Tag Archives: Christ Jesus

July 19, 2015 · 8:18 pm

Chicago Marathon Training – Week 1 Recap

I will start this blog with a funny! Several years ago a friend captured a photo of me finishing a race. It was ugly! I was running up a hill while trying to stay ahead of the 3rd place female….it was a battle! Boy – did he capture it in print.

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Shortly there after, a running meme started circulating around the internet.  It was me! (Not really…but, boy it could have been!) This is when I thought, hmmmm, I need to do something about my form. LOL!

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I so thought I had it going on! I finished in second place…surely I had awesome form! NOT!!!!  I printed the two photos together as inspiration. It has taken me a while to get there…but I am making great strides.  I would say I really didn’t make it until these last 8 months.

Last year I gained entry into the  2014 Chicago Marathon and once I returned from Boston, I kept training.  But, I was running injured and stopped running in July.  The running had taken a toll on my body.  Since April 2013 I had run 4 marathons and was on track to do my 5th in two years…not that that was what I was going for at all…it was just how it worked out.  After a long run in California, I made the tough decision my body needed a break.  I would stop training and defer my Chicago training.

That was the best decision ever…for a couple of reasons!  First, instead of training alone I am now in this with the 3 others I mentioned in the previous posts.  We are in this together during the good runs and the bad ones.  Whether we are running together or virtually, we know we are in this with each other! Secondly, I found CrossFit which led me to CrossFit Endurance and Pose running.

My CrossFit coach had a Pose Running Seminar in September of 2014.  I hadn’t been running for a couple of months and thought it would be a good time to start back. Through this seminar I learned proper form and technique. Boy, I had it all wrong…as the above picture shows oh, so well!  I am still learning! Not growing up as an athlete, I was not used to skill work and drills.  I was familiar with it of course, just didn’t do it.  I just ran.   Now, it is a very important part of my training.  A VITAL PART!

This is all so encouraging to me because I was able to qualify for Boston twice with HORRIBLE form and technique.  Now, that I am running better…I can’t wait to see what is in store.  God has a plan! He knew, as He did with Boston, I needed a team to train with…and a great coach as well.  I have both!  A team that encourages me mentally, spiritually and physically! When I don’t want to go…they are there to hear me gripe and then they kick me out the door. 😉  Our coach knows our potential and pushes just enough! I am beyond excited.  Another thing that got me excited was comparing my oh so horrible picture to a recent race finish photo. As I said, I have come a long way…but, I am still a work in progress.

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Now to the week of training.

Tuesday – 10 x 200 meter repeats with 300 meter recovery – Not too bad…did it with Yoli and we got it done in our neck of the woods.  It is so awesome having her out there running her pace as I run mine!

Thursday -6 x 800 meter repeats with 2 minute rest – Not so much fun! Again, I met Yoli and we got it done.  I just don’t like 800 meter repeats. LOL! And 6 of them…yuck!

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Friday – 5k @ 85% of 10k pace – I did this one alone.  Fun! Thanks to my sweet husband I have my new Garmin watch to help me stay on track.  The first .25 mile, the watch yelled at me continually.  I was either too fast or too slow. Finally, it stopped beeping and I found my groove and stayed on track the rest of the run.  I accomplished my target pace! So very thankful!

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Saturday – 5k time trial – DIDN’T HAPPEN! Mentally I have such a hard time with time trials.  It is so hard for me to make race day pace without a race.  So, I looked for one all around the area to no avail. The closest was Knoxville and I just couldn’t justify it! So, I skipped it. Not really…I just put it off until Sunday when I knew Yoli would be able to run with me or should I say in front of me.  So Saturday’s run happened on Sunday. 🙂

How was it? It was okay.  It was hot.  It was humid.  It was, well it is done!

Here is the run report I sent to my coach:

Run 1 – 10 x 200 –
:50 
:52
:53
:52
:51
:51
:49
:51
:59 – I don’t have a clue what happened here. 🙂
:48
Run 2 – 6 x 800 –
3:46 – slow getting started….
3:40
3:41
3:43
3:40
3:41
Run 3 – 5k @ 85% 10k pace – GOAL pace – 8:01-8:09 –  25:08 – PACE – 8:07
Run 4 – 5k time trial – 23:56 – 1 minute and 19 seconds slower than PR of 22:37 
Time trials kick my butt mentally.  I have to learn how to power through them.  My hamstrings were really sore from workouts…excuses, excuses. 🙂  But ALL DONE!
WEEK ONE – is in the books! We are thrilled to be chipping away! I have had faster weeks, faster times…but each time, whether faster or slower is making me stronger and better! Today, Rick Warren tweeted a great quote: When setting a goal, what matters is not who you think YOU are, but rather who you think GOD is. My goal is to finish well! And I am sure His is the same!
2 Timothy 4.7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Hebrews 12.1-2
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, 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.

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April 7, 2014 · 9:41 pm

God’s 45th birthday present to me…

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Run with Trish 5k 2014 Prayer Circle

As Boston 2014 approaches, I can’t help but reflect on Boston 2013.  My emotions have been pretty tame up until about a week or so ago.  I think of the joy and excitement we had going into the run and then the tragedy that struck and broke those emotions apart.  But we are runners and we are resilient…we will run!

Little did I know on April 15 that God was giving me an early 45th birthday present.  He was delivering beauty from the ashes on that day…He allowed me to run a 45-year-old Boston qualifying run at age 44.  So, I turned 45 on Saturday – 4/5/2104.  Race day age is the age you get to count when trying to qualify…of course that didn’t dawn on me until the Saturday after Boston 2013.  God allowed me to live through April 15 and let His goodness soak in through the tragedy.

My dream of running Boston as a true qualified runner is coming true on April 21, 2014…and God orchestrated that last year.  He also knew when I started my Boston journey in 2011 that it would work out this way.  He knew I would find Team Hoyt and be able to run with them for two years as a charity runner.  He knew the beauty from the ashes in 2013 would be to once again join Team Hoyt in 2014 as a qualifier!  Happy Birthday to me! Thanks to the Lord for this amazing blessing!

So, this past weekend we had our 3rd Run with Trish for Team Hoyt for my Boston journey. This year was different from any other in several ways.  First, I had the majority of my family and Mike’s family present for the run/walk.  They all participated and some of them even won their age groups. Blessed and thankful is all I can say.  Our families were on a roller coaster ride much of 2013.  To have us all together and healthy brings more joy than I can truly describe!

img_8390Newsom/Taylor Families…

img_8361Mom – Doesn’t she look great??? She won her age group! 🙂

img_8337Dad – He too won his age group.

img_7923My niece Taylor did too!!

img_7674My sister, Lisa cheering us all on!

Secondly, I had the incredible privilege of pushing a sweet 12-year-old named Gracey.  Gracey has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.  I was able to be her legs across the 3.1 miles.  When a hill would come I would push through it for her.  I would tell her what was coming up along the way.  Gracey did a couple or should I say several wheelies as we turned corners.  She exclaimed with excitement throughout the whole course.  AGAIN, what a true joy!

img_8251The Estes Family

img_7981Gracey and I coming into the finish!

Thirdly, we had GREAT weather. It was perfect! We couldn’t have asked for more idea running weather! The venue was ideal.  The surroundings made for awesome pictures by a wonderful photographer…my other niece, Lane.

img_8397The photographer, my niece Lane…

Check her photos out here:   http://laneybugphotos.smugmug.com/Proofing/2014-Sessions/2014-Run-With-Trish-5k/

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Fourthly, my dear husband and gift from God spoke of his experience during the Boston bombing aftermath.  He talked about how without the bad we really and truly wouldn’t experience the good…how it all works together to help us appreciate the life God has given us!  Mike is such an encourager and he definitely shared his heart with us!

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.

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img_7647Mike…:)

What was the same? My running angels…they were there all around helping make the DAY a grand one.  They started it by singing happy birthday and providing goodies to snack on at our early 6 a.m. set-up.  They made sure the race went smoothly from registration, to timing, to emceeing, to the sound system, to ice for drinks, to post-race food, to door prizes and awards, to clean up…I couldn’t ask for better friends!!! It takes a village to run the Run with Trish 5k for Team Hoyt!

img_8401My running angels!!!

So needless to say…God gave me a BLESSED 45th birthday…He started orchestrating it last year with a BQ and had it complete itself with an AWESOME day that cannot be replicated! It was a day to remember forever! One to say was truly one of the BEST! I was surrounded by people I love more than life itself, doing something I love and God gave me as a tool to use for HIM all while helping others in the process! What a day!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good…as one of my running angels likes to say!

So, going into Boston 2014 my joy runneth over!!! The good and the bad help me see the joy in life! I am ready to go to Boston and run for HIM with a team that is an earthly example of what our heavenly Father does for us….check it out here:

This God-given journey that started many years ago is going to finish Boston Strong on April 21, 204.  Stay tuned!

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February 12, 2014 · 1:37 pm

Do we have eternal eyes?

Do we look at things through the eyes of eternity?

He prepares for us a place! If we have accepted HIM in our hearts we can confidently say: “Our citizenship is in heaven!!”

How comforting is that? It is so very comforting to know Christ is preparing what is good for us…better than any good we could EVER imagine…in our heavenly home! The things we battle in this world are preparing us for our eternal home!

This conjures up all kinds of thoughts for me…Are we looking at life through the eyes of eternity? Are we sensitive to those around us and where their eternal citizenship may lie?

This past week I have had three different people close to me lose loved ones. These loved ones do not have another chance to determine their eternal home. They gained their eternal citizenship last week.  Did they hear the good news?  Are they experiencing the good Jesus has been preparing?  Did someone share with them the saving love of Jesus Christ?

Philippians 3.18-21

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

John 14.1-4

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

As I live comfortably with the assurance that my citizenship lies in heaven, am I burdened for those who may not be have that same assurance? My prayer should be as Hillsong’s song Hosanna states:  Break my heart for what breaks yours…

He wants all of us to see Him and fellowship with Him in the place He is preparing – Heaven! Are we reaching out to ensure our neighbors, our loved ones, our co-workers and others will have citizenship in heaven?  What is keeping us from sharing the BEST news ever????

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http://youtu.be/AQGJdTpMUcU – Go here to listen to Hosanna by Hillsong…be blessed!

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September 2, 2013 · 3:32 pm

God’s AMAZING race…

Philippians 1. 6 

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

September 1, 2013 – Tupelo Marathon – Tupelo, Mississippi –

Goal – to FINISH!

GOAL – Completed – Finished!

God was going to finish what He started in the spring of this year.  He would show up in ways that I knew it could ONLY be HIM carrying me through every step of the way!  As you know, my original goal for Tupelo was to finish with a better Boston qualifying time than I did at Boston in April.  Due to the added interest in running Boston 2014 following the horrific bomb attacks, I figured I need to really get my time five minutes better or faster.  That was my goal!  God’s goal or His will was something different.  He wanted me to just finish it and finish it I did!  Here is how the weeks leading up to the race and race day unfolded…

After a summer of running for therapy and not truly training, I had doubts.  About one month before the race I finished one of my long runs in Arkansas and decided I might be better off running the shorter race in Tupelo.  They have a 14.2 mile race as well.  My running body did not respond well to the lack of rest and the sweet summer my soul had.  It was happy but tired.  I texted my running buddy, Yoli and told her my idea.  Little did I know she had already talked to one of our other running buddies, Shannon. She knew Shannon was going to volunteer to run me in the second half of the marathon.

My running angels, as I have called them, were very aware of my struggles during this training season.  They were all very supportive and saw God’s plan for my run before I did.  They knew I could do it! God definitely blessed me with great eternal friends…don’t know what I would do without them!  They were ready to step up to the start line and make sure I finished.

Yoli was out there to race and I didn’t want to hold her back.  I told her, “I want you to start up front…I will be in the back. Just go!”  She did! 🙂  So thankful…she ran her race and I ran mine. We knew we were praying for one another and that we were supporting each other just being there.  We would lean on each other from a far, as we had all summer.  Yoli, Shannon and Nancy would sharpen me on this race day!

Proverbs 27.17

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

IMG_6297The Tupelo Marathon is a great little local run.  This is where I qualified for Boston the first time.  It has a great feel.  There are only 500 runners for both the full marathon and the 14.2 run.  It is run on country roads.  This is from a review on marathonguides.com “The race starts in the pre-dawn darkness which is nice from a temperature standpoint but the humidity is unaffected so it is still sweltery and sticky. It also is very neat running in the dark on a quiet country road.There are very few spectators and the scenery is mostly bucolic and rustic farms.”

We arrived at the race early.  Yoli and I got in our .78 mile warm up jog, stood in line at the porta potties and then found the girls to pray!  We prayed for a successful run for all of us and to finish well for HIM!  At 5:00 a.m. on the dot we were off.  My race strategy was to run.  Just run.  For the first time I had my Garmin watch on to keep track of my run but I didn’t have my pace visible.  I locked the watch on the stopwatch function…all I could see was the amount of time I was out there…no miles, no pace.  Let’s just run! This was a huge mental breakthrough for me.  I know myself well enough to know I want to be competitive but today was not the day.  Today was a day to praise the Lord every step of the way for the marathon I started with mom and dad on June 12.  TaylorStrong would win out in the end.  I would run with emotion honoring mom’s recovery and God’s many blessings along the way!

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The first  hour was in the dark. I was running with my body and brain…just on feel.  It was freeing! My goal was to run to the half way point, picking up my running angels around mile 10 or 11 and then run/walk if I had to.  I wanted to make sure I finished injury free.  The hills of Arkansas took a toll on my Achilles tendons and I didn’t want to injure them during this run.  I was going to be a smart runner and I was.

The first 10 miles I ran alone.  I listened to the words of praise songs and praised the Lord every step.  I cried at times knowing I was doing this as a celebration for mom’s amazing work throughout the summer.  I was celebrating her life with my feet and my heart. I could do this.  There were times throughout the run I was overcome with emotion.  My heart was heavy with joy!

Between mile 9 and 10, I was able to see the lead runner on his way back toward the finish.  The course was an out and back run.  He was joyfully running as well…at a 6:00 pace. How? I have NO idea.  He was high fiving everyone.  I decided I needed some of his energy and I gave him a high-five as well.  As he approached me he startled a horse in a field.  The horse took off toward the sunrise.  I turned and noticed a beautiful pinkish orange ball on the horizon.  God was winking at me at this point.  You got this!! My sun is rising as my son rose and I am watching over you!

As I approached mile 10 I saw Shannon and Nancy.  I wasn’t expecting them so soon. I was THRILLED to see them.  I had a happy tear or two.  They were gone by the time I met them.  🙂  They had fresh legs and fresh hearts.  We were going to do this…I was going to be escorted to the finish with my running angels by my side.  My other running angel was paving the way ahead of us. What more could I want? God is so good.

We talked.  We encouraged others.  We were just running….just running for HIM and to celebrate mom! I had a picture of the two of us on my back…I was carrying her every step of the way!  In a mile or so we met up with Yoli headed to her finish.  She was moving strong.  I got another high-five and off she went!  We headed on to the halfway point.  I was ready to hit that point and head back.  I was tired.  My toes hurt.  My legs hurt.  I needed to know we were headed home…to the finish!

At the turn around point I turned my interval trainer on.  From this point on I was going to finish repeating the interval of jogging 5 minutes followed by walking 1 minute.  This would save my legs and help me finish stronger.  Every interval I would tell the girls when my buzzer went off in my ear.  I told Nancy if she didn’t want to walk she could run around us in circles like my mom’s dog, Jasmine would do when I came in the house after a run this summer.  So, I started calling the beeps Jasmine.  When a new walking or running interval came around I would say, “Jasmine is here.”  We would either walk or run at this time.  I was wishing Jasmine would wait a little longer to show up on the run interval.  But, it was fun using the code name Jasmine!  Anything to keep me moving is a good thing!

We continued on our way. We sang or I sang praise songs to the girls.  Sorry, Shan and Nancy! I wasn’t born to sing. 🙂  They encouraged me the ENTIRE WAY!  At one point Shannon asked me how many weeks I was with mom and dad.  The answer – 10 weeks.  She decided we would count down the miles and compare them to the weeks I was with mom.  So starting at mile 16 we started my summer journey.  I told stories about the weeks.  We rejoiced in the gains mom made each week.  I shared the amazingly sweet memories I have of that special time.

As a part of our countdown we decided to take pictures along the way.  Remember, I am finishing the race.  That is my goal – to finish while praising.  So a picture here and there would be a fun way to count down the miles! No time worries at all! Here are a few – I will post again in the future with all of them.

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You can see we had fun along the way.  I stopped to stretch my aching feet…while trying to push over the Tupelo sign.  I gave two mailboxes a hug…one for mom and dad!  We watched our shadows and I tried to run away from them carrying mom on my back. 🙂  Yes, this is what amazing friends do…they run long miles with you to make sure you make it to the finish…when they don’t have to! Running angels is what they are!!!

God knew I needed them.  My physical fatigue was settling in.  My heart and mind were actually pretty good and wanting to keep going.  But, my legs and my feet ached.  They helped me push through.  The Lord provided them! He provided strength for them to help me every step of the way.  One more step, one more mile….One more step, one more mile….that’s how we made it.  We picked up a runner or two along the way and ran with them.  Encouraging them the same way! Giving to others took our minds off our miles. 🙂

Acts 20:35

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

The Lord also provided a surprise.  A Godincidence!  He is so good at that…I encourage you to look for His kindness in your life.  Here is how He was extremely kind on top of the fact I had amazing support out there!  As we were approaching the last 5k – 3.1 miles, I was struggling.  Jasmine was killing me. I wanted to walk. But, I kept pushing through.  As we started one of our  intervals a runner next to us said we were keeping a good pace and we welcomed him to stick with us.  He asked us where we were from…the girls said Chattanooga.  I asked him where he was from and he said Little Rock, Arkansas.  I of course had to make a reference to the Razorbacks. 🙂 Then I told him I was born in Arkadelphia.  He told me he went to Ouachita Baptist University…which is where I went.  So I asked him when he graduated.  He said 1993.  I graduated in 1993.  I took my sunglasses off and said “I did too, who are you?”  He replied while taking his sunglasses off, “Chris Esch.”

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Did we know each other? Yes.  He told me he had just talked to my brother last week.  Wow!!! God you are SOOO good.  We chatted and caught up.  I hadn’t seen him in 20 years.  We figured out we were both were running our 10th marathon.  We also decided we both needed this pick me up at this point in the race.  We knew we could finish but we were struggling.  (Side note: The picture below came from an app that delivers a daily running quote. My phone beeped at me a little after the halfway point. It comes through at 7:18 a.m. every day.  We had been on the road now 2 hours and 18 minutes at this point.  I was tired. 🙂 The beep was different from Jasmine so I looked at my phone to see what it was…it was the quote below…boy, did God provide again!)

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We were not going to quit and God provided us with a final wind to push to the finish! Each other.  We went on to chat for a while Nancy and Shannon held back and let us catch up, knowing this was a true God thing!  Then Shannon, Nancy and I went on to finish.  After finishing we caught up again for a photo-op.  The photo-op at mile 24 shows us making the letter “o”….for OBU.  (not really, but I can’t tell what it is for yet…it is a surprise.)

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Great to see you Chris! Hope you keep running well and tell all of our OBU friends HI! Thanks for giving me a final push to finish well!

As I ran toward the finish, Yoli ran up and ran with us in.  The girls then dropped off and encouraged me through the finish line.  Emotion took over! I guarantee the finish line photos will NOT be keepers…I was bawling my eyes out! Why? Because God had allowed me to finish what HE started. I was able to persevere and praise every step of the way.  I was able to see His grace through beautiful scenery, friendly runners, and accommodating volunteers.  I experienced Godincidences such as running with Chris, receiving my daily running quote, being able to encourage Kelly our new friend.  I was able to experience eternal love from eternal friends running and praying in front of me – Yoli…and running beside me – Shannon and Nancy.  This was God’s Amazing Race!  Praising Him for all He has done. The ups and downs of mom’s injury and recovery. The sweet summer I was able to spend with mom and dad helping and giving back to the two people who brought me into this world.  God is good all the time!

When I finished, my first call was to Mike because he was unable to be there.  He was excited for me! It was great to hear his voice after such an emotional run.  He is my rock!  Two years ago when I ran Tupelo and qualified for Boston, Mike, my biggest supporter, was there to place the medal around my neck and give me a hug!  Today, he was there in spirit every step of the way. I also found out when I got home he followed me every step of the way with my Road Id app and his Ipad…I love that guy!!!

319972_1495639766400_1696260910_765685_6630346_nThis year, because I was crying so hard, I ran past the medals. Crazy!  But, this allowed my dear friend and Godsend to give me my medal.  We were supposed to train together all summer and were unable too! So we encouraged one another from a far.  We ran and then we completed our work together…thanks Yoli for always making me a better person by being you!

IMG_6325 IMG_6327 IMG_6328What a great way to finish the day. I had three amazing friends celebrating mom and my amazing journey one step and one mile at a time.  But, we weren’t done yet!

Yoli ran well! She was 12th women overall so we knew she was going to receive an age group award.  We had to wait for the awards.   We refueled, stretched and rested while we waited.  During this time I noticed they had posted the results on a trailer off to the side.  I went over to see my official results.  I had finished in 4:39:36 – with one bathroom stop, multiple picture stops, walking breaks and a stretch break.  I decided that was pretty good! 🙂 I was happy! Then I noticed I was 4th in my age group(40-44).  Yay! Then a thought crossed my mind…if any of the ladies above me win the master’s (40-49) award I will move up a slot to 3rd and will get an award! Crazy!!! God Crazy! Only God could provide me with an age group award after a fun run like this one!!!

Guess what? God did it…but He did it even better! Not only did a lady in my age group win the masters award, a lady in my age group got 3rd overall so that moved me up not just one slot but two!!!! What does that mean? I didn’t get 3rd in my age group but 2nd!!! Can you believe it? No, but yes.  As I say, God is good ALL the time.  Mom – that was for you!!!!IMG_6336

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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.

God orchestrated the Tupelo Marathon events to show me, yes, He is in control.  He will allow me to bend but not to break.  Mom is an overcomer and I was today too.  He is our deliver!  Blessings may come through raindrops.  Healing may come through tears.  A thousand sleepless nights may be what it takes to know HE is near.  Trials maybe mercies in disguise.  But He will provide! He will finish what He starts! He will help us remember with the pain that this is not our home…we have an eternal one waiting…if we just believe.  His mercies are new every day!

I needed my running angels today to help me believe I could do it.  I did! Why? Because He gave me the strength to finish what He started.  He wants the glory for mom’s journey…He wants the glory for my run….the two journeys were for HIM! He blessed our steps every mile, every step – It was and still is HIS AMAZING RACE!!!!

Job 10.12

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

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, 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.

This post is first dedicated to my mom who is still my daily inspiration.  She is doing so well! She has shown me what determination is all about.  She did not quit when she wanted to. She put one foot in front of the other daily – through pain and frustration.  She showed me what finishing is all about…one mailbox at a time! I love you mom! I am so proud to be your daughter – God blessed me beyond measure!  Daddy – you too have been an inspiration in the way you have handled this journey with the love of your life.  You have shown us all how to stand strong with Christ as your rock during adversity.  As I said to mom, God blessed me when He gave me you as a dad.  We are TaylorStrong thanks to your leadership and your love for the Lord!  To my siblings – Lisa and Rob – thank you! Thank you for your love and never-ending support.  You all were with us every step of the way too! God blessed our family beyond measure!

I also wanted to dedicate it to my running angels – Yoli, Shannon and Nancy.  I really do not know if I would have had the mental endurance to finish without the gentle encouraging you all provided along the way.  Yoli – with your ‘focus’ to run your race, your encouraging prayers and your encouraging spirit! You make me a better person!   Shannon and Nancy – what can I say? You ran as bandits to help me be an overcomer and a finisher.  You let me cry. You helped me laugh! You pushed me and you encouraged me! I love all three of you more than words can say! Thanks for being the best friends ever!!!

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Mike – this journey has affected you as much as me.  You have been my warrior every step of the way and you always are!! For every step I have never been alone!! You are there with me even in distance! I love you no matter what and I am so thankful God gave me YOU!  I am thankful to be a Newsom – thank you to my Newsom family for your love during this time! Your prayers and messages were precious!

For all of you out there – whether you are my Run for God running angels of you are one of the amazing people I get the blessing to call you friend – thanks for being by my side during this journey. This race was a culmination of emotion and the celebration of a journey all of you helped us through with your prayers.  God gave me you all too! You and I may be life long friends or we may have never met – but God led you to me for a reason.  Thanks for sharing one of my most defining journey’s ever – my TaylorStrong journey.  God is good all the time. If you don’t know Him – He will provide you with a peace that nothing else can.  He made you for HIM!  Trust HIM! In the dark times He will provide. He loves you and wants to offer you an eternal home too! I am praying for all who are reading this post and all of my posts.  My prayer is you will find God’s love – a love that makes life on earth possible because it is not our home – Heaven and eternity are!!!

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God
                                                                             

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Romans 5:8                                                               

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  

John 3:16                                                                    

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not parish but have eternal life.
                                           

John 3:17

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.                                                     

                                                                                     Romans 10:13

For whoever calls upon the Name Of the Lord Jesus will be saved.

Romans 10:9

If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

Romans 10:10

With the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth, he confesses, resulting in salvation.                                        

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

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June 24, 2013 · 11:29 am

Positive news…

Mom’s speech issues have not yet resolved. She had another MRI yesterday and the results were once again normal.  The doctor came in this morning and said the MRI showed the blood is being reabsorbed in the brain.  This causes irritation and could be part of the problem.  They have also stopped one of her medications to see if that was part of problem.  The purpose of the medication was to keep her awake.  Therapy will do that today! She has  a full day ahead of her. 🙂  She is moving forward slowly but, she is moving forward! Thanks for your continued prayers!!!  We are learning to LGLG and be flexible…This is positive news! We are happy normal keeps coming back and healing is happening!

Once again my devotionals were very timely….20120424-213007.jpg

“Blessed are the flexible, for verily, they shall not be broken.”

Revelation 21.5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Luke 18.27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Philippians 4.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 37.3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

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November 10, 2012 · 8:50 pm

Pacer…

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Galatians 5.2

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

Today I did something different.  Instead of running a race for me, I ran it for others.  I was a pace setter for a local half marathon.  2:00 was the magic time.  I was to do my best to finish around the 2 hour mark. (which I did…2:00:20)  Pacers are put in place to help other achieve their goals.  During the race we are to keep a consistent pace and finish well around our time.

This was a totally new experience for me….one I didn’t think through totally when I signed up. 😉  I accepted this challenge with a few of my other running buddies.  We were ready to try something different for a change. 🙂  We all had a great time making new friends and running through the Chickamauga Battlefield.  It was beautiful morning to run…glorious fall foliage and amazing historic surroundings.

Pictures courtesy of the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

One thing I didn’t think about when agreeing to do this was the immense responsibility I would feel once I lined up to the starting line.  I was there to put Proverbs 27.17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another…in action.  Which, again I believe I did…but, and this is a big but…:)  I’m not sure I finished with the right attitude.  You all know this blog is about my ups and downs in running and in life.  I am going to be transparent here.

My goal was to cross the finish line as close to the 2:00 mark as possible.  That I did.  My goal was to encourage others along the way. That I did.  My goal was to stay steady and as consistent as possible…that I kind of did. 🙂  But, I never dreamed I would feel as I do now that it is over.  I guess it is because I am a people pleaser. I wanted all five who started with me to finish with me. I had one start and finish with me.  One finished ahead of us and the others I returned to the course and ran them in after I crossed the finish line.   They finished but not at their goal pace.  I felt as if I failed them.

Now, I am not reaching out for anything here…just stating where God took me today. After processing all of this in a cool down/stretch out jog,  I realized how hard it really was for me to let go of self.  God used this and will continue to use it I am sure.  As I pondered what I was feeling and thinking, I googled PUTTING OTHERS FIRST.  It led me to a sermon by Brian La Croix titled Putting Other First based on  Philippians 2.3-11:

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,  7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

SERMON:  The basic idea here is that we need to take our eyes off ourselves and put them on others.
When we’re filled with selfish ambition and vain conceit, we miss the needs of others that Paul tells us we’re supposed to be concerned with.  But when we consciously and intentionally look at others as being more important than we are, we start to shed that old skin of selfishness and self-importance.  You need to gain the right perspective on others – that they are more important than you.  We just talked a bit ago about the fact that selfishness and self-importance are not Christlike attitudes.

Jesus took His eyes of His own glory – glory He deserved and will deserve forever and ever.  He took His eyes off that and looked at what we needed.  That’s the example I want you to catch today. He took His eyes off his own glory and acted on the needs of other people.

Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to set aside your convenience, your preferences, your agenda for the sake of others?  Are you willing to be a living example of the love and priorities of Jesus? His example is worth imitating.  And not just the example of Jesus, but also His words. I think we’re all familiar with the Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12 –

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

I think it’s pretty clear – putting others first is what Jesus did, and we need to do the same thing.  For us to really put others first and bring unity for the Body of Christ, we need to be people who are surrendered completely to Christ.

The pacing job is one that puts the above scripture and sermon into action. You truly have to have a servant’s attitude.  You can’t be anxious for anything but in prayer take your requests to the Lord and ask for His help.

Philippians 4.6

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with

thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

You have to be ready to have some runners that have set lofty goals and fall back or others that go out really fast and then fall way back. You have to be prepared to run as if you are running for someone else…because you are.  They are first and your run does not count.  As long as you keep your focus on the goal set before you, then you will succeed.  Putting others first is the key.

I think I may have missed some of that today.  Not sure…:) I did have fun and we finished on pace.  So, why do I still feel weird about it? My mind was too wrapped up in the things…the worry of disappointing…the worry of starting too fast…the worry of not staying consistent…the worry of not making the 2 hour mark.  I need to let go and let God take those things so I could truly Pace for HIM! Sharing His love through scripture, sharing His love through encouragement…just sharing HIS love!

Will I do it again? Maybe.  If so, I will bathe it in prayer and go in it Putting Others First.

Thanks for reading today.  This blog is part of processing my crazy brain. 🙂  The soreness of the run is settling in and I am feeling the effects of the beautiful yet hilly course. 🙂

Now to end on a great note, the lady who started and finished with me…she was a running angel from Boston.  She came here to run and was so excited about the venue and the natural surroundings.  She is also a cancer and brain tumor survivor.  She sharpened me and made me realize in life we truly have to lean on one another, set goals that keep us going and focus on the one who we are here for – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Still running blessed and learning every step of the way!

Trish

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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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March 24, 2012 · 9:03 pm

What Faith Can Do…

As I prepared to run my 20 miler this morning, I had a lot going through my mind.  There was a lot going through my brain before and during the run.  When you have 20 miles to run alone…things creep in telling you, you can’t do it.  If you aren’t careful, you start to believe it.  So, I tried to figure out how I could run with friends. My body said no.  Tired legs, tired spirit needed extra sleep.  Extra sleep won out.  But, resting an extra day also put the run off one more day. One more day gave me more time to contemplate 20 miles even longer.  This time it was a good thing. God showed me YES, I CAN even alone…b/c I wasn’t alone, I was with HIM!  I started feeling good about the run.  I anticipated it and turned my thinking into positive. It was going to be a great run. And it was!

Thankfully, I did have friends meet me to start the run.  We started with a prayer and off we went. They were there for moral/prayer support.  I needed it.  As I took off, I knew I would be on my own.  It was  a cool morning after the stormy night.  Great day to run.

My plan…run 7 or so miles from the dam along the Riverwalk to Coolidge Park.  Run a 5k race.  Then run 10 miles back to the car.  It helped tremendously to have a place to be in the middle of the run.  It also was helpful to know I had to be there at a certain time…I needed to keep a pace to make it. I did.

Once I got there…I waited maybe 5 minutes and ran into some more friends. We chatted and then the race started.  Now, remember I had 10 more miles to run back to the car…so this was not a race for me but a run. Cool thing was…I ended up coming in 2nd place in my age group not even trying. 🙂 Love it! Crazy!

During the run and specifically the 5k, the song below played several times. (when you are out there for 3 hours you hear songs several times…or maybe God just knew I needed to hear it.)  Tears filled my eyes a couple of times as I listened to the lyrics.  This song describes my journey to Boston…and my life verse:

Hebrews 11.1 – Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

What Faith Can Do

Everybody Falls Sometimes
Gotta Find The Strength To Rise
From The Ashes And Make A New Beginning
Anyone Can Feel The Ache
You Think It’s More Than You Can Take
But You’re Stronger, Stronger Than You Know
Don’t You Give Up Now
The Sun Will Soon Be Shining
You Gotta Face The Clouds
To Find The Silver Lining

I’ve Seen Dreams That Move The Mountains
Hope That Doesn’t Ever End
Even When The Sky Is Falling
I’ve Seen Miracles Just Happen
Silent Prayers Get Answered
Broken Hearts Become Brand New
That’s What Faith Can Do

It Doesn’t Matter What You’ve Heard
Impossible Is Not A Word
It’s Just A Reason For Someone Not To Try
Everybody’s Scared To Death
When They Decide To Take That Step
Out On The Water
It’ll Be Alright
Life Is So Much More
Than What Your Eyes Are Seeing
You Will Find Your Way
If You Keep Believing

I’ve Seen Dreams That Move The Mountains
Hope That Doesn’t Ever End
Even When The Sky Is Falling
I’ve Seen Miracles Just Happen
Silent Prayers Get Answered
Broken Hearts Become Brand New
That’s What Faith Can Do

Overcome The Odds
You Don’t Have A Chance
(That’s What Faith Can Do)
When The World Says You Can’t
It’ll Tell You That You Can!

I’ve Seen Dreams That Move The Mountains
Hope That Doesn’t Ever End
Even When The Sky Is Falling
And I’ve Seen Miracles Just Happen
Silent Prayers Get Answered
Broken Hearts Become Brand New
That’s What Faith Can Do
That’s What Faith Can Do!
Even If You Fall Sometimes
You Will Have The Strength To Rise

I needed this today. I needed a reminder of who God is and how powerful He is! The sky looked like it was falling at times. I felt I could see the silver lining…then I realized I was living the silver lining.  God is sooo good. He is good all the time!  God helped me every step of the way. My run was GREAT! I felt like I could go on and on and on.  (that is how you want to feel after long mileage!!!)

God brought me here. He is not going to let me step on the road leading to Boston and not be ready.  He has helped my broken heart become brand new.  He gave me the strength to rise.  He gave me a team to get me through!!!  I have a team here and a team there…awesome.  God keeps His promises.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

He knew I would be in Boston.  He gave me the hope.  He gave me the desire.

This week I read the following scripture…it helped me as I ran today. I took part in His divine nature.

2 Peter 1:4

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Then when I was resting at home He allowed me to do it again…

He delivered this week in ways I needed…as He promised. These scriptures sum it all up.

  • I needed REST – He provided.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.

  • I needed strength – He provided.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

  • I needed success – He gave me an incredible run mentally and physically!

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

God is faithful…just look what FAITH can do!!!

Running blessed and for HIM!

Trish 🙂

22 days and counting….

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March 8, 2012 · 2:46 am

God is in the details…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

We have 2 days until race day and I can’t sleep. I wonder why? It is because I am so excited to see this through to the very end! God has been in every single detail and made things happen I could have NEVER imagined! We have presented our requests to God and boy, has He answered.  This has been a faith journey for sure!!! My dad sent me a short note yesterday and in it he wrote…”Faith and work; work and faith…Both go hand in hand!”  That sums up our journey. My team of running angels and I have been working hard as well as trusting Him to pave the way…and HE has!

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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.    Ephesians 3:20,21

I have seen Him work many times.  But this journey has truly been unique.  The amount of things that have come together out of NO WHERE have been incredible…even mind boggling.  I hope I have been able to truly capture them all! Here are the updates to many of these blessings I listed earlier with a few new additions:

  • Run with Trish 5k for Team Hoyt – so many things happening here!!!
  • 1st – Run for God Finish Line – Check it out…

We get to run under that praising God every step of the way!!! When God does it…He does it right!!!

2nd – Our t-shirts made it…and by the looks of it we may just run out. We have around 250…and to date we have 195 signed up! God is just SO good.

3rd – The donations for food and beverage have flowed in from various sources…THANK YOU TO ALL! The final one was out of no where.  More good or better yet God news…after trying to figure out what to do about getting bagels I asked some friends for suggestions on Monday of this week. Monday night I received a text from a teacher friend. She said we needed to talk. I had NO idea what she wanted…but God did. 🙂 My friend and her husband have a side business called Monkey Town Donuts. Her husband asked her if she thought we would want them to set up at our race. Long story short…they are coming. They are going to take donations for donuts and all the proceeds go to the Hoyt Foundation! How good is our GOD??? So, good He even provided donuts!(They are somewhat healthy donuts too!!)

4th – We needed more race numbers because we will be having more runners than expected…so here’s the story:  Another God thing…I emailed RoadID about ordering an extra 100 bibs…b/c I think we might need them. 🙂 They quoted me .15 a piece…no biggie. $15.00 worth the trouble for sure. I ordered them and they sent me a confirmation email. And…they gave them to us for FREE! 🙂 Woo hoo! God is truly amazing me every step of the way…in the big details and the small ones.

God is working hard to get His message out there. I will be talking to another Chattanooga Times Free Press writer tomorrow or should I say today. 🙂 Since it is 1:54 a.m. on Thursday…. She sent me an email with questions and we will follow-up tomorrow.

All for His glory!!! This was His divine plan. As I have said before, He wanted me to run this with a team…not alone. He wanted to show what FAITH and PERSEVERANCE can do.  He has shown us in a really big way and we aren’t even to the finish line!

The following scripture has even new meaning now:

Hebrews 12

 1 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.

We have a great cloud of witnesses who have been exposed to this journey in many different ways.  Saturday we are charged with finishing well with HIM and for HIM!  We are to fix our eyes on HIM and bring it home to the finish line bringing glory to HIM every step of the way.

In the above photo of the finish line you can see a question on a canopy.  It says “Who do you run for?” I run for God.  Another question, “Who do you live for?” Every step of faith is a step closer to our Lord and Savior.  As another friend has said to me this week…God is faithful and CAN be trusted.

Come see us Saturday and see FAITH in action.  There is a team of incredible people coming together for a common cause – to give God glory and share His love through running. Will you join us? HE will be there!

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Last but by far least…we officially reached Team Hoyt’s fundraising goal of $5000 this week.  YAY!!! Now, we are working on God’s fundraising goal…how awesome is that???

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February 16, 2012 · 6:00 pm

Blessings abound…

Colossians 1:9-14

 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

I have asked many lately if I could shout from the mountain tops how good God is.  So here I go…GOD IS SO GOOD!

We know as believers that He is good. We know He provides. We know He cares.  We know these things. But I know that I am guilty of getting swept up by life and my current circumstances that I often miss these wonderful truths.  I see how friends around me struggle.  How one family is hit by heartache not once, twice, or even three times but four times in a two month period – it makes you take a step back and truly contemplate your life and the big picture that the LORD is in control of.  As my heart is heavy for this family, my heart is also full of so much joy because of the awesomeness He is personally showing me.  My prayer is that if you are hurting, as they are, that you hold on and know He is at the wheel. He is your comforter. He is your counselor. He is your great physician.  He has this…LET GO and LET GOD!

So what is He doing with thenextmailboxboston? The question should be, “What is He not doing?”  He is truly working in ways I could have and would have never imagined!!!

Ephesians 3.20

 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Here is a lengthy update on His unbelievable journey to Boston:

Pennies for People Campaign: My students have truly amazed me with their enthusiasm for this cause. (as well as the idea of free ice cream!) They have raised $646 to date. Final count will be tomorrow.  I can’t wait to see how they finish well!

Butter Braid Campaign: We raised $830.00!! Woo hoo! Fund-raising never tasted so good. 🙂 Thanks to Nancy Ayers for organizing this one and getting it going.  Thanks to everyone for buying one and helping me get many steps closer. Amazing!

On-going – Mike’s Mirror Raffle: we are raffling a Reclaimed Heart Pine Lumber Mirror; Made from floor beams of the Cavalier Corporation, Chattanooga ~1865 to 2000.  Valued at $500 this 26’ x 46’ handcrafted mirror by Mike Newsom is being raffled for $10.00 a ticket – 100 are being sold. 1 in 100 chance to own this piece of art. 🙂

Garage Sale: Again Nancy is hosting a garage sale on March 31.  Someone’s trash will become treasure for Team Hoyt.

Now for the big one…

The Run with Trish 5K for Team Hoyt!

God is truly showing up here in ways we could have never anticipated when we decided to do this.  He is proving Himself and blessing the journey getting us to March 10.  I can only believe that March 10 has a huge blessing awaiting us.  Here it goes…(not in any particular order)

T-shirts are going to be provided to race participants thanks to 4 wonderful sponsors…Eagle Exxon and Construction Unlimited both in Dayton, TN and my mother, Eddie Lou Taylor and my brother Rob Taylor from Arkansas.  As a runner, I like to have a shirt from my races.  It is something physical to show my hard work. 🙂  I could not be more excited about this addition.  I received an email from a 14 year old’s mom asking me we were having t-shirts.  Her reason was that this will be her daughter’s 1st 5k.  She wanted to make sure she had something to walk away with that day.  That email spurred me on to get it done. Thanks!

Run for God – www.runforgod.com – will be there in a big way.  We will be showcasing their NEW finish line.  I can’t even describe how awesome it is.  We are going to look so official.  And the best part about it…the RUN FOR GOD message will be out there for everyone at the race but also those just enjoying the river walk. Along with the incredible finish line, Run for God will be there filming with a production crew.  They need to get pictures and footage of their new finish line and RFG groups for their newest material.  RFG will be out in force.  They are bringing their youth triathlete team.  Mitchell Hollis is asking local RFG Bible study groups to come participate to support our run and to help with their new production materials.  Mitchell Hollis will also be speaking that day.  Wow!!!! That is all I can say!! God is so good. His glory will be present that day as it already very present!

Local Press – Thanks so emails from a couple of my new running angels – Mike and Gina – the Times Free Press and Get Out Chattanooga contacted me about this God-given journey.  The Times Free Press article has been published and is listed below:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/05/gods-connections-land-newsom-boston-marathon/?entertainmentlifeentertainment

Look for the Get Out Chattanooga publication in March.  The Dayton Herald, the local paper where I work, will be doing a story as well int he next week or two.

The race has been place on the Chattanooga Track Club website:

http://chattanoogatrackclub.org/races.cfm?contentID=eventDetail&recid=851

It is on J103 and Family Life Radio:

http://www.j103.com/event/1

http://www.myflr.org/News-and-Events/Events/Events-Index/Event-Index.aspx?tid=104

God is getting His story into many hands.  My prayer is that He touches someone’s life for Him through all of this press and all of the different connections He is making and providing. It is about HIM…

Matthew 18.19

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

He has been with me every step of this journey.  He has been with us! I pray that His will is done as we get closer to that Boston goal.  It is an honor to be watching Him work. I am learning and growing closer to Him as I hope you are too.

He is our God. He loves us no matter what! He wants His people saved.  He can do it however He wants…even with RUNNING!

Running blessed for HIM!

Trish 🙂

Okay…Bayside – if I forgot something …comment and I will add. God has been working so hard…

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