Phl 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

When I think about the mentality of us runners, I am baffled sometimes. I ran a race today, and I could not believe the hills. While I was running, I thought to myself..”this is self torture”. Anyway, I am sure that many of you have placed yourself in a race that you were not quite expecting the difficulty level of the hills or whatever it may have been that day. Then I was thinking, this torture only benefits me in the end. I gain another race under my feet, I feel good about myself when I cross the finish line and most of the world is still sleeping or overstuffing themselves with sugary sweets or fried somethings. “I” receive approval and praise from friends and family, and I get a nice shirt. Unless, I am running for a benefit, it’s basically all about me. I know there is more to it than that, but that is part of it.

To think that Jesus, who is God, came down to the earth as one of us lowly humans, and sacrificed himself, even unto death on the cross all for selfish people! He needed no gain from this..He did it all for us! Have you ever considered what a death on the cross meant. He was tortured, and He choose this path for us. How marvelous that we might live! If you have never watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ, this is a good depiction of what His death may have been like. He deserves all of the glory. How thankful we are that he rose from the dead. Historically, there is nothing more accurate! Read the book of John or another gospel. Let’s be amazed at Him and not ourselves! Run for His glory!

3Jo 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Well, I haven’t written on the blog for a few days. I’ve been a little under the weather, but now, I am up an running. I am thankful for my health. I take it for granted so often. I feel blessed every morning to be able to get up and walk. Let us all be thankful for God’s grace. Whether we have perfect health or not, we have so much to be thankful for everyday! I pray that you all are well in soul and health!

Psa 17:5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

Today, a friend and I were doing speed work. Speed work is so hard for me. Anyway, today, the track had wet grass on parts of it for some reason. As I rounded the curves, I concentrated on my foot steps so that I would not slip.

In the same way with our walk with God, we must hold fast to our paths. We must keep in step with His truth and word. His path will keep us from slipping.

Psa 119:162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil

Nothing like a nice cup of coffee to jump start an early morning run! My morning ritual, as you know is to get up read my Bible and have a little coffee to get me through the morning. One day, I overslept and had to run out the door to meet my friend to run. It was an early am run, so I could not cancel. No one should run in the dark alone! Anyway, I didn’t have my usual coffee and I did not read my Bible until later. My body felt a bit slow as we were taking our usual run. Anyway, reading the Word is the best way to get your mind going in the right direction in the mornings. Take a few extra minutes to read and pray. See how it goes for a while, and this will soon become a daily habit for you. Blessings!

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth”--Psalm 145:18

I was looking forward to a nice easy run in the beautiful fall weather this afternoon. I had class all weekend, and I mean all weekend (Friday-Sunday). I could not wait to just go outside and feel the natural air in my lungs and the warm sunshine on my skin. However, as soon as I walked out of my house and onto the road, a heaviness came over me. I felt heavy in heart and body. I felt that my legs would hardly go because my mind was preoccupied with some issues that hit me when I got home from class. So many different trials seem to be present at this time. However, sometimes, I can easily escape the anxieties. However, today was different. As soon as I began running, I began praying diligently. The run seemed to not get any easier because I was so intense in my thoughts and prayers. However, I was praying for others on my mind as well, that I felt so heavily burdened for at the time. Right when I was at my half way point, which was a short distance, a truck slowed down and the man inside rolled down his window. Af first, I thought it was someone asking for directions. The look on my face must have been so serious, because my mind was in that mode. Then I realized, it was some friends. The man and his wife have been long time family friends. They are such a family of faith and prayer. I often go to the wife for words of wisdom and advice. Anyway, I have never seen this couple driving through the town in which I live. God knew exactly what I needed because the man said..”we are praying for y’all”. I felt as though God sent those encouraging words my way at the right time to let me know that everything will be ok. I was so thankful and encouraged. The rest of my run felt great, and my heart felt a sense of relief. I felt as though that couple were in tune to God. I felt that He sent them along the particular path I was running at that particular time just for me! God knows our deepest needs and how to encourage us in times of doubt!

Luk 6:23 "Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

I do not know about you, but rewards are great! After a long training run, I enjoy taking a hot bubble bath and just soaking. Sometimes, I come right home, make a smoothie and get the bath started. Other times, some friends and I go for a “Starbucks” run. We leave from Starbucks, and when we get back we spoil ourselves with a delicious coffee or tea. After running a race, it’s nice to get an award. I have some friends who are quite fast and receive many awards after their races.

God is so good to us. He gives us blessings everyday, and we do not have to do anything to achieve the blessings, but to receive Jesus into our lives as our personal Lord and Savior. Then, we want to serve Him and others. The greatest reward is that we get to spend eternity with Him forever one day. Heaven is far better than any of us can imagine. There will be no wants or desires, we will be fully satisfied without any worldly matters getting in our way. Christian, remember your eternal reward, and let this boost you in your daily circumstances. Seekers, look to Him. Ask Him for the eternal reward. I promise, it will be far better than any man made reward!

Blessings to you all!

Isa 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

When we run, we are always moving, whether we are sprinting or doing a slow jog. The movement allows us go from one point to the next, increase our fitness levels, and work different muscles. However, we cannot move forever. We usually slow down and walk to recover and eventually we stop the movement to rest. Our bodies can go far, probably further than we think, but, they cannot go on forever.

God is quite different, He never ceases. He is always on the move. His work in the hearts of people continue. He does not need to recover, like we do. God will listen to you anytime of the day. He is the eternal Rock.