Tag Archives: Bible

July 16, 2016 · 2:18 pm

Chattanooga Heroes Run…Freedom is NOT free!

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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

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June 12, 2014 · 10:59 am

Memories…a trail of faith!

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Today is a day I have been dreading in a sense.  Not really sure why dread is the word…but I know how I have been feeling.  One year ago today is when we received ‘the phone call’.  Mom had suffered a subdural hematoma(brain bleed) and we didn’t know what was next.  Our whole world changed in an instance!

As today approached, my anticipation grew.  Again, I don’t know why…I should be thrilled we are one year out! (and don’t get me wrong I am!!!)  This morning when I awoke and read my devotional I realized God didn’t want me to feel anxious…He wanted me learn.  And learn I did!

The first thing I did upon waking was make one of two phone calls.  The first phone call was to mom.  Guess what she was doing? Getting ready to go play golf! Is God not so good? He is so very faithful! I was able to tell I love her and how blessed I am to know she is one year out from her ordeal.  AND – she is 100%! God is so good!  Wow is all I can really say!!!

The second phone call was to dad.  I blubbered a little bit with mom and more so with daddy.  I remember so vividly crouching down on the floor in one of our back bedrooms when I took ‘the call’ from dad last year.  Mike sat beside me with his arm around me.  He knew it wasn’t good.  This years call was the opposite. Yes, there were tears, but tears of joy. This ‘call’ was happy! God has been faithful!

So what did God teach me? Well, after making the phone calls I had my breakfast and read my devotionals.  I have three books I am reading out of and would you believe ALL three spoke in some way to this day! The messages were clear.  First, from Jesus Calling:  The first sentence: “Let ME help you get through this day.”  The last sentence: “Thank Me for each problem you encounter, and watch to see how I transform trials into blessings!”  Wow!!! This year has been a year of transforming trials into blessings!!! I have had a front row seat between Boston, Mom and Mike. 🙂

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Second was from Daily Devotions for Die-hard Fans-Arkansas Razorbacks(This devotional is awesome and all SEC teams have one…just an FYI!)  The title for the devotion was Memory Loss.  Within the devotion he writes:  “Memory makes us how we are.  Whether our memories are dreams or nightmares, they shape us and to a large extent determine both our actions and our reactions.”  He continues, “God uses memory as a means through which we experience spiritual revival.  To remember is to keep our faith alive!”  He was referencing the Lord’s supper and the importance of remembering Jesus.  We had to remember Jesus during the whole ordeal with mom.  He was our strength and our hope.  The memory of today shows God’s faithfulness!

The last devotion book was Praying God’s Word by Beth Moore.  The last scripture she used is one I reference a lot, but one that gained a whole new meaning to me this last year.

Hebrews 12.1-2

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, 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.

The journey we started as a family on June 12, 2013 was a tough one.  One of the hardest ones I have been on in my life.  The uncertainties, the fear, the doubt, the emotions, and the helplessness all led us to one thing…God! He helped us lean on Him and one another.  The memory of today was not to be dreaded but to be celebrated.  It gives us a chance to really look back and see how far God has brought us!  He helped us see the importance of today…the importance of relationships…especially the one with HIM which leads to eternal life.  He helped us see the importance of prayer and of hope! Our faith is what brought us through.   My life verse sums it up:
Hebrews 11.1

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

We could not see the end.  Now we can.  We hoped and had faith His glory would be seen.  We are blessed the outcome was what it has been – mom at 100% – we know His glory would have been seen with another outcome as well…but boy, are we thankful He chose this one!  As our family verse states:

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.

He had a purpose in the events that happened on June 12.  He is still fulfilling that purpose.  The memories of today help us continue to have faith in the one true God! He is alive and overcame death so we too can be alive in Him.  My prayer for all reading this is that you too will experience the one true relationship that leads to eternal salvation – the one with Jesus Christ our Lord.  We would not have made through this last year with the many ups and downs without Him.  Our faith is what sustains us and gives us peace and joy in ALL circumstances.

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.

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Mom ~ We love you so much! We are all so very thankful God chose you for us! We are also thankful for the amazing spirit of perseverance and true grit you have shown us over this last year.  Here’s to making many more memories on our trail of blessings and faith!

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December 19, 2013 · 7:56 pm

A middle school lesson for this teacher…Wow!

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A couple of weeks ago I was asked by one of my 8th grade students to be the adult sponsor of a student led Bible club.   This group wanted to meet before school once a week, but they needed an adult sponsor.  I joyfully accepted! There is nothing more exciting than Jesus…but kids wanting to learn more about Jesus and the Bible is pretty amazing. 🙂

Today was our first day.  It was so very encouraging!!!  Twelve 7th and 8th graders showed up and when asked why, most said “they want to know more about the Bible!” Wow! These kids are in middle school.  They are in the thick of it…for the record, I would never want to go back to those days…middle school is tough.  Tougher these days than in mine by far!

Each student vocalized their desire to pray and to start the day off right.  Again, wow! From the mouths of babes…to start the day off right. 🙂  I can already tell I will learn from this wonderful group of guys and girls.  God will be using them…I have no doubt!

How many of us take time to do what they are wanting to do and start the day off right with God’s word?  God even suggests doing so in His word:

Mark 1:35

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,

He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed”

Psalm 5:3

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up”

Psalm 63:1

“O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You;

My flesh longs for You

In a dry and thirsty land

Where there is no water”

How wise are these young ones? Very wise!   Read on:  One conversation we had this morning was trying to have a positive impact on others throughout the day.  I encouraged them to help each other do so.  I asked them how many of them had a Facebook page.  Then I asked them what happened on Facebook and one of them answered  – ‘drama!’  Another chimed in – ‘lots of drama!’  At this point, I shared with them that one of my ways to be positive is to try to encourage others through scripture on Facebook.  Daily I post scripture from my devotional.  The word of God lifts me up and helps me start my day off great…as the kids’ say.

One of my scriptures this morning was:

Psalm 107.19-20

19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

The devotion that went with it talked about how His word heals as it states in verse 20.  How many of us and how many of today’s youth are hurting and need a touch of heaven?  We can all have it through the healing that comes from His word.  These kids are reaching out and wanting to know more.  They are going through things I can’t even imagine…and God can bring healing!

Will you pray with me for these kids? Will you also take time to look around you and see how you can bless someone today?  We live in a world of ‘drama’…again in the kids’ words…so let’s help each other by being positive and shining His light. Let’s help by pointing them to the HEALING Word of God!

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February 27, 2013 · 9:56 pm

Do you believe I am able to do this? Matthew 9.28b

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“According to your faith will it be done to you.” Matthew 9.29b

Tonight our pastor used the following text for his sermon:

2 Kings 4.1-7:  The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

He started the sermon by asking me to bring my Bible up front to the podium.  This is not normal.   🙂  I guess he knew I would be a good sport.  He asked me what my Bible was worth to me…if I would give it up or sell it.  My Bible is priceless to me! So, of course I said no. 🙂  He then asked me if I would give him $20.  I said I don’t have $20.  He proceeded to ask me for my Bible. I hesitated at first…but then gave I gave it to him.  To my surprise, he opened it and there was a $20 bill inside.  His point was that there is a hidden treasure in all of us and that some situations may be more than meets the eye. (Mike placed the money in my Bible while I wasn’t looking.)

His title was “Discovering the Hidden Treasure!”  He used the above scripture to show that the widow had a hidden treasure in her home that was sacred and significant.  It was a jar with overflowing blessings.  She tapped into the blessings and/or hidden treasure with FAITH!  She knew she needed a miracle.  As Brother Alan said tonight, “miracles begin in the hands of obedient people.”  She put her faith in action and believed as Matthew 9.28-29 stated.

As I listened to the message and thought about what is going on in our lives right now, I could not help but think of the Run with Trish 5k for Team Hoyt on Saturday.  The widow lady was distraught.  She was forsaken.  But she was faithful in it all.  I am not distraught or forsaken…I am blessed. 🙂  But, I am at the point of anxiety and worry because I am human. 🙂 I have been trying to let go and let God have it.  With that being said, I keep pulling it back down and trying to do it myself!  Tonight is just what I needed to hear.  “Do I believe HE is able to do this?” Yes, I do!

He has prepared a way for Saturday.  He knows whether not it will snow. He knows who will come out and run in the cold.  He knows HIS glory will be shown because He knows who will be working the race and shining for HIM.  He knows we have been obedient to Him and want HIM to be glorified!!  We are to have FAITH and have our jars open and ready for an overflowing blessings on March 2nd.  I will be bringing my jar and placing it at pavilion #3 on Saturday.  Will you join me?  🙂

If you are local, I hope to see you there!  If you are not, we would love your prayers.  A race report will come soon! 🙂

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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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May 29, 2012 · 10:30 am

God Builds Faith by Giving a Dream


Hi! It has been awhile since my last post…to say the least. 🙂 Not sure why…other than life got busy and running stopped due to recovery and lack of desire.  God was working in different ways.  Quiet time is good.  Idle time is not. 🙂  He is always working…isn’t He?

13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.

1 Timothy 5.13

I am sitting outside taking in my wonderful surroundings.  It is a peaceful place.  I have lots of time to reflect and thank God for His many wonderful blessings.  I have had a lot over the last couple of months as you know…a grand baby, a daughter-in-law and a new pet…a donkey named Casper. (He was born on Halloween…He is the friendly donkey!)

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Now to my running…Last week was my first real week of running. I have done a 5k and an 8k too.  They were FUN runs. My physical and mental recovery took longer than I anticipated.  My legs were so sore…I guess from the downhill running.  I felt recovered after about 15 days and tried to go after it again.  The next day I felt like I had run another marathon.  It was discouraging.  My mind was sore too.  God had given me a dream.  He had fulfilled it. Now what?  I know these feelings are normal.  So, through the help of my running angels I got back on the road again. My mind is back and my running legs are getting there. Praise the Lord!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps
a person’s strength.”
Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

Matthew 17:20-21

It is great to be back.  🙂 My dream of Boston has now been fulfilled. We are on to the next mailbox….Mike’s shop. Here is what the Lord spoke to me about today through my devotional. The first part is a thank you to my running angels for their prayers.

Good Morning…It is so awesome to watch God work!!! I wanted to share my devotional this morning. I thought of OUR journey to Boston when I read it because it describes that journey perfectly. THEN, I thought about the prayer request I asked for on Saturday morning for Mike and his desire to want to go out on his own with his job. God tapped me on the shoulder with this reading today. God also had Mike call me at the moment I was finishing a text to him telling him I had just sent the devotional to him by email. Thanks for your prayers because the Lord started tapping on Mike’s shoulder long ago but He start pounding again on Sunday during Sunday School, church and with friends. We love y’all and thank you for being prayer warriors!!!

God Builds Faith by Giving a Dream…When God wants to work in your life, he’ll always gives you a dream – about yourself, about what he wants you to do, about how he’s going to use your life to impact the world.

There are many examples in the Bible of this — God gave Noah the dream of building an ark. God gave Abraham the dream of being the father of a great nation. God gave Nehemiah the dream of building the wall around Jerusalem.

How do you know when a dream is from God or when it’s just something you’ve thought up yourself? The Bible tells us that God, “by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (Ephesians 3:20 LB)

In other words, if a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can’t do it on your own. It also will never contradict His Word! If your dream is something that the Bible speaks against, it’s not from God.

He may be speaking to you now, but you just don’t recognize it for what it is. That dream you have – the idea, the concept – that thing you’ve been thinking about doing and would be of real benefit to other people, where do you think that idea came from?

God starts with a dream as he builds faith in you. Devotional from Rick Warren’s devotion on youversion.com. 

Do you have a dream God has given you??? Have faith…LET GO AND LET GOD!

So, the big question has been what is the next mailbox?

Next mailbox…Newsom Woodworks!

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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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November 16, 2011 · 9:59 pm

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

Have I shouted how good our God is????? I say this, not because I received news today…but because I received confirmation that I am right where I am supposed to be! Waiting on His appointed time…waiting on His promise!

Habakkuk 2.3

3 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.

This evening’s church service was written for me.  Have you ever been sitting in church wondering how the preacher knew what was going on in your life? Feeling like you had a sign on your forehead? That was me tonight…but it was awesome.  God confirmed through scripture, through my pastor’s stories and through the application that I am where I am supposed to be…waiting on His promise…praising Him every step of the way!  Tears of joy flowed tonight.  I don’t know if God is showing up more or if I am finally paying attention(I am sure this is it!)…but, I don’t want to be anywhere different!
Hebrews 10.35-36
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Waiting on His promise….whatever He has in store…whenever He has it in store!!!

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August 27, 2011 · 10:56 am

Jehovah-ori…the Lord is my Light!

The beginning of today’s entry is from my devotional off of http://www.youversion.com – this is an online Bible app with many incredible features. Check it out:

Jehovah-ori

Psalms 23.1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Much like the twenty-third Psalm, Psalm 27 starts out with a descriptive name for God. In the Hebrew, it literally begins with Jehovah ori, which is translated “LORD, light,” or “the LORD is my light.”

Light represents a lot of different things, but we’re going to focus on three in particular. And as we do, each one is going to cast a new ray of light on the significance of the name, Jehovah-ori.

Protection. Light provides an element of protection. It allows you to see potential dangers that you couldn’t see in the dark. This was especially true in biblical times. In a world without gas lights, electricity, or infrared, light was at a premium, especially at night when enemies would tend to attack. But with Jehovah-ori, the proper protection is never an issue because light is never an issue.

Inspiration. Light is commonly associated with inspiration. Even today, we speak of “the light bulb going on” when we have a great idea. Where do those great ideas come from? They come from the Lord, who inspires us by imparting His wisdom and creativity. So when we come to the name Jehovah-ori, we need to recognize it also carries inspirational significance.

Direction. Lastly, light is also indicative of direction. Psalm 119:105 conveys this perfectly, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” On the road of life, light is needed in order to determine the right direction to go. Jehovah-ori provides that direction by guiding and leading us through the truth of His Word.

The Lord is our protection who keeps us safe at all times. He’s our source of inspiration who fills us with wisdom and creativity from on high. And He’s our beacon of guidance as we walk through this world. The Lord is our light. He is Jehovah-ori.

Light represents a lot of different things. The significance of the name, Jehovah-ori, “LORD, light,” or “the LORD is my light.” is Protection.

http://www.youversion.com – Active Word Daily Devotional – Saturday, August 27

This devotional was very timely this week. God is always good to send His word at the appropriate time. The time we need it. The Lord is my protection; He is my inspiration and He is my direction.

As I reflect over last week’s training, there were times that the Lord was showing me His light. As most of you know, most days we run at 5:00 a.m. There is not much light. :o) Of course, on the days the moon is full and the stars are bright we can see better. Lately, it has been just plain dark. On our Thursday run we were tired. We had run a speed workout the night before…it was hard. I will get to that later. So, our bodies were spent. But, we got up and went on our way. The run went down like this…Mile one – In the dark, my foot found a hole and my ankle rolled. (Thankfully the strength of my legs helped me rebound and be okay.) Mile two – the woods(and nature) were calling…so as I left the road to enter the woods I hit the ground on both knees…once again in the dark! Mile three…other ankle found the railroad track and turned out a bit…but, once again…ok. Mile four…ready to go home and go back to bed! But, we made it! We finished the run with His protection along the way. I do wear a headlamp and for some reason had it off both times I found a hole or hump…I think it was because of the dogs. They were quite lively this week.

All of this to say…it could have been worse. I could have sprained either ankle. I could have hurt both knees. Instead, I had one little scratch and grass burn. Nothing much! The Lord was protecting me!! His inspiration to push through and make it to the end…because race day is literally one week and one day away…helped me through. His direction is what got me here.

My running has taken me to a whole new realm spiritually. Never did I imagine running would be the catalyst to open so many doors for me to experience His glory. Many of you reading this are new friends because of running…that is what brought us together and our love for the Lord will keep us connected. How cool is that?

My tag line on the end of my emails for a while and on this post is Running Blessed!!! I am running blessed. Blessed with God’s Light – His protection, His inspiration and His direction. I can’t wait to see how He continues to direct my paths in His time and in His way.

Also, did I say….I AM SOOOOO EXCITED about next weekend. I CAN’T wait to see how He shows up in a big way in Tupelo!! We are ready and we are ready to run for HIM….no matter what the weather or the outcome!!

Running for God and Running Blessed!

Trish – 7 days 18 hours and 4 minutes until the start! Woo hoo!!!

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