tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13451224499315326662024-03-05T02:58:35.320-06:00GRACERUNNER JOURNALGRACERUNNER JOURNAL entries are my heart felt, God given stories of His amazing grace as seen through my eyes. It is my heart's desire for others to see God's grace in action -- simple reminders to look up and then look forward to see His wonderful works of unmerited favor. Come run with me as we marvel at what God is doing in the lives of His people.Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-63743223219833649422014-08-06T08:43:00.002-05:002014-08-06T08:43:50.652-05:00Seasons of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is winding down for most folks with kids going back to school soon, football season on the horizon, and summer vacations are in the books. It was a blur for most of us! And, so it is with life -- we rush through our "seasons of life" and wonder where all the time went -- we invested our time in one thing and another had to be put on the shelf or we invested time in things that mattered and we will have life long memories. </div>
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Time is precious for once we spend it in one way, we can't get it back. We can't press rewind and have a do over -- a life mulligan. We have to live with what we have done and then move forward. </div>
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This is a problem for many of us, including me. Looking forward is hard when the harsh realities of our time in the past keep tapping us on the shoulder to remind us what we should have been, should have done, or just to give us a guilt trip. A simple reminder to look to God and pray and then move forward is the way I try to deal with these rear view moments. </div>
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God uses everything that we have been through to mold us into the person that He wants us to be. So, even if you could go back, would you? I wouldn't -- sure, my human nature tells me that I would change this or that, but when I really think about what I've been through and how it has changed my life, I wouldn't go back and change it for anything. God has taught me lessons that I would have never learned if everything had gone just like I wanted it to go. </div>
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It's hard, but I know for sure that God has promised us much in Romans 8:28, <i>"ALL things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called to HIS purpose!"</i> If I live in the past, I'm not believing the truth of this promise!</div>
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Today make it a priority to move forward after you have prayerfully considered the goodness and grace of God. I think you'll learn, as I have, that His plan is much better than anything I could have ever imagined.</div>
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Look up and then move forward ---</div>
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Under HIS Grace...</div>
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Chris</div>
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Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-47496322185749472412014-08-01T08:46:00.001-05:002014-08-01T08:46:49.470-05:00The Person God Wants Me to Be...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few days ago I posted my daily GRACE-WORDS ....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Allow God to change you from who you were yesterday to the person He wants you to be today!" © GRACE-WORDS</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have changed much in the past few years and this has been especially true over the past month. God is at work in my life and I want to honor Him by being the person that He wants me to be -- not the person that the world thinks that I should be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My life has taken many twists and turns over the past year. I've had moments of excitement, times of agony, have been lied to, and my feelings have been dismissed. Like many of you, I have been liked and disliked, understood and misunderstood, accepted and rejected. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bottom line of all of this is that I cannot do anything about how others treat me except to be the person that God wants me to be today. That may be different than yesterday or tomorrow. I must focus on allowing God to work in my life today! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We can't worry about being the person that the world wants us to be. It's not our job to please everyone or do everything that they want us to do. My role is to follow God's plan for my life. Simple, yet we've made it complex by adding in the human element of imperfection. We serve a perfect God who has a perfect plan. Why do we care about the imperfect world and its imperfect plan?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you go about your day, remember that God has control and all the decisions you make should be influenced by Him. He may use others to help us, but I do not believe that He uses others to bring us down. If you place yourself in the center of God's will and give it ALL over to Him, that's enough because He's got your life in His hands!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's a great place to be --</span></span><br />
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Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-49147282839251963232014-07-08T09:59:00.001-05:002014-07-08T09:59:32.753-05:00Trucking on Down the Road<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move to the Florida Coast -- New Home of TEAM 413 -- Presented by U-HAUL!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kiki and I have learned much during our moving adventure from Athens, Georgia to Seacrest, Florida. We have both become truck drivers, movers, and frequent visitors to the Goodwill Donation Center. We have learned that we don't need nearly as much stuff as we DIDN'T know we had until we started packing a truck and TWO trailers! God has taught us so many lessons, but most of all, He has taught us to savor the experience and not take anything for granted!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our biggest trip about 10 days ago with Kiki pulling a trailer and me driving a truck full of our belongings, we stopped at a small truck stop just outside of Athens. At that truck stop I did several things that I've never done before. I fueled the truck and it was nearly $100.00! And, I realized that I had not eaten all day so, I broke down and got a truck stop hot dog -- Actually it wasn't bad. We pulled out of that establishment headed south. All that I lacked was a big, tall truck driver's cap! Instead, I wore my TEAM 413 cap as I thought it was more appropriate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mind raced for the next 6 hours as we made our way through Georgia, Alabama, and finally to the Florida Panhandle. What is this full-time gig with TEAM 413 going to look like? How are we going to make ends meet? Who believes in TEAM 413 enough to help us? What is the next step? I had a bunch of questions and then I remembered the promise from Philippians 4:13 that I wear on the back of my TEAM 413 shirt -- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I thought to myself, God has this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God has something big in store for this ministry. Honestly, I don't know what it is, but I trust Him with my life and I know that whatever comes our way is going to be in His timing and it will be for His glory. That's all we can do as Christians....trust and obey! He's got the rest. We must remember the promise...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">And we know that in all things God works for the good</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145A" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> of those who love him, who</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">have been called</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145B" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i> according to his purpose."</i> Romans 8:28 (NIV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Called to HIS purpose is a good place to be! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Under HIS Grace... </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Chris</span></div>
Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-79227128017127631792014-06-27T09:05:00.000-05:002014-06-27T10:35:55.993-05:00Sensations - Out of the Comfort Zone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are times in life when you simply can't understand what is going on within your heart or all around you. At those times God is working in a special way to create a sensation of responsiveness that we would not have if we had slipped into a comfort zone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my 56 years I have felt this sensation on several occasions that are far too complex to write about in a short blog. However, recently this sensation has been within me because of the uncharted road that lies ahead. By "uncharted" I mean it doesn't show up on my "human" GPS, but it certainly is planned and ordained by God. This hightened sensation of the things around me, I suppose, is God's way of keeping me intune, to provide me with the opportunity to NOT miss anything along my path, and to look to Him for guidance along this journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all fall in a routine at some point in our lives. The alarm clock sounds, we jump in the shower, get dressed, hop in the car, drive to work, walk into an office, interact with people, end our day, go home, have dinner, and turn in for the night only to have it happen again day after day. We put ourselves in a "rut" of complacency that we don't want anyone to disrupt. If our "rut" is affected, we don't know what to do. It's just the way we live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe God will pull you out of the comfort zone rut in order to challenge you to be more, do more, and feel more of His presence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here I am out of my comfort zone, on the edge of my rut looking down at it, and feeling a little uneasy because complacency is gone. Yet, it feels good! I am closer to God as I travel throughout my day. I feel no sense of urgency to do the things of this world that man wants me to do, instead I feel a timely patience to wait on God and see what He has in store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a good place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track.</i> Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Under HIS Grace...</span></div>
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Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-19579737114704291592014-06-25T20:19:00.000-05:002014-06-25T20:19:46.471-05:00SIDE by SIDE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It never gets easier. It is always hard. I simply cannot get over it.</div>
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I married Kiki in 2005 and when we are apart, I am not whole. She truly completes me in so many ways and every time we are separated, it gets harder and harder. </div>
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Kiki and I worked the Grandma's Marathon expo together in Duluth, Minnesota last weekend -- sort of an escape from the harsh heat of the south as it was in the 40's and 50's for the duration of our stay there. Still, it was so great to work an event together. Working side by side -- that's the way it should be.</div>
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Our return flight arrived in Atlanta late on Sunday evening. Upon our arrival, we quickly claimed the TEAM 413 gear at baggage claim and made our way to the offsite shuttle area. The problem? Kiki got on one shuttle to go retrieve her SUV and drive through the night to our new home in Seacrest, Florida. I waited to board another shuttle for a two hour ride back to our previous home in Athens, Georgia. I had to go back to Athens in order to tie up loose ends, pack some things, and prepare to for a trip to Indianapolis for the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Symposium where I speak this week.</div>
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Kiki had to be back to her new job at the Rosemary Beach Trading Company by Monday morning and I was off in a different direction. I have been among packed boxes, Goodwill donation items, and bare walls in Athens for three days and as I write this post, I sit in a hotel room in downtown Indy after a 10 hour drive today. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder -- well, it also makes one a little sad!</div>
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After my last presentation this coming Saturday, Kiki and I will meet back in Athens, pack the rest of our belongings, load a rental truck, and drive back to Florida. I calculated the mileage that we will have traveled since we left to go to Duluth, Minnesota last Wednesday until we settle in Florida some time next Tuesday night -- the grand total will be more than 8,200 miles! That's a lot of miles!</div>
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This adjustment of moving to full-time status with TEAM 413 has not been easy. To be honest, it has been much more difficult than I ever imagined. However, both of us would have it no other way because we know that the end result will be that we are reunited again soon, enjoying each other's company as we grow old together serving the Lord! OK.... as I grow old....Kiki never ages!</div>
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I claim and cling to this promise tonight .... and I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord! My plans are not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future -- The Chris Gillespie paraphrase of Jeremiah 29:11.</div>
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We are looking forward to a great future -- side by side!</div>
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Join us on this great adventure!</div>
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Under HIS Grace...</div>
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Chris</div>
Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-53965196203418936582014-06-24T07:39:00.000-05:002014-06-24T21:08:49.746-05:00It's Been A Long Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving Forward in this Journey</td></tr>
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I haven't posted a blog in over a year because I spend most of my time writing GRACE-WORDS each morning. However, because of the happenings of the past few weeks, I will be posting GRACERUNNER JOURNAL on a regular basis from this day forward.</div>
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My wife, Kiki, and I made a decision just prior to June 1 -- We committed our life's work to TEAM 413 - GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES. After founding the ministry back in 2003, it has grown to be the largest ministry for endurance athletes in the world with an estimated 80,000 people running under the name of TEAM 413. We had directed the ministry as volunteers in our "spare" time for 11 years and it just couldn't go on like that any longer. The ministry needed and will now receive my full attention from a work perspective.</div>
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We stepped out in faith after much prayer, consultation with folks much wiser than me, investigating all options, and with all the facts at our disposal. We moved to Seacrest, Florida where we own a small vacation cottage and has now become our home and the headquarters of TEAM 413. This is where we'll be from this day forward as we do the work and run life's race that God has placed before us.</div>
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I ask that you pray for us as we move along this path. Please pray for guidance, wisdom, and discernment as we make the decisions that will chart the direction of this very visible and viable ministry within the endurance athlete community. We will be very busy in short order! So, please pray for uncommon strength for us in the days ahead.</div>
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Our first project is a major fundraising campaign that will help us enhance the ministry and allow us to attend more events each year. To be directed to our fundraising page, click <a href="https://www.givlet.org/donate/mJ0t/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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I thank God each day for allowing me to be His servant and to lead TEAM 413. I am humbled and honored by His faithfulness, goodness, and grace! I also thank Him for all of you -- those who make TEAM 413 go by simply sharing your faith along your journey! Stay the course! We have much work to do!</div>
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Under HIS Grace...</div>
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Chris</div>
Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-39709037709062060362013-04-18T20:56:00.002-05:002013-04-18T20:56:47.505-05:00ONE Nation Under GOD...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>OVER THE START LINE OF TEAM 413'S "GET THERE & SHARE" Half Marathon<br /><span style="font-size: large;">4-13-13</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />Those who know me well, know that I don't give up easily. I've looked at the picture above that was taken by one of the runners in our inaugural TEAM 413 "GET THERE & SHARE" Half Marathon on 4-13-13. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">It's a picture of the sky above the start line. We notice the cross and we notice the flag. The words keep coming back to me .... "ONE nation under GOD..."<br /></span></div>
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The unthinkable horror of an act of cowardly terrorism in Boston this past Monday cannot be allowed to stand. I, along with all of you, will stand in the gap with our runners as they complete their life dreams. I will stand with them as they move toward the finish line and experience that moment when training, guts, grit, and dreams collide to become reality in their lives. I, like you, will not run from the terror of this world but will run to glorify God.</div>
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My new goal is to have prayer and for runners to recite the pledge of allegiance at every start line of every race in this country. We need to pray for victim<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">s of terror or victims of wounds of the heart in their daily lives. We need to pray for God's mercy and grace over our people. AND we need to pledge our allegiance to the greatest country in the world.</span></div>
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The country that you and I know is filled with heroes -- it's filled with patriotism -- it's filled with the things that made this country great. It's time that we take it back!</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I'm on a mission! Join me!</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Chris</span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-49368335348130084472012-12-31T07:09:00.000-06:002012-12-31T07:09:08.235-06:00What a Difference a Year Makes!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>GRACERUNNER JOURNEY 2011</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a difference a year makes! On this last day of 2012 I reflect on how my running over the past year compares to 2011. In 2011 I ran 2756 miles -- an average of 53 miles per week in my 53rd year which I completed on December 31, 2011. In addition to my many training miles in 2011, I completed 15 half marathons, 3 full marathons, and 6 runs which were greater than marathon distance during my 10 day GRACERUNNER JOURNEY. Fast forward to 2012 --- Because of a major hip injury I had to cut back drastically and will end the year with a total of approximately 1,300 miles -- completing 9 half marathons and 2 full marathons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in August, after several months of much pain and eventually reaching the point that I could not run, sit, drive, or sleep without pain, I met with one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the country who specializes in hip surgery. He told me what I didn't want to hear. My hip joint needed repair --- a resurfacing procedure instead of a total hip replacement. After this surgery and much rehabilitation it is our desire that I will feel much better. The surgeon told me that we could do the procedure in October. I declined. He told me that we could have the surgery before the end of the year. Once again, I declined. He was puzzled. I explained that I had unfinished business for our TEAM 413 ministry. I planned to run the Chicago Marathon on October 7 and then complete the Goofy Challenge (run both the half and full marathons) at the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend in January 2013. He had no problem with this, but warned me that I would have significant pain. My response was that I thought that I could deal with the pain. He agreed to allow me to carry on if I thought that it was what I needed to do.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2012 CHICAGO MARATHON</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I completed the Chicago Marathon on October 7 and my surgeon was right! I had a lot of pain. Nevertheless, I completed the event albeit very slow! October, November, and December would prove my doc right again. Pain would be my constant companion as I continued forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, comes one of the greatest physical challenges of my life. January will be a month filled with much effort, agony, joy, guts, grit, and pain. On January 12 I will line up for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and then on the 13th I'll once again go to the starting line in order to complete the Walt Disney World Full Marathon -- This will be my 4th Goofy Challenge at the WDW Marathon Weekend. My only desire is to finish the event to the glory of God and to be a witness to someone along my journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On January 14 Kiki and I will drive from Orlando, Florida to Columbia, South Carolina. On January 15 I will finish preliminary testing prior to my surgery and then on January 16 I will undergo hip surgery, the structures will be resurfaced, and I'll stay in the hospital for a few days. What follows is still bit of a mystery to me. I'll be out of running for at least 6 months. I'll go through a rehabilitation program with a goal of returning to running at whatever pace God allows me to achieve. There is a race that I'm aiming for as my return event in 2013, but I'll keep that to myself for now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many folks have asked if I will still travel to represent TEAM 413 at marathon expos and at speaking engagements while I'm physically out of commission. The answer is, YES! I plan to be at a couple of events in February and then go to all of our scheduled events from March throughout the spring and summer prior to return to running. I'll probably sit down a bit more in our booth space and will have more volunteers to help us, but I'll be out there with my wonderful wife and partner, Kiki, sharing with whoever will listen. And, I'll be planning for our April 12-13 Race Weekend in Alabama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This journey is going to be a challenge. It will be a test of my will, mental toughness, physical stamina, and trust in God's promise that HE is THERE! It will be a testimony to God working in my life! I'm looking forward to it with great anticipation! As always, Kiki will be right there by my side encouraging me, pushing me, loving me, and sharing our story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call me crazy! I'll just say that I am still on a relentless pursuit to allow God to draw strength from the depths of my soul that I didn't know that I had any longer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is good --- He is faithful -- and I am blessed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Under </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">HIS </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Grace...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris</span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-6830379939863803662012-11-06T18:23:00.000-06:002012-11-06T18:23:52.567-06:00Fall Marathon Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLWMUuNQDCqurio_IvnqACgJr5TYLPSPFdFNkFgzgZ0gUXm0Q51fyOjh-DaZ4NCWdieTXMKlTePFuDU613Ksekwsz1noRR8YI1pe8c2jNnmiHkc6Carh-bTj9RYrYdjFeI8W-mHRaEUnT/s1600/bass+pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLWMUuNQDCqurio_IvnqACgJr5TYLPSPFdFNkFgzgZ0gUXm0Q51fyOjh-DaZ4NCWdieTXMKlTePFuDU613Ksekwsz1noRR8YI1pe8c2jNnmiHkc6Carh-bTj9RYrYdjFeI8W-mHRaEUnT/s400/bass+pro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dick Beardsley, TEAM 413 Ambassador Steve Wilson, Me, and Frank Shorter<br />at The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival Marathon Weekend where<br />I was a speaker along with Dick and Frank. Great event in Springfield, Missouri!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's November 6 and we are in the midst of fall marathon season. This fall has been a very busy time for TEAM 413. In October we attended events in Chicago, St. Louis, Des Moines, and Washington, DC. As we've entered November our schedule has already included Savannah and Springfield. We go to San Antonio this coming weekend prior to a two week break for a little rest and then we'll be off to Las Vegas to start the month of December....8 race expos in 9 weekends! It's a daunting schedule for all of us, but we wouldn't have it any other way! Kiki and I along with all of our ambassadors and volunteers cherish the time that we spend with folks from all over the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep checking our schedule at <a href="http://www.team413.org/">www.team413.org</a>. We'll be coming to a city near you soon. 2013 promises to be the busiest year in our history and we look forward to what God is going to do as we follow His calling to "GET THERE AND SHARE!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is our calling - it is our duty - God is faithful - we are blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under HIS Grace...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris</span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-10700109436131492432012-10-04T22:37:00.000-05:002012-10-05T11:58:36.311-05:00Not My Race...It is HIS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a very hard decision, but I have decided what I am going to do. I have mixed emotions. I am honestly not sure that I can complete the task at hand. For almost a year I've had significant hip pain. Yet, I have been able to run and finish races albeit at a much slower pace than usual.</div>
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Last April I was a speaker at the Illinois Marathon Speaker Series and decided to run the half marathon while I was there representing TEAM 413. The race was difficult for me and on the way home I starting having more than "normal" pain in my right hip. I dismissed it. I tried to forget about it. I took time off and then I tried to run again. I couldn't.</div>
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So, all my running plans seemed to be placed on the shelf for awhile. I missed running at Grandma's, Hospital Hill, the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and other events throughout the summer. Finally I had to make a decision and in early August I saw one of the top hip surgeons in the country. Having already seen my MRI and X-Rays, I knew that his advice would not be what I wanted to hear. He told me that I needed either a hip replacement or hip resurfacing. We discussed the validity, complications, and success of both procedures. We concluded that I was a candidate for a hip resurfacing rather than replacement simply because I am so active with TEAM 413. I want to return to running as soon as possible after the surgery.</div>
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My surgery was scheduled for January 16, 2013. Then, I asked a lot of questions. <i>"If I can stand the pain, can I run/walk until then? Will I cause any additional harm? Will activity compromise the success of the upcoming surgery?"</i> The answers were fairly simple....<i>"the damage is done. If you can tolerate the pain, you can do whatever you wish."</i> So I asked more, <i>"How about running the Chicago Marathon in October and finishing the Goofy Challenge at the Disney World Marathon in January?"</i> The doctor answered, <i>"Not a problem if you can do it....chances are you won't be able to go through the pain."</i> Although it was not a challenge, I took it as one!</div>
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So, here I am just three days from the start of the Chicago Marathon, one of the greatest marathons in the world. I registered a very long time ago. I have a race number. I have a corral assignment. We have a place to stay. Everything says, "GO!" except my hip. I've delayed or altered long runs because of pain. Instead, my long runs became long weekends....4 miles on Friday, 8 miles on Saturday, and 12 or more miles on Sunday. Unconventional? Yes! Will this training get me to the finish line in Chicago? I have no idea, but I hope to give it a shot!</div>
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After much prayer, I have made the decision to go to Chicago, I will line up at the start line on Sunday morning, October 7, with a very supportive wife cheering me on. My start corral is far back in the crowd so, I will have more time to "warm up." My race goal is to beat the time limit for the event, but if I can't, to keep moving forward and get to the finish nevertheless.</div>
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No matter what happens on race day I will still plan on going the "GOOFY DISTANCE" on January 12-13. After that, I'll check in at the hospital and turn my hip over to the surgeon for resurfacing on January 16. </div>
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Crazy? Maybe.</div>
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Blessed? For sure. </div>
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Goal to glorify God? Exactly!<br />
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Say a prayer for us as we continue this path that God has planned for us. While some folks may not understand why I feel the need to carry on, all I can say is that it is my calling, it is my duty, God is faithful , and I am blessed!</div>
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Under HIS Grace...</div>
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Chris</div>
Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-65328822585190332712012-09-12T13:13:00.000-05:002012-09-12T13:13:07.440-05:00Penny For Your Thoughts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago Kiki and I had the privilege of traveling to Waynesville, Missouri to speak at Westside Baptist Church. I've had the opportunity to speak all over the country, but I've never spoken in three consecutive services. To say the least, it's taxing physically, emotionally, and spiritually and to say that I was totally unprepared for the events of Sunday, August 12, would be an understatement. </div>
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The title of my message was "The Last Mile." At the end of the services I asked everyone in the congregation to write their <i>"last mile"</i> -- the thing that they hold on to and have not given over to God -- on one side of that card. I'm certain many wrote of relationship issues, pride, intolerance, patience, an addiction, faith, and so much more. On the other side of the card, I asked them to simply write their first or last initial. </div>
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Then, I challenged every individual to walk down the isles of the auditorium and place their <i>"last mile"</i> on the alter as a symbolic and public way of saying, <i>"I give this over to God!"</i> In those services the isles were full of folks who took me up on my challenge -- they laid it down -- they gave it up -- they were brave enough to do it publicly. After the services we asked everyone to pick up one of those cards and to specifically pray for the person identified only by an initial. It was powerful! It was one of the most significant faith moments of my life.</div>
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After the service I was standing in the commons area of the church where Kiki had set up a display with TEAM 413 shirts, literature, and other gear. Lots of people crowded around to pick up something for themselves or a friend and to make donations to our ministry. </div>
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As I stood near the display I felt someone touch my hand. When I turned to see who it was, I had to look down into the gleaming blue eyes of a small boy -- most likely 5 or 6 years old. He wore a big smile and he reached out and placed a shiny new penny in my hand. He said, <i>"This is for you."</i> Before I could do anything, he smiled again and ran off into the crowd most likely to find his parents so he wouldn't get in trouble for running away from them. </div>
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Time stood still. I was amazed at what God taught me through that child. He gave up his shiny new penny which was probably all the money he had simply because something made him do it. I'll always believe that it happened because God was teaching me a lesson. I realized how hard we have worked to grow TEAM 413 in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ with endurance athletes from all over the world. I was reminded of the words of my pastor that we just want to <i>"get there and share so that others will run up on the gospel on the roads of this country."</i> I looked back over the years and pondered what would make this child give his single penny yet, we still have such a hard time raising funds for TEAM 413 - GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES.</div>
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Many people want to be a part of TEAM 413, but very few go to a level of giving to the ministry financially. It is hard to find sponsors because we are faith based. Many don't understand that we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry that uses 100% of our donations to help us stay on the roads as we <i>"get there and share."</i> I've prayed for guidance about how to ask for contributions. I've begged God for wisdom and clarity regarding how to approach people and explain. Yet, He has chosen to go about it in a different way -- making promises to me through a few people who are steadfast and true with their financial support and through that little boy with his shiny new penny.</div>
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God has taught me so many priceless lessons of His grace at the very point of my greatest need through the unexpected, simplicity of a moment in time.</div>
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Penny for your thoughts? Keep your mind and heart open.....you might be blessed just like me when you expect it the least.</div>
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Under HIS Grace...</div>
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Chris<br /><br />You can make a contribution to TEAM 413 at the following link:<br /><a href="http://active.com/donate/team413">http://active.com/donate/team413</a>
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<br />Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-75292231471412989382012-06-05T11:17:00.000-05:002012-06-05T11:17:21.080-05:00Ordinary People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When ordinary people come together for a common cause they can accomplish extraordinary things! And, so it is with TEAM 413 - GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES!</div>
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For almost 10 years thousands of ordinary, everyday people have given of themselves to help this ministry accomplish the extraordinary! These folks have become part of the single largest ministry for endurance athletes in the world -- one person at a time -- one heart at a time! </div>
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We've witnessed hundreds of individuals come to the Lord in the most unlikely of places -- in the middle of a marathon, at the finish line of a race, at a water station, and over the telephone. We've seen the change in thousands of lives and experienced the endurance community accept us into their world. We've been a part of knocking down the barriers of church affiliations and taking worship to the streets! It has been an unbelievable journey -- a glorious ride!!!</div>
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I am so thrilled to be a part of this God ordained ministry! It humbles me more than anything I've ever been a part of for God has allowed the extraordinary to happen through the ordinary. We are so blessed to see what God has done and look forward with great anticipation to what He will do in the days to come.</div>
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Join us as we continue our journey. <br />
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God bless ordinary, everyday people!<br />
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Under HIS Extraordinary Grace...<br />
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ChrisChris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-66801781794727150712012-05-30T09:41:00.002-05:002012-05-30T09:41:46.726-05:00Embracing the Pain<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great quote from the movie Chariots of Fire has always meant a lot to me..."When I run, I feel God's pleasure." I've taken that one step further in the last 10 years of my life. I've come to know God's pleasure through pain. You read right -- through pain! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've dealt with mental pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain, and a significant amount of physical pain. It has taken a toll on my body, but God has always reminded me of the enduring joy that He has given me even in the midst of pain....for pain reminds me of what God has brought me through. He has lifted me up when I didn't think that I could do it. He has mended wounds of my spirit, my soul. He has given me back much of what has been taken away in my life. Yet, my physical pain remains as a monument to His glory! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He rescued me for a purpose. He gave me pain for a reason. He brought me through "it" in order for me to help others -- so that I would understand the complexities of their maladies -- the nature of their discomfort. I embrace the pain for He has embraced me and for this, my life is a better place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let everything that has breath praise the Lord for He is worthy of your praise EVEN in the midst of the pain! Celebrate the enduring joy that you have received through Christ -- Our redeemer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under HIS Grace...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris</span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-30629999917891522862012-04-30T07:47:00.000-05:002012-04-30T07:47:35.771-05:00Enduring Joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Today is April 30 and this blog post is
an excerpt from my book, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><i>GRACERUNNER - FAITH ON THE RUN</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">. As
you read, you'll soon find out much about me that you don't know. You'll also
notice that my </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">"celebration"</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"> run this year is the 26th
anniversary of the day that changed my life forever. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Read my story and you'll understand why I must
continue on this path that God has laid out for me....There truly is a place
called grace!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">GOD WILL GET YOUR ATTENTION!</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Miracle of God’s Unimaginable Grace!</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“And we know that in all things God works for the
good</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">of those who love him, </span></i><i style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">who have been </span></i><i style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">called</span></i></div>
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<i style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">On April 30, 1986, I left my office to go out for a run. The
day had been shortened for me as the athletic teams
at Samford University had finished practices a bit early on that
day. As the Head Athletic Trainer at the university, it was extremely rare
for me to get a little free time at the end of a day. So, I was excited
about going out for a long run and having some time alone for reflection.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Little did I know that, on this day, my life would be changed
forever. My life as I knew it would never be the same again.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I ran an unusually fast pace that day. I ran a route that was
somewhat new to me. I took a wrong turn and had to make my way down to a
very busy highway just about the time of rush hour. I couldn’t get across
the highway to run against the traffic so, I moved to a spot several yards off
the shoulder of the road and ran alongside the traffic. I had a few
hundred yards to run before I would reach
the entrance to the Samford University campus and be able to walk back
to my office for a cool down from a very good run.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Suddenly, I was involved in a serious, unimaginable accident.
While running along the very busy Lakeshore
Drive in Birmingham,Alabama, I was struck from behind. I was
propelled forward more than 30 feet. I thought that I had been hit by a car! I
was face down on the shoulder of the road and I knew that I was hurt badly. I
couldn't feel my legs and I had significant pain up and down my spine. I was
alert and conscious during the entire event but still had no idea what had
happened. It felt as if time stood still.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Several people stopped to help. I heard sirens in the distance and
a flurry of activity ensued. One of the people who stopped to render aid
was a nurse. I spoke to her and told her that I was a certified athletic
trainer and understood what was going on medically. Therefore, I had many
questions. <i>“Do I look broken up? Am I bleeding? What hit
me?Will you take my blood pressure to make sure that I don’t have any internal
injuries?”</i></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The answers were good and bad. She told me that I did not
appear to be mangled and that I was not bleeding. She took my blood
pressure and assured me that it was fine. Still, I couldn’t feel or move
my legs. I could hear the sound of sirens getting closer and
closer. The nurse stayed with me until the paramedics arrived. I
never saw her face. I never spoke to her again. Nearly 24 years
later, I still do not know the name of this wonderful person who stopped to
comfort and help me after this devastating accident.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Police arrived on the scene and I finally found out that I had
been struck by something that had flown off the back of a pick-up truck. I
didn’t know what the object was, but I knew that it must have been something
pretty significant!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As I lay face down on the ground, I overheard the policemen
describing the object that had hit me in order to record it in their incident
report. I heard them describe the object as a <i>“5 feet wide by 9 feet
long sheet of plywood.”</i> For some reason I thought -- “<i>They don’t
make plywood in that size</i>.” So, I asked the EMT to get the policeman
over to me. I asked the officer about this 5’ X 9’ sheet of plywood and was
told that it was painted green with white stripes.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was puzzled by this until he told me the rest of the story.
Bottom line: IT WAS A PING PONG TABLE! This <i>“table”</i> was
being hauled on the back of a pick-up while two men held it down from the cab
of the truck.This very large piece of wood, that soon became a flying missile,
was not tied down or restrained in any way whatsoever. I had been hit by a
flying ping pong table! What are the odds of that?</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">God went to the extreme to get my attention during my afternoon
run! He does that sometimes! Sometimes it's a soft whisper, sometimes it’s a
loud roar, and sometimes it's a ping pong table!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After being immobilized on a spine board by a team of very capable
emergency medical personnel, I was transported to a nearby hospital where
I regained feeling in my legs a couple of hours later. I was kept in that
hospital for pain and injury management for 17 days. A few days after my first
hospital stay, I was back in the hospital for surgery and a stay that lasted
until the end of June of that year.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My sacrum had been crushed. I had lost nerves. I had significant
muscle and other soft tissue damage. I had tremendous swelling and
eventually turned black and blue from the top of my shoulders to the bottom of
my feet. This injury would affect me for the rest of my life. I was
very fortunate to be alive.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Serious rehabilitation was ahead of me. I was told that I would be
lucky to walk normally again and running was most likely out of the question
forever. In my wildest dreams, I could not envision running again.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If I had been struck a foot lower, my legs would have been damaged
significantly. If I had been struck six inches higher, I most likely would
have been a paraplegic. If I had been hit in the neck region, I would have
been a quadriplegic. If I had been hit on the head, I could have been
killed. God spared me for a reason. I continue to uncover His reasons
more than two decades later.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Each year on the anniversary of this event, I celebrate that I'm
able to walk and run. I celebrate that God used a tragic moment in my life to
get my attention. I celebrate that he did a miracle in my life and now I have
been blessed to be a part of the running community through a ministry such as
TEAM 413 that was planned and ordained by God Himself! I praise Him that I am
able to be a part of something that is so much bigger than we could ever
comprehend, envision, dream, or imagine.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">On the day of celebration each year that marks the anniversary of
this STRANGE event and injury, I go out for a run at the time that the injury
occurred, about 5:30 PM. Each year, I ask others to join me on that day either
in person or wherever they are at that moment. They run with me and they
pray with me. It’s always a very special day to thank God for miracles of
GRACE.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Each day of my life I pray that God will continue to get our
attention and then use us in ways that we cannot comprehend. I also pray that
He will be glorified through the ministry that we call TEAM 413. God has
entrusted us with such an amazing outreach ministry. We consider this a
miracle after the incomprehensible circumstances that occurred on that day in
April 1986.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As we continue on our journey through life, we give thanks for
God's grace… ~ And so I run ~ And so I care ~ And so I share ~ And so I praise
His name for His goodness!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~ ONE MORE BREATH, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~ ONE MORE STEP, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~ ONE MORE MILE, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~ FINISH LINE!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Under HIS Grace...</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Chris</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-82947994839229389272012-04-03T22:34:00.001-05:002012-04-03T22:35:28.264-05:00Don't Steal the Joy!<br />
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It was a busy day at the 2012 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Expo. We had made contact with new people who wanted to be part of TEAM 413 all day, renewed friendships with folks from days gone by, and shared the message of TEAM 413 with thousands of people. Still, it would be the "least" of these who I would remember the most.</div>
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Late in the day a young boy about 8 or 9 walked by our booth. I watched him read the banner hanging at the back of our space. I saw him check out the shirts and other ministry tools that we showcase at marathon expos all over the country. He continued his stroll down the isle and he suddenly stopped, turned around, and walked up to the front table. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a crumpled dollar bill and dropped it in our donation container. Then, he gave me the thumbs up, smiled, and walked away. </div>
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For a moment I thought about stopping him to give him a wristband for the donation, but I didn't because something inside me kept me from doing so. I believe if I had done this, I would have stolen the joy of his gift. He had pondered this for several minutes -- he had walked by and turned back around in a deliberate act of obedience to what I believe to be God working in his heart -- to have minimized that gift and the joy that came along with it would have been discounting the tug on his heart, the joy deep within, the goodness that he modeled.</div>
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Lesson learned -- <i>"When God nudges someone to be a blessing to you through words or actions, never take away their joy by feeling like you owe them something in return. Their reward is in being obedient to the Master!" </i></div>
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On the way home from Knoxville, Kiki was driving the rental van. She said that she thought we might have a flat tire. We pulled off to the side of the road and sure enough, our driver's side rear tire was flat. We pulled as far off the interstate as possible -- folks really drive fast and, quite frankly, don't seem to care about the safety of people on the side of the road.</div>
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We had to find and read the owner's manual to locate the spare tire which was underneath the van between the front seats. You literally had to use a special tool to lower the tire to the ground from the inside of the van! Then, the jack and tire iron looked like something that you would use to work on a toy car! I swear they turn changing a tire into an IQ test! I'm certain that the folks who make the cars have hidden cameras somewhere on the vehicle and they check out the video footage each day. I know they were laughing at us!</div>
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We were struggling with the getting to all the stuff, getting the lug nuts off, watching for traffic, and figuring out how to replace a full size tire with a tire half the size! We were surprised when an SUV pulled off the interstate in front of us, backed up, and a young man and his son got out of the car. We would later meet his wife as well. The family had been in Gatlinburg for the weekend and evidently felt compelled to stop.</div>
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"Need some help?" was music to my ears! They immediately jumped in and helped us get everything done and soon the job was completed. They cut the time that we spent on the side of the road in half! When we finished, we laughed about the tools that we used, discussed where the spare tire was located, and admired our handiwork. Before they returned to their vehicle, I asked them to hang on -- that I wanted to give them something.</div>
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The dad immediately said that it was not necessary, but I insisted. I asked Kiki to get three TEAM 413 shirts for them. After being presented the shirts and reading the back, the mom said, "I know that's right!" We talked briefly about TEAM 413 and our new TEAM MEMBERS were off to complete their trip.</div>
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Kiki and I also returned to the vehicle and we were on our way as well. God sent some angels to us. He aligned this meeting for reasons we may never know. </div>
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<i>"When God nudges someone to be a blessing to you through words or actions, never take away their joy by feeling like you owe them something in return. Their reward is in being obedient to the Master!" </i>Instead, this time, I felt the nudge to do something for these wonderful people. They, too, learned to share in the joy that I had in giving them those shirts. Now they will enlarge the outreach of TEAM 413 in a way that we never saw coming ... God works like that! </div>
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Enough writing for now ... I have to start reading about all the spare tire locations on different types of vehicles and the instructions on how to us the "Tonka Toy" jacks and tire tools that go along with them! If a gray headed guy with a very cute wife stop to assist you in changing a flat or lending a hand in some other way, let us help -- don't take away our joy of sharing it forward!<br />
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Under HIS Grace...<br />
<br />
Chris</div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-2300125985781264562012-02-18T21:21:00.000-06:002012-02-18T21:21:05.741-06:00Absolute GRACE!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtqBGu311v4oQXF5-6F9Sv8VL5t7_5hMQcYmH_R10cJ6f8aCoZP1wL8h5V6c2VU-Oaegjj5ld1IVZ_djgXKliodMplKYcq-QU8Q0RlhDXP-DSPhfNLiC4d14I81YwIpGyP39ZUeyod_J4/s1600/259389_2140437955570_1384810478_2570134_7777952_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtqBGu311v4oQXF5-6F9Sv8VL5t7_5hMQcYmH_R10cJ6f8aCoZP1wL8h5V6c2VU-Oaegjj5ld1IVZ_djgXKliodMplKYcq-QU8Q0RlhDXP-DSPhfNLiC4d14I81YwIpGyP39ZUeyod_J4/s400/259389_2140437955570_1384810478_2570134_7777952_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and Kiki at the 2011 Hospital Hill Run in Kansas City</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this month I had the honor of representing TEAM 413 at the Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, Florida. We had a good expo, met lots of wonderful people, and then ran the race on that Sunday morning. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My race was a success by our ministry standards -- it was about being on the course to encourage others, to represent TEAM 413, and most of all to glorify God. At most of the Rock 'n' Roll events my buddy, John "The Penguin" Bingham, is the lead announcer. John and I first met back in 2002 and we've remained friends through the years. In my opinion John is one of the most significant forces in the "fitness" running boom of the past 15 years. He is a self-proclaimed "accidental athlete" and offers hope and inspiration to people from all over the world. The list of people who I respect as much as I do John Bingham is very short!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the start line and the finish of most of the RNR races, John finds me, acknowledges me in his unique way, and mentions TEAM 413. This simple act of kindness validates the effort of everyone who slips on that TEAM 413 shirt and shares their faith on their journey. John's words mean a lot to me personally because I know what it means to all of our TEAM 413 folks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This day would be different. As I ran across the last "timing" mat just before the finish, my name most likely popped up on the computer screen and John knew that I was on my way. He called out my name, mentioned TEAM 413, and then he said, <i>"thank you for all you do for this sport!" </i>He didn't know it, but his words touched my heart, lifted my spirit, and tears rolled down my cheeks. One of the medical folks asked me if I was OK and I told them that I was just emotional. I hopped aboard one of the shuttles, returned to my hotel, packed up, and then quickly made my way to the airport. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At about 30,000 feet somewhere over the southeastern United States it finally hit me why John's simple words had drawn such emotion from within me. It's not that I have done anything for this sport -- THIS sport has done so much for me!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many years ago I was told that I would never run again. I went through significant life changing events. I lived through a job change that hurt me more than anyone will ever know. We had a flood in our home from a broken pipe that destroyed virtually everything we owned. I suffered from significant medical problems that it took doctors almost five years to figure out. We started a small ministry called TEAM 413. A divorce that I didn't know was coming hit me hard. We struggled to keep the ministry afloat.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Then, through running, I met Kiki and we married in 2005. Other issues would hit both of us hard over the next few years. However, one thing would remain constant -- God would be glorified and TEAM 413 would become the largest ministry for endurance athletes in the world. Through the hard times when we didn't think we could go on -- God would provide. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through all of those changes, our TEAM 413 family and the overall running community lifted us up when we couldn't hold ourselves up. Our wonderful expo partners always checked to see how we were doing. Runners from all over the world would lift us up in prayer and ask their friends to check out TEAM 413. God would provide ways for us to get in front of more people than I could ever comprehend. He would open the doors and windows of the hearts of people from all over the world through TEAM 413, GRACE-WORDS, GRACERUNNER JOURNEY, and so many other unique ways. He gave me absolute GRACE that I don't understand or deserve!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, it's not what I've done for the sport of running -- it's what this sport has done for me. God used running to help give me back things that I had lost. It helped mold me into the person that I strive to be each day. Running has given me far more than I can ever give it! The wonderful people of "my sport" are family to us! Kiki and I are blessed to travel this road together as we praise God in everything that we do.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mantra for race weekends is always, <i>"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord for HE is worthy of your praise. Lift HIM up TEAM 413!"</i> This living, breathing "thing" is much more than a sport to me! It has become a lifestyle to glorify God -- to celebrate His mercy and grace -- to share my faith forward!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Thanks, John, for the acknowledgement, but thanks so much for what you have done for the sport and for so many people! And, God bless all of you for doing so much for us! Y'all are truly blessings in our lives!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under HIS Grace...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Chris</span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-16382042381503146242012-02-15T21:15:00.000-06:002012-02-15T21:15:52.554-06:00New Chapter -- GRACE-STORM 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHehm6Rqxab1p9wNk7ybZDyXmfhwb8PfwL-kJmU_vc9UYH8981g5Lu8bU29VhZbpngzuYrTHjYv1xxSXRddyssTiDqRtMnQLZBwcheI0E-mWzrK778kZ1W7lcGedMnjlUFe7qwxzWIPuoS/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHehm6Rqxab1p9wNk7ybZDyXmfhwb8PfwL-kJmU_vc9UYH8981g5Lu8bU29VhZbpngzuYrTHjYv1xxSXRddyssTiDqRtMnQLZBwcheI0E-mWzrK778kZ1W7lcGedMnjlUFe7qwxzWIPuoS/s400/Picture4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been quite sometime since I've written anything in GRACERUNNER JOURNAL and I really don't know why. There is so much to tell -- there is so much to share -- so many wonderful things are going on in the ministry of TEAM 413. Yet, I've just not found the time to put it down in words. Life has a way of getting in the way and that's where I'll lay the blame.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God is doing such a work in my heart and in my life. He has revealed much to me in the past few months. I've traveled thousands of miles with TEAM 413. We've been able to share Christ with hundreds upon hundreds of people throughout the country. It's been quite a journey for the past year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2012 has already offered up many challenges. My health -- my work -- the enemy on the march! We'll weather the storm and come out on the other side better than when we embarked on this journey through our theme for the year --- GRACE-STORM 2012!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is so much work to be done and we truly need your help. We need your prayers. We need you to volunteer. We need you to give to the ministry of TEAM 413 financially. God is at work and we will follow His perfect timing -- one breath, one step, one mile at a time!</div><br />
Please join us on this amazing journey! See you down the road --<br />
<br />
Under HIS Grace...<br />
<br />
ChrisChris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-13481362171550939842011-11-26T09:39:00.000-06:002011-11-26T09:39:06.694-06:00The Next Chapter<div style="text-align: justify;">Over the past few months I've not been writing as much on my blog as in the past. Instead, I have been writing chapters for upcoming books and will share all of this information in the near future. However, be on the lookout for a blog describing the emotions and stories of grace that were a part of races in Des Moines, St. Louis, DC, Springfield, San Antonio, and Las Vegas this fall. I also plan to share some of the details about future plans for TEAM 413. There is much ahead of us and the best is yet to come.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Want to be a part of TEAM 413? Let us know! There is a place of service for you!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kiki and I pray that you have a wonderful holiday season as we give thanks for our many blessings and celebrate the goodness and grace that God has given us through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ!</div><br />
Under HIS Grace...<br />
<br />
ChrisChris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-67241812945154332982011-10-21T12:41:00.000-05:002011-10-21T12:41:28.707-05:00God's Pleasure<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I was in Des Moines, Iowa for the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend. We had a wonderful time sharing with the great people of Des Moines and the surrounding area. It's such a great event!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On race day, I ran the half marathon. Somewhere along the 5 - 8 mile stretch through Water Works Park, there was a man playing the theme from the movie Chariots of Fire. The music is dramatic and a bit slow -- if you didn't know where the music originated, you simply wouldn't understand it's intensity! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard a man say, "Well, how boring is that -- they could at least play some music to fire me up!"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mind raced back to that 1981 movie and the quotes of Eric Liddell. I thought they were worth sharing: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>"You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race."</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">When I run, I really do feel God's pleasure! Do you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
<br />
Under HIS Grace...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
Chris </span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-40136823484946362272011-09-25T21:24:00.001-05:002011-09-25T21:25:39.340-05:00HERE and NOW<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HqpIwCBq7yyZK0xNte9KYCMet4ES4tx4LUJ-AxaL_AJdRsGVrx7SJerH5TOn8xJNEre1JrXIhyphenhyphenIMbWEvYESgb6so5m0cwIaBi6idTFzFmYpr6fsYFI25S6s-gzRu3Eggow_-hpDUWn8c/s1600/chris-beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HqpIwCBq7yyZK0xNte9KYCMet4ES4tx4LUJ-AxaL_AJdRsGVrx7SJerH5TOn8xJNEre1JrXIhyphenhyphenIMbWEvYESgb6so5m0cwIaBi6idTFzFmYpr6fsYFI25S6s-gzRu3Eggow_-hpDUWn8c/s320/chris-beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marks day 86 of my sabbatical from my teaching and administrative duties at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Using my very inadequate math skills, I believe that 100 days remain until I return to campus on January 4, 2012. I have accomplished much during these 83 days yet, I have a lot more to complete in the days ahead. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> have learned so much about “me” during my time off. This is the longest stretch of my adult life that I’ve had no real schedule to dictate my days. I’ve actually waited more than 30 years to have an opportunity like this. I’ve always been driven by a daily schedule – practice times in athletics, class time, appointments, meetings, and so much more. During the past few months I have found out that it’s not easy to drop a schedule oriented lifestyle. I even went so far as to actually try to create a schedule for myself …. Until my wonderful wife, Kiki, told me to stop it! In her words she proclaimed that this sabbatical was about recovery, rejuvenation, discovery, and rest! I’m not supposed to have a schedule according to her – and she’s right! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I’ve also taken a significant inventory of my heart, body, mind, and soul. I have pondered what God has in store for me. I have laughed and cried more in the past 86 days than at any point in my 53 years. God is doing much work in areas of my life that needed an overhaul. I had to let go of some things and allow Him to tear down walls – repair deep recesses of my heart and mind – and prepare me for the path that He has prepared for me. God is not through with this remodel and I look forward to the result of what He has in store for me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Typically I’m a very forward thinker and it has been difficult for me to step back and think about the HERE and NOW. I have made an effort to retool my thought process. I have loosened the ties to the calendar, day-timer, check lists, and expectations that strangled me. I have allowed God to direct my days and it has been enlightening to say the least. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">So, what has God got planned for me down the road? To be frank, I have no idea! But, I wait on His perfect timing to complete the work that He has started in me. My desire is to please Him and I will give it my ALL in order to ensure that He is pleased with my labor and that others will see the evidence of Him in my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This is my blog – so, I can give all the advice that I want to give! At the risk of sounding like Dr. Phil or one of those other “self help” coaches, here’s my suggestion to you – drop the schedule for a few days and allow God to take control. Oh, sure you have to stay on track for your family, job, friends, etc. But, just relax for a day or two – chill out and listen for God’s voice through others and through all that surrounds you. Drop the pretense that you must be constantly busy and allow God to do a good work in you! I think that you’ll learn, as I have, that we are chained to a life that we have created for ourselves instead of one that God has planned for us! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Under HIS Grace… </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Chris</span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-16225245625552240332011-05-31T11:23:00.003-05:002011-05-31T12:25:52.718-05:00FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY33MOk4336EFjgTN8SWy4n8PRSHLPcyhatjqlHy0d_upmyoplYh__TCS5nHkOli0ghpOii6qjMJPoAgbw3lFRiL8Z6s9GVohcid4P9gvfyGdTt6Saij__cbgoRZS4u5F4LvkJ_LMyhKp/s1600/224310_1723617214321_1355091501_31592603_1980122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY33MOk4336EFjgTN8SWy4n8PRSHLPcyhatjqlHy0d_upmyoplYh__TCS5nHkOli0ghpOii6qjMJPoAgbw3lFRiL8Z6s9GVohcid4P9gvfyGdTt6Saij__cbgoRZS4u5F4LvkJ_LMyhKp/s400/224310_1723617214321_1355091501_31592603_1980122_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THE BEST CREW EVER!<br />
Donald Binkley, Ashley Gillespie Binkley, Me, Kiki Gillespie, and Miller Dickson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">THANK YOU!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">The words have not come easy for me -- I have not been able to adequately express my thanks to all of you who supported us through your prayers, comments, postings, actions, and MILES during our recent GRACERUNNER JOURNEY. I know many of you received hundreds of emails that filled up your inbox -- but, I can't apologize for something that God started. I am sorry that some people left the group or asked for us not to send so many updates. We needed you to know what was going on so, we continued! Thanks to all of you who stuck with us as if you were right there beside us.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNVwWRzhHfHON5tQldWMJecAkIlkFjx0C5NCs8YBSyYkMe1XkS9eMlgEYZtO9TjlfgY65kWpvo9EGaqNq90Ay4siTE4nBoaEQbi5OTg8p8A9TRngSYyyugGoCv5VhEXNrNVzYNHC3CGgT/s1600/231008_1732644039986_1355091501_31606731_36644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNVwWRzhHfHON5tQldWMJecAkIlkFjx0C5NCs8YBSyYkMe1XkS9eMlgEYZtO9TjlfgY65kWpvo9EGaqNq90Ay4siTE4nBoaEQbi5OTg8p8A9TRngSYyyugGoCv5VhEXNrNVzYNHC3CGgT/s400/231008_1732644039986_1355091501_31606731_36644_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiki checking on me while on the road in Champaign, Illinois</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">It has taken me days to process the depth and breadth of what had happened over that 10 days -- a period of time that has changed my life forever. I'm still not sure that I have fully grasped the fullness of God's love through all of you during this time. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Your willingness to go the extra mile with me was God's way to keep me moving forward. This journey was never about 413 miles to Him. It was about bringing glory to Him and allowing all of you to be part of the journey. His timing is ALWAYS perfect! When we let go of what we want to do "ourselves" and commit it to Him, it's amazing what He will do!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Through this journey a firestorm was created to the glory of God. We caught lightning in a bottle for a few days. There was so much <i>"togetherness" </i>and I saw the fruit of our eight years of labor for TEAM 413. I saw something happen that I had prayed for each day for the past five years. NOW we can't let it stop! We have to keep moving forward -- we have to stay under His grace -- we have to run the race and fight the good fight -- we have to finish the drill!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_I9Acm94_CJf_XzZwttHqRETg4Oc7WWzeOe_2TSoXW7GC97HMdCKMyQzCv5B8RW2RtqMbleeGCFIzw7V03SK9U-_3p0dA4YU54cCzChZG73VvqdDEBFw3bPjXRlsb0giRWiENTrUDR9Q/s1600/231103_1738765433017_1355091501_31615519_5096883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_I9Acm94_CJf_XzZwttHqRETg4Oc7WWzeOe_2TSoXW7GC97HMdCKMyQzCv5B8RW2RtqMbleeGCFIzw7V03SK9U-_3p0dA4YU54cCzChZG73VvqdDEBFw3bPjXRlsb0giRWiENTrUDR9Q/s400/231103_1738765433017_1355091501_31615519_5096883_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line at the Fargo Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Please continue to run with me --</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One More Breath, One More Step, One More Mile, Finish Line...</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"</i></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYu27J5WA-bS8qkR7OLlJlPQhZS4nNgX0eZA4-qZ0E8zh9_ybSKGr2jXd_-0ZMOjBmeTn2mNo1EpcPFPbVdabrKp_9PToK45wbrjp8A6ys5BqOLANN29do8rIaCMsEo5dVCGeRiCQnu_R/s1600/248215_1738765993031_1355091501_31615521_1446692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYu27J5WA-bS8qkR7OLlJlPQhZS4nNgX0eZA4-qZ0E8zh9_ybSKGr2jXd_-0ZMOjBmeTn2mNo1EpcPFPbVdabrKp_9PToK45wbrjp8A6ys5BqOLANN29do8rIaCMsEo5dVCGeRiCQnu_R/s400/248215_1738765993031_1355091501_31615521_1446692_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I gave it my ALL through HIS strength, not mine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am humbled to be His servant and to call you my friends -- You make my life a better place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God bless all of you!</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Forever Under HIS Grace...</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Still Amazed!</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Chris</div></span></span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-35003619751724628322011-05-11T20:45:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:43:56.909-05:00The First Mile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k75mMzWOXquug0-nY2z-lug4SGAO62jUEw_kN5fyhSKMj19o2z5PgKx5xErIQGCqqh-OSdYQNDcgXm1U606WUeBbcAK1HmMPD0Fdumr9QUkhxY5zM-iCIWJxmjDUBYR0_tVc8H-s97Ly/s1600/DSCN0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4k75mMzWOXquug0-nY2z-lug4SGAO62jUEw_kN5fyhSKMj19o2z5PgKx5xErIQGCqqh-OSdYQNDcgXm1U606WUeBbcAK1HmMPD0Fdumr9QUkhxY5zM-iCIWJxmjDUBYR0_tVc8H-s97Ly/s320/DSCN0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow morning we begin GRACERUNNER JOURNEY - 10 days - 413 miles - ONE Goal! To Glorify God! Allow me to thank each of you who follow and support TEAM 413 and who have believed in me when others haven't. The first mile is dedicated to YOU!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This first mile will be emotional for me. It will mean that we have hit the pavement on a journey that I never thought possible. It will be about miles and miles of training, working out, and pushing myself further than ever before. It will be a celebration of God's goodness and grace!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please pray for us as we venture into the unknown. Pray for our crew and all the runners who come out to the venues to run with me and support our efforts. Pray for funding to continue as we travel the roads of America. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under HIS Grace...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go --- Mile ONE!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Gillespie</span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-36782259604300857772011-05-10T22:40:00.004-05:002011-05-10T22:43:44.072-05:00A Note From Mark Eldridge<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Philippians 4:13. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe in Team 413!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last five years, I have been honored to volunteer with Team 413. I’ve worn the shirt, worked the expos, ran the races, and met the runners. I’ve been blessed by the stories of lives that have been touched by the amazing power of Jesus Christ.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TEAM 413 is real. To plagiarize a slogan, it’s not just a shirt it’s an adventure in love. That’s exciting! Under the leadership of Chris Gillespie, members are meeting and sharing now more than ever. The fellowship is expanding with new pre and post race gatherings and speaking engagements. Old friendships are being rekindled and new friendships born. Christians are becoming runners and runners are becoming Christians. Much more is on the horizon.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, to raise awareness of the mission and raise money to fund the activities of Team 413, Chris Gillespie is embarking on a 413 mile 10 day run. A run to the glory of God! We all can’t run 413 miles, but everyone can be involved.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I have a few suggestions:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Pray for Chris on his run, for health, endurance, and good weather.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Show your support by contributing to the 413 mile GRACERUNNER JOURNEY to the glory of God.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Tell your friends. Let’s take this event viral!</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>If Chris comes to a city near you, go out and support him. He’s a great guy and he’d love to run a mile with you.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Volunteer for a future Team 413 event.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Contact Chris about speaking at your church, school, or to your running group.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>One more thing… <u>Join me in a 413 mile run.</u> Not 413 miles in 10 days but, one mile a day for 413 days. Beginning on May 21<sup>st</sup>, the last of day Chris’s 10 day journey. I’m pledging to start running at least one mile a day for 413 days and contribute a dollar to Team 413 for each day I run. The streak will end on July 7, 2012. What can you buy for a dollar a day? Not much, but you can help reach people for Christ and encourage fellow Christians to enjoy God’s gift of physical activity. If you like, find friends to sponsor you. You can make your contribution anytime during your streak; I just ask that you let me know of your commitment to do the run. I’m hoping at least 20 of my fellow 413’ers will join me and bind together to encourage each other. Let’s make this a fun run to the glory of God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Email me at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:markeldridgecpa@comcast.net">markeldridgecpa@comcast.net</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s streak for Team 413.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to see you on the road.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God bless!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Eldridge<br />
TEAM 413</span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-5215223247370173152011-05-08T09:33:00.004-05:002011-05-08T09:51:48.131-05:00Memory and Honor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisILD_W-TT6ZUGJu9tuwf4KOxE9PxJOH3qChdjj5NHgncCardv9H2Q1ZcoYjGv4oTUR8gv0iXJ8yx2H22qiC-z3UW-9wORMSHbPnI1VSyOGrUDAIGX_o-q3QSryPgBWSnfhvE1wnJ-6Xh3/s1600/Christmas2007_016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisILD_W-TT6ZUGJu9tuwf4KOxE9PxJOH3qChdjj5NHgncCardv9H2Q1ZcoYjGv4oTUR8gv0iXJ8yx2H22qiC-z3UW-9wORMSHbPnI1VSyOGrUDAIGX_o-q3QSryPgBWSnfhvE1wnJ-6Xh3/s1600/Christmas2007_016-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
In honor of my Mom -- on this Mother's Day<br />
From GRACERUNNER - FAITH ON THE RUN</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">MEMORY AND HONOR</span></b></span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Mother went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 18, 2008. She was a woman of unwavering character, strong faith, and a heart for others that had no equal.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">She was, without a doubt, the most selfless person I have ever known. During my lifetime, I never saw her place herself before others. Mother would always give much more that she would take. She modeled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“selfless-ness”</i> in every aspect of her life. Everyone else always came first.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Gladys Gillespie was a lady to the very end. She had movie star looks -- yet, was beautiful to the core of her soul. Her willingness to serve others, her sense of humor, and her wry smile are engraved in my heart and mind forever.</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">My mom was the real deal. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend above reproach. She is missed, but her legacy will live forever in all who knew her. We celebrate her life and God is glorified in our loss as she sits at the feet of Jesus Christ in Heaven today!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">My prayer on this Mother's Day is that every child should feel the kind of love that I received from my Mother and that each Mom will love as my Mother loved -- relentlessly, unwavering, and unconditionally!</span></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><br />
Under HIS Grace....and, blessed by the gift of my Mom --<br />
<br />
Chris</span></strong></span></div>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345122449931532666.post-82416154340735679672011-04-30T04:17:00.000-05:002011-04-30T04:17:00.896-05:00God Will Get Your Attention! -- 25 Years Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XhohXSmHIg1hTxlgasGo1LDqUEXzfHsg9VUDzTGpdbkgjn4BFX8PssljupsyRqpAsQiKAxoL3xZ4un3r7SgU7kftVkM151bDTR3R4YFnoYxcjdqHN3ECb7Z3GVQk4WitcHxwDBtGzG4Q/s1600/gostlouis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XhohXSmHIg1hTxlgasGo1LDqUEXzfHsg9VUDzTGpdbkgjn4BFX8PssljupsyRqpAsQiKAxoL3xZ4un3r7SgU7kftVkM151bDTR3R4YFnoYxcjdqHN3ECb7Z3GVQk4WitcHxwDBtGzG4Q/s320/gostlouis.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This edition of <b><i>GRACERUNNER JOURNAL</i></b> is an excerpt from my book, <b><i>GRACERUNNER - FAITH ON THE RUN</i></b>. As you read, you'll soon find out much about me that you don't know. You'll also notice that my <i>"celebration"</i> run this year is the 25th anniversary of the day that changed my life forever. </span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Race day is upon us in Nashville at the Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon. On this 25th anniversary of the event that you are about to read about, TEAM 413 celebrates because for the first time in our eight year history, we are an official charity of a race. The city of Nashville has embraced us and welcomed us through the years. But, this year is very special time -- thank you, Nashville! </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Read my story and you'll understand why I must continue on this path that God has laid out for me....There truly is a place called grace!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><b>GOD WILL GET YOUR ATTENTION!</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: black;">A Miracle of God’s Unimaginable Grace!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: black;">“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” <span></span><span></span>Romans 8:28</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;">On April 30, 1986, I left my office to go out for a run.<span> </span>The day had been shortened for me as the athletic teams at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Samford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> had finished practices a bit early on that day.<span> </span>As the Head Athletic Trainer at the university, it was extremely rare for me to get a little free time at the end of a day.<span> </span>So, I was excited about going out for a long run and having some time alone for reflection.</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;">Little did I know that, on this day, my life would be changed forever.<span> </span>My life as I knew it would never be the same again.</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;">I ran an unusually fast pace that day.<span> </span>I ran a route that was somewhat new to me.<span> </span>I took a wrong turn and had to make my way down to a very busy highway just about the time of rush hour.<span> </span>I couldn’t get across the highway to run against the traffic so, I moved to a spot several yards off the shoulder of the road and ran alongside the traffic.<span> </span>I had a few hundred yards to go before I would reach the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Samford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University </st1:placetype></st1:place>campus entrance and be able to walk back to my office for a cool down from a very good run.</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;">Suddenly, I was involved in a very serious, unimaginable accident. While running along the very busy <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Lakeshore Drive</st1:address></st1:street> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Birmingham</st1:city>,<st1:state st="on">Alabama</st1:state></st1:place>, I was suddenly struck from behind. I was propelled forward more than 30 feet. I thought that I had been hit by a car! I was face down on the shoulder of the road and I knew that I was hurt badly. I couldn't feel my legs and I had significant pain up and down my spine. I was alert and conscious during the entire event but still had no idea what had happened.<span> </span>It felt as if time stood still.</span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: black;">Several people stopped to help. I heard sirens in the distance and a flurry of activity ensued. <span></span>One of the people who stopped to render aid was a nurse.<span> </span></span>I spoke to her and told her that I was a certified athletic trainer and understood what was going on medically.<span> </span>Therefore, I had many questions.<span> </span><i>“Do I look broken up?<span> </span>Am I bleeding?<span> </span>What hit me?<span></span>Will you take my blood pressure to make sure that I don’t have any internal injuries?”</i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The answers were good and bad.<span> </span>She told me that I did not appear to be mangled and that I was not bleeding.<span> </span>She took my blood pressure and assured me that it was fine.<span> </span>Still, I couldn’t feel or move my legs.<span> </span>I could hear the sound of sirens getting closer and closer.<span> </span>The nurse stayed with me until the paramedics arrived.<span> </span>I never saw her face.<span> </span>I never spoke to her again.<span> </span>Nearly 24 years later, I still do not know the name of this wonderful person who stopped to comfort and help me after this devastating accident.</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Police arrived on the scene and I finally found out that I had been struck by something that had flown off the back of a pick-up truck.<span> </span>I didn’t know what the object was, but I knew that it must have been something pretty significant!</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">As I lay face down on the ground, I overheard the policemen describing the object that had hit me in order to record it in their incident report. I heard them describe the object as a <i>“5 feet wide by 9 feet long sheet of plywood.”</i><span> </span>For some reason I thought -- “<i>They don’t make plywood in that size</i>.”<span> </span>So, I asked the EMT to get the policeman over to me.<span> </span>I asked the officer about this 5’ X 9’ sheet of plywood and was told that it was painted green with white stripes.</span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">I was puzzled by this until he told me the rest of the story. Bottom line -- IT WAS A PING PONG TABLE! </span>This <i>“table”</i> was being hauled on the back of a pick-up while two men held it down from the cab of the truck.<span></span>This very large piece of wood, that soon became a flying missile, was not tied down or restrained in any way whatsoever.<span> </span><span style="color: black;">I had been hit by a flying ping pong table! What are the odds of that?</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">God went to the extreme to get my attention during my afternoon run! He does that sometimes! Sometimes it's a soft whisper, sometimes it’s a loud roar, and sometimes it's a ping pong table!</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">After being immobilized on a spine board by a team of very capable emergency medical personnel, <span style="color: black;">I was transported to a nearby hospital where I regained feeling in my legs a couple of hours later.<span> </span>I was kept in that hospital for pain and injury management for 17 days. A few days after my first hospital stay, I was back in the hospital for surgery and a stay that lasted until the end of June of that year.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">My sacrum had been crushed. I had lost nerves. I had significant muscle and other soft tissue damage. </span>I had tremendous swelling and eventually turned black and blue from the top of my shoulders to the bottom of my feet.<span> </span>This injury would affect me for the rest of my life.<span> </span>I was very fortunate to be alive.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Serious rehabilitation was ahead of me. I was told that I would be lucky to walk normally again and running was most likely out of the question forever.<span> </span>In my wildest dreams, I could not envision running again.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">If I had been struck a foot lower, my legs would have been damaged significantly.<span> </span>If I had been struck six inches higher, I most likely would have been a paraplegic.<span> </span>If I had been hit in the neck region, I would have been a quadriplegic.<span> </span>If I had been hit on the head, I could have been killed.<span> </span>God spared me for a reason.<span> </span>I continue to uncover His reasons more than two decades later.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Each year on the anniversary of this event, I celebrate that I'm able to walk and run. I celebrate that God used a tragic moment in my life to get my attention. I celebrate that he did a miracle in my life and now I have been blessed to be a part of the running community through a ministry such as TEAM 413 that was planned and ordained by God Himself! I praise Him that I am able to be a part of something that is so much bigger than we could ever comprehend, envision, dream, or imagine.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">On the day of celebration each year that marks the anniversary of this STRANGE event and injury, I go out for a run at the time that the injury occurred, about 5:30 PM. Each year, I ask others to join me on that day either in person or wherever they are at that moment.<span> </span>They run with me and they pray with me.<span> </span>It’s always a very special day to thank God for miracles of GRACE.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Each day of my life I pray that God will continue to get our attention and then use us in ways that we cannot comprehend. I also pray that He will be glorified through the ministry that we call TEAM 413.<span> </span>God has entrusted us with such an amazing outreach ministry.<span> </span>We consider this a miracle after the incomprehensible circumstances that occurred on that day in April 1986.</span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">As we continue on our journey through life, we give thanks for God's grace… ~ And so I run ~ And so I care ~ And so I share ~ And so I praise His name for His goodness!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">~ ONE MORE BREATH, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">~ ONE MORE STEP, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">~ ONE MORE MILE, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">~ FINISH LINE!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Under HIS Grace...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Chris</span></div></span></span></i></span>Chris A. Gillespiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373179496568400190noreply@blogger.com0