The stumbling block

"Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth" Mark 10:21,22

On October 23 in Columbus Junction, Iowa, the newspaper headlines read, "Winner of Cross Country Meet Disqualified After Helping Collapsed Runner". Zach Hougland crossed the finish line to become Davis County High School's first ever cross county district champion. Five minutes later, he spotted another runner down so he jumped back on the course and helped him finish with a small push and some encouraging words. Unfortunately though, that act disqualified him and he surrendered his newly won title. When asked if he would change his actions if he could, Zach replied, "If I could do it all again I wouldn't change a thing because I did what I thought was right."

Mark 10:17-30 tells the story of a rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus. Knowing his heart, Jesus asked him to give up the one thing that he knew would be the man's stumbling block in his Christian walk, the one thing that might mean more to the man than Jesus... his money. In fact, when Jesus instructed the man to go and sell everything he had to follow him, "He went away sad, because he had great wealth." 

The young man from Iowa was willing to give up something very important to him (something they said he had worked all summer for). Would you have done the same? Would you have forfeited the prize to show others Jesus Christ? And are you willing to follow Jesus even if it costs you everything? Whatever your stumbling block may be won't you give it up to answer the call of, "come, follow me"?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Whether it be ability, possessions, money, dreams or goals, may we be willing to give it away if it comes between us. May we pursue you so closely that we have need of nothing else this world can give us always looking towards our treasure in heaven. May we make the choice today to rid ourselves of any stumbling blocks in the way of following you completely. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I give myself away - William McDowell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBC0c3ei5vc

http://whotv.com/2015/10/23/winner-of-cross-country-meet-disqualified-after-helping-collapsed-runner/

Too busy?

"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:17

While I was at an airport last year waiting to board a flight to a race, I sat quietly and examined the crowd. Most everyone I saw was busy. They were busy on their laptops. They were busy on their phones or they were busy trying to find something to busy themselves with. There was an older couple struggling to carry their luggage but those around them were too busy to care. There was a mother, arms full, struggling to pick up the doll her toddler had dropped but everyone was too busy to stop and help. How did we get so busy anyway?

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, "If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy." And being busy certainly can distract us from doing God's work can't it? Which is why we should daily ask ourselves whether the"things" we are so busy doing have any eternal impact? Other than working to provide for those things you need, are you busy working for "things" that you really don't need? Like a bigger TV, a better house or junk to fill your garage and storage shed? 1 John 2:17 reminds us that none of these "things" will last when it says, "the world is passing away along with its desires".

So wouldn't today be a great day to become busy focusing on God's will for our lives rather than our own? Serving and helping others can surely have an eternal impact on a world that is desperately in need of knowing Jesus Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Most of us have far more things than we need or can use. Help us to see what work is truly in need of being done and to put you first on our list of priorities. May we stay busy serving, helping others and doing those things that will have an eternal impact. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

the price of being too busy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLUyx1a-hs

His strength

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25

Running a 50 mile race is no easy task. Having done a few myself, I was praying especially hard last Saturday that my friend, Marji, would find the strength to complete her first race of this distance. I need not have looked far to find the place from which she would draw her strength though. On the back of her hydration pack, on a piece of paper pinned to the fabric, were the words "HIS STRENGTH is greater than my weakness".  This, she said, was her "50 mile power verse."

1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us that, "the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" meaning however weak we are (and we are all weak) in our physical, mental or spiritual abilities, we are able to do and suffer such things no one in the world would be able to perform or endure except through the strength of Jesus. It's just beyond human comprehension the things that can be achieved through the power of Christ within us. With that knowledge, it's no surprise then that she finished (after more than 10 hours of running) smiling and praising her Savior as she crossed the finish line.

While you may think there's nothing more foolish than attempting to run 50 miles in a single day, remember that God very often used (and still uses) the foolish, weak and the humble to show his strength and might. He used fisherman, tax collectors, slaves and prostitutes to display his power and to achieve the impossible. And he can use you too if you will let him... 

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us to be witnesses of the power of your strength within us. It's when we truly believe that that we will step out to do those things the world views as foolish that we might show your mighty power. Give us wisdom and boldness to attempt the impossible knowing that with You, there is no such thing as impossible. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

No such thing as impossible - Building 429

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zegqjuz4Cro

the good Father

"I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" Psalm 116:1-2

My daughter likes to accompany me while I run sometimes. She will ride her bike alongside and we will chat, laugh and just enjoy eachothers company. Some time ago though, while we were traveling down a gravel road, she fell off her bike and skinned her knees on the rocks. As she laid there crying, I knelt down to reassure her that she was going to be okay and that I was right there beside her. While the pain didn't go away, knowing I was there listening to her cries, gave her the courage to get up and get back on her bike.

This is much like the way our Heavenly Father loves us. Psalm 116:1-2 says, "he hears my voice and prayer for mercy... he bends down to listen" This great and mighty God is also our kind and loving Father. Only a parent who intimately and profoundly loves his child would kneel down to listen to their cry for help. Yet that is what he does for me and for you. And because of this, I, like the psalmist, "will pray as long as I have breath!"

Perhaps you've fallen down today or are going through a hard time? Maybe you've got no one to turn to or no one to help you up? Your Heavenly Father is there and you can be assured that he will bend down to listen to your every word. Yes, he loves you that much. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise that you would turn your ear to hear our prayers for mercy. Thank you for loving us so intimately that you would meet us where we are. I pray that the hurting and lost would turn to you today and rest in the arms of You, the good good Father. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Good, good father - Chris Tomlin

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

Serve as to the Lord

"Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." Ephesians 6:7,8

As I was looking back on many of the races I've been blessed to participate in this year, I've noticed a delightful trend. A growing number of them are organized to help people or to help fund organizations that do. And thousands of runners are joining in the cause. Whether they are running to fund cancer research, for Autism awareness, in remembrance of someone, to spread the Gospel, to raise funds for a neighbor in need or any other number of reasons, the goal is the same... to serve with good will.

And while this is awesome, the bible tells us to take it one step further saying, "Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does..." You see, when we serve men, we are tempted to do good only while someone is watching or when we might receive a reward. But when we serve the Lord, we serve with our whole heart no matter who is watching and do it for an eternal reward. 

Are you doing that today? Whether it be at your workplace, the gym, the grocery store or any place you may find yourself, are you looking for ways to serve others and, if so, are you doing it for the right reason?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the perfect example of what it means to serve others as if serving you. May we strive to imitate Jesus and the way he loved, helped and showed compassion to others every day. Whatever we do, may we work at it with our whole heart as we anticipate an eternal reward unlike anything this world has to offer. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Audience of One - Big Daddy Weave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1NqAOYDZv0

Just wait

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

If there were ipods and playlists for runners back in the 1980's, The Waiting by Tom Petty, would surely have been on many with its chorus, "The waiting is the hardest part..Every day you see one more card..You take it on faith, you take it to the heart..The waiting is the hardest part" The song came to mind as I was talking to a good friend of mine on her recent breast cancer diagnosis. She had just had surgery and was now, three days later, waiting to find out about radiation and the outcome. She relayed that the waiting was the part she hated the most... the hardest part.

When troubles abound, we want to fix them. That's just the way we are. We want to move ahead in hopes of changing our circumstances. From a human standpoint, waiting accomplishes nothing. But God tells us to wait and be still. He tells us that by doing so, we are renewing our strength. The simple act of waiting shows that we are trusting him and in his plan for our lives. We are trusting that his timing is perfect and that he will work things out for our good. When we are completely dependent on him, waiting patiently for him to move, we are strong.

Perhaps you're weary of waiting or finding it difficult to be still, do not despair. Isaiah 30:18 promises, "the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us compassion and mercy when we are hurting, lonely and afraid. Help us to be still through it all as we wait to feel your presence, hear your voice and see your guidance in our lives. Grant us patience, faith and abundant hope as we wait trusting in your plan. May this time draw us closer to you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Wait on the Lord - Donnie McClurkin

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

Think again

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

You may have heard the old adage that running is 90% mental and 10% physical. It turns out it might be true, and even scientifically proven. Consider this, in a placebo study by the University of Glasgow in Scotland, runners were given injections of salt water but told they were receiving a legal performance enhancing drug. Can you guess what happened? They improved their 3k race time by 1.2 percent and said they felt more confident and motivated. Yet nothing changed except the way they thought!

The researchers said, "This should be a given considering that running not only relies on physical capabilities, but also on our motivational capacities. Our attitudes and mindsets greatly affect whether we believe we can achieve that new PR or not." Proverbs 23:7 tells us the same thing when it says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Simply said, What we think we can do, we do. What we think we can't do, we can't.

But what if you thought you had the strength and the power to do more, would you attempt more? It turns out it is true, we do have that strength... through Christ. Ephesians 6:10 clearly tells us so when it says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." So the next time you think you can't do something, think again.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise of the strength to do great things in your mighty power. May that thought spur us on to do more than we thought possible to achieve on our own. And, in every victory, may we give you the glory. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org 

The words I would say - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI

Read more at http://running.competitor.com/2015/10/news/placebo-study-uses-salt-water-injections-to-make-runners-faster_137690#iaBbVEpZDcmGVjlj.99

Give me a sign

"Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me." Psalm 86:17

Strewn over the path on my morning run were hundreds of fallen leaves. Their red, yellow and orange hues seemed to blanket the road and were a sure sign that fall is here. It's just comforting to have that reassurance, especially when the high temperatures tell us something different. And, although we may have faith that God is here and aware of everything we are going through, wouldn't it be nice to have a sure sign? Especially in the midst of a difficult time?

Even mighty King David, a man after God's own heart, asked for a sign when he wrote, "Give me a sign of your goodness..." He was surely a man of faith but, in the midst of deep trouble, he prayed that God would send him a sure sign of his righteousness. Perhaps you've prayed that prayer too only to be disappointed? Could it be that the signs indeed were there but you overlooked them? A friend who says the right word at the right time, family and friends who are there to hold your hand or the witnessing of a new sunrise are proof that God has not abandoned you.

You can be sure that God knows your struggles, needs and fears no matter how desperate or lonely you may feel. Isaiah 43:2 gives us this promise, "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.." That, my friends, is a sure sign that you are not alone. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you have promised to never leave us especially in the hard times. May your Word serve as a sign that your promises are true, your love for us is real and your faithfulness is never ending. Thank you Lord for the comfort that brings. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He is with you - Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyy7K0e__x4

It is written..

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.” Luke 4:1-4

Have you ever noticed that, when you are most vulnerable, the devil will attack? Usually when you're tired, overwhelmed or at your wit's end? Like many people, I suffer from occasional anxiety attacks that typically occur when my schedule is packed, I've put things off that need to be done or something unexpected happens. Such was the case last weekend as I was driving to the first of many events and races I needed to be at. And then the familiar phrase, "What would Jesus do?" came to mind.

The bible tells us exactly what he would do, he would answer "It is written..." and put the devil in his place. Having not eaten for 40 days, Jesus was particularly vulnerable. But to every temptation and trial Christ faced, he fought back with the Word of God. Why had I not done this before I wondered. Over and over I repeated these words, It is written, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6). As I felt a wave of peace come over me, I thanked God for his promises that are true. 

Perhaps you too are fearful or worried about something today? Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" and then do it. Prayer and petition along with thanksgiving are powerful weapons against the enemy.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us that your promises are true. May we read and study scripture daily that we would have the ability to fight back. Thank you for sending your Son as an example of what we should do and for being our Savior. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Whom shall I fear? - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg

Dogwood Canyon 2015

"To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." Revelation 3:21

What a great weekend of running it was at the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, MO (right outside of Branson). With 10,000 acres to explore, it was a little piece of heaven for hundreds of runners doing the 15k run Saturday and/or the 25k or 50k trail run Sunday. Fall is a beautiful time to experience the Ozarks with it's cool mornings and array of trees changing colors and, there's perhaps no better vantage point to do that than on foot deep in the hills, trails and streams at Dogwood. This challenging race keeps runners coming back year after year. In fact, I've already marked my calendar for 2016.

This course, much like life, has it's easy parts, hard parts and downright "kick you in the pants" parts. Within a few miles of starting the race, while navigating a water crossing and near the side of an embankment, a large rock rolled down and struck my ankle bone (ouch!). Later, there were rocky and difficult patches, massive hills and long stretches between aid stations. This was certainly no race for those runners not committed to making it to the finish line. And when it comes to reaching our final destination, the same is true. Acts 14:22 warns us that, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,". It's only by being completely devoted to the goal of entering that we will push through to the end, through difficult times, hills, hurdles and maybe even long periods of hardships and pain, that we will make it.

While the runners that finished Dogwood claimed their medals, shirts and hoodies, the bible tells us that there is a much greater reward awaiting those of us that are committed to crossing that final finish line saying, "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." Can there be any greater reason to press on?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for the beautiful display of who you are in the changing of the leaves, the coolness of the morning and the rising of the sun. May we be so committed to reaching the finish line that we push through every trial, hardship and painful circumstance that we encounter along our journey as we pursue the ultimate victory of an eternity spent with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

The Victory - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32MRZvC_eqY

Before the 15k Saturday with my awesome friend, Sherry Wilson

After the 50k Sunday with my family

Start small

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

Running or walking a mile a day doesn't seem like it would get you very far does it? Well, what if you did that same distance every day? That small amount would get you from coast to coast (2.092 miles) in about 5.7 years. Amazing how quickly it adds up. Ronald Reagan once said, "We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." What if each of us set out to be a blessing to at least one person every day? Can you imagine the effects it would have?

The bible clearly tells us that we are not to look only to our own interests, "but also to the interests of others." In our world today, we don't have to look far to see people in need. According to feedingamerica.org, 46.7 million people live in poverty in the United States alone. And, while many people are going hungry, there are millions more that are starving emotionally and spiritually. People are simply in need of the love and kindness of another person and to hear the words, "God loves you." While it is true that we can't help everyone, we can certainly help those that God places in our path can't we? It may seem to be a small start but it's a start nonetheless.


Today is a great day to start blessing others. From coast to coast, we can make a difference one person at a time. What are you waiting for?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. If we have an abundance of money, let us share that with others. If we have an abundance of time, direct us where we might serve to help others. Help us to live purposefully today seeking out and helping the lost, lonely and those in need. In doing so, may we show the love of Christ that they might come to know you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

If you give a little love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT-HBl2TVtI

The title

"Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;" 2 Corinthians 6:4,5

I had the honor of watching my good friend compete in an Ironman competition last weekend. To claim the coveted title of "Ironman", he and 2800 other participants, had to swim 2.4 miles in the Ohio River, bike 112 miles and then complete a marathon (26.2 miles) before the cutoff time of 16 hours. They all entered the water full of hope and determination to finish but, with each hour, the task became more difficult and many dropped out of the race. Those that finished were hungry, hurting and tired beyond belief decorated with cuts, wounds, bruises and bandages. But, by pressing on through the "troubles, hardships and distresses", they claimed the prize. 

To claim the coveted title of "Servant of God" requires the same type of dedication from us. We must commit or give "ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardship and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.." This is not a race to be taken lightly. We must train daily in the Word, and prepare ourselves through prayer, just as an athlete trains his body. And when it becomes difficult, we must press on. 

Perhaps you feel like dropping out of the race today? If you're tired, hungry or hurting, won't you find strength in his Word and press on to the finish?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the strength we need each and every day. Help us to remember that we are not alone in this race and that you will guide the way if we would only seek you and read your Word. Helps us to commit ourselves everyday to win the title of a "servant of God". It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Press on - Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNHsY93VrO8

The reminder

"And, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:18

My daughter's fifth grade gym class has been preparing to take a fitness test. To achieve the coveted presidential award she so wants, my daughter must be able to run four laps around the school (and a few other things). With every mention of it last week and yesterday, she panicked and asked if she could stay home from school or if she could just drop out of school completely. Fighting laughter,  I gently reminded her that she could accomplish this goal. After all, I told her, she had just run a 5k with me the previous weekend. She smiled and said, "I will remind myself that I am the daughter of Melissa the runner and I can do it." I grinned from ear to ear and replied, "Better yet, why don't you remind yourself who's daughter you truly are?" With that knowledge and a new found confidence, I watched her walk into her school ready to take that test.

As parents, we certainly want the best for our children and would do anything to help them, wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately though, we can't always be there. But there is a Father who can and will be with us and with them through it all... the Lord Almighty. In 2 Corinthians 6:18, he gives us this promise, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters." Win or lose, He is there. He is our Comforter, Encourager and our Provider of strength. 

With that knowledge, there's no reason to be afraid, anxious or worried then. Remind yourself that you are the son or daughter of the Most High. Then, with confidence, step out to conquer those things holding you back. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would choose to make us your sons and daughters. It's comforting to know that, just as we watch over our own children and want the best for them, you do the same for us. Help us to remember that when the things of this world make us anxious or scared. Thank you for always being there. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Shake the world - Finding Favour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMH6RyZ0Hxg

The irony

"Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity." John 12:25

Last weekend, at the Cow Run 10 miler in New Jersey, it seemed the cows were the ones "running the course." In an attempt to create an authentic experience for the runners, the race director arranged for docile steers to be on the race route by having the land owner open the gates and spread grain along the path. In a twist of irony though, the cows claimed the first part of the race, unwilling to move as they continued to eat the delicious treat, forcing the runners to go into the field to get around them. You could say the racers had to "steer" in another direction.

And speaking of irony, John 12:25 tells us that, "Those who love their life in this world will lose it," but those, "who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity." You see, when we are committed to loving and serving Christ the way we are called to, this world and this life should hold little value for us. Compared to a loving God who offers eternal life, we can't help but "hate" this life and the things this world offers, things of only temporary value that might "steer" us off course.

Which is your greater love then, Christ or the world? The simple answer to that question will determine how you live your life and, ironically, where you will spend eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us while we are still sinners unworthy of it. Thank you for offering us eternal life in exchange for a life that holds only temporary value. May we love you so much that we hate anything that would take us away from our goal of following you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Live on Forever - The Afters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9WEj6uLgmM

http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/cattle-wont-moooove-during-10-mile-race

FWC Walk for Life

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." Luke 1:41, 44

Saturday was the 6th Annual Walk & 5K Run for Life benefiting the Free Women's Center of Pulaski County. The 3.1 mile course ran alongside the Roubidoux River which was lined with oak trees displaying the majestic beauty of fall. The oranges, yellows and purples, made a person (okay, maybe only me) want to leap for joy at the blessing of another day. Life, it's a joyous thing, isn't it?

Sadly, many children will never be allowed to experience it though. The Guttmacher Institute reports that nearly 3 in 10 women will have an abortion by the age of 45 and that some 1.06 million abortions were performed in 2011 in the United States alone. Luke 1:41 tells us that "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.." Whether the world wants to call this growing life in the womb an embryo, fetus, blastosphere or any host of other names, God calls it what it is... a baby. It is a precious human life "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and "made in the image of God" (Genesis 1:27).  

Because of the Free Women's Center and thousands of other pregnancy help centers around the nation, precious babies are being saved every day. Consider this most recent report by the FWC reported on Friday before the race:

"Dear friends, we received wonderful news! A young woman visited us two weeks ago; she was seeking an abortion. After our client advocates discussed options and she met her child via a free ultrasound, she left rethinking her initial intention.

Yesterday, she called and informed us that she wants to carry her child to term. She will enroll in our Alternatives to Abortion (A2A) Program next week. Now, who's ready for that Walk & 5K Run for Life?

It's no wonder then that so many runners and walkers joined together. But even if you can't run, walk or financially help sponsor organizations such as this one, there is one thing we can all do... pray. Would you join me in that today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the pregnancy help centers around the world that are helping to save your children from abortion. Thank you for the volunteers and and those that support the cause financially. I pray that you would bless their efforts, bless their families and bless them as they work to preserve life and raise the awareness that life begins at conception. And we pray for a day that not one of these children should perish. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Unborn - Caitlin Jane

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

Only a mountain

"And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:22-24

Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, "When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus." Corrie was a Dutch Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in an upstairs hidden room in her home. Although she was eventually discovered and sent to a concentration camp, she was released several months later and continued helping others until she died at the age of 91.

Many times we feel powerless to do the things we want to do or should do. Whether it's completing a marathon, healing a broken marriage, overcoming addiction, raising godly children or simply getting through each day, we forget this one thing... whoever says to this mountain move "and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him." Corrie's faith allowed her to do things many of us would never dare or think possible and ours can too. 

If you're lacking the strength to make a decision, achieve a goal or make a change today, "Have faith in God..." Inside HIS ability, we can move mountains. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for filling us with power when we have none. Remind us that we are nothing apart from you but, by faith, we can do the things you have called us to. Help us to live each day knowing that everything we need is in you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Only a Mountain - Jason Castro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxWayfx3p2s

Step by step

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24

I love night runs. There's just something about the stillness of nighttime that's very peaceful. Several weeks ago, on a very cloudy night, I joined about 50 other runners for a sunset race. The sky was soon so dark, void of even moonlight, that you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face. My headlamp illuminated only a very small circle in front of me and, while I could see enough to move one step at a time, I could not see the end of the road. I just had to have faith that the race director picked a safe route that would lead to the finish line.

The same is true of our walk with Christ. Many times He gives us only enough light to move one step at a time and unable to see the end of the road. It's those times when we might question the things that are happening around us. Many times we just don't "understand everything along the way." But here's the good part. We don't have to. By letting the Lord direct our steps, we can be sure that what awaits us at the end will have been worth every trial and trouble we met along the way. 

So today and every day, no matter what you are facing, have faith knowing that our Race Director will lead us somewhere better than we could ever lead ourselves.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would personally direct our steps. You, and only you, know what's best for us. Help us to follow you even when we don't understand your plan and help us to walk by faith, through trials and tribulations, knowing you are leading us to a place that is better than we can imagine. Most of all, remind us that you are with us every single step of the way. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Walk by faith - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgWOcYpHm0o

What does He mean?

"After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:20

In the middle of my morning run, I pondered the words of a favorite song that came over the radio, "If you want to know how far my love can go, just how deep, just how wide. If you want to see how much you mean to me look at my hands, look at my side." The things that mean the most to us are the things that take our time, money and attention. Have you noticed that? If you were to look at how you spend those, does Jesus fit in there? What does He mean to you?

To know just how much you and I mean to Jesus would be to simply take a look at his scars, "he showed them his hands and side." The hands that were nailed to a cross and the side that was pierced by a Roman soldier (to ensure that Jesus was dead) showed his great love for each one of us. He died for the murderer, the prostitute, the adulterer, the drug addict and he died for you and me. He loved us too much to leave us dead in our sins.

So, I ask again. Where does Jesus fit into your life? You and I mean so much to him but what does He mean to you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would send your son Jesus to die on a cross to forgive us of our sins. And he did this while we were still sinners and even hating and mocking him. May our eyes and hearts be opened to the love for us it took for Jesus to endure that painful death that we might live. As we ask ourselves what it is that means the most to us, may we strive for that answer to always be Jesus. May it show in all we do. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Drops in the ocean - Hawk Nelson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZH13wFGffg

Seasons change

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--" Ecclesiastes 3:1

My friend, a new mother, and I were discussing an unspoken rule of running last week - that the 13.1, 26.2, 50k or any other event or distance sticker displayed on a vehicle is only good for one year. After that a person should remove it or do it again. We laughed as we agreed that there was at least one exception to this rule.. parenthood. For her, this season just did not allow for the time it took to train nor should it. This chapter of her life would soon pass and usher in another one. But for now, it was time to enjoy her son and each new sunrise.

The older I get, the more I realize that life changes constantly and it changes quickly. The bible tells us that there is "an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven". In whatever season we may find ourselves, may we rejoice in it knowing that God has a purpose for us right now and right here, right where we are. May we not look to the season that passed with regret nor to the one to be with anticipation. Rather let us enjoy the moment. Let us be thankful for the "right now" that God has given us.

If you're looking ahead to the future or behind to the former, you're missing today. Won't you trust that God, in his appointed time, will usher in a new day and a new season? May we simply enjoy all the day has in store. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being the same in a changing world. Seasons come and go as do happy times and sad times. But you are always there. You are always there. And that's all we need to know. May we enjoy today for what it is, a gift. And may we embrace whatever season of our life we are in knowing it will not last forever. Thank you for this day Lord, may we rejoice and be glad in it. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Through it all - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrKbu6OwJv0

 

Frog Hill Half Half Marathon/10k

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7

Saturday, October 3, was the second annual Frog Hill Half Marathon and 10k presented by TEAM 413 Gracerunner Ministries. And what a great day it was! We couldn't have asked for better weather and, from start to finish, it was an absolutely blessed day. Precisely at 8:30 am, the runners were off to make their descent down "Frog Hill" and complete either 13.1 or 6.2 miles. There were runners, walkers, new runners, seasoned runners, old, young and even those pushing strollers but they all had one thing in common... to make it to the finish line.

And as I watched the finishers cross it one by one, it seemed that for some, the race was easy and for others much harder. And then for one, harder still. It took all Laurel had to make it. She was a 57 year old mother of six and grandmother of 12. She had been training for three years to do a half marathon. Three years! What determination that must have taken. Although the race was hard and there were times she felt like giving up, she knew what awaited her at the finish line... the prize. While she received a medal for her efforts, the bible tells us that we have something far better waiting for us at the end, "the crown of righteousness" which the Lord, himself, will award. And the best part? It's for "all who have longed for his appearing", all those who have kept the faith. 

You can be sure that the Christian race will not be an easy one but it will be worth it. There's no finishers medal in all the world that will compare to the "crown of righteousness" we will receive if we continue to the end. Isn't that worth the fight?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, kindness and mercy that you give us every day. Thank you for the strength to fight the good fight and to finish the race that we might claim the prize you have in store for us. May we continue "training" every day, enduring trials and overcoming temptations, as we push towards the finish line and meet you face to face. Oh what a glorious day that will be! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Good fight - Unspoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0M3X3_pFD4

posing with Croaker

Glitter girls water station where you can "check your face" and get a drink

a happy runner

Laurel nearing the end and pushing on

Laurel accepting her very deserved finishers medal and lantern for being the "light at the end of the tunnel"

Another one of our fabulous water stations

A burning lamp

"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." Luke 11:33

My friend, who is training for an Ironman competition, most recently changed his Facebook profile picture to reflect his goal. The image is a snapshot of his racing bib that displays his name and event information and now serves to hold him accountable to do everything in his power to complete his goal. By telling others of his intentions, he made it that much more difficult to give up when the training became hard.

This is the same attitude we should have in our Christian race. Our faith and intentions should not be hidden, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." When others, especially our friends, know what it is we are seeking (the goal of Salvation), it will be much more difficult to turn back to our old way of life. We're more careful not to extinguish or even dim the glow of our faith "so that those who come in may see the light." 

Have you made it perfectly clear that you are a follower of Christ, a lamp that burns for Him? May we all pursue that goal every day just as an athlete pursues the finish line... refusing to give up when the training gets hard and pushing through to the end.

Heavenly Father, thank you for marking us as your children. Thank you for being such an awesome God that we would want to share you with the world. Help us to be bold about who we follow and what our goals are. May we be a light to a dark world and lead them to you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Learning to be the light - Newworldson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv1F5VN7zGU