The ? of the month…

Luke 1.37

³⁷ For nothing is impossible with God.”

Jeremiah 33.3

When I got up this morning, it dawned on me that it was one year ago today that I ran my Boston qualifying run in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Wow, how time flies! A lot has happened in the last year.  Many prayers have been answered while we are waiting on the answer to others.  We have gone from being parents to being in-laws and grandparents. I have gone from being a recreational runner to being a Boston Qualifier to being a Boston Marathon finisher.  Mike has gone from working for someone to working for himself.  We have seen many, many blessings throughout this crazy year. It has been a roller coaster…a fun one for sure.

Now, I am to that time of year where I need to start thinking…do I run Boston again or not?  This is the question I am currently bouncing through my head.  Many of you have asked me this very question over the past few weeks.  Currently, I am in the process of praying for and awaiting the answer. With that being said, God has been speaking and I am trying to  listen.

Today our pastor preached a sermon titled:  The Mystery of Unanswered Prayers.  His points could have been tied to my first Boston journey.  They paralleled each other. He showed us this mystery of unanswered prayers with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1.5-17.  How the Lord provided in a way they may not have understood but in a way that brought glory to His name.  He discussed how sometimes our prayers are denied or delayed.  Boston was denied and delayed in June during my first attempt at qualifying.  Why? Because God always answers our prayers in the way that brings Him the greatest glory!

The greatest glory for HIM came from the journey He provided to Boston with my team-Team Hoyt. Then He supplied me with another team of running angels here in TN and around the nation who prayed for me as I fundraised and as I trained.  What an incredible experience…which many of you have been a part of or have read about.  Now, do I do it again?

Well, yesterday I asked a great friend to pray specifically for me as I try to discern what HIS will is for this situation…not my own.  I asked for a very clear open door or closed-door. 🙂  I need the handwriting on the wall.  So, this morning Mike and I walked to the mailbox.  We forget to check it occasionally. 😉  So, today, on Sunday, we checked it.  And what do I find???

The 2012 Boston Marathon Racers’ Record Book

& Boston Finisher’s Certificate

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It was great fun looking through  it and reliving the memories.  Team Hoyt was highlighted on page 8.  What an awesome memory!!!  With the book, I also had my Finisher’s Certificate…my official certificate…woo hoo! I am a Boston Marathon Finisher! As I stated at the beginning, God has answered many prayers.  Boston was a HUGE one…one I really didn’t realize for a long time.

Now, to 2013…Boston or not? My answer is in His hands.  I want to be right smack in the middle of HIS will! I want glory to come to His name.  If doing Boston with Team Hoyt again is going to glorify Him and be part of His will, I am totally in! Now to read His word, pray and search for His peace.  We are still waiting on news from Team Hoyt as well…that may be the answered door I am waiting on.  They were allowed 30 charity spots last year because of it being the 30th running of the marathon for the incredible team.  They may not receive as many spots this year.  So, will you pray I hear and I know beyond a shadow of doubt whether Boston is His plan or not?  Thanks in advance! 🙂

Running Blessed…and ready to train if need be!

Trish

Also, I am leading a Run For God Bible study starting September 9.  Please pray for all who participate and that God will be present every step of the way.