Running For a Cause. The idea of organizing a race to benefit a cause is far from a new idea. People have been coming together in sporting events for centuries, yet this weekend I take up my own cause, the Jingle Bell Run. Doug and I are going to run a 10k with numerous other people that we don't know, in silly outfits and out in the cold. As a community we look forward to it, asking all our friends if they have signed up. We want everyone to be on board. What makes it fun is not only all the fellowship, the adrenaline that's pumping through people's veins or the endorphins that puts our fellow man in good spirits, but the common goal that everyone there is to experience something slightly difficult for a common cause. Yesterday I ran with my good friend Allison and we enjoyed some awesome conversation, stimulating thoughts and the benefits of doing something productive. The five miles seemed like nothing, and the hills were not nearly so horrible with a buddy by your side. Even though it wasn't a sanctioned event, the idea remains the same, we were coming together for a common goal. Life is similar to this. We are here on this earth with the commonality of glorifying God and being in relationship with Him. Our cause, Him. For by Him were all things created, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (Col 1:16,17) We gather with fellow comrades and are running this race of life, talking to others to share in the same cause. My prayer is that I would continue running, not growing weary of well doing, but being diligent, loving others and interceding on behalf of those that God puts into my life. I press on.

It is Finished!

I did it. I ran the Portland Marathon and survived. I have officially finished my recovery time and am back at the exercise. This time I am taking the necessary precautions to learn about the technical side of running. I want to be more efficient with my energy and know how to increase my mileage safely. Mostly I would like to be able to run with others while being able to breathe or chit chat. Following the marathon I realized that many thoughts go through your head as you are out there plugging away, one foot in front of the other. I used the next few weeks to prioritize my thoughts and to evaluate if they were good ones, or if they were just "marathon" thoughts and needed to be discarded. I feel like it was an epic event that changed my life, giving me a physical analogy of what it means to run with endurance, press on and to not grow weary in well doing. Running has changed my life. For one, my body is adjusting to this form of exercise and it's not as difficult as it once was. Secondly it has given me time to spend with Jesus. I have been able to use that time to meditate, pray and most importantly, as a time for healing in my heart. Despite the difficulty and challenges that it has brought, I wouldn't trade it for the world!