REAPing

Today I ran 9 miles, and it hurt. A lot. I am in training for the Women's Half Marathon taking place in Nashville in September. My runs get longer every week. I do really well the first 5 miles and then the pain kicks in.
Running is a spiritual experience for me. I usually listen to music unless I have a running partner to chat with. Music helps me set a good pace and stick with it. I have learned a lot of really great songs this way, and had amazing times of worship with the Lord. Sometimes, however, the music is just background for my thoughts. Today, that was the case.
After praying for all the most pressing of requests floating around in my mind, I hit mile 5.  The dreaded mile 5.  I was hurting. I approached my house where my water bottle was waiting for me. Under it was a sweet note from my husband/trainer. Today I ran for him. He has always been a runner. The entire 30 years I have known him he has run. He loves it. He runs for exercise, for worship, for joy. He learned to love God's creation through running. Before I left he told me he wished he could run with me. I felt his pain. We have switched places. He can no longer run due to arthritis in his hip, and I have taken up running with his help. I cannot call myself a runner like him, because I do not love it like he does. Not yet anyway.
The sweet note he left me reminded me of his pain. Pain from arthritis and pain in the heart that he can no longer run. I was feeling pain, too, and struggling with it. This is the point in running where I want to give up. I don't like pain. I have a hard time working through it. I need his (Brad's) voice telling me I can do it. He is a great encourager.
I didn't have my sweet husband by my side, but I did have the Lord. I was so grateful He reminded me of His Words that I read today from the REAP journal while I was in the midst of my struggle. David's Psalms are so full of cries to the Lord while he was struggling. Here are some of the precious Words of the Lord that comforted me, carried me even.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble.
Psalm 37:39

Do not forsake me, O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. Psalm 38:21-22

He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. Psalm 40:2a

I completed all 9 miles!! It was about so much more than a physical challenge. It was mental and spiritual. When I let God into all my daily activities,whether they are difficult or not, He does incredible things.
I'm so grateful for a loving God who cares about my every step.


So happy to be "REAPing" with you! Looking forward to hearing how you have benefited from being in God's Word daily.

See you Wednesday!
Love,
barb

Advice From a Tree

"YOU ARE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN BECOMING"

The 30 Day Challenge??  

How many of you are in?

I commit to spend time with the Lord in His Word every day for the next 30 days.

WOW... this week's homework is so so good!  I can't wait to hear where the Lord is stretching you and teaching you concerning "media" and your thoughts on God's plan for your future!

As a re-cap... we finished studying the book of Ephesians last week.  

Who can remember the pieces of the armor?  (hint:  Ephesians 6)  

For homework this week we are reading chapters 11 & 12 in "Lies" 

and doing chapters 8 & 9 in the companion guide.  

I know that the start of high school is just days away.  I also know that you are wrestling with fear of the unknown and excitement at beginning a brand new chapter of life!  I am praying for you, dear girls as you journey into this next season.  Paul writes in Ephesians 6,

"Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might."

Details about this Wednesday...

1. We are back at Barb's house on Wednesday from 4-6pm.  

2. Taco Bar, YUMMY YUMMY~  Barb and I are serving a Taco Bar Wednesday night during Bible Study.  We will provide the meat and tortillas and drinks.  We need you to bring the fixings.

 

Things we will need:

Shredded Lettuce

Shredded Cheese

Chopped Tomatoes

Chopped Green Onions

Sour Cream

Chips and Salsa

Dessert

3. Barb and I will drive the girls to Girl's Night Out at FSM at 6:30pm.  You will need to have your parents pick you up at Fellowship at 8:00pm.  

I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday!  

Love you!

Jessica

**call me if you have questions about Wednesday! 496-8143