth

The bible is pretty clear that we,as Christians, have a responsibility to witness.  While we all do it in different ways, we all MUST do it.  I prefer to do mine on the run.  

Today's windchill was 7 degrees with spitting sleet.  This definitely required me to wear a warmer jacket than usual.  Aaaahhh... the joys of winter running.  Left me with a dilemma though.  Stay warm on my run with an appropriate jacket and not be a witness or freeze to death in the summer/fall team413 clothing I had and be a witness.  There had to be a way to do both so I just covered my running coat with a summer tank top emblazoned with the message, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Certainly not a runway winner but it works for me.

Why is this important?  I run 6-7 days a week (40+ miles weekly) in the snow, sleet, rain or heat.  I also run alongside a busy highway since I live in the country and don't have many options.  While witnessing at races is very important, I am missing out on using the other 95% of my running for something positive.  You see, I'm sold out!  Any run (or activity) not done with the purpose of serving and/or bringing praise to the Lord is worthless.  When people see me running in these conditions with scripture emblazoned on my back, it makes them wonder.  Not just why I do it but HOW!!!   The why most people will never understand but the How is simple... through Christ's strength and the power of the holy spirit.  The simple wearing of a shirt on every run regardless of the conditions has allowed me to witness to more people than I ever could doing anything else.  So YES, it is important and I will continue to do it.

  So, however you decide to witness is up to you but don't miss even one opportunity.  If you reach just one person, it makes it "worth it all".   

Gobbler Grind 2013

"Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6

My new friend and me waiting for the race to start.  Temperature is 11 degrees.

The race started off the coldest I've ever ran a marathon.  Broke some records with a low of 7 that morning in Kansas City.  Hope and Laura had to be at their volunteer station meeting at 630am and my race start time was 8 am.

We had a prerace prayer in the lobby of the hotel and then drove to the start line.  The ladies I prayed with gave me a ride and even gave me hand warmers for my gloves.  What a blessing that turned out to be for sure.  I love how God finds ways to show He cares for me.  I knew it was going to be a great day and a good race.  I debated on whether I had overdressed when one of the ladies suggested that I take off my outer layer-which was my team413 coat.  I told her no and explained why I found it so important to wear the message.  She smiled at me and said she understood.  I knew I could always unzip later.  

 They had a delayed start due to the weather.  The water and gatorade was freezing and they were salting down the icy spots.  Couldn't wait to get going and generate some body heat.  It was freezing!!!

They took these pictures somewhere about mile 10.  

I genuinely love running but I love the Lord more.  The combination of the two makes for some "in the zone" running and praise and worship.  However, I sometimes zone out so much, I'm oblivious to what's around me.  I've gone miles before that I don't remember passing because I'm so enjoying God's presence.  I somehow forgot my GPS for this race and there were no mile markers anywhere.  It was the brewing of a perfect storm.  It seemed I missed the half/marathon split and ended up 4 miles short of 26.2.  Long story!!.  The course was poorly marked and the volunteers didn't have any answers.  When I realized what I had done, I was pretty upset and angry as well.  Especially at the lack of answers!  Apparently, I wasn't the only one either.  Long story short, I went around the finish line being careful not to register a time.  I finally found the director and we spoke (didn't want to ruin my witness so I held back the tears and frustration).  He was very kind and apologetic as everyone was.  I took my full marathon medal and told them to just give me a DNF or whatever they wanted to but I would finish the race on my own.  And that's what I did.  I put the medal in my pocket and continued to run around til I thought I was done.  There was a point I was so upset I started to cry... and then I laughed.  Hard.  I was set to PR at this race and God reminded me that PR is not a Personal Record but a Personal Relationship with Him.  I had that!!!   Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that what we do for Christ is important but not as important as what we do through Him.  I trust Him to guide my steps and I will go where He leads me.  I am simply a carrier of the message and know I was exactly where I was supposed to be.  It truly was a blessed day.  

I plan to do this race again next year and will be sure to bring my GPS!  It was a beautiful course and pretty flat and fast.  The hoodies they gave out were wonderful!  The free pictures were a great plus.  It was just a cold day and very hard to keep everything together.  The volunteers were cheerful and sincerely sorry for what happened.  Praying next year will be warm!!!!  

running as a ministry

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

This is commonly misidentified as the creed of our mail carriers, but actually it is just the inscription found on the General Post Office in New York City at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street.  This inscription was supplied by William Mitchell Kendall of the firm of McKim, Mead & White, the architects who designed the New York General Post Office. Kendall said the sentence appears in the works of Herodotus and describes the expedition of the Greeks against the Persians under Cyrus, about 500 B.C. The Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers, and the sentence describes the fidelity with which their work was done.     

I pondered this unofficial "motto" of the USPS this morning as I ran in the cold rain with my TEAM413 jacket with " I can do all things through Christ" boldly emblazoned on the back. Like the Post Office, our members also work through obstacles to bring the message.  But this message is more important than anything the post office can deliver.  We are a ministry of athletes on a mission to spread the message of salvation to all those we encounter in our path.  And, that, requires treating that calling with the "fidelity" the postal carriers of BC and present time use to complete their task.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

fi•del•i•ty

Pronunciation: (fi-del'i-tē, fī-), [key]
—n.,
—pl. -ties.
1. strict observance of promises, duties, etc.: a servant's fidelity.
2. loyalty: fidelity to one's country.
3. conjugal faithfulness.
4. adherence to fact or detail.
5. accuracy; exactness: The speech was transcribed with great fidelity.


The definition of a strict observance of duties (a servant's fidelity) is exactly what is expected of us as we strive to do the job God called us to do.  Acts 22:15 says "You are to take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard."  As servants of Christ, that job description doesn't get any plainer than that.  While we aren't paid as the world deems is appropriate for laborers, we can be assured that our reward will be greater than anything this world can offer us.  2 Chronicles 15:7 offers us this promise, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."  And Luke 6:23 promises "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven."

So.... this is a daily job.  Vow daily wherever you go and with whoever you meet to be the servant God is calling you to be.  And "take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard."  And, yes, this may require running a race that seems too far or running in weather that seems unbearable.  He will see you through.  Stand on His promises good and faithful servant!!!!

God's placement

"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

As I was doing my daily run this morning,  I was questioning my training-or lack of, as I prepare for another marathon Sunday.  You would think that I wouldn't worry about this as this since my base mileage, 40-50 a week, should be sufficient.  And, I've done so many others right?  Well, that's the thing.  I can train the same for each or differently and I've realized it doesn't really matter.  While I am required to do my part of putting in the miles, God does the rest.  I have finally realized that my placement in a race is God's doing.  He will put me where He needs me.

Most times, this is a good thing and I have a great race encouraging and praising along the way.  But, there's been the few times where He has required me to to eat humble pie and "become weak, that I might win the weak."  In other words, He has slowed me down and/or given me cramps or fatigue to ensure I was where He wanted me not where I wanted me!  While I will admit these aren't my favorite times,  I am honored to be used and obedient to the call.  And always grateful for the outcome and the testimony of His plan!!!

In the words of T.D. Jakes, "Everyone wants to come when the cake is baked, but nobody wants to grind the flour."  You've gotta grind a lot of flour to reach that finish line.  And, witnessing on the way, is the icing on the cake.

Bass Pro Marathon

Ran the Bass Pro half marathon Sunday, November 3, 2013.  The expo was held the convention center at Bass Pro in Springfield Friday and Saturday.  As always, met a lot of great people and welcomed some new members (the best part).  This is an extremely well organized race and one I love doing.  They are very supportive of the team 413 ministry even allowing us to have a prerace service and prayer on the property.   Love Bass Pro!!

Day 1 of the expo, got to meet running legend Dick Beardsley.  Went for a run the next morning and met him again. 

Two of our team 413 members out to represent and cheer us on. 

And... we're off!!!
 

The day started off with a prerace devotional and prayer that I was blessed to lead.  No greater way to start any day than by worshiping!!

 

Kiki had these jackets made in anticipation of some cold weather.  That Georgia girl was smart!  Got to represent TEAM 413 and stay warm. 

 

 Some prerace photos.  We all did the half to celebrate Kiki's bday!

Celebrating a great friends birthday and the beauty of God's creations.  What a beautiful day it was to see the leaves changing and witness His Amazing Grace.

The secret to running a "good race"

"Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Ever find yourself in the midst of a painful or uncomfortable situation? Whether it be with a person or an event beyond your control, life isn't always easy or enjoyable.  It's obvious that you can't control the way people act towards you or the things that happen to you, but, you can control how you deal with it and, more importantly, how you overcome it.

Seems like everything I learned about doing both of these has been through running.  By keeping joy regardless of how the body feels or is performing leads us to the next step of praying without ceasing.  Both actions keep the mind distracted from the "problem (and pain)" and allow a deeper conversation with God.  By focusing on Him, the situation is put into perspective of how actually small it is when compared to such a great God.  When you realize this, you are ready to give thanks to Him that He has whatever problem or situation you have in His hands. 

Once you realize that, you are free to "run the race" knowing that He is only a prayer away.  That brings joy and thankfulness!!

Beckah Shae - Turbo Style (Official Lyric Video)

http://www.youtube.com/v/QeML00xblUM?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=ckqWeaA9pfr2Sdj7RCLMoQ&autohide=1&feature=share

St. Louis Marathon 10/27/13

End of the race

Victory Lane- almost done.

And, we're off!!! 

Prerace.  Getting ready to get in my corral.

 Just arrived.  Going to keep my coat on as long as possible.  Brrrrrr.

Love this girl.  Laura dressing in layers to walk me to the start.

 

 

 

Great race.  Worked the expo the previous two days which inspires me.  I love to hear stories and testimonies of Gods grace and compassion.  Finished in 3:44 and then found out that Laura lost the car!!  My marathon turned into an Ultra after having to walk around downtown St. Louis.  Lol!!  We finally stopped to pray (as we should have done an hour earlier) and found the car within 5 minutes.  Love it when God shows off:).   Poor Laura had been looking for it since she dropped me off at the starting line. After parking that morning, in the dark, she walked me to the start line.  We were talking and praying and didn't pay attention since we simply followed the other runners.  Actually turned out great, as God would have it, as Laura met a young gentleman that needed to hear that God loved Him and he joined our group!  Oh yeah!  Praise report!!!  She prayed for coffee since she left her purse in the car and her new friend bought her a cup of joe:). 

 

"Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

 

Lord, thank you for reminding me that in every situation, You got this!!

 

When you're scared to run-Dogwood Canyon

Psalm 34^[a][b]

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left.

¹ I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.

Completed Dogwood Canyon 50K Sunday, October 20th.  Actually was 32.03 miles according to my GPS but who's counting after 31?  I will admit that I am afraid of heights and that I'm also having some vision changes that impair my hand/eye coordination and my ability to react as quickly as I used to.  I sometimes get so freaked out about it that I'm almost scared to do trail runs as much as I'd like.  This was one of them.  There were many obstacles, hills and rocks along this course, the worst being a drop off I had to slide down. Rather than letting fear stop me, I prayed OUT LOUD!  And kept praying until I had gotten to the bottom.  Then I praised OUT LOUD! 
⁴ I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
Just a reminder that there's not one mountain or valley that the Lord will not get me through if I only trust.  What a great promise that is! 

The course was definitely challenging and very damaging to the quads with all the downhills.  After the 25k break off point where the runners doing the shorter distance finished, the trail became quite lonely.  And, this was what I was waiting for.  Alone time with my Savior. 
¹ I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
I honestly don't know if I would run ultras if I wasn't a Christian.  I sometimes wonder what people that don't know Christ can possibly think about or do for that long of a time period alone.  And where do they draw their strength?  Why is a medal so important to them?  To me, it serves as a testimony to what God has done in my life, nothing more or less.  So much to ponder when you're running for 7 hours in the woods. 

By the end of the race, about mile 30, I was so enjoying spending time with the Lord, I was almost sad to see it ending.  About that time, the bass pro guy who rides the trails in his SUV came by to see how I was doing.  I smiled and told him what a beautiful trail it was and a God given day for sure.  He responded by telling me that I was glowing.  Wow!  Did the absolute joy I felt on the inside show on the outside?  Apparently so. 
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
 Then this was our bible study verse.  Wooohhh!  I'm still sore from this race but I am ready for Sunday's marathon at Rock and Roll St. Louis.  I am 100% sure that His strength will get me through and just as sure that I will praise Him every step of the way and give Him glory.  Met several people along this race and I pray I was a blessing to them.  I know my job is to simply plant a seed.  God will send someone else to water it. 
 ³ Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

                Lord, let your praise forever be on my lips.  

 Dressed as runaway brides for this one!!  Managed to keep the veil and garter on the whole way.  Love how this strikes up conversations and brings attention to the message that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 
But more importantly, I can do NOTHNG without Christ and I am NOTHING apart from Him!!!!  Better calm myself down now, LOL. 

Mother Road Marathon

Took Second place at the Joplin Marathon on Sunday, October 13, 2013 with a time of 3:43.
 

Two new members race day morning

Saturday at the expo at the Joplin City Hall

 

 

Had a great race Sunday in Joplin.  This 26.2 mile course was mentally challenging as most of the run, I was alone.  There were only 179 runners which had quickly thinned out by mile 5 and was very spread out by mile 13.  Last year was a unique experience for me, and, not in a good way physically.  I knew I was in trouble my mile 3 when the Lord was quiet.  I have never had that experience when He was so totally absent.  I now know that when He does that, He is preparing me for something.  At the time though it was horrible. Made it through that race by the skin of my teeth and a lesson in obedience.  But I made a new friend.  And that's a whole other story!

So, my prayer this year was for Him not to take His presence away from me.  I could handle anything else He needed me to do except that.  To my relief, His presence was stronger than ever and I knew it was going to be a great day.  The first 13.1 miles was flat and pretty boring as there's really not much to see.  However, we were blessed with cloud cover and a spot or two of sunshine which kept the temperature down.  There was a very strong headwind the whole race.  Sometimes blowing so hard, I could not hear my music.  That served to be a big annoyance throughout the entire race but manageable.  Followed two girls until mile 17 when they slowed their pace.  One of them was Grace Garcia who went on to place 3rd in the womens division.  There was a huge hill at that mile which slowed a lot of people down.  After mile 17, it went flat.  Then it was upward to some extent the rest of the race, being a hill or upward grade.  Between the wind and the constant going up, it seemed many of the runners were struggling... including me.  But, made it through and then stayed around to cheer on some of the other runners I had met at the expo and had been praying for. 

All in all, a fantastic day.  I am forever grateful for the ability to run and for God's grace upon my life.  I am truly blessed beyond measure. 

Psalm 23 from a Runner

The Lord is my pacer, I shall not stumble.

He stills my fears and doubts.

He leads me mile after mile and strengthens my legs.

He guides me in my race and life for His name's sake.

Even though I run through hard times and difficult courses, I will not fear the wall.

I will fear no cramps or fatigue for you are with me.

You send me gels and Gatorade to strengthen me. 

You prepare a medal for me in the presence of my mockers.

You anoint my body with endorphins, my pain you take away.

Surely boldness and assuredness will follow me as I run all the days of my life,

and, after my last mile,  I will rest in the house of the Lord forever

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-contentment.html

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-contentment.html

In Christ Alone - Brian Littrell (with lyrics)

I had someone comment that I must have a lost of medals and trophies at this point.  I responded by saying they were all testimonies to the faithfulness of God.  I can pick up each and every one of them and tell you a story of how God worked through me at that particular race or how He gave me the strength to finish the race.  They remind me to never doubt His presence in my life and how important it is to share that as often as I can.  I am truly blessed beyond measure. 

Rockbridge Revenge 25k-9/28/13

Race day began with a 4:30 alarm.  Girls got to my house at 5:15 am ready for coffee.  I met Sandra for the first time who rode with Kelly.  This was to be her first ever race.  Nothing like starting off with a challenging 25k trail race.  I knew she would either love it or leave it after something like this.  I so admired her determination to try it. I later found out that Sandra had a disorder that would eventually leave her wheelchair bound. Her right arm and hand had already lost all feeling. She told me that she wanted to do "all she can until she can't."  I've found myself thinking of that mantra frequently since then and am reminded that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". 

This course proved tough with 100 foot drop-offs with maybe 12 inches between the trail and the cliff's edge.  Quite scary.  The single track was varied.  Very rocky in spots and definitely single track the whole route.  I am deathly afraid of heights and was almost paralyzed with fear running by the drop-offs.  I had to stay in constant prayer to keep going.  I had to stay focused!  At one point, I was taking deep breaths and mentally saying, "breathing in your grace, breathing out your praise."  I gave praise after every small victory of keeping my feet moving. 

Even while paying attention, I got snagged on a curved small stump which managed to rip off my toenail and hurl me to the ground.  Kelly fell right after me on the same stump!  We brushed it off, laughing to keep from crying, and then marked the stump with rocks so no one else would get tripped up.  Wooh!  Was I sore the next day.  Overall, loved the course!!!  Kelly and I finished in 3hours 9 minutes and Laura and Sandra finished in 4:12.   Sandra ended up loving it and plans to run with us again!  Guess she's as crazy as us.  She had bought her first TEAM413 shirt that morning, and found, like us, that witnessing gave you power!!!

Posing before the race with Laura Murietta, Kelly Scarborough and Sandra Ortiz



Kelly managed to snap this picture after everyone realized we were lost and we turned around
 

Found someone to take our pic after finishing.  What a great day!  Busiest race schedule ever is coming up. 4 marathons and an ultra marathon in the next 5 weeks.  God has proven His faithfulness to me and, in the words of Sandra, I will do all I can until I can't.  Forever striving to share Gods love and give Him praise!!!

Britt Nicole | Set the World on Fire

Crocker 5k run/11k challenge

Prerace photo with Hopee

 

Saturday, September was the Crocker run with registration starting at 7am and the race at 8am. We set up a team413 table to offer TEAM413 merchandise.  This also gives us a way to interact with the runners and share what we're about.  I always count on God to steer me to that one person that He wants me to talk to.  Sometimes it's obvious but other times I don't "see" it.  We are told in Isaiah 55:10-11 that God's Word does not return void. So, I just share what I know and believe and rest in His power knowing that someone will be reached through His words. 

 

 

 



Lara and Zac Kubinski with Abigail Helton

Hope got up with me at 5:45 am to be at the race by 6:30 am.  We were ready by 7:00 a.m.  Spent the morning welcoming and talking to runners.  After the race is when the booth got busy.  Here's some prerace pictures.  A pretty chilly morning in the low 50s. 

 

 

                                                               This little girl asked her mother for a shirt and she went inside and changed into it. 

 

                            A group of kids with their marine recruiter ran with us.  They will be starting basic training in a week.  Loved talking to them.  This young kid immediately changed into his shirt.  I gave my card and talked to their recruiter who expressed interest in training for a spring half marathon.  Love how God brings people together.  I pray these kids were all blessed Saturday. 

Hopee won a pizza at the awards ceremony and had to fight off Luke and his friends to keep it.  Luke ran a 22 minute 5k giving him a 3rd place win.  Hopee walked/ran it and was happy with the way the race went.  I did the 11k challenge and was blessed with a fast and injury free run.  The hills were many and steep, just the way I like them:). 

 

Be a witness wherever you are.  Be open to what the Spirit wants you to do and don't worry about what to say.  Matthew 10:19 tells us "do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time you will be given what to say."  Even Moses had obstacles but he didn't let it stop him.  What's stopping you?

Exodus 4:10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”