Running and Praying

Since I started running outside, I can't seem to get back onto a treadmill.  Being outside in God's country brings God to mind.

Many times it happens.  I'll be in prayer while on a run and someone will come to mind.  So, I'll pray for that individual asking for God's will to be done and for their acceptance of His will.

This morning was no exception.  What was different was that I was listening to my i-pod.  I usually don't run with music, but on long runs I will.  When I started my nine mile run this morning, the sun was starting to shine even though the clouds were still spitting out a bit of snow and rain.  Yes, snow and rain ... the temperature was 32 degrees when I left the house.

A few miles into my run, the following song came on:

Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

 I get knocked down, but I get up again.  You're never going to keep me down.  I get knocked down, but I get up again.  You're never going to keep me down .... 

My thoughts turned to a good friend of mine who had a rough day yesterday.  I thanked God for being able to help her out in the small capacity that I did.  I thanked God for bringing her example into my life.  I asked God to give her strength in dealing with others who are not grateful for her friendship.


I continued on my run praying for the mothers that I know who are expecting.


Then the following song started to play:


Up! by Shania Twain      (*disclaimer:  I'm not a big country fan, but this song spoke to me)

It’s ’bout as bad as it could be
Seems everybody’s buggin’ me
Like nothing wants to go my way--
Yeah, it just ain’t been my day
Nothin’s comin’ easily

Even my skin is acting weird
I wish that I could grow a beard
Then I could cover up my spots
Not play connect the dots
I just wanna disappear

[chorus:]
Up--up--up--
Can only go up from here
Up--up--up--up
Where the clouds gonna clear
Up--up--up--
There’s no way but up from here

My friend came back into my thoughts and prayers.   Have I told her how much I appreciate her listening to me when I talk about babies and natural family planning?  Have I told her how much I appreciate that she understands where I stand on these things?  Have I told her that I'm grateful to call her my friend?

A herd of deer crossed the road in front of me.  Looking down at Gunner, I was seven miles into my run.  Funny, I was a bit sad that I was just two miles from home.

Then this song played:

Blessed by Martina McBride     (*disclaimer:  Hmmm, another country song)

I get kissed by the sun
Each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the
Bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my
Front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed...

 I have been blessed.  God blessed me with a husband who has brought be much joy and much sorrow.  God has blessed me with five healthy children.  God has blessed me with friends who have helped me out of the darkest pits.  God has blessed me with an outlet (running) which helps to keep me sane.  I am so blessed that Jesus died for my sins.  It is so much more than I deserve.