Well, this is a little late, but...
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
Week 9 of training finished smoothly. This week marked actually a 3 month training mark, as I trained some weeks prior to actually starting week 1 of this training program. 3 months of running day after day left me this week, well.... less than enthusiastic to get back on the treadmill for another day. So, in the name of fortitude and being able to last to the finish, I declared a bit of a treadmill Sabbath.
The good news is that right when I was experiencing feelings of runner's burnout, there was a break in the training schedule this week. The schedule advised running a 10K race this week, and, therefore, allowed for a few more rest days than usual and a shorter distance on my long run day. God's so good like that. So, I actually only missed one day of training, but it was a much needed running sabbatical to finish this thing out strong and make it to the finish line.
And the break proved fruitful. I ran really well on the long run day and was actually looking forward to getting back out there and feeling my feet hit the pavement.
Rest is ESSENTIAL along our journeys. Of life, of faith, and along missions of purpose. It's so easy for the driven-nature of me to forget this. I actually only took the days off after much encouragement from some dear friends and reassurance it would be okay. "God, you know I'd go all the way for you (even if it kills me).." I realized while I ran at the park this week that the root of all this is a God-pleasing spirit. Much like a people-pleasing one. I find myself so often eager to please God that it can be at times unhealthy. God used this week of training to reveal this to me and teach me a better way. I can't please God. I can't do enough right to be in right standing and have Him smile upon me. He just does and that's what grace is. I've been holding such a wrong spirit about me for so long. It was so good to finally cast it out and throw it off in the middle of my long run day this week.
"It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved." Romans 11:5.
Reading this passage this week drove my running lesson home to my heart. It is by grace we are saved. It's funny how I still have to peel those layers of legalism and rejection off to really wrap my heart around that truth.
But here's the hope, friends. We are God's. I am His daughter. So, even when I stumble and believe falsehoods and even walk in them for awhile, He will ALWAYS be faithful to steer me back aright. He will always correct the lies to fashion within me the truth, the truth that transforms and breathes hope.
So, I'm really grateful God called my heart to rest this week. And in so doing, He cast down a stronghold!
Run for Life friends! And don't forget to take sabbaticals along the way...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Week 8: Training Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
These are two of my friends from the Amazon. Christian is on the right. He's a native Peruvian who works with Mike and Susie while going to college. He is one of our vital translators that bridges the gap between us and our Peruvian friends along the jungle. There are a few more translators like Christian, and often they have to quit pursuing their college education for extended times to work and raise money to continue their studies. When I learned how much it cost for them to go to college, my mouth almost dropped wide open. It costs next to nothing compared to our schooling here in the States, so these young men sacrifice and work very hard for Amazon Medical Missions to raise the funds necessary to get an education. They always amaze me with the bucketloads of patience they possess. It's no small thing to translage for an entire team of Americans and an entire village all day long. They are always ready and patient and able, though. They might be some of my heroes.
Phillip is in the picture above on the left. He's an American from Michigan who started out going to the Amazon much like me. On short term mission trips. Then God just captured his heart for the jungle and he chucked his full time nursing career here in the States and sold out to travel to the jungle, live there full time, and be an important part of Mike and Susie's team. Phillip is a natural servant. So naturally a servant, that you often wouldn't notice all he does behind the scenes. He might also be one of my heroes.
These are just two people who make up an amazing group for the work going on in the jungle. Maybe you should come along with me sometime to the jungle and meet them too :).
Today I ran 8 miles. 8 miles! I tell you, I'm not sure how people who don't know Jesus push themselves to these extremes. Because I will raise my hand and say I needed Him to run those 8 miles today- very much. I couldn't have done it on my own strength.
So here's the thing. 8 miles is the longest I've run so far. Usually on Sundays, my long run days, I rest up. I get a good night's sleep, go to church, eat a light lunch, and then come home and sleep again until I go run. Today, though, I just felt sluggish. I really didn't want to get up y'all, and go run those 8 miles. It's turned a bit cold here and the idea of staying in my bed just sounded better. In fact, I could think of about 5000 things to do that sounded better. And my sometimes running partner was unable to come along today. Also, my MP3 players all simultaneously weren't working today. So not only was I facing the longest distance yet, but I was going it without my familiar comforts and aids that help make it happen.
So, I shamelessly went over to my neighbor's house and asked for some prayer, y'all. Okay, because I just don't feel like one of these natural runners. And honestly I can feel a bit whimpy with big challenges. Then I called my friend, Ingrid, with the hopes she would pray for me, too. Both of these dear women did pray for me. Then I felt better and hit the road to do some running.
Though the first two miles were a bit rocky, I kept thinking of the words of the prayers of my two friends. And their words gave me the peace to keep running. And I was wide open to hear God's voice without the distraction of my IPOD or another runner. And though He didn't speak a whole lot, He imparted His presence to me. He let me know He was right there, running with me. And I'd say for a few of those miles today, He carried me right through them. And I crossed today's finish line having run the whole way- by His grace and power at work within me.
So, today in the training, I learned about the need of the prayers of others in our lives. And I learned that sometimes that means we have to cross the fence to our neighbors and ask for it. But God moves through the prayers of His people, and I have always found comfort and strength in that.
So, 8 miles down... 5 more to go!
Okay, friends, time for a little plug. I'm now 2/3 of the way through the training. One more month to go. So far, $710.00 has been raised for this mission. And that was raised by 3 people.
My unofficial goal for this run, if I imagine one, is to raise $1500.00 for Mike and Susie through my running. So, I'm almost halfway there. Which is where you come in. I seriously don't want to get to the end of this and feel like I could have done more for more people to give to bless the jungle people. My friend Phillip sent me a letter this week telling me that just about 10000 people were served by Amazon Medical Missions last year. Over 600 of them accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. 600 more people who will walk the streets of heaven with you and with me! What if there are more out there, more just waiting to be liberated and know how deeply they are loved by a God above? I know there are more. I have met them. So, let's join together and sow a harvest that will reap eternal benefits. It's not like the money we fork out every day for things that disappear in an instant- this giving will have an impact for all of time.
So, if you've been feeling led to give, go ahead, we have one more month to go!
These are two of my friends from the Amazon. Christian is on the right. He's a native Peruvian who works with Mike and Susie while going to college. He is one of our vital translators that bridges the gap between us and our Peruvian friends along the jungle. There are a few more translators like Christian, and often they have to quit pursuing their college education for extended times to work and raise money to continue their studies. When I learned how much it cost for them to go to college, my mouth almost dropped wide open. It costs next to nothing compared to our schooling here in the States, so these young men sacrifice and work very hard for Amazon Medical Missions to raise the funds necessary to get an education. They always amaze me with the bucketloads of patience they possess. It's no small thing to translage for an entire team of Americans and an entire village all day long. They are always ready and patient and able, though. They might be some of my heroes.
Phillip is in the picture above on the left. He's an American from Michigan who started out going to the Amazon much like me. On short term mission trips. Then God just captured his heart for the jungle and he chucked his full time nursing career here in the States and sold out to travel to the jungle, live there full time, and be an important part of Mike and Susie's team. Phillip is a natural servant. So naturally a servant, that you often wouldn't notice all he does behind the scenes. He might also be one of my heroes.
These are just two people who make up an amazing group for the work going on in the jungle. Maybe you should come along with me sometime to the jungle and meet them too :).
Today I ran 8 miles. 8 miles! I tell you, I'm not sure how people who don't know Jesus push themselves to these extremes. Because I will raise my hand and say I needed Him to run those 8 miles today- very much. I couldn't have done it on my own strength.
So here's the thing. 8 miles is the longest I've run so far. Usually on Sundays, my long run days, I rest up. I get a good night's sleep, go to church, eat a light lunch, and then come home and sleep again until I go run. Today, though, I just felt sluggish. I really didn't want to get up y'all, and go run those 8 miles. It's turned a bit cold here and the idea of staying in my bed just sounded better. In fact, I could think of about 5000 things to do that sounded better. And my sometimes running partner was unable to come along today. Also, my MP3 players all simultaneously weren't working today. So not only was I facing the longest distance yet, but I was going it without my familiar comforts and aids that help make it happen.
So, I shamelessly went over to my neighbor's house and asked for some prayer, y'all. Okay, because I just don't feel like one of these natural runners. And honestly I can feel a bit whimpy with big challenges. Then I called my friend, Ingrid, with the hopes she would pray for me, too. Both of these dear women did pray for me. Then I felt better and hit the road to do some running.
Though the first two miles were a bit rocky, I kept thinking of the words of the prayers of my two friends. And their words gave me the peace to keep running. And I was wide open to hear God's voice without the distraction of my IPOD or another runner. And though He didn't speak a whole lot, He imparted His presence to me. He let me know He was right there, running with me. And I'd say for a few of those miles today, He carried me right through them. And I crossed today's finish line having run the whole way- by His grace and power at work within me.
So, today in the training, I learned about the need of the prayers of others in our lives. And I learned that sometimes that means we have to cross the fence to our neighbors and ask for it. But God moves through the prayers of His people, and I have always found comfort and strength in that.
So, 8 miles down... 5 more to go!
Okay, friends, time for a little plug. I'm now 2/3 of the way through the training. One more month to go. So far, $710.00 has been raised for this mission. And that was raised by 3 people.
My unofficial goal for this run, if I imagine one, is to raise $1500.00 for Mike and Susie through my running. So, I'm almost halfway there. Which is where you come in. I seriously don't want to get to the end of this and feel like I could have done more for more people to give to bless the jungle people. My friend Phillip sent me a letter this week telling me that just about 10000 people were served by Amazon Medical Missions last year. Over 600 of them accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. 600 more people who will walk the streets of heaven with you and with me! What if there are more out there, more just waiting to be liberated and know how deeply they are loved by a God above? I know there are more. I have met them. So, let's join together and sow a harvest that will reap eternal benefits. It's not like the money we fork out every day for things that disappear in an instant- this giving will have an impact for all of time.
So, if you've been feeling led to give, go ahead, we have one more month to go!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Where it all began
Hey Friends,
If you're new to this blog, I just wanted to give you the link for the very post written on here about why I'm running. Just go here:
http://runningforglory.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-i-am-running.html
and you can find out what all this is about!
Also, if you feel led to give to the cause, the info on how to give is on the top righthand side of this blogsite, written in navy blue colored text. You can always e-mail me with any questions, too, at: Beth10@comcast.net.
I pray mostly you find hope in my testimony that I now run with a healed and whole body in a way I never thought possible. That alone is glorifying to God by its own witness!
Blessings---
Beth
If you're new to this blog, I just wanted to give you the link for the very post written on here about why I'm running. Just go here:
http://runningforglory.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-i-am-running.html
and you can find out what all this is about!
Also, if you feel led to give to the cause, the info on how to give is on the top righthand side of this blogsite, written in navy blue colored text. You can always e-mail me with any questions, too, at: Beth10@comcast.net.
I pray mostly you find hope in my testimony that I now run with a healed and whole body in a way I never thought possible. That alone is glorifying to God by its own witness!
Blessings---
Beth
Week 7: Training Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
Well, friends, seven of the twelve weeks of training are now complete. It's funny how at the beginning of the training it felt like some huge monster that would be so hard to overcome. And now as I round the downward slope of it all, part of me will be sad when it's over. I can actually say I have enjoyed the training process. It's been teaching me alot and has cultivated alot of discipline within me. This week I realized how God is using it to teach me about perseverance, and I'm so thankful for all the layers the training holds within me. Not only is it a testimony of a miracle that's called my body, but it's doing some pretty cool things to my spirit as well.
I'm getting excited for race day. I'm excited as I imagine what that day will be like. I wish dearly some dear people I love could be there on the sidelines, but Dallas is a long way away from them.
This week I hit the 7 mile mark. My roommate, Melissa, is also training, but seeing as how she is a Speedy Gonzalez runner and 21 years old, we don't usually run together because, well, she leaves me in the dust. But Sunday for the 7 mile day, we went to the park together and ran. She did run ahead of me and at about mile 5 lapped me altogether (talk about humbling), but it was so good just having her there. I ran better and we prayed for each other, and it was good. I ran a STEADY 7 miles, friend. My goal of late has been 10 minute miles (because I'm a slower runner, yes I am, I know it), and Sunday I did the 7 miles in 68 minutes. But what was so great is that I felt like I could have kept running and along the way my body felt steadily strong. I kept a steady pace and it was a great run. I felt great afterwards with no soreness. That is a testimony to the training, I believe.
Well, I still need your help, though. There is still alot of money to be raised. This week I've been working on some flyers for work, and I'm going today to a T-shirt place to see about getting a T-shirt printed for race day. (More to come on that later). But the closer this thing gets to the finish line, the more fervent my desires become to raise more money for the Amazon. I want to know all this work and running hasn't been in vain and just for me. I want to give as much to Mike and Susie at the end of it as I can.
So, if you still want to give, there is still plenty of time. December 14 is still about a month away.
Thanks for the prayers, guys, I can feel them within my body week by week.
Run for Life!
--Beth
Well, friends, seven of the twelve weeks of training are now complete. It's funny how at the beginning of the training it felt like some huge monster that would be so hard to overcome. And now as I round the downward slope of it all, part of me will be sad when it's over. I can actually say I have enjoyed the training process. It's been teaching me alot and has cultivated alot of discipline within me. This week I realized how God is using it to teach me about perseverance, and I'm so thankful for all the layers the training holds within me. Not only is it a testimony of a miracle that's called my body, but it's doing some pretty cool things to my spirit as well.
I'm getting excited for race day. I'm excited as I imagine what that day will be like. I wish dearly some dear people I love could be there on the sidelines, but Dallas is a long way away from them.
This week I hit the 7 mile mark. My roommate, Melissa, is also training, but seeing as how she is a Speedy Gonzalez runner and 21 years old, we don't usually run together because, well, she leaves me in the dust. But Sunday for the 7 mile day, we went to the park together and ran. She did run ahead of me and at about mile 5 lapped me altogether (talk about humbling), but it was so good just having her there. I ran better and we prayed for each other, and it was good. I ran a STEADY 7 miles, friend. My goal of late has been 10 minute miles (because I'm a slower runner, yes I am, I know it), and Sunday I did the 7 miles in 68 minutes. But what was so great is that I felt like I could have kept running and along the way my body felt steadily strong. I kept a steady pace and it was a great run. I felt great afterwards with no soreness. That is a testimony to the training, I believe.
Well, I still need your help, though. There is still alot of money to be raised. This week I've been working on some flyers for work, and I'm going today to a T-shirt place to see about getting a T-shirt printed for race day. (More to come on that later). But the closer this thing gets to the finish line, the more fervent my desires become to raise more money for the Amazon. I want to know all this work and running hasn't been in vain and just for me. I want to give as much to Mike and Susie at the end of it as I can.
So, if you still want to give, there is still plenty of time. December 14 is still about a month away.
Thanks for the prayers, guys, I can feel them within my body week by week.
Run for Life!
--Beth
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 6: Training Complete
Amount raised so far for Amazon Medical Missions: $710.00.
Well, a pretty uneventful week of training is complete. This is the half-way mark of training. After 6 weeks and 6 miles, I am half the way there. This week was nice because the running schedule actually provided a little break in the running which was great to renew,refresh, and gear up for the last 6 weeks of training.
If I had to recall to you the most pressing lesson I'm learning right now with the running, it is one of perseverance. My current job stinks, and I've been looking for another one after much prayer and for several months now. And God said to me the other night after I have repeatedly hit dead ends on the job search: "Beth, I desire for you rest. I desire for you peace. I desire for you good. I desire for you perseverance."
This is a season of perseverance. With running and working and all that God uses to thread it into the fiber of me.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5
Or as the Message translation says it, "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
So, that, my friends, is pretty good stuff!
Happy persevering today, if you find yourself in some of those places!
---Beth
Well, a pretty uneventful week of training is complete. This is the half-way mark of training. After 6 weeks and 6 miles, I am half the way there. This week was nice because the running schedule actually provided a little break in the running which was great to renew,refresh, and gear up for the last 6 weeks of training.
If I had to recall to you the most pressing lesson I'm learning right now with the running, it is one of perseverance. My current job stinks, and I've been looking for another one after much prayer and for several months now. And God said to me the other night after I have repeatedly hit dead ends on the job search: "Beth, I desire for you rest. I desire for you peace. I desire for you good. I desire for you perseverance."
This is a season of perseverance. With running and working and all that God uses to thread it into the fiber of me.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5
Or as the Message translation says it, "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
So, that, my friends, is pretty good stuff!
Happy persevering today, if you find yourself in some of those places!
---Beth
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