The Next Chapter

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.

Want to be a part of TEAM 413?  Let us know!  There is a place of service for you!

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!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris

God's Pleasure

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!

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! 

I heard a man say, "Well, how boring is that -- they could at least play some music to fire me up!"

My mind raced back to that 1981 movie and the quotes of Eric Liddell. I thought they were worth sharing: 

"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 believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

When I run, I really do feel God's pleasure!  Do you?

Under HIS Grace...

Chris 

HERE and NOW

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. 

I 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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!  

Under HIS Grace… 

Chris

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART....

THE BEST CREW EVER!
Donald Binkley, Ashley Gillespie Binkley, Me, Kiki Gillespie, and Miller Dickson

THANK YOU!

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.

Kiki checking on me while on the road in Champaign, Illinois

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. 

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! 

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 "togetherness" 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!

Finish Line at the Fargo Marathon

Please continue to run with me --

One More Breath, One More Step, One More Mile, Finish Line...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

I gave it my ALL through HIS strength, not mine!

I am humbled to be His servant and to call you my friends -- You make my life a better place.

God bless all of you!

Forever Under HIS Grace...

Still Amazed!

Chris

The First Mile

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!

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!

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. 

Under HIS Grace...

Here we go --- Mile ONE!

Chris Gillespie

A Note From Mark Eldridge

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

                                                                 Philippians 4:13. 

I believe in Team 413!

 

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.

 

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.

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.

I have a few suggestions:

1.    Pray for Chris on his run, for health, endurance, and good weather.

2.    Show your support by contributing to the 413 mile GRACERUNNER JOURNEY to the glory of God.

3.    Tell your friends. Let’s take this event viral!

4.     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.

5.    Volunteer for a future Team 413 event.

6.    Contact Chris about speaking at your church, school, or to your running group.

7.    One more thing…  Join me in a 413 mile run.  Not 413 miles in 10 days but, one mile a day for 413 days. Beginning on May 21^st, 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.


    Email me at markeldridgecpa@comcast.net.

Let’s streak for Team 413.  I hope to see you on the road.

God bless!

Mark Eldridge
TEAM 413

Memory and Honor

In honor of my Mom -- on this Mother's Day
From GRACERUNNER - FAITH ON THE RUN

MEMORY AND HONOR

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.

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 “selfless-ness” in every aspect of her life.  Everyone else always came first.

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.

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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!

Under HIS Grace....and, blessed by the gift of my Mom --

Chris

God Will Get Your Attention! -- 25 Years Later

This edition of GRACERUNNER JOURNAL is an excerpt from my book, GRACERUNNER - FAITH ON THE RUN. As you read, you'll soon find out much about me that you don't know. You'll also notice that my "celebration" run this year is the 25th anniversary of the day that changed my life forever.  

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!  

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!

GOD WILL GET YOUR ATTENTION!

A Miracle of God’s Unimaginable Grace!

“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.” Romans 8:28

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.

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.

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 go before I would reach the Samford University campus entrance and be able to walk back to my office for a cool down from a very good run.

Suddenly, I was involved in a very serious, unimaginable accident. While running along the very busy Lakeshore Drive in Birmingham,Alabama, 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. It felt as if time stood still.

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. “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?”

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.

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!

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 “5 feet wide by 9 feet long sheet of plywood.” For some reason I thought -- “They don’t make plywood in that size.” 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.

I was puzzled by this until he told me the rest of the story. Bottom line -- IT WAS A PING PONG TABLE! This “table” 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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

~ ONE MORE BREATH, 

~ ONE MORE STEP, 

~ ONE MORE MILE, 

~ FINISH LINE!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris

Running Through My Mind......

Chris Gillespie & Ed Pierson at the Finish Line
2010 Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival

I've been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities in my life. God has allowed me to be a part of things that glorify Him that are beyond measure. He has directed my path to places that I never thought I could go. He has chosen me to do things that I never thought I could do. I am humbled by His goodness and grace!

As I write this, many thoughts are running through my mind. We have a major event coming up in May and the days are clicking away really, really fast! My training for GRACERUNNER JOURNEY is going well as I continue to build my mileage toward our quest to complete 413 miles in 10 days to the glory of God! Please pray for me as I increase my mileage and as the training hits a level of intensity that I cannot comprehend before our taper starts about May 1. Your prayers mean so much to me and your words of encouragement keep me focused and moving forward.

It would be less than truthful for me to say that I'm not worried about funding for our event. I know that God will provide for the things we need. I also know that it is my job to try to raise the needed funds. We really need help in this area -- fundraising has not gone as well as it should be going. I know that some people will wait until the last minute or donate an amount per mile after I complete the journey on May 21. However, the significance of fundraising finally hit me last night when a contributor asked me, "With all the good that TEAM 413 is doing, why in the world will more people not help you with contributions?" I had NO answer because I have no idea! I lay awake most of the night thinking about that simple question.  "Why?"

Today has been a real struggle for me because I couldn't get that question out of my mind and off of my heart. I asked friends their opinion and some told me that it was because of folks financial situation right now. Others told me that some people are so apathetic that they don't want to give their time and money even if it is for a good cause. Others told me to hang in there and that it would come in God's timing.

One person's response troubled me. They wrote to me to let me know that someone told them that all TEAM 413 does is sell the shirts that are a catalyst for conversations during a race. My response to this is that person has no concept of what we are doing because they don't follow us very well. If they did follow us, they would know that we spend countless hours talking to folks at events all across the country -- answering emails about the ministry -- sharing Christ with people at speaking events from coast to coast -- and so much more. The depth of this ministry is deeper than anyone can imagine and our reach is across the worldwide running community. People are accepting Christ through the witness of the wonderful people who make up TEAM 413. Just a shirt? I don't think so!

The second question that my friend has been asked is, "Why is TEAM 413 doing a fundraiser that involves giving to other non-profits?" Well, that answer is easy....We want to give back to people who need our help. We want to expand our ministry to unique causes and expose those causes to the people within our ministry. Jesus taught us to enlarge our territory to His glory! That's exactly what we are doing because we are commanded to do so. So, if helping others keep someone from giving to TEAM 413 or GRACERUNNER JOURNEY, that's just the way it will have to be. That's not my problem. That's something that a person needs to take up with God. 

If you are interested in being a part of a ministry that is making a difference one person at a time  while sharing common ground out on the roads of life, TEAM 413 is your ministry! If you want to be a part of something that is much bigger than yourself and that has the potential to affect millions of people in the endurance-athlete community one person at a time, TEAM 413 is your ministry. And, lastly if you want to be a part of an "outside of the box ministry" that believes that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life -- TEAM 413 may just be a great spot for you to serve.

To give to TEAM 413, please visit the following link:

http://active.com/donate/team413

God bless all of you!  We need your help!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris

I SAW GOD TODAY!

I've heard a song -- "I SAW GOD TODAY" -- somewhere in the recesses of my mind on a radio station somewhere! Yet, today -- I saw God through the beauty of a day, in the eyes of a teenager, and through every step I took on my third long run in as many days.

We are on spring break at the beaches of South Walton County, FL along beautiful Highway 30A. Today was a post card type of a day. Today was a picture that you put on a magazine cover kind of day. Today was a chamber of commerce commercial day. The sky was my favorite color. It was a cobalt blue sky day. The sun was warm on my skin but the cool breeze still refreshed. The water of the Gulf of Mexico was blue and green and mixtures of the two! It was the kind of day that makes me want it to stay this way! I saw God today in the beauty of His creation!

As I ran on the path of Highway 30A, a group of teenagers came by me on bikes. Obviously on spring break, they seemed to be having a great time. There must have been 8 or 10 of them and all of them spoke as they went by. "Good day! How are you today!" Well mannered kids -- but the last two stopped as they went by me. And, one of them said, "Hey, I really love your shirt! Philippians 4:13 is my favorite verse because I think that I really can do anything with His strength." 

I stopped my GPS watch and talked to them for a moment. The others waited patiently as we talked. I told this young man that I appreciated his boldness -- his love of the Lord -- for being unashamed! He asked me about TEAM 413 and I shared the information and website with him. He was very interested and said he would check it out. Then, they started to leave and he turned to me and said, "God bless you and have a great day!" My response -- "He just did and I will!"  This young man was most likely 15 or 16 years old. I wish that I could talk to his mom and dad because I know that they must be proud of such a fine son. The bottom line -- I saw God in the eyes and words of a young man who has been raised right! God bless you, Michael!

Three days of long runs in a row can seem almost insurmountable. But, God gave me the strength to finish the drill as I prepare for GRACERUNNER JOURNEY. He opened the windows to my soul and shared glimpses of His goodness and grace all along my path. He showed me the hardships that will come, things that I need to deal with, and how my training is paying off. He uncovered many things for me today and many of them had nothing to do with running at all. I saw God today in so many different ways during my sojourn along the Florida Panhandle and I can't wait to see how He shows up to teach me new lessons in the days and weeks ahead.

Get on board with us folks -- It's going to be a great adventure!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris

VISION OF MY HEART

The past few months have been such an unbelievable time for me. The opportunity to prepare for  GRACERUNNER JOURNEY had been such a mixed bag of feelings for me.  During many hours of training to run 413 miles in 10 days to glorify God, I've had moments of  joy, anguish, reality, contemplation, survival, and success.  I posted the following quote on my Facebook wall a few days ago:

"Running has become so much more than an athletic endeavor for me. It is a time of worship - my quiet time with God - a time of reflection - a prayer opportunity with no outside distractions. Running is much more than it once was to me because God used it to improve the vision of the eyes of my heart."

I have found much peace in the time that I've spent alone with God as I've been running on trails, roads, and on the treadmill. I've had much time to praise God through the music that I listen to when I workout. It's been called my "GRACERUNNER Playlist!" Many of the song themes have something to do with God's grace....amazing grace - there is a place called grace - His grace is sufficient - grace that is greater than all my sin - abundant grace - delivered by grace.

I am in awe of how God has changed me through this simple act of running. I stand in amazement of how God has shaped and molded my heart so that I can see the vision of this goal in my mind but also deep within my heart of hearts. I am so humbled to do something this significant for the Kingdom. For, I am a simple guy, an average man who is blessed by God's unmerited favor. I am not sure why God has planted this vision within my heart but I do know that He has big plans ahead as we embark on our journey.

We have much work left to be done. So, we ask that you pray for us as we continue this path that God has planned for us. Join me in praying that people all around the world will be touched by something during our journey. Please pray that God will enlarge our territory and that we will be given many opportunities to share Him with the people we come in contact with along our way.

I ask that you continue to pray for our efforts as we raise funds for GRACERUNNER JOURNEY. My prayer is that we'll really be able to help our wonderful charities: TEAM 413, The Dick Beardsley Foundation, Constructores Para Cristo, and The Great Circle. We continue to seek sponsors who are willing to help us as we move forward. If you know of folks who are a good fit, please let me know.

Please pray for our crew. My wife, Kiki, will be my crew chief and will need uncommon patience and wisdom along the way. In addition, we are putting together an all-star crew who will be able to push me to "finish the drill."  This will be a live changing experience for all of us and I thank God for the opportunity to serve alongside wonderful people.   

We have several opportunities to speak during our trip but are looking for more! If you know of a group that would like to have us speak, please contact me at chris@team413.org.  Our schedule is as follows:

~ May 12 - Birmingham (Homewood), Alabama

~ May 13 - Olive Branch, Mississippi & Memphis, Tennessee

~ May 14 - Springfield, Missouri

~ May 15 - St. Louis, Missouri

~ May 16 - Champaign & Chicago, Illinois

~ May 17 - Des Moines, Iowa

~ May 18 - Duluth, Minnesota

~ May 19 - 21 - Fargo, North Dakota

I will provide more detailed information as we get a bit closer to May 12. I hope that many of you who live in these regions will come out and run a mile, or two, or 40 with me! Our crew will need your help and I will need your support and companionship. So, come run with me!

Today, I leave you with a few GRACE-WORDS that capture the essence of my heart:

"Running is a PLACE called grace to me. Running is my habitat for sanity. Running is my quiet corner of my heart's sanctuary where I am close to God. Running is my place of refuge, of solace, of climate change for my soul. It is a God filled place where HE does His wondrous work."

‎"I don't run as fast as I once did. I used to care about where I finished a race in my age-group. That stuff is not important anymore. God planted different reasons in my heart. Now, I run to celebrate God's miracle of grace in my life - that I can run against all odds - so Christ will be lifted up through each step I take - so others may see Christ in me. Quite simply, it's not about me - It’s about Him!"

‎"The likelihood of you doing something extraordinary in your life without significant sacrifice is impossible. God will give you the strength but YOU must supply the effort! Keep plugging away -- The impossible will become a reality when HIS strength and YOUR effort collide!"

On the run ---

Under HIS Grace...

Chris