To update, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill on Saturday the 24th. The weather was cold, windy and rainy all day long. On Monday though, I was able to get in 4 miles outside. The weather was sunny and the temperature was almost in the mid 40's. It was a good run.
I've been doing a lot of thinking about revival. There have been several things that have triggered my thoughts on this particular subject. I've been experiencing a personal revival in the area of my own prayer life. How interesting that it seems to be connected with a weekly 24 hour fast I added to my life about a month ago. I have been getting up at night, not intentionally, but I believe by a prompting of the Holy Spirit and I find myself led to pray. Many things will be on my heart and my mind and so I pray. Then there has been prayer - intense and heartfelt - at various meetings where believers have gathered. People I've been in community with for years and who I've never heard pray before are praying aloud in the assembly.
God has put four specific things on my heart to pray for His people, in my local church and the church in my community and even in the nation. They are prayers for repentance, unity, revival and Holy Spirit empowerment. I cannot seem to get these things off my mind and heart. I am desiring to see the saints pray as they never prayed before. I'm desiring to see the sanctuary of my local church become a sanctuary of prayer where folks just come in to pray at any time of the day even if its just for a few moments to pray for these things.
The other thing that I have noticed lately is a new awakening to the authorities God has placed in my life. As I ran on Monday, I saw three police cars that were dealing with an accident up the road. They were giving direction and advice to keep people safe which is one of the reasons God places authority in our life in the first place. Whether it is my husband, my pastor, a civil magistrate - these are all placed in my life to offer protection and to bring a certain sense of security that makes peace and joy abound. I want to be under these spheres of authority and welcome their guidance and counsel in my life. I don't want to be independent apart from them. I believe God works through them to guide people into His will as long as it does not go against the written authority of His Word.
The word revival means a reawakening of religious fervour and a restoration to bodily or mental life or consciousness. The word revive means to come to or bring back to consciousness, life, existence, vigour, notice, activity, and validity. While I do not care for the word religious, I understand what is being implied. It is the aspect of faith in a higher being, which for the Christian is Jesus Christ - the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. The faith is heightened to a grander summit and the desire to walk in His ways and to live in a costant communion of sorts with Him preempts all else. Yes, this is revival and may it fall on me and all who love the Lord Jesus! How I want to run in this thing called revival - run to its very fullness!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Badge of Running - Pain or Pleasure?
If you're a true runner, you will know the answer to this question. It is neither pain alone or pleasure alone; it is both. Yes, the badge of running is both pain and pleasure.
Somedays, running is the biggest pain in your life. Everything in you says, "Don't go running!" Your mind is telling you this, your body is telling you this, and your emotions are telling you this too! When this happens, the runner who has been running since they can remember, pins on the badge, ties up the laces and sets out the door to do their duty. And they run, in pain.
On other days, running is such pleasure. Nothing can keep you from running. It seems effortless and you take flight as if you were a gust of wind. The clarity of mind, the jubilation of emotion and the strength of body that takes over is pure wonder. How fun to wear a badge like this!
As for the past two running experiences I had, one was most pleasurable (that was the 4 mile run on Tuesday) and the run today was a bit on the painful side. I had wonderful weather on both of these days! But today I ran fuelless and that was the biggest reason it was a difficult 4 mile run. I had been 18 hours into a fast. Wow, what a difference fueling and carb-loading makes. It was pain, but I finished without caving in to all the demands my body, mind and emotions were placing on me to stop.
After completing my course, the pleasure part did come as it always seems to do. I was reminded of the badge of Christ. I once heard that the badge of Christ was not a cushion but rather a cross, only a cross. I do know that as a Christian I am called to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Jesus. But I also know that to lose my life in this way means finding it. So really that badge of Christ, though painful, ultimately ends with the most profound peace and joy. Sounds like comfort to me - sweet and soft, just like a cushion!
Somedays, running is the biggest pain in your life. Everything in you says, "Don't go running!" Your mind is telling you this, your body is telling you this, and your emotions are telling you this too! When this happens, the runner who has been running since they can remember, pins on the badge, ties up the laces and sets out the door to do their duty. And they run, in pain.
On other days, running is such pleasure. Nothing can keep you from running. It seems effortless and you take flight as if you were a gust of wind. The clarity of mind, the jubilation of emotion and the strength of body that takes over is pure wonder. How fun to wear a badge like this!
As for the past two running experiences I had, one was most pleasurable (that was the 4 mile run on Tuesday) and the run today was a bit on the painful side. I had wonderful weather on both of these days! But today I ran fuelless and that was the biggest reason it was a difficult 4 mile run. I had been 18 hours into a fast. Wow, what a difference fueling and carb-loading makes. It was pain, but I finished without caving in to all the demands my body, mind and emotions were placing on me to stop.
After completing my course, the pleasure part did come as it always seems to do. I was reminded of the badge of Christ. I once heard that the badge of Christ was not a cushion but rather a cross, only a cross. I do know that as a Christian I am called to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Jesus. But I also know that to lose my life in this way means finding it. So really that badge of Christ, though painful, ultimately ends with the most profound peace and joy. Sounds like comfort to me - sweet and soft, just like a cushion!
Monday, February 19, 2007
A Runless Week
Unfortunately, the title of this post is absolutely true! I haven't gone that long without running since I can remember. I think the last time I was sick I didn't run for 5 days, but this time it has been 7 days and I wasn't even sick!
So, what was my excuse? Well, here's my list - my youngest came down with strept throat again for the third time since the beginning of January, my husband had a birthday, then there was Valentine's Day - both of which demanded celebration, I had another child who needed to have some medical tests done because her asthma's been acting up, then there was preparation for areas of ministry - the women's bible study I'm leading (I had gotten behind in my prep)and a weekend conference on contemporary courtship where I was asked to give a talk on the importance of modesty as it applies to courtship. And that's not to mention all the regular duties of homemaking and motherhood, homeschooling and helping my husband! Something had to give and though I do not like to lay my running down, it just had to be temporarily set aside.
Finally, I was able to get in a 3 mile run on my treadmill yesterday. I was so happy to be running on that detestable piece of exercise equipment that I usually loathe! But yesterday, it had become my very best friend!
Well, I hope I don't have to have too many more of those runless weeks before my half marathon in April. It would make me very sad to have to reconsider the half when I've already had to lay down running the full marathon.
What a coincidence to have posted in my last entry my desire to always press forward and then I had an entire week of not even running. I went absolutely nowhere when it came to moving forward in my training. But at least when it came to things of eternal significance, I did move forward - in the most important relationships I have and in Kingdom building. A Runless week? Only partly. And only in something that really profits little, according to Scripture - 1Timothy 4:8.
So, what was my excuse? Well, here's my list - my youngest came down with strept throat again for the third time since the beginning of January, my husband had a birthday, then there was Valentine's Day - both of which demanded celebration, I had another child who needed to have some medical tests done because her asthma's been acting up, then there was preparation for areas of ministry - the women's bible study I'm leading (I had gotten behind in my prep)and a weekend conference on contemporary courtship where I was asked to give a talk on the importance of modesty as it applies to courtship. And that's not to mention all the regular duties of homemaking and motherhood, homeschooling and helping my husband! Something had to give and though I do not like to lay my running down, it just had to be temporarily set aside.
Finally, I was able to get in a 3 mile run on my treadmill yesterday. I was so happy to be running on that detestable piece of exercise equipment that I usually loathe! But yesterday, it had become my very best friend!
Well, I hope I don't have to have too many more of those runless weeks before my half marathon in April. It would make me very sad to have to reconsider the half when I've already had to lay down running the full marathon.
What a coincidence to have posted in my last entry my desire to always press forward and then I had an entire week of not even running. I went absolutely nowhere when it came to moving forward in my training. But at least when it came to things of eternal significance, I did move forward - in the most important relationships I have and in Kingdom building. A Runless week? Only partly. And only in something that really profits little, according to Scripture - 1Timothy 4:8.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Running Freedom
On Wednesday, February 7th I listened to another teaching cd while running 3 miles on the treadmill. I had hoped to be set free from the tiresome sound of the treadmill belt go round and round, but it still was in the low 20's and I was just too wimpy to face the cold elements.
But bless the Lord oh my soul, I finally got to run out in the wide open space yesterday! I was set free from the treadmill tangle and had a great 4 mile run out in the 38 degree sunny weather. I had such a blast! My pace was faster than usual and that was probably due to how excited I was to be outside. It had been a while and I thoroughly enjoyed breathing in the great glorious cool crisp fresh air of a beautiful February day. I had a great time with the Lord, meditating on His goodness and the freedom I have in Christ, my Savior.
Jesus has set me free from sin and death. I am no longer a slave to them, but to Christ, and willingly so! He is my Master, my gracious, merciful, loving, just, and faithful Master. "Let Thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee." For bound to Him, I know true freedom and run freely to the finish.
As I ran outside, moving forward, going somewhere, not just staying in one place like I do when tied to the treadmill, I thought about how much I do not want to stagnate as a Christian. I want to grow. I want to grow in Christ. I want to know Him more fully, I want to serve Him more faithfully. I want to be yoked to Him so much that nothing else ensnares me - no work of the flesh can claim me because I am free from those things! I am free and my course is unhindered to run on in Christ! To run on with Christ!
Because Christ is my Master, I can run free with a hedge of protection surrounding me from the traps Satan has set for me. I am a child of the New Covenant and as such God has angels to fight against principalities that war against me to see my freedom faulter.
Yes, I want to keep moving; to keep growing! I never want to come to a place where my anchor has landed and though I feel like I'm moving (like on a treadmill), I'm really only staying in one place. Jesus deserves so much more than our treadmill tactics. For His Name sake, for His Kingdom's sake, He deserves runners that are making headway. Runners going towards the mark of the upward call. It's freedom to advance upward. It's a bondage to turn to the right or to the left or to go backwards or to stay in the same place. And so by the grace of God, "here's my heart, Lord, oh take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above." Seal it and send it running, running freely, running forward!
But bless the Lord oh my soul, I finally got to run out in the wide open space yesterday! I was set free from the treadmill tangle and had a great 4 mile run out in the 38 degree sunny weather. I had such a blast! My pace was faster than usual and that was probably due to how excited I was to be outside. It had been a while and I thoroughly enjoyed breathing in the great glorious cool crisp fresh air of a beautiful February day. I had a great time with the Lord, meditating on His goodness and the freedom I have in Christ, my Savior.
Jesus has set me free from sin and death. I am no longer a slave to them, but to Christ, and willingly so! He is my Master, my gracious, merciful, loving, just, and faithful Master. "Let Thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee." For bound to Him, I know true freedom and run freely to the finish.
As I ran outside, moving forward, going somewhere, not just staying in one place like I do when tied to the treadmill, I thought about how much I do not want to stagnate as a Christian. I want to grow. I want to grow in Christ. I want to know Him more fully, I want to serve Him more faithfully. I want to be yoked to Him so much that nothing else ensnares me - no work of the flesh can claim me because I am free from those things! I am free and my course is unhindered to run on in Christ! To run on with Christ!
Because Christ is my Master, I can run free with a hedge of protection surrounding me from the traps Satan has set for me. I am a child of the New Covenant and as such God has angels to fight against principalities that war against me to see my freedom faulter.
Yes, I want to keep moving; to keep growing! I never want to come to a place where my anchor has landed and though I feel like I'm moving (like on a treadmill), I'm really only staying in one place. Jesus deserves so much more than our treadmill tactics. For His Name sake, for His Kingdom's sake, He deserves runners that are making headway. Runners going towards the mark of the upward call. It's freedom to advance upward. It's a bondage to turn to the right or to the left or to go backwards or to stay in the same place. And so by the grace of God, "here's my heart, Lord, oh take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above." Seal it and send it running, running freely, running forward!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Running to Teaching CD's
The blast of wintery cold, snow, and wind has continued to keep me running indoors on my treadmill. I decided to give my ipod a rest and make good use of the running time listening to some teaching cd's.
This past Saturday I ran 4 miles while listening to an interview between Dr. James Dobson and Elizabeth Elliot. The subject was on sexual purity for teens and young adults who are in that place of waiting. Since I have some speaking events coming up on modesty, I wanted to listen to Mrs. Elliot on this topic. I have read some of her books, and she referred to one of my favorites - Passion and Purity.
It actually made my run go by faster than usual. I was busy focusing on the discussion without watching the quarter mile track light as much as I usually do. Before I knew it, my run was over.
On Monday, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill and listened to a cd by Nancy Wilson, Christian author and Pastor's Wife, (and also friend and mentor to which I owe much thanks to shaping my worldview in the areas of wife and mother) entitled, "Standards of Holiness for Mothers and Daughters." Again, my run time went by quicker than usual and I was much encouraged and edified by these two godly women.
Today, I did not run, but it actually made it to the lower 30's. I am due to run tomorrow. I'm not sure on the weather or temperature yet, but how I want to run outside! If not I will listen to more teaching cd's and redeem the time or running inside on the treadmill. Maybe this is why God is keeping it cold? Hmm...
As far as my left ham string goes, it's feeling better, but then I haven't really been able to get out there lately and do any kind of decent long run. I'm pretty sure at this point I'm going to have to shoot for the 1/2 marathon instead of the full. I don't want to admit this, but I think it's probably the reality of things. If I can do the 1/2 marathon, I'll still be overjoyed. Besides, I'll get to continue having that anticipation of one day in my future a full marathon will be realized! Just not as soon as I had hoped!
This past Saturday I ran 4 miles while listening to an interview between Dr. James Dobson and Elizabeth Elliot. The subject was on sexual purity for teens and young adults who are in that place of waiting. Since I have some speaking events coming up on modesty, I wanted to listen to Mrs. Elliot on this topic. I have read some of her books, and she referred to one of my favorites - Passion and Purity.
It actually made my run go by faster than usual. I was busy focusing on the discussion without watching the quarter mile track light as much as I usually do. Before I knew it, my run was over.
On Monday, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill and listened to a cd by Nancy Wilson, Christian author and Pastor's Wife, (and also friend and mentor to which I owe much thanks to shaping my worldview in the areas of wife and mother) entitled, "Standards of Holiness for Mothers and Daughters." Again, my run time went by quicker than usual and I was much encouraged and edified by these two godly women.
Today, I did not run, but it actually made it to the lower 30's. I am due to run tomorrow. I'm not sure on the weather or temperature yet, but how I want to run outside! If not I will listen to more teaching cd's and redeem the time or running inside on the treadmill. Maybe this is why God is keeping it cold? Hmm...
As far as my left ham string goes, it's feeling better, but then I haven't really been able to get out there lately and do any kind of decent long run. I'm pretty sure at this point I'm going to have to shoot for the 1/2 marathon instead of the full. I don't want to admit this, but I think it's probably the reality of things. If I can do the 1/2 marathon, I'll still be overjoyed. Besides, I'll get to continue having that anticipation of one day in my future a full marathon will be realized! Just not as soon as I had hoped!
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Me and my dear friend in Christ
