Guard your Mouth

“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV

In an article posted by Runner’s World after the finish of Sundays world famous New York Marathon, the following was reported: Sharon Lokedi of Kenya, making her marathon debut in New York, raced like a veteran. She showed patience and grit, and it paid off with a narrow victory over two of the prerace favorites. Lokedi, 28, was one of nine women in the lead pack up First Avenue. But when Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia, the reigning world champion, made a strong move at about 16 and a half miles, Lokedi didn’t bite. Two others did, but Lokedi and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, who was born in Kenya and is now an Israeli citizen, hung slightly back. By mile 18 they were 11 seconds off the lead. That moment of restraint paid dividends later…. Lokedi kept herself in position to win the race first by what she didn’t do. She didn’t go with the break at 16 miles. And then over the final miles, no one else was stronger. Do you just love that or what? One moment of restraint can indeed make all the difference.

And you know, practicing restraint or self control at the right time will not only help you finish a race strong but will help you from saying something you might regret. You see, as David knew, it’s easy for us to speak words that hurt other people or tarnish our witness—especially when we don’t take the time to consider the impact our words might have once they leave our mouths. Which is the very reason David beseeched the Lord to set a guard over his mouth and to watch over the door of his lips. He didn’t want the same mouth that prayed and praised Him to be used for lies or any other evil thing.

So let us practice restraint or in our speech by pausing, praying and thinking before we open our mouths my friend. This is the only way to ensure that we voice only those words that build up others and bring glory to God—something that makes all the difference in our pursuit to be like Christ and lead others to the foot of the Cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that words matter. Please guard our mouths and watch over our lips Lord. Allow only gracious and righteous words to flow out from us so that we would not dishonor You in any way.  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The Trails are Calling

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 has many of you as excited as a runner on Christmas morning who’s getting a new pair of shoes and an entry into the 2023 Bass Pro Marathon/Half. The Dogwood Canyon trail run is next weekend! Woohoo!! I don't know about you but I'm super excited!! Running the hills of Lampe, Missouri makes me super-duper happy! According to trailrunner mag I'm not alone either. In fact, they claim that trail running might be the secret to happiness. I'll buy that. 

But hey, if you're still skeptical about hitting the trails (whether at Dogwood or somewhere else), check out what else they had to say:

More time in nature boosts everything from mood to energy levels and sleep, as emerging evidence shows that trails benefit us in more ways than just our fitness.

A 2020 study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research in Public Health compared 1299 trail users and 228 non-users across spectrums of health and wellbeing. It not only found that trail users were significantly more physically active compared to the non-users, but that they also had better sleep quality and self-reported mood scores across a weekly basis. In addition, the longer their trail time, the higher the subjects’ self-reported wellness and health index scores. These included instances of sadness, anger, physical pain, low energy levels and worry experienced in a given week, all of which were more commonly experienced by non-trail users. While I wouldn’t recommend opting for a 24/7 life of trails (unless you have a fully-equipped treehouse and Mother Nature starts providing an endless supply of PB&J), there is clearly value in taking your runs to the trails, when possible.

And speaking of getting the most value out of your time on the trails, check out this tip….

Pause for a moment. This means stop your run – yes, literally – to bask in its beauty. We all know the power of mindfulness, but how many of us practice it while running, particularly for the place we are in? Whether it’s to snap a photo, gaze at the wildlife, or simply take in the scene, make sure to fully appreciate the air, earth, wind, sun, and nature that envelopes you. Often, when we’re running, we get into a state of flow and forget to soak up the atmosphere around us. While running can lend itself to a meditative state, the conscious practice of mindfulness involves becoming deeply aware of the present moment. If you need a little inspiration for this one, note that Des Linden admitted to regularly stopping for five minutes in the middle of her long runs to take stock of the moment. We can all channel a little Des on our next run.

And speaking of pausing and happiness, don’t forget to look up. As someone who's had the blessing of running the Dogwood Canyon trail run more times than I can count on my fingers, I'll tell you this... trail runners spend a lot of time looking down to avoid rocks, ruts, and roots. And while that's a smart thing to do for sure, when you're taking the time to pause (and I suggest you pause for many moments this weekend remembering how blessed you are with the gift of movement), stare at the sky for a while and remember the words of John Muir, "In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks." Do you just love that or what? So hit the trails as often as you can friends. You'll not only be happier, you'll be more appreciative of life. 

HAPPY RUNNING! 

Take it One Step at a Time

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

In a story published by the Springfield News-Leader soon after the last person crossed the finish line of Sunday’s Bass Pro Marathon (of which I had the blessing of running), the first female overall winner, Kimi Reed, reported that she felt tired but happy. It's always a great day when you can see the finish line," she said. "I love being here in my hometown. It's a big town, but we have a small, close-knit running community." That closeness was felt when Reed heard spectators cheering her name as she ran. The lower, but not freezing, temperatures may have helped Reed, who is fighting a hip issue. “That concerned me a little bit, but it felt great (Sunday)," Reed said. "I think the cooler weather helped." Reed remained focus for most of the race, even going as far avoid looking at her watch while it tracked her running time. "I just told myself, 'One foot in front of the other. One step at a time,'" Reed said.

And you know, when it comes to making it to the finish line of our spiritual race, taking it “one step at a time” is wise advice that most Christians find hard to heed. You see, while God most definitely has our whole life journey mapped out ahead of time, he conceives of that journey as a successive series of small steps which is the way He makes it known to us--hence the reason the psalmist used the term "the Lord directs our steps” rather than the Lord directs our lives even though He actually does both. Knowing that His ways are higher then, you and I would do well to thank Him for leading us as He sees fit and trust Him to keep us on pace and on course… one step at a time. 

So resist the urge to give up when you can't see the whole plan my friend. Don't "try to understand everything along the way." Keep putting "one foot in front of the other" as the Lord leads you each and every day, trusting that He will get you to the finish line at His proper time. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for directing our steps one by one. Without You to guide us, we would lead ourselves into trouble and temptation. Cause us to remember that You always know what’s best for us so that we would trust your timing and follow You wherever it is you’re leading us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running! 

We Know that God is in Control

"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 BSB

As my husband and I headed down to the hotel lobby Saturday night after working a full shift at the Bass Pro Marathon Expo, I silently prayed, "Lord, please allow me to get the devotional I prepared to share before tomorrow's race printed quickly so we can get back to the room and get some rest." But after several failed attempts, I was about to give up when Amber, the front desk clerk who had tried to help us smiled and said, "If you'll email it to me, I'll print it for you." Upon doing that, Amber handed me the papers as she said, "I'll delete that email." Prompted by the Holy Spirit I immediately answered, "Oh no. Please save it. I totally believe that you were meant to read it. That's why the printer wasn't working." And sure enough, I was right. Later that next morning, while I was out on the course running, I checked my text messages and smiled at the words Amber sent, "Thank you so much for letting me read your devotional. I have been experiencing that very thing from my family, so it was just what I needed to hear."

Do you just love that or what? But things could have been so different had I not remembered that "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." You see, I have come to "know" that when things go 'wrong,' they're almost always going right--because God will set up situations and coordinate divine interventions for His good purposes. But guess what? He can't use a crabby Christian. Which is the very reason James tell us that we are to "count it all joy" when we encounter trials of various kinds; something we can do because we know that God is in complete control and working all things for good. 

So when things are seemingly going 'wrong,' look up and smile my friend. Keep the joy as you allow God to use your circumstances to put you in the right spot at the right time knowing that it will work out "for the good of those who love Him."

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would personally set up meetings like the one I had with Amber. You not only opened the door for her to help me but for her to hear the words she needed to hear. You are indeed an awesome God worthy of all our praise. Help us to keep the joy in all situations so that we would not miss being a part of your awesome plan. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Only God Knows

“‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.“ Matthew 24:36 NIV

In a story published by CNN Sports yesterday, marathon runner Gotytom Gebreslasecut, who will race in the New York Marathon this weekend and has been unable to speak to her family for more than a year revealed why her victory at the World Athletics Championship in July was so bittersweet. Gebreslase would usually speak with her family before and after she competes, but a phone and internet shutdown back home in Ethiopia made it impossible to do so at this year’s World Athletics Championships. It meant that when she crossed the finish line to claim victory in the marathon — raising her arms in the air, then sinking to her knees as relief and elation poured from her body — the 27-year-old was gripped by conflicting emotions. “I wish I could have enjoyed my happiness with them,” she tells CNN Sport. “That would have been a second joy for me. Only God knows when we can meet. My wish is to meet them soon — that would make me happy.” 

And you know, when it comes to things that only God knows, the Bible is very clear that God, and only God, knows when Christ will return. In fact Jesus told the disciples that “about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Which means that we have to be ready at ALL times. And we do this by continually striving to be like Christ… working hard, sharing the Gospel, serving others, engaging in daily Bible study, pressing on in the face of hostility, standing up for what's right, and counting all our trials as joy. In other words, we must live our lives in such a way that if Jesus came back at this very minute, He would be pleased to see what we were doing. 

So look up my friend and keep yourself busy doing whatever it is He has called you to do. All signs point to Jesus’ imminent return and we must be ready when He comes to take us home. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word that clearly tells us the events that will occur prior to Jesus’ second coming. Knowing that these are playing out before our very eyes, cause us to have a heart intent on being found ready upon your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Work for Eternal Rewards

“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV

In an article titled, “The Spectator’s Guide to the New York City Marathon” published by Runners World, the writer said: Sure, the people running the New York City Marathon are great. But if we’re being honest, it’s you, the spectators, who really do most of the work. The runners just put shoes on and flit around the city on a clearly marked, predetermined path. Volunteers hand them food and water. They get a medal at the end. But the spectators! You have to brave subway systems, blocked roads, and hordes of fans while traversing the five boroughs. No one is giving you food. No one is giving you a medal. Being a marathon spectator is a difficult and unsung task (especially in NYC). As someone who's been on both sides of the racecourse, I will say that taking care of a runner—following them on the course to cheer them on and tending to their other needs—takes almost as much work and is almost as exhausting as running a 26.2 mile race. But ask any runner and they’ll say the spectators are worth their weight in gold and well deserving of recognition and reward.

And you know, when it comes to doing things worthy of recognition, the main goal of every believer should be to please Christ; something we do by serving others with no expectation of recognition or reward from man. You can be sure that everyone will “receive what is due” though when they “appear before the judgement seat of Christ” where they will be rewarded for the things they have done for Jesus. These rewards we earn for serving with a pure heart and righteous motives will be more precious to us than any we could ever receive on earth and will last for all eternity. Do you just love that or what? 

So keep your eyes on the final finish line my friend. Run the race with endurance as you work to being God glory through your service to others. You'll not only be rewarded here on earth with the knowledge that you will one day hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant" but will be recognized one day for your faithful service to the Savior. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the work we do on earth matters for eternity. And while we won't be punished for what was not done rightly unto the Lord, those things will simply be burned up and it will be as if we never did them. Knowing that, cause us to desire doing only those things that will be proved true when they are tested by fire. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - It’s almost race day!

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about Marathon Weekend!!

Can you believe that race day is almost here??? Just a few more wakeups and, God willing, you and I will be stepping up to the start line to put all our training into action. I don't know about you but I'm excited! The Bass Pro Marathon is my favorite 26.2 mile race and I'm looking forward to pacing the 5:30 group with my amazing co-pacer, Jody. As a matter of fact, ALL of the Bass Pro Marathon/Half Marathon pacers are enthusiastic and eager to help you make it to the finish line. So much so that they've listed some tips below that will help you. 

To show you what jokesters your pacers are though (something you'll appreciate when they make you laugh when you feel like crying), I've listed the comments they made to one another in the group chat before I went in and calmed them down (something that's akin to herding cats as pacers are known for being 'different') to give you a heartfelt chuckle. 

So without further ado.... here we go!

Carry fireball shooters - Melissa Merrell

Tip 1) Follow Us

Tip 2) Follow Us - Adam Irvin

Trust your training (or in the Irvin’s case, lack of training) - Charlie Hungerford 

Don’t try wearing new gear! (Shoes, shorts, etc.) - Jenni Sherman 

Unless you’re a pacer, then you get to wear a cool new shirt. - Charlie

Keep it easy this week! Don’t forget breakfast and hydrate! Poop before the race! - Jaunine Marie

Hydration and salt...don't forget the salt. Looking at the forecast with a high of 66 that means it will be more like 86 when you're running. You'll be sweating more than you think and the loss of salt will sneak up on you. - Angie Fellers Beard

Hay is already in the barn….be smart this week and don’t try and force any last ditch hard workouts. Smile, you’ll do better and probably enjoy the suffering more too! - Mike

Have fun and remember you GET to do this!- Kyla Mahoney

Listen to your pacers. Listen to your body. Hydrate. Most of all. Have fun!!! - Randy Acklin

Trust your training, trust your pacers. No matter what have fun and remember you paid to do this. - Shelley Ann

Well…. I don’t think this group actually PAID to do this… - Chad Johnson

Have fun. If you start to feel bad and question yourself remember your why. - Rachel Baker

Don't overdress. Shorts and short sleeves, max. Long sleeves in a drop bag for after party! - Lali

Also I wish someone had told me to grab ALL the food before you leave the gate area because they absolutely will not let you back in for seconds. - Kyla

They will toss bagels over the fence though. - Lali Marie

Run your own race. - Kyla

Make sure to have your carry (nutrition) gels etc. I had a lot of new runners that had nothing on them and felt horrible because I didn’t have enough for me and them on me at the time we were running. - Jenni

Don’t start out faster than you have trained. You’ll need that energy later in the race. I wished someone had told me to enjoy the experience. Look around you. Talk to other runners/pacers. Walk if/when you need too. Eat well the night before. Get plenty of rest (if you can). Start hydrating on Friday. Wear sunscreen. - Charlie

Keep from going out too fast Mentally break up the race into manageable chunks Save your energy for 

hills or other challenging portions of the course -Jaunine

Relax enough to enjoy the course....the pretty fall colors, the fun aid stations. Remember to be grateful that you CAN run. - Janet

Remember which neighborhood cheered the best so you can vote for them after you finish I always fail at this - Lali Marie

Hydrate early, even when you think you don’t need to. - Mitch Wilkins

Don't forget body glide. Carry your electrolyte drink and use the course water if you haven't used the course provided electrolyte in training.- Ben Byrd

Run your race! Breathe! Enjoy the moment and don’t dress too warm, if do layers with throw aways! - Seth Michael

My advice. Finishing is winning. It's not a race. Run how you feel. Also, find someone in front of you to "pull" you. - Erika Ashley

Two things - first the most important meals will be two days before the marathon. It's actually easy to overeat the night before. Light meal or no meal the morning of the marathon. Pack jells/power blocks. Hydrate with some salt/electro light product is good. Emphasis on doing most of this the night before. Note - As this is my first Bass Pro, I hope there are plenty of water breaks along the way as I only pack water when I train. - Dave Hardwick

*As someone who has run the Bass Pro Marathon many times, I'll calm his fear and yours. There are PLENTY of water breaks along the way. You'll be well hydrated!

So there you have it friends. Those are some great tips that I hope will help you cross the finish line with a smile on your face. And believe me, you'll want to be smiling for those photographers waiting at the end so you can share the photos that will give you bragging rights! As someone who has had their fair share of bad race pics, I now look for those amazing people snapping photos and smile big even if I'm not feeling it. If you do it right, you'll end up with an epic profile picture. In addition to that bit of advice, let me offer you my best advice... remember what a blessing it is to be able to run and walk. Breathe in the sights and smells of the day and make a conscious decision to be grateful for every breath and every step. Movement at any speed truly is a gift from the Creator. So smile big, run with all your heart, make some new friends, and have a great time!!

HAPPY RUNNING!