June 27, 2017 · 8:26 pm

Conversations around the dinner table…

“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.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Forty years ago God planted a seed around the dinner table when I was eight years old.  This was when my mom was appointed as the principal of a K-3 school in my hometown of Arkadelphia, Arkansas and the dinner table conversations started.  During mom’s principalship, my dad started his doctorate in education as well.  He was working on the collegiate level but wanted to move to the K-12 ranks.  After he completed his doctorate we had two principals in the family.

Throughout my elementary, middle, and high school days I had a front row seat to the the highs and lows of an elementary school, a junior high, a high school, and an alternative high school.  I remember asking my parents repeatedly to not talk shop at the dinner table.  But, these conversations prepped my heart and brain so long ago.  At this time a seed was planted, unbeknownst to me.

This is where my training began so very long ago…Training for what? — to be a school teacher, a school counselor, and now a school principal!

As of June 26, 2017 the seed God planted forty years ago is now going to have the chance to bloom. He has been feeding and fertilizing it for a very long time.  I have tried to kill it more than once.  I am a runner…literally…but figuratively I have tried to run from the principalship for many years.  It finally caught up with me and I am so glad it did!

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22.6

Mom and dad led by example all of those years.  I followed their footsteps into education as a teacher.  Once I received my masters in school counseling I decided to keep going and get my administrative certification.  Then I remembered all of those conversations…and I said never mind.  That was over 15 years ago.

Fast forward to the 2007-2008 school year and my move to Dayton, Tennessee.  For those of you who do not know — I moved to Tennessee without a job.  I had NO doubt that God was leading me here to be closer to Mike.  (This is another God story….)  But God had a job waiting on me at Dayton City School.  He literally put it in my lap at a luncheon a month after I moved to Tennessee.  (I can see I will have to write a prequel to finish this story.)  The 2016-2017 school year completed my tenth year at Dayton City School — the job He had waiting on me.

Throughout my tenure are Dayton City School God has been preparing me for this new position. Over the last ten years I have been able to work as the school counselor and physical education teacher. Each of these roles has allowed me to get to know the entire faculty and staff.  What a blessing this journey has turned out to be…

Over the last couple of years I have had a couple of angels. Friends who saw the potential God put in me to be a leader.  They continue to urge me to pursue my administration certificate. Remember — I am a runner. At first I said NO! 🙂  Then I thought more about it and with a little more prompting decided to go for it.  At this point I interviewed with a graduate program in a different county.  Needless to say, it was not the right one. I left the interview feeling very discouraged.  This is when my running instincts kicked in and I said to myself — “I told you so! I am not going to be a principal.”  God had other plans.

The next school year God really started to nudge me again.  The tapping was harder this time.  The godincidences continued to pop up when people would say things to me at different times without knowing others had said it.  Then the tapping became a knock I could not ignore.

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 11.28

This time I had to listen and I should have listened before but it was not the right time — God’s time.  My next step was to contact the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the Fall of 2015.  The interview was a breath of fresh air and I knew that UTC was where I need to be and where God wanted me. I started school in January 2016.  The seed was growing.

In April 2016 our school was looking for a new principal due to the fact our current one was retiring.  I interviewed hoping to take the assistant job if it came open. This did not happen.  It was not time. Our school hired two great principals and we started the 2016-2017 school year with new leadership.  During this time, I worked hard and earned my post masters certificate in school leadership in May of 2017.  My schooling provided me with some amazing opportunities to feel God’s hand and know I was on the right track — His track for my life.

Not knowing what God had in store I chose to be still and wait.  During this time I had a conversation with a colleague that I will never forget. This colleague approached me and asked me to make sure I stayed at Dayton City School once I finished my certificate.  I responded with “I don’t want to go anywhere and I know God is the god of the impossible but I don’t see either principal leaving — this is both of their first years.”  Little did I know that our PreK-3rd grade principal would resign on June 5.  (Though she wasn’t with us long — she will be missed.  She decided she wanted to teach again.)  The door that had been closed was now reopening.  God’s perfect timing!

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.

Romans 8.28 

To sum it all up — the seed God planted forty years ago is now about to bloom.  I interviewed and accepted the job on Monday.  I started working immediately.  God is so very good.  He knew I need extra time and extra work to be ready for this position to which He has called me.  All of the pruning along the way will make me a better leader. There is NO doubt in my mind that God orchestrated this long ago.  He was waiting on His timing….perfect timing to bring this journey, traced by His mighty hand into bloom.

I am beyond excited to continue what He has started and let Him be my strength.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  He gave me the best mentors a principal could have in the form of my mom and dad forty-eight years ago.  The training they started in the form of dinner table conversations will now take root in a different form — I will put it into action with God’s power and strength.

And how could I fail to mention the amazing support of my amazing husband who is the main reason I moved here??? Tomorrow we will have been married nine years and he has been right next to me through the home stretch. He supported me through the hard days/nights of graduate school. I am blessed beyond measure to have him support all I do 100%.  We are a great team!

“The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him.”

Exodus 15.2

IMG_6562

 

13 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

April 14, 2017 · 9:55 am

Elation at the finish line…

boston1

 

As I wake up to Good Friday, Facebook so kindly and gently reminds me of the significance of this weekend.  Scrolling through the ‘On This Day’ memories my emotions are all over the place.  Funny how that happens!  Embedded within the memories is this verse: John 14. 27:  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

God is so good.  He knows that my heart is troubled as the memories of Boston 2013 flood back into my mind but He also knows He provides the ultimate peace for these times. What a picture that provides for me on this – Good Friday.

This picture is a true visual of His unshakeable love for us.  Sadness prevailed as His son was crucified and died for our sins on Good Friday – BUT – Sunday was coming.  Do not let your hearts be troubles and do not be afraid!!!   Why? Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you! I do not give you as the world gives you!  HE is GOD! He offers more than this world could ever give – ETERNITY!

As I relive the memories and the emotions coming flooding back – I have to remember I have an unshakeable God who will give me peace through all things.  The world cannot and will not take me down because HE died to bring me up!

What an amazing journey God has gifted me with and allowed me to live through.  His never-ending love and peace carried me through as He does daily.  My Boston story from beginning to end has too many happy moments to even count.  It has scary and sad moments sprinkled through with joy and elation at the finish line.  He allowed me to experience emotions – and still does – that bring me back to Him.  That point to the fact that SUNDAY is coming! Through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ – we are made whole again! We have nothing to fear! The day we thought was so very bad brings us to the joy and elation at the finish line!

17904258_1222015037911543_441518102936416044_n

My finish line on earth cannot and will not ever compare to the finish line in heaven!
eternal.jpg

Romans 10.9-10
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

December 25, 2016 · 4:14 pm

I hate wet socks!

What do wet socks have to do with CHRISTmas? Well, a lot in our world. 🙂  God used a single wet sock to start the trail of details that showed us He is with us and cares about the small details of our lives! 🙂

It all started this morning before we were about to do our small Christmas.  Cleo – our calico kitty – played the part of the kids.  She started pawing at our door when she thought it was time for us to mosey out of bed. We abided.  Once up, we needed coffee.  Our simple routine kicked into gear.  Mike made the coffee and I threw Christmas cinnamon rolls in the oven.  It was at this point I decided we needed festive Christmas music. My wireless speaker was in the the garage in my car.  So off to the garage I trot so we can open presents.  Mike is so excited. He can’t wait for me to open my gifts.  🙂

This is when the story really started –  I stepped in water that had pooled from the rain off the car and hence the wet sock.  Something had to be done!  The sock came off and I walked back inside headed for the bedroom to get another sock.  I hate WET socks!

Mike stopped me and would not let me get another sock.  I argued I need a sock – one foot is bare and cold.  No! He wanted me to sit down and open one of my presents. So I humored him – so I could get my sock! As I ripped the paper I notice one of my old shoe boxes…hmmmm.  Then to my surprise I found a new pair of house shoes…with SOFT material! (I am a texture person – so I LOVE the fuzzy stuff!)

The wet sock opened the door for this perfect gift! Mike noticed I am always in socks or flip flops and didn’t have any house shoes! Love it! (But, inside I was a little curious why he was so excited about this gift – because he didn’t know I was going to have a wet sock! But, God did!)

img_4648

My new feet warmers – I already have great leg warmers!

So, now that I was thinking…hmmmmm…that is the gift he is so excited about – he grabs another one.  As he tries to hand it to me I run outside to take a photo of the sunrise. (Photography is the one thing I LOVE – and wish I made more time for it.)  Mike is curious about what I am doing – but he figures it out! (Because I run outside and take photos – A LOT!)

img_4644

In I come and he hands me the gift.  I soon find out that this is the one he is so excited about!  This gift is small but heavy. As I am holding it I am thinking “it is really small but I bet he added weight to the box.” 😉  Ripping the paper open I see a Nikon box.  I say “Is this a camera?…No, this isn’t a camera….Is this really a camera?…Noooo…this can’t be a camera!”  But guess what? It was a CAMERA! God is that good.  He paved the way yet again for a PERFECT open door to my next gift. I had just stepped outside to take a picture with my phone and now I am opening a camera that my phone can’t hold a candle to….wow!

Needless to say – I LOVE IT and I am soooo excited to get busy taking photographs!!!! (Those will come soon – we are making some adjustments to the new purchase!)

img_4652

Not the camera – just a representation of THE camera!

Now it was Mike’s turn to open a gift.  But, he was so excited about my camera he wanted to research more on it.  I stopped him. He only had one more gift.  He persisted in doing research.  I said – stop, open this gift.  So, he did. 🙂 And God once again had paved the way – it was a photo I took years ago of the old barn put on a canvas.

fullsizerender-5

So in God’s amazing fashion He showed us how He truly cares about the details.  On this day we celebrate Jesus’s birth – a detail that created eternity for us all – He shows up in the simple things.  He does it daily but most of the time we forget to look for Him.

Mike and I looked at each other as he opened the canvas and were in awe of how God had made His presence known in our simple Christmas at home – just the two of us.  He confirmed that the ultimate present of His son was a detail we will forever be grateful.

This season has proven to many that life is short and we only have one to live.  God sent Jesus on this day thousands of years ago to save us – a small, yet eternal detail we can not ignore.  All we have to do is add the detail of belief!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  

John 3.16

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”

Romans 10:9

With all of this being said – I hope you have some wet sock moments where you are able to see the hand of God in every detail of your life! He is there. He cares. He wants to be a detail in your life – He will if only you believe!

Merry CHRISTmas!  Trish

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

October 12, 2016 · 11:39 am

The Return…

This past weekend marked the return.  The return to what? Well, a couple of things…a return to where my running days started many moons ago and the return to where running helped heal my soul.  Though, to be honest – the return to my running roots was not the first thing on my mind – it was the return to reclaim the trails that healed my heart that surfaced first.

It all started several months ago when my running angels decided to run a half marathon in Missouri.  Why Missouri? One of them has a sister who was running her first half marathon and she wanted to be there to support and encourage her.

Proverbs 27.17

As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.

i2

A girl’s trip was in order.  We were all excited. Then, I checked my graduate school calendar and realized I couldn’t go…I had class.  Bummer! Needing the accountability, I knew I still wanted to train with them so I looked for a half marathon on another weekend.  The Fayetteville Hero Half Marathon(FHHM) in Fayetteville, Arkansas fit the bill. It was the weekend after my friends’ half AND it was over my fall break.  This meant traveling to my parents and enjoying quality time with them along with the run. Yay!  I registered and started training.

The FHHM is a run to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 and the local heroes that are our first responders today.  Throughout the weeks and months before the FHHM would post inspirational messages on their Instagram and Facebook pages.   One day they posted a message asking who our hero was and why.  They were going to draw from those who posted and give away one free entry. Well, I won. 🙂 This made the run even sweeter.  Here was my entry:

As you can read, my hero is my mom.  Life changed for all of us that year in 2013.  We learned how to run new roads and tackle new challenges.  As one of her caregivers for 2 1/2 months, I needed respite. I took to the roads of Northwest Arkansas to scream, pray, cry and recover from the emotional roller coaster ride I was on watching my mom, my hero, struggle so.  These roads were my caregivers and I was coming back to reclaim them and thank them.  That was my goal.

Mom made it through 2013 like the hero she is. She hasn’t stopped since. God blessed our family by allowing mom to keep on keeping on. What a true blessing!!!

The day before the race, dad, Mike, and I went to pick up my race packet in Fayetteville. This weekend just happened to be the Arkansas Razorback’s SEC home opener against Alabama.  (I have to admit this was an incentive to come to Arkansas over fall break as well.)  We decided to head to Fayetteville and do a little reminiscing along the way.  Dad wanted me to drive by the house we lived in for a short time while I was 14-15 years old.  We lived in Fayetteville during my freshman year in high school.  Daddy was finishing his doctorate in Education at the University of Arkansas during this time.

As we drove the roads to the house, images came to my head of that first running day! I can see it like it was yesterday.  I am not sure how many of us can remember the first day we stepped out on the roads…but I am so thankful I can.  It hadn’t hit me until this drive. This is where God started my running journey.  This is where He started writing the story that would include – Wheel of Fortune…Boston Qualifying attempts, failures and successes…Run for God Bible studies…Running Angels…Finding out who I am with and without Him…Respite runs…and I could go on and on!  We were RETURNing to where it all started.

God does have a masterplan. He knows what He is doing even when we don’t see it.

Isaiah 46.10

I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’

He knew that over 32 years later I would be running the FHHM, reclaiming the roads by winning my age group…setting a half marathon PR…coming in as 7th overall woman – and that I would look back at where I started…at this mailbox!  img_3999

(This is the where the Mailbox Story/Poem originated…and where the name for my blog came from.)

The Mailbox Story

“Just make it to the next mailbox,” a mom and dad would say

As they and their daughter were out running one day.

Both, knowing another mailbox lay ahead,

as she was ready to call it quits,

would push her to persevere instead.

With every mailbox successfully passed

She made the victory lap to home at last.

To this day the message is still very clear…

Struggles will come and go, as the mailboxes came and went

But in the end, the prize will be held dear for the endurance that was spent.

“Just make it to the next mailbox,” they would say.
What is your mailbox today?

Jeremiah 29.11-13

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

God story started an amazing story at this mailbox on this day so many years ago. He sees our potential before we do and uses His children to carry out His plan for His glory.  He continues to show me through the ups and the downs of life He is God and He is the God of the impossible!

Ephesians 3.20

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…

God blessed me with incredible parents – the best anyone could ask for…in my opinion! We continued our trip down memory lane once I picked up my race packet.  We headed to the U of A to find daddy’s name in the sidewalk.  The U of A has a unique tradition called the Senior Walk.  Each graduating class since 1905 has had their names engraved in the sidewalks that stretch across the campus.  It is a sight to see.  We were off to find dad’s name and we did. We were returning once again…

The picture on the bottom right was Mike’s idea. It represents so much.  I am in my dad’s shadow – he has cast a large one for us to follow.  He has taught us(along with mom), the importance of loving the Lord first.  They have paved the path for us in regards to education as well. They both are the reason I am continuing my education – which will wrap up on May 5, 2017…my wonderful husband’s birthday! I could probably write a whole blog using these photos…;)

The return to Northwest Arkansas has brought me full circle in several ways.  God continues to go before and plan the way.  He is out there with us every single day.  Through the mountains and the valleys….like on the FHHM course….we will struggle but there will be a highlight along the way!  The struggles will make us stronger.  The highs will make us want to come back for more!

The journey through the half marathon race allowed me to reclaim the trails and renew the love for running that started so many years ago.  It also allowed me to rejoice over those God has given me to be by my side through this journey.  My pick-me-up during a tough or 3 tough spots on the race course was my dear husband who runs marathons of his own to find me as I run the races.  He pushes me and encourages me with his presence and his words.  This weekend of returning helped me see how precious he is to me and how he fits in my story so well – only God could do that!  God knew I would need him in my life to keep on keeping on! 😉

img_4069

Deuteronomy 31.8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

God will never leave us and He goes before us. This weekend of returns will forever be etched in my heart. It is a story of God’s faithfulness to one of His own who in no way deserves the mercy and grace He has given.  God is so very good.  He is helping us write our story before we ever get to the next mailbox.  He wants us to continue to persevere and make it through to the other side – He is waiting – His glory and story to be displayed.

Hebrews 12.1-3

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.

RACE PHOTOS

1:46:19 ~ 1st in age group ~ 7th overall woman

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

July 16, 2016 · 2:18 pm

Chattanooga Heroes Run…Freedom is NOT free!

5fallen

Today is the one year anniversary of the shooting deaths of 5 fallen heroes in Chattanooga, Tennessee – Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire K. Wells and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Randall Smith.  Our hometown hero – Dennis Pedigo was injured on this day one year ago. The Erlanger Hospital Trauma Services sponsored the Chattanooga Heroes Run to commemorate the day that forever changed the lives of so many – showing us that Freedom is NOT free.  We are seeing this day in and day out with the events of our world. Once again, Freedom is NOT free!  Lives are lost and lives are changed daily in the fight for freedom!

The Chattanooga Heroes Run was phenomenal. Kudos to all who came together to make it happen.  What a day! First, I got to be there with friends – running friends, CrossFit friends and people I have known forever.  (I have been in the Chattanooga area longer than any other place I have lived!) We all came together for a common cause and reclaimed Chattanooga streets….like in Boston in 2014.

As we ran we were able to thank countless police officers, fire fighters, EMTs, and the families of the fallen.  They were spread out along the 5 mile course.  One mile for each fallen hero. Moving along the course I was reminded mile after mile that these families made the ultimate sacrifice – they lost someone willing to die for our freedoms.  1300+ of us ran or walked by these families today – strangers to them – but their loved ones died for us.  Wow! How powerful is that? They died protecting the great country’s freedoms.

After running Boston 2013 and experiencing the Boston bombings my life was forever changed as well.  Events like these are never easy because you realize some of that freedom has been taken away.  As I run…I think about safety things I have never thought of before – I wonder about the what-ifs – I second guess my decision to be in a large crowd! THEN, those feelings change when you see the genuine love and care that the others who are taking part, show to one another – strangers in the crowd.   There are more of us than them!

We need to remember LOVE!

1 Corinthians 13.4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…
God gives us love! His unconditional love we can all experience.  I have no idea how I would do life without His hope and love.  He is what gives hope in the evil times we live.  He made the ultimate sacrifice we can have eternal life where there is NO evil.
John 3.16
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.
Love was very present today in the Chattanooga Heroes Run.  It was truly an honor to run and regain Chattanooga streets! #noogastrong

 

Isaiah 40.31
Taken by mistake – but glad I got it!
Flags for all for the 5 fallen…
The flyover…
WOW!
The Marines finishing strong!
Amazing group including Melanie Pedigo – wife of hero Chattanooga Police Officer – Dennis Pedigo!

Isaiah 40.31

…but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

#eternalhope

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 6, 2016 · 8:49 am

Divine Detours…

trishsandiego

This photo was taken 5 years ago yesterday – June 5, 2011  – at the San Diego Marathon. This is where I attempted to qualify for the Boston for the first time.  Seeing this photo come up on the ‘On this Day’ feature of Facebook brought back so many memories and emotions.  Ones I will not detail today!  It appeared in my newsfeed after I had been to church in Destin, Florida and heard an amazing sermon by none other than former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

The night before we were looking for churches close to the condo due to the fact we had planned on walking to the service because we were without a car.  Destiny Worship Center popped up with the banner – Guest Speaker, Governor Mike Huckabee.  This is where I wanted to go – so we did. 🙂  And, I am so glad we did.  I have heard him preach before but that was in college – a long time ago! 😉

He spoke about detours.  How we all have them…How we don’t like them…How we don’t plan them and we don’t want them.  He asked the question – “What if your detour is your destination?”  He gave examples from the Bible which included –

  • Joseph – being sold into slavery
  • Jonah – being swallowed by a fish
  • Jesus – who was betrayed and paid the ultimate sacrifice – death on a cross

As we all know – we all have detours! He went on to say that God’s priorities may be different from ours.  We have to have spiritual maturity and totally trust God’s best for us. The detour will take us down a path where we will learn things we would have never learned on the main road.  The purpose is to help us reflect the character of Jesus Christ and the product will be something bigger than we could have ever imagined!

What are the benefits of these detours?

  • We will see things we wouldn’t have seen normally.
  • We will go places you wouldn’t have gone.
  • We will go slower than you intended to go – so we can hear Him!

He closed with 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.  As many of you may already know – this is the verse my family calls our family verse.  It is one dear to my heart and one the girls and I had been discussing while at the beach this past week.

As he dissected this verse, he pointed out what many miss – it doesn’t say that all things are good – it says all things work together for good AND it is for those who are called according to His purpose – or who KNOW Him and call him Savior.

The detours in life are working together for good for all of us who love and know Him. NO – it is not all good but in the bigger picture – bringing glory to Him – it does work out for good! And – we may never understand or see it on this side of heaven.

Wow! What a powerful message! I needed to hear that in regards to detours I have had recently – so thankful He has the big picture and I only have a small piece of it.

Now, back to the above photo.  As I stated, the photo came up on my Facebook page as a memory.   That day God had planned a detour – a major one in my mind.  I missed qualifying for the Boston Marathon by 53 seconds(around 2 seconds per mile).  I was CRUSHED! But, I didn’t have the whole picture.  Oh, and how thankful I am!!!

Due to that detour – I met Team Hoyt.  I had the amazing privilege of running the Boston Marathon not once but three times! I was able to qualify two times after this race and one of my qualifying runs was while running the Boston Marathon itself.  Running solo became running with a team – a team who makes a difference.  (And guess where a lot of the team members live – San Diego. I was surrounded by them that day and didn’t even know it!)

I could go on and on about how this one detour in San Diego truly changed the trajectory of my running and my life but I won’t.  Though yesterday after Governor Mike Huckabee’s sermon I knew I had to write the story down.  The story about how attending a different church service than planned – because we didn’t have a car was a divine detour.  A divine detour that enlightened me in so many ways!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Ephesians 3.20 – 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…

Sidenote:  Governor Mike Huckabee was one of my dearest friend’s pastors in Arkansas. He performed her and her husband’s wedding ceremony.  I will never forget he had them face the congregation during the ceremony because he said everyone had come to see them not him. So true! Due to this fact – Mike and I did the same thing in our wedding. 🙂 Another divine detour….

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February 27, 2016 · 9:11 am

Great news….

This is obviously not a horse – but it is the closest I have! 🙂

Well, the answer is – I am as healthy as a horse. 😊 When I told Mike this, he replied “and what kind is horse, a thoroughbred?” And of course I said yes, the best!

The doctors report was great. I am only deficient in vitamin D. We can take care of that easily. She said this is the kind of doctors appointment you like to have but can also be frustrating because it does not give you the answers you were looking for. I would much rather have this answer then a different one.

So what was going on? Over training! We all need rest. I have been called hardheaded and stubborn. When I thought I needed to keep on pushing all I needed to do was rest.

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So this 2 1/2 months of rest has helped me to say the least. Now, to slowly get back into it. Slowly is the keyword!

Thank you to all who were praying and who were also in touch during this time. God has taught me so much and will continue to do so considering I am that hard-headed!

Ready or not, here I come!

Go Runner! 😉

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 15, 2016 · 4:03 pm

Go RUNNERS! (follow-up to yesterday’s blog!)

IMG_0172

Penn cheering for Amy and Shalane, USA teammates, while they are working together to earn a spot on the USA Marathon Team!

Yesterday, as I was getting ready to call it a night, I received a text from my niece, Taylor who lives in California. It was the above photo. This is my precious great-nephew, Penn, cheering for Amy Cragg and Shalane Flanagan along the Olympic Trial marathon route in Los Angeles.  I can’t tell you how happy this made me! 🙂  After watching Amy and Shalane’s story unfold live on TV and then writing yesterday’s blog – this was truly another God wink.

As I ran my marathons this past year I heard Penn yelling, “Go Runners!” over and over. His mom ran the 7 Bridges Marathon here in Chattanooga a couple of years ago.  I was on the cheering side with Penn as he cheered his mom on by yelling – “Go Runners!”  It was precious and priceless! They have also cheered me on in person several times.  His little voice is one you can not forget!  (Maybe one day we will be cheering him on by yelling, Go Runners!)

I love that Taylor and Adam are exposing Penn to these types of events.  They are both fitness-minded and are starting young teaching Penn the importance of fitness and healthy eating by being GREAT role models.

Proverbs 22.6

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

It also made me think of how special the cheers are…the encouragement…that it can come in so many forms.  We can hear a song that has just the right words.  We can read scripture that hits the nail on the head.  We can have a conversation with a family member or a friend that brightens the day.  We truly never know when a ‘little’ voice from the crowds is going to pick us up along the way and push us to keep moving!

Taylor’s quick text, sent after I had written about these two ladies, was God winking and cheering – “Go Runner!”

I just LOVE how God works!!!!! LOVE!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Hebrews 3:13 

But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today…

Taylor and Penn

Taylor and Penn cheering me on during a race in Kentucky! Fun times!

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

February 14, 2016 · 3:42 pm

They say running is a lonely sport…

I disagree!

They say feeling down and out is a lonely place!

I disagree!

After my last blog post this past week, I have heard from some amazing people. Though we may feel alone in the dark times, we are not.  I learned last week that there are a lot of us feeling down out there.  BUT, we aren’t aware of it because we typically don’t share it.  God prompted me to be transparent and now I know why!

Galatians 6.2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Gathering sympathy, empathy, etc. was not the goal.  Therapy was!  Running and working out is the way I work out my stress. My therapy. I turned to writing last week due to the fact I have not been out pounding the pavement.  Writing allowed me to get ‘it’ all out!  It also opened the door to many of you who are in the same shoes.  We are not in this alone.  It is only lonely when we choose to stay there…alone.

God provided a door for me to step through and talk with several people I hadn’t talked to in a while as well as others I know will always be there.  God gave us one another to help carry the burden and make us better!

Proverbs 27.17

As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.

Another God wink came yesterday while I was watching the Olympic Marathon trials.  As I stated at the beginning; they say running is a lonely sport.  I disagree.

Shalane Flanagan and Amy Cragg were running 1st and 2nd with around 3 miles left in the marathon.  You could tell Shalane was struggling.  Amy, her teammate and good friend, wouldn’t leave her.  She started talking to her and encouraging her along the way.  Amy did not leave her until the very end when she saw the 3rd place runner approaching from behind.  Amy went on to win the marathon and Shalane finished 3rd.  Both of them will represent the USA in the Olympic Marathon! Teammates and friends, who ran together and took turns encouraging one another through each one of their rough patches along the 26.2 mile course. Amy stated later she had a rough patch earlier in the race.

Once Amy finished she didn’t go far.  She stood at the finish line and congratulated the 2nd place finisher and then waited patiently…which wasn’t long…for Shalane – her teammate and friend.  As she locked eyes on Shalane you heard her screaming words of encouragement. She was gesturing with all she had trying to encourage her teammate and friend across the finish line.  Shalane crossed the line and Amy caught her in her arms. Shalane had given all she had on the road to making it on the USA Olympic team.

shalane

As I watched this amazing friendship/teammate story unfold, all I could think about were my amazing friends and family who encourage me every step of the way. It literally brought tears of joy to my eyes. It also brought to mind all of my training miles with my friends by my side pushing me to keep moving on. Regardless of whether I am on a rough road physically or mentally – this story translates to life!  Shalane said minutes after the race – “Football players have the locker room but we have the road and the track.”  She was referring to our camaraderie that keeps us going!  God designed us this way!

1 Thessalonians 5.11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

God has truly blessed me with people who are not afraid to tell me like it is and hold me accountable. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when I am honest with myself and reach out to others, I will be lifted up.  God is so good!

Thanks to all of you for reading my stories and sending your loving words whether it be through a comment, a text or a phone call.  We are here to help one another! Don’t be afraid to open up – you never know who will need to read and know others are right there with you!  God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Here is a great follow-up on the Olympic Trials:

http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2016/02/news/what-the-heck-happened-at-olympic-trials-marathon_54290

Also, for my medical friends and others who might be medically minded – my medical tests are looking for a vitamin deficiency – nothing else that I am aware of. 😉  I was told by a dear friend in the medical field I might want to clear this up. 😉 (Love you Karen!)

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

February 10, 2016 · 7:04 pm

The struggle is real…

My last post was December 31.  Since then I have been struggling…struggling to workout in any way! Struggling with eating properly! Struggling with doubt, frustration and fear! I am being very transparent here…why? Because the struggle is real and I know it is real for others as well.

Failure is what I have felt! Knowing all along God can help me through. We all go through these times. Sometimes it is easy to get up and other times it is not!

We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. – Romans 5:4 (GNTD)

I have not run since December 12.  Today is February 10.  That is almost 2 months ago! Since then I have worked out a total of 5 times – one being today.  3 of the 5 times my muscles became so sore it scared me.  I know sore.  I know pain. This was pain.  It scared me to the point I finally went to the doctor today.  (Will have results in 2 weeks…but feeling hope!) I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that pushed my body to the total limit in the months of October, November and December.  Now, I am truly feeling the effects.  And I have let the effects get me down…even knowing that He chose me!

I brought you from the ends of the earth; I called you from its farthest cornersand said to you, ‘You are my servant.’ I did not reject you, but chose you. – Isaiah 41:9 (GNTD)

Feeling like I am a failure is so wrong. I know that.  It hit me hard as I worked out today in my Blessings room.  I was surrounded. Surrounded by numerous representations of success.  Success that was given to me through God’s blessings and strength.

IMG_0688I looked around the room after I finished my spinning workout and short strength workout.  It started to truly sink in…God has truly blessed me with so many opportunities to move and move for Him.

I have allowed myself to get down when this should have just been a time of recovery and restoration.  Instead, I allowed it to be a time of excuses since I wasn’t moving.  This is where the eating took a nose dive.  The excuses became easy.  It was the holidays, I just ran 3 marathons…and on and on. 🙂 No more! Believe! Believe in it!

Trish NewsomFullSizeRender

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNTD)

Be determined and confident. Do not be afraid of them. Your God, the Lord himself, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. – Deuteronomy 31:6 (GNTD)

I am determined to get it right and do it right for Him.  The struggle is real and on-going. I will believe in HIM and keep moving forward to make sure I am on track for Him using the body He gave me.  He has proven His hand over and over again.  It is my job to turn to Him in all areas and ask for help, do my part, and allow Him to do His.  Thankful for His grace and mercy for all the times I fall and He is there to catch me and help me get back up!  I have to work! I have proven I can.  I will again! The struggle is real….but so is our God!

Currently walking blessed!

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized