Tag Archives: Jesus

April 16, 2013 · 10:00 pm

The day after….

Today is a new day.  Today is the day the Lord has made so let’s rejoice.  I am trying. I really am.  I know our God is in control, I do.  But I am struggling right now. I know I am to have faith. It is my job to trust…not understand. I know all that…and it does bring me comfort. BUT, I am struggling.

A roller coaster of emotions have hit me today.  The events of yesterday are settling in.  As we left our hotel today we were met with armed guards.   The street in front of the hotel was blocked. The swat team and numerous police officers were at the hotel across the street.  Unsettling is the best word to describe it…eery.

These sights are imprinted in my mind.  I know they are nothing compared to the sights others saw yesterday.  Many of Team Hoyt’s family members were in the stands across from one of the explosions.  One said he has replayed it all in his mind over and over again! I can’t imagine…the replay of smoke in mine is bad enough.

Team Hoyt came out physically okay.  Emotionally scarred and changed…forever I am sure.  It drew us closer to our families and closer to each other as a Team Hoyt family!  We were thankful to share hugs! We were thankful to receive emails from those we were unable to see and touch.  Dick and Rick were stopped on the course when they cancelled the race.  They made it back to their home without too many delays. Thankfully, they are well!  The Lord truly watched over our team and helped us through this horrific day.

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God is showing me He is in control.  Tragedy causes people to search for reasons why…to search for a sense of hope.  We may never know why but God is providing hope.  He is in control.  Romans 8.28 – For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.

A friend sent me a devotion today.  It was talking about being thankful in all circumstances.  My brother sent me 1 Thessalonians 5.18 – here is 1 Thessalonians 5. 16-18….16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  It is so hard to be thankful for the tragedy that unfolded on Marathon Monday but in the devotion it stated again, we can’t see the big picture. He can.

After reading the different accounts in the newspaper it makes me really, really thankful for our safety and God’s provision. I have said this already but will continue.  My heart is broken for the families of those who lost their lives. One was an eight year old boy who had just hugged his dad before he crossed the finish line.  He ran back to be with his mom when the bomb exploded.  He was killed and his mom and sister were both injured. The father was headed down the corral to get his medal.  Relieved to be done I am sure.  Thankful to have a Gatorade and a Power Bar to refuel.  Then as I did, heard the blast and I am sure turned around to horror.  My story had a better ending.  His did not!

Sadness and tears consume me as I think about this…I know how panicked I felt trying to find Mike.  I know the fear that overtook me.  Prayers were being lifted but I was in shock and my instincts of go and find Mike kicked in.  This father did the same.  I can only wrap prayer around this family. I don’t know their names, but God does.  God also has this family and the others in His hand.

We are now in flight on the way home.  It still seems surreal. On one of the newscasts being broadcast in the airport a reporter said this is like 911 you will always remember where you were and when you heard.  I sat back and thought about this…I was there in person.  I saw the smoke. People were killed and injured just 2 blocks away from me.  The reality of this has not really hit me yet.  I know it will. On this roller coaster I go from reality to really? What a place to be!

The outpouring of love Mike and felt have humbled us beyond belief.  Due to the circumstances we were without cell phone services for a while. They were taking precautionary measures just in case cell phones were being used to detonate the bombs.  It was a scary time.  We wanted to get in touch with our loved ones – friends and family all around the world.  Please know that if I could give each of you a huge hug – I would.  That is what I needed and wanted….Mike was there for me.  { } Consider this your virtual hug!

As we have traveled God is showing His presence.  Before we took off in Boston I had to use the restroom.  I walked in and a girl was on the phone crying.  She had her Boston Marathon shirt on so I knew she had run the race.  When she was finished I said “I know I don’t know you, but can I give you a hug?”  We embraced and then she told me her story.  She was right there when it happened.  She was thanking the Lord for her safety.  We stood and talked for a while and I made a new friend. Liz-I am praying for you! I feel blessed that the Lord allowed our paths to cross. It was a Godincidence like so many other happenings this weekend. She talked about how she felt God was working. How He was drawing us back to our families.  We talked about God’s sovereignty.  He is in control.

After landing in Charlotte we were walking to connecting gate.  A complete stranger reached out and put her hand on Mike’s arm and said, “I am really glad to see you two!”  We thanked her as she walked on.  Good is out there….everywhere.  We need to live more intentional and show others our love and God’s love daily.  This is where the hope comes from in these times of tragedy.  That is what we are made of!

Does it make us sad? Yes! Do we hurt? Yes!  Do we wish we could erase it? Yes!  Questions are raised why? Why would a gracious God allow such tragedy?

I know our Lord is good…I know He is sovereign and He is in control.  Searching for answers is part of it…as I searched I found this article BIBLE TRUTHS FOR TRAGIC TIMES on www.cbn.com – The Christian Broadcasting Network written by Laura J. Bagby.  It was written after Hurricane Katrina.  She has conveyed the message so well.  She has referenced the word of our Lord and Savior that brings us comfort.  READ BELOW:

5 “The waves of death surrounded me; the floods of destruction swept over me. 6 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face. 7 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I called to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears (2 Samuel 22:5-7, NLT).The above Scripture passage, a heartfelt cry of King David written thousands of years ago.  The Lord God is close to the brokenhearted, to those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 59:16).
In the meantime, as the rest of us stay glued to the television set, transfixed at the images of horror that have transpired these last couple of days and waiting to hear from loved ones, we must not allow our hearts to faint to the point that we lose hope and begin to question the goodness of God. We can become overwhelmed when we dwell on tragedy, which is exactly why the Bible tells us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).When our hearts are troubled, we must seek the Lord. When we give our anxious hearts to God instead of remaining paralyzed by our fearful thoughts, we gain His peace. The Bible tells us plainly in Philippians 4:6-7:Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (NIV).

John 14:27 also notes the exchange of fear for peace. Jesus states:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (NKJV).

These are the times to remember just who our God truly is, a God who is there and a God who cares. So let us pause to consider our Great King. Let’s look on heavenly things for a moment to calm our nerves.

Me again:  I couldn’t have said it any better.  I want to reiterate her words…”Remember who our God truly is, a God who is there and a God who cares.  So let us pause to consider our Great King. Let’s look on heavenly things for a moment to calm our nerves.”

I prayed 18 weeks ago, at the beginning of my marathon training, that God’s will be done and He was glorified on race day.  Never in a million years did I ever imagine or could I have ever imagined it would or could be happening in this way! God will prevail.  We know the ending! Thanking Him for His Hope and love!!!

bendintheroad

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April 1, 2013 · 3:06 pm

Cautious Confidence….

Two weeks from today is the big day! Currently it is 2:03pm.  At 2:03pm on April 15, I plan to be over Heartbreak Hill and headed down the final stretch to Bolyston Street crossing the 2013 Boston Marathon Finish Line!

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As I get closer people want to know how I am feeling. Am I excited? Am I nervous? Yes and YES!

16 weeks ago I started an 18 week training plan called The Hansons Marathon Method. IMG_4462

http://hansonscoachingservices.com/hansons-marathon-method-the-16-miler/

After reading favorable reviews on the method, I thought I would give it a try.  There were several attractive components.  First, I could order a book and have it in my hands. It would be a manual I could refer to often and as it turns out DAILY!  Secondly, this method calls for a 16 mile run and no longer.  I love this because it gives me time back.  I am not out there running really long on long run days completely exhausted.  Thirdly, it emphasizes easy running being EASY and speed being just that – speed and hard.  6 days of running – 2 days hard and 4 easy…I can do that! So my journey on the Hanson Marathon Method began.

How has it gone? The final verdict will be read on April 15 around 2:30pm.  We will see if all of my training comes together.  This is what my mind has been on the last couple of weeks.  This is what crosses my mind when people ask how I am feeling.  Will my training come together and will we see the fruit of it?  I say YES!

I am better prepared than ever before.  I have stayed faithful to the course of training. On days I didn’t want to do it, I did it.  On days I couldn’t do it, I did what I could or flipped workouts so I could do it.  My times have been spot on and better most days.  My easy runs have been easy for the most part…it is hard to pull in the reigns when you are thinking to yourself you should be going faster. I have learned throughout the course of the 16 weeks – easy is good, real good. It makes a difference in your overall state – mental and physical.

Today as I was pondering the next two weeks of preparation – tapering runs, proper nutrition, proper hydration and etc….I decided to pick up my manual and read what the Hanson’s had to say.  Here is what I found to help me respond to “How do you feel?” or “Are you ready?”

MENTAL PREPARATION – In my experience, the best way to mentally prepare yourself prior to a marathon is simply to be calm.   Getting your heart rate up before you even start running is never a good idea.  A good way to find that calm is to approach the race with “cautious confidence.”  Step back and spend a moment thinking about your training, reminding yourself that you are fit and ready to race.  Training doesn’t lie.  Be realistic in pondering the difficulty of the race, but also remind yourself that all your training has prepared you to handle it.  In addition, when the going gets tough during the race, you are prepared for it.  You knew it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.  By preparing this way, you are able to have positive and motivating thoughts ready and waiting to help you endure.

p. 200 Hansons Marathon Method, written by Luke Humphrey with Keith & Kevin Hanson

Wow!!!! Just what I needed to read! CAUTIOUS CONFIDENCE! I have trained and I have trained well.  All of my speed workouts, strength workouts and tempo workouts have been successes.  They were all hard and harder in the beginning.  But I transitioned from being fearful I couldn’t keep the pace to being confident I could and I would. :)  What a relief!

Now, to finish strong and to finish well.

2 Timothy 4.7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Hebrews 12.1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My goal marathon day is to run with the Lord’s strength and to finish the race He set before me.  My training won’t lie. I am cautiously confident it will ALL come together.

Romans 8.28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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September 16, 2012 · 9:21 pm

Why we won’t give up!

 

On Saturday, September 22, an incredible group of ladies will be running in the Nashville Lady Speedstick Women’s Half Marathon.  This will be a first half marathon for half of the group and a second, third or other for the other half.  We have been training together for the past couple of months religiously.  God has been our strength and our friendship has been our fuel.  Fuel for getting up early on Saturday mornings.  Fuel for the speed drills we DID NOT want to do.  Fuel for the fire HE has given us to encourage one another.

Some of us are going for PRs and others as pacers.  I think we can all say, we have truly learned to lean on one another and look for HIS strength in our friendships and our runs.  It has been an amazing journey. We have pushed together. We have sweated together. We have groaned together and we have laughed together.  I am sad that this journey will come to an end.  But I know, the only thing coming to an end, is this training season for this half marathon. There will be many more races together and the most important race of all…the race of life…Our race of life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

So on this day, this is the word of encouragement the Lord laid on my heart today for Yoli, Gina, Nancy, Shannon, Deirdre, Krista and Kristy…Why WE won’t give up!

The rest of this post is being taken from an excerpt in my Life Application Bible, NIV.  I found it today as we were looking at scriptures in 1 Corinthians.  It spoke to me regarding our upcoming 1/2 marathon.

Perseverance, persistence, the prize!!!  The Christian Life was never promised as an easy way to live; instead Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack.  Be we never persevere without the promise of a prize – a promise God WILL keep!

1 Corinthians 9.24-27

  • The Purpose …Run to get the prize, Run straight to the goal
  • The Plan…Deny yourself whatever is potentially harmful; Discipline your body training it
  • The Prize…A crown that will last forever

Galatians 6.7-10

  • The Purpose…Don’t become weary in doing good; Don’t get discouraged and give up; Do good to everyone
  • The Plan…Sow to please the spirit
  • The Prize…Reap eternal life

Ephesians 6.10-20

  • The Purpose…Put on the full armor of God; Pray on all occasions
  • The Plan…Use all the pieces of God’s armor provided for you
  • The Prize…Taking our stand against the devil’s schemes

Philippians 3.12-14

  • The Purpose…Press on toward the day when you will be all God wants you to be
  • The Plan…Forget the past, strain toward what is ahead
  • The Prize…The prize for which God calls us heavenward

2 Timothy 2.1-13

  • The Purpose…Entrust these great truths to people who will teach them to others; Be strong in Christ’s grace, even when your faith is faltering
  • The Plan…Endure hardship like a soldier, and don’t get involved in worldly affairs; Follow the Lord’s rules, as an athlete must do in order to win; Work hard, like a farmer who tends his crops for the harvest
  • The Prize…We will live with Christ; we will reign with him; He always remains faithful to us and always carries out his promises

God is good all the time! He will take us every step of the way on Saturday! Ladies, we can do it and we will do it for HIM! I am honored to be part of a team who loves the Lord and others with all of your hearts!

i^2 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27.17

Running blessed…Trish

 

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August 19, 2012 · 8:49 pm

WWJD…not what you think…

 

We have all heard seen the letters ~ WWJD…and heard the phrase “What would Jesus do?”  But, let me present something I heard in a revival a couple of years back…Can we REALLY do as Jesus would do? No.  Why? Because He walked on this earth without sin. We sin every day.  So, here is the new version(as given by the preacher) of WWJD…Walk with Jesus DAILY.  Can we do this? YES!!!

I have been challenged over the last couple of months regarding the concept of really walking with Him and our true purpose in life.  Why are we here? To GLORIFY him in all we do! Going to the grocery store, going to soccer/football games, running, working, hanging out watching TV, using social media, being with our families, EVERYTHING…not just church, not just Bible study…but IN ALL WE DO, we are to put Him first and glorify Him.

This is so for ME! God has been tapping away at my heart and soul.  He has used some very trying circumstances as well as some very joyful ones to help me see HE is in control of all of them.  He wants the glory for all of it and the outcome.  He wants us to show Him we love Him and we are willing to live “out of this world” for HIM.

We are called to a higher purpose.  Higher than Facebook and Twitter.  (I am going to park here for a little bit because of where I feel God has been pounding on my soul.)  Here are two scriptures that deal with us and how we as Christians are viewed by the world and how we are to live in this world:

John 15:19

If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. 


Dealing with some of the recent circumstances in life, I have really come to see how social media has consumed many of us. I took a month off to try to prioritize my thinking…or as the scripture says to renew my mind. I am now back on with a new perspective.  Now, don’t get me wrong…I do not have it all together by any means…but I do have a new way of thinking as I approach my use of the world’s social media. (It is in the world…)

In this world, we seek approval of others.  With the emergence of the internet and the instant connectivity of our society these days…it is easy to get instant feedback and seek that approval.  We are almost slaves to it. We have made it our god.  We worship it before we worship or Lord.  How many times do we check Facebook as compared to the amount of times we open our Bible? Guilty as charged here!!!  So all of this got me thinking…and then the Lord placed this scripture in front of me tonight during our evening sermon:

Joshua 24.14-15

14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! 17 It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord,because he is our God. ”19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the Lord.” 22 Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.” “Yes, we are witnesses, ” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.”

I had notes written next to part of this selection from a sermon I heard long ago. The points were:

  • Pursue devotion to God! – Serve God in sincerity and faithfulness; Devotion is key to faithful living; It must be renewed daily.
  • Pursue separation from the world! – Remove the values of the world from our lives; We must “stick to it” to remove ourselves from the world; God does not want to fit in to our lives – but to RULE our lives!!!

Then in the commentary below the scripture it read:  The covenant between Israel and the God was that the people would worship and obey the Lord alone.  Their purpose was to become a holy nation that would influence the rest of the world for God.  The conquest of Canaan was a means to achieve this purpose, but Israel became preoccupied with the land and lost sight of the Lord. This can happen in our lives.  We spend so much time on the means that we forget the end – to glorify God.  Living Bible Commentary

Again, this blog is for ME! It has been heavy on my heart for a couple of months. God placed the above scripture and commentary in my path today to bring it full circle.  His challenge to me is to:

  • Daily renew my mind using His word to prepare for the daily battle of life.
  • To consciously GLORIFY Him in ALL I do…when using Facebook and Twitter think to myself, “Would Jesus post this or tweet this? Is it glorifying Him and making an influence for Him in a lost world?”
  • To live ‘of’ this world, not ‘in’ it…my home is being prepared for me by the KING…why wouldn’t I want to shout that daily???
  • To influence others for HIM and show them how they too can experience an everlasting love unlike any other!

Thanks for reading…the Lord has been very present in my life and this issue has not gone away. I felt His hand as I wrote.  Now for me to listen and obey…will you join me? :)

 

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July 22, 2012 · 4:09 pm

God’s perfect timing…Eternal standard time!

Today, God truly spoke to my heart, my soul and my spirit.  We are to live eternally every minute of every day.  No matter what our situations are…good or bad…we are to have our Lord as our focus.  When we allow ourselves to truly view all things through the lens of eternity, the troubles of today are not as devastating as they seem.

2 Corinthians 4.16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The last scripture above really clicked for me today.  The Lord orchestrated a series of situations throughout last couple of days, climaxing with our pastor’s sermon today, to show me that His glory and His will are and should be the main focus of our lives…no matter what the circumstances.
The problem is…with the waves of life crashing around us, it is hard to stand firm in His hand without His help.  We must stay rooted in Him daily by praying, getting in His word and letting go of our troubles and letting Him have them. Then, we have to trust Him, as we trust the light is still shining behind the clouds on a stormy day.  Faith in Action!

My heart is heavy but my soul is at peace…All is well with my soul because my Lord Jesus Christ is my eternity! And with that NO one of NOthing can knock me down.

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April 9, 2012 · 9:09 am

One week from today…

Boston 2012 ~ The Hoyt’s and the Old North Church

Today, as I think about this journey coming full circle – I am humbled, thankful, awed and joyful! The Lord provided a way to Boston. This is His doing. Because of His unfailing love, He answered my prayer in a way I could not have ever dreamed of myself.  He did it bigger and better than my mind could fathom.

During our Easter service yesterday they played a video for the Annie Armstrong for North American Missions.  One of the new believers said, “My testimony, is God’s story which is HIS glory!” Amen! This Boston story is my testimony, God’s story for HIS glory! Below you will find a scripture roll of what I am going to call my Boston Bible Beliefs…(my Bible is a journal…I write dates and life references next to scriptures…these are the verses I have noted over the past year.)  My journey to Boston officially started April 13, 2011 when I registered to run the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon…the Lord will now bring it full circle on April 16, 2012.  What a fun, crazy ride it has been!!!

Psalms 145.18-19  

“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”

Habakkuk 2.2-3

Then the LORD answered me and said,
“Record the vision
And inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;

   it will certainly come and will not delay.

Habakkuk 3.17-19

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.

Psalms 59.9

 O my Strength, I watch for you;
you, O God, are my fortress,

1 Thessalonians 5.16

16 Be joyful always;

17 pray continually;

18 give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 4.11

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 Hebrews 10.35-36

35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Hebrews 12.1-3

 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 Psalms 85.12-13
12 Indeed, the LORD will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
13 Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way.
1 Kings 18.46
The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
Philippians 4.13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
 Job 42.1-5
 Then Job replied to the LORD:

 2 “I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.

 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.

My eyes have seen HIM in this journey and I can’t wait to see what else HE has in store…He is already there…as we heard Casting Crowns sing last Friday night…I will end with those lyrics…

From where I’m standing
Lord it’s so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You’re leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can’t control
Oh, oh
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there
Oh, oh, oh, oh
From where You’re standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there
One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
I can’t wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit
One day I’ll stand before You
And look back on the life I’ve lived
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
When I’m lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You’re already there
You’re already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You’re already there
You’re already there

You are already there!

 

Thank you Lord for going before me on this incredible journey! You alone have paved every step of the way.  Let your light shine through me as I take the next steps where you have already been! You are truly amazing!

Running Blessed and for HIM!!!

Boston ~ my testimony, God’s story –  for HIS glory!

Trish :)

7 days, 1 hour, 37 minutes….

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March 13, 2012 · 10:01 pm

Now all glory to God…HIS race report!!

Ephesians 3. 20

20 Now all glory to God,

who is able, through his mighty power at work within us,

to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

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Pictures courtesy of Lane Lewis and Laura Lambert…thanks for the awesome shots.

We have more to come from the official race photographer Torrey Self. Website will be posted soon. :)

The Lord showed up in a HUGE way.  His glory shown through in every sense of the word!!!  We had faith He would and He proved Himself over and over again! God had incredible ideas and goals for this day.  A day I will NEVER forget!!!

Our goal was 100 runners…but, our inaugural race brought 285 registered participants…from runners, walkers, volunteers…and then there were the amazing spectators.  God brought them all!

Our race was to be a no-frills race.  God wanted frills.  As you can see in the pictures…He blessed this 5k with quality! We had quality everywhere from start to finish, from the sentries to the food volunteers, from the registration tables to the timing system.

He gave us a race and a day like no other.  The forecast all week was RAIN…we had a day full of sunshine and SONshine.  It was a chilly start but ended with a warmth in the air.

Run for God showed up in force.  Their new race series set-up was phenomenal.  There finish line, their banners, their corrals and their blue carpet made us feel special…it is first-class.  God is using this ministry to touch many lives. We were thankful they were able to join us in such an amazing way.

The day raised over $3000 for the Hoyt Foundation.  Praise the Lord!!! To Him be the Glory!!!!  Ephesians 3.20 continues to come to mind as I think about the day.  I knew He was in it. He proved Himself every step of the way.  I just didn’t know what His goal was.  He blew us out of the water.  He was faithful to complete a good work in us.

James 2.22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

1 Thessalonians 1. 11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

Our prayer was that someone would come to know the Lord on this day or come back to their faith.  We don’t know the seeds planted on March 10.  We do know we did our part and He completed His good work in us through this day. He was glorified in every action and every step.  Thank you Lord for such an amazing day!

I will blog more on the emotional side of the day soon….I wanted to give a quick report on God’s goodness…and here’s the final note:

My fundraising total as of today….$8068!!!! God’s goal was great than our goal. He is still working and He is showing HIS amazing power and strength.  All through RUNNING….something I love to do for HIM!!!

Running Blessed and for HIM!

Trish :)

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March 8, 2012 · 2:46 am

God is in the details…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

We have 2 days until race day and I can’t sleep. I wonder why? It is because I am so excited to see this through to the very end! God has been in every single detail and made things happen I could have NEVER imagined! We have presented our requests to God and boy, has He answered.  This has been a faith journey for sure!!! My dad sent me a short note yesterday and in it he wrote…”Faith and work; work and faith…Both go hand in hand!”  That sums up our journey. My team of running angels and I have been working hard as well as trusting Him to pave the way…and HE has!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.    Ephesians 3:20,21

I have seen Him work many times.  But this journey has truly been unique.  The amount of things that have come together out of NO WHERE have been incredible…even mind boggling.  I hope I have been able to truly capture them all! Here are the updates to many of these blessings I listed earlier with a few new additions:

  • Run with Trish 5k for Team Hoyt – so many things happening here!!!
  • 1st – Run for God Finish Line – Check it out…

We get to run under that praising God every step of the way!!! When God does it…He does it right!!!

2nd – Our t-shirts made it…and by the looks of it we may just run out. We have around 250…and to date we have 195 signed up! God is just SO good.

3rd – The donations for food and beverage have flowed in from various sources…THANK YOU TO ALL! The final one was out of no where.  More good or better yet God news…after trying to figure out what to do about getting bagels I asked some friends for suggestions on Monday of this week. Monday night I received a text from a teacher friend. She said we needed to talk. I had NO idea what she wanted…but God did. :) My friend and her husband have a side business called Monkey Town Donuts. Her husband asked her if she thought we would want them to set up at our race. Long story short…they are coming. They are going to take donations for donuts and all the proceeds go to the Hoyt Foundation! How good is our GOD??? So, good He even provided donuts!(They are somewhat healthy donuts too!!)

4th – We needed more race numbers because we will be having more runners than expected…so here’s the story:  Another God thing…I emailed RoadID about ordering an extra 100 bibs…b/c I think we might need them. :) They quoted me .15 a piece…no biggie. $15.00 worth the trouble for sure. I ordered them and they sent me a confirmation email. And…they gave them to us for FREE! :) Woo hoo! God is truly amazing me every step of the way…in the big details and the small ones.

God is working hard to get His message out there. I will be talking to another Chattanooga Times Free Press writer tomorrow or should I say today. :) Since it is 1:54 a.m. on Thursday…. She sent me an email with questions and we will follow-up tomorrow.

All for His glory!!! This was His divine plan. As I have said before, He wanted me to run this with a team…not alone. He wanted to show what FAITH and PERSEVERANCE can do.  He has shown us in a really big way and we aren’t even to the finish line!

The following scripture has even new meaning now:

Hebrews 12

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

We have a great cloud of witnesses who have been exposed to this journey in many different ways.  Saturday we are charged with finishing well with HIM and for HIM!  We are to fix our eyes on HIM and bring it home to the finish line bringing glory to HIM every step of the way.

In the above photo of the finish line you can see a question on a canopy.  It says “Who do you run for?” I run for God.  Another question, “Who do you live for?” Every step of faith is a step closer to our Lord and Savior.  As another friend has said to me this week…God is faithful and CAN be trusted.

Come see us Saturday and see FAITH in action.  There is a team of incredible people coming together for a common cause – to give God glory and share His love through running. Will you join us? HE will be there!

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Last but by far least…we officially reached Team Hoyt’s fundraising goal of $5000 this week.  YAY!!! Now, we are working on God’s fundraising goal…how awesome is that???

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February 16, 2012 · 6:00 pm

Blessings abound…

Colossians 1:9-14

 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

I have asked many lately if I could shout from the mountain tops how good God is.  So here I go…GOD IS SO GOOD!

We know as believers that He is good. We know He provides. We know He cares.  We know these things. But I know that I am guilty of getting swept up by life and my current circumstances that I often miss these wonderful truths.  I see how friends around me struggle.  How one family is hit by heartache not once, twice, or even three times but four times in a two month period – it makes you take a step back and truly contemplate your life and the big picture that the LORD is in control of.  As my heart is heavy for this family, my heart is also full of so much joy because of the awesomeness He is personally showing me.  My prayer is that if you are hurting, as they are, that you hold on and know He is at the wheel. He is your comforter. He is your counselor. He is your great physician.  He has this…LET GO and LET GOD!

So what is He doing with thenextmailboxboston? The question should be, “What is He not doing?”  He is truly working in ways I could have and would have never imagined!!!

Ephesians 3.20

 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Here is a lengthy update on His unbelievable journey to Boston:

Pennies for People Campaign: My students have truly amazed me with their enthusiasm for this cause. (as well as the idea of free ice cream!) They have raised $646 to date. Final count will be tomorrow.  I can’t wait to see how they finish well!

Butter Braid Campaign: We raised $830.00!! Woo hoo! Fund-raising never tasted so good. :) Thanks to Nancy Ayers for organizing this one and getting it going.  Thanks to everyone for buying one and helping me get many steps closer. Amazing!

On-going – Mike’s Mirror Raffle: we are raffling a Reclaimed Heart Pine Lumber Mirror; Made from floor beams of the Cavalier Corporation, Chattanooga ~1865 to 2000.  Valued at $500 this 26’ x 46’ handcrafted mirror by Mike Newsom is being raffled for $10.00 a ticket – 100 are being sold. 1 in 100 chance to own this piece of art. :)

Garage Sale: Again Nancy is hosting a garage sale on March 31.  Someone’s trash will become treasure for Team Hoyt.

Now for the big one…

The Run with Trish 5K for Team Hoyt!

God is truly showing up here in ways we could have never anticipated when we decided to do this.  He is proving Himself and blessing the journey getting us to March 10.  I can only believe that March 10 has a huge blessing awaiting us.  Here it goes…(not in any particular order)

T-shirts are going to be provided to race participants thanks to 4 wonderful sponsors…Eagle Exxon and Construction Unlimited both in Dayton, TN and my mother, Eddie Lou Taylor and my brother Rob Taylor from Arkansas.  As a runner, I like to have a shirt from my races.  It is something physical to show my hard work. :)  I could not be more excited about this addition.  I received an email from a 14 year old’s mom asking me we were having t-shirts.  Her reason was that this will be her daughter’s 1st 5k.  She wanted to make sure she had something to walk away with that day.  That email spurred me on to get it done. Thanks!

Run for God – www.runforgod.com – will be there in a big way.  We will be showcasing their NEW finish line.  I can’t even describe how awesome it is.  We are going to look so official.  And the best part about it…the RUN FOR GOD message will be out there for everyone at the race but also those just enjoying the river walk. Along with the incredible finish line, Run for God will be there filming with a production crew.  They need to get pictures and footage of their new finish line and RFG groups for their newest material.  RFG will be out in force.  They are bringing their youth triathlete team.  Mitchell Hollis is asking local RFG Bible study groups to come participate to support our run and to help with their new production materials.  Mitchell Hollis will also be speaking that day.  Wow!!!! That is all I can say!! God is so good. His glory will be present that day as it already very present!

Local Press – Thanks so emails from a couple of my new running angels – Mike and Gina – the Times Free Press and Get Out Chattanooga contacted me about this God-given journey.  The Times Free Press article has been published and is listed below:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/05/gods-connections-land-newsom-boston-marathon/?entertainmentlifeentertainment

Look for the Get Out Chattanooga publication in March.  The Dayton Herald, the local paper where I work, will be doing a story as well int he next week or two.

The race has been place on the Chattanooga Track Club website:

http://chattanoogatrackclub.org/races.cfm?contentID=eventDetail&recid=851

It is on J103 and Family Life Radio:

http://www.j103.com/event/1

http://www.myflr.org/News-and-Events/Events/Events-Index/Event-Index.aspx?tid=104

God is getting His story into many hands.  My prayer is that He touches someone’s life for Him through all of this press and all of the different connections He is making and providing. It is about HIM…

Matthew 18.19

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

He has been with me every step of this journey.  He has been with us! I pray that His will is done as we get closer to that Boston goal.  It is an honor to be watching Him work. I am learning and growing closer to Him as I hope you are too.

He is our God. He loves us no matter what! He wants His people saved.  He can do it however He wants…even with RUNNING!

Running blessed for HIM!

Trish :)

Okay…Bayside – if I forgot something …comment and I will add. God has been working so hard…

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January 8, 2012 · 10:49 am

Faith on the journey…

     2012 has started out with a bang. :) Not really!  It has actually started out very slow.  Mike has been really sick since before the New Year.  So most of my time has been at home taking care of him.  He is finally on the mend after 10 days of outright yuckiness.  My relief came the days I was able to run.  Training is in full swing so, running is a must these days.  I will say it has not been as easy in the cold and/or wet conditions.  This summer’s training was dry(until the marathon) and hot.  Those of you who know me well, know COLD is miserable in my book and HOT is great!!! I guess it comes from all of those hot summers in Texas. ;)
     My motivation comes from knowing this go around it is for a different cause; it is not for me!  It is for the Lord and for Team Hoyt.  www.teamhoyt.com The team the Lord provided for me in such an incredible way!  They are my motivation.  Yes, You Can! is their slogan.  Those are the words that come to mind when I think, “No, I can’t!”  Dick Hoyt is 71 years old and Rick is 50…they are running and training for the same run together.  One pushing the other.  Yes, I can!
     Yesterday, I had my first solo run in a while.  When I got to my running destination, it started pouring down rain.  I sat in my car for at least 15 minutes.  I just couldn’t muster the energy to get COLD and WET! So I drove home.  I was by myself.  I didn’t have faith in myself to get it done (at that time anyway). ;)  I drove home and got comfortable.  Then the weather broke and off I went.  I am so glad I did.  God is so good. He showed up.  He was my training partner yesterday.   As the excerpt from my Bible study states below:  However, be encouraged. Trust God. Have faith that whether you walk or sink, Jesus is always with you.  He was with me!
     I was able to clear my head.  Pray.  Take in the sounds around me…dogs barking, water flowing, birds chirping, train blowing and thoughts dancing. It was great! I thought about our fund-raising. I thought about my foot.  I also realized that this run is for others, not me! It is for a bigger purpose…bringing glory to God every step of the way while helping others!
     My foot is still not 100%.  My selfish desire has been to run Boston with a new PR. Yesterday, I ran 6.5 miles…the longest since my qualifying marathon.  I felt okay.  But, I am nervous about my longer runs.  Again, the statement above comes to mind…However, be encouraged. Trust God. Have faith that whether you walk or sink, Jesus is always with you. He will be with me whether I run fast, run slow or walk! I will finish Boston glorifying Him every step of the way! It will be His run. Not mine! (as it should be!)
     Now, to the fundraising…I am more concerned about my foot than raising $5000..so I am happy about that and praying God continues to take my worry away in regards to my foot.  With this in mind, here are the last two days of Bible study I have been doing online.  The following segments were taken from www.youversion.com.  Both excerpts are from the Living a Divinely Inspired Life.  Check it out when you have time…great stuff!
Matthew 15.25-32
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.29 And he said,Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Situations will arise when you would have to leave your comfort zone and get out of the boat. There will be moments when you will have to take a bold step and walk on water believing that Jesus will be there with you.  When these moments arise, it is easy for the spirit of fear to overwhelm you and make you look at the waves rising all around. The reality of the situation could dawn on you rapidly and cause you to begin to doubt and sink.However, be encouraged. Trust God. Have faith that whether you walk or sink, Jesus is always with you.When these moments arise, it is easy for the spirit of fear to overwhelm you and make you look at the waves rising all around. The reality of the situation could dawn on you rapidly and cause you to begin to doubt and sink.However, be encouraged. Trust God. Have faith that whether you walk or sink, Jesus is always with you.
 Mark 6.35-42
35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.37 He answered and said unto them,Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
Many times your God-given vision is larger than your current circumstances, background or education. Everything you need to take the first step is already in your hand. The moon is within your grasp if you are willing to reach for it. Jesus wanted the disciples to feed the crowd in Mark 6 but their attention, understandably, was on what they did not have and the magnitude of the task.  Instead Jesus asked ‘what do you have?’. They only had five loaves and two fish but He took it to God in thanksgiving before asking the disciples to share with the crowd. The result was a miraculous overflow.  Start where you are and trust that God in His awesome power will supply all your needs for a successful journey.
     My thoughts…God is taking me out of my comfort zone. He is encouraging me to get out of the boat and trust Him with this amazing journey.  Faith is obedience.  Faith has shown me many offers to help.  (more later)  Many see this journey as something larger than my current circumstances…but it is God given…so He will provide.  Here is how He is showing His awesome power and He will supply all I need for a successful journey. Why? Because He is responsible for providing this journey.  He is the guide and HIS glory will come from it!
     As many of you know(and are these people), God has introduced me to the Bayside Run for God group here in Chattanooga.  They have become my family! I have been SOOOOO blessed by their encouragement, their prayers and their support.  They are the connection to Team Hoyt and the way the Lord got me to Boston! (Thanks again Mike and Nancy!)  Godincidences for sure! Now, they are stepping up to the plate and supplying needs as stated in the second excerpt.  Thanks to them we are having a “Run for Trish 5k” to raise funds for Team Hoyt.  (More about this next week…planning meeting on Saturday, January 14…pray it all goes well!)  They are also hosting a Butter Braid fundraiser.  We will be selling Butter Braids just in time for Easter.  A portion of each sale will go to Team Hoyt.  How awesome! Check them out:  http://butterbraid.com/
     Trusting God is an awesome thing.  He loves to show up if we let go and let Him.  I will never be able to put into words what the Bayside Run for God group means to me or  how their unconditional love and support has carried me through and will continue to do so!  They are awesome and are God-given.
    God also provided me an amazing husband.  I see this more daily.  He (even in his sick stupor) is thinking and coming up with great ideas to help me on his journey. His words, for one, are always encouraging.  He is always checking on my foot.  :) He is my thermometer in regards to my pain level.  That is good!  As many of you know, he is also a gifted artist.  He is a master craftsman.  He has offered to raffle chances to win one of his unique pieces of woodwork.  We are still working on details for this too…but someone will be the proud owner of a one of a kind piece by Mike Newsom. :)
A very small sample…very small…of his work!
     We will also be starting a Pennies for People…People with Disabilities.  I will be collecting pennies to raise awareness for Team Hoyt.  Finding a penny is sometimes considered lucky and gives rise to the saying, “Find a penny, pick it up, and all the day you’ll have good luck.” We all have pennies lying around. So, let’s bring some good luck to Team Hoyt with our pennies. :) (yes, I am taking them to the bank to have them counted…they will LOVE me!)
     With all of this in place, God is providing. I am doing my part, but I have a team of wonderful people going above and beyond what they have to do…:)  I am grateful that the Lord has blessed this journey so! He is the reason and His glory is what we are wanting to share.  Let’s shout it from the mountain tops how good our God is!!!
Ephesians 5.19-20
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
    I am singing praises to our Lord and giving thanks for YOU!
Running Blessed!
Trish

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