#potential #livelifeonpurpose by: Julie Wicker
Our word for the week; potential means having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future. I want to throw some other words your way; purposely means to show determination or resolve, to be intentional or deliberate and pursuing means to seek to attain or accomplish (a goal) over a long period. Thought for the week, if we are purposely pursuing our full potential in Christ, we need to intentionally plan our days. The scripture I want us to cling to today comes from Psalm 90:12 NIV; “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”.

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#faithful #welldone by: Deborah Ard
We all have our own difficulties and battles along our journey. One of my continual struggles is with sustaining a healthy lifestyle with my eating and exercising and ultimately my weight. In late July of 2017 something seemed to click and God lit a fire under me. I began the process of making changes over time that helped me. I gradually changed my eating habits and I began to walk for exercise. Over the course of a year I became much healthier. However, over the course of this last school year, I have slowly lost sight of that healthy lifestyle. I am an emotional eater so during a particularly stressful time, I threw caution to the wind and ate any and all things I wanted.

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#myrunningjourney by: Julie Wicker

I started my running journey in January of this year. I’ve recently had several people ask me how I got started, so I am sharing my story in hopes to influence others to set a new goal. I’ve never been a runner, in fact I used to hate running so I give glory to God for this new journey he has me on.

After my Dad’s diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Christmas Eve 2018, I borrowed a study my parents had previously done called, “Run for God” by: Mitchell Hollis. This is a 12 week 5k bible study challenge. The study helps you put God first. The challenge starts you off in increments of walking and running until you can run an entire 5k.

I started running the middle of January 2019 and ran my first 5k on April 6, 2019. That day I had set out to run 4.75K and then the song “Forever Reign” by: Newsboys came on my Pandora radio. The words; “I’m running to your arms, the riches of your love will always be enough” got me through the last few minutes and before I knew it I reached 5K. The best part, my Dad who is not on Social Media just happened to call me right after my run and I was able to share my news with him.

Looking back through a running journal I started to track my goals, an entry from the Run for God study I recorded on 2/5/19, 3rd week & 7th run the scripture from Isa 40:31 NLT; “But those who trust in the Lord will find NEW strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and RUN without getting tired”.

I am a big fan of Rachel Hollis who has helped me realize at age 38 that I can set running goals, crush them, and still be a Jesus follower, wife, mother, employee, student, daughter, sister, and friend. By showing up for myself, I can show up for others. One of my goals this summer is to read her book, “Girl Stop apologizing”. I’ve included a quote from the book Rachel Hollis posted earlier this week; “It’s possible to pursue something for yourself while simultaneously showing up well for the people you love”.

I’ve recently downloaded the Runtastic running App and I love it. Currently I am running on the treadmill 35 minutes 2-4 days a week to build my endurance. Then 1-2 days a week I go outside and run and that is when I set new goals and crush them. One day I may go for speed, one day I may go for distance, and one week I may see how many total miles I can do. Back on May 19, 2019 I set a goal to run for an hour while the kids were at youth group. I ended up running 8K in 58min and 21 sec. The song that got me through was “Love Like This” by: Lauren Diagle; “When I am the desert, you are the river”.

Recently I realized that when I am running and I start to feel weary it is becasue I am slouching while running. Who knew that was even a thing?!? When I readjust my posture and stand tall I have renewed strength. God spoke to me at that moment; “If I start to feel weary I readjust my posture”. I think we can compare this with our walk with God. When we grow weary we need to adjust our posture to prayer and He will renew our strength.

Running has become my therapy. I use it as a time to pray for Cancer. I use it as a time to worship God through music. I didn’t realize when I chose my word of the year, “Influence” that God would show off and allow me to influence others to start their own running journey. I love the butterfly effect! I was originally inspired by my friend Raven who prior to me had started her own running journey.

My life scripture, Philippians 1:6 fits well with my new journey; “Being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Phil 1:6 NIV.

I pray my story inspires you today to set a NEW goal!

Forever Reign by: Newsboys

Run for God

 

 

#calling by: Deborah Ard

What is your calling? What is your purpose? Have you identified it? Can you name it? You are a child of God and for that reason alone, you have a calling on your life.

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