His promises are tested and true

"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29 BSB

After capturing our group photo early Saturday morning, my friend Stephanie, who (along with her husband) graciously opened up her home to host the Marine Corps Marathon virtual for nearly twenty of the runners in our local running group, posted, "Here we gooooo! MCM year 2! (We’ve got marathoners and some 50k-ers). What started because of the RONA is now something I look forward to! Find a crazy group of friends and make it happen!" And happen it did! After a group prayer and a playing of the national anthem, this crazy group of friends was off traipsing down the remote farm roads near Stephanie's house for the second year in a row. “Talk about God working a bad situation into something good,” I thought to myself smiling. “The same RONA that caused us to stay apart for a time now unified us like nothing else could. God's promise to work "all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose certainly proved to be true once again.” I'll be the first to admit, though, that I don't always know how God will make good come from bad, I just know that He will. He always does. 

And you know, while the promise that all things (that means the good, the bad, and even the downright ugly) will work together for our good can certainly bring us unexplainable peace in the midst of our struggles, hardships and trials, we sometimes still grapple with the why? Why does God call us to do hard things or to go through difficult circumstances that He could change in an instant? Like having to endure months of rehab for an injury He could heal in the blink of an eye? Or having to experience the sorrow of a loved one's death or the breakup of a marriage? Because doing hard things is the very thing that makes us more like Jesus my friend. It transforms our character into His; something God predestined "those who love Him" to be. 

So no matter what situation you might find yourself in today, whether its' good, bad, or even downright ugly, smile and look up. If you are a child of God, the promise that all things will work together for your good is true. Every one of His promises have been thoroughly tested and have always been true. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Romans 8:28 and 8:29 that remind us that no matter what we face in life that You will work it for our good. Help us to trust that promise and to lift up our hands in praise and gratefulness when we are going through hardships knowing that You will use these problems to conform us into Your image. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We're all on a mission

"Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 NIV

Like thousands of other runners around the world this weekend, I will be joining friends to complete the Marine Corps Marathon virtually while countless others will be running the streets of Arlington, VA for the in-person event taking place on Saturday. Nicholas Panebianco will be one of those runners as reported by Channel 4 in Washington. Described as a "Man on a Mission," Nicholas is set on completing his 100th marathon that day and says he takes his races very seriously. “It is a lot about believing that you can finish, staying strong mentally and taking it a piece at a time,” said Panebianco, who trains for his marathons year-round. Although Panebianco is unaware of how many more races he would like to run, he is sure this weekend’s marathon will not be his last. Nicholas went on to say, "I’m amazed every time I cross the finish line. I truly am. And I don’t take it for granted.”

And you know, when it comes to undertaking a task that one considers to be a very important duty, each and every believer should be "on a mission" as well; a mission to continue the work of Jesus on this earth. This was something Jesus made very clear when He said to the disciples, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." After having said that, Jesus then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." Christ not only made their mission clear, a mission that is of the greatest importance and given to every believer, but He gave them the Holy Spirit to enable them to carry out that mission. 

So knowing that we have received the same Holy Spirit that was in Jesus and in the disciples, the same Spirit that empowered and enabled them to do the Father's will, let us make every effort to fulfill the most important duty anyone could ever be called to complete. Let us continue the work that Jesus began by imitating Him until the day He calls us home or until we reach the final finish line, not slowing down in our pursuit to do so for even one moment. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have a duty to preach the Good News and to minister to the lost and hurting. Remind us again Lord that You have given us the Holy Spirit to direct, guide, comfort, strengthen, and embolden us to be hardworking, courageous men and women intent on fulfilling the mission You have given us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Look out for others

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 BSB

In a world where we are not only told to "look out for number one" but applauded for it, it was quite refreshing to read the story of 14-year-old runner Susan Bergeman. This teen Cross Country runner pushes her brother in a wheelchair so they can compete together. Susan Bergeman, 14, says running cross county races together has strengthened an already tight bond with her 15-year-old brother Jeffrey. “He loves running,” the Chippewa Falls High School runner says. “I think it helps me get even closer to my brother.” Susan was a year old when Jeffrey, then 22-months-old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that deprived his brain of oxygen for 20 minutes. Jeffrey was left with severe brain damage and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. “They’ve always had this very close relationship and she’s never really seen him any other way,” Jess Bergeman, the mother of Susan and Jeffrey, says. “They’ve grown up together and this has always been her normal.”  And get this, not only does Susan push Jeffrey, she can't compete in an official capacity (per the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association rules) so her race times are neither logged nor counted like those of the other runners. Talk about laying aside selfish ambition. 

And you know, when it comes to "looking out for number one," the Bible is clear that we are to be humble and "consider others more important" than ourselves; something that is completely contrary to the world's view but is the exact thing that will demonstrate the love of Christ to a world so desperately in need of seeing it and feeling it. You see, Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He did nothing out of "selfish ambition or empty pride" and neither should we. Can you imagine how our world would look if we all adopted this attitude? If we were more concerned with the feelings and welfare of "others" than our own? 

So in a world where you can be anything... strive to be like Jesus my friend. He served as the ultimate example of what it means to consider others more important than ourselves. Let us follow that example step by step so the world would come to know Him by our actions. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that "looking out for number one" goes directly against the way a believer should think and act. Give us a heart like Jesus that we might love and serve as He did, putting others needs and feelings before our own. Remind us Lord that only what we do for You will last. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Intrinsic Motivation

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about one of the main reasons urunners sign up for races... the frills. What exactly are frills you might ask? As defined by Cambridge Dictionary, frills are extra things that are added to something to make it more pleasant or more attractive, but that are not necessary.

Which begs the question? What's considered necessary to actually run a race like the Bass Pro Marathon/Half or the Dogwood Canyon trail run? If shirts and medals come to mind, you're wrong. Technically the only thing you needed to complete a running event is the right clothing—shoes, shirt, shorts, socks, hat, etc.(GPS watches aren't even a necessity)—sufficient water and food. Now on to the next question... would you run a difficult race like Dogwood Canyon knowing that you would NOT be getting a medal or shirt upon crossing the finish line? This is a timely and legitimate question considering that the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series Team recently opened up some coveted slots to participate in the sold-out Dogwood Canyon Weekend. The only caveat? They are "no frills" spots... in their words, "People who receive these spots will wait to receive medals and shirts until after the Dogwood Canyon weekend." Even then, there's no guarantee that a person will receive these items. So would you still show up to the start line of this iconic trail run if given the chance?

Well personally I would give an emphatic "Yes!" as my response. Why? Because I am intrinsically motivated to run. What does that mean exactly and why am I talking about it you might be wondering? Well... Intrinsic motivation is defined as the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. When intrinsically motivated, a person is moved to act for the fun or challenge entailed rather than because of external products, pressures, or rewards. And I'm talking about it because when our behavior is driven by internal rewards, we are more likely to be motivated to complete something hard and will enjoy the activity more. So what kind of internal rewards could you and I expect to receive from running in one of the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events? While there are many, here are five... 

1.Time spent with friends. This one is so underrated and yet one of the strongest intrinsic motivators around. Doing hard things with friends simply because you want to be with them is infinitely more valuable than any medal, buckle or plaque that you and I could ever receive. I don't know about you but my medals are at home collecting dust while the memories of the time I've spent with running buddies is always fresh in my mind and has the power to put a smile on my face like nothing else can. In fact, many of those memories can cause me to spontaneously bust out in laughter. This is definitely a great reason to get out there sans shirt and medal. 

2. Taking in the sights and smells of fall. If you've never run the streets of Springfield or the trails of Lampe in November, you'll never fully understand the sheer joy that being out in nature provides. I can almost smell the brisk fall air and picture the courses as I write this. The Bass Pro Marathon/Half will take you through some of the most beautifully established neighborhoods of Greene County, where you'll experience firsthand the brilliance of the changing leaves while the Dogwood Canyon trail runs will take you to the heights of the Ozark Mountains where the views will make your jaw drop. Witnessing all this God-given beauty for yourself is motivation in itself to step up to the start line. 

3. The satisfaction of completing something the majority of people never will. With or without a medal, when you complete something hard like a marathon or a difficult trail run, you gain self confidence. Those things you once considered too hard to do, you now consider possible. Running takes you from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset... especially when it's done for no other reason than to prove it's possible. That's where the pleasure comes from. 

4. Running on terrain that is new, exciting and challenging. If pavement is your thing, kudos to you. But trail running is where it's at. Especially when those trails offer water crossings and gnarly elevation gain. The opportunity to traverse unchartered territory doesn't come every day so take advantage of it. 

5. The finish line.  Awwww.... the coveted finish line. The place where your dreams, hard work, discipline and months of training pay off. This is the place where you can raise your hands in victory, smile, high-five your friends, and then head to the food. After all, doesn't food motivate every runner? 

So there you have it friends. There are so many reasons to run besides a shirt and a medal. Especially when you take the time to remember that you can't take anything with you when you go. So enjoy today while you still have it and dare to do things just to do them! You'll soon find that your intrinsic motivation to run for the sheer joy of it far outweighs your desire for those "frills" that will be relished for a time and then be put on a shelf. And if you haven't signed up for one of the "no frills" spots at Dogwood Canyon, what are you waiting for? The Branson hills are calling your name. 

Happy Running!!!

Be persuasive

"Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.'" John 4:39 ESV

Upon finishing our group run Saturday morning, the conversation turned to the upcoming events many of us have on our racing calendars. "Will you be joining us at the Heroes Marathon in Rolla?" I asked my friend, Leah. Knowing she was trained up and more than capable of running 13.1 miles, I then said “They also have a half distance. You really should join us. We are going to have so much fun!" I didn't give our conversation any more thought until I received a message from Leah Sunday evening, "Hi! Quick question if you see it... I'm looking at the registration for the hero's half in Rolla. Do you know if the shirts are unisex? I'm assuming so, but thought I'd check just in case you knew. I looked for a size chart, but I didn't see one. Thanks!" Laughing to myself, I responded, "Unisex yes. Are you in????" "Yes, I'm in," she wrote and then added, "You're very persuasive..." Having been told that before, I laughed even harder and then replied," Hahahhahaa!!!! Best compliment ever!!!! May our pursuits “persuade” others to jump in the race to the foot of the Cross with us!"

And you know, all joking aside, there is no greater thing that you and I could ever "persuade" someone to do than to make the decision to follow Jesus Christ. And the best way you and I can do that is to simply share our testimonies, or the story of how Jesus changed our lives. Why? Because testimonies have great power. Think about it... Leah was inspired to register for the race based on the positive testimony of my experience that I relayed to her. In the same way, the Bible tells us that "many Samaritans... believed in him because of the woman's testimony." Is that amazing or what? By simply stating the facts, "He told me all that I ever did," people were persuaded to believe in the One the woman at the well boasted of. 

So don't be shy about sharing what the Lord has done for you today my friend. Tell the tale of who you were before Christ and who you are now. Your simple story could very well persuade a lost friend, a family member, or even a complete stranger to believe in Him. Our testimonies are that powerful!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our testimonies were not meant to be kept to ourselves. The stories of your goodness, grace, mercy, and love in the lives of believers have the power to persuade even the most reluctant person to seek the One who works all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Help us to be bold in witnessing Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run to win

“Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 CEB

After having what BAA (Boston Athletic Association) and Adidas athlete, Erika Kamp, described as a disappointing performance at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials (she dropped out of the 10,000 meters) in June—Erika got what she needed to make a comeback recently. The day before Erika Kemp raced the USATF 20K Championships in New Haven, Connecticut on September 6, her coach, Mark Carroll, shared a suggestion on the drive up from Boston that caught her off-guard. “[He said] you’re in really good shape. You can compete with these women. Run to win this thing,” Kemp, 26, told Runner’s World. After processing her coach’s recommendation, Kemp bought into the idea. “I was a little hesitant, but also like, I’m not going to argue with you,” she said. “So, hearing him say ‘run to win’ definitely changed my mentality a little bit.”

And you know, when it comes to running the spiritual race that is set before us, you and I would do well to listen to the words of Paul who, after reminding the church at Corinth that only one runner “gets the prize” told them to “run to win.” Doing this not only means developing the mindset that says, “I will run with all my might. I will not compromise, look back or slow down for even one moment,” but mustering the discipline and strength to make it happen. You see, without effort and self-control, nothing of value can ever be obtained... especially the reward of eternal life that awaits the runner who runs in such a way to obtain “the prize.”

So run to win my friend. Pursue righteousness with a full-out effort, expending every last bit of energy you have in doing so. This will not only ensure that you make it to the finish line yourself but that you will inspire others to join you along the way. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that pursuing You is worth our all-out effort. Lord please give us the passion and strength to glorify You with every step we take in this race. Help us to run with endurance until we make it to the finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!!!

  

Play the hand you’re dealt

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing," Philippians 2:14-15 ESV

In a story published by The Southern Illinoisan on Wednesday, the following was said about Pope County's Vance Hertter: Play the hand you’re dealt. Life may have dealt from the bottom of the deck to Vance Hertter, but to say he’s made the most of his hand is a gross understatement. When the Pope County senior steps to the starting line Saturday at the Class 1A Carterville Regional, he’ll aim for his second straight trip to the sectionals. This is in addition to being on pace to being the class valedictorian and his sectional trip in speech and drama last year. Oh, and he’s legally blind. “When they measure vision, most people are 20-20,” Hertter said last week. “I have to be 20 feet away to see what a normal person sees from 400 feet away.” Vision is one thing. The ability to dream is another. The story went on to say that, Hertter has a realistic chance to earn a second sectional trip on Saturday. The Carterville course is where he posted his personal best time on Sept. 27, clocking a 17:53.9 at the Carterville Invitational. Coming in off a third place finish at last week’s Greater Egyptian Conference meet, Hertter is confident he can lace up his shoes at the sectionals on Oct. 30. And why not? As he’s shown through his first 18 years on earth, Hertter is able to do things others would term improbable. Do you just love this or what? Talk about making the most of a less than optimal situation.

And you know, if playing the hand you're dealt means to refrain from complaining about not having an optimal situation but just dealing with things as they are and making the best of it that you can, you and I would do well to take heed of Paul's instruction to "Do all things without grumbling or disputing...." You see, when you and I grumble or complain about our circumstances, we take our eyes off God and place them on ourselves. We say things like, "life just isn't fair" or "why me?" All things that keep us from allowing God to use our less than optimal situations to show what can be accomplished by His strength.

So if you feel as if you've been dealt a life from the bottom of the deck, refuse the urge to complain or grumble in discontent my friend. Instead look up and say, "Lord, I don't understand my situation but I know that You do. I also know that You have a purpose for it. Help me make the most of my life and bring You glory in the midst of my less than optimal circumstances.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You can redeem every less than favorable circumstance. Cause us to look to You during our trials and troubles so that we could smile in the midst of them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

God will use evil for good

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV

While looking down at my feet yesterday, feet that were still swollen from running the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd (a 100-mile race) over the weekend, I thought back to the moment when this all started. The moment when I went from being a recreational runner to a runner with a purpose—a journey that eventually led to the formation of the Frog Fitness Group Ministry and a path that would allow me to use running to share the Good News of the Gospel. It all began in the summer of 2007 when my then nine-year old son's best friend's dad, Jon Gray, was diagnosed with brain cancer after collapsing on the soccer field where our kids were playing. The family, which included his wife and three other children, was not only devastated by the diagnosis but was hard-pressed to replace the income Jon provided. And that's when I prayed, "Lord, what can I do to help this family?" This prayer led to a meeting with some of our mutual friends which led to the Marathon of Hope... a 26.2 mile benefit run (and my first marathon) that was held on October 20, 2007 and raised enough money to meet the immediate needs of the Gray family. But more importantly, it set into motion a chain of events that might never have happened otherwise. And now, 14 years later, I'm running ultra marathons, writing a Christian blog, the Frog Fitness Group is putting on more than 16 running events every year, and its' members are actively planting seeds within our community and beyond. Is that amazing or what?

And you know what's even more amazing? The same God who used Jon's seemingly bad situation for good has been doing this type of thing for thousands of years. Consider the story of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, and Jacob's first son through his favored wife, Rachel. Joseph’s brothers knew their father loved Joseph the most, which caused them to hate Joseph. To make matters worse, Joseph began relating his dreams to them—prophetic visions showing himself one day ruling over his family. The hatred his brothers had then became so intense that they sold Joseph into slavery where his journey to becoming the ruler of Egypt, second only to the king, began—a position that put him in the right place at the right time to save his family and countless others from starvation when a great drought struck the land. This led Joseph to say, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

So if you’re going through a trying time right now (like most of the world is), hold tight my friend. Pray and be confident that God will use it all for good. Then be patient because it may not happen overnight. It certainly didn't for Joseph or for Jon, but you can be sure that it will... because our God is just so good like that. 

Heavenly Father, You are such an amazing God! All throughout the Bible are stories of how You used evil for good. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of one or those stories Lord. I am honored beyond words. I pray that You would strengthen the hearts of those suffering today by reminding them that You can and will use those things intended to harm us for good. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Running is a blessing

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about some of the ways running blesses us. Why? Because counting our blessings reminds us just how fortunate we are to have the gift of movement, which helps to keep us motivated to continue lacing up our shoes day after day. 

And counting blessings is something you can be sure that Minnesota runner, Megan Roth, is doing today. The reason why was posted on October 19 in a story titled, "'So blessed to be here': Minnesota runner home and recovering after suffering cardiac arrest during Boston Marathon." 

MINNEAPOLIS — Motherhood is Meghan Roth's new passion, but if anything is to take second place, it would be running. "I've been doing marathons for 12-plus years," Meghan said. The Twin Cities resident has finished 13 marathons and even qualified for the Olympic Trials during the 2019 Boston Marathon, which she couldn't wait to conquer again after giving birth. Meghan trained and ran a half marathon in preparation. "As far as I knew I was in the best shape of my life," she said. That's how it felt for the first seven miles last week in Boston. But then, on mile eight, she suddenly felt fuzzy and blacked out. "Everything seemed completely fine, so it was literally seconds and I was collapsed to the ground," Meghan said. She had gone into cardiac arrest. "Meghan was blue in the face when I got there," said Tanner Smith from Las Vegas. Thankfully, Smith, a physician's assistant, and Nick Haney, a firefighter from Oregon, were running close behind her in the race. The friends took turns performing CPR. "I had looked down at Meghan and once Tanner had taken over, that's when I could tell her color had come back. The compressions were doing what we needed them to do," Haney said. Meghan woke up in the ambulance — angry and frustrated. "There were so many emotions at once," she said. But when the near-death experience sunk in, she thought of Jaxon. "Just the thought of never seeing him again, it's just the worst feeling in the world and I'm just so blessed to be here. I'm so happy to be home," she said. Happy to be home and happy to thank those who helped save her.

I don't know about you but that story certainly struck a chord with me. It had me thinking about how unpredictable life is... even for us runners who tend to be in better physical health than the majority of the population. "I'm so blessed to be here," Meghan said. Aren't we all blessed to be here? Of course. And if you have the ability to run today, consider yourself doubly blessed because running gives us so many more reasons to be thankful. Here are just a few.... 

Running allows a person to not only see the world but to actually experience it in a way that can only be described as magical. The sights, sounds and smells of nature are only appreciated in their entirety when a person is in the midst of them, traveling at a slow pace, and being consciously present. Is there any other activity that offers these perks? And that's not even talking about how great it is to feel the warmth of a new sunrise on your skin or the mist of the morning air in your lungs. Running has the innate ability to grant us full access to a world of beauty that we can experience with all of our senses—which reminds us of how blessed we are to be here. 

Running allows you to form lasting friendships.... friendships that just make life more fun. So much fun, in fact, that if you ask any runner why they keep doing things that cause pain (like running halves, fulls and ultras), they'll most likely tell you that it's because of their friends. I know that's one of main reasons I keep getting suckered (I mean influenced LOL) into running long distances. The fun totally outweighs any of the negative consequences that running brings. And besides, who needs toenails when you have great running buddies right? 

Running shows you that you are capable of much more than you could ever imagine. Whether it's completing your first 5k, a very hilly and challenging Run the Rock 6-miler, or a marathon, every finish line is a reminder that hard work pays off and gives you a reason to keep putting in the effort despite the pain. And what's even better is that those lessons aren't left behind on the racecourse. They carry over into life. The grit, perseverance, discipline and determination gained during training will benefit you on your job, in your friendships and with your family. Running gives a person increased confidence and improved self esteem. It makes a person say, "I completed the Bass Pro marathon, there's nothing that I can't do." 

Running teaches us things about ourselves. It reveals our character strengths and our weaknesses in a way that no other activity could. And here's something, written by Amby Burfoot that nearly every runner will eventually learn... Running has taught me, perhaps more than anything else, that there's no reason to fear starting lines... or other new beginnings. How's that for a great life lesson? 

Well there you have it friends. Running really is a blessing in more ways than one and should never be taken for granted. So the next time you lace up your shoes, say a prayer of thanksgiving before heading out the door. It will remind you that running is a beautiful and priceless gift that allows us to see how wonderful life truly is. Hope to see you at the Bass Pro start line soon! 

Happy Running!

God provides everything we need

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 4:19 NIV

"This is not good," I thought to myself immediately after receiving the email that the new pair of running shoes I desperately needed for last weekend's ultra would be a day late. "Okay Melissa, don't panic. God knows what you need and will be faithful to provide it." And sure enough He did. After checking two different shoe stores on my way to the race and being told by both that my size and model were on back-order, my buddy, Ed, called me out of the blue. “Jill and I are on our way to the race,” he said. “Do you need anything?” And then, after explaining my predicament, Ed made a few phone calls and then messaged me that my shoes would be arriving at the start line Saturday morning via his friend, Kathy, who just so happened to work at a running store in Tulsa, and just so happened to also be running the race. Do you just love that or what? God is always arranging these “just so happened” moments to give us what we need. 

And you know, when it comes to having what we need to run our spiritual race, the Bible is clear that God was, is, and always will be faithful to provide every thing that is necessary for us to have to make it to the finish line. This is something Paul clearly understood and was confident in when he told the church at Philippi that His God would meet all their needs “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” And you can be sure that the same God who was faithful in Paul’s day is still faithful today. Those “just so happened” moments prove it over and over. 

So knowing that God can and will provide everything you need to fulfill the calling He has placed on your life, step out in faith and run with all your might my friend. Trust Him to do what He has been faithful to do since the beginning of time and prepare to be amazed! 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us once again that You are faithful to provide everything we need to fulfill the calling of the church. Lord, help us to remember that You have unlimited resources and unlimited power to do this so that we would never doubt the possibility. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The morning brings hope

"Answer me quickly, Lord;my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:7-8 NIV

As I stepped up to the start line of the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd early Saturday morning, I smiled. "This is going to be great Lord. I can't wait to experience some of those 'gently rolling hills' the race description described." But I soon discovered very quickly that those 'gently rolling hills' were anything but gentle. Those hills were very rocky, very steep, and at times, very hard to navigate. Especially as the day turned into night and my dear friend and pacer, Gretchen, joined me for what was to be the last 40 miles of the run. "I'm so sorry," I said to her as she started her shift. "This course is way more difficult than I told you it would be. It's covered with a lot of big rocks and is super hilly. In fact, it's downright difficult." But as she and I headed out, we could never have imagined how 'downright difficult' it would really be. Not only did she and I have to contend with the rocky course and the elevation, but the temperatures dropped to the point that we were shivering before a deep fog moved in, greatly limiting our vision and making us even colder. As we pressed on I told her at one point, "I'm so discouraged. This is so hard and I know we both want to give up. But if we can just keep moving until the sun comes up, everything will change." And sure enough, it did. As the sun began to rise Sunday morning, Gretchen and I became downright giddy. "We can do this!" I told her. "We sure can," she replied smiling. 

And you know, there will come a time in every believers life when they will become discouraged or lose hope. Even David, described as a man after God's own heart, experienced these feelings. So much so that he beseeched the Lord to act quickly before his depression deepened and said, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you." David knew, as Gretchen and I did, that if he could just press on through the hardships darkness brings that his hope would be restored in the morning. Gretchen and I had faith that the new sunrise would remind us of God's "unfailing love" and give us a renewed strength and will to press on. And let me tell you... the dawning of a new day was just what we needed. 

So friend, if you're feeling down, discouraged, or despondent today, don't lose hope. Go out and watch a new sunrise and let it remind you of God's "unfailing love" for you; a love that will give you strength through the hardest times of your life and compel you to press on to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that when we place our trust in You, we have no reason to be shaken. Lord, in the dark and difficult days that are sure to plague every believer (especially in the days to come), help us to remember that You are in complete control, that we can call on You to save us, and that every new sunrise is a reminder of your promises to us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Our faith inspires others

"Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.'" Mark 2:4-5 NIV

In a heartwarming moment captured by WBZ on Monday, three Boston marathoners were seen carrying a fellow runner to the finish line — putting her down a little before it so she could cross on her own. It seems Emily Edquist, from Georgia, Samantha Renzi, from California, and Kristina Schunk, from Minnesota, spotted Luz Blakney, from Virginia, struggling to finish so they decided to stop and help her. WMZ later tweeted "This is what the #BostonMarathon spirit is all about - coming together to help a fellow runner get to the finish line!" Emily responded to the tweet by writing, "It was an honor to help her out! Boston marathon truly showed how amazing people are." And then Luz, ever so thankful for her new friends, tweeted this reply, "Emily thank you so much! And I am so sorry for slowing you down!! I am so grateful to have you right there next to me on that moment. Forever grateful!!" Responding to that, Heidi Edquist summed up the event with this tweet, "The runners legs cramped and gave way. She needed help to get to the side for the sake of her safety as well as the other runners. That little lift from strangers helped her enough to continue and she finished on her OWN strength to the finish line!" Do you just love that or what? Kind of restores your faith in humanity a little bit, doesn't it?

And you know, when it comes to restoring someone's faith or inspiring them to seek Jesus, the Bible tells us the story of a paralytic man who had some pretty amazing friends. So amazing, in fact, that upon hearing that Jesus was in town, the four buddies brought the man to see Him. But "since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on." And this is where it gets good. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.'" Did you get that part? When Jesus saw the faith of the friends? And not only did Jesus forgive the man's sins, He healed him... something that you can be sure restored the faith of all those watching. Do you just love that or what?

So knowing that putting our faith into action inspires others to seek Him, look for moments and ways that you can give a friend or a stranger that "little lift" they might need to make it to the finish line. You'll never know the effects doing something so simple will have.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that doing Your will is infinitely more important than following our own. In this race of life, remind us that ONLY what we do for You will have eternal value and is worth pursuing. Knowing that Lord, let us never hesitate to help someone in need... even if it costs us our own race knowing that you will get the glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Emotional abuse is harmful

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. " Corinthians 13:4 NIV

In an article posted yesterday by U.S. News, it was reported that distance runner Mary Cain filed a $20 million lawsuit against a former coach and their employer, Nike, accusing them of inflicting years of emotional and physical abuse. Mary Cain, 25, said she suffered long-term and permanent injuries, "loss of dignity, pride, self-esteem, developed an eating disorder, major depressive disorder" and post-traumatic stress due to training under coach Alberto Salazar at the sports giant's Nike Oregon Project, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Salazar callously controlled every aspect of Cain's life for four years and Nike should have warned her about the coach's "emotional and physically abusive behavior with female athletes," Kristen West McCall, a Portland lawyer representing Cain, said.

And you know, while the Bible doesn't actually use the words emotional abuse to describe what Cain suffered, the Bible is very clear that love the way God intended it to be is patient, kind, and humble among other things. Emotional abuse then, which can be difficult to measure and even more difficult to talk about, is behavior contrary to the godly love Paul described in 1 Corinthians. Additionally, emotional abuse can take many forms, including recurring verbal assaults, threats, and insults; and recurring non-verbal rejection, neglect, and isolation. And since emotional abuse is as detrimental to our health as physical abuse, you and I must refuse to either practice it or accept it. 

So if you're like millions of other people in the world today who have emotional scars from this type of abuse, take heart my friend. God is in the business of healing all those who are brokenhearted and binding up the deepest of wounds. Simply cry out to Him and watch what He can do. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You can heal any wounds, even the ones that aren't visible on the outside. Lord, remind us that our words and actions have the power to build up or to tear down so that we would always be kind, loving, and patient. Lord, if there's someone reading this today that is suffering from emotional abuse, I pray that they turn to You for discernment, strength and guidance. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION- Lessons from Boston

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what you and I can learn from the 125th running of the Boston Marathon by looking at the results and highlights Runner's World Magazine posted after Monday's race. 

1. After a cancellation and postponement due to coronavirus, the Boston Marathon was finally held on October 11. 20,000 entrants took to the streets of Beantown hoping for personal bests and almost 20,000 more competed virtually, making it the largest Boston Marathon field ever. Lesson: Life isn't fair. Continue training. Stay hopeful and keep pressing on despite how bleak the future looks. 

2. Kenyan Diana Kipyokei, in her World Major Marathon debut, took down four previous Boston Marathon champions to win in 2:24:45. Kipyokei ran a big negative split after going through 13.1 miles in 1:14:11. Lesson: Always shoot for that negative split (a racing strategy that involves completing the second half of a race faster than the first half by intentionally setting off at a slower initial pace, followed by a gradual or sudden increase of speed towards the end of the race). Doing so has many benefits in life and in running, including:

• Negative splitting helps build discipline, subverting the natural instinct to begin running as fast as possible. It takes self-restraint to allow others to run ahead and not be pulled along. 
• Starting slow allows your body to compensate for the lactic acid production and low oxygen levels that result from exertion. Lactic acid buildup may cause a runner to slow down unintentionally. 
• Progressively increasing speed in any race allows you to focus on passing each person running directly ahead. This keeps your mind focused on the finish line rather than the pain. 

3. Benson Kipruto Outlasts the Pack. Benson Kipruto broke away from the pack in the final kilometers to take the men’s race in 2:09:51. The 30-year-old Kenyan continues a strong year of racing, as he also won the Prague Marathon on May 30. Lesson: Don't be afraid to break away from the pack or the group of friends you might be running with. Doing so will not only allow you to go at your own pace (a pace that is many times faster than the group you're running with) but to see and experience new things you wouldn't otherwise. Things like meeting new runners and interacting with the people on the sidelines who are there to cheer you on. 

4. CJ Albertson Takes a Risk, Gets Top-10 Finish. American CJ Albertson is known for his feats of distance running strength. He owns the records for fastest marathon on an indoor track and the fastest 50K on an outdoor track. Today at the Boston Marathon, he aimed to add a new item to his list of achievements—winning the Boston Marathon. He took the lead immediately after the start and held onto it for nearly three-quarters of the race. At one point, he was ahead of the pack by over 2 minutes. Although the pack caught and eventually passed him after 20 miles, Albertson managed to hang on to run 2:11:44 for a 10th place finish. Lesson: Don't be afraid to take a risk or to intentionally put yourself in a position where you might fail. At best, you will accomplish something you never thought you could. And at worst, you won’t. But guess what? Lack of success isn't the worst thing you could experience by taking a risk. If you learn from what went wrong and use that knowledge, you will be one step closer to accomplishing that thing your heart desires and you've been training so hard for. So keep taking risks!

5. Swiss Paralympian Marcel Hug took home his fifth Boston Marathon title, but the win is bittersweet as he missed breaking his own course record by just a few seconds. Focused on finishing hard, Hug missed the crucial final turn onto Boylston Street. He had to turn around, costing him valuable time and momentum, in order to correct his mistake. He ended up finishing in 1:18:11, seconds above his record set in 2017. Lesson: Be thankful for what you have. Don't let the frustration over what you weren't able to do steal your joy over what you could do. Always focus on the positive and learn to be content with whatever life throws your way. 

6. Danica Patrick and Other Notable Runners Finish Boston Strong. Danica Patrick turned from car racing to marathon racing, completing the Boston course in 4:01:21. Patrick, who retired from NASCAR in 2018, decided to sign up with her sister and their friend. Patrick ran to raise money for the Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Super Bowl Champion Matt Light and his wife, Susie, dedicated to helping students from underserved areas develop skills and values to help them build their futures. Always look for ways to make the most of your God-given talents and platforms. Danica was a talented racecar driver for NASCAR who took her passion for racing not only into running but into raising money for a good cause. She used the gift of running to benefit an organization that helps young adults be the best they can be. 

7. Schar Defends Her Boston Title. Manuela Schar won her second Boston Marathon in three years, after taking the victory at the last in-person event in 2019. She finished in 1:35:21, nearly 15 minutes faster than the next racer, Tatyana McFadden. Lesson: Don't sit on the successes of the past. Always strive to be better. Don't look to match what you did yesterday or at your last race, look to surpass it by consistently putting in the training.

8. Shalane Flanagan Finishes Major Marathon Number Four. After running the Chicago Marathon yesterday, Shalane Flanagan finished in 2:40:34 at Boston. It was the fourth race in her quest to complete all six marathon majors in 42 days. Lesson: Live your best life now. Don't put off until tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year the things that you want to do today. Is there a race on your bucket list that you've been putting off? Get signed up and start training to complete it. Life is short at best and certainly isn't guaranteed. 

9. Golden Retriever Survives Tumor to Once Again Cheer on Marathoners. After 2018’s Boston Marathon, an unlikely star made waves across the Internet. A golden retriever named Spencer held Boston Strong flags in his mouth to cheer on runners pushing through the cold and wet conditions. In 2019, he returned to the same spot again. But in 2020, the Boston Marathon was canceled due to COVID-19. Instead of being on the sidelines, Spencer was in surgery having a tumor removed. Despite the difficulty of the procedure, Spencer pulled through. This morning, two and a half years since his last Boston Marathon, he took his rightful place between miles two and three. Lesson: Rise up after every difficulty. This goes without saying but there will come a time in every runner's life (if they are consistent and stick with it long enough), when they will be sidelined by injury, work/family commitments, life struggles or illness. There's just no getting around it. Determine that you will be that runner who gets up every time you are knocked down though. And then, no matter how long it takes or how hard it is, get back up!

10. Last but not least, this was not published by Runner's World but posted by my friend, Robin Chevalier, who was one of those 20,000 runners who completed the 125th running of the Boston Marathon virtually. In the early morning hours on Friday, I ran my 6th marathon - The Boston Marathon Virtual! Powered by prayer and encouragement! Last spring, the Boston Marathon opened up their race to virtual participants. Knowing I will never time qualify for the actual Boston Marathon (maybe when I'm 90), I saw this as a great opportunity to participate in their event. Training proved to be challenging with asthma issues, a possible foot injury, and ongoing responsibilities. My longest run was 17.5 miles and essentially, I was rarely getting my weekly runs in, but always the long run on the weekend. The long and short....I was the most under-trained I had ever been for a race this distance. Picking the coolest temperature day of the three allotted days, I set out to Get'er Done! I knew it would be challenging, but I reached my goal of finishing! My time was slower than I had hoped, now sporting a couple of blisters, but so MANY things to be thankful for - Friendships, Prayers, Opportunity, Goal Completion, and Encouragement from other running friends!  Lesson: You may be down but you're never out when you keep a positive attitude. Robin acknowledged the things that were not working in her favor (lack of training, physical ailments, work deadlines, and family obligations) but chose to focus on the things that were in her favor... cool temps, a chance to participate in an iconic race that she most likely would never be able to run without a virtual option, and friends to encourage her along the way. This positive attitude helped her reach her goal and get'er done! Do you just love that or what? 

So there you have it friends... there's a lot to be learned from the marathon, whether it's the Boston Marathon or the Bass Pro Marathon (or half). But one of the greatest lessons learned from racing (especially long-distance racing) is this... you are capable of much more than you think. But you will never know how much until you take a risk and step up to the start line. It's there that the excitement begins and you begin to discover new things about yourself! So get out there and get to training. You have a race coming up!

Happy Running!!!

There is nothing to fear

“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:6-7 NIV

While talking to several of the other runners following the Bass Pro Marathon training group run on Saturday, the conversation inevitably turned to running shoes and when to replace them. “I’m going to need new shoes after this race," one of the girls said to me laughing as she looked down at her current ones. "I think I'm going to wait until after Thanksgiving and look for some Black Friday deals though." "I wouldn't do that if I were you," I responded shaking my head. "Shelves are getting very bare and more and more shoes are being listed as being on back-order. If you don't get them now, you may not be able to next month. I've been watching the trend speed up so I wouldn't put it off." "Are you kidding me?" she asked incredulously. And that's when my other friend who was walking with us spoke up, "Unfortunately Melissa's not kidding. There are all kinds of problems with supply chains on everything from food to fitness items right now and there looks to be no relief in sight." 

And you know, while I could sense the fear and apprehension this conversation brought to the group, I was thankful that I didn't share their feelings of trepidation, unease and consternation. In fact, I smiled inside knowing that I could trust the Lord completely to take care of me both now and in the days ahead... days that will get darker. And I have this confidence because the Bible is clear that the righteous, or those who have accepted Christ as Lord, "will never be shaken.” Therefore, they (that’s you and me) have no need to fear bad news since "their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." That means no matter what happens and no matter how bad things might appear, the righteous can still smile and say, "Thank you for the peace You give me Lord. I know everything will work out according to Your will and for that I will trust You.”

So friend, as we see more and more signs indicating that the end times are approaching, let us keep our eyes on the One who is in complete control. Let us stand firm and remain steadfast, immovable, and courageous—ever abounding in the work of the Lord, so that we will thrive during these times and lead others to do the same by our example. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple reminders that You can be trusted. There's nothing we could ever need that You can't provide, no problem we could ever have that You can't solve, and no foe that could ever come against us that You can't conquer. Thank You for your Word that reminds us of this truth. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Search and Rescue

"Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'" Luke 19:9-10 NIV

While most of the runners in the Midwest were complaining about the lingering heat Saturday morning, 87 runners participating in an ultramarathon had to be rescued from the mountains in Davis City, Utah after a snowstorm hit the area. At about 9:30 a.m., the Davis County Sheriff's Office was notified about an "emergency situation" involving 87 runners. They faced extreme weather, including 12-18 inches of snow and almost white-out conditions, according to a news release. The race was suspended, and the sheriff's office's search and rescue team responded on foot, with ATVs and snowmobiles to help the runners get down the mountain safely. Race organizers worked with the search and rescue volunteers to make sure all registered participants were accounted for, and the rescuers covered the entire course. All the runners were off the mountain by 2:45 p.m. Davis County Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks reminded people that venturing off into the great outdoors this time of year can be dangerous due to swift weather condition changes. "The rapid and collaborative response of our Search and Rescue volunteers, race organizers, and first responders from multiple agencies, resulted in minimal injuries and all runners returning home safely today. I extend my deep gratitude to everyone involved in this rescue effort,"  Sparks added. 

And, you know, when it comes to Search and Rescue missions, the Bible is clear that Jesus was (and still is) in the business of going out to "save the lost”... even at the cost of how doing so might appear to others. Consider Zacchaeus. He was not only a chief tax collector (a despised profession at that time) but a cheater and a traitor. And yet Jesus, who "came to seek and save the lost" loved him immensely. In fact, Christ loved Zacchaeus so much that he rejected the social pressure to avoid people such as this swindler and became a guest at his house; a Seek and Rescue mission that led Zacchaeus to repent and be saved. Is that a great story or what?

But the story doesn't end there my friend, it can't. Jesus is still in the business of performing Search and Rescue missions. But He is doing these missions through obedient people like you and me; people who aren't afraid or ashamed to reach out to the lost (many of them who might be considered dirty or untouchable because of their immoral behaviors or lifestyles) and lead them back to Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving all those the world says are too far gone to love and for using people willing to volunteer for the job of Search and Rescue to do it. Lord, break our hearts for what breaks Your's so we will be compelled to follow the example of Jesus and seek out the lost that they might hear the Good News and be saved. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!