Personal Desperation

Hubby was out of the country. It was my turn to teach the Bible study group. Praying and prepping led to a study of being spiritually desperate for the Divine. Wrapping up the study were three points when being in personal desperation.

A whisper tugged at me, "Pay attention. You're gonna need this."

STOP trying to manipulate a solution to your problem .

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than my own and my attempts to bring about a solution can often worsen the situation. 

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your way and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).

Ok, God. Point taken.

PERSIST in crying out to God in prayer.

I’m guilty of wanting to pray, once, and be done because I want God to immediately respond. While instant answers to prayer do happen, I am on God's to-do list as He develops strength and faith in me when answers are delayed and I continually come to Him. 

Taking the reins comes honestly almost innately to me. My mom raised us to be independent, reminding us, "You don't need anyone." I kick into gear. It's not an act of rebellion or being snarky. Consequently, when answers to prayer are delayed, I assume the responsibility and take matters into my own hands. 

To say God is too busy isn't my thought process. However, my actions truly stem from the root of a lack of persistence to trust Him. 

Here I am, still learning this lesson. When answers are delayed, we are spending more time in prayer or even joining in prayer meetings. Join me in letting our problems drive us to the Problem-Solver!

WAIT for God’s solution and breakthrough.

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

Once God responds, don’t stop there. Let your heart and soul burn brightest with His desperation to see others come to Him.

And, for the record... I am in the big, fat middle of needing this. Stop. Persist. Wait. Repeat. <sigh>

Does this ring true with you? Say so, below. Someone may need to hear your voice.

For the Newbie Runner: Part 5

Finding Motivation: Local Runs/Walks

Face it, all of us will eventually run a little low on motivation to hit the track, trail or treadmill. For whatever reason (burn out, fatigue, schedule, poor nutritional choices, life, etc.), this lack of motivation catches up and tries to bench us.

When the "Idontwannas" happen --and they will-- a helpful tip is to find a locally sponsored run/walk event. Registering for an event forces you to commit to training knowing there's a deadline and payoff at the end! The payoff looks like an event t-shirt, the finish line photo, bling in the form of a finisher's medal and, most importantly, bragging rights! 

Finding local events is as easy as the internet. One source I have used is Active.com. You can find a plethora of opportunities by entering your location and what type of event you are interested in participating. Some of the most meaningful opps are those word-of-mouth races where a church or school or local organization is raising funds for their cause. Knowing your registration dollar benefits other people is pretty motivational!

At the end of your race event, it doesn't matter if you did not place in the Top 3 for your age group. You still get the payoff! Confidence is built! Mojo has returned! You are, now, part of a society that is incredibly supportive because 1 mile = 1 mile, whether walked or run!  

For more Newbie Running Tips, be sure to check out: 

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 1" 

• Shoes: All Feet are Not Created Equal
• Intervals: A Mile is a Mile
• Running Groups: Never Say Never

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 2"

• Stretching: Impatience can Cause Injury
• Cross-Training: Getting Stronger all Over

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 3"

• Run Unplugged

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 4"

• Walking: Not for the Wussy
• Apps: Help or Hindrance?

Sam's Middle Half

Back in June a couple of weeks prior to my 50th birthday, my hubby and I joined the limited registrants for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon commonly referred to as "The Middle Half." It's a fast, flat course everyone says is great for newbie HMers and helps their PRs/PBs (personal record or personal best) sparkle.

Today marks 70 days until the gun starts the race on October 11. I'm feeling anxious. 

As of this writing, the farthest I've gone using intervals (running with walking intervals) is 8 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. So far, my training has been casual, but it's time to focus. I've never done anything like this. And, already it's pushing me waaaay beyond my comfort zone. Did I mention I'm feeling anxious? I'm gonna be straight up with ya... I need help!

I have 2 requests:

1. Follow me on Twitter at @SamaleeAllen or on Instagram at @samaleerose.
2. Daily/Weekly/Sporadically send some motivation or a swift kick-in-the-pants my way using the hashtag, #SamsMiddleHalf.

That's it! I plan to live my training socially out loud to hold myself accountable which will serve, also, as a strong motivator. Your digital cheers will mean a great deal to me. Thanks, in advance for your support!

<inhale> Ok. Here we go! <exhale>

That Which Was Lost

When Jesus spoke these words, He had just invited himself to dinner with a man who had let greed (and short-man syndrome) govern his life. During those hours reclining around the table, the savior spoke life back into a man who had lost something from the time he was a boy to just before the moment he, now an adult, climbed a tree to see the Savior walk by. 

We lose stuff daily and are not aware we have misplaced glasses, keys, cell phones and t.v. remotes until that item is needed. Frantically rushing around the house, we attempt to recall the last time we saw it.

What if we lost something more valuable? 

Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.)

What if for years, because of failures or distractions we kept choking down the lie that we'll never do or become what our younger selves set out to accomplish? When did life become about surviving instead of thriving? 

Feared lost, that uniqueness which God created in us is still there, buried deep under years of numbing denial of its existence. Perhaps the only reminder being the sting of contempt for ourselves ever having thought it was possible. 

All is not lost.

I believe the Son of God came to save us from sin. I am convinced He can help us locate and reignite the spark we slowly allowed to be snuffed out. Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.) I know Jesus came to find us...every part of us.