Running and loving it!

I'm on the left in the black. Sorry that I couldn't get a better pic.

This picture makes me so happy. I have been participating in a small group bible study called Run for God. Each week we discuss our bible lesson, share our struggles and victories as well as learning the basics of running. Our group has about 40 people of all ages, shapes sizes, backgrounds and even some from different churches. I love coming together with other sisters and brothers in Christ.

Our foundation verse comes from Hebrews 12:1 which states:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I found out about this class while attending a women's conference. I went into that conference desperately needing a word from the Lord. You see I had many things that were entangling me and preventing me from moving forward. While I was waiting for the service to begin the church announcements scrolled across the screen in the front of the sanctuary. When I saw that this class would be starting the very next day my heart began to leap. For the first time in a long time I felt hopeful about something that I could maybe accomplish.

Doubt began to rear its ugly head. I began to think of all the reasons that I couldn't do it. 'You never finish what you start.' 'You are still fat' and on and on... The conference began but I couldn't stop thinking about that class because I knew that I had the desire to run again. Each November I made plans to run the Turkey Trot in my town and each year something would come up. I would be devastated.

During the break, I made my way to the table set up in the lobby and met the nicest ladies. They encouraged me and told me that I could do it and that I should show up the next day for the informational meeting. I didn't even have the money for the book but I prayed and asked God if He would make a way.

Well, I went to the class and I got even more excited. After class when everyone was paying the registration fee I decide to ask if I could sign up but buy my book in the next two weeks because I didn't have the money that day. The lady in charge of the ministry informed me that someone had donated two books and one of them was mine. Well Glory!!!!! I stood there in awe, then began to thank her and the Lord.

I cannot express how thankful I am to have this opportunity. I was trying to do Couch 2 5K on my own and was doing pretty good but I love having a group to run with. Our graduation race will be in April and I am super excited!

The above picture was taken yesterday after we attended a seminar on Chi Running and preventing injuries. Notice the smile on my face!!!

Thanks for reading. This class is available at other churches as well. For more information check out: www.runforgod.com/