Stay Strong - Run Long

Hey guys, I figured since I had a great day today of running that I would post about it. Finding the motivation has been pretty easy lately because I know with this run coming up in a few months, I kinda just have to do it :) Anyway, Monday of this week I decided that I would get a good long run in. I had a pretty relaxing weekend and the weather wasn't great for heading outside so I did what every dedicated runner would do, I stayed in and ran on the treadmill. Now I will go on record and say that running in place for 1 1/2+ hours could potentially be the most boring thing on the planet to do (aside from bird watching. Sorry to any bird watchers out there). I got at new iPod nano (long story with the old one) and made sure on Sunday night that it was loaded up with super motivating stuff. I had some running podcasts, some crazy fast and loud tunes and some other garbage that I probably won't listen to. I jump on and about 3 miles in I start to get a stinging pain in my foot. N

A friend of mine and I embarked on a journey a little over a year ago. My post today will be about the pride that I have found from just the email that I got from him this morning. This guy has been a friend of mine for a few years now. We have shared some great experiences together and I think that this will probably be the best. During my walk with Christ, he and I have talked quite a bit. We have thrown around war stories and how God has basically pulled us out every time. When I decided that I was going to make a commitment to stop drinking for a year I felt compelled to bring him along. I did feel a little resistance from him, but he did surprise me one day by telling me that he was going to do it. My jaw almost hit the floor. This guy loved the sauce. We was kind of known for his expensive taste in alcohol. I didn't really believe that it would happen, but wanted to support him anyway. Over the last year, he and I have struggled together. I would call him whenever I wanted ju

I just wanted to pass along this bible study. I get one everyday and this one in particular speaks to what I have struggled with for the past week or so. New Day By Jordan Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Do you spend your time worrying about the future or what has happened in the past? Do you let what has happened in the past influence the future? This verse really sets me straight when I start worrying about what's going to happen in the future, when I worry about what I can and cannot do. Every day is a new day, a new chance to further your relationship with God, and a new day to grow and become closer to your spiritual family. Every day is a new day, a new chance, a new sunrise and a new sunset. Donât worry about what you've done, or what you're going to do. Focus on Godâs will for your life and what is right. Some days it's hard but this is a verse that we need to keep

Sorry I haven't written in some time. Things around the office and the homestead always seem to take all of my time. I love the saying "If you aren't busy, you're broke" but some times you just have to spend some time and reflect on what we have and how truly blessed we are. Last week, as some of you know, we received some disappointing news at the church in which we attend. We found out that 2 very well liked pastors were being let go. Although a lot of us knew that something like this probably would happen, we didn't think it would be this soon. I have been reading some of the messages that one of the pastors has been sending via Facebook and it sounds like he is somewhat at peace with the decision, but it makes you realize that everyone is affected by our current economic situation and we can make it through. I am not going to spend a lot of time talking about politics, the economy or anything like that, but it really is a reminder that we should all be tha

Thank you to all of you that have sent me emails wanting to know more about the Run the State. I am currently getting a website set up for everyone to donate. As I have not gotten this set up yet, I ask that you continue to watch for future updates on this blog. Until then if you would like some more info, please send me an email at this (click this) email address. Thanks again, Tha Messenjah

So here we are in 2009. I know, it has been 10 days that we have been in the new year, but this is really the only time that I have had the chance to sit down and write. With all of the bad news of 2008, I must say that I think that it was such a great year. My marriage is possibly the best it has ever been, I rededicated my life to serving my God, I decided to be baptized (for all of the right reasons), and I decided that I was going to take on one the most challenging things I may ever do. As noted in some of my other posts, a group of crazy people (myself included obviously) have decided to run across the state of Iowa to raise money for an orphanage in South Africa. I know that this is old news to most of you but as we get more into 2009 it is starting to get more real for everyone involved. Don't get me wrong, I am not regretting making this decision one bit. It just got real when I met with one of the pastors that is involved with it yesterday. We started talking sponsorships