All parts are important

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 NLT

In an article title "The Big Role Your Big Toe Plays in Running" published by Runner’s World recently, Ashley Mateo wrote, “There’s a lot going on in runners’ feet. Each one is made up of 26 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Of those, maybe you spend a lot of time stressing about your plantar fascia. Maybe tendonitis is your literal Achilles heel. Or maybe you spend too many runs worrying about what color your toenails will be at the end. But how much brain space do you dedicate to your big toe, specifically? We ask because it deserves your attention. A quick anatomy lesson: Your big toe, a.k.a. the hallux, consists of two joints—the interphalangeal joint (which is up by your nail), and the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the first long bone (metatarsal) in the forefoot to the first bone of the big toe (phalanx). The MTP joint is the important one for runners, because it needs to bend with every step you take—and if it isn’t doing that correctly, it could inhibit your performance.” In summary, she wrote, “the big toe’s role in running includes: pushing off in the drive phase of your gait, transferring weight forward, providing momentum to move in that direction and stabilizing the arch of the foot to help regulate pronation." Wow! That small body part is really needed isn’t it?

And you know, when it comes to body parts, the Bible is very clear that the church is like a human body in which there are various parts. Every part is really needed and all the parts exist to serve one another. Which means that while some parts might seem more honorable than others, every part is equally important. Think about it this way... while the pastor and the praise band might receive a lot of attention, they need the sound guy who rarely gets a second look or an accolade to make their voices heard. And let’s not forget the church secretary or the Sunday school teacher. One keeps the lights on while the other teaches about the Light. Do you get where I’m going with this? Each and every one of us has a part to play in making the church perform and function at its best—something that’s done when each believer uses their special gifts and talents to serve, knowing that their service is important. 

So no matter what “part” you might play in the body of Christ today, remember that it’s important my friend. And whether or not you’re ever acknowledged or thanked, remember this... God sees your actions and that’s what’s truly important. May our works and deeds be done to please only an audience of One.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how important each body part is by the analogy of the big toe. This small digit sure seems small, insignificant and even ugly at times but it’s sorely needed for us to run with endurance and to reach the finish line. Cause us to understand what our gift is within the church and to serve to the best of our ability giving all glory, praise and honor to you. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

His timing is perfect

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30 BSB

“Oh my goodness!! It was perfect timing this morning,” my dear friend Dawn texted me yesterday after the Lord arranged our sunrise meeting on her way to work. “Thank you for praying with me.” Upon reading the text, as I continued on my daily run after stopping to chat and pray with her, I smiled and replied, “God is so good Dawn! And so intimate. This morning reminded me that He truly cares about the little details in our lives. He cares when our hearts are troubled... literally. And sends believers to speak words of encouragement.” And I said this because Dawn’s heart truly was and is troubled; troubled by heart disease and the words she had heard from her doctor earlier in the week and the anxiety it caused.“My heart is only functioning at 39% Melissa. But I don’t feel bad. I had no idea that it was this bad," she told me. Struggling to hold back tears as I remembered how Dawn who is in her late-forties had suffered a heart attack last year, I replied, “In God’s hands, that 39% can function like 100%. Nothing is impossible for God. Just look at all the things you're able to do.” “I know,” came her reply as her eyes filled with tears. “Let’s pray,” I said as I reached for her hands. And pray we did. Right there on that dirt road where God had intersected our paths at the perfect time. Is God truly good or what?

But you know, that’s our God! As David knew, God is truly good and “His way is perfect.” That means God's love, God's goodness, God's plan, God's promises, God's word, God's protection and God's timing is perfect too. And it’s this perfect love the Father has for us that moves Him to personally arrange meetings such as the one between Dawn and me--a perfectly-timed appointment that provided the encouragement and prayer she so desperately needed. 

So no matter what you might be going through today my friend, let me remind you that our God is absolutely perfect as is His love for you and for me. And as this story shows, He will go to great lengths to prove it by personally orchestrating divine appointments that provide the perfect encouragement at the perfect time. Is that amazing or what? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that although You are above all, You care about the most intimate details of our lives. You care when we are hurting and You care when our hearts are downtrodden, so much so that You will bring people into our lives at the perfect time to pray with us and lift our spirits. Thank You for your perfect timing Lord. Help us to trust You all the more knowing that your perfect love for us will never fail. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Dealing with Disappointment

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about how a runner should deal with disappointment or as defined, sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations... especially when it comes to the nonfulfillment of their hopes to cross the finish line of a race they've been training hard for. Now whether or not this has happened to you yet, every runner WILL experience disappointment for one reason or another if they run long enough. Just ask my friend Shelley. She was all trained up for the Garmin Marathon Saturday and then life happened and disappointment set in. 

And this is how Shelley decided to deal with her disappointment, posting this the night before her 26.2 mile race... Back in December I decided to train for another marathon. I set my sites on the Garmin Marathon. 18 weeks, over 800 miles, chiropractor appointments, and acupuncture I was feeling ready!!!! What I wasn’t prepared for was illness. It hit me hard 6 days ago. Good news: not COVID. Bad news: my lungs hate me. I mean REALLY hate me. I had to make a decision and emailed the race Director two days ago. So here I sit in my hotel room in Olathe preparing to run the half marathon for fun with my girlfriends. Am I frustrated, yes. Did I have a huge crying fit to my husband a few days ago, you’re damn right I did. But this is life. And things don’t always go the way we want them to. I am happy that at least physically I am capable of muddling through 13.1 miles. It won’t be pretty but I’ll get it done. And make some memories with some great friends.

And this is what Shelley posted afterwards... Hello sub 2 hour half marathon. Man did I pull that out of my butt!  I almost had to drop at mile 4 after having a huge coughing fit but managed to pull it together. It definitely helped that I had trained to run twice the distance. Thank you everyone for the well wishes. Now to recover, recoup, and set some new goals. 

Okay, there are just so many things I love about Shelley’s attitude but here are the top three things I think we could (and should) all learn from her experience...

1. Disappointments, when overcome, can lead to great victories. Shelley said it herself... “it definitely helped that I had trained to run twice the distance.” Her extra training (that she would not have done otherwise) led to a sub 2-hour finish! How's that for turning disappointment into delight??? Which brings me to point number two.

 

2. Disappointments can only keep you from doing what you CAN if you let them. Refuse the urge to attend your own pity party when things don't go as you want them to. Voice your frustrations to your friends or spouse and then move on. Cut down on distance if you have to, just get out there. And if an injury or illness has you completely sidelined from running, think about volunteering instead. I've done this before and let me tell you, helping other runners fulfill their hopes and expectations will put a smile on your face and motivate you to hang in there until you're able to run again. 

3. When faced with disappointment, choose to smile and find the silver lining (and there is always a silver lining). Shelley knew that this 'change in plans' wasn't all bad. She found happiness in the knowledge that she was well enough to at least muddle through 13.1 miles. And running the half meant she would be making more memories with her friends (who were also doing the half). And isn't that what running's all about anyway? Having fun and making memories? 

Okay friends, so if you're like I was after reading Shelley’s posts and interested in the rest of the story, here it is. This is what Shelley had to say when I reached out to her and asked, "What motivated you to run your B race when the A one was a no-go? Why are you glad you did? And why is this a good attitude to adopt?" 

Long and short of last week: by Wednesday my respiratory infection went from bad to worse, just speaking threw me into coughing fits. After a long cry and pity party I faced the facts. I wasn’t injured but I was sick. So I e-mailed the race director and decided to at least try to run the half marathon (hey, I didn’t train 18 weeks for nothing). By race day, Saturday, I was better but nowhere close to well. The plan was simple: don’t blow away (sustained 25-30 mph winds) and don’t pop a lung. I lined up with the 2:30 pacer and went into cruise mode. Mile two I got into a groove and the next thing I knew I was passing the 2:25, then 2:20, then 2:15 pacers. Oh my! By mile 10 I could see the 2:00 pacer and said to myself “game on!” After all, I trained to run twice this distance. Lungs burned, body fighting a crazy head wind and 40 mph gusts but I was gaining ground. Mile 12.5 I passed her. I couldn’t believe I finished in 1:58. And so there you go. Casting all my fears aside, putting that race in His hands, and trusting my training I walked away from that race having accomplished another half. When life hands you lemons take the seeds and plant a tree. Something that will give you roots, nourishment, and life. Like what this running journey has given me. 

Anyone else picture Shelley walking away from that race like she had just done a mic drop??

So there you have it friends. Disappointment doesn't have to lead to dismay and despair if you have the right attitude. Remember that when life hands you lemons (and it always will), you can let them make you sour, sad and stagnant or you can, like Shelley said, take the seeds and plant a tree.... leaving you with sweet and beautiful memories to cherish forever. So when life happens and things don't go as planned, I hope you'll choose to plant a tree. Lemon trees just make the world a prettier place to be. 

HAPPY RUNNING!

 

Let regret motivate you

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,” Philippians 3:13 NIV

In an article titled “A 63-Year-Old Runner Changed the Way I Think About Regret,” Lindsay Crouse wrote, “Regret is self-defeating, backward-looking, a negative feeling to avoid at all costs. But for Mariko Yugeta, regret has been a propellant. At 63, the Japanese athlete has quietly become the fastest woman in her age group ever to finish a marathon. She’s a sexagenarian who is beating the times she chased as a promising amateur athlete in her 20s. After putting her athletic goals aside for decades to raise children and pursue a full-time career, in 2019 she became the first woman over 60 to run a marathon in under three hours. In January 2021, at age 62, she ran her fastest marathon ever, in 2:52:13 — meaning the world records she’s now breaking are the ones she set. As Yugeta reclaims the dreams she once abandoned, she says her athletic breakthrough is “fueled by regret." “I don’t think the feeling of regret is a negative emotion,” Yugeta told me. “What’s negative are thoughts like, ‘I can’t run fast anymore’ or ‘I’m too old to do this,’ and I think that it’s an entirely positive way to live, to use any regrets you might have as motivation to achieve a goal.” Crouse went on to say, “ I’d never heard of someone with a comeback story quite like Yugeta’s, which strikes me as a case study in how regret doesn’t have to drag us down. Used the right way, it can inspire us.”

And you know, if regret can be defined as sadness or disappointment over a lost opportunity, you and I would do well to follow the example of Paul who said, “ But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..” You see, Paul had a very checkered past. Before his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul had opposed Christianity and all those who practiced it so vehemently that he actively participated in the persecution of countless Jesus followers. As you can imagine, this left Paul with a lot of guilt that if not “used the right way” would have kept him from setting the world on fire for Christ. Paul not only refused to focus on the past, he vowed to completely devote the rest of his life to serving his blessed Savior to make up for the time he lost. In other words, Paul knew he couldn’t change the past but he could change the future and so used his regrets to motivate him to make the most of every moment he had left to evangelize the world.

So I don’t know about you my friend, but my biggest regret in life is that I didn’t wholeheartedly devote myself to serving Christ sooner. Which is the very reason that I, like Paul, am so zealous and enthusiastic now to know Him and to make His great name known. I want to make up for lost time by living every day forward with no regrets and I hope you do too.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that although we can’t get lost time back or undo any of the wrongs we might have committed, we CAN make the choice today to strain forward to what You have in store for us rather than to look back at our mistakes. Fill us with passion and zeal from this day forward to serve You all that we have Lord so we can avoid having anymore regrets. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The power of a friend

“But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19,20 NIV

After what can only be described as one of the most epic finishes I have ever been blessed to witness, my dear friend Gretchen posted, “I just want to post a shout-out to the one and only Linda Luckritz who completed her very first 5k this morning at the #FFG Donut run!! She has come back from so much adversity to achieve this goal and my heart is still beaming with joy for her!!!” And what made this finish even more unforgettable for Gretchen and me was not just how the Frog Fitness Group had banded together to cheer Linda on and celebrate her hard-earned victory but the story that was behind it; a story of friendship and one that was a year in the making. You see, Linda, a teacher who works with Gretchen, couldn’t even walk her students to the school bus a year ago. She knew she needed to make a change but didn’t know where to begin. And that’s where the story gets good. Gretchen invited Linda to attend the aqua running classes I’m so blessed to teach where she not only gained endurance but the courage and self-esteem she needed to eventually say to Gretchen, “I have a goal to walk a whole mile.” Linda reached that goal with Gretchen by her side every step of the way, then made bigger goals, and is now seemingly unstoppable. But that’s what good and godly friends do right? They inspire us to be the best that we can be.

And you know, good and godly friends will not only provide the support you and I need to overcome physical adversity but spiritual adversity as well. Consider Peter and John. Described as courageous, these disciples were boldly preaching the gospel when they were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin and commanded not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Rather than cower down to the threats of the council though, both Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” As this story shows, having a friend by our side is the very thing that can inspire us to be courageous and bold in the face of difficulty and unfavorable conditions.

So knowing the priceless value of having good and godly friends and being a part of good and godly groups, make every attempt to surround yourself with people that will inspire you to be the best that you can be both physically and spiritually. You’ll be so glad you did my friend. In fact you might even consider yourself unstoppable after doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that encouragement is very powerful as is the presence of a like-minded friend or group of them. Help us to be those people that preach the Good News and share Your love not only by our words but by our actions Lord. Cause us to continually look for ways to lift up our brothers and sisters and to inspire them to be the best they can be knowing that doing so will have a ripple effect. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Examine the claims

“‘I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.” Revelation 2:2 NLT

“That’s more like it,” I thought to myself yesterday on my morning run as I checked my pace on the brand new GPS watch I had recently received as part of a recall by the manufacturer. Long before I had received the recall notice though, I knew something was wrong; something the average runner might not have noticed. The pace the old watch was registering had become slightly too fast. And I know this because I began running before GPS watches were a ‘thing’ and had to learn how to calculate my speed manually; something that took lots of practice, time, and careful calculation. This was very crucial in my early years of running when attempting to PR or qualify for the Boston Marathon. It was a time when I had to rely on my math skills, mile markers and a simple Timex watch to predict my finishing time. Over the years, I've actually became so good at determining the pace I’m running at any given time that many of my running friends refer to me as a human GPS. Funny right?

And while that may indeed be funny, the increase of false teachers infiltrating the churches around the world is not. In fact it seems that the practice of holding teachers and leaders accountable to accurately preach and hold to the truths found in the Bible has been thrown aside; something that has led to the acceptance of false doctrines and unbiblical narratives and beliefs. So what is a Christian to do? Examine “the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not” and expose them as being liars so that people are not led astray. This was something the church at Ephesus was actually commended for, and the example every believer should be following.

So ‘learn how to calculate’ when something being preached just isn’t right by taking the time to examine the Word so you can detect when something's wrong. It’s the only way that you and I will be able to recognize liars and those who say they are apostles but are not.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are rewards for hard work, patient endurance, discernment, and staying true to the Word. Help us to not tolerate evil of any kind and to recognize and expose false teachers and false doctrine so that we might not be led astray. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

 

Be the someone that tells them

“For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:13,14 NLT

With the rain coming down in buckets and lightning in the forecast early yesterday morning, I decided to head to the pool (which is in an adjacent town) for a much-needed active recovery session. And since this is a drive I take 4-5 days a week for one reason or another anyway, I focused my thoughts more on the sermon I was listening to rather than the drive. That was until the Holy Spirit stirred up a memory along the route. “Oh my,” I thought to myself as I tried to hold back tears. “This is the spot five years ago that I came around the corner at the exact time a speeding car coming in the opposite direction hit a dip in the road and went airborne before crashing into the side of the building I am now staring at.” And although I was shocked upon seeing this, I immediately pulled over, put my vehicle in park, and ran across the highway to check on the driver. Fearing the worst after seeing the young man behind the drivers seat covered in blood, I dialed 911 and then immediately looked him in the eye and said, “Do you know Jesus as your Savior?” because I just couldn’t take the chance that he would die without having accepted Christ first. Thankfully the young man not only believed in Him but survived the crash that totally demolished his car. Amazing right?

And do you know what’s even more amazing? That trading eternal damnation for eternal salvation is as easy as calling “on the name of the Lord.” Which is the very reason I’m so passionate about sharing the Good News. You see, as Paul clearly understood, a person can’t “call on him to save them unless they believe in him.” But “how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” The answer is simple. They can’t! Which means that the “someone” who is commanded to share the Good News with the lost is you and me. And since we don’t always know who’s lost by looking at them, we would do well to ask the question, “Do you know Jesus as your Savior?” And if the answer is no, then we must then be that “someone” who takes the time to tell them about Him.

So look for opportunities to share the Message of Salvation my friend. Be ready at all times, knowing that you might only get one chance to tell the Story that has the power to change a person’s life both now and for eternity. It's that important!

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that we MUST share the Good News at every opportunity You give us. Help us to be bold, loving and unashamed in doing this, knowing that our obedience to the calling could very well determine where a person spends eternity. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Just laugh about it

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something simple that can improve your health and your running.... laughter. It's true! According to science and my own personal experience, the saying "Laughter is the best medicine” is one-hundred-percent true.

Don't believe me? Check out what HelpGuide had to say about this amazing mood-improving emotion... laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

I would also like to add that laughter is many times the secret weapon to help you finish a hard run. Case in point... my friend Gretchen and I were running a 50k over the weekend in Kansas. What we thought was going to be a somewhat easy 31 miles (it's never easy but we thought the flat, packed-gravel course would work to our advantage) turned out to be a tad more difficult than expected. Those Kansas winds had us thinking we were Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and nearly blew my hat off a few times. And quite honestly if we hadn't made jokes about being wind-burnt and sun-burnt at the same time, feeling all four seasons in one day, and our need for serious therapy, our mood would have suffered and the run would have been an uphill battle. And while it was a battle, it was a fun one!!! As you can see, laughter has the ability to allow a person to press on in the midst of difficulty because it focuses a person's attention on pleasant things. Laughter also causes a person to feel thankful even when there might not seem to be anything to be thankful for. Laughter is just good for you!!

So in the spirit of laughter, check out these "30 Signs You've Officially Become a Runner" from thrillist and let the hooting and howling begin! On a side note, you might want to memorize some of these so you can share them when you, your running partner or your run group gets a little discouraged. 

Your toenails are no longer suited for public appearance

Between blisters, black toenails, and the stench, it’s best to keep those babies in hiding.

You scoff at the idea of paying $20 for a movie ticket
But you’ll happily pay a $40 race registration fee for a 5K that will take about a quarter of the time it takes to watch a movie.

You don’t think food is something you need to enjoy
It’s strictly fuel, so you can keep running.

You’ve started Googling road races in exotic locations you want to visit
Vacations are for the weak -- leaving town is only worth it if you go on a race-cation.

Spending $100 on running shoes doesn’t seem like such a steep price anymore
In fact, $100 is your minimum spend for a pair of shoes.

You have to do laundry twice as often
And 80% of your load is activewear.

After not running for a few days, you get antsy, angry, and even sad
Are you running... or are you running away from your feelings?! [cue dramatic music]

You’ve started to speak more openly about your bowel movements
That’s just dead weight you’re shedding.

Speaking of bowel movements, they happen more frequently than they used to
And you’ve started to plan your running route on the availability of a Starbucks and its public bathroom.

You’re hungry for lunch by 11am
Especially after a long 6am run.

You’ve started to keep deodorant at your desk at work
If you haven’t, you should really start.

You bought a bulky GPS watch to replace your trendy timepiece
The NSA may be able to track you at all times, but at least you’ll know your pace.

Your running shorts are the shortest they’ve ever been
And your activewear is basically skintight. Leave nothing to the imagination.

You’ve greased up your body with Vaseline more than once
Because chafing is real, and darnit, sometimes a petroleum byproduct gets the job done.

Showers are now an office requirement when searching for new jobs
No shower, no early-morning or post-work runs, no way.

The frozen peas in your freezer are actually for icing your sore muscles

You haven’t eaten frozen peas in YEARS.

You’ve hated yourself during a race
Because masochism is the only sure sign that you’re going to feel great once you finish.

Chocolate milk is your new favorite drink
Well, it’s technically a first runner-up -- second only to beer.

You’ve started to think of distances in terms of how long it would take for you to run that far
“Four miles to the bank? I could run that faster than driving through town!”

Your friends don’t ask you about your weekend plans
They just ask, “How many miles are you running?”

You know that asking a fellow runner, “What was your time?” is a loaded, heated, and emotional question
Proceed with caution.

You know the amazing feeling that comes with drinking a post-run shower beer
It’s just like college, only with more running.

You feel like your age matters
But only because it determines your age group (and competition) in road races.

Bodily fluids don’t really bother you anymore
Snot rockets and spit balls? Bring ‘em on.

You’ve worn a bib in the last few months
And not the kind that babies wear.

You own a stack of medals
Maybe a lot of them are the dreaded “participation” kind, but they still make you feel sort of important.

Carbs are your favorite food group now
Yes, you WILL have some bread with that pasta.

Your friends and family members call you crazy
But you do it anyway, because you love that can’t-nobody-touch-me-now feeling. Oh, and the runner’s high is no joke.

So there you have it friends. Laughter is indeed the best medicine that you and I could ever have. It battles anxiety, improves our resilience and reinforces our desire to press on when the race gets hard, AND it's contagious! The best part about laughter? It's totally free! So laugh hard and laugh often. It will not only benefit you but everyone around you. 

HAPPY RUNNING!

Find your delight in the Lord

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 ESV

As I scrolled through Facebook yesterday morning looking to see which of my friends was running the Boston Marathon on what’s referred to by runners as Marathon Monday, I had to smile at the memory that popped up on my feed. In 2016, I was blessed to not only have run this iconic 26.2 mile for the third time but was greeted by my son Luke (who had just graduated high school) at the finish line. “Oh my,” I thought to myself as I smiled and stared at the photo of this young man and myself standing in the middle of Boylston Street. “So much has changed since then. My little boy is now grown up and out of the house. I have switched from marathons to ultra marathons and my yearning to run Boston (which was once the desire of my heart) ever again has been replaced by a longing to run 50 and 100 mile distances. Smiling even bigger at this realization I prayed silently, “Lord, thank You for all that you have done in my life and for all the finish lines you’ve allowed me to cross that were the desire of my heart. I want nothing more in this life than to know You with my whole being and to serve You with my whole life Lord. All of my joy and happiness is found in You and I pray that the desires of my heart will always align with Yours.”

And you know, delighting ourselves in the Lord and praying that the desires of our hearts would align with His is something every believer should strive to do. You see, when you and I find our greatest pleasure in God, we will want nothing more than to be with Him and to please Him. We will continually seek His presence and will find our hearts and desires changed, steadily aligning with God's own good desires for our lives. This means that the key to a happy and satisfied life is not in acquiring the things of this world or following our fleshly desires but finding delight in God and pursuing the perfect plan He has for our lives.

So if you’re struggling with the question, “I have everything I want so why am I not happy?” today, consider this my friend. There is no true happiness apart from God. People and possessions can’t provide it and power, prestige, and pursuits can’t supply it. Seek His presence and you’ll soon find everything You need is, was and always will be found in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our all-in-all and everything we could ever need. Help us to understand that we will never have the true happiness, contentment, peace, and satisfaction our hearts crave apart from You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Biblical grit

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2,3 NLT

Immediately after my friend Gretchen and I crossed the finish line of the Mile 0 Flint Hills 50k Saturday afternoon, we gave one another ‘the look’ we’ve both come to recognize after running hundreds of miles together over the years. It was the look that said, “This one was really really tough but I’m so glad we didn’t give up because we would have regretted it forever.” And then we hugged long and hard knowing that crossing the finish line after 31 miles of battling intense wind, cold, and foot pain felt by both of us was well worth the effort—and not only worth the effort but a victory made even sweeter and more deserving of celebration because of the hard work it took to achieve it. In fact, Gretchen and I both agreed afterwards that we were exceptionally thankful for the adverse conditions we were faced with out on the course because we knew we gained a little more grit; something that would be of great benefit to us in the long run.

And you know, when it comes to developing grit or the strength of character to endure trials of different types and intensities, the Bible tells us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” when we are faced with things that test our faith, because these 'things' grow our endurance. In other words, when you and I face difficulties, struggles, trials and troubles in life, and we make the decision to press on in spite of and in the face of them, our endurance grows and our faith gets stronger. Which means, each time you and I overcome small problems in life, we become more steadfast and immovable which enables us to endure and conquer bigger problems, and then bigger ones, and then bigger ones. Get my point?

So no matter what you’re facing today my friend, don’t give up. Keep pressing on to the finish line knowing that by doing so you are gaining the faith and grit you’ll need to endure to the end—something that will come with rewards both in this life and in the one to come.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that giving up before reaching the finish line will always leave us with regret. Please remind us Lord that when we don’t have the strength to press on, You do. And by Your strength we can do all things. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Run and tell someone

"So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him! So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first." John 20:2-4 

If you were given the day off today and could do anything you wanted, what would you do? What activity would make it the perfect Friday for you? Perhaps going back to bed? Maybe doing a little shopping or spring cleaning while listening to your favorite Christian radio station? Or maybe just staying home and reading a good book or binge watching one of your favorite television shows? Well, personally, a good and perfect Friday for me would be one that involved lots of running--and most definitely a run with friends. And while I won't spend today actually running, I will be spending it with friends driving to another state for an ultra marathon on Saturday. So I guess you could say that it's gonna be a very Good Friday for me. 

And speaking of running, friends, and good Fridays, do you realize that there was a "Good Friday" more than 2,000 years ago that forever changed the world? It was the day Jesus was crucified on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. All hope seemed to be lost the moment He took his last breath. But guess what? Three days later, when things still appeared to be anything but good, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty. Upon this discovery, Mary "came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple" shouting "they have taken the Lord out of the tomb..." which immediately inspired this pair of friends to run and see the tomb for themselves and found it just as Mary said... empty.

But guess what? The tomb is still empty! Jesus died for the sins of the world and then rose from the grave to conquer death once and for all. So what should we do with this Good News about the true reason we celebrate Easter? Run and tell someone of course! So what are you waiting for? Run and tell someone, "The tomb is empty! He is risen!"

Heavenly Father, there are no words to thank You for the sacrifice You made for each and every one of us on that Easter weekend so long ago. While we were sinners and deserving of death. when we denied You and hurled insults at You, You loved us so much that You took the punishment we deserved and died that we might live. Oh Jesus, may we truly grasp the enormity of Easter that we would be compelled to run and tell everyone, "He is risen! He is alive! The tomb is empty!”

Happy Running!!!

Avoid foolish arguments

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” 2 Timothy 2:23 NIV

On April 04, a Runners World Exclusive member asked the following question on the Community Page: The bottom of my running shoes are wearing differently. My right foot appears to wear more on my toes, and my left foot more toward the ball of my foot. I favor a midfoot to forefoot strike. Should I worry about this, and if so, how can I correct it? Is there anything I can do on my own to work on this, or is my only option to engage a professional? In response to that common inquiry, Jeff Dengate, Runner-In-Chief for Runners World said, “The first question I’ll ask is, “Do you have any pain?” If you do, it’s time to see a doctor. If not, then it’s time to order up a new pair of shoes instead of looking to change your stride. If you’ve worn through the rubber, your shoes are shot and should be replaced. But why do they wear differently? In some cases, it can be because of the roadway. If you always run on the same side of a crowned road, the slanted surface will cause your feet to land differently and cause the rubber to wear in different spots. Often, though, it’s because we runners have unique movement patterns, and our feet interact with the ground in slightly different ways.” Jeff then summed up his answer by saying, “unless you’re in pain, I’d say the only thing that tread wear is telling you is when it’s time for a new pair of shoes.”

And you know, when it comes to questions like this that have very simple and concise answers but are often debated unnecessarily, the Bible tells us not to “have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” This means removing ourselves from and refusing to participate in endless disputes and arguments that are not relevant to building up the church or the members of the body. These distracting interests and “quarrels” can limit how much God can use us by not only causing division among us but by stealing our time, thoughts, and energy. 

So avoid foolish and stupid arguments my friend. They do nothing but cause fights and disagreements. Strive to engage only in conversations that encourage others, bring unity within the body of believers, and glorify God instead. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that every word that comes out of our mouths should bring You glory. Guard our thoughts, emotions, and hearts Lord so that we would discuss only those things that are necessary for the church to thrive and grow. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Spring into Spring

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something that seems to be motivating a lot of runners to get outside... warmer temps. Yes friends! It's Spring!! Finally right??? And if you're like me right now, you're saying, "Thank goodness. This has been a long, dark, cold, and windy winter!" 

And you know, it's not just the warmer temps that make this such an awesome time of year to hit the trails, the track or the pavement. As I was out yesterday morning (in my shorts and tank top because it was a whopping 50 degrees!), I smiled as I listened to the sounds of nature. The birds were singing, the cattle were mooing and the creeks were bubbling. And oh the sights! If you've ever been to Missouri in early spring, you've most likely seen a Forsythia bush. When blooming, these shrubs are a vibrant yellow hue worthy of a second glance. Especially since the color won't last long. Their golden leaves will soon turn green and the great Forsythia bush will fade into the background. 

Which brings me to my point. Spring into spring before it's sprung! By that I mean take FULL advantage of this season before it’s gone! Get out as much as you can. Run races. Take photos or start a blog. Go on group runs. Attempt something big. Just get out there. The perfect temperatures of spring and the right balance of light and darkness will soon make way for the heat of summer and long days where you'll have to get up pretty darn early if you want to see the sunrise. 

So let's take a deeper look at a few of the ways I listed above that can help you get the most out of Spring before, like the glorious amber colors of the Forsythia bush, the season is only a memory. 

1. Get out as much as you can. I can't stress this one enough. Have a 15 minute break from work? Get outside for a walk. Running errands? Park as far as you can from the door and soak up the sun. Which brings me to another point... if you've completed most of your runs on the treadmill over the winter, start off slow and allow your body to get used to the harder surfaces you'll be on before going full out. Now is also a great time to get others to join you. Whether it be your family or a friend that you might have invited to go on a run with you during the cold months, Spring takes away most of the excuses (it's too cold, it's too dark, it's too windy, etc.) you heard from them before. Your kids will be better for it (invest in some bikes if they're too young to run) as well and you might just gain a running partner.  

2. Run Races. There's perhaps no better way to hit the ground running (literally) this spring than by running a few 5k's. The key is to using these 3.1 mile races to pick up the pace a bit. Without all the added layers you needed during the winter, you'll feel lighter and might even discover that you have a little "spring" in your step. Whether you're training for a 10k, half marathon or even an ultra marathon, doing a little speedwork will be of benefit to you both physically and mentally. 

3. Take photos or start a blog (video or written). These are sure-fire, deliberate ways you can take full advantage of Spring. Capture images and moments that you are grateful for. Pay attention to the small things as well. Case in point... have you ever really examined a dandelion? The world calls them weeds but I call them 'wonders' in their plant stage (ready to burst forth with new life), 'works of art' in their flower stage (with their bright orangish yellow tones), and 'wishes in waiting' in their seed head stage (this is the time dandelions are most often picked so people can first make a wish and then try to blow off the seeds with one good exhale). See why dandelions are so much more than weeds? Make time to appreciate creation and the world around you in the same way and you'll soon find that you're grateful for so much more than you knew. And the best part? Gratitude comes with a lot of benefits like increased happiness, faith, energy, and optimism. 

4. Go on group runs. There's just something about being with like-minded people that helps to motivate you to be better, especially if the cold weather had you in hermit mode (either by sticking to the treadmill or by causing your friends to stick to one, thereby leaving you by your lonesome). Get out there and get social again. You'll be so glad you did.

5. Attempt something big. I don't know what it is about this time of year. Perhaps it's the pollen in the air? But I get crazy ideas when I run in the Spring. I figure if nature can show off then I can too. Which is why I loved looking at my Facebook memories yesterday. Specifically a post from April 12, 2012 that read, "So I just officially registered for an ultramarathon (50 miles) on April 28th. I told people I was going to do it but didn't sign up. Was hoping the rapture would occur before then and I wouldn't actually have to. LOL But, since it's not, here I go. What was I thinking?!!!" I know what I was thinking back then because it's what I'm still thinking and have been every year since then... it's Spring! It's time to do something big!!! So in the spirit of Spring, I've registered for another ultra marathon. Go big or go home right? 

So there you have it friends. There are lots of reasons to take full advantage of the Spring season you and I are so blessed to enjoy. In the spirit of the season then, get out there and enjoy the day. Spring won't last long and nature is calling your name. 

HAPPY RUNNING!

Show empathy

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 NIV

In a story published by wbur yesterday, it was reported that the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the Boston Marathon, became one of the latest U.S.-based groups to release new regulations in the effort to “pressure and ostracize Russian leadership” by banning runners who want to run as representatives of Russia and its ally, Belarus, from this year's race. As someone who’s been blessed to run the race several times, my heart goes out to the many athletes this ban affects that have put in countless hours of training to qualify and prepare for the iconic 26.2 mile race; not to mention the hundreds of dollars most of them have already invested in entry fees and air fare. Dan Fitzgerald, president of the running shoe and apparel store, Heartbreak Hill Running Company, who trains around 700 runners each year for the race had this to say about it, “I do think that running the Boston Marathon is a privilege. I can empathize with athletes, certainly they're the people with whom I empathize most. An athlete who doesn't get the opportunity that they've been training for is a terrible experience.”

And you know, when it comes to expressing empathy, or relating to another person’s pain or joy vicariously, or as if you've experienced those same emotions yourself, the Bible tells us that we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and to “mourn with those who mourn.” Which means that, although you and I might not always know why a person is feeling the way they do, we can and should make the utmost effort to be considerate of their feelings by taking the time to truly understand their emotional state and reactions. 

So in a world where you can be anything, be kind my friend. Be compassionate. Be caring. And be looking for opportunities and ways to mourn with those who mourn and to rejoice with those who rejoice. This is one of the best ways you and I can show the love of Jesus to a world in desperate need of knowing Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people in our lives who are truly emphatic to our feelings and who have a unique ability to make us feel better just by being around them. Help us to be that person to others Lord. Help us to love like you love and to see others the way that You do so that we might be your hands and feet. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

It will be like in Noah’s day

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.’” Matthew 24:37-39 NLT

In an article published Saturday by autoblog titled, “Man vs. machine: Ultra runner aims to outlast a Tesla Model 3,” it was reported that acclaimed runner Robbie Balenger challenged himself to a three day test in which he will attempt to run further than the electric car can drive on a single charge. The rules seem simple, though not at all easy: The Model 3 and ultra runner Robbie Balenger will start from the same point 250 or so miles outside of Austin, Texas. The car will drive until it runs out of battery, which according to Balenger’s instagram post, is expected to be around 267 miles. Balenger then has 72 hours to try and surpass that distance. For those who aren’t familiar, Balenger’s résumé is impressive. Not only has he run across America, he currently holds the record for the most complete loops of NYC’s Central Park during its opening hours, from 6 am to 1 am. In those 19 hours, he ran 16 loops, or about 98.5 miles. And that’s just a few of his newsworthy accomplishments. “I don’t know about you,” the writer went on to say “but my money is on Balenger."

And you know, when it comes to betting, or putting your “money” on what you believe the outcome of something might be, the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus is coming back. Unfortunately though, His second coming is something the majority of people in our world are betting against. Which is the very reason Jesus said that “When the son of man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.” The people then, just as they are now, were living life as usual “enjoying banquets, and parties, and weddings right up to the time Noah entered the boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away.” And by then it was too late.

So let this be your warning my friend if you, like the people in Noah’s days, are putting your “money” on the likelihood of Jesus returning in your lifetime as being highly doubtful, unlikely or even impossible. The signs that we are living in the end times are all around us which means our Savior is coming back very soon. Don’t let it take you by surprise.

Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what we can expect to see in the end times so that we can be ready for Jesus’ return. Lord, please remind us that we are to not simply wait for your return by sitting idly by but are to be warning others to accept Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Give God the glory

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1 NLT

In a story published by KTVB7, it was reported that Chad Kempel who is from Eagle Idaho and the father of seven children, including four-year-old quintuplets, set a Guinness world record after he ran a half–marathon in two hours and 19 minutes while pushing the five quintuplets in a stroller. Kempel said he was inspired by two mothers who did three stroller records. “The quints are 4 years old now and we've had a long journey,” Kempel said. “Went through a lot of infertility, the quints were a risky pregnancy they weren’t supposed to live, so in a way, finishing something like this with Amy and the older kids at the finish line, it feels good to do this when life has been so hard... It was physically very demanding on me, but how am I gonna complain when Amy's right beside me. She did all the work; she was the one who carried them in the hospital.” When asked if he plans on running another marathon, Kempel told KTVB that right after he finished the marathon his wife asked ‘so we’re done, right?’ So as of right now, he doesn’t think he will, but his wife thinks he going to be like Tom Brady, saying he’s retired, but then does another marathon. “I love that they're going to remember this, they were so excited, they were waving like they were celebrities,” Kempel said. “I had to point out and say, ‘mom's right there, she's the one who did all the work.’”

And do you know what I love most about this story? The way Chad, who seemingly had every right to accept all the praise for crossing the finish line, twice acknowledged that it was his wife who really deserved the praise. Similarly, this 'giving the praise where the praise is due' reaction should be the mindset of every believer as well—instinctively giving all the glory to God for every good and perfect thing in life. For every win, for every positive outcome, for every blessing, and for every trial and test that the Lord turned into a testimony. After all, no matter how quickly a person makes it across the finish line, it’s God who gave them the strength, skills, and circumstances to do it. 

So let us refuse to keep the glory for ourselves my friends. After all, we don’t deserve it since we can do nothing good apart from God. Let us follow the example of the psalmist instead and say, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we can do no good thing without You. Remind us too that it’s You who provides the air in our lungs, that every one of our heartbeats is a gift from You and that we have nothing of value that You did not provide. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Accept the invitation

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV

In an interview after Sunday’s St. Louis Marathon, 35-year-old runner Jim Wahl, who suffers from autism, said “I completed my first half marathon!” Wahl ran 13.1 miles in 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 4 seconds. He has those numbers, and many others, memorized. “He just has such a knack for numbers, and he always has,” Jim’s father Bill Wahl said. Jim’s autism makes him a number wizard. If you tell him your birth date, he can tell you what day of the week that was. “He’s going to do really well on a course with a lot of numbers, mile markers, water stations to count, your pace per mile,” said Go! St. Louis president Mona Vespa. After the race that Jim ran with his brother, Jim had this to say, “It was hard, really hard. I’m gonna go rest.” Of making the course friendly to everyone, Mona, who is also the Race Director, said,“You know, I think the cool thing about running is it’s pretty accessible to a lot of people and there’s easy ways to make accommodations so that everyone has the opportunity. Any time we can make that possible, we do.”

And you know, when it comes to rest and accessibility, Jesus gave this invitation to every person who needed respite, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And you can be sure that when Jesus beckoned the masses to "come" that he drove no one away. You see, Jesus wants everyone to be relieved from the heavy load of self-sufficiency that comes from trusting in ourselves rather than our Savior. And we shed the burden of self-reliance when we voluntarily place the things that weigh us down (things like worry, fear, doubt, and confusion) at His feet and accept the spiritual refreshment that trusting Him to work those things out brings.

So if the circumstances of life have you feeling worn out, worn down, anxious, or overwhelmed today, say yes to Jesus’ invitation and come to the cross and lay it all down my friend. Trust Jesus to work it all for your good and embrace the rest you so desperately need.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who genuinely wants us to have the peace that surpasses all understanding regardless of the turmoil going on around us or in us. Help us to resist the urge to try and handle our problems on our own Lord and to give them to You instead, acknowledging that You are the only One who can fix them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!