Misspelled

It read “Pilippians 4:13” -- a misspelled tattoo of a young man who I met at our TEAM 413 booth during a marathon expo a few years ago. He told me the rest of the story and we laughed together.

The tattoo artist just got it wrong. He didn’t proof read it before he imprinted him forever! The verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" was spelled correctly, but he just missed the mark on PHILIPPIANS! I told the young man that it was somewhat symbolic of how people “misunderstand” us as Christians. They “misspell” our intentions. They “misspell” our words. They "misspell" our actions. They "misspell" the depth of God's love and goodness. They "misspell" our Savior’s mercy and grace. His misspelled tattoo would be a constant reminder to him not to take things for granted -- to thank God for "getting it right" for us. He knows our name and will never "misspell" it. He knows our heart and will never "misinterpret" our feelings. He knows every desire of our heart and will always supply the right things at the very point of our greatest need. I think that I would double check my tattoo artist's rough draft before he laid down the ink! However, this young man’s heart was pure because he loved the Lord with all of his being. Misspelled? Yes, but God was still in control!

Under HIS Grace... Chris

Tough Day

Today is one of those days that I feel so rushed -- almost running at a frantic pace to get things done. My "THINGS TO DO" list has so many "things" on it that even it doesn't know what to do! I've seen the evidence of satan throwing things in my path to make me stumble. I've heard things today that make me pause and wonder how in the world I can ever get all of this "stuff" accomplished. Then I went back and read my own post on Facebook from this morning: "As a Christian, others should be able to see the mark of our salvation in good times and in bad -- in the clearness of a wonderful day or in the blizzard of the moment. They should be able to see Christ in us regardless of the circumstances. They should find hope, trust, and solace in us during any moment of any day – during any life weather pattern that may pass our way – during the brightest or darkest of days.” I had to slow down, yield, and stop! So, I'll do what I can do and allow God to work through me today. The things of this world will not hinder my faith and allow me to question God's timing. Others must see Christ in me. It is my duty! It is my calling! Press on! Stand in the midst of the trial!

Under His Grace... Chris

Day One

Welcome to our first edition of GRACERUNNER JOURNAL as a blog. We'll be posting most of our stories from our TEAM 413 journeys here. We are looking forward to writing the stories of God's grace and provision for our ministry.

GRACERUNNER - Faith On The Run, my first book will be ready to go on January 5. We'll be having our first book signing at the Walt Disney World Marathon Expo on January 7 - 9. Please stop by the TEAM 413 booth to visit us and pick up a copy of the book as well as see some of the new TEAM 413 Gear that will be introduced at that expo. If you would like to reserve a copy of the book, please email at chris@team413.org. As soon as the books come in, we'll alert you. More later! God bless you and have a wonderful day! Chris