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.
Running for Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 20, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
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.
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.
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