Monthly Archives: December 2011

December 31, 2011 · 1:12 pm

New year…new strength…

Isaiah 40:31   Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary!
It has been awhile since my last post.  The holidays have been full of family, fun, food, change, running and faith.  We have been able to enjoy most of our family at some point over these past couple of weeks.  We have had tons of fun sharing stories, playing games and just being together.  We have eaten MORE than anyone should in a two week period. 😉  We have become empty nesters…Chase moved out. 😦 (Good for him, good for us, happiness for him and some sadness for us!) Marathon training has started slowly.  Isaiah 40.31 is my launching point for this round of training.  (more in a moment…)  Finally, our faith has been strengthened this CHRISTMAS season…by remembering Christ and His amazing “quiet” birth heard round the world so LOUDLY without technology to announce it.  The Lord did it without TV, without cell phones, without the internet and without Facebook.  Imagine that?  The Lord trumped us all!

Luke 2:8-20

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Wow! He came to this world for us. By His grace, the Lord sent His son for us…so we, in our sinfulness can be saved and live and glorify Him in all we do.

John 3:16-17

 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

So, as we approach the new year…that is my “resolution” if you must call it that…to glorify Him in all things!!! Through all things!!! Because…

Romans 8:28

 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.

In 2012…let’s consider taking every day to make a difference in someone else’s life by glorifying God and knowing that ALL things God uses for good!

Now, to my training…

I have two weeks under my belt for Boston 2012.  Running is going slow and steady.  I picked up my custom orthotics yesterday.  Again, it will be slow and steady as I get used to them.  Foot is slowly and steadily getting better…but still sore.  I have come to realization I will be running Boston for the experience, not a PR.  🙂  Here is where Isaiah 40.31 comes into play.  I may run, I may walk…but my strength will come from HIM!

Isaiah 40:31   Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary!

We have raised 25% of our goal – $1250.  We have 75% to go.  We have until April 15th to raise the remaining $3750.  Thanks to all of you who have helped out so far and have offered to help even more.  We have some great ideas for fund-raising.  Stay tuned!

I am ending 2011 with around 1000 miles under my belt.  I will end the year tonight with a 4-miler for a great cause – St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Never would I have dreamed 1000 miles would have been possible.  God has been so good to me and helped me turn my running around into a ministry for Him.  I pray He will continue to use it and you all will hold me accountable in 2012.  Will you join me?  Yes, You Can! This is the motto for Team Hoyt! Let’s make 2012 a year of Yes, We Cans…for ourselves, for others and for our Lord!  To Him be the glory!

For more information on my fund-raising go here: www.crowdrise.com/trishnewsom – share with others! Let’s make a difference together!

Running Blessed into 2012…Trish 🙂

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December 11, 2011 · 2:34 pm

Dare to dream…dare to dance!

Genesis 37.1-11

1 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. 2 This is the account of Jacob’s family line.  Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate[a] robe for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. 5 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: 7 We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. 9 Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” 11 His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Dare to dream…Dare to be determined…Dare to be devoted…Dare to be different.  These were the points in Brother Alan’s sermon this morning.   Genesis 37.1-11 was the sermon text today.  Joseph dreamed.  Joseph was determined.  Joseph was devoted and Joseph was different.  God had a plan for him.  He knew of His plan for him before he was born.  Jeremiah 29.11 states:

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Once again, God spoke to me during this message.  He has been doing that a lot lately!  Praise the Lord!!!

I would also like to add Dare to dance.  It makes me think of the song I HOPE YOU WILL DANCE by Lee Ann Womack.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

God has used this song to speak to me before.  He is using it again.  I get to join the big dance –  in the runner’s world anyway…The Boston Marathon on April 16, 2012.  During the sermon this morning something hit me.  Another God thing! Several things actually…the first was when Brother Alan used the phrase God-given…I had just used that phrase when describing this awesome Boston journey. (I stole the phrase from Nancy…thanks, friend)  God has given me this incredible opportunity to serve Him, glorify Him and run for Him.

The second revelation was how each of the points in the sermon describe my journey to Boston.  I had a dream. God gave me that dream. He placed it in my heart a long time ago….knowing it would come true one day.  God gave me determination to run and to run for Him.  God gave me the desire to turn over or devote my running to Him. Once I was introduced to the Run for God Bible study, it finally clicked…my running talent and desire belong to God. Different…God knows I am different…many ask “why run 26.2 miles???”  For Him…that’s why!!!

Finally, I was amazed thinking back on this journey and how I get to attend the big dance…the 2012 Boston Marathon.  And it hit me! The date of the 2012 Boston is April 16, 2012.  The 2011 date of our graduation run for Run for God (where I was introduced to Team Hoyt) was April 16, 2011.  Did God know this??? I believe so! One year to the date, after our Run for God completion/graduation run is when I will fulfill this God-given dream! This is when I mentally turned my running desires over to Him…and look where it has led…to an exciting adventure with Him in the lead.  Are you ready to dream and dance?

We serve an awesome God! Ya know? 😉

Running blessed more everyday!

Trish

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December 10, 2011 · 11:17 am

Do not love the world or anything in it…

1 John 2.15-17  15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

This morning while trying to be productive and clean, I threw my iPhone 4 in the washing machine.  For those of you who don’t know, this is the 2nd time I have thrown an iPhone 4 in the washing machine.  I will say, this time I have not beat myself up as bad…but I am still pretty upset with myself for being so….dumb.  I am a blonde…what can I say? (no offense to anyone, please)

As I have reflected on this, this morning…Romans 8.28 and 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 keep coming to my mind.

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.

1 Thessalonians 5.16-17

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I have referred to these two verses before.  They help keep me calm when I, as an imperfect human, do stupid stuff!  God has a purpose and a plan.  I believe EVERY thing…even dropping my phone in water, is part of that plan.  Worry is not to be part of our daily routine.  Stress is not either.  Now, am I saying that I can justify and excuse my naive mistakes?  No! I am saying I need to take everything…my anger at myself, my frustration for dropping phone in washing machine, my RELIANCE on worldly things…to HIM!

As 1 John 2.15a states…Do not love the world or anything in the world!

I have to admit I love my phone.  I use it ALL the time for many things…am I guilty of using it just for fun when I should be doing something worthy of Him? Am I guilty of using it when I should be paying attention to my husband and family?  Am I guilty of Facebooking when I could be reading the Bible or doing other things that need to get done? YES!!!

This post is SOOO for me! If it took dropping the phone in the washing machine a SECOND time for me to get it…then I should be thankful! Right? I am getting there! :)As I have said in the past…I am stubborn and it takes awhile for me to get things because I want it my way.

What has this journey to Boston taught me? Patience and that God has a better plan.  When and if I am truly plugged into Him and not my gadgets(which I love), then life will be much sweeter. 🙂

So…what to do next? Let go of my frustration over the phone.  Pray my protection plan covers damage or the phone wakes up on its own.(it is in a bag of rice now)  Realize my phone and my gadgets are taking precious time away from the people who mean the most to me in life and the person who saved me – the Lord.

It is in the word ALL and IN – IN ALL things be thankful and in ALL things God works for the good…

Until next time…

Running blessed!

Trish

*update on fundraising goal for Team Hoyt…13% of $5000 goal has been raised in week on! Praise the Lord…to Him be the glory.

www.crowdrise.com/trishnewsom

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December 7, 2011 · 12:54 pm

God’s timing…once again!

TEAM HOYT-2

Image by Ellery Chen via Flickr

This past Sunday was my last blog entry. I referred to the scripture 1 Kings 19.11-13. God shows up in that still small voice. As I was writing Sunday’s blog on this scripture, my new Run for God friend, Mike, was referring to the same scripture in his Sunday school class. You may be thinking to yourself, “So, what’s the big deal about that?” Here is the big deal…read the email he sent me following his Sunday school class and upon reading my Sunday morning post:

This morning I shared with the small group I teach at Bayside (Nearly/Newly Married) about how God blessed me with having a minute role in your journey to Boston. Told your story as best I could share. Talked about listening to that small still voice. Being obedient even on the smallest things God puts in your mind and lays on your heart. Based it on 1 Kings 19: 11-13. Then just a minute ago…I received and read your latest blog update. WOW!! God is awesome!! You blogged exactly what God told me to talk about this morning. The rest of the story…normally I do a lesson from a book. This morning was breakfast Sunday so we just do a short devotional. Also last Sunday was our normal breakfast week, but we moved it to this Sunday because of Thanksgiving. WOW again.

Mike is the one who told Nancy, to tell me, about Team Hoyt. Thanks to his obedience and listening to God’s still small voice…I am going to be running the 2012 Boston Marathon…and to that I say…Praise the Lord and to God be the Glory!!!

So here is the next step or two or three….feel free to share with anyone!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV84)

What is the true goal of our faith? Salvation for our souls! God has shown me over the last couple of days that my journey to Boston is really not about running at all! It is about helping others!

First and foremost, my desire is to point to our Almighty God who got me to Boston! His plan, His purpose, His race!

Secondly, it is to raise awareness for The Hoyt Foundation. The foundation’s purpose is to help integrate handicapped people into everyday activities so they may live fruitful and productive lives.

Thirdly, I am raising $5000 for the amazing organization. On April 16, I will be joining Dick and Rick Hoyt as they run their 30th marathon. There are 40 team members running for the Hoyt Foundation. We are all in this together. We are helping one another like Christ helped us and we are called to do the same.

I am praising the Lord for this amazing opportunity!!! His plan was much bigger than mine! Wow! I am humbled to be part of such an effort. Will you join me?

If so, here is my fund-raising website:

http://www.crowdrise.com/trishnewsom

I have also created a Facebook page to keep everyone updated on our journey…and it is OUR journey! Your prayers and encouragement have gotten me here!

Here is my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Running-Boston-2012-with-Team-Hoyt/254372467957380

Let’s take this journey together….winning people to the Lord along the way! Sharing His mercy and His goodness with all that will listen!

Running for God…Running for Team Hoyt…Running Blessed!

Trish 🙂

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December 4, 2011 · 11:14 am

That still small voice…

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV)

How often do we ask God for something and we wait on the answer expecting a BIG BANG when it comes?? We might just miss it! The Big Bang is what we are looking for when the still small answer may be all we need!

Here is how my Boston marathon answer came…God is so good! (I can’t wait to get to heaven and turn the tapestry of my life over and see how things I thought were random, were not random at all!)

Tuesday before Thanksgiving I emailed Team Hoyt a second time about the hardship withdrawal. Here was his response on November 22:

Hi Trish,

We had one runner drop because they are expecting a new child. We had one runner contact us before you so we are waiting for paperwork from him. If he doesn’t come through, you are next! I hope to have more information shortly.

Doug

Fast forward to December 2:

While driving home from a physical therapy appointment(which is working), I talked to my mom. She asked if I had heard anything else regarding the above email. I told her no and that I would contact them on Monday, December 5. Later that evening, Mike and I went to dinner. We discussed the fact that I had not heard and it was probably best because I was still getting my foot back to 100%. I really was okay with this idea!

We were having this discussion not knowing I had an email waiting on me in my inbox…my school inbox. For once, I chose to leave my phone at home. Dinner with my husband = no interruptions….not even Boston. We got home and relaxed. Watched tv. Nothing too exciting…Friday nights of an old, married couple. LOL!

Anyway, it was approaching time to go to bed. I was sleepy! My new spin bike is wearing me out. 🙂 And, I was getting up early to do one of my favorite 5ks…Families on the Run. They serve you a full breakfast once you finish…great incentive for running in the cold. 🙂 As I was walking down the hall to get my race gear ready, I checked my email on my phone. It gives me both home and school in boxes in one place. That is when I read:

Good news. We have a hardship withdrawal. But not a bad hardship. A new baby! Are you in? If so, fill out the paperwork ASAP and fax it back to me at 619 920-7248 or scan and e-mail it back. If not, let me know that too ASAP so I can move to the next. Thanks!

Without saying a word, I turned around and handed the phone to my husband. I let him read it and take it in as I had done. I asked if that was really what I was reading. We looked at each other…hugged and said a prayer of thanksgiving. God is so good!!! The email was sent at 7:23 pm, around the same time Mike and I were discussing that is was not the right time…or though we thought.

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 2:3 NIV)

Needless to say…God’s timing is always perfect. I found this quote while cleaning this week:

“Ceasing to worry, leaving the FUTURE to the God who controls the future!”

So true!! I believe God has helped me here…I have had some struggles worrying about Boston…but I finally was able to be okay with His timing. That is when the still small voice came in the form of an email…when I least expected it.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:1-8 NIV)

This is what the Lord says:
“In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people,
to restore the land
and to reassign its desolate inheritances, (Isaiah 49:8 NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to save me! Thank you for trusting me enough to run for you in the 2012 Boston Marathon! Thank you for the many people who have supported me and prayed for this dream with me. You have blessed me with their love! Step by step you will guide my way…use me as you would want me to be used for your glory!

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 20:24 NIV)

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV84)

Running blessed to Boston!!  Trish

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December 2, 2011 · 10:45 pm

God provided! I AM going to run that town…Boston!

This time he said YES!!!

Psalm 66.19 – 20

19 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.  20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

God heard my prayer! God answered! He showed up in a bigger way than I could have ever imagined.  I get to run the 2012 Boston Marathon with Team Hoyt!  Their motto…”Yes, you can!”  Yes, I can & Yes, I will!

God provided an amazing team for me.  Team Hoyt is a father/son duo.  The 2009 Boston was their 1000th race together.  Their story is one of teamwork and spirit.  I will write more about it later.  Their website is http://www.teamhoyt.com/index.html.

I am humbled.  I am thankful. I am amazed.  We serve an awesome God.  He provided a way…a better way!  This time I have 4 months to train…and completely heal.  Every step of the way will continue to be for HIM!!!  While running for Team Hoyt I will be raising money for the The Hoyt Foundation.

The Hoyt Foundation, Inc. (EI #22-2940515) is a non-profit organization that was formed in 1989. The Hoyt Foundation aspires to build the individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life; including in family and community activities, especially sports, at home, in schools, and in the workplace. Each year, Team Hoyt’s primary spokespeople, world renowned athletes, Dick and Rick Hoyt, show the world how to do this by speaking before community and professional groups, and by direct participation in many road races, triathlons and other endurance events. The Foundation also provides advice and support to groups and individuals who share this mission.

I am required to raise $5000 to participate in the 2012 Boston.  God provided this opportunity, so I am at peace about this piece of the puzzle.  Once I come down from cloud nine, I will make a plan and put it out there!  He will provide.

Mike asked me last week what I wanted for Christmas…and I said “to go to Boston!”  Christmas came early! Christ will continue to shine!  Another friend had two great things happen today and yesterday.  The saying “Things come in threes” came to mind…I thought to myself I wonder who else will have great news….ME!!!! God provided!!!

Genesis 22:14
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

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