Ever have those days or weeks when you feel like nothing is going right? You feel defeated and Satan has convinced you that you are a worthless blob that God could never use. I have many times. I feel defeated quite often to be honest. He reminds you of your faults, flaws and past sins. Well, I am a worthless blob but I'm a forgiven redeemed worthless blob living on grace to get through each moment. I often forget that.
I heard this song on the radio today. I did not get to write anything about it earlier when I posted it. It just spoke to me. It reminded me that I've come a long way and I've got to keep running. I get knocked down but I get up again to quote some other lyrics. One of my favorite lines is "you are not lost." 3 Things come to my mind when I hear that line - 1) a child lost in a dark forest and scared 2)the sweet relief and reunion that comes after being found 3) I am not lost - my life still has worth and can be used for the Kingdom ...even when I don't feel it. The other line I like is "his grip is sure and ...there will be no letting go today." Thank you Lord for you have every right to kick me to the curb.
We struggle each moment to live this life full of trials and we each have our moments of doubt, defeat, fear and despair. I hope you will be encouraged to keep running. And tomorrow or next week, when I forget this please remind me to get up, put on my redemption sneakers and keep running because this race can be won.
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Stay Strong
Stay Strong
Newsboys
You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin
You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliche'
We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won
We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way
Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Newsboys
You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin
You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliche'
We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won
We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way
Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Running Scripture Life Scripture
In August, I built my staff training days for my job around an Olympic/Ironman theme. In the process, I made these postcards with a picture of different Olympic events and a scripture that matched. I planned on using them for decorations around the room. Well, our copier at work decided we needed A LOT of these and did a double batch of them. We had plenty to begin with and a double batch was overkill. I never knew how this extra batch would help throughout the year. I've used them to write thank you notes on to my staff and encourage them to stay the course with a scripture. I've looked through them when I've felt discouraged. I've given them to friends who were feeling overhwelmed. I never knew at the time that I would run a half marathon but these scriptures have helped through the training and the race. They are not just "running" scriptures but scriptures for life. Here are several:
Hebrews 4:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those that have been trained by it.
Nehemiah 8:10 For the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Acts 20:24 ...if only I can finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Matthew 19:26b ...with God all things are possible.
2 Corinthians 13:11a ...aim for perfection...
Hebrews 12:1 (The Message) Keep your eyes on Jesus, who began and finished this race we're in.
Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; ...they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
Philippians 3:12 I've got my eye on the goal
Psalm 56:13 You have delivered my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 121:1-2 I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Psalm 42:5 Fix my eyes on God ...He puts a smile on my face.(the message)
Philippians 3:13b-14 Forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
2 Chronicles 32:8 (paraphrased) They only have human strength but we have the Lord our God to help us
Habakkuk 3:18 I will triumph in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 12:1-2 ...let us run with endurance the race set before us focusing on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross...
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I think it is great to run and have some time to commune with God.
Hebrews 4:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those that have been trained by it.
Nehemiah 8:10 For the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Acts 20:24 ...if only I can finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Matthew 19:26b ...with God all things are possible.
2 Corinthians 13:11a ...aim for perfection...
Hebrews 12:1 (The Message) Keep your eyes on Jesus, who began and finished this race we're in.
Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; ...they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
Philippians 3:12 I've got my eye on the goal
Psalm 56:13 You have delivered my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 121:1-2 I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Psalm 42:5 Fix my eyes on God ...He puts a smile on my face.(the message)
Philippians 3:13b-14 Forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
2 Chronicles 32:8 (paraphrased) They only have human strength but we have the Lord our God to help us
Habakkuk 3:18 I will triumph in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 12:1-2 ...let us run with endurance the race set before us focusing on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross...
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I think it is great to run and have some time to commune with God.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
13.1 and Done!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (I should've added this earlier)
Day Before...
big butterflies
a little stress
consuming large amounts of fluids
running to potty
praying
please Lord let me go potty before big race
ate dinner late - salmon on the plate
gathering clothes, knee braces and bib
reading scripture
tossing turning all night
Pre-Race...
beep beep beep it's 4am
up anyway can't sleep
eat half banana unsure about eating
drink water
bundle up for bowel motivating jog up and down street
it's so cold! stretching jogging
the word "Port-a-Potty" makes me tremble with fear
praying for all of our bowels
port-a-potty strikes fear in us all
shower to warm up
get dressed
gather things
talk to Nat
THANK YOU LORD I run to potty!!
time to go
dark streets nobody out
Arise on eagles' wings song playing on KSBJ
praying
tearing up
not sure why
scared
line is beginning to form at Vet's park
meet at church
running out of time
get to park
quickly pin bib tie shoes
no gloves
hands freezing
have extra socks
extra socks make great gloves
hubby calling
leave bag by pole
calling all runners
no time to warm up
jumping in place
freezing tail off
where's JB?
can't do this without her
2 second stretch
wanted to pray before we left
but there is no time
should've tinkled again
nerves
excitement
10, 9 , 8, 7....loud horn!!
and we're off
still no JB
Miles 1-7...
Feeling good but soo cold
Where is JB? Looking for orange hat
Gazelles and Kenyans long gone
uphill
K and JB find us - happy reunion
cheering people
Hwy 30 more flat
feeling great warming up
shedding clothes - oops shed headphones by accident
JB sharing scripture
Isaiah 40:31
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus endured cross
we can endure 13 miles
Hubby following along to gather our gear and cheer
sip some aqua and keep going
singing dancing running
Yakety Yak
Woolly Bully
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bird Pond is fun to run
nose running too
feeling like heaven!
hey we're at 7!
hubby man cheering once again!
this is awesome our time is great!
we rock!
we love running!
Miles 8-9.5...
hills!
hills!
hills!
water break
the hubby motivator van in affect!
hills!
nose still running
moving at record speed
Brick family visit!
water from kiddos, high fives, cheers, potty breaks
Sebesta surprise
Gunter kiddos with homemade signs and cheers
motivating!
love those girls!
runner's jelly beans
too much water
Miles 9.5 - 13.1...
piercing cold wind
wishing for jacket I shed at mile 3
uphill for over a mile
back hurting
running in place
foot hurting
Nat not slowing
must keep going
snot slinging - gross but true
feeling fatigued
yea downhill
but not for long
must walk at Gander Mountain
breathing too hard to take in water
Lord help me
shivering cold
finally Harvey Road
one mile left
close to mental breakdown
tired
everything hurts
marathoners are insane!
I want to quit
Bill jumps in alongside
motivating encouragement
so close
so far away
longest mile of my life
finish line looks like a speck
please don't speed up
I can't go any faster
huffing
puffing
chest hurting
losing form
stride diminishing
making turn to finish line
can't give up now
almost done
can I make it?
body is saying No!
gotta keep going
Nat says c'mon!!
cheering friends
leave it all on the road
2 hours 26 minutes 55 seconds
first half marathon done
Post- Race...
wobbly
sucking in air
may barf
need to pee
medals
hugs
pictures
congrats
thank yous
cheers for friends
freezing sweat chills
feet hurt
brain mush
can't peel banana
go home
peel off clothes
legs bright red
take shower
warm thawing power
ouch - chaffing stinging skin!
barely moving
dress
eat peanut butter cups
mexican food out the wa-zoo
rest
rest
rest
shuffling to walk
pedicure
o yea!
peanut butter cups
visit
face chapped
dinner
peanut butter cups
facebook
muscle cramp
peanut butter cups
the best night's sleep ever
hobbling
sore in pain
quads beat up
thank you Jesus!
let's do it again ; )
2 Timothy 4:7 (I should've added this earlier)
Day Before...
big butterflies
a little stress
consuming large amounts of fluids
running to potty
praying
please Lord let me go potty before big race
ate dinner late - salmon on the plate
gathering clothes, knee braces and bib
reading scripture
tossing turning all night
Pre-Race...
beep beep beep it's 4am
up anyway can't sleep
eat half banana unsure about eating
drink water
bundle up for bowel motivating jog up and down street
it's so cold! stretching jogging
the word "Port-a-Potty" makes me tremble with fear
praying for all of our bowels
port-a-potty strikes fear in us all
shower to warm up
get dressed
gather things
talk to Nat
THANK YOU LORD I run to potty!!
time to go
dark streets nobody out
Arise on eagles' wings song playing on KSBJ
praying
tearing up
not sure why
scared
line is beginning to form at Vet's park
meet at church
running out of time
get to park
quickly pin bib tie shoes
no gloves
hands freezing
have extra socks
extra socks make great gloves
hubby calling
leave bag by pole
calling all runners
no time to warm up
jumping in place
freezing tail off
where's JB?
can't do this without her
2 second stretch
wanted to pray before we left
but there is no time
should've tinkled again
nerves
excitement
10, 9 , 8, 7....loud horn!!
and we're off
still no JB
Miles 1-7...
Feeling good but soo cold
Where is JB? Looking for orange hat
Gazelles and Kenyans long gone
uphill
K and JB find us - happy reunion
cheering people
Hwy 30 more flat
feeling great warming up
shedding clothes - oops shed headphones by accident
JB sharing scripture
Isaiah 40:31
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus endured cross
we can endure 13 miles
Hubby following along to gather our gear and cheer
sip some aqua and keep going
singing dancing running
Yakety Yak
Woolly Bully
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bird Pond is fun to run
nose running too
feeling like heaven!
hey we're at 7!
hubby man cheering once again!
this is awesome our time is great!
we rock!
we love running!
Miles 8-9.5...
hills!
hills!
hills!
water break
the hubby motivator van in affect!
hills!
nose still running
moving at record speed
Brick family visit!
water from kiddos, high fives, cheers, potty breaks
Sebesta surprise
Gunter kiddos with homemade signs and cheers
motivating!
love those girls!
runner's jelly beans
too much water
Miles 9.5 - 13.1...
piercing cold wind
wishing for jacket I shed at mile 3
uphill for over a mile
back hurting
running in place
foot hurting
Nat not slowing
must keep going
snot slinging - gross but true
feeling fatigued
yea downhill
but not for long
must walk at Gander Mountain
breathing too hard to take in water
Lord help me
shivering cold
finally Harvey Road
one mile left
close to mental breakdown
tired
everything hurts
marathoners are insane!
I want to quit
Bill jumps in alongside
motivating encouragement
so close
so far away
longest mile of my life
finish line looks like a speck
please don't speed up
I can't go any faster
huffing
puffing
chest hurting
losing form
stride diminishing
making turn to finish line
can't give up now
almost done
can I make it?
body is saying No!
gotta keep going
Nat says c'mon!!
cheering friends
leave it all on the road
2 hours 26 minutes 55 seconds
first half marathon done
Post- Race...
wobbly
sucking in air
may barf
need to pee
medals
hugs
pictures
congrats
thank yous
cheers for friends
freezing sweat chills
feet hurt
brain mush
can't peel banana
go home
peel off clothes
legs bright red
take shower
warm thawing power
ouch - chaffing stinging skin!
barely moving
dress
eat peanut butter cups
mexican food out the wa-zoo
rest
rest
rest
shuffling to walk
pedicure
o yea!
peanut butter cups
visit
face chapped
dinner
peanut butter cups
muscle cramp
peanut butter cups
the best night's sleep ever
hobbling
sore in pain
quads beat up
thank you Jesus!
let's do it again ; )
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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