Running with friends

Running with friends

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” ~ C.S Lewis


Friday, I had the pleasure of working at the expo with TEAM 413 for the Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City.  I am always in awe of the array of people that run and the reason(s) behind their pursuit of the finish line.  One thing is certain though.  Regardless of why a person starts, what keeps them going most often is friends.  True friends are such an undeserved blessing.  And Christian friends even more so.   

I was blessed to meet a group of older women on their way to run together (the 5k took place at 7pm Friday night). They were all attempting their first race as a team-something they admit they would never have done alone.  It seems that as we age we are more reluctant to try new things and even more reluctant to make goals where we are held accountable.   Funny thing is though, this is also the time in our lives where our bonds of friendship become more solid giving us the support we need to step out of our comfort zone.   It's the time when really appreciate our "sisters" and lean on them.  Since nothing God does is by coincidence, I can only thank Him for this.  

It was no accident that God led them there to our booth.  We talked about what they were doing and why. These girls had come a long way to be running this 5k and put in a lot of work.  They all had various stories but one thing they shared was determination.   They all bought TEAM 413 shirts and I know they were a blessing to someone on that course.  There's NO way that you can glorify God through scripture and not bless someone.

So, if you're running with friends today or just spending time with them, thank God for it.  And, if you're not, why don't you call one?  A day spent with a friend is a day to be grateful for.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the friends you have put in our lives.  May our friendships serve to make our faith stronger as we lift one another up in prayer.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Hospital Hill Run 2014

The 2014 Hospital Hill Run was held on Saturday, June 7 in Kansas City, MO.   The race was set to begin at 7:00 am.  There was a 100% chance of rain forecast for the day so we were hopeful that the race would go on!

Walking to the hotel lobby prerace with my sister Caren and friends, Laura and Sandra.

All dressed up ready to go.

We were up by 5:30 am to get ready to head to the lobby for prerace prayer at 6:30 am .  Really didn't need an alarm clock as the thunder and lightning mixed with the anticipation and excitement of running the race was enough to rouse us.  By the time we were dressed, the rain was coming in sideways and the thunder and lightning appearing more frequently. Prayed we would be able to find some trash bags since none us us remembered to bring a rain parka. About 20 people showed up for our prerace prayer in the middle of a jam packed lobby of runners taking shelter.  We joined hands and thanked Him for being able to be at this race.  We prayed for God's protection over us, the race and all the runners and for the weather to "simmer down" enough to keep the race from being called off.   And then....we sat back and waited.

So, here we are.  Our makeshift rain coats.  Now we're ready!

The race had a 30 minute delayed start as the storm passed through.  And did it ever!  It just stopped.  Just in time as we headed to our corrals. Chad Speer (farthest left in the photo) remarked that this was nothing other than God.  Had to agree with that one.  It stayed rain free until about mile 2.  From that point on, it was a nice soft rain with intermittent downpours.... in other words, it was a glorious day!  The temperatures stayed down, the humidity was low and the runners acted like kids as they ran through the puddles.  It was awesome!  As the name suggests, the race had a lot of hills-big hills.  But, as they say, everything that goes up must come down.  The downhills were a reward for getting over the humps.  The aid stations were so friendly and plentiful-a very well planned race.

Was blessed to run this race with my sister and brother in law.  These medals were huge and must have weighed 3 pounds!  Loved them.  Enjoyed some postrace chocolate milk and then off to warm up.

3187 runners finished the Hospital Hill Half marathon.  I'm unsure how many dropped out before the race or dropped down to the 10k because of the rain.  But to those that did either, a great time was missed.  God's presence was all around us in the form of raindrops to refresh us, old friends to laugh with, and new friends to enjoy.   What a reminder of the reason we run.   God willing, will run this for the 5th time next year.  Did I say that I love this race?!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of running and endurance.  Thank you for the gift of joy and being able to laugh, praise and worship you in the rain.  I praise You for Your presence at this race and for Your grace and mercy every day.  In your precious name Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Hanging out waiting for the rain to stop.  Notice out the window how dark it is?

My brother in law was our "outfit maker" tailoring us all with beautiful trash bags.  Thank you Hefty!

Carl Chapman and his daughter running together. Love these guys.

Love is a verb

 Love is a verb

"I love you, O LORD, my strength."  Psalm 18:1

God has given me so many things in my life that I love.  I love my children, I love my husband, I love my church, I love rainy days, I love long runs on rainy days... the list could go on and on.  What is love really though? Google defines love as "an intense feeling of deep affection."  Seriously? Is that it? Just a feeling?   What exactly is deep affection anyway?   Feelings come and go.  Surely love is meant to last?  Since feelings change with circumstances, that definition would only mean that love would change with circumstances as well.  I feel I love you today but might not tomorrow if I'm not feeling it.  Surely that's not how God intended love to be.  

1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."  Oh yes, God did intend for love to be more than feelings.  He intended it to be all of who we are, not just a part of who we are.  Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  If Christ lives in us, then we should have the same love for others that he showed.  

If you're wondering how to go about truly loving others, remember that love is a verb.  It requires action.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us everything we need to know about love and loving others, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  There you go, God showed us how to love others by first loving us...  And loved us so much that he gave us a "love manual"-the Bible.   What a gift!  Today's the day to share that "gift".  Oh my, it's too good to keep to yourself.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us while we were still sinners. Thank you for your example of how to love others unconditionally.  May Your love shine through us today as we look for ways to be a blessing.  May our goal be to show the world, one person at a time, the true meaning of love-Your love Father.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Back in the day there was a man who stepped out of Heaven and He walked the land.  He delivered to the people an eternal choice with a heart full of love and the truth in His voice.  Gave up His life so that we might live.  How much more could the son of God give?  Here is the example that we oughta be matchin' cause love is a word that requires some action-DC Talk

10 reasons to run

10 reasons to run

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Yesterday was National Running Day. Runners from all around the United States blogged, chatted, posted and bragged about their miles.  I, myself, had a very wet 7 mile run as I ran from home to the Auto Shop to pick up my van.  My husband loves that I can single handedly drop off (run home) and pick up (run back) our vehicles when they need serviced.   I guess that makes me a multitasker of sorts.

While most times I run for the sheer joy of running, there are other times when it's a necessary task-the times it's needed to clear my head, adjust my mood or to reconnect with God.  No matter the reason,  every run is a blessing.  To simply have the ability to put one foot in front of the other for miles and miles is a testimony to the power of Christ in my life.  While thousands of other people run for the same reason, there are as many other reasons why people run as there are runners.  In honor of the "day after National Running Day" (yes, I made up that new holiday),  here are a list of 10 reasons you should consider running if you haven't already:

1.  Running improves your health.
2.  You can lose weight.
3.  You can run for a cause.
4.  You can meet new people through running.
5.  You can experience something new and different
6.  You can train for a specific goal.
7.  Running improves your energy levels.
8.  Running will help you feel good about yourself.
9.  Running is versatile and inexpensive.
10.  Running can help with stress relief.
 (running.about.com/od/benefitsofrunning/tp/reasonstorun.htm)

If you simply hate running and you wouldn't do it if your house was on fire, you are in great company too (I'll introduce you to my husband).  Taking a brisk walk several times a week can reap substantial benefits.  Just keep moving forward and growing-physically and spiritually.  And, as in all blessings in your life, give God the glory for every step and every breath-whether that be 1 step or 1000, thank Him.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the air in our lungs and the life in our bodies.  Help us to remember that this life is but a vapor and our time is limited.  Give us an urgency and boldness to be a witness to others as we live our lives, whether on the racecourse or at home.   In all we say and do, let us bring glory to your Name. It's in your precious name we pray Father, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Your love makes me want to give my all-Ready, Set, Go-Capital Kings

Remember to laugh

Remember to laugh

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

My mother received a plaque from a friend last month that said, "Remember to Laugh".  As she was showing it to me we laughed and laughed as we agreed that, at her age, it should say "Remember to Breathe." This is ironic as she is battling COPD making breathing  more of a struggle with each passing day.   And this is why I love and admire this woman so much.  In the face of trials and obstacles, she has always laughed.   It seems to be a pattern for her.  Life throws her a curve ball, she smiles and swings her bat.  Oh, what lessons I have learned from watching her live.  "Strength and dignity are her clothing. And she smiles at the future."  Psalm 31:25

All of us face battles in our lives.  God never said this journey would be easy only that He would be with us through it.  Psalm 48:14 says, "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end."  Shouldn't knowing that God is our God forever be enough to keep a smile on our face?  Shouldn't we be constantly worry free knowing that He promises to be our guide?  Well, of course the answer is yes.  But do we?  Well, of course the answer is no.

John 16:33 tells us, ""These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  Why isn't having peace enough to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart?  Because worldly peace (based on circumstances) can't give it.  True peace (regardless of circumstances) comes only through a relationship with Jesus.  He says, "in Me you may have peace."  There is nothing else in this world that can give you this apart from Christ.  So if you're aching for peace in your life and joy in your heart, look no further than the first place you can find to stop and pray.  He's what you need. And that's no laughing matter because  "the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10.  Woohoo!! Are you smiling yet?!!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter.  It truly is a gift to have peace and happiness in the midst of trials and pain.  May we remember that we draw strength from the joy that is found only through you Lord-the true joy of your presence.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

It's all because of You that I smile.-Kirk Franklin

Still running

Still running

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." Psalm 71:18

If you've been watching the news, you've probably heard the story of the 91 year old woman who finished the San Diego marathon Sunday. What an inspiration she is, not only because of what she did physically but her reason behind it-to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In fact, she has been doing so for the last 16 years (has run 15 marathons in that time beginning at the age of 76).

You bet I had to find out more about her! Her name is Harriete Thompson and she is recovering from cancer. She told reporters that she had undergone nine radiation treatments in 11 days for skin cancer (a survivor of oral cancer too). She had the last treatment one month before the marathon which explained her bandages she said. Not only did she finish the race in 7 hours, 7 minutes and 42 seconds, she beat the previous record for her 90 and up female age group by 2 hours, 45 minutes. This lady is awesome! She is now the second oldest woman to complete a marathon in U.S history.

Per NPR news: She told the Charlotte Observer before the race that the only time she feels her age is after running a marathon. "Lots of times, I see young girls coming in and limping, hardly able to move," she said, "and I think, 'Well, that's pretty good that I don't feel that bad.' "

Thompson is a onetime concert pianist. She says the discipline of playing has helped her running and that she sometimes keeps pace during a race by replaying pieces in her mind. "I usually think of Chopin etudes, the ones that are technically difficult, because usually they're pretty fast, and it stimulates me to go a little faster, and also helps pass the time," she told WFAE.

Thompson runs, takes yoga and stretching classes and exercises on an elliptical machine. In her retirement community, according to the Observer, she's "one of very few residents who [move] at faster than a strolling pace."

What a testimony to what a person can do when they have a purpose. Here's her most inspiring quote per NPR news: "If I'm still here next year, I think I'll probably be able to train better and be in better shape, If I'm able, I'll try again." At 91, she's still striving to be better. Now, that's a lesson to embrace at any age.

Heavenly Father, whatever age we may be, please give us a purpose and a passion for serving You and others. I pray we spend our lives looking for ways to be a blessing and growing in knowledge of Your Word so we can share it with the next generation. Give us strength to serve You Lord and to keep the faith when things like cancer affect us. May Your will be done today and every day of our lives. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.


Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org


No matter what, I'll continue to run. For the rest of my life because it's a marathon.-Jonathan Nelson

Good Morning!

Good Morning!

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Like a lot of runners, I take a rest day every week.  Honestly, it's not something I like to do but have learned that it is good for my body. This week my rest day was to be Sunday.  Was blessed to be able to run a race with my son on Saturday so a rest day didn't seem so bad.   Was actually planning the fantastic breakfast I was going to cook the family before church.

As life would have it, though, the day was met with some unexpected news and I spent most of the late afternoon and early evening praying.  I went to bed with a heavy heart and prayed that God would give me some answers.  Early the next morning. long before I was planning to wake, I felt God nudging me.   "Wake up Mimi.  Come on, let's go for a run, you need to talk to Me."  I pulled up the covers and thought, "Can't we talk here?  This is my rest day.".  "Come on," I felt Him say, "You'll feel better and we'll take it easy." Reluctantly I pulled back the covers and went to get dressed for a run.  You see, for so many years, Jesus has been my running partner-always faithful and always knowing what I need and when I need it.   So I laced up my shoes trusting in His plan still not quite awake.

As we ran and talked, I thanked God for waking me up early to have this time alone with Him and for the undeserved blessings that He has supplied-not because of anything I've done but because of who He is.  Oh boy, He was right.  I did need that run.  It's not one that will go down in the record books for being long or fast but it will be one I will remember simply because He loved me enough to minister to me in the place where my soul is the quietest... running down a gravel country road.  And yes I did make it home in time to make the family a fine meal before heading off to church with a huge smile on my face and a heart no longer weighed down with worry.  If you're overburdened today, give it to Him.  Let go, go for a run or walk and have a good morning!

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your presence in our lives.  You are so loving to meet us where we are and to take us where we need to be to be closer to You.  May we never take for granted the gift of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us giving us comfort when we need it.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org