Thursday, April 30, 2009

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!!

8 comments:

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

That my writing journey will unfold as God desires, in his time and in his perfect way. That's my prayer request.

Be safe this weekend, and that water is breathtakingly beautiful.

peace~elaine

Gotta Run..... said...

You already have mine :)

See you on Sunday!!!

It is going to be a great event :)

Yolanda said...

That hubs and I continue to hear from God, have gentle hearts and that our employee's find employment quickly.

THANK YOU!

On Purpose said...

I would love for you to pray that I allow God to truly be the 'pilot' of His ministry and that I submit to being the copilot and treasure the importance of His perfect timing. So basically that I submit my stubborn will of wanting to rush Him!

I love you my friend. I feel so blessed to be covered in prayer by you!

Know that I am thinking of you and praying for you while you run!

Sharon Sloan said...

Praying for your race this weekend and praying for His protection from the swine flu. Oh my.

I can feel the rush of the cold water between my toes now! And I don't even run...except in heals throughout my day! hee hee

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

Susan,
Hi! Thank you for being so supportive of me and my new journey to run. I adore your sweet spirit. I will call you--I am excited to hear your advice and "pick your brain".

Love this post!
Pray for me! My request~That I will find time to sit in God's presence, daily. Despite the busy life around me. Oh, and that I can complete my 5K and train well. No anxiety.

I will pray for you. I can't wait to hear more about your race!

Joyful said...

Would sure appreciate continued prayer for my family and I...especially my Dad. Mom and Dad celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary this coming Tuesday. Trusting it will be a good day for Dad.

I'm also facing some health challenges right now. More Dr's ap'ts in May. Praying the Lord will touch and heal me as well.

Praying for you too my friend,
Love & hugs,
Joy
PS. To post a You Tube video: When you are on the page of the selected video, towards the top right hand corner you will see an "embed" code. Copy and paste it in your blog. It's really that simple!

natalie said...

Susan,

I ran into your blog and found it to be a real blessing! I am just beginning to job. I used to run lots of road races, gosh, about 15 years ago!!! I have been walking 5 miles a day so I am ready to begin running again. Hope I can get it back!

I'll be praying for you as you run your race Saturday!

God Bless and Good Luck,
natalie