When a Bronze Medal Feels Like the Gold Medal

The Olympics are over, and we're all adjusting to regular life again. As I watched the bronze match for men's tennis, one player wanted it more than the other. The favorite for the gold was in this match; he'd been defeated and now winning this match was his only chance at medaling at the Olympics, an honor that held so much weight. 

In some sports you play for the bronze - soccer, tennis, table tennis, basketball while in others it's automatically based on how you finished. The bronze match is, in essence, a tiebreaker with so much on the line.

The Rabbit

In my neighborhood, I usually see a family of wild rabbits with bushy white tails. They're harmless and pretty, but they hop quickly. As I studied the pace of their movements, I remembered that in the sport of Track and Field, if you want the field to go faster than intended, there's usually a rabbit in the race. The rabbit's role is to set the pace for the field, but the rabbit does not complete the race. He merely ensures that the others running are doing what they're supposed to do so that when he drops out, the remaining runners have the momentum to keep going.


According to Runners World, in distances as short as the 800 meters and as long as the marathon, the

Sports Bras and Spiritual Protection

When I first started running as an adult, I tried to be cheap and not invest in the proper equipment; if I could cut corners, I did. One day while running with my regular undergarments I discovered why 'the girls' needed proper protection. The constant pounding on the pavement mimicked the up and down motion of the girls and it was nothing short of uncomfortable. It was the first and last time I made that mistake. These days having the right sports bra is a top priority. I can't run if I don't have one - it's that simple.

The original Sportsbra with the creators
Lisa Lindahl left, and her manufacturing partner, Hinda Miller. (Courtesy of Lisa Lindahl)

The Moment Your Momentum Shifts

As a runner, over time I have become keenly aware of the terrain of my local run. I know the dips in the sidewalk, the cracked cement, the mile markers, the hills and the declines. Because I am familiar with the terrain, I can anticipate the impact it will have on my body. I know for sure that I will look forward to declines because they are easier on my body and that I will have to power through as I work my way uphill. I know to avoid uneven pavement so that I don't twist my ankle or fall.  I know to shorten my stride over bumpy roads. In particular, when I'm approaching a hill I steel myself with lots of self-talk while running - "you can do it, use your arms, maintain your form, it's not that far, when you reach the stop sign everything shifts....." and then I tell myself to stop talking and just maintain my form.


There's always a plateau at the top of any incline. The plateau feels the worse physically because you don't start feeling the relief from the hard work of running uphill, yet. But this is the moment your momentum shifts because you keep going; the plateau turns into a decline and you give yourself a pat on the back.

I've run this course a thousand times - the hill always seems bigger when I'm approaching it and so minuscule in retrospect and yet I go through this self-talk each time. These hills will always be a struggle for me for a hill is a hill - it will always require work to get to the top.

The plateaus in life are where many give up. A plateau is an area of relatively level high ground; a state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress. The anticipated result has not shown up, yet. You have come through the crucifixion but the resurrection hasn't happened yet. But this is when you power through and maintain your form. This is when you actively wait with expectancy. This is when you don't quit. This is the moment your momentum shifts. Some of our mountains seemed so huge at the time, but in retrospect, we can see them for what they were - bumps in the road that still required some effort to overcome.

After Jesus was crucified, he was dead for three days and then He came back to life. I can't explain resurrection, but what I do know is this -  His death was preparation for His resurrection.

Don't quit. Know that in the plateaus of your life, you are not alone and your momentum is shifting. You're not alone in the plateau, and you're not alone as you run freely with abandon. Trust God. Hold on. Your momentum is shifting.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Do you know when your momentum is shifting?
--Nylse

Thanks for reading. Please take a moment to share using the buttons below and also please like my Facebook Page. Stay Encouraged!

Faith Expressions

Every four years the Olympics happens. However, in order to be selected to the team, an athlete has to compete at the trials. Usually, for Track and Field, the top 3 in each event makes the team.

Allyson Felix is attempting to do what hasn't been done in a while at the Olympics - run the 200 and the 400, but first, she had to make the team. During the finals of the 400, she seemed to be in a bit of trouble. But then on the homestretch, in the last 100, she found another gear, passed everyone and finished first. As she crossed the line, she smiled, mouthed, "Thank you Lord," and raised her hands.

The race in the women's 100 was intense- English Gardner was one of the favorites to make the team but not the favorite to win. As they came across the line, English Gardner leaned first,but because it was so close she had to wait awhile to be declared the winner. As she was walking around the track, emotion overtook her and she went to child's pose on the track and started to pray out loud. "Thank you Jesus, O God I praise you, thank you Jesus....." With tears and emotion, she kept praying. Surprisingly, it was all captured on tape.

Two different expressions of faith on the world stage, both sincere, both as a result of persevering and winning. Our faith expressions are indicative of our relationship with the Faithful One. They also reaffirm our faith and strengthen us. Our faith expressions don't only show up in victory, but oftentimes during the minutiae and trials of just living. We nurture our faith in different ways - some take time daily early in the morning to spend time with God; some walk or run while praying; some journal; some wait until the wee hours of the morning to meditate and pray. Some of us are loud, vocal and emotional (like English Gardner) and some of us are quiet (like Allyson Felix).

In marriage, you have an opportunity to see your partner's faith up close and personal and I find this to be one of the beauties and benefits of marriage. Your spouse's expression of faith may look different than yours due to temperament and personality - but don't let that become a stumbling block, instead look at their lives and see the difference their expression of faith makes. In marriage when you both are working on building your faith it's a recipe for success. It's a guarantee of a firm foundation so that no matter what comes you can handle it. Once you have the same faith, don't force your spouse to live out their faith as you would. 

Having a firm foundation in our marriages and families impacts the way we interact with society. With so much violence, hatred and fear so close to home, it is imperative that our faith is strong and that we are not fearful of expressing it. With all the racial turmoil in America, one of the first things I do is hold on to my faith and express it. My faith and its expression provides wisdom and courage to know how to navigate these times and what I can do to make a difference. It may start small but it will grow.

Whatever faith you are it will be expressed in your day to day. As a Christian, it will show up in your speech, your actions, your thoughts, your behaviors, as your faith is intricate to you. So live accordingly and walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.....Ephesians 4:1 [KJV]

How do you express your faith? 

Adjustments - Small Changes Huge Dividends

Nothing stays the same over time.  In nature, plants go through a cycle. There are cycles in our bodies, nature, the economy, relationships and many more things. It's why being an athlete is somewhat challenging - your aim is to have your best performance consistently over a period of time. It's also what makes sports so exciting - as a spectator you wonder how long an athlete will remain at the top of their field. Think Serena Williams, Mo Farah or Usain Bolt.

As someone who runs, I think of the many adjustments I make to perform with a modicum of decency consistently, and then I imagine this multiplied by a huge factor for the professional athlete. You're always trying to improve or reach capacity. In popular culture this is sometimes phrased in the form of a question - "Are you your best you?"

An adjustment is a small alteration, done with the intention of producing a better result. As a runner, I've learned to shorten my stride, change my gait, temper my breathing all with the intention of going longer, faster. I don't make all these changes at once but over time. As I get better at one thing or see an improvement in my times, I am tempted to become comfortable, but then circumstance or choice forces me to adjust again. For example, after making an improvement due to some small changes, I noticed that after long runs I would eventually get a headache.  I had to make another adjustment - increase my intake of electrolytes and stay hydrated well before a run. Sometimes the little changes don't seem to make any sense, but in the long run, they usually do.

And that's the point of life - just when we think we've arrived, there's another adjustment to be made. As long as we're living it's an opportunity for constant progressive change.

Though adjustments are small or incremental it does not mean that they are easy; changing my breathing pattern is not easy nor is learning to change aspects of my personality. I have spent a lifetime attempting to speak softer or use my inside voice in certain situations. My volume can be misinterpreted, therefore, I try different techniques. Some work, some don't but it requires effort because I want a different response and a different outcome.

No area of our life can escape this need for adjustment so that we are maximizing our value and living out our purpose. Our faith gets tested by circumstance. These circumstances provide opportunities for adjustments and recalibration. These adjustments keep us humble, keep us seeking and searching and ultimately relying on God. That never changes, but how we rely on God is up to us. In the many stages of life, there are times when we think we've figured out how to trust, how to pray, how to navigate this path. But then life throws us for a loop in many forms and it seems that all of a sudden we don't know how to pray or our faith seems small. These are opportunities for adjustments.

As a believer, we have what we need to make these changes.  God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7  In the prior verse, Paul told Timothy to fan the flames - put in the effort, but you don't have to figure this out on your own. Love implies relationship - we're not in this race alone; power indicates a Force that will allow us to make the changes that are necessary, and a sound mind means we can think and use resources available to us - all for the goal of constant improvement and movement.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 [NLT]

Wherever you are on this journey, make the necessary adjustment - don't give up.

What adjustments have you made recently?

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 4

Source

I was on the track team in High School and College. Somewhere, along the way I recognized that the dedication, time, and energy I gave to track was a skill that was transferable to other areas of my life. I joined the track team because I thought I could run (that was a fallacy!); I stayed with it because I wanted to improve. Coaches seemed mean and harsh (back then) but they just wanted us to perform at our best - so we had some tough workouts. For example, here's a typical distance workout: 1 mile warm up, 5*800 (under 3 mins) and then a 1 mile cool down. I came home many nights in HS exhausted, but I refused to let my class work suffer. In college, we worked out at 7:00 am; I started many a day tired - but again I refused to let my class work or anything else suffer. You know what - I got better! And I was proud of myself for putting in the hard work and seeing the results.

I say the above to encourage you to approach your spiritual life with the same discipline - you'll be better for it.



Proverbs 4 reiterates the point of wisdom being so important we should get it at any cost.

Highlights and Observations

One of my favorite verses from this chapter is verse 7 which says - Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding. The simplest explanation that I can give for wisdom is this: wisdom is the application of knowledge in all areas of your life. The best wisdom is  gained through reading God's word. The basis of true wisdom is God's word. One of my favorite sites provides a good explanation of wisdom.

Verses 23-27 provides great encouragement for young people; I have paraphrased below:

1. Protect your heart, for everything you do, flows from it.
2. Watch what you say; keep your mouth free of perversity.
3. Keep your eyes on the goal.
4. Think about the direction you wish to go in; be steadfast.
5. Stay away from evil.

The Bible is so relevant to the world we live in. I hope you're beginning to see that as you read.

Water in the Desert

Carolyn and I volunteering

Yesterday for the 2nd year in a row, I volunteered at the LA Marathon. Last year I gave out water at Mile 15 and had a sign that said, "Smile, It Makes You Run Faster!"  That sign generated all sorts of comments. This year, my friend and I were in the Finish Area, handing out Gatorade. Our job was to make the Gatorade, pour into cups and then set up the table - 3 rows high. Our shift was from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Being at the finish line allows you to see all the runners as they walk to meet their families. I saw "Superman" running in his drawers, a ton of Elvises, men and women running in tutus, husbands and wives running together, folks overwhelmed with emotion upon completion, folks in pain and requiring medical attention, and some of the fittest and finest specimens of humans.

To me being a volunteer is not a big deal. I do it because I like it and it's my way of offering support. Apparently this support is a huge deal to a runner. I heard so many thank you's I actually felt special. These were not your run of the mill or perfunctory thank yous, these were heartfelt. It was almost as if the volunteers made a tangible difference in the runner's outcome.

"Thank you, sweetheart."
"Thanks for being here."
"Thanks for all you do."
"You didn't have to be here but we are so glad you're here. Thank you."

All through the day, we heard  this over and over again. It was like we were water in the desert to these runners and it's not because we were handing out liquids  - some runners outright rejected the Gatorade; if they didn't have Gatorade ever again, they would be happy.  It was because we were there for them. Last year I got a hug from a runner who was so amazed that so many people were out there cheering her on. A hug!

This experience reinforces a valuable lesson - no matter how insignificant it seems to you, your support of others is valuable. Whenever you can, cheer on the people in your life - support your children with their life dreams; support your spouse with that crazy venture he/she may have; support your co-worker who chose to confide in you. If for whatever reason, you're not close to anyone - the next time there's a marathon or a road race in your area, go out there and cheer those runners on. It will make a world of difference to them and you will feel good also.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 [KJV]

Have you ever volunteered at a sporting event?

It Ain't Over!

"It ain't over until God says over; it ain't over until God says it's done.  Keep fighting until the victory is won."

This song has gotten me through so many runs because when I think of the goodness, power, majesty, mercy of God and all of His other attributes, combined with a catchy melody I am able to run farther and faster. This song combined with other Gospel songs is the reason why I look forward to running - the music literally moves me and I feel like I am worshipping God as I run. I am worshipping God as I run. Running this Christian race will make you better; a better person yielding more spiritual fruit.

I didn't intend to become a runner, but
"Something Happens" to me when I hear the name of Jesus.

As I'm "Encouraging Myself", I reflect on scripture on where I am and where He's brought me from.

As I "Work It Out" physically, I see the correlation spiritually.

These songs are all over 5 minutes and some are as long as 7 minutes; that's a worthwhile goal - completing a mile before 2 songs are over.

Before you know it, you'll find yourself soaring spiritually and physically. Or maybe that's just me.

Here are some of my other favorites from my Pandora station:

• I Got The Victory - Tye Tribbett
• Jesus Can Work it out - various gospel artists
• The Blessing of Abraham - Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers
• The Presence of The Lord is Here - Byron Cage
• We Lift Our Hands In the Sanctuary - Kurt Carr
• Lord, You are Good (live) - Israel Houghton
• Faithful is our God - Hezekiah Walker
• I will Bless The Lord (live) - Byron cage. 
• I'm Grateful (the reprise) - Hezekiah Walker
• Praise Him In Advance - Marvin Sapp. 
• I Smile - Kirk Franklin

"It Ain't Over"

I know the odds look stacked against you

And it seems there's no way out

I know the issue seems unchangeable

And that there's no reason to shout

But the impossible is God's chance

To work a miracle, a miracle

So just know

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

He never said it would be easy

But you're a winner in the end

Jesus defeated all your enemies

Way before the fight began

But the impossible is God's chance

To work a miracle, a miracle

So just know

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

When people say you can't, remember

(He can, He will)

When you don't know what you're gonna do,

Please remember

(He has the master plan)

He will free you from your sin

And give you peace within

So you better hold your head up high

You're gonna win

(You're gonna win)

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

Keep fighting, keep praying, keep fasting

It ain't over, no

Keep pressing, progressing, keep moving

It ain't over, no

Keep reading, interceding, keep believing

It ain't over, no

Keep trusting, keep trying, keep travailing

It ain't over, no

Keep living, keep giving, keep going

It ain't over, no

Keep fighting until your victory is won

Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 [NLT]

How does music help you? 

Writing about Writing

Here's what's happening:

Source

I want to write. I have a great conversation or a thought runs across my mind. I  think, "I should write this; it''s really good; I'm sure somebody will appreciate this perspective." I sit down to write. I click "New Post." I start writing the initial thoughts and then nothing, absolutely nothing. I know at this point I should keep typing until my thoughts become cohesive.  Just get it down on paper is my mantra. But there seems to be a disconnect between my brain and my hands.

So I have many incomplete posts; though frustrated I'm glad I've done that, because at some point I know I will be able to finish.

There have been times when I would write and my thoughts would flow and I was quite happy with the result. This is not happening now. I want to get back there, but until I do, I'll keep writing what I can. I know what's happening with my writing is what we all go through at different points in life, so even in this I'm encouraged to keep going. And just in case you've missed me, I wanted you to know I've missed you too; I didn't intend to stay away so long.

I've seen many bloggers and writers come and go. I don't want to leave yet as overall I enjoy the process too much. My faith is my anchor and I rely on it heavily.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 [NLT]

This verse doesn't say when things are good or when you're writing He rejoices. It says He is with me and He rejoices over me. There's no mention of my circumstances. Writing is like running to me - it's not something that I cannot do - some days I run well, these days not so much. However I'm just glad I am able to do something. Even in the trying times I'm learning that the most important thing is to keep relying on the One who sustains my faith.

Writing this post just may be cathartic and hopefully my writing becomes prolific again.

If you've gone through this, I would appreciate your thoughts on how you got unstuck. Thanks for reading.

Staying Fit

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Your body, like a well-oiled machine, can be pushed beyond what you think are its limits if it is well maintained. One way to maintain your body is to be mindful of what you feed it. Garbage in, garbage out not only is true in Computer Science but true for the body as well. Since I started running in High School, I was pegged as a distance runner. As I've gotten older, in a strange way I enjoy running distances more ( though non-competitively), but I've noticed that vitamins and supplements help sustain me.



I discovered fish oil in the mid-90s.  Fish oil supports a healthy blood cholesterol level, bone health and provides mood support. I read up on the benefits of it and remembered that as a child I was forced to take cod liver oil because it was good for me. Staying true to myself I bought different brands but usually ended up buying what was on sale.

In any event, I noticed that my hair and skin thrived while taking fish oil pills in addition to reaping all of the other benefits. Unfortunately, some brands would leave a fishy aftertaste or you'd have fishy burps temporarily.  It was a nuisance but something I could live with.

I recently tried Omega 3 Highly Concentrated Pure Triple Strength Fish Oil, as part of a product promotion. It lived up to its promise of no fishy aftertaste - which was a pleasant surprise even though each pill is highly concentrated.




I will continue taking my fish oil and may even purchase this product again.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 [NLT]


This is a sponsored post; all opinions expressed are my own.


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Being Fit

Since I've become a running enthusiast, I want to high five anyone I see running and putting in the effort. To me, it doesn't matter if you're slow or you're fast. If I see you running I know it's an act of the will to be applauded. Because as runners know, running doesn't ever get so easy that it's like breathing. After all is said and done, you do it because you know and see that the benefits outweigh the excuses.

I have the same enthusiasm with I meet another believer - I want to give them a high five because I know they've discovered the truth. They knew something was missing in their lives and it turned out to be Jesus. To me, it doesn't matter where you are in your walk, but that you are working it out. It's an act of the will to choose to follow Jesus. But you don't do it for the applause. You follow Jesus because the benefits outweigh the excuses.

As we make an effort to be physically fit, let's make the same effort to be spiritually fit and reap the benefits of both.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 [NLT]

How fit are you?

Source

The Wind At My Back

Source

On this last day of the year, I went running. Baby, it's cold outside, and windy. It was so cold that after the first mile I ran home got my jacket and continued. My splits were amazing - today was my fastest 5k. I completed this run in 25 minutes.

During my run, my effort felt the same but because it was so windy, I was getting a much needed push. I didn't realize it until I heard my time. 2014 was an interesting year - to my mind my effort felt the same but my result may have been better than I anticipated because God had my back the whole time. He was there through all the twists and turns, sending His wind to keep me going. I wanted to go in to a malaise today, but this run made me realize that God is there. Even when I can't see Him, He is there. We just need to keep prayerfully seeking and living for Him and through Him we can do more than we can ask or think.

As you prepare for next year, drop the weight, worry and debt. Weight holds our bodies back, worry stifles our spirit, and debt makes us poor stewards. Run the race that you are called to run. Even if you don't know what your purpose is,  keep living and keep believing.

God's got your back.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2 [NLT]

Have a wonderful 2015.

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Terrain

Ever run in to a goat while running?

Sometimes when I run the road is rough, sometimes it's hilly, and sometimes it's smooth. If I'm running the same route I always I know what to anticipate in terms of the terrain.  However if I'm running on a new route I never know what to expect.

Sometimes the terrain works with me and sometimes it doesn't.

It works with me when I'm going faster than I anticipated with minimal effort. This usually happens on a flat piece of land or if I'm going downhill.

It works against me when I'm going uphill or there's lots of crevices in the sidewalk. I have never had an easy time going uphill and don't think I ever will because hills aren't meant to be easy.

Life is analogous to the terrain we run. Sometimes it's hard and sometimes it's easy. As a runner, regardless of the terrain, because I know how to run I keep running.  We give it more effort when we're going uphill and coast when we are going downhill. We are more aware on uneven sidewalks but breathe more easily on smooth trails. We don't quit, we adjust. We are grateful for the downhills but just as grateful for the uphills.  The steep inclines really help us appreciate the down hills. When you've gone through a rough time, the fact is you have gone through and are grateful to have made it to the other side. As a runner, how I make it to smooth terrain is almost irrelevant. Being able to pump my arms, breathe and whisper to myself "you can do it," gets me to smoother terrain. 

If we can do this while running, we can do this as we face various challenges in life. For the longer you are in the is race the more experience you gain in navigating the terrain.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
Don't quit; keep doing what you have been trained to do.

Staying Young

It's Thanksgiving break and the Little One said "Let's run a mile tomorrow." I was shocked but said yes as I have recently decided to take it easy.  After our run, we were on our way back home and I saw my neighbor. My neighbor Sal is a very interesting man with a lifetime of stories. He loves to talk, or at least when he starts talking to me, the conversation is very interesting. Somehow we got to talking about memories and how he sometimes forget things but remembers things that happened a long time ago so vividly.

He then proceeds to tell me this story. Sal said, "I remember my two little sisters. They would be on the balcony and would pop their faces out and say, 'Salvador, where are you? Where are you?' During WWII in 1943 the Germans bombed Naples and his house was bombed and his sisters did not survive. His mother made it out but she kept calling for her two young daughters. She was in a state of shock for a while. His dad was a Socialist, was arrested and taken to a concentration camp. He survived the concentration camp but he too was never the same. His dad was injured or tortured while he was in the camp and a doctor from Norway befriended him and took care of him. Many years later this doctor was in Italy and Sal's dad recognized the doctor. They were able to talk. His dad told the doctor the story of his sisters and how his mother was suffering and he asked the doctor what could be done for his mother. The doctor suggested that they have another baby. Sal says it worked and he remembers his mother walking around and hugging his little brother." Sal says laughter and being thankful keeps him young even though he forgets. His current doctor reassures him that he's doing well and it's a function of age.

Talking to Sal on this Thanksgiving Eve made me realize that we all have a choice in how we deal with the things that happen to us. Talking to Sal makes me realize that many have dealt with racism and injustice, not just those that are my skin color. I'm not always thankful even though I know I should be. Sometimes I want to have a pity party or believe that there's nothing good happening for me but nothing could be farther from the truth. So thanksgiving eve is a great time to reflect on the goodness of life in spite of all the horrible things that are happening. To realize that the simple pleasures are what makes life worthwhile - fellowshipping with friends and family, being able to enjoy a meal, watching the generations grow and listening to the elders.

I don't have a HouseBeautiful house; but I do have a beautiful heart thanks to the One I serve; hopefully as I interact with others they can see what makes me beautiful.

Have a wonderful thanksgiving and remember to give thanks.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
There's ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

Room For Improvement

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I run......often.

It never seems easy until I start.

I've learned some tactics from other runners, but ultimately I have to go out there and do it.

Friday I ran with a friend. It was one of the longer runs I had done in a while, yet very enjoyable. In this age of social media, I use Nike + to keep track of most of my runs (I use Runkeeper when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical). So now Nike + takes it upon itself to do goal setting for me and today my goal was to run 3.75 miles.

Once given a goal - I have to reach it. So today though I intended to only run 3 miles I ran 3.77 miles so that I could meet a goal that I did not set. Nike+ is just an app that has no power over me, but because as a runner I recognized the benefits of running further, I accepted the goal.  I didn't have to, but I did.

As I did this, I thought there is always room for improvement.

I can:
Run faster
      Run farther
  Conquer hills
      Breathe better.

Just as in running, in my life there is always room for improvement:
I can speak softer
      Be more positive
   Conquer a bad attitude
        Change my perspective

Nike + set the goal for me, but sometimes it can be a friend or even something you've read. It may be a one liner you saw, or just the last fragments of a conversation. For me it also has a spiritual connotation, as the Bible provides guidelines (goals) for living.

There's always room for improvement - you are better than you were yesterday, as you keep changing in to the person you are supposed to be.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 

13 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 towards what is ahead, 

14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-13 NIV

Are you improving? Is it hard for you?

Just Do It

We've all heard the expression from Nike - "just do it.' Nike provides the equipment, but ultimately you've got to decide to use the equipment. This has great application to every aspect of life including the spiritual.
Lately, I've been a slacker on many fronts. I used to run three to five days a week until I developed a knee injury.  In attempting to treat it, I slacked off on the running.
I also used to wake up every morning and spend quality quiet time with the Lord. Of late, I find myself rolling out of bed and jumping right in to the day's activities, then stopping myself so that I can at least have 5-10 minutes of morning devotions. This amount of time is not sufficient to deepen a relationship.
In both of these areas I've seen the difference - I often feel disconnected from my Source, and I question and doubt myself.

Recently I started running again and here's what I realized:

• I have what I need to do this
• Just because it feels tough does not mean I should quit
• You already know how to run, now just keep putting one foot in front of the other
• The sense of accomplishment when completed is worth it
• The more I do it, the better I feel, the easier it becomes
• Just when you think you've mastered this, something comes along to trip you up, but keep going any how.
• Finish strong

These lessons are important in my spiritual life as well and I've started to apply them. As a matter of fact they are more important spiritually, than physically.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Have you been slacking off lately? Do you have what it takes to just do it?

Finish Strong

Any time that I run, whether its 3 miles or 5 miles, for the last half mile or so, no matter how bad I'm feeling I push myself to finish strong - use my arms, take purposeful strides, run faster and look ahead to the finish line.

My little one currently does club track and field. She is still unsure of her events and has been experimenting with the 400 (one lap).  I'm always at the back of the field as she rounds in to the final straight away yelling, "finish strong, use your arms, move!"

I'm originally from the East coast, so I watch the Penn Relays since I can no longer go. The college women's 4x800 had a spectacular finish this year. Villanova won, but coming down the home stretch their anchor leg was in 2nd. There was literally a point where she just pushed herself - her form may have been a tad compromised, but she pushed hard and passed the 1st place runner and won. She saw in her mind's eye that she could push pass the pain.  That's how you finish strong.

There are many examples of finishing strong in the Bible - many did not start well but they were able to finish strong.  Jacob - was a deceiver who tricked Esau out of his birthright, was tricked by his future father in law, had 2 wives and loved one more than the other.  Rachel ultimately bore him Joseph and Benjamin but died in childbirth with Benjamin. Jacob loved Joseph and displayed his favoritism.  His other sons sold Joseph in to slavery and Jacob was heartbroken. On his way to reconcile with Esau, Jacob wrestled with God at Peniel and his name was changed to Israel - which means he struggled with God.  Jacob struggled with God his whole life but after Peniel he was changed: he walked with a limp and he learned to depend on God more. God had blessed Jacob in Bethel and promised him that he would be a great nation before he met Laban, so Jacob knew God. So much had happened that Jacob never thought he would see Joseph again, but God gave him a new revelation prior to being reunited with Joseph.  In Genesis 46:4  God told Jacob not to be afraid, that He will go with him to Egypt, that he will see his son, and that he will be a father of many nations. And it came to pass.

Consider the trajectory of Jacob's life; Jacob knew God, yet he didn't always obey but God in His sovereignty God never gave up on Jacob. Jacob was blessed in his old age, he saw his son, his sons and grandsons became leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel and he was buried with his people. Finishing strong requires seeing things differently - a new revelation. You are tired, you've made mistakes, you have regrets, but you know God is with you as you've made a commitment to him. You're not too damaged, God can still use you just as he did Jacob and He does not renege on His promises.

I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Gen 46:3-4
Finish strong.

What do you hope will be the outcome of your life? Have you received a new revelation? 

Pile of Poop!

During the week, I  try to run 3 miles twice a week at 6:30 in the morning.  At this time, it's usually dark but the sun is making its way through. Because of the time of day it is quiet, it's peaceful, it's cool and it allows me time to just think and commune with God. Jogging makes me feel good, so I often use this time to clear my brain and meditate. I'm really praying without being on my knees.

I run a half mile loop 6 times to get to 3 miles.  On one particular morning there was a pile of poop in my path and that pile of poop really soured my disposition.  I had to go out of my way to avoid it; I had to look down to make sure I didn't step in it.  In addition, any pleasant thoughts I was thinking quickly disappeared.  I tried to put the poop out of mind, but each time I came around it was there.  This did not make for a pleasant run. But if I wasn't aware, it would've been a really awful run!

the most sanitary image of poop I could find!

You know what that pile of poop did?  It made me think of the negativity that sometimes shows up in our lives. This negativity may take the form of circumstances or people. Because of its inescapable aura, it has an impact on you; but you do what you can to not step in to it or be soiled by it. You can ignore it, confront it, seek counsel, or pray about it, all in an effort to minimize its effects on you.

If there are piles of poop in your life, I hope you are able to avoid them and that they disappear soon. Don't step in to a pile of poop!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10
Are you dealing with piles of poop? How do you get rid of them?

PS - the oddest things make me think of life! I hope this didn't gross you out.

Equipped

I joined the Track Team on a whim. I had just started HS and I felt lost and confused. The school I attended was not your typical High School - it was a specialized HS; only the talented and smart attended. On the first day I did not feel like any of these so when the announcement was made that the track team needed runners, I thought - I can do that, and that is how I started running. I had no idea what I had signed up for, but I quickly learned.

Every sport requires equipment and Track is no different. I did not come from a family of means so initially I ran in my skippies. I started to get shin splints and the coach informed me that I would need proper running shoes which would provide support. So, knowing no better at the time and having limited resources, we went to Bobby's (how many of you remember or heard of Bobby's?) and purchased my first pair of running sneakers. To my mind's eye, they looked like track shoes and they had better support than my skippies. If I was to have any success in this sport, I had to invest in the proper equipment. Eventually I was able to purchase proper running shoes and other accessories.

Today, I would consider myself a jogger. Running without the proper equipment is a recipe for failure. Like me you may have an abundance of cotton t-shirts. However, if you run in cotton t-shirts you sweat so much more and cotton doesn't absorb the sweat; after a while you become cold. The fabric makes a difference.  Shoes make a difference. A cap makes a difference. A hydration belt makes a difference. Many of these items are not cheap, but they're an investment that's worth it over the long haul.

Knowing what I know now, it's silly to go for run in the wrong equipment.

Yet, so many of us in our Christian life do not take the time and effort to prepare ourselves for what's ahead. We don't invest the time or the effort, and then we wonder why we are not able to handle what comes our way. We are to put on the whole armor so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil. We think we don't need to, or we can figure this out on our own.  Just as I would never go running without the proper equipment, on a daily basis, I do not start my day unless I'm spiritually prepared.
On a daily basis, put on your equipment (armor):

• Belt of truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit
• Pray

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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
Are you equipped? Do you prepare yourself daily? How have you invested in your Christian walk?