The Race Set Before You

Last night my family (excluding me....I'm the photographer, not a runner) ran in a race with several others from our church family. Typically this race is held on a Saturday night.  We were all disappointed that it was changed to a Sunday night, but quickly realized that many wanted to run, so we got together and had an afternoon devotional before heading to the race.  I always think it is a good idea to show children (and adults, but especially children) that you don't have to be in a certain building to worship God.  We can worship ANYWHERE!  Isn't that a great thing?!?

His devotional had to do with the race that is set before us, as Christians. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

I thought I got a picture of my husband with the kids, but I guess not!  My kiddos did very well in their races!  Two ran the 1 mile and placed 1st in their age groups.  Two ran the 5K and one finished 3rd in his age group.  The other one didn't finish the race. He's been having knee trouble and he didn't want to mess up anything for his basketball game Monday night!   But, all is well because he won a door prize!! 

My husband did the 5K as well.  He figured out that if he runs long enough, he'll eventually win the "oldest runner" award! :)

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

Galatians 5:7-8

My husband's sister and our brother-in-law serve as houseparents at Tipton Home (a children's home).  These are their sweet little girls.  They've gotten them active and interested in running!  One of them placed 3rd in her age division.  Another girl won a door prize!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

This is one of my favorite pictures from last night.  It's my sister-in-law running across the finish line holding hands with one of her little ones.  How sweet!  And, my sister-in-law placed 3rd in her age division, as well!

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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

(Grinch giving hugs...:)

Pike's Peak Ascent

My husband, Joe, enjoys running.  This year made the 7th year he has run in the annual event up Pike's Peak:  The Pike's Peak Ascent, which was held this past Saturday. On Sunday there is a marathon up the mountain.  Several years ago Joe did the Ascent one day and then the Marathon.  They call it "The Doubler". 

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:32

This year Joe met a new friend.  His name is Woody (That's a joke!)  Isn't this  neat carving?

  Joe is always amazed at some of the people who are running.  This picture shows a man (who he thinks was in his 80's) wearing two different shoes.  I would like to know why he wore different shoes.  Maybe to help with foot problems?  Maybe just to do something unique?  Interesting!

I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:11-12

And then there were these toe shoes.  They are interesting - I've seen them in stores - but, I can't imagine running a HUGE mountain in these shoes.  Of course, I can't imagine running a mountain in any shoes.

The beginning of the run doesn't start out as much of a run.  There are people everywhere and it's crowded at first.  As they get higher and higher up the mountain, the crowds thin out.

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

The views along the trail are beautiful.  I'm glad Joe took his camera.

The cars and buildings below look smaller and smaller as you go higher up the mountain.

The winding road up Pike's Peak looks even scarier from up high than it does when you're actually driving on it!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

This year Joe only got a little more than half-way up and decided to turn around and go back down the mountain.  He didn't think he would be able to make it. There are several things that contributed to him turning around:  First, he didn't feel like he was in as good of shape as he needed to be because he hasn't had the time to train with long runs to prepare for the Ascent.  But, he still enjoyed the run and the trip to Colorado.  Also, Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs was having extremely high temperatures this weekend.  The heat makes it a lot harder to run, of course.  I'm sure many were not able to run like they wanted to because of the heat.

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.

Hebrews 12:1

It's strange how different the weather has been on his runs at the Ascent. One year, a few years ago, there was a blizzard on top so they turned many people around and didn't let them finish.  He was disappointed that year because he would have made it to the top.  Another year there was a storm all around the top - lightening and thunder everywhere, except he was ABOVE the lightening instead of below it.  He said that was really strange, but interesting, too. 
 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

One of God's beautiful creation - Pike's Peak!