Nobody gets away with it

“They say, “The LORD doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.” Psalm 94:7 HCSB

In a story that had me baffled titled, "European medalist runner tests positive for meldonium” published yesterday by The Associated Press, the following was reported: European Championship steeplechase silver medalist Ahmed Abdelwahed has been suspended after testing positive for meldonium. The Athletics Integrity Unit did not say when the 26-year-old Italian runner tested positive. Abdelwahed was second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the European track championships in Munich three weeks ago. Meldonium is an endurance-boosting heart medication banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2016. Athletes testing positive for it early that year included tennis star Maria Sharapova. She served a 15-month ban. And the reason I was so baffled is this… in a day and age when testing is so advanced, how do people think they can still get away with cheating?

And you know, when it comes to getting away with things, the Bible tells us that people who revel in and celebrate practicing evil are known by their arrogance toward God saying, “The Lord doesn’t see it” or pay attention. This attitude is the very thing that causes the willful evildoers to be blind to the consequences their actions will eventually bring. Spurgeon explains it this way, “They were blindly wicked because they dreamed of a blind God. When men believe that the eyes of God are dim, there is no reason to wonder that they give full license to their brutal passions.”

So in a world where the wicked seem to “get away” with cheating, lying, rioting, swindling, murder, extortion and a litany of other offenses, let us remember that God sees all my friend. He pays careful attention to everything and will one day judge the unrepentant and prideful for their blatant iniquities, proving that no one truly gets away with it. 

Heavenly Father, in a world where the chances of a criminal being punished for their crimes is becoming less and less, help us to remember that nothing anyone does happens without your knowledge. You see everything and You most definitely pay attention. Help us to remember that Lord when we want to throw up our hands thinking that the wicked with “get away” with their crimes. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Name above all names

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

“What a powerful Name it is, What a powerful Name it is. The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a powerful Name it is. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful Name it is… the Name of Jesus.” As I sang those words in unison with my brothers and sisters in Christ at church early yesterday morning, my mind briefly went back to the ‘problem’ my husband, Larry, and I had left behind at home and my heart raced. “Oh no,” I thought to myself. “Not today Satan.” I then reminded myself that the plumber (a trusted friend of ours) was on the way to find the cause of the water leak that nearly caused my husband and I to forgo church. “We don’t need to be home for this honey,” Larry said to me. “Let’s not let the enemy use this to keep us from worshiping. It will all work out.” And sure enough it did. The cause of the leak was eventually found and repaired and we were left to clean up a mess that wasn’t nearly as bad as my imagination had me convinced it would be.

But you know, isn’t that what the enemy does in the face of our problems? Feed our minds with all the reasons we should be worrying and why God won’t come through for us? Of course it is. In fact, our adversary the devil will even cause us to panic if we allow our imaginations to run wild. Which is the very reason that you and I need to remind ourselves that the Name of Jesus is so powerful that NOTHING can stand against it. Evil, troubles, and chaos may seem to rule for a while but there is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” That means that one day all our tests, trials, and tribulations will be no more and we will reign with the One whose Name is above all names. 

So no matter what problems you might be facing today, put them into perspective my friend. The enemy may win a few battles here and there but you can be sure that Jesus Christ, who has already conquered sin and death, wins the war. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the trials of this world are only temporary. When our hearts are anxious Lord and when our problems seem large and insurmountable, please cause us to remember that this world is quickly passing away and a day is coming when we will reign with You forever, free from the troubles of this world. Until then, help us to recall that the promise of Romans 8:28 is true, which means we have no reason to fear. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Honor God with your body

"you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV

In an article posted by Trail Runner Magazine last week, five of the world's top American Masters runners that were gearing up to run the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Ireland were asked the question many runners have pondered, "What’s the secret to a long life of competitive running?" Among their responses were, "Remember to rest, even if that rest day is some form of cross training like cycling, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing" and "Listen to your body and pay attention to little aches and pains so they don’t progress to full blown career-ending injuries… Don’t run more; run smarter. Quality over quantity, including some speed work. Rest and recover. " My favorite tip though came from 50-year-old Sarah Wagner who has been running for 35 years, "Respecting and honoring our bodies. It’s important that we take care of ourselves as best we can – being mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies, getting regular body work, immersing oneself in nature, sharing miles with friends, getting rest, and staying away from stress.”

And you know, when it comes to respecting our bodies, the Bible tells us that our bodies are not our own. Which means we shouldn’t treat them that way. You and I were bought at a price, we belong to Christ, and should “therefore honor God” with our bodies. This means taking the utmost care of them so that we can serve Jesus better, having the long life and abundant energy that comes from eating right, exercising regularly, and getting proper sleep. Spurgeon says it this way, “Your body was a willing horse when it was in the service of the devil, let it not be a sluggish hack now that it draws the chariot of Christ.”

So do all that you can to keep your body healthy my friend, remembering that your earthly shell doesn’t really belong to you. Our bodies belong to God which means we don’t have the right to abuse, pollute or neglect them. We must keep them fit for service at all times no matter how old we are.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our bodies were bought at a price, the sum of which we could never repay. Help us to truly understand this Lord so that we would take the utmost care of them so that we could serve you well throughout our lifetime. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Don't give in to fear

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 NKJV

Expressing the shock and grief that thousands of other runners around the world are feeling after the senseless murder of 34-year-old runner Eliza Fletcher on Friday, my friend Elisha posted this before heading out for her early morning run yesterday: Eliza Fletcher was on my mind this morning as I laced up my shoes, grabbed my taser and dog and headed out for my 4 am run. I couldn't help but think of the women I personally know getting ready to head out the door for their runs as well. This isn't new to us. We know the dangers and we are vigilant to protect ourselves while doing what we love. Some will only run with others, while I find joy in running alone. I always tell my husband where I'm going and when I expect to be back. Clearly she did too. I carry weapons, I wonder if she did too. I feel pretty safe on my morning route, I wonder if she did too. I feel pretty hopeful that my legs would help me outrun someone if I needed to, I wonder if she thought that too. I know that I would fight like hell if I had to, clearly she did that too. And none of that saved her. I keep reading "when we be able to run without fear?" The answer is never!! We live in a fallen world and evil is always possible. We can't let that stop us from doing what we enjoy. I will continue to take precautions, but I will also continue to do what I love without fear. This morning I ran and I wept and I prayed for her family. Be safe out there friends and don't let fear steal your joy.

And you know, Elisha is so right. You and I will never be able to run, or do anything for that matter, without the fear of being harmed physically. That’s just the world we live in. But we must not let that fear keep us from doing what we enjoy or, more importantly, from going out and preaching the gospel to a world in desperate need of hearing it—but growing increasingly hostile to all those who present it. Which is the very reason Matthew warned us NOT to fear “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Now this doesn’t mean that you and I shouldn’t arm ourselves or take the necessary precautions to avoid being hurt, but that we should fear God above all else and thus put fulfilling the Great Commission above our own desire for safety, knowing that death here means immediate life on the other side.

So do what you can to stay safe friends. Be mindful of your surroundings, carry a weapon, and trust your instincts. But whatever you do… do NOT bow down to fear and let it keep you from doing what God has called you to do. We must not and can not be cowards when it comes to the cause of Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that while there are things in this world that we should fear, we should never allow those fears to be greater than our fear of Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Cause us to fear You above all else so that we would courageously live for You today. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Meet your pacers

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about a group of people that you might not know even existed but are getting trained up and ready to help get you to the finish line of the Bass Pro Marathon or Half in November. The Bass Pro Pacing Team is a group of individuals who love helping others fulfill their running dreams. They're encouraging, they're fun, and most importantly, they are ready to get you from the start line to the finish line in the time you want to get there and with a smile on your face. They really can make your 13.1 or 26.2 mile race more fun than you could ever imagine! So say hello to some of this amazing group (who will introduce themselves and tell you why they enjoy pacing so much) and make plans to join them in the fall. 

Greetings! Our names are Rich Palmer and Rachel Lyons and this will be the 3rd time we have paced the Bass Pro Half Marathon. Little did we know that when we started running 15 years ago that it would become such a critical part of our lives. We run because of how good it makes us feel, the sense of accomplishment we get after completing races, and to socialize with other fitness oriented people. We met each other through running as well as many other long term friends. There are so many benefits to running! We are excited to train with you this season and to help you crush your running goals!

(Pacing the 2:15 half)

I love supporting others in their pursuit to be successful. Pacing is a fantastic opportunity to help others reach a running goal they have been working towards. Pacing is also one of the most fun jobs in the world. Getting to know the people around me makes for great conversation while the miles fly by. Whether someone is pushing for a PR, getting back into running after injury, or just wanting to settle in to a pace to make it to the end, we have fun along the way!

(Beth Schulte on right - 2:20 half)

I’ve been very blessed to have amazing people in the running community to come and help me throughout my running journey. It’s because of these amazing people that I was able to accomplish things that once seemed unthinkable to me. So, when I was asked to pace, I was so excited. I want to be able to give back to the community that helped me so much. It’s such an amazing feeling to accomplish something that you once thought would be impossible for you to do and to help someone get there would be such a blessing in giving back. 

(Amanda Toliver - 4:20 full)

Hello there, I’m Shelley Stout. I’ll be one of your 4:20 marathon pacers. This will be my 11th year participating in the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon weekend. Bass Pro was my first marathon back in 2011. I fell in love with running 20 years ago. I enjoy running 5K’s to 50 miles and everything in between. I’m a school nurse with SPS and the assistant cross country coach of my school. I love sharing my passion for running with my athletes. I’m excited to pace Bass Pro, have some fun on the course, and help fellow runners reach their goals!

(Shelly Stout - 4:20 full)

I started running in 2011. I started pacing half marathons in 2014. I really enjoy pacing because I love motivating and helping people reach their goals. I try to keep the people running with me entertained.

(Randy Acklin - 2:00 half)

This will be my 2nd year pacing a Bass Pro race. I love giving back to this race and pacing is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I enjoy mentoring and helping people achieve their running goals. BP pacers have helped me achieve many PRs at this event and now I can do the same for many others. Looking forward to tag-teaming this with Ben Byrd!

(Mitch Wilkins - 5:00 full)

I enjoy pacing runners to help them achieve their goals. I am looking forward to pacing a great group to the finish line at Bass Pro this year!

(Ben Byrd - 5:00 full)

I have run over 20 marathons and paced Bass Pro at least 4 previous times. It is fulfilling to me to help runners achieve a goal. Having run with pacer groups many times myself, I understand how helpful they can be. I want to help runners enjoy the experience and accomplish something that they desire.
(Kathy Carrol - 5:45 full)

Running is a highly positive sport. That has proven to be full of excitement and adventures for me. It's so great setting a goal, working hard and reaching that goal. That's why I pace...to help others reach their goal and achieve something that they have worked hard for.

(Janet Clement - 2:20 half)

About 5 years ago, after several hundred races, I decided I needed to give back some to the running community that was (and has continued to be) so instrumental in my running success and fun. After pacing a couple of times, I was hooked. It is so enjoyable and so rewarding to help others reach goals and achieve personal records. I can’t wait to run with some marathoners at Bass Pro.

(Charlie Hungerford - 5:15 full)

For me it all comes down to helping others get the joy from accomplishing the same goals I’ve chased in the past.

(Chad Johnson 1:45 half)

It’s my third year pacing and I love all the people I meet and hearing their stories and how some of them are doing their very first race.

(Jenni Sherman - 4:30 full)

It truly is a party at the back. I love seeing everyone accomplish the goals they have been training for. From first time marathoners to veterans hitting a time goal, the smiles at the end are everything.

(Rachel Baker, in black hat - 6 hour full)

I love this distance because I get to go on a fun 6-hour journey with runners who are typically running their first marathon or who are new at the distance. I feel so blessed to be apart of that!

(Melissa Bland, on left, with Rachel - 6 hour full)

I pace because I get to do two things I love: encourage and run! Bass Pro Fitness Series provides many opportunities to challenge yourself physically. So let’s get moving!!

(Seth Jenks 2:10 half)

This is my 9th time pacing a Bass Pro Fitness Festival event. These events are top notch! Melissa Bondy and her team put so much thought and effort into every detail. I love to be able to contribute a little and pacing is a wonderful way to do that. I'm looking forward to running with some of you and seeing all the happy faces out on the course!

(Lali Marie, on right, 1:55 half)

Running became my happy place in 2014, but it started out as a solo sport for me. I would run occasionally with friends and I’d start with them on race day, but we always ended up at our own paces and finish the race at different times, which was fine, but I was always envious of those runners who had a pack. I met Lali in 2019, not too long after we had our sons the fall before. Turns out we had quite a bit in common, especially our love for running. She became my buddy and introduced me to the OMRR community. Last year she got me a spot as a pacer, which sounded awesome, but scary at the same time. At first the nerves got to me, but the day of the race turned out to be more than I could have ever expected. Helping fellow runners meet their goals and making new friends along the way was so much fun!! I was hooked! So when the opportunity knocked again this season, there was no hesitation. I can’t wait to experience that thrill and excitement with all of those awesome runners again this year! Let’s get after those PRs!!!

(Jaunine Marie, on left, 1:55 half with Lali)

We loving pacing together. She's the talker and I'm the timer. More importantly, helping runners reach their goals and the finish line is what drives us. We have paced the Bass Pro Marathon for many years and having a local event with so many friends makes this event magical and motivating.

(Adam and Tye Irving, 2:30 half)

I love this race because it is what inspired me to become a runner! I volunteered at the bag drop back in college and seeing all of the exhausted runners after they finished made me realize I had never been that tired in my life and naturally I wanted to know what it was like! I love all of the emotions we experience during a big race and I can't wait to see everyone at the finish line!
(Kyla Mahoney, 5:15 full)

The best thing about pacing this bass pro is running with the first timers and then sitting at the finish line! Watching people finish is the best part! 

(Jill Brockman 2:45 half)

So there you have it friends. Although I didn't list all of the pacers that you will see on race day, you can be sure of this... every one of them loves what they do and can't wait to meet you! I’m pictured above with my partner-in-crime Jody Rhodes. We will once again be your 5:30 full marathon pacers and I know I speak for Jody as well when I say this... we are excited!!! We pace because we love meeting new runners and encouraging them to keep pressing on with a smile on their face. And we pace because we truly want to make Bass Pro a time that the runners in our group will look back on and say, "That was really a good day."  So look for the pace group you want to join at the start line and get ready to have a great time. Happy Running!

Be an example of perseverance

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Knowing I had been called to run the 100 mile distance at the Ultrapalooza, I stepped up to the start line early Saturday morning in anticipation of what the day would hold and the reasons God had led me to sign up for the race so many months ago. And while I recognized that some of the reasons were to do the prerace prayer and to talk to and encourage all those in my path, it soon became apparent that this race was about so much more. As the humidity rose and the temperatures climbed, many of the runners either dropped out of the race altogether or dropped down to a shorter distance. This was something I debated on doing myself after completing 50 miles. “It’s super hot out here Melissa and you’re tired and have a heat rash already,” the enemy whispered into my ear. “Just quit now. No one will think less of you.” And that’s when the Holy Spirit spoke, “Melissa, the last half of this race is going to be very very hard. But I have called you to finish it so fight hard to make it to the finish line on time.” And fight hard I did. After making it to mile 60, I slowed down to a stroll to try and lower by body temperature and never did find the strength to run again. I did, however by God’s grace, find the strength to walk out the last 40 miles (which took another 15 hours) with some amazing pacers by my side to finish an hour under the cutoff time of 30 hours. And as hard as it was to do this, I was grateful that I did hoping that it would inspire other believers to press on in their calling as well, no matter how hard it gets.

And you know, when it comes to finding the inspiration to keep moving foraward, you and I would do well to heed the words of the apostle Paul who said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” Paul showed by example what it meant to be a true follower of Christ. He suffered greatly, even boasting in his sufferings, but never backed down from fighting the "good fight" to win the lost to Christ, never dropped out of the race no matter how hard it got, and remained faithful until the end inspiring millions of Christians throughout history to do the same.

So remember that people are always watching you my friend. And by your words and your actions, you have the power to motivate them to continue serving Christ when it's not always easy by setting an example of what it means to fight the "good fight" like Paul did. So do whatever it takes to finish the race!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that fighting the "good fight" to take hold of the prize will seldom be easy. Help us to follow the example of Paul who persevered in the midst of all opposition Lord so that we might be that example of perseverance and faithfulness to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Serve to receive the greatest honor

"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26 BSB

In an article titled, "Cheering for a Cause with Alan Page at the Twin Cities Marathon," published Wednesday, it was reported that NFL Hall of Famer and former justice in the Minnesota Supreme Court, Alan Page, will not only be cheering on the runners at the Twin Cities Marathon on October 2, but encouraging others to cheer them on as well. “As a football player, people come to watch you play, and I take enjoyment seeing other people participating,” Page, a former Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen, told KARE 11. “I've also run a number of marathons myself, and having people along the way really helps. One of the things I loved about running, and distance running, is that you learn a lot about yourself, and how you handle both the good and the bad. I think we need to celebrate that.” He’s also encouraged others to cheer for the marathoners through the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge. Diane Page was the wife of Justice Page, and was an avid runner who loved the Twin Cities Marathon. Page said that she’d bake cinnamon rolls and other baked goods for the neighborhood as they celebrated the runners participating. She passed away two days prior to the TCM in 2018 from breast cancer. This year, the Diane and Alan Page Community Cheer Challenge will honor those who cheer on the marathoners.

And you know, when it comes to receiving honor for a job well done, the Bible tells us that “the Father will honor” anyone and everyone who obediently follows his Son and faithfully serves Him. This promise is so remarkable because it means that the loyal, true, dedicated, and steadfast servant of Jesus Christ will receive honor from God the Father. Wow right?? As if that weren’t hard enough to fathom, consider this…. this honor that our Creator, Himself, will bestow on us as true believers is in the form of both reward and recognition.

So live to hear the applause of the audience of One my friend. Strive to serve Jesus in all that you do so that one day you will receive the honor the Father will grant to all those who follow his Son. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there are priceless rewards for following You both in this lifetime and in the one to come. Cause our hearts to seek the approval of Jesus above all else that we might serve Him with all that we have. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!