“Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountainthat Jesus Christ is born!“
You’ve, more than likely, heard this Christmas song. But, it can kind of seem irrelevant. (To Michiganders) West Michigan has no mountains. West Michigan has very few hills. But, we can tell people that Jesus Christ is born!
So, to help bring this to today, and to our current landscape, let’s try this.
“Go tell it on Facebook. Go tell it on Tik Tok. Go tell it on Instagram. Go tell it at the store. Go tell it on a Zoom call. Go tell it in the hallways. Running a trail and everywhere. Go tell it all over the place, that Jesus Christ is born!“
I hope this helps break down the significance of this song. Everywhere you go, spread some good news this Christmas!
Go tell it. Go make a difference. Always run by faith!
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It was Saturday, March 28, 2009. It was the day that I got my one and only tattoo. And yes, it has a story behind it.
The night before, Friday, March 27, 2009, Michigan State Men’s basketball played Kansas in the Elite 8. Before the game, I said, “If MSU wins, I’m getting a tattoo.” Well, the final score was 67-62, MSU! So, the next day, I made my appointment and got it done. More times than not, each tattoo comes with a story.
A friend of mine, Amber, recently got a tattoo. Her story behind the tattoo inspired me so much, I wanted to share it with you, too.
I asked her why she chose this tattoo.
“My grandpa was my favorite person this side of heaven. I grew up very close to my grandparents and had a special bond with grandpa. He never missed a track or cross country meet from the time I started (6th grade) through my collegiate career.
When I was training for my first marathon (GR 2013 – 10 years ago), he told me he wished he had stayed in shape and was bummed that he couldn’t get from the house down to his barn anymore without becoming winded. He made me promise him I would keep running as long as my body would let me. Little did we know, the real reason he was becoming winded is because he had stage 4 long cancer which was diagnosed just a few weeks after that conversation (July 25, 2013).
I decided I was running that first marathon in honor of him. I made a bracelet with his favorite colors and I wore that through my training and through those 26.2 miles. It was HARD. I hit a wall and wanted to quit, but I looked down at my bracelet and remembered grandpa, and he didn’t have a choice to quit, so I kept going. I ended up qualifying for Boston by 11 minutes.
That winter, the cancer won and we lost grandpa. I was there with him in the hospital for 3 days and helped him make the decision to go home and be with Jesus. And he did. He inspired my love for hospice nursing at that moment as well.
I never had a chance to run Boston because that same year I became pregnant with my first son (Hunter Eugene) who is named after my grandpa (Clare Eugene). I continued running even through pregnancy and was racing 5 months after giving birth. I decided to finally try a marathon again last year and was able to qualify for Boston, again! This time, by close to 30 minutes. I have arrangements all made to go and plan on racing Boston…10 years after I lost grandpa.
As far as the tattoo…I wanted something permanent to remind myself of the strength I have in Jesus Christ. The bracelet was nice, but it eventually faded and broke. Isaiah 40:31 gives us hope that when we put our trust in Jesus, our strength is renewed. Things of this world will fade and we will eventually become weak as our earthly bodies don’t live in forever. But we have this great promise that when we hope in the Lord, someday (in heaven) we will not grow weary or faint.
This was my grandpas favorite Bible verse and I remember it on the front of his Bible case (we went to church together every Sunday). His goal in life was to preach the gospel and bring people to know and love Jesus. He even INSISTED that the gospel be preached at his funeral and allow time for people to come to repentance and accept Jesus as their lord and savior.
I chose this tattoo, in this particular location (the back of my shoulder) so I can carry my grandpas legacy with me through those 26.2 miles in Boston. I hope that other runners will see it and be encouraged. If just ONE person opens their Bible to find and read that verse, then it was all worth it.”
Amber P
Isn’t that inspiring? If you have a tattoo, I’d love for you to share the story behind it with me. Place your comment below.
Have purpose. Go make a difference. ALWAYS run by faith!
Recently, a friend asked a common question when it comes to gift giving, “What gift do you buy for your parent who already has everything they really need?” My answer was inspired by a #1 song from 1984.
In 1984, there was no texting, and there was no email. The way you instantly communicated with someone was through a phone. (which was attached to the wall, btw). That phone inspired a #1 song that had the world calling each other and sharing their feelings. The song went #1 in 20 countries, including America. The song, “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder.
Many couples would call each other and simply sing that chorus to each other, “from the bottom of their heart.” Yep, that’s what happened in 1984.
Back to 2023, when a friend asked, “What do you give to the parent who already has everything they need?” You give them LOVE in the form of TIME.
Setting aside time to spend with a parent or a loved one will probably mean a lot more than oven mits and candles.
This holiday, I “wonder” how things can be different if you spell love, T-I-M-E?
Give Time. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
Well, here we are. Thanksgiving week. We’ve been preparing our house. Including a fresh coat of paint and a bit of remodeling. We’re checking our cupboards as we double-check our grocery list. Prep. Prep. Prep. But, it’s not about the food.
Recently, my wife and I gathered with friends for a “friendsgiving” celebration. 12 of my close “run group” friends, who have become a “run family.”
For 4 hours, we ate a light meal and shared stories. We laughed. We talked. We encouraged one another. We all have different backgrounds, and we all care for each other deeply.
The night wasn’t about the food. (Although it was delicious) The night was about getting together and celebrating what matters most: each other.
This week, as you are prepping your Thanksgiving dinner, don’t lose the importance of what Thanksgiving really is. It is a time to reflect and be grateful. Grateful for health. Grateful for family and friends. Grateful for a job. Grateful for faith in Jesus.
May I also encourage you to keep your eyes open for anyone in your “friend group” who would welcome an invitation to your table. Perhaps this will be their first difficult holiday and would love to have some company.
Over the years, we have had many wonderful Thanksgiving dinners with friends and family. Some to our house for the very first time. And you know what? It was wonderful because it wasn’t about the food. It was about building one another up. Sharing stories. Sharing emotion. Sharing time.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Be grateful. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
I admit it, I like watching home renovation shows. I enjoy watching the before and after. The big reveal, and seeing the happy homeowners. It’s probably because I hate DOING home renovations!
Those home renovation shows are wrapped-up in 42 minutes. From the, “Here’s what I envision…” to the, “Oh my goodness, I love it!” What we don’t see are the hours of drama. The hours spent making this reveal a reality. We only get the good parts.
So, recently, my wife and I decided to freshen up our kitchen and dining room area with some fresh paint. It took us weeks to decide on the correct color. Hours to prep for the project. (painters tape, etc) And, the worst part, taking everything off of the walls, and making a major mess. We’ve lived with our kitchen in disarray for several days. Seriously! We’ve created a much bigger mess in hopes to make it look pretty afterwards. Does anyone enjoy this, “renovation” thing?!
Hmmm. Isn’t that life? To get to that “big reveal”, you have to go through the mess, first.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2-3
Pure joy? Going through a trial, a “renovation”, is pure joy? Yet, it is true. Think about it, when you cross the finish line after months of training…When you’ve studied for hours, and finally pass the class… When you tear your house apart to make it look better…
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4
Yep. Renovation takes work. Renovation creates maturity. Renovation brings, “Pure Joy”. See, I’ll never “like” renovation. But, I’ll always enjoy the big reveal!
Embrace renovation. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” How many times have you heard this? There’s a reason that phrase exists. It means you’re in it for the long haul.
After 4 months of training, I ran the Chicago Marathon. All 26.2 miles! (actually it was 26.53) And, as we’ve sung hundreds of times, “I had the time of my life!” And you know what? “I’ve never felt this way before. I swear!” (Ok enough, right?!)
Marathon training is exhausting. I knew I’d be tired physically, but I didn’t anticipate that I would be mentally tired, too. But, 1 week post marathon, I still feel a bit wiped out.
Nearly 50,000 runners took to the streets of Chicago for the 45th running of the Chicago Marathon, and it DID NOT disappoint!
Race day was incredible! I was nervous. But, before I said goodbye to my wife and daughter, I heard, “Go do what you’ve always told me to do. Go make a difference!” (insert melted heart sound effect)
I left the hotel and there were people everywhere! And, I’m not just talking about runners. I’m talking runners AND spectators! The energy in Grant Park made Willis Tower look like a Lego piece.
My wave was set to go off at 8a! At 7:43 I made my way to my coral. As I walked in, I bumped into a West Michigan runner, Janet. What are the odds? After chatting for a few minutes, we huddled up and prayed. We thanked God for dry weather, our families, our health, and for the gift of running. After a loud “AMEN!” I got into “run mode”.
At 7:59, I started my playlist of jams and was ready to go! Little did I know that there were a few waves ahead of me. Oops. So, at 8:23, we finally crossed the start mat!
My nerves were wound up, the course was lined with spectators, and it was flat and fast! I had to contain myself. My friend, Eric, warned me that I had to slow things down at the start to not deplete my energy too early in the race. My goal was a Sub 4 hour marathon. (My target pace was 9:07 per mile)
The first few miles went by quickly! And, the next thing I knew, I saw my wife and daughter cheering for me, and holding my “Tommy Fat Head” at Mile 3. That was a wonderful boost!
Another thing that made time fly by were Aid stations positioned every 1-2 miles apart. These were very well organized, and spaced out. this made it very easy to get the aid I needed (Thank you volunteers! You were incredible.)
Each mile had something different. From entertainment with music to landmark neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, passing Moody Church, (A nice moment to say, Thank You, Lord!”) Pilsen and a run through Chinatown.
Mile 13 was special. I noticed a runner ahead of me with a Bible verse on her shirt written above the words,”Team World Vision”. Oddly, her stride looked familiar. As I ran alongside her, I said, “Hello Cheryl”. Cheryl is ANOTHER West Michigan runner! She shouted, “Tommy! I could use some prayer. My knee is really hurting me. I tripped and fell on my knee.” So, there on the streets of Chicago, in a marathon, I prayed for her knee, and her strength. What a gift God gave each of us. Out of nearly 50,000 runners, we crossed paths. WOW!
After another AMEN, I ran to see my wife and daughter just after the half marathon checkpoint! I felt strong! and, as each mile ticked away, I held my pace. In fact, I noticed I was running 8:55 or better.
At mile 20-22, I never felt like I, “hit the wall”. I actually felt stronger. Again, as each mile passed, my pace was faster than my target pace. I knew that I only had a 10k left. (6.2 miles)
Let me say this, I never really knew what my time was on pace to be, as my watch was set to “lap time” and not the overall pace. Looking back, I think this was a good thing. It got me out of my head, and not freaking out about my time. All I did was run!
As I got onto Michigan avenue near Mile 24, the energy of the crowd began to increase. It felt like it was pulling me to the finish line. Mile 25 to the finish was a blur! From the noise of the crowd, to the smiles on every runners face. It was insane!
As I made the turn toward “Mount Randolph”, I saw my wife and daughter, and that “Tommy Fat Head”. I immediately began to tear up as I head them scream “Go Go! Run! I’m proud of you!”. (I’m getting teary as I type this)
I thought they were just being cheerleaders, when in reality, they knew that I had to hurry to get my Sub 4 hour goal! What THEY didn’t know was that as I turned to the finish line, I had another gear! I gave it all I had and crossed the line with a scream of “YES!” Along with a Ric Flair “Wooooooooo!”
Immediately, I bawled. And I mean, “The Ugly Cry”. I just couldn’t contain myself, and I didn’t care. It was emotion. It was celebration. It was healthy.
And then came the text.
“Tommy went Sub 4 hours!” I did it! I screamed with more joy, and almost fell to the ground in tears. Official time was 3:58:56. Thank you Jesus!
The Chicago Marathon was a highlight moment of my entire life. I have learned so much from the hours of training. And, looking back, it was completely worth it.
Life is a marathon. Not a sprint. Sometimes you hit your goal. Sometimes you fall and skin your knee. Sometimes you give your best Ric Flair, “Woooooo”. Sometimes, it’s the Ugly Cry.
Goal accomplished. Go make a difference. Always Run By Faith!
Well, here we are. It is officially Race Week. The Chicago Marathon is swiftly approaching, and my emotions are akin to wet clothes in a dryer. Spinning. Twirling. Round and Round.
No joke. No moment I’m excited. The next, I’m on the verge of tears. Then, I’m in search of a barf bag! What is wrong with me!?
I’ve trained for months for this marathon, and I’m really doubting my abilities. I have a fear of endurance. Fear of hitting “the wall” at mile 18. Fear of going out to fast. Fear of no porta-potty. (Have I said, ‘what’s wrong with me?’) I’ve trained in heat. I’ve set 3:45am alarms for extra miles before work. I’ve followed a plan. So, why am I an emotional wreck?
I think it boils down to this. I set a goal, and want to hit it! This is not just about finishing the race. I’ve put pressure on MYSELF to hit a goal. That said, there won’t be a single person on Planet Earth that will be disappointed if, for some reason, I cannot hit my goal. There will be nothing but cheers and ‘hi-fives’ all around congratulating me on something that only 1% of the population has accomplished. I’m doing this to myself.
See, I have full confidence in the abilities of the friends that have trained alongside of me. I see their hard work. Their dedication. Their grit. So why can’t I see mine? I think it’s because it is all a mental game. I’ve put so much pressure on myself, that I’m only thinking about myself. It is so much easier to believe in someone else than it is to believe in yourself.
Training for a marathon has been as much, if not more, mental than physical. I’ve trained physically. Hours upon hours of time on my feet. I’ve made schedule sacrifices. Made time for the speedwork. But, I didn’t take into account that I would need to train mentally.
As I’ve reflected on my training, I’ve thought of the long weekend runs. The exhaustion. The stress. The friends who have had to drop out due to injury.
26.2 miles is a mental game. When do I take nutrition? What happens if the porta-potty runs out of TP before the race? When do I get into my corral? What time do I try and go to sleep?! (my heart is racing even as I type) Deep breath. (reflect) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own“. (Matthew 6:34)
I trust in God to see me through this marathon. I really do. And, if you’ve put in the hard work before a race, an exam, a performance, you have to trust the training.
Maybe it is good that I am going through all of these emotions before the marathon. It has been ‘healthy’. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. I’ve been nervous. Now, I just need to run by faith.
God’s got this! Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
I’m preparing for the Chicago Marathon. So, to get in some extra miles, I decided to sign up for Park 2 Park Half Marathon. I used it as a casual long run. I expected an easy pace. What I didn’t expect was what happened at mile 11.5.
Casual races are my favorite. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy the scenery and chat with other runners.
Throughout the race, I was saying hello to other runners, making small talk, and shouting encouragement to people when they needed a little boost.
At mile 11.5, I ended up alongside a runner, Molly, who seemed to be struggling. She had just ran a marathon 2 weeks prior, and she admitted that she was a bit spent.
After a few words of encouragement, I simply offered a short prayer for strength, peace, and stamina for the rest of the race. After a rousing AMEN, I said, “I’ll see you at the finish line.”
As I crossed the line, I looked for Molly to see how she was feeling. When I spotted her, she was being helped to the med tent. She was exhausted.
I went over to her, said hello, and checked to make sure she was OK. Her husband had the most caring, concerned look on his face as he watched Molly get her color back. Thank you, Jesus, she was alright.
What a surreal moment. I never would’ve thought that a simple prayer for strength at mile 11.5 would have such a significant impact. But, I believe that God allowed me to cross paths with Molly, for just that moment.
Running, like life, isn’t always about what’s happening in your own little world. It’s about what happens around you and to others.
It’s easy to miss the special moments in life, I’m grateful I didn’t miss this moment with Molly.
Live for others. Go make a difference. Always run by faith!
I have to be honest, I have never trained harder for a race. I’m in training for the Chicago Marathon. (one of the World Majors!) And let me tell ya, it has been grueling. Between the summer heat, and the amount of time you have to invest in training, it’s been an absolute grind.
Last week, I was slated to get in my 20 miler! This is the longest run in my training schedule! I felt a bit wiped out at mile 13, (I didn’t fuel properly) but with some help from friend’s bag of fuel, I powered through. Until mile 18.25.
At mile 18.25, something happened. I was completely exhausted. The temp had shot up to 77, and I was wiped out. “I’m not sure I can this thing done,” I said as I bent over with my hands on my knees. It felt very defeating to me.
At that moment, my friend said something that changed everything. “C’mon you’ve got this!” My friend saw something in me that I was having a hard time seeing in myself.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I don’t think I have what it takes.” The truth is, God sees something in us that we really have a difficult time seeing in ourselves.
I’m not sure what are voices are in your head painting a picture of you of something that you’re not. But know that God sees in you, something you probably don’t see in yourself. And when you are at your weakest, it’s when God shows up the most.
C’mon! You’ve got this! Go make a difference. Always run by faith!
(thanks to Alex Fernandez and Running rock star, Cindy!)
As a runner, I find myself praying as the Lord brings people, and situations, to my mind. Sometimes, through my neighborhood, I will pray for something specific as I run past their house. Like a family who has a child headed off to school for the first time. Or, a fmaily who I know is going through some kind of struggle.
Recently, on a run, the Lord dropped this simple prayer onto my lap. You can use this R.S.V. prayer for someone who is struggling:
Release + Restore + Revive = R.S.V.
Lord, RELEASE whatever is holding them from a closer relationship with you.
i.e. this could be an anything from an addiction, to a marital problem. Ask the Lord to release them from the issue.
RESTORE whatever was lost in their life.
i.e. If a marriage is broken, pray that God restores it.
REVIVE their heart.
God can bring life to what was once dead. Pray that God revives a relationship, or an individual.
May God use this prayer in a powerful way in your life, too!
Run and Pray. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
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