A Legacy of service

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

The bible tells us many times that we are to serve others in order that God may be glorified. Sid Busch is a former Senior Chief Sonar Technician for the United States Navy from Goose Creek, SC. Although he is retired from serving his country, he is far from done serving others. He will be running marathon 200 in 3 weeks just after turning 70. Since I couldn't tell it any better, here is his story in his words. When I asked what motivated him to start running and then to continue throughout his life, this is what he told me:

I started running in HS when i was on the wrestling team, but nothing really serious till the Navy.In 1981, I blew a disk in my back. The Navy was going to medically remove me from Submarine Duty. This was not acceptable to me and I made a deal with the medical review board. If I ran a marathon, that would prove I was fit for Sub Duty. I ran the HUNTER ARMY AIR FIELD marathon and finished in 3:45 and was able to stay on Subs.

I ran marathons after this, but in 2001,everything changed for me. My cousin and I ran 6 marathons together, and on 9-11, he was killed at the WTC. I ran all 6 in his memory in 2002. I then got involved with a group called "RUNNING IN HONOR OF FALLEN HEROES". We run marathons to honor young men and women who died while protecting this country in the Military. All of a sudden i was running around 15 marathons a year or more. At first, I would look up lost military on a website and contact the families requesting permission to run for their lost son or daughter. Now i get E-mails asking if I would run for them,and how can you say no. This has now become the focus of my life,honoring these young heroes. I am 69, so not sure how many years i can keep doing this, but as long as I can, I will run to honor them while carrying our Flag.

I served 26 years in the Navy, all on Submarines. I am and always will be a patriot. I have a deep love for this country.I have been around the world 4 times,and I truly believe I am blessed that my Grandparents left all they knew in Russia and came to this country.We have our problems,but we have the opportunity to change and correct these problems with out military coups,and that's so awesome.

Oh,one more thing, you asked what keeps me going. I am sick and tired of hearing on the news about actors and athletes being called heroes,THEY ARE NOT. It's the young men and women,who thought enough of this country to enlist and pledge everything up to and including their lives to protect her. I have to make people aware of them and I do that through my running.

Sharon Alder once wrote, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” I'm confident the way Sid Busch cares for others will be a lasting legacy for many generations as a reminder of what true stewardship is. Thank you for your service Sir. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for people like Sid who are willing to serve their country and others wanting nothing in return. Might we strive to be like them and, more importantly, more like you every day. May we love others, serve them and be kind expecting nothing in return that we might bring you glory by our actions. I pray that you would bless Sid, keep him safe and give him the strength to finish marathon 200 as he runs to glorify you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Legacy - Nichole Nordeman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zf-2dKMt0Q

At marathon 199. I love his sense of fashion

Flying the Eagle

A proud American

Sid at one of his many marathons

Relentless pursuit

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:25

Yesterday, my friends and I were blessed to be able to run the Millwood Out of Bounds Half Marathon. As we arrived 30 minutes prior to the start of the race. we passed the time chatting with other runners. As we soon learned, many of them like us, were using this race as a training run for an upcoming marathon. And as I listened intently to their banter, I realized that the majority of the runners had started "real" training only recently after having taken a break over the hot summer months. Not that they quit running of course, they just took a break from the strict training required to run the race.

While we can get away with that when it comes to our running and other hobbies, our spiritual fitness requires the strictest of training every day year round. In fact, the apostle Paul was comparing himself to the athletes in the Isthmian games, something like the Olympics we know today and something well known to the Corinthians when he wrote, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training." These athletes ate a strict diet, trained relentlessly and made the greatest of sacrifices to obtain "a crown that will not last." May we follow the example of relentless training in our spiritual lives to obtain "a crown that will last forever" by daily training ourselves in the Word and denying ourselves the things that might hinder our doing so.

Are you doing "real" training today or have you found yourself taking a break? Let's get relentless in our pursuit of the crown and victory through Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the training plan we need to run the race in your Word. May we "train" ourselves in it every day as we relentlessly pursue the crown of victory of eternal life spent with you. Help us to rid ourselves of the things keeping us from the strict training you have called us to. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Relentless pursuit - Kim Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVxaTvNq534

Hellbender 5k-Ft. Leonard Wood

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

The first annual Hellbender 5k Run was held this Saturday in support of the Fort Leonard Wood Chapter of the Warrant Officer Association and the Military Officer of America Association. When looking into what a Hellbender actually was, I discovered two things-the Ozark Hellbender is the third largest species of Salamanders in the world found only in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas and that it is also known as a "Devil Dog" because of it's appearance. Oddly enough, the moniker was used by German soldiers to describe U.S. Marines who fought in World War I. It was said that the Marines fought with such ferocity that they were likened to "Dogs from Hell." 

One look at this hill and the runners knew that it would take ferocity to finish this 3.1 mile race. It was certainly not for the lovers of flat courses. Beginning at the top of the infamous Car Wash Hill, it went straight down and then right back up with enough of a break in between for the runners to grab a drink and enjoy level ground for a few minutes. This big and beautiful hill is what sets this race apart from any other 5k providing a challenge for everyone. Runners and walkers of every age and fitness levels from infant to senior participated and fun was had by all. And for our efforts, every finisher got a medal! And a very nice one at that. And did I tell you there was chip timing for those looking for a 5k PR?

My friends and I, God willing, will be back next year as will most everyone I spoke to. We all agreed that the course was tough but that's what you'd expect from a Hellbender right? And, if you really want to prove your ferocity like a true "Devil Dog", I hear there might be a 10k next year. Stay tuned to find out. Great job MOAA!

*the 10k was not able to take place this year as advertised on their sign

My daughter finishing the race with a friend

These guys were happy!

Fantastic medals!

Moving right along

A victory jump!

Many of the runners pushed strollers

These little girls walked the race with Dad

Off to a fast start!

 

Check the box

"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it....So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27,28, 33

The approach of fall means one thing for thousands of runners around the nation... race season! Having completed many entry forms in my time, I really didn't give it much thought as I was signing up for another one yesterday. That was until I failed to check a box. The red words plainly said "Error. You must agree to the terms and conditions before being allowed to continue." It simply would not allow me to sign up, much less run the race, until I agreed to the conditions. And the stipulations were that, although I knew that this could be dangerous and could even result in death, I voluntarily chose to enter and would hold no one liable for my choice.

The red words in the bible clearly list the terms and conditions for signing up to follow Christ. It plainly tell us that we must be willing to carry our own cross to be a disciple and must voluntary agree despite the risks involved. This would be no easy feat then because in ancient Rome, a criminal being led to execution was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This act demonstrated the criminal's ultimate submission to Roman authority. That's what being a follower of Christ required then and what it requires now-total submission to Jesus even to the point of death.

How about you? Have you counted the cost and are you willing to renounce or abandon all that you have for Him? Are you ready to check the box and enter the race?

Heavenly Father, thank you for laying down the terms and conditions of what it takes to be a disciple. The words are clearly written in red and the stipulations are non negotiable. We must be willing to surrender all to follow you and claim the prize that awaits us at the end of the race. Help us to be strong and courageous knowing that, by checking the box, our lives will not be easy but will have been well worth the sacrifice. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Let it be Jesus - Christy Nockels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2h9Hm9JZho&index=6&list=PLWvahZRxLnLMSWeULnub0CCeQzvxGM8hB

Standing strong?

"If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13

And it happened yet again... Molly Huddle was on the final stretch of the 10,000 meters on Monday with the finish line in view. With just a few steps to go, she threw up her hands in celebration... unfortunately too soon. While she was busy celebrating the anticipated win of the bronze medal, her teammate Emily Infeld passed her. In a split second, she lost the prize. After the race, a devastated Huddle told Universal Sports that she "let up too much in the final half-step. Emily was right there the whole time with just more momentum. She got that bronze. It's going to take a long time to get over."

The list of athletes that have done this is probably about as long as the list of Christians who, in the final stretch, let down their guard and lost the race. Think Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Baker and Ted Haggard. These were all men who followed Christ, were "standing strong", and yet were led astray. The bible warns us that the temptations in our "life are no different from what others experience." So, if you think you're standing strong and that temptation would surely not overcome you, think again...be careful not to fall. 

Might this be a lesson to all of us. Never celebrate before the finish line and never ever take your eyes off God, not even for a second. And if temptation does come, and it will, remember this promise, "when you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." Praise God for his faithfulness. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word to show us the path we should take and to warn us of the many temptations that can lead us astray. Just as we condition our bodies, may we daily condition our hearts and minds to be sensitive to your Spirit allowing it to  guide our every step. May we keep our eyes focused on You until we cross that eternal finish line and can celebrate with those that have gone before us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

RUN - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJGDKM6XsfQ

But now...

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you,so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2

If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone tell me, "I used to run but now....", let's just say that I'd have way more than a dollar. In fact, I've heard it so many times, I anticipate it. The reasons for stopping vary as do the reasons I have also heard people say, "I used to be on fire for Christ but now..." However that sentence ends, one thing is certain, it is always due to sin.

The bible tells us clearly that our sins are what separates us from God. Our sin is what puts out the fire that once blazed hot and it's our sins that will keep us from rekindling the flame. Acts 3:19 clearly tells us that the way to renew our relationship with Christ is to, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,"

Today is the day that "but now" becomes I was once lost but now I'm found. I was once a sinner in need of grace but now I'm a sinner saved by grace. I was once separated from God but now I'm a fool for Christ. I once let the fire burn out but now I choose to repent, turn back and let my sins be wiped away. But now, this day, I choose to follow Christ forevermore. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for wiping away our sins if we would just repent and turn back. Lord, help us to make a fresh start today intent on letting our lights shine for all the world to see. May we be so grateful for the gift of forgiveness that we praise your name with all we have. May we be on fire once again for you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Light the fire in my heart again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-80EzeM0FI

Rich in faith

"Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?" James 2:5

Steven Vincent, a 43 year old Louisiana State Trooper, was a husband, father and a marathon runner. He died yesterday morning from injuries sustained Sunday after responding to the report of a suspected drunk driver. In a video of the encounter, he was heard saying, "Why don't you get out? I'll help you." An instant later, he was fatally shot in the head and the lives of his family and friends were changed forever. Colonel Mike Edmondson, of the Louisiana State Police, said this upon hearing the news, "As we talk about his death, it's not so much in how he died but in how he lived. He lived a tremendously rich life in his faith and his family."

He was said to be a man who knew how to live and who was rich in faith. Rich in faith... can there be any greater honor than to be described as that? Google dictionary defines rich as plentiful and abundant while faith as a complete trust or confidence in someone or something. He lived a rich life because he had an abundant and complete belief that Christ was who He claimed to be, that He was coming back someday and that death was not the end. John 3:15 gives us the promise, "that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

How about you? How will you be described? There will be no second chances so start living your life today and everyday rich in faith and loving and serving others.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise that, as believers, we will have eternal life with you. May that knowledge allow us to live each day to the fullest sharing our faith with others that they too might come to know you. Help us to love others so much that we would be willing to lay down our lives for them just as you did for us. We pray for the family of Steven Vincent, Lord, as they mourn his death and celebrate the life he lived. May they find peace in You. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Live like that - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cMVmr11bY

Delayed start

"I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:14-15

The alarm was set yesterday for an early morning run before church (how I love my Sunday runs). As I began to get out of bed, I heard the rumble of thunder and the sound of rain. Oh that's not so bad I thought, I love running in the rain. Not so bad until the first flash of lightning came. Now that's bad. The thought of going back to bed seemed inviting but quickly abated as I remembered that, in the world of running, this was simply a delayed start.

The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed..." Paul not only anticipated delays, he planned for them. He wasn't content to merely wait for the situation to become perfect to move, he would do God's work as he was waiting for God's will. Too many times we see a delay as a stop sign rather than a yield sign.

Whatever God has planned for your life, one thing is certain. It will be in His time and His way. A delayed start doesn't mean the race is over or that the day is doomed, it simply means... wait. Wait on the Lord and praise Him while you're doing it. And praise God, after waiting an extra 15 minutes I did get that run in, and a few precious extra minutes of prayer time.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your perfect timing. Help us to be patient through the delays knowing that you are in control of everything in us and around us. May we use the time to yield to your will, study your word and grow closer to you as we learn to trust that your timing is best for our lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

While I'm waiting - John Waller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHIqOHU6Dhg

The Christian Runners Creed

"But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life." 1 Corinthians 8:6

A creed is defined as a system of Christian or other religious beliefs and also as a formal statement of Christian beliefs. There are many scriptures in the bible that are considered to be creeds or declarations of faith including 1 Kings18:39: And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God." and Matthew 16:16: Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And there are many organizations and religions that have written creeds stating what they believe and what they stand for so there can be no denying their mission. 

As followers of Jesus Christ and runners as well, it seems only fitting then to have a Christian Runner's Creed. Here's my favorite:

I am a Christian Runner. 

I will never quit. I will encourage those around me.  I will persevere. I will pray. I will push. I will see Victory in Him. 

I will not compare myself to others. I am simply competing with my former self and the only opinion that matters is that of Christ. 

I acknowledge that I have good days and not-so-good days. But all my days are God-days. 

I am not defined by per mile pace or distance ran. I am defined by who I am in Christ. 

I will celebrate every moment, every mile, every personal record because God is the one who has called me to it and has helped me do it. 

I will be thankful for the ability to run, for this, in and of itself, is a blessing I refuse to take for granted. 

I believe that God has equipped me for the race ahead and that no matter how or when I finish, if I run for Him, I win every time. 

I will trust God to get me to the finish line… not just on race day, but on that day when my race on earth is over and I am welcomed to my Final Destination. 

I don’t run for personal glory, race swag or the calories burned. I don’t run for bragging rights or bucket list accomplishments.

I run Soli Deo Gloria, to the Glory of God alone. 

I am a Christian Runner. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the ability to run and the honor of serving you. May we use running and whatever talents and gifts we have to bring you glory. May we never compromise our beliefs and our commitment to serve you. Give us strength each day Lord to "run the good race", to finish strong and to serve you with each step and each breath we take. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We believe - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSj3ZH5pE_o

http://www.7daystime.com/christian-runners-creed/

Life is precious

“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered-how fleeting my life is.You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5

Early last Sunday morning, a cyclist in his 60s careened over the front of his handlebars hitting his head on an asphalt bike path in Falmouth, Massachusetts knocking him unconscious and bleeding. Normally a lonely route, some of the country's elite runners were there that day warming up to compete in the Farmouth Road Race including Christian runners Meb Keflezighi and Sarah Hall. As they stopped to help and use their warmup gear to stop the bleeding, Meb said, "It was just perspective on how your life can change in milliseconds." How very true that statement is.

The bible itself tells us that our life is brief amd fleeting. Yet, so many of us spend the majority of our time planning and acquiring things for the future that, we fail to live for today. If you had only six months to live, what would you do? Tell the people you love that you love them? Tell all those you know about Jesus? Run that ultra you've been dreaming about? The truth is, you and I may only have six months. We may only have today. Tomorrow is not promised for any of us and we shouldn't neglect the things that are truly important.

Later that day, Sarah Hall said, “It put today’s race immediately in perspective... I never want to take a day for granted.” And Meb agreed saying, "Life is precious...” Indeed it is. Are you living today in that knowledge?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of today. Thank you for reminding us that we are here for only a short time and that we should make the most of every moment we are given. Life is truly precious and a gift from you. May we spend it loving others and sharing the gift of salvation for that is what truly matters. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Life is precious - Wes King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSkYaDlCv8k

http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/meb-keflezighi-other-elites-helped-save-cyclists-life-before-falmouth-road-race

Justified never sinned

"For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." Psalm 103:11-12

In 1999, Hicham El Guerrouj, of Morocco, set a world record for the fastest mile ever recorded at an astounding 3:43.13 and that record still stands. At that pace, it would take him about 171.5 hours to run the estimated 3,000 miles from America's coast to coast. At that rate, you would think it possible that he could run across the world in his lifetime. Maybe even as far as the east is from the west? But did you know that, even if you ran your whole life at that speed, you would never be able to do that? The east and the west never meet... never. 

Kind of mind blowing to think about isn't it? What's even harder to imagine is that the bible tells us that God's love for us is as great as the heights of heaven above the earth, also immeasurable, and that our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west. We have a God that loves us so much, with an unfailing, constant and steadfast love, that he would choose to take away our sins... not separate us from them but remove them as if they never existed. That means they are gone! Could there be any greater love?

If today, you find yourself wondering whether you can possibly be forgiven for the things you have done, the promise is true! For those that fear him, he has cast our sins as far as the east is from the west and you can now stand before Him justified (think JUST IF IED never sinned), freed and forgiven. I know, it's mind blowing isn't it?

Heavenly Father, we can never ever thank you enough for the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins. There is nothing we have done to earn it and nothing we could ever do to repay you. It is truly by your grace that we are forgiven and freed from the chains of sin. You are truly an awesome and loving God to those that fear you. May we live in the joy of the knowledge that our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west. Thank you Father for your unfailing love. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

East is from the west - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&list=RDWyoVJfADlwo#t=2

Walk securely

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9

It seems that some people will do anything to win. On Monday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that Asli Cakir Alptekin, a Turkish 1500 meter runner, will be stripped of her gold medals from the 2012 Olympics and the 2012 European Championships and will be banned from the sport for eight years for doping violations. Interestingly enough, this is not the first time. In 2004, she was banned for two years after testing positive at the junior world championships. Although she wasn't immediately caught, as the saying goes "sooner or later the truth will come out", her actions were eventually exposed and she lost everything that she had worked for.

Proverbs 10:9 tells us that very same thing about the truth when it says, "whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." But scripture also tells us that "whoever walks in integrity walks securely". By the dictionary's definition, this would mean living an honest and morally upright life free from fear, doubt and risk of loss. In other words, it means walking upright, both before God and men. It means being whole and undivided, true to your faith and unwilling to yield to compromise of any kind. When we walk with integrity, we are free from guilt, shame and the fear that our actions will be exposed.

If you're headed down a crooked path, stop right now! You certainly can't change your past but you can change your path, and you can change it right now. 1 John 1:9 tells us that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Doing that, my friend, will allow you to reroute, get back on track and walk in integrity free from fear. Now that's the way to live!

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that directs our paths. Thank you for loving us so much that you would forgive us of our sins over and over. You are truly a loving God. I pray that those running the rocky path today would stop, confess, repent and let you direct them to solid ground. May we strive to walk with integrity every day secure in the knowledge that it will lead to eternal life with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Lord I'm ready now - Plumb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfu-26ftkno&list=RDMfu-26ftkno#t=0

Haleys Hope 5k/10k and Harder than Hell Half Marathon

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

Wow, what a day! The Haley's Hope Hot N Hilly 5k/10k was scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th with the second race in the series, the Harder than Hell Half, to begin at 7:00 p.m. on the same day. Haley Stevens was diagnosed with ALS just days before her sixteenth birthday and her three older sisters created the race to give her hope and encouragement after her diagnosis and the race continues to raise money and awareness for a cure. True to it's name, the morning's 10k was hilly, very hilly. In fact by my "Ozark Hills" standards, I would have given it a glorious eight. Absolutely loved the course and loved the medals even more. While still feeling the endorphin rush, I remarked to another finisher that my friends and I would be back that night for the half to which he replied, "ran it last year, you better go rest." After that commment, we wondered what we were in for. Less than 12 hours later, we soon found out... we were in for more hills.

Immediately upon the start of the second race, we climbed an ascent 1.04 miles long according to my GPS. And it only got better from there. As a lover of hills, I was in paradise. There would be no PR's set today, and it seemed, no one really cared. The course was beautiful as were the sounds of nature all around. And as the sun went down I, along with many other runners, turned on my light to illuminate the dark path as we set our sights on the finish line. Not being able to recall much darker a night in some time, the finish line seemed to be a beacon as we, one by one, crossed to the cheers of the runners who had finished before us. Certainly can't wait to do it again next year!

 At one point in the race, I turned off my light to check the depth of the darkness... very dark, so dark in fact that I couldn't see my hand in front of my face much less run a single step more without it. As I now realized how much I needed that light to get me through, I quickly turned it back on as I remembered the words of John 1:5, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In the darkness of that night, I was reminded that nothing can extinguish the light of Christ. The small light that I was carrying was even smaller in comparison to the Light within me and within all those that believe. Even amidst the deepest darkness of night or our sin, shame, guilt or pain, Jesus is there to light the way. Psalm 27:1 tells us that, "The LORD is my light and my salvation." Do you believe that today? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the light that can never be put out. Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. May we daily turn to it for the truth that you love us in spite of our flaws, sins and shortcomings. Might out greatest desire be to run the race with the ultimate finish line in sight, eternal life spent with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

In the light - DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JxEwfbidFk

Celebrating the finish!

Ready to go for the half marathon

Relentless

"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The Pachev family of Utah is currently training to be America's fastest family to complete a 5k. Eight of the 11 members recently ran the Draper Days 5k (in Crocs) finishing the 3.1 miles in an average time of 20:50, two minutes shy of the 18:50 unofficial record. The children are homeschooled and their father, Sasha Pachev, says he " considers running to be almost part of the curriculum" and that, "It isn’t unusual for him to give a math, Russian, or physics lesson to his older children on the run." Thanks to his father’s relentless teaching, the family’s oldest child, Benjamin, only 16, is set to finish his undergraduate degree in Mathematics within the year.

When it comes to educating our children, the bible tells us that the most important thing we can do is to teach them God's commands. We are to do so by talking about them at every opportunity... being relentless you could say. Whether at home or on the road (think running together or driving them to school or practice) and before bedtime and upon rising. It should be a part of our daily lives and not something discussed only at church on Sunday. 

In order to instruct others though, we must first commit our lives wholeheartedly to God. When we know his Word, we will be able to speak of his commands with confidence knowing we are guiding our children down the right path. There can be no greater lesson for parent or child. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that instructs us how to live a life focused on you. May we strive to learn more ourselves everyday that we might teach our children your commands. Help us to be the parents you have commanded us to be. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

 

I am a Child of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrcqqpHCt8

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/large-family-in-utah-aims-to-be-americas-fastest

Give it up

"So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own." Luke 14:33

Less than a week ago, Nick Symmonds, who qualified for the 2015 World Championships team, refused to sign the USA Track & Field contract requiring him to wear only Nike-branded gear at all "official" times. The problem was, "official" is not defined and, in a letter he received previously from USATF, he was asked to pack ONLY Nike-branded underwear and outerwear for the trip. Symmonds, who is primarily sponsored by Brooks, took issue with that saying, "having to wear head-to-toe swoosh at all times made him a pretty sucky investment for Brooks." 

In a world where loyalty takes a back seat to self promotion, it's inspiring to see an athlete stand up for what he knows to be right. In Matthew 19:27,29, Peter said, "We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” to which Jesus responded, "everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." 

Nick didn't "lose" the chance to compete by doing the right thing, he "gave" it up willingly. The bible tells us that everyone who is willing to give up ALL to follow Him will receive much more than what was lost as well as eternal life. Isn't that worth so much more than anything this world has to offer? I think so.

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising eternal life in the future if we will now be willing to forsake all we have to follow you. May we remember that ALL means everything we have, our gifts and talents and our possessions. May we be willing and ready to do all that you have asked of us, giving up everything we own to become your disciple. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

http://fittish.deadspin.com/nick-symmonds-left-off-worlds-team-for-not-signing-hims-1723139449

Give my life away - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96Ev-nmygGA

Strive for five

"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;" 1 Peter 3:8

Summer is definitely coming to a close as the stores are now filled with back to school sales. If you were lucky enough to get away for a vacation, whether you were traveling abroad or staying close to home, you very well may have exhibited some of the five things runhaven.com lists that runners did that sets them apart:(1) packed an extra bag just for running gear; (2) scouted out running routes while driving to your destination; (3) ran on the beach without shoes; (4) ate a lot and didn't feel any guilt; (5) your vacation was actually a racecation scheduled entirely around a race. Did any of those describe you?

Interestingly enough, the bible lists five qualities that we, as Christians, should be exhibiting that sets us apart as well: (1) harmonious-pursuing the same goals; (2) sympathetic-concerned with one another's needs; (3) brotherly-loving one another as brothers and sisters; (4) kindhearted-compassionate to one another (5) humble-encouraging and rejoicing in each other's successes. Did any of those describe you?

Since I didn't get to run on the beach, I scored a four out of five on the runner list. My real goal, though, is to daily practice the five qualities the bible gives us to help us serve more effectively. Won't you make that your goal too that others might see Christ in you and be drawn to Him? May we strive for five on that list. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. If we were blessed to be able to take a vacation, I pray that we showed harmony, sympathy, love, compassion and humility to those we met and I pray that we practice those qualities where ever we may be and to all those we meet especially to the body of believers. By doing so, may we help one another serve you better. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Tha Church - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zZafmhoyKg

Sole success

"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me--and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." 1 Corinthians 15:10

Nikes are the preferred shoe of many athletes. Pay close attention and you will see them worn in nearly every sport from running to basketball to soccer and tennis. But did you know that the idea started with a waffle? Bill Bowerman (Univ. of Oregon track-and-field coach) and Phil Knight started Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 where they sold running shoes. Bowerman dreamed of a shoe that would provide traction without spikes after watching the athlete's metal cleats tear up the track .  One Sunday morning in 1971, while eating waffles with his wife, the idea of the waffle sole was born. And the rest is history you could say as Nike sales are now around $30 billion a year. And that little running store they started? That is now Asics.

Quite a success story isn't it? The apostle Paul knew a bit about success too having brought thousands of people to Christ and yet said of himself, "But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me." Like the founders of Nike, he accomplished great things but never forgot or failed to acknowledge where it truly came from. Romans 11:36 says this, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory..."

So, whether you're blessed with fame, fortune, or an ability to run, where do you attribute your success? You may have indeed "worked harder" than most people-but remember the words of Paul, "yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." No matter how hard we work, if it were not for the "special favor" of Christ, we could accomplish nothing. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for pouring out your favor upon us and giving us the many good things and fortune we have in our lives. May we never fail to acknowledge you as the Source of all things and the sole reason we are what we are now. May you continue to pour out your blessings upon us as we give you all the glory forever and ever. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/10/us/nike-waffle-sole-inspiration/index.html

Nothing without you - Jason Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqXHbj-q35c