Oops I did it again...

Today was long run day.  It's Florida and it's hot - 75 at 5:30 am to be exact.  I've got my camelback filled with water, fuel, and my trusty head lamp.  16 miles to do and hopefully do them as quickly as possible to beat the heat.  Ha!!  No such thing.  It's hot.  I keep telling myself, "It's okay.  Train in the heat, race in the cold."   Remind me I said that in August.  In any event, my next two marathons will be cold - Montreal and then New York in November.

Speaking of New York.  I'm running the New York Marathon under the fundraising umbrella of Team World Vision.  I have a goal of $5000.00 to raise.  This money will be going towards child protection in Africa and thus far I have raised $810.00.  

Fundraising isn't my thing.  So, why did I sign up for it?

I signed up to fundraise for these beautiful faces.  Read their stories here.   See the woman in the bottom picture?  She's gathering drinking water for her children (photo credit Scott Stauffacher).  Where did you get your water today?

So the oops.  I ran pretty slow and was drenched with sweat, including my socks.  I swung up my left foot to the countertop to check my toenails when I felt a sharp pain in my left 2nd toe as it clenched.  You remember I broke that toe over a year ago. Orthopedist told me it could take a year or more to completely heal.  Great... That hurt so bad!!  Praying it doesn't hinder my running.  If I'm in pain next run, Monday, I will remember these faces and remind myself that I have such a blessed life.  A little broken toe is nothing compared to the living conditions and the dangers these precious children, God's children, face every day.

Next time you are hot, sweaty, in a little pain (or a lot), remember these children.  Make a difference in their life by donating.  As little as $50 can provide water for one child for their lifetime.

Thank you for your support.

http://goo.gl/oB6jyL

DO WHAT YOU CAN, NOT WHAT YOU CAN'T

None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.
(1 Corinthians 10:24)

Easter like Christmas?

I was just wondering, why can't Easter by more like Christmas?  No, I don't mean the tree and Santa Clause.  On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus by giving gifts.  Charitable giving is on the minds of hearts of many, not just Christians during this time.  We give to our family, to friends and coworkers, and our neighbors.  We give to the poor and the needy families in our neighborhoods.  It bothers me that, in general, that it stops on December 26th.

So, if people are in a giving mood surrounding the celebration of Christ's birth, why not his resurrection?  After all, the resurrection is what gives us hope. It's the culmination of Christ's time here on earth.  It's the completion of his task, that promise of eternal life.

We give for his birth, yet we hunt for candy on His resurrection.  Anyone besides me see a problem with that?

I'd like to change that.  If you are reading this and gave during Christmas, please think about giving on Easter.  If you are reading this and didn't give during Christmas, please give on Easter.  After all, Christ died for you.  He gave IT ALL!!!  If you were planning on going "Easter shopping" to buy that "Easter dress" for yourself and your children I would like to challenge you to take that money and give it to the homeless, the poor, the needy.  Give to your local pregnancy center or homeless shelter.  Buy dinner for someone who is out of a job.  Pay for the groceries of the family in the check out line who is counting pennies.  Give to the parents/families of our military who are struggling.

Most of all, give because everything you have belongs to God.  He gave us his son who gave us his life so that we could live with him in Heaven.

GOD IS LOVE.  LOVE IS A VERB.

I DIED FOR YOU BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.

GIVE TODAY.