"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12.1-3

in the fall, we were two miserable students sitting in anthropology class attempting to occupy the lecture time with anything but what the professor wanted to say so, we began reading a blog. it's the story of libby ryder and her battle against cancer. since september, God has used libby's story to awaken in us a realization of the story he has written for our own lives. libby has shown us what it means to set our eyes on Jesus and run, with reckless abandonment, into the arms of the Father. libby's friend angie has decided to run a half marathon in celebration of the end of libby's chemo and, lord willing, her cancer. following libby's example, we are joining in the celebration. we. are. not. runners. we are scared. we are full of doubts. but, we are inspired. the past year has been full of triumphs and tribulations for us, too. this is a physical representation of us throwing off everything that has hindered and entangled- pain, heartache, doubt, shame- and running to Jesus and basking in his grace. this run is for libby. this run if for freedom. our only hope is that He will be glorified.

"Let us hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have broken rejoice!" Psalm 51.8

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

four.three.two.

4
okay, i don't know why we haven't posted about this yet BUT this past sunday was FOUR miles. that's right, FOUR. on sunday night, before leadership, Jesus ran four miles and Han and I were there to witness it. i say this because our bodies in and of themselves could not and would not have gone for four. but they did. my prayer on sunday was that Jesus would move in us and be our strength. praise the Lord for hearing our hearts' cries (that were literal cries while running).

3
today was three. as i said earlier today, i didn't want to run. but when it came time, i was ready. what i wasn't ready for was the pain. i'd say thus far that i haven't experienced intense physical pain while running. i think i've definitely felt my body but it hasn't been overwhelming. it's usually a mental challenge. today, my body was aching. it wasn't an overwhelming ache, as if my body was telling me to stop. but it was noticeable. and it was frequent. my muscles were burning. but my legs kept moving. then i realized that i hadn't prepared well for the run- i wasn't hydrated, we didn't stretch very well, and i was exhausted from lack of sleep. tomorrow, i will do things differently. but while i think about it, isn't this so representative of walking with Jesus? living for Christ is one of the most dangerous i think we can do- it's uncharted territory, most of the time. we don't know what's going to happen next. we don't know what is going to be thrown at us. but we are called to persevere and trust. God calls us to be faithful. but how? we are prepared for battle. it's how we will fight the good fight. it's how we will finish strong. 

2
tomorrow is two. two little miles. you bet i will be drinking water tomorrow. and spend time stretching. and, come to think of it, go to bed after i finish posting. we thought three would be a piece of cake after four...SIKE. but tomorrow, we will be ready. who knows what could happen in 2 miles. my prayer is that everyday the Lord would show us his strength. his mighty strength. 
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness...for when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12.10

Julia


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  1. CaitlinFebruary 16, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    you go girls!! i am a huge libby fan! I ran my first half marathon in the fall...its a really cool experience! I never thought that I would be able to do it, but I did! I cried and cried after my first 10 mile run. ("Jesus I Come" was playing..woah!) you will be amazed at how the Lord provides! much love to you both!

    Caitlin McCall

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