S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Insanity

Recently, my husband and I have begun the Insanity workout (thanks to a friend who gave it to us!). Let me say, it is indeed insane. I have cried most days during the workout and struggle to make it through without multiple breaks - not to mention I'm starving all the time! It is HARD -- even my former college football player of a husband will tell you it's hard. (I'll do my best to keep you posted with our results!)

Most days, I compare in my mind my Insanity workout to the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. at the Ultimate Training Camp. I think to myself, this is the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. at home for non-athletes! The event known as the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. (Spiritual Principles + Exhaustion = Confidence In All Mighty Lord) takes place each summer at Athletes in Action's Ultimate Training Camp (UTC) out in Fort Collins, Colorado. UTC provides an opportunity for collegiate athletes to experience the Gospel through the language of sport.

During the summer of 2011, I had the chance to spend a few weeks helping staff UTC.... what an experience! I witnessed student-athletes working their tails off, pushing themselves beyond their physical limits, and trusting God to be their strength. When I think back to that, remember those who aimed to finish strong, and rest in God's grace while relying on His strength, I am able to not only complete my workout, but use it as a time to worship the Lord! We are called to honor the Lord with our bodies, and love him with all of our strength.... no better way for me to do that right now than through disciplining my body through the Insanity workout! It's near impossible for me, so I depend on the Lord! What a special opportunity.... to workout, worship, and love the Lord with my strength!

--How can you best love God with all your heart, soul, and strength?

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength." - Deuteronomy 6:5

"I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave..." - 1 Corinthians 9:27

Olympics: More than Sport

This summer, London will host the 2012 Olympic Games. In about sixteen days, the opening ceremonies will begin and make way for the competition of thirty-six sports!

When I think of the Olympics, I think of highly competitive sport, athletes with pure determination, and a world stage that brings honor to many countries. But, this video shows that there is indeed so much more to it than that. As the "Road to London" becomes more narrow, I wanted to share a video that is both inspiring and moving. Hope you enjoy!

Struggle and Triumph

"Do you know that in a race all runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

A Light For My Path

Running requires a path. Have you ever really given thought to the path, or do you focus more on the running? I usually am so focused on running, I tend to not give much thought, if any, to the path. A good run is different for everyone. But what ingredients make up a “good running path”... smooth and dry ground, beautiful surrounding scenery, the chirping of birds coming from nearby trees? What about light?

I picture myself running on a path that meets my standards of being a "good running path" but it's in complete darkness. I will not be able to see the path in effort to continue on it, or avoid hitting something. Even with a flashlight, only a step or two in front of me will be illuminated and I will certainly not be able to see how much farther I have until I reach the end of the path. But, just one step is enough as long as I take my time and trust that the light will not dim! On your path, in life, are you feeling alone, in the dark, with no guidance? God wants to be the light to your path. Will you let Him? He knows the way…

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105