One Simple Step To Become A Better Person

For many years, I coached many different sports. Basketball. Baseball. Soccer. Football, Cross Country. Even Bowling. Every year I had a common theme, some kids were set in their ways, and some kids loved to be “coached”.

What I mean by, “love to be coached”, is the ability to take what a coach says, and apply it to their life. The students that were coachable, were always wanting to learn to grow. A few students would come up to me after practice and say, “What should I work on, coach?” That isn’t an easy thing to do. They had to be willing to push their ego aside, and embrace the constructive criticism.

On the other hand, the students who thought they knew it all; who never wanted any coaching, always got in their own way. No matter what advice I’d share, I was met with resistance.

Proverbs 25:12 (TPT) says, “When you humbly receive wise correction, it adorns your life with beauty and makes you a better person.”

This is one of the things I love about my group of running friends. We learn from each other. There are no egos.

Advice I’ve been given includes, “You run a little tight. Swing your arms more.” And, “Remember to pick up your knees when you run.” I could easily say, “Hey, I’ve been running for over 10 years. I think I’ve got it.” I am SO glad I haven’t taken that approach. Those words, spoken by my true friends, have made me better.

When it comes to constructive criticism, or coaching, will you receive it? Or, reject it?

Be coachable. Go make a difference. Always run by faith!

Is It Time To Become A Vegetarian?

I love food! Especially a good meal of meat and potatoes. (Yes, this can be burgers and fries!) But, there might be a time in which an adjustment will be made to eating only veggies. Let me explain.

Would you rather have a meal with meat and potatoes and sit with people who are full of hate? Or, enjoy a meal of with veggies and be surrounded by love and grace? Interesting question, huh?

It’s much better to have a meal of vegetables surrounded with love and grace than a steak where there is hate.

Proverbs 15:17

I’m immediately whisked back in time to the lunchroom in middle school. It was there that I was bullied. Often times, I sat with only a few friends. Yet, those friends loved me for who I was.

Sure, there were bigger tables with bigger friend groups, and they always acted like they had it better than the rest of us. Basically, they were at a table filled with steak. Yet, their main course consisted of name calling, shooting paper wads, with a side of popped-collars. Some legacy, huh?

Me? I sat at a smaller table, with a smaller friend group. But we had laughter. We had joy. We had love and grace! A smorgasbord of the finest veggies!

I do plan to stick to meals filled with meats and potatoes. However, it is best to always have a well balanced meal. “Excuse me? Can you please pass the veggie tray?”

Eat veggies. Go make a difference. Always Run by Faith.

I Can’t Believe What He Said About His Wife

By now, you know how much I love running. It has been a passion of mine for almost 10 years. At first, it was for the exercise. But, that has changed a bit. Now, it’s for the exercise, and the community of people.

Recently, I ran 5 miles with a new friend, Ryan. We had a wonderful chat about everything from running, to family, to faith. (The miles go by so much faster when you’re having a great chat).

I mentioned to Ryan that I have been reading, and studying, the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Proverbs aims to teach Biblical wisdom. Who doesn’t need a little more wisdom, right? I shared that in Proverbs 5, it talks about avoiding promiscuity, and the slippery road it can take you down.

Ryan then shared with me something that he overheard at the gym. He was near 2 guys that were bashing their wives. Things like, “yeah the old lady…” and, “I wish that she…”, and other demoralizing things they were laughing about.

Well, Ryan couldn’t take it anymore. He spoke up. “I’m so sorry your marriage is so bad. You know, I love my wife. She is my best friend, and I cannot wait to get home everyday to see her.” At that moment, those 2 gentleman sat in silence. Until one of them said, “Well, we were just kidding, we don’t really feel that way…”. But, the damage had already been done. That was the life-long impression they left with Ryan. Isn’t that sad?

Like Ryan, I look forward to walking in to my house and seeing Patty, my best friend, everyday. We haven’t always had an easy road, but with God’s guidance, it has been so worth it.

How do you speak about your spouse, or significant other, when they aren’t around? If someone overheard your “spouse” conversation, what would they think?

Be wise. Brag on your spouse. Always run by faith.

Dove Chocolates And The Bible

I love dark chocolate. It is a true obsession. Especially those little Dark chocolates from Dove. The taste is amazing. But something else recently amazed me; the little message on the inside.

Sure, often times there are cute little phrases like, “Be proud of your age”, or “It’s a bubble bath day”. But, the message on my chocolate really caught my attention, “Trust with your heart, not your head“. WOW! Is it possible Dove dark chocolates is reaching into the Bible for inspiration?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Thinking with ONLY your head will get you into trouble. YOU’LL begin to drive the ship with your OWN understanding. YOU’LL begin to make choices that aren’t always right with your OWN understanding. But, trusting with your heart, is walking by faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. (2 Cor 5:7)

Sure, we may not see it happening right now, but God is working. And when you lean into what God has put inside of your heart, you think differently. You think of not just YOUR needs, but the needs of others. You yield to what God has in store for you, and your life. Simply put, thinking with your heart, (trusting in the Lord) is different than with your head. (your own understanding)

Thank you, Dove chocolates, for your amazing taste. And, for reminding us all to “trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding”.

Trust with your heart. Eat dark chocolate. Always run by faith.

What God Is Teaching Me Through 8 Puppy Paws

Things have changed a lot in our house in the last few months because we now have 2 puppies: Doc and Lavender. They are Black Labs, and they’re brother and sister! And God is teaching us a lot!

We’ve learned the importance of training, teaching routine, using clear commands, and praising them when they obey and do it right.

One command I am trying to teach them is kind of 3 commands all in one, “sit, stay, and wait”. They did well with “sit” because, let’s be real, who doesn’t like to just sit and chill. And, of course, sitting and then getting rewarded with a treat is awesome!

“Stay” was a touch more difficult. They wanted that treat! So, when I showed them the treat, then walked away a few steps, they were like, “Um Dad? Where are you going with my treat?” Now, all along, I knew that eventually that treat would end up in their mouth. But first, they had to learn to sit and stay.

Then, the hardest one, “wait”. They didn’t like this very much. This command taught the importance of not having “instant gratification”. As I made them sit, then walk away a few steps with their treat, they began to get impatient. (ironically, just like us!) Again, I was going to fully give them their treat. I was just looking for a little obedience.

My steps away from them began small. Maybe 5 or 6 steps. Then I’d shout, “Come!” They’d rev their engines and run at me faster than a DeLorean at Twin Pines Mall. As they became accustomed to waiting, their reward got bigger. I’d pull out better treats. The more they learned, the more they were rewarded.

Just like the late Prophet Tom Petty once sang, “The waiting IS the hardest part.” But, isn’t it always worth it? Doc and Lavender are SO happy after they’ve patiently “waited”. Yes, at first they were frustrated. But, with great restraint comes great reward!

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

Lamentations 3:25

“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”

Psalm 27:!4

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

Psalm 130:5

Has God been trying to teach you something? Are you getting frustrated? Perhaps today you should sit. Stay. Wait.

I believe your reward is coming. Go make a difference. always Run by Faith.

If I’m Honest: I’m Puzzled

My wife Patty loves doing puzzles! She is REALLY good at it. Recently, she bought a 1,000 piece Alfred Hitchcock mystery jigsaw puzzle based on classic mysteries.

First, Patty had to read a short mystery. Then, as she assembled the puzzle, unexpected clues appeared to help solve the mystery. And, like a good mystery, there’s a twist. The puzzle image is different than the box cover. Whoa!

Patty worked several hours to put this puzzle together, only to realize that 1 piece was missing. UGH! We have no idea if our new puppies enjoyed a snack. Or, if I accidentally sucked it up with the vacuum. All I know is that she worked SO hard for so many hours, only to come up short to being complete. (Look closely at the picture, and you’ll see the missing piece).

I’m so grateful that we are complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10 reminds me of that. “I am complete in Him“. In a world that’s empty, there is fullness in Christ. WE are a completed puzzle! Now THAT is a mystery only Jesus can write!

You’re complete! Go make a difference. Always run by faith!

If I’m Honest: Grief Stinks

Grief. It’s ugly. It sneaks up on you. It hits you when you least expect it. It can hijack your day. It can put a hold on you tighter than Hulk Hogan with a figure 4. If I’m honest, grief stinks.

Back in September, I received a text from a friend of mine saying that one of our closest friends was killed in a motorcycle accident. I will never forget starring at phone, trying to grasp the reality of what happened.

I was numb. In pure shock. I had no words. It was like I was punched in the gut. All I could do was sit on my bed, starring at the wall.

My friend was in great shape. We had run, literally thousands of miles together. Told jokes. Made each other laugh. Shared deep talks. Encouraged one another to be better husbands, and fathers. And just like that, all of it morphed into a memory.

For the next several days, I found myself crying…a lot. I figured I would feel like this for a few days. I did. But those days turned into weeks. And then, into months.

There is something about grief that you just cannot explain. And, there are things about it that need no explanation. Like, tears. They are real. Or, hearing a song that brings back a memory. Or driving past a place you used to hang out. Gut punch. Every. Single. Time.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who
believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by
believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Right after Jesus said these words, one of his best friends, Lazarus, died. Just 4 verses later it says, “Jesus Wept”.

My Pastor once said, “Tears are not a lack of faith. It is evidence that someone was deeply loved and missed. Just as Jesus wept at the death of his loved one while knowing about eternal life, we too, feel the deep loss as we walk by faith.”

It has been 4 months since I last saw my friend. Ironically, just hours before his accident I sent him a quick text, “Miss ya bro.” And today, I still do.

I take comfort in knowing that my friend did have a relationship with Jesus. And from that, he is promised Heaven. That brings me great peace. I will see him again.

If I’m honest, grief stinks. But, it is part of life. And, just as Jesus wept, we can too. Tears are healthy. And today, if you’re grieving, or if reading this is bringing up the pain of missing a loved one, cry. Weep. It’s not a lack of faith.

With Jesus, there is Heaven. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.

If you’re struggling with grief, drop me a comment and I will pray for you.

If I’m Honest: I’m Wrestling

As we begin a new year, I thought I’d begin a small series called, “If I’m Honest”. I have a few thoughts that I’d like to share to get you thinking. Because, well, I’m in a season of being stretched.

Saturday, January 1, I woke up like any normal Saturday. I got up and got in my run. I was a bit short on breath, but nothing too alarming. I got home, and I just couldn’t warm up. I cranked up the heat in the shower and stayed in there for quite a while.

When I got out, I still could not warm up. I put on extra layers, but slowly felt myself becoming fatigued. Within an hour, I had to lay down, and layer up even more. I knew I was in trouble.

I spent the rest of the day on the couch, sleeping. Yep. 2022 began with me being sick.

Since then, I’ve been on a roller coaster ride. One day I feel alright. The next day? Blah. One day I test negative. The next day, I’m ruled out because of health and safety protocols.

So, here I sit. In the same room for the last 4 days. But, I am not going to let it steal my joy.

The comical part of it all? The word that I have chosen to focus on for the year: Contentment. Oh, the irony.

So, if I’m honest, I’m wrestling. How do I stay content in the midst of being stuck inside the same 4 walls? It means that I’m making a conscious choice to be OK with whatever comes my way. Now, I’m not loving it. I’m not really happy about it. But, I am trying to be content. Ok, wrestling.

Then, I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always”. Rejoice? Even when I’m sick? Even when it is not going my way? Even when it doesn’t make sense? Yep. Hence, the wrestling.

And, there is NOTHING wrong with wrestling. God welcomes questions.

So, as I heal, I wrestle. I’ll keep on rejoicing, despite sitting inside the same 4 walls. Because, I am content. And my choice of being content, helps me to see things more clearly. Because, if I’m honest, it always could be worse.

Be honest. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.

What’s something you’ve been wrestling with? Be honest and drop a comment. I’d love to connect with you.

What Are You Doing With Your Microphone?

Like you, Monday through Friday, I wake up and head into work. My job is standing in front of a microphone at JOY99 and talking. Talking about everything from weather and events, to a deeper relationship with God.

It is a different job, but one that I enjoy. I talk to thousands of people each week. I don’t take that for granted. But, you don’t have to be on the radio, or have a microphone, to make an impact on people’s lives.

I love Jayce, the greeter at my grocery store, who always smiles at us, and makes comments about how much Ice Cream we buy! Yes, he has gotten to know our family that well. The bus driver who I see wave at each child at the bus stop. The athlete, who after making the winning play, thanks God, instead of drawing attention to their own abilities. Even Charles, who continues to bring joy through a pencil and a few markers.

Each Christmas, thousands of us make it a tradition to watch, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Written by Charles Schulz, this sweet, timeless cartoon puts us in the Christmas Spirit, and brings the joy of Christmas. Charles’ microphone? A pen and a few markers.

What are you doing with your microphone?

Use your microphone. Go make a difference. Always Run By Faith!

It Could Result In Serious Injury or Death

I received something in the mail that really caught my attention. It wasn’t junk mail. It wasn’t a bill. It was a notice!

The front of the envelope said, in all bold, “SAFETY RECALL NOTICE”. Apparently, my car has a problem with the driver airbag. It could explode during deployment, causing sharp metal fragments to fly through the air resulting in serious injury or death. Sounds like something I should act on, right? Well…

I received this letter over a week ago. Yeah, I know it is dangerous. I know it could really harm me, but as of this writing, I have ignored it. Why? Good question. I guess because I figure it can’t possibly happen to me. That’s not smart. All this letter, this notice, has gotten is full of some dust.

While this letter is not one of the 10 commandments, it is a written warning. Something I should probably pay attention to.

The Bible is filled with written warnings that many of us overlook. Myself included. Now, while I try to stay on target and follow the leading and teaching of Jesus, I fall short everyday. But, I have improved over the last several years. I am happy to say that I have grown. Why? Because I haven’t just let “God’s notice”, the Bible, sit there and collect dust. I read it everyday, and it has changed my life. If I let that book, full of notices, just sit there, and only collect dust, life could be filled with bad choices and decisions that could cause, “serious injury or death”.

Before Christmas, I encourage you to crack open the Bible, or even the Bible app, and discover why it’s the greatest written, “Safety Recall Notice” of all time.

Pay attention to the warnings. Go make a difference. Always Run by Faith.

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