My Christmas Mailbox – 1500 miles accomplished!
Jeremiah 29.11
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.
At the beginning of the year I committed to trying to get 1000 miles this year. I knew with my marathon training it would be possible. I had no idea 1500 would be until about 3 months ago. Once I saw that it would actually be doable…I was all for it. I had it planned to finish up on my new year’s eve run. But God had a different plan. He knew I would start my new marathon training plan 2 weeks ago. He knew my beautiful 1500 would come today on Christmas Day. He also knew I would be out there with my training buddy and dear friend, Yoli.
What an incredible feeling it was knowing that the past year I have been able to run for HIM the distance from Dallas, Texas through Los Angeles, California almost getting to Santa Barbara, California. I have driven that route at least 4 times in my life and it amazes me to know I have now run that far…wow! I know it was only with HIS strength that I had the stamina and the discipline to conquer such a feat. My miles were prayed over by many, especially my dear husband who celebrates and encourages every step of the way. Thanks to all of you who are my prayer warriors!!!
There were ups and downs. There were straight stretches and bends. All of these came on the road and in life. But, with Jesus, He made everything beautiful!
“You Make Everything Beautiful!” – Rebecca St. James
Grant me serenity to accept things
The things I cannot change
Grant me the courage, Lord, to change what I can
Wisdom to know the difference
In my weakness You can shine
In Your strength I can fly and
You make everything, everything beautiful
You make everything, everything new
You make everything, everything beautiful
In its time, in Your time
It’s beautiful
Grant me serenity, Lord, and patience
For things will take time
Grant me freedom to walk a new path
And let me feel Your love
In my weakness You can shine
In Your strength I can fly and
Lifting open hands to You my Savior
Beautify my soul
Knowing You redeem my pain and failure
Purify my soul
Beautify my soul!
Praying He helps me lean on HIM in 2013 – and to not forget the 12 most important words –
A Savior Has Been Born To You. He is Christ the LORD!
Praying He helps me spread the news of His birth and His death – saving us from sin through His Grace and Truth because we need a Savior from the mess of this world. He does make everything beautiful!!! Do you know the 12 words? Have they become flesh to you? Have they made your life beautiful even in the ashes? He can and is waiting!
This is my prayer for us all in 2013 – that we have a year of the Lord’s favor! (while also doing our part!)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor – Isaiah 61.1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
thenextmailboxboston 