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!!