Healing Waters

Put four adults in a mountain stream that is icy cold--so cold that your legs go numb in seconds! And what do you have? Relief!!! (Plus strange looks from families who are bundled up in sweaters and are trying to keep their kids from playing in the same water!) Y'all know that I love to run...thus the title of my blog. Trail running is my favorite--just leave out the coyotes and snakes! After a L..O..N..G run, nothing feels more refreshing than to feel the icy fingers of healing water relax the muscles and blood vessels in your legs. Healing occurs quicker we have discovered (and we don't walk funny for quite as long!)

...Jesus stood and said in a loud voice," If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."John 7:37-38. I love this Scripture from John! There is so much to ponder within it! One version describes Jesus as the Fountain of Living Water. Healing and salvation come from Him when we accept His gift of grace. Once we "drink" from this stream or fountain, we too have this power of living water within us (the Holy Spirit). While running, I have to continuously drink water or Cytomax to stay hydrated. If I deplete my supply, the pain of dehydration sets in quickly. This carries over to my spiritual running/walking as well. I must consume His Word and spend time in fellowship with Him to keep my heart "hydrated" --if you will! Then, my love, care, and concern for others will keep on flowing. He lives, through the Holy Spirit, within my heart. I won't ever be thirsty again! (Wouldn't this be GREAT while physically running as well?!!) AT THIS POINT, THE YOU TUBE VIDEO OF "COME TO THE WATERS" WOULD BE SO PERFECT!! BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO INSERT A YOU TUBE VIDEO--HELP!!!!!

This will be one of my memory verses to ponder while I run my race this weekend. We begin on Sunday at 7:30am and run through the woods until we cross that finish line...hours away. I would so appreciate your prayers as I run! The weather is supposed to be a little warm, and I don't do very well in the heat! (Think of a wilted magnolia blossom that has turned brown!!) I am preparing my body(by carbo-loading and drinking lots of water beforehand) and my spirit (by prayer and uplifting music on my Ipod Shuffle--love that little pink thingie!). I would love to pray for you as well while I'm running!! I will wear a "Live Strong" bracelet with your name on it--in very LARGE print!! For each mile, I'll pray for a different person. It helps me stay focused and keeps me in tune with Christ while pounding away the miles. I'll be back in touch on Monday night--I'm subbing on Monday( if I can walk!!!)--or Tuesday. Hugs to all of you!!

On a more serious note, please continue to lift up those families being affected by the swine flu! Y'all, this is hitting close to home. Child #1 is at home today because 3 kids at his high school have the flu---DHEC is running tests to see what kind of flu it is. All of this is a PRECAUTIONARY attempt to keep our children safe, and I applaud the school district's efforts. Safety is the number one priority. So, let's see what fun chores Mama can find for darling child to accomplish today--Heehee!!!

Don't forget to send me your prayer requests. If you want to be anonymous, that's fine. God knows who I'm praying for. :)

Many Blessings!!