We are victorious

We are victorious 

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

As runners we all have experienced or will experience pain depending on where we are in our training. Pain comes with pushing your body beyond it's limits in an attempt to make it better.  It's just something you expect as you run further and longer training to reach your goal.   

The act of running is so similar to life. There are many miles to cover before we reach our ultimate finish line (heaven).   During those miles, we will encounter pain, discouragement, doubt, loneliness and so many other things. It's on life's journey that we will all experience weakness at one point or another-the feeling that life is just too hard and there's no way we can finish the race.  Those are the times to live for my friend.  They are the ones where God gives you the strength to finish-the times when you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the victory came only through Christ Jesus.  

These are the times of testimonies and triumphs.  These are the times when you will fail... we will all fail when we rely on our own strength.  It's then that we are faced with the decision-stay down or let God lift us up. The choice is yours.  "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57

When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough.-unknown

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your grace.  Grace sufficient for us.  We thank you and declare victory through You.  Please help us to feel Your presence in our times of weakness and call on You to lift us up.  In your precious name we pray, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

We are victorious!  Turn it up and add it to your playlist.  

Be alert

Be alert

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

There was a video that went viral yesterday of a four year old boy who was saved by the family cat after he was attacked by the neighbor's dog. The boy was riding his bicycle in his driveway, seemingly safe, when the dog came out of nowhere viciously attacking him without cause.  Thank God for the family cat who chased the dog away.  It makes me sick to think of what might have happened otherwise.   

1 Peter 5:8 tells us that "the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  He's warning us to watch out for Satan who, like a lion, looks for victims who are alone or not alert.   Job 1:7 says, "The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"  Satan answered the Lord, "From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it."  Satan has been evil since his rebellion against God and considers us, God's children, his enemies.  Simply said, he hates us with a passion.  He wants to destroy us, our families and our children.  And he will use any tactics necessary to do it-he will stop at nothing to ruin us.  


James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."   And Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us, "do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. "  We must be careful to stay in the Word and resist temptation.  Take the time, every day to read God's word and grow closer to Him.  And pray constantly.  "Prayer is a shelter to the soul, a sacrifice to God and a scourge to the devil."-Thomas Brooks.   Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize these attacks and for strength to fight and overcome them.  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Ephesians 6:10-12


Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your word to fight back when Satan tries to destroy us. Help us to constantly be on guard and ready to fight when an attack comes.  As Christians, we should expect and prepare for these attacks as we grow closer to you knowing the victory is through You.  We pray protection over us and our families as we live to serve You and only You.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

A very powerful song!!! 

In times designed to blind the lines and fade away
People day-to-day losing sight and Lord we pray
That you would bring the change that we seek in Jesus’ Name
Separate unto Yourself a people un-ashamed-SHACHA

Pass the baton

Pass the baton

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."  Proverbs 13:20

It's only common sense that if you want to learn to do something or get better at something you already know, you seek out the advice of someone else-someone with more experience and more knowledge than you.  I've met runners who, in their attempt to become better, have hired coaches.  Being someone who helps new runners myself, I see the benefits of seeking someone to answer your questions, teach you properly and hold you accountable. Rather than looking for answers without first knowing the questions, seeking help can save a lot of time, stress and worry.  Not to mention that a coach may keep you from getting injured or sidetracked.  

If we're willing to go to this length to become better runners, shouldn't we apply that to our spiritual training as well?  If we are longing to know Christ better, shouldn't we be searching for "coaches"-those people who have experienced life and come through the fire?  People that aren't afraid to tell us the truth and share their experiences and testimonies to strengthen our faith?  Just as we would be careful to choose a running coach who is qualified, we should be doing the same with our spiritual coaches.  

Think of it like passing the baton in a relay race involving generation to generation.  The one who has the most experience passes the baton to the next person.  Everyone can benefit from learning something new no matter who "wise" we think we are.  Proverbs 1:5 says, "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance".  Actively search out those who can provide guidance and help you learn.  And, if you are in such a position to provide it, search for those you can help.  "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people who aren't afraid to stand up and help others.  I pray that those who can help will and those who need help will find it.  May we be all be searching for You daily, running the race and passing on the baton to the faithful.  We pray this in your precious name Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!





Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.-Proverbs 9:9

Keep sprinting

Keep sprinting

"The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.  For they are transplanted into the Lord's own house.  They flourish in the courts of our God.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green."  Psalm 92:12-14

The following story was posted in KXAN news on Monday:

WROCLAW, Poland (NBC/RTV) — A 104-year-old man in Poland celebrated his birthday by running a 100-meter sprint — setting a record in the process.

Stanislaw Kowalski has lived a healthy life, and it shows.

He has three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

When he was working, Kowalski walked or biked more than six miles to work every day. He’s retired now but still travels the same distance to visit his wife’s grave.

He finished his 100-meter sprint on Saturday in 32.79 seconds.

That wasn’t fast enough for a world record, but he established the European record by default because no one over 100 years old has an official result.

You might wonder if he has any advice: Kowalski says don’t eat too much in the evening.

Who wants to grow old?  Comedian George Burns, who lived past the age of 100, said "It's better than the alternative."  But is it?  As a faithful Christian, the alternative to living in this world is heaven. While I long for the day when God calls me home, I know there is much work to be done until then.  

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."  As we age-and we all are every day we live-we can anguish over the changes in our bodies.  We can cry over the gray hair that seems to pop up overnight or complain about the new wrinkles that set in deeper by the day.   And, we can even let despair set in as our once young bodies start to fail us.  It won't change anything though.  In another article posted on Yahoo:  His grandson, Mark Baszak, said: "My grandfather always says "so as not to stress" - he is a very quiet man."  Not stressing.... I think he's on to something.  

The bible is clear that aging has its unpleasant side, 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."   But the bible is also clear that we are to make the most of our days while we are here, "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.  

Until our last day, no matter how old or young at heart you are, you can make a difference.  You can be an inspiration.  Paul, the great apostle, left us the following promise, perhaps the most comforting of all promises to seniors and believers of all ages: "I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ comes back again."  Philippians 1:6

Heavenly Father, help us to find ways to serve you and glorify Your name no matter what our age or health status may be.  We pray that we can be a blessing to someone wherever we are in life. Help us to be bold and search for opportunities to "proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!! 

You just have to finish

You just have to finish

"The Lord will work out His plans for my life-for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.  Don't abandon me, for You made me."  Psalm 138:8

As many of you know, there are cutoff times in half and full marathons.  The cutoff time for the half (13.1 miles) is generally four hours and six hours for the full (26.2 miles).   Most of us can't imagine doing the same thing over and over for hours on end to claim a prize that amounts to not much more than a lanyard and a piece of metal.  Well, at least that's what the average person thinks.

The person that comes in at 3:53 in a half marathon is not the average person-I can assure you of that.  I had the blessing of being able to watch the last finisher cross at the half marathon Saturday.  Rather than having a look of pain, distress or unhappiness, this girl was smiling from ear to ear!!  Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched her claim her medal and the "red lantern"-the prize for the last finisher.  Why bother some might ask?  Why be proud of being last?  Because she completed something she never thought she could.  And she completed it, not on her strength, but through God's.  Sometimes, there's a greater victory in being last than being first.  Because the victory was not only in completing the race, it was in overcoming fears, self doubt, negative attitudes and stereotypes of what a runner should be.   There's cause for celebration just taking that first step.  

So, I say, do what you can with what you have.  Celebrate every victory achieved through Christ.  Give Him the glory and don't give up.  2 Corinthians 12:10 says, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." The weaker we are, the more Christ's strength shows to all.  What a witness for Christ we all can be!  Yes, all of us.  

Receiving the red lantern award from Ruth Sawkins.

Love her smile and attitude as she comes in under the cutoff.  She didn't hang her head because she was last, she held up her hands in praise because she finished!!!  What a testimony!  

Heavenly Father, I know you didn't design all of us to be runners or walkers, but you did make us to serve You all our days and to be a blessing to others.  I pray that You will show the lost the purpose You have for their lives and give them peace and boldness to "take that first step" to victory through You.  You are an awesome God and worthy to be praised.  We love you Lord.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!! 

Our treasures are our children

Our treasures are our children

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:19-21

My precious daughter posing with me before race time.

I had the pleasure of running the Joplin Memorial Run Saturday.  It commemorates the 161 people who lost their lives in the March 22, 2011 tornado that ripped through Joplin.  There was a young woman who shared her story of the tornado as we stood in the starting line waiting to begin. She told of how her 18 month old child, 3 year old child and husband were all killed as the twister struck the Home Depot in Joplin.  She was at her home in Webb City when the disaster struck.  Fighting back tears, I listened as she described what happened in the days following.   She spoke of hearing people talk about how they had lost everything-meaning their home and their possessions. Meanwhile, her home had been spared but her family had not.  

She said that a home was of no value if you had no one to fill it.  Her words went straight to my heart. As much as I try not to value "worldly things", my attempts often fail.  I am guilty of wanting the latest shoes or running accessory or that new dress to wear to church.  I'd love to say that I would be ok if everything I owned was gone in a second.  But, would I?  Would any of us?  I guess that's a question between us and God and a struggle we will face daily.  After hearing her story though, I went home with a new appreciation for my children and my family.  I have decided to embrace each day even more fully, to love with abandon and to reach out to the lost searching constantly for any opportunity. This just served as a reminder that our days are not certain, our time is not unlimited and our chances to love may be few.  

With that in mind, love while you can, serve with all you have and thank God for every day He gives. Tell your children how much they mean to you.... and mean it.  Hold nothing back and live each day giving praise to God for giving you a family.  And, of course, thank Him for your home and all you have.  That too is a blessing undeserved.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with my children and my family.  Thank you for sending reminders of how short life can be.  I pray your peace on all those affected by the Joplin tornado and especially for the young lady that shared her story. May she find peace in You to begin again and turn her tragedy into a testimony even greater than the one she shared.  Thank you for letting me be a part of that.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

What if trials of this life are your blessings in disguise?

-Laura Story

Joplin Memorial Run 2014

The 2014 Joplin Memorial Run was held on Saturday, May 10.  What a fabulous race!   It was one of the most well organized races I have ever attended.  The 2 day event for TEAM 413 began on Friday with a 12-9 expo day.  They were so kind to serve the vendors lunch and dinner.  We had a fabulous time visiting with the runners and some old friends-and making new ones.

With Jim McDermott and Chad Speer at the expo booth.

After a long day, we were back at the room about 9:40 pm to wind down and get ready for the race. 4 of us girls sharing a room and asleep by 12am with a 4 am alarm set.  Up and out the door by 5 am for the 5:30 prerace prayer and raceside booth setup.

Laura Murietta setting up merchandise.  She worked the booth with Hope so we could run.  Love that girl.  

The race crew snapped this pic as we did a prerace devotional and prayer.  Spoke about 2 Timothy 4:7.  

Some stuck around for another pic after the race.  Love the Run 4 God Group.  They are so on fire for Christ and running.  Did I say I love these guys?!!!!

Finally time for the 6:30 am race start.  They called us into the starting line about 6:15 and had a barbershop quartet perform the national anthem-very good too.  There was a story shared by a young mother of losing her 2 children and husband in the tornado that tore at the heart followed by 161 seconds of silence to pray and remember the 161 people who lost their lives in the tornado.  It was a very somber moment.  I cried in silence as I waited to start, counting my blessings and praying healing for the families who had lost loved ones.

The course was filled with rolling hills and smiling volunteers passing out water and gatorade.  The aid stations were all wonderful as were the spectators that sporadically lined the course.  They had several bands on the route which was a great distraction.  Loved that most of the run involved turns and hills.  I'm not a huge fan of running straight courses (probably due to my short attention span, lol).  We went through some pretty residential areas and into downtown Joplin.  I loved it!  The finish line was packed with excitement and the race announcer was full of energy and enthusiasm.  Did I tell you they gave free photos?!!!  

Finished the race, praised God and went to our booth to wait for the others.  Jim beat me by almost a minute-he's an overachiever.   God willing, I would love to do this race again.  It had so much to offer for the money.  A really great race.

Spotted some TEAM 413 members in Joplin. 

Kelly Scarbrough coming down victory lane.

Happened to catch another member.  Look close, it's the runner in the gray!

Laura and Hopee worked the booth.  God bless them.  What troopers!

Another member we spotted!!

Caught Hopee watching the finishers.  Love this girl.

Sandra got a PR.  Praise God!

Jim and I had a great race.  

Chad Speer, Hope and Chad's fiance Stormi. Met Chad 2 years ago and the Mother Road Marathon in Joplin.  That was a God thing!

Posing before race start.  A tad bit chilly but a God given day to be sure.

A view from the booth to the finish line.  Love this race!

A well deserved Starbucks for the drive home.  The shirt is from our new friend at Naked Fruit Company who was our expo neighbor.  Love making new friends.  

Loved this race.  A big thank you to Ruth Sawkins and her crew for making TEAM 413 so welcome.