Hey guys,
I figured since I had a great day today of running that I would post about it. Finding the motivation has been pretty easy lately because I know with this run coming up in a few months, I kinda just have to do it :)
Anyway, Monday of this week I decided that I would get a good long run in. I had a pretty relaxing weekend and the weather wasn't great for heading outside so I did what every dedicated runner would do, I stayed in and ran on the treadmill. Now I will go on record and say that running in place for 1 1/2+ hours could potentially be the most boring thing on the planet to do (aside from bird watching. Sorry to any bird watchers out there). I got at new iPod nano (long story with the old one) and made sure on Sunday night that it was loaded up with super motivating stuff. I had some running podcasts, some crazy fast and loud tunes and some other garbage that I probably won't listen to.
I jump on and about 3 miles in I start to get a stinging pain in my foot. Now if you know me or have followed this blog you know that I have PF (plantar fasciatis). If you don't know what it is look it up. It sucks. So I just decided to run through it. It was really starting to hurt and then all of a sudden it went away. Not completely but enough to make it tolerable to run. I took some walk breaks just to keep myself fresh and finished 10 in 1:30. Not bad, but could have been better. I finish my workout, head to the locker room and realize that my sock is all squishy. I thought to myself "ah, it's just sweaty socks." I take off my sock and see quite possibly the biggest blister I have ever seen. I am talking half-dollar sized with no pus in it. Then I realized that is what was bothering my foot and it felt better because it popped. Really gross, I know.
So I felt pretty good, despite this gigantic growth on my foot. I took yesterday off and just rested and then today I decided that I felt pretty good. Maybe 2 long runs in one week????
It was still pretty windy this morning and on the cool side so I didn't bring my outdoor stuff with the thought that I would stay inside again. I didn't really know how much I wanted to do today so I just jumped on. Again, I felt really good so I decided that I would do just 6 today. 6 came and went and my legs were still pretty fresh so I decided to do another 4 to make it another 10 mile day. Right as I was thinking that I get that familiar pain. In the same foot. I thought to myself that there was no way that I could get another blister in the same exact spot. I pushed through and the same thing happened. As soon as I hit 10 I jumped off and took of my shoe to find another blister about a quarter of an inch from the other one. That's right. One blister on top of another blister. Hurts and really gross at the same time. Oh well. If I want to run 100 milers I guess I have to get used to it. Maybe I should get my big toenail removed now too??? :)
Race planning is going well. I got a great compliment today from a guy at the church saying that his leadership group used me as an example of how I am using "non-religious talent" to serve God. I would say that I am talented, probably more psychotic. But how cool to get a nice comment like that when all I am really trying to do is spread God's love to all corners of the earth. If I can abuse my body for good and be able to provide hope for some kids that I probably will never meet, what better way to glorify Him???
Keep watching the blog for more info on ways to donate and how to get involved in this adventure. One side note, we did finally decide on the name "Run For The Pines" and will be getting a logo real soon.
Stay Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
The power of positive thinking
A friend of mine and I embarked on a journey a little over a year ago. My post today will be about the pride that I have found from just the email that I got from him this morning.
This guy has been a friend of mine for a few years now. We have shared some great experiences together and I think that this will probably be the best. During my walk with Christ, he and I have talked quite a bit. We have thrown around war stories and how God has basically pulled us out every time. When I decided that I was going to make a commitment to stop drinking for a year I felt compelled to bring him along. I did feel a little resistance from him, but he did surprise me one day by telling me that he was going to do it. My jaw almost hit the floor. This guy loved the sauce. We was kind of known for his expensive taste in alcohol. I didn't really believe that it would happen, but wanted to support him anyway.
Over the last year, he and I have struggled together. I would call him whenever I wanted just one and told me that there was so much to work for. I knew that we was struggling primarily because of what was happening in his world. He had just gone through a job change, moved to a new city, his job was under water due to the floods of '08 and was having difficulty selling a house while paying for rent at a new place. I thought that if he was going to crack he was going to do it soon. Boy was I wrong.
Things slowly started to turn for him. The house sold, the waters receded, his job is getting better, they are slowly starting to get more involved in their community and the best gift of all, he has decided to wash his life clear of all the garbage that has plagued him for so long and the blood of Christ is going to be the cleansing agent!!!!!!!!
His one year is today and after all of the stuff that has happened he came out victorious. He sent out an email this morning to a bunch of people whom I have never met. Maybe people from work or church or something, but basically just describing how hard the last year has been for him. At the end, he shocked me even more and said that this weekend he is taking the next step of faith and being baptized.
I ask for you to pray for him that his life may be as blessed, if not more so, than mine
Stay Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
This guy has been a friend of mine for a few years now. We have shared some great experiences together and I think that this will probably be the best. During my walk with Christ, he and I have talked quite a bit. We have thrown around war stories and how God has basically pulled us out every time. When I decided that I was going to make a commitment to stop drinking for a year I felt compelled to bring him along. I did feel a little resistance from him, but he did surprise me one day by telling me that he was going to do it. My jaw almost hit the floor. This guy loved the sauce. We was kind of known for his expensive taste in alcohol. I didn't really believe that it would happen, but wanted to support him anyway.
Over the last year, he and I have struggled together. I would call him whenever I wanted just one and told me that there was so much to work for. I knew that we was struggling primarily because of what was happening in his world. He had just gone through a job change, moved to a new city, his job was under water due to the floods of '08 and was having difficulty selling a house while paying for rent at a new place. I thought that if he was going to crack he was going to do it soon. Boy was I wrong.
Things slowly started to turn for him. The house sold, the waters receded, his job is getting better, they are slowly starting to get more involved in their community and the best gift of all, he has decided to wash his life clear of all the garbage that has plagued him for so long and the blood of Christ is going to be the cleansing agent!!!!!!!!
His one year is today and after all of the stuff that has happened he came out victorious. He sent out an email this morning to a bunch of people whom I have never met. Maybe people from work or church or something, but basically just describing how hard the last year has been for him. At the end, he shocked me even more and said that this weekend he is taking the next step of faith and being baptized.
I ask for you to pray for him that his life may be as blessed, if not more so, than mine
Stay Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Friday, February 13, 2009
New Day
I just wanted to pass along this bible study. I get one everyday and this one in particular speaks to what I have struggled with for the past week or so.
New Day
By Jordan
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Do you spend your time worrying about the future or what has happened in the past? Do you let what has happened in the past influence the future? This verse really sets me straight when I start worrying about what's going to happen in the future, when I worry about what I can and cannot do. Every day is a new day, a new chance to further your relationship with God, and a new day to grow and become closer to your spiritual family. Every day is a new day, a new chance, a new sunrise and a new sunset. Donât worry about what you've done, or what you're going to do. Focus on Godâs will for your life and what is right. Some days it's hard but this is a verse that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. How often do we worry about the mistakes of yesterday? Let's leave yesterday where it belongs, in the past, and move to our ever brighter future with Jesus. Living worry free is a good feeling, it is freedom.
Stay Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
New Day
By Jordan
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Do you spend your time worrying about the future or what has happened in the past? Do you let what has happened in the past influence the future? This verse really sets me straight when I start worrying about what's going to happen in the future, when I worry about what I can and cannot do. Every day is a new day, a new chance to further your relationship with God, and a new day to grow and become closer to your spiritual family. Every day is a new day, a new chance, a new sunrise and a new sunset. Donât worry about what you've done, or what you're going to do. Focus on Godâs will for your life and what is right. Some days it's hard but this is a verse that we need to keep in the forefront of our minds. How often do we worry about the mistakes of yesterday? Let's leave yesterday where it belongs, in the past, and move to our ever brighter future with Jesus. Living worry free is a good feeling, it is freedom.
Stay Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Today is the day the Lord has made...
Sorry I haven't written in some time. Things around the office and the homestead always seem to take all of my time. I love the saying "If you aren't busy, you're broke" but some times you just have to spend some time and reflect on what we have and how truly blessed we are.
Last week, as some of you know, we received some disappointing news at the church in which we attend. We found out that 2 very well liked pastors were being let go. Although a lot of us knew that something like this probably would happen, we didn't think it would be this soon. I have been reading some of the messages that one of the pastors has been sending via Facebook and it sounds like he is somewhat at peace with the decision, but it makes you realize that everyone is affected by our current economic situation and we can make it through.
I am not going to spend a lot of time talking about politics, the economy or anything like that, but it really is a reminder that we should all be thankful that we have what we have. I am not talking about TV's, fancy clothes, a cool car. We should be thankful for Love, friendship, a roof over our heads, food, a job and God. There are so many around the world that have far less than you and I could ever imagine as we sit on the internet, drinking our coffee, inside away from the cold (or heat. Check local listings) reading a blog by a random person about their thoughts on the day.
I implore you today. Take some time and "smell the roses." Look around you and realize that this was all created by God and that we need to thank Him for everything from the smallest atom to the biggest mountains. We need to thank Him for our family, friends, for food, our abilities and most importantly for His LOVE.
Most of us, myself included, are going to spend some money over the next couple of days buying our sweetheart something nice for Valentine's Day. There are some people that this is how they show their love. I am guilty of buying Mrs. Messenjah just to show her how much I love her, but just think that God loved you so much that He sent a man to this world to die. And anyone that has ever been in a delivery room for birth knows that Jesus was not sent here in a pretty package with a nice bow :) That is true love. Don't just spend the money to tell your loved one how much you love them, show them. In addition to that nice gift spend some time and talk. Go for a walk. Make them realize how much you appreciate them. It won't be as impressive as the endless Love that God has for us, but showing them will be more impressive than a goofy card.
On the running front, things are going well. We have had a minor setback with one of our pastors leaving, as he was the main contact for our international outreach, but we will make it through. The weather has been great. Some days in the last week even reaching 60 degrees. 60 in February is crazy. We have had such weird weather (-40 to +60 in a month) but my training has been staying pretty consistent. I am still planning on running the Dam-to-Dam (one of the best races I have run) and am going to dip my toe into the arena of Ultra Running (anything over a standard 26.2 mile marathon) along with our run across the state. We are still looking for a creative name so if you have anything, let me know.
Anyway, gotta go. Duty calls.
Stay Stron, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Last week, as some of you know, we received some disappointing news at the church in which we attend. We found out that 2 very well liked pastors were being let go. Although a lot of us knew that something like this probably would happen, we didn't think it would be this soon. I have been reading some of the messages that one of the pastors has been sending via Facebook and it sounds like he is somewhat at peace with the decision, but it makes you realize that everyone is affected by our current economic situation and we can make it through.
I am not going to spend a lot of time talking about politics, the economy or anything like that, but it really is a reminder that we should all be thankful that we have what we have. I am not talking about TV's, fancy clothes, a cool car. We should be thankful for Love, friendship, a roof over our heads, food, a job and God. There are so many around the world that have far less than you and I could ever imagine as we sit on the internet, drinking our coffee, inside away from the cold (or heat. Check local listings) reading a blog by a random person about their thoughts on the day.
I implore you today. Take some time and "smell the roses." Look around you and realize that this was all created by God and that we need to thank Him for everything from the smallest atom to the biggest mountains. We need to thank Him for our family, friends, for food, our abilities and most importantly for His LOVE.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever."- Psalm 30:11-12
Most of us, myself included, are going to spend some money over the next couple of days buying our sweetheart something nice for Valentine's Day. There are some people that this is how they show their love. I am guilty of buying Mrs. Messenjah just to show her how much I love her, but just think that God loved you so much that He sent a man to this world to die. And anyone that has ever been in a delivery room for birth knows that Jesus was not sent here in a pretty package with a nice bow :) That is true love. Don't just spend the money to tell your loved one how much you love them, show them. In addition to that nice gift spend some time and talk. Go for a walk. Make them realize how much you appreciate them. It won't be as impressive as the endless Love that God has for us, but showing them will be more impressive than a goofy card.
On the running front, things are going well. We have had a minor setback with one of our pastors leaving, as he was the main contact for our international outreach, but we will make it through. The weather has been great. Some days in the last week even reaching 60 degrees. 60 in February is crazy. We have had such weird weather (-40 to +60 in a month) but my training has been staying pretty consistent. I am still planning on running the Dam-to-Dam (one of the best races I have run) and am going to dip my toe into the arena of Ultra Running (anything over a standard 26.2 mile marathon) along with our run across the state. We are still looking for a creative name so if you have anything, let me know.
Anyway, gotta go. Duty calls.
Stay Stron, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Run the state Update
Thank you to all of you that have sent me emails wanting to know more about the Run the State. I am currently getting a website set up for everyone to donate. As I have not gotten this set up yet, I ask that you continue to watch for future updates on this blog. Until then if you would like some more info, please send me an email at this (click this) email address.
Thanks again,
Tha Messenjah
Thanks again,
Tha Messenjah
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Run the State
So here we are in 2009. I know, it has been 10 days that we have been in the new year, but this is really the only time that I have had the chance to sit down and write. With all of the bad news of 2008, I must say that I think that it was such a great year. My marriage is possibly the best it has ever been, I rededicated my life to serving my God, I decided to be baptized (for all of the right reasons), and I decided that I was going to take on one the most challenging things I may ever do. As noted in some of my other posts, a group of crazy people (myself included obviously) have decided to run across the state of Iowa to raise money for an orphanage in South Africa. I know that this is old news to most of you but as we get more into 2009 it is starting to get more real for everyone involved. Don't get me wrong, I am not regretting making this decision one bit. It just got real when I met with one of the pastors that is involved with it yesterday. We started talking sponsorships and other things and I realized that we have a long road ahead of us (literally and figuratively). Anyway, I am so excited for all of the possibilities that it is going to bring. We haven't quite decided yet what the money raised is going to specifically going towards, but my main hope is that it will bring hope and encouragement to the kids there. Anyway, now I have to go do some other things but please watch this blog and your inboxes for more information to come. Take care.
Run Strong, Run Long
Tha Messenjah
Monday, December 22, 2008
HE is the reason for the Season
I am sitting here with just 3 days until one of the greatest days of the year I figured that I would write one more blog of the year as I don't know when or if I will be able to write until 2009.
As I am taking a little break from work sitting at my desk and just kind of reflecting on how great my life is, I hear two of the most annoying, selfish statements I have heard this Christmas season. "I will be really disappointed if I don't get (________)" and "What did you do about Santa?" Wow. What a shame that still 2000 years after we received the greatest gift that man will ever know someone says that they are going to be disappointed if they don't receive a certain gift and asks about Santa.
Now I am not playing some "holier than thou" kind of thing here. I know that I have said the same thing about being disappointed about not getting a particular gift, but this is a grown woman. I don't know if she knows our Lord or not. It isn't something that I want to get into with this particular person, but even if she doesn't where did the idea of "Better to give than to receive" go? Christmas is not about how many gifts we have gotten or how much someone spent on us. It should be about spending time with family and enjoying the holiday that was created for HIM.
About the Santa conundrum. A guy that I work with celebrated his Christmas with his wife and kids this past weekend and another co-worker asked what they told their kids about Santa. I about freaked out, but I bit my tongue and am writing this right now. I wish that for one year there would be no talk of Santa. I realize that Santa was created many years ago for children, but when did Santa take over for Jesus? We started a tradition last year in our household by not talking about Santa if possible. We took the girls to see Santa, but they were freaked out (It was hilarious Lil' Red wouldn't go near him). We have Santa stuff up that we have been given over the years, but we are trying to instill in our kids that Santa is a fictional character and Jesus was obviously not. We read the "Night before Christmas" just out of tradition but read the story of the virgin birth right after. We started something in our house last year too by making a birthday cake for Jesus and singing "Happy Birthday". The girls help us make the cake and then we sit down and enjoy it together as a family. What a cool way for the girls to realize why we are celebrating and that it is not about who gets more stuff.
The meaning of Christmas has been lost throughout the generations and it saddens me very deeply. It isn't about spending time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior any more and that is disheartening. It is about how much crap we can get that we will probably end up throwing away or forgetting about in 6 months. We have all heard or read John 3:16 many times in our lives but have you ever sat down and really thought about what it really means. God loved us so much that He gave us the very first Christmas present before we were born. He gave up a little bit of Himself for every one of us. He sent His son to come to this earth, take on all of our sin so that we wouldn't have to suffer. This is the season that you should remember this. Jesus came here and died for me and you. What a powerful gift that we will never be able to repay. No matter how rich we get, no matter how many toys we buy for someone, we will NEVER be able to repay Him.
This season as we are opening up our presents and sitting down to Christmas dinner I ask that you pray for the people that are leading this country. Pray for the soldiers who aren't going to be able to spend time with their families this Christmas. Pray for the homeless people living out on the streets that haven't seen their family in years and that maybe they will feel some happiness this Holiday season. Pray for the people that are struggling with their demons and that they will be able to break the chains in the upcoming year. Pray for those suffering from depression or other afflictions that they may find some comfort knowing that by coming back to Christ he can set you free. Know that I am praying for everyone of you that may be reading this that you will find happiness and joy this CHRISTmas season.
As I am taking a little break from work sitting at my desk and just kind of reflecting on how great my life is, I hear two of the most annoying, selfish statements I have heard this Christmas season. "I will be really disappointed if I don't get (________)" and "What did you do about Santa?" Wow. What a shame that still 2000 years after we received the greatest gift that man will ever know someone says that they are going to be disappointed if they don't receive a certain gift and asks about Santa.
Now I am not playing some "holier than thou" kind of thing here. I know that I have said the same thing about being disappointed about not getting a particular gift, but this is a grown woman. I don't know if she knows our Lord or not. It isn't something that I want to get into with this particular person, but even if she doesn't where did the idea of "Better to give than to receive" go? Christmas is not about how many gifts we have gotten or how much someone spent on us. It should be about spending time with family and enjoying the holiday that was created for HIM.
About the Santa conundrum. A guy that I work with celebrated his Christmas with his wife and kids this past weekend and another co-worker asked what they told their kids about Santa. I about freaked out, but I bit my tongue and am writing this right now. I wish that for one year there would be no talk of Santa. I realize that Santa was created many years ago for children, but when did Santa take over for Jesus? We started a tradition last year in our household by not talking about Santa if possible. We took the girls to see Santa, but they were freaked out (It was hilarious Lil' Red wouldn't go near him). We have Santa stuff up that we have been given over the years, but we are trying to instill in our kids that Santa is a fictional character and Jesus was obviously not. We read the "Night before Christmas" just out of tradition but read the story of the virgin birth right after. We started something in our house last year too by making a birthday cake for Jesus and singing "Happy Birthday". The girls help us make the cake and then we sit down and enjoy it together as a family. What a cool way for the girls to realize why we are celebrating and that it is not about who gets more stuff.
The meaning of Christmas has been lost throughout the generations and it saddens me very deeply. It isn't about spending time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior any more and that is disheartening. It is about how much crap we can get that we will probably end up throwing away or forgetting about in 6 months. We have all heard or read John 3:16 many times in our lives but have you ever sat down and really thought about what it really means. God loved us so much that He gave us the very first Christmas present before we were born. He gave up a little bit of Himself for every one of us. He sent His son to come to this earth, take on all of our sin so that we wouldn't have to suffer. This is the season that you should remember this. Jesus came here and died for me and you. What a powerful gift that we will never be able to repay. No matter how rich we get, no matter how many toys we buy for someone, we will NEVER be able to repay Him.
This season as we are opening up our presents and sitting down to Christmas dinner I ask that you pray for the people that are leading this country. Pray for the soldiers who aren't going to be able to spend time with their families this Christmas. Pray for the homeless people living out on the streets that haven't seen their family in years and that maybe they will feel some happiness this Holiday season. Pray for the people that are struggling with their demons and that they will be able to break the chains in the upcoming year. Pray for those suffering from depression or other afflictions that they may find some comfort knowing that by coming back to Christ he can set you free. Know that I am praying for everyone of you that may be reading this that you will find happiness and joy this CHRISTmas season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
