Day 25

5K,  Travelled so far 140K

I made it!  

It was fitting that for my last 5K I went for a hike with my family.  I can't remember such a beautiful Christmas day!  First everything was covered in sparkling ice shining in the sun,  then it snowed big flakes and it looked even more beautiful!  We went for a hike in the woods and it was like a winter wonderland.

I felt very thankful for this beautiful day and that I had made it to Bethlehem.  I had wanted to run every day from start to finish but at least I stuck with it and made it.  I learned that I am less sore when I run a shorter distance everyday than if I run longer distances a few days a week. But more importantly I learned to take the time to stop in the middle of my busy life and thank God, listen to Him and just spend time with Him.

I'll always remember the Christmas that I ran to Bethlehem.

Day 24

10K, Travelled so far 135K

Booklet:

For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

"We were all, every one of us, even at our most difficult, worth the love of Jesus, who was born for us." Madeleine L'Enge

How will you thank Him?

_____________________________________________________________

This morning I headed to the gym for my run because I knew the sidewalks would still be covered in ice but when I got to the gym it was closed.  I needed to get to Bethlehem.  I was so close but yet so far.  As I drove back home I checked out the sides streets and they didn't look too bad.  If there was too much ice I would just have to walk it.  I was determined to continue this Journey.

It was freezing cold outside but it looked amazing!  Everything was covered in ice and looked like a crystal wonderland. I took pictures on my run and I hope I can post them.  As I ran down the streets of our neighbourhood I could see people looking at me like I was crazy.  Everyone had missed out on a couple crucial last days of Christmas shopping and I was out running on icy roads in the freezing cold.  The purpose of this journey was to stop during the business and ponder on Jesus' birth and I felt like I was really doing that today.

The day before I had gone wedding dress shopping with my daughter.  The crystal trees and branches reminded me of the beading on my daughter's gown.  I had felt so happy seeing my daughter dressed so beautifully in that jewelled gown.

It made me think of God's only son and how He was humbled when he came to earth as a baby.  He wasn't dressed beautifully in jewels, He was wrapped in clothes in a manger, in a barn.  So humble.  He was His only son.  How will I thank Him?  I will try and live my life in gratitude to Him because He gave me so much.

Day 22 & 23

Day 22 - 0k, Day 23 - 5K.  Travelled so far 125K

Booklet: A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel for her weeping children. Jeremiah 31:15

Christmas is not always merry.  Our journey will take us through the valley shadows and the season some how heightens this.  How can we be sensitive to those in pain?  How can we celebrate in the midst of sorrow?

_________________________________________________________________

Ontario's worst freezing rain storm in 40 years hit Dec 22. Many people were without power and trees were down all along our street.  Our power was down Sunday morning but then came back at around noon.  We were the only ones on my husband's side with power so their family Christmas get together was moved to our house.  The whole family and a very large raw turkey piled into our small house.  The power later went off again just before we were about to eat dinner.  The turkey was cooked but we had to eat by candlelight and my mother in law and sister in law cut the turkey with headlamps on.  We managed to have a good time despite the cramped quarters and lack of light.  We got our power back an hour after we ate and we all cheered.  Unfortunately my parents and some other family members didn't get their hydro back for 3 days!  Our internet was down so I got behind in my "Bethlehem Journey" blogging.

Day 21

5K, Travelled so far 120 K

Booklet:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  Isaiah 61:1.

What's the best news you've heard today?

_______________________________________________________

The best news I heard today was that my son quit smoking!  I don't know if it was the beauty of the ice on the trees or the fact that he's been coughing so much or the neighbour with bad teeth who told him he quit 20 years ago but he announced that he was quitting for good and broke the remainder of his cigarettes.  That's good news!

We did hear some disappointing news though today.  My side of the family's Christmas get together was cancelled because of the impending ice storm.  I had gotten up early to fit in a 5K run at the gym, then church music practice and then we were going to go straight to my parents house for the get together.  But all the relatives that lived farther cancelled.  I guess the good news was that we still had a great get together with my parents and sister and my family.  We had lots of food, games and the rest of the family was home safe.  That was good news too.

Day 20

0 K, Travelled so far 115 K

Booklet:

The Lord will be your everlasting light and the days of your mourning will be ended.  
Isaiah 60:19.

What Christmas songs do you think of when you read this verse?

______________________________________________________

In my 15+ years running I have only turned back on a run 2 times.  Today makes it 3.  I was excited to run tonight.  It was mild and rainy which I love but it was freezing rain.  I slid down the driveway hoping the sidewalk was better but it wasn't.  In about 3 minutes I nearly went flying 5 times and got a total soaker crossing the street.  My feet were not gripping the ground at all.  I had no choice but to turn around.  I wonder how many times Mary wanted to turn around but she didn't have a choice.

This verse reminds me of Handel's Messiah maybe because of the word "everlasting".  I think the music of The Messiah is so beautiful it sometimes makes me cry.  "The days of your mourning will be ended" - that part of the verse makes me think of the people who are mourning and missing a loved one at Christmas.

Day 19

6 K,  Travelled so far 115 K

Booklet: Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 
Isaiah 60:1.

Jesus came as a baby to show us how to be human.  What'd do you think He looked like? When you look at yourself, do you see the resemblance? 

___________________________________________________________

Tonight I was going to go for my run as soon as I got home from work but my daughter needed a ride to the hairdresser's and then I would have to wait an hour for her.  The only thing to do was wear my running clothes there and run while she was getting her hair done.  It was a good run but hard in that it was unfamiliar.  I even lost my footing at one point and almost landed with my face on the sidewalk.

I imagine Jesus looking very meek and mild.  A very warm and welcoming face.  I don't see a resemblance with me.  Im probably grumpy half the time.  I don't know, maybe there are glimpses.  I do try and shine my light.  I hope people can see Jesus in me.

Day 18

6.5 K, Travelled so far 109 K

Booklet:  He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.  Isaiah 53:12.

Have you ever been in trouble?  Who helped you out?  Would you ever help someone even if it meant you would get into trouble?

________________________________________________________

Last night my run was beautiful, peaceful and snowy.  This morning it was so busy with smoky cars, kids walking to school, construction and the sidewalks were thick with snow.  I had to lift my legs up higher to run and it was very tiring.  Not my best run.  I also forgot to read my booklet before running so I couldn't contemplate on it.

I have gotten into trouble before and it was probably my Dad who bailed me out.  One time I helped my husband (then my boyfriend) when he snuck into my tent on a highschool campout.  Boys were not allowed in the girl's tents.  The teacher came into our tent to inspect it and I hid my boyfriend in a sleeping bag and laid in front of him so the teacher couldn't see the big lump in my sleeping bag.

I think most people would help their loved ones even if it meant getting into trouble.  But what about a stranger?  Jesus bore the sins of many.  Im thankful for all the many times he's bailed me out.

Day 17

6.5 K ,  Travelled so far - 102.5 

Booklet: Surely, he carried our sorrows.  Isaiah 53:4.

What makes you light-hearted?  What weighs you down.

_______________________________________________

Tonight I got home from work around 6:30 pm, then went Christmas grocery shopping and did some errands with my daughter.  By the time we got home it was 9:30 but I had my mind set on running and I was looking forward to it.  It was only - 6 which felt like a spring day compared to what it has been.  It was also snowing and it looked so beautiful outside.

What weighs me down is when I have too many things to do and I feel overwhelmed.  What makes me feel lighthearted is running and prayer.  I feel so happy and free when I'm running.  Fitting in these kilometres was starting to feel like it was weighing me down until I started letting go of my to-do list and just taking the time to live in the moment and enjoy my run and enjoy time with God.

I've noticed so many times that when I do what I feel God calling me to do He makes everything work out so I am able to do it.  I knew God wanted me to do this journey even though I usually feel overwhelmed at Christmas time.  This year somehow my Christmas shopping is done and I barely went to the mall!!??  I've let go of some things like letting my kids do some of the baking and cooking and wrapping.  My daughter convinced me to do an M&M pre cooked roast for Christmas!  Is that allowed??

I decided on my run tonight that in 2014 my theme is going to be lyrics from one of my favourite songs.  "You are my freedom, Jesus you're the reason".  When I focus on Jesus everything works out and I am free.

Day 16

7 K, Travelled so far - 96 K

I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:11.

How long does it take to ask for directions when you're lost?  (how long does it take for you to admit you're lost?)

_________________________________________________________

It doesn't take me very long to admit when I'm lost cuz it happens all the time!  It doesn't take me long to ask for directions either but its always my lucky husband who gets a frantic phone call.  If I go somewhere by myself its almost a given that I'm going to get lost and that he's going to get a call.  I don't think we would make a very good team on the "Amazing Race".  Mary and Joseph probably would have.

Tonight it was about minus 10 degrees, not as cold as Saturday and there was no wind.  The sidewalks were a lot clearer too.  It felt good to be outside at night with the snow and the Christmas lights. I had one of those special God moments while I was running tonight.  I ran past that church that has the nativity scene in lights and this time it was turned on.  Its on a busy 4 corners with lots of cars whizzing by.  There were a lot of cars tonight but as I looked at the nativity scene it looked so peaceful and pretty.  So simple and precious. These words came to my head - Jesus came down to earth to be My saviour.  He came to this crazy earth to save us!  It was a good run.

Day 15

7K,   Traveled so far - 89 K

Fear not, I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1

This part of the journey takes us through the wilderness.  What comforts you when you're scared?

Week 3 Prayer: Lord, please guide my prayers as you guide my steps.

_______________________________________________________

Played this song over and over again during my run today.  Thats what comforts me.  Running and Praise and Worship music.  "I am yours and you are mine."  Song says it all!

Day 13 & 14

Day 13 - 6 K, Day 14 - 10 K      Total so far: 82 K

Dec 13 - In the desert prepare a way for the Lord Isaiah 40:3.

Dec 14 - Here is my Servant,....a bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.  Isaiah 42:3.

Have you ever traveled with someone who is in a hurry?  How did it make you feel?

___________________________________________________________

Friday night when I came home from work I had to go straight to the hairdresser's, then get groceries, then pick up my daughter and then do my kilometres yet.  It was dark outside and 12 below zero and I really just wanted to crash for the night.  I did get myself out the door but what got me going was the fact that I did my kilometres in the gym on the treadmill instead.  I convinced myself that I was so lucky to be nice and warm at the gym.  It felt really good to get my kilometres in.

Saturday morning I had some kilometres to catch up so I did 10 K outside.  It was minus 24 in the wind.  It felt good to be running outside but it was freezing! My legs and face were numb.  I was wearing 2 pants but I realized that I need different running pants for the really cold days.

I have travelled with people who are in a hurry and its not fun.  They are tense and irritable.  Sometimes we are in such a hurry to get somewhere but then don't enjoy the journey.  Thats what I'm trying to do with this running journey.  Im trying to not get obsessed about fitting my kilometres in and getting them over with but instead living in the moment and enjoying and appreciating my run.

Day 12

0 K,  yes again.   66K so far.

Booklet:

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Isaiah 40:1.

What is the weather in this part of Israel today?  Compare it to Ontario!

_________________________________________________________

God is comforting me today for not doing my 6K.  I'm starting work early today and then right after work leaving to go to a play in Toronto for my mother-in-law's 75th birthday.  So we will be coming home very late.  But hey life happens.  Some things are more important.  This journey is meant to make us stop and think and not supposed to be a stressor.

I will catch up!  Yesterday I ran 10K in 16 below zero Ontario weather!  I think Mary and Joseph would have been proud of me.

Day 11

10 K,  66 K so far

Booklet:

And a highway will be there; it will be called the way of Holiness. Isaiah 35:8.

Did they have CAA? Or in this case the CCA (Camel Club Association)? What were the road conditions?

___________________________________________________________

This is funny because today I actually did use the CAA.  I was finished work at 6 and eager to drive my new car home.  I was greeted with a flat tire and it was freezing outside.  I felt so thankful for my cell phone, CAA and a near by Timmies!  Mary and Joseph sure didn't have those conveniences.  

Yesterdays verse was "Be strong do not fear, your God will come".  Mary and Joseph really needed to rely on that.  I do too when worry creeps in and pray that He directs me down the right highway.

Day 10

0 K,    Still 56 K so far.

Booklet: 

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way, say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong do not fear, your God is with come.  Isaiah 35:3

What would Mary and Joseph's stops along the road look like?

____________________________________________________

Yes did zero kilometres today.  Our car caught on fire after a new battery was put in and this morning we were busy trying to arrange to get a "new to us" car.  My husband drove me to work and then  I got a ride home with my daughter who also works in Toronto.  We got home very late and so my run didn't happen.  So I thought well I'll just run double tomorrow morning since I don't start work till 10:30.

My knees could use some steadying.

Day 9

6.5 K    Traveled so far - 56K

Booklet:  The desert and parched land will be glad, the wilderness will rejoice and Blossom.  Isaiah 35:1.

What kinds of crops are grown?  What does the desert look like with flowers blooming?

________________________________________________________________

I had to google if Mary travelled in a group for Day 7, and yes it said she might have travelled with a group. Today I tried googling about crops but didn't come up with much.  I'm not that good at googling.  I did find a bunch of beautiful pictures of flowers blooming in deserts.

I imagined flowers blooming in the desert on my run today and while I was listening to a song that sang "Your love shines where all else fades".  Just like flowers that bloom in the desert.  Beauty where you don't expect it to be.

Day 8

7 K,   Total so far - 49.5 K

 Second Week - Prayer for the road: Lord, please help me notice what you are doing today.

Booklet:

See, I lay a stone in Zion a rested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure Foundation.  Isaiah 28:16.

What does the country-side look like in this part of Israel/Palestine?

________________________________________________________

The country- side I think was barren, dry and sandy.  Probably a lot different than where I was running this morning.  It was nice this morning to have some quiet, peaceful time to myself.  The sunrise was beautiful.  

It was a very busy weekend.  It was a good weekend but a little overwhelming at times.  I'm thankful that Jesus is my cornerstone that keeps the wall of my busy life together and sure.

Day 7

9 K     Total so far - 42.5 K

Booklet:

The Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people.  Isaiah 11:10.

Did Mary and Joseph travel alone:  How did the people make long trips back then?

_________________________________________________________________

I don't know if they travelled in a group.  I'll have to google that but I imagined them travelling in a group, not too far ahead of me.

I had to get up early on a Saturday morning if I wanted to fit my run in cuz I had a lot to do and I had to do 9k if I wanted to catch up with Mary and Joseph and the rest of the people traveling the journey.

I cheered when I got home.  I caught up to everyone!

Day 6

6.5K

Booklet:

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat.  Isaiah 11:6.

What kinds of wildlife might Mary and Joseph have seen on their trip?

_________________________________________________________

I don't usually do this.  Run on a Friday.  Friday's I go grocery shopping as soon as I get home from work.  I just want to get it done and over with.  Then I buy a bottle of wine and I crash.  It's the end of the work week and my body just knows that its allowed to crash.  But not today.  Nooooo I had to do my 6 K.

This Journey to Bethlehem is supposed to be making me slow down but I don't know if it's making me busier.  Its really hard to fit it in.  Im going to have to go grocery shopping tomorrow now.  So I decided on my run not to worry about it and just take the time to slow down and enjoy my run and not think about my to-do list.  So that's what I did.  I enjoyed my music and my run and thought about  Mary and Joseph.

But now I am going to crash.  Oh yeah...my answer is sheep and donkeys.

Day 5

7 K

Booklet: 

He will reign on David's throne and over his Kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness. Isaiah 9:7.

Prince George was born in England not too long ago. Is it hard to imagine a baby being the king? Was it hard for Mary? For Joseph?

___________________________________________________________________

It's hard to imagine a little baby as a king.  It must have been hard for Mary to grasp.  I think if I was Mary I'd want to just take Jesus and hide him so I could have him all to myself.  My little baby.  It would be hard to have to share him with the world.

As for Joseph, a father wants to teach his children the ways of the world and be a good example.  How do you do that when your son is God?  I wonder if he was confused as to what his role was as Jesus' father.

As I ran tonight the sky was so beautiful.  It looked very blue and wavy and mysterious.  I wonder if Mary ever looked at the big beautiful amazing sky and thought to herself how can I NOT share him with the world?  I'm thankful that she did.

Day 4

6.5 K

Booklet:

He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

How many names do you have?  Do you have a nick-name?  What name of Jesus do you like best?

__________________________________________________________________

This morning when I went for a run it was still dark and as I took my first step I almost went flying.  There was a layer of ice on the sidewalks.  So I did a kind of shuffle/slide run.  Once in awhile I would hit a patch that wasn't icy and that would feel so good when my shoes would grip the ground.

Anyways.....I don't really have a nick-name.  My husband calls me Cyn that's about it.  When I was in grade school I did.  It was Sittler because I had a really bad home perm that looked like Darryl Sittler and I traded hockey cards with the boys.

Jesus has a lot of beautiful names.  I love the music from the Messiah where they list all his names.   But I still think my favourite is still just Jesus.  I love that song "Jesus What a Beautiful Name".  Sometimes when Im in the middle of a tough time I will just say his name out loud.  Jesus.  It immediately calms me.  It reminded me of when I was running on the ice and suddenly hit a patch with no ice.  My feet grip the ground.

Day 3

6.5 K

Booklet: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.  Isaiah 9:6

What is so special about this baby?  Is He so different from other babies?

___________________________________________________________

My husband said to me this morning that since running 6K is not that hard for me I should put a pillow in my shirt to feel pregnant like Mary.  Well I don't need to do that to remember how it felt to walk a lot and be pregnant.  I remembered I waddled.  My hips felt like they were just floating around not connected to anything.  It was easy to imagine being pregnant this morning because my hips still felt stiff from running last night.

Besides feeling stiff it was a beautiful morning for a run, brisk and sunny.  I tried to imagine what kind of a baby Jesus would be and what it must have been like for Mary to be a virgin, carrying such a holy child, a child that was going to save the world!

I find that you can tell what a child's temperament will be already when they are a baby.  For example my children who turned out to be very strong willed were colicky as babies. So I think Jesus might have been a very compliant baby because he was such a peaceful person.

As a new mother you worry about dropping your baby.  I wonder how it must have been for Mary?  She had the added pressure if she dropped her baby she was dropping the Saviour of the world!!
Its too mind blowing!

Day 2

7 K
(One of my running routes is 6.5 K and then I walk to dog for .5)  K

Booklet: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2.

Mary and Joseph didn't have flashlights or LEDs or any of the modern conveniences for travel that we have.

What might they have used to see the way when it was getting dark?

_________________________________________________________________

I don't know what they would have used?  The sun, moon, stars?  In Christmas plays they use lanterns?

While I was pondering this I was noticing a lot of things that applied to light on my run.  First of all, my LED headlight was not working which was very frustrating.  I had street lights and car lights as back ups but Mary and Joseph wouldn't have that and I think it would be pretty scary and creepy.

Then I ran by this church that usually has a beautiful nativity scene in lights.  But tonight it wasn't turned on for some reason.  It looked very boring and dull without the lights.  Just a bunch of dark wires.  What a difference light makes.

Then when I came to the four corners to cross the street the light was green but the "little walking man sign" wouldn't come up.  This happens all the time and is also frustrating.  Either I just go anyway because its still green, and technically that means go or I wait a long time till it turns green again and the "walking man sign" comes up.  Well I was in a hurry so I chose to go for it but didn't feel totally safe.  (Hope my mom's not reading this).

I looked for a star to imagine following the Bethlehem star but couldn't find one single star in the sky.  Well what did I expect this is Oshawa not Bethlehem. When I ran in some darker areas I really wished my light was working but it was very still and quiet and felt quite peaceful.

ADVENTure 140 km Journey to Bethlehem

DAY 1, Dec 1

For Advent this year my church, Hope Fellowship, is challenging its members to do an ADVENTure, a Journey to Bethlehem.  Walk or run 6 k a day from Dec 1 - Dec 25, 140 km, the same distance Mary and Joseph walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

___________________________________

Here's what it said in the little booklet/devotional they gave us:

"On this Journey to Bethlehem, we hope to create time and space to ponder the wonders of God's love and to think about how we will ready ourselves for His coming.

Pray for open eyes as we look for the One who is Emmanuel, God-with-us, as we travel."

Prayer for the road:
Lord, please open my eyes to see You.
__________________________________

I am very excited about doing this but I already got to a late start.  It was my daughter's birthday

Dec 1 and I had planned on running after our family get together but it went too late and it didn't happen.  Oh well I'll just have to catch up with everyone over the week.

http://hopefellowship.ca/journeytobethlehem.php