Flying.

Today I asked our baby sitter to come over in the afternoon so I could go on a long run while Clay was working. 12 miles. I downloaded a few podcasts (Joyce Meyer, Coffee Break Spanish) and listened to a few of my favorite Christian Rock tunes. At some points in my run, I could feel someone pushing me. I could feel my legs really begin to move. It was mostly at the end of my run, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to non-runners. Those of you who make it through the wall and know that amazing feeling of the endorphins running through your system know what I am talking about. It is so incredible that God created us to be able to push through something as strenuous to our bodies as running 12 miles in the cold. It really does go along with everything we know about God but usually don't trust. We don't believe God when He tells us that He will reward our hard work and that we can do all things through Him. That incredible feeling you get after you have no energy left, and you keep going. The wall in front of you crumbles. Then you feel it and you're flying. When I got back in the house, our baby sitter looked at me and said, "I just don't understand how you go out there and run that far." I told her that for me, it was a spiritual thing. It was my time alone with God, and that it was incredible. This smile came over her. She just replied, "That's amesome." I could tell that she kind of understood why I do it. Running is my meditation. It is my prayer. It is my way to glorify the Lord. Thank you God for all you have given me. Without you it means nothing.

Prayer Request for the Day: For joy. For peace. For love. For everyone.

Song of the Day: The Twenty-First Time -Monk and Neagle

This song is very dear to my heart. I heard it for the first time the other day after I gave a few dollars to a man who was hungry, which I don't usually stop to do if I am in the car at the corner of Old Fort and Thomson Lane at night time. I just felt this strange voice tell me to roll down the window and give him some money. The man said "God bless you." I was really taken aback. Then I turned on the radio and this song was playing. Talk about a direct line to the Lord. If you have a chance, listen to it. It was a life changing experience

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Resolutions...

It's so easy to make a resolution. All last night, you could hear the TV announcers and emcees asking people about them. Most people sputter something about losing weight,exercising more, or quitting smoking. How many people actually follow through? If you made a resolution to lose weight, did you get up and eat a healthy breakfast today? If you are going to exercise more, have you gone to the gym yet? I really think that so many people fail, including myself, because we easily forget to factor in our greatest source of strength and power... God. He is the one who can give our trials meaning and strength to our efforts. Not only that, but He loves you so much and wants to help you! No matter what your resolution is, start the day by asking God to help you. It's amazing what He can do. For me, it is about having the commitment run in such a way that I can glorify God by using the talents He has given me. Not huffing and puffing when it's cold outside or rationalizing why it's okay for me to eat just one more mint brownie instead of a healthy snack. On that note, I am off to the gym for some cross training. I was blessed to have a great workout yesterday (my faster mile time ever!!!) and don't want to get lazy on the first day of the year.

Whatever your resolution may be, I will pray that your efforts are blessed.

Prayer Request for the Day: for all your RESOLUTIONS!

Psalm 81:31-33 "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the ROCK except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights."

Song of the Day: I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli