"Jesus looked at them and said, 'with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'" Matthew 19;26
This verse is what inspired the new song "Impossible" by Building429. I had recently started hearing it on Shine.FM and at first, I thought it was crazy. As I started hearing it more, I began to fall in love with it. Today, it is my favorite song to dance to. I ALWAYS turn my radio up VERY LOUD and dance in front of my mirror. I also play this song whenever I'm on my treadmill running since I am training for the half marathon.
To make things even more awesome, I sent a tweet to Building429 telling them that I really liked this song. The following day, the band followed me on Twitter! I was one happy camper. Thanks guys for following me.
So, instead of me doing all of the typing, why don't you just listen to the song yourself. Don't be ashamed if you start dancing. It's a catchy tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zegqjuz4Cro
Read these lyrics and live out the truth: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!
"Impossible" by Building429
You got a vision
You got a dream
But it feels a million miles away
You got your passion
You got to believe
That this is why you were made
It takes a little time
Takes a little time
It takes a little time to see
I said it takes a little time
Takes a little time
It takes a little time to believe
We can rise above the typical
And be anything but usual
We know
We know
We know
That there's no such thing as impossible
And nothing is unreachable
When we trust the God of miracles
We know
We know
We know
That there's no such thing as impossible
We're never given the spirit of fear
Only the power of love
We'll keep on running and not grow weak
His strength is more than enough
It takes a little time
Takes a little time
It takes a little time to see
I said it takes a little time
Takes a little time
It takes a little time to believe
Rise above the typical
And be anything but usual
We know
We know
We know
That there is no such thing as impossible
That nothing is unreachable
When we trust the God of miracles
We know
We know
We know
That there is no such thing as impossible
There is no such, no such thing
There is no such, no such thing
There is no such, no such thing as impossible
Impossible
There is no such, no such thing
There is no such, no such thing
There is no such, no such thing as impossible
Rise above the typical
And be anything but usual
We know
We know
We know
That there is no such thing as impossible
Nothing is unreachable
When you trust the God of miracles
We know
We know
We know
That there is no such thing as impossible
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
10,000
If "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the anthem for the United States, and if "God, Save the Queen" is the anthem of the United Kingdom, then what is the worship and religious anthem of the Church? Well, that answer is "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman.
This song came out back in 2011, but I never considered it as a worship and religious anthem for the church I just thought that it was a great song to sing about worshiping God. Then one day, I received a newsletter from my junior high school and they described this song as the religious anthem of the church. When I read that, I was amazed and I totally agreed with what was said. I remember saying to myself, "I wish I could've been there to hear it." Nowadays that I'm in college, this song will be sung either in chapel or at my church that I attend.
The first time that I ever sang this song with other people was at my college's orientation. The only thing I remember was hearing the opening notes and being like "Wow, we're singing this." or something like that. I then sang this song with all my heart, and with both hands (I think) raised in the air. It's one thing to hear this song on the radio and sing it alone, but it's an entire different experience to hear other Christians singing this.
Another time we sang this song was during a Sunday worship service. The song was in a key that I could sing and it was just an acoustic guitar. This was the first time that I recorded it on my phone to have as a memory. I'm listening to it right now as I am typing. It brings back some nice memories.
The most vivid memory that I have was at the end of January of this year during Olivet's Winter Revival. There were even times that I just stopped singing just so I could hear everyone else. It sounds so beautiful (even if the song was in a different key), just to hear a small church that's all filled to capacity sing this song. It sounds like a heavenly choir! I do have this version recorded as well.
It's hard to say which of these 3 memories is my favorite, more specifically the second and third one. They both have something that is memorable to me. The first one is memorable because it was the first time I ever sang it with a bunch of other people, but I don't have a recording of it. I wish I did, though. Oh well, at least I have the memory of it in my head.
I'm not sure what else to say about this song. It's so amazing to hear and sing to God. So, I will just end with this:
My favorite number
10,000
Why?
10,000 reasons for my heart to find; 10,000 years and then forevermore.
Here are the lyrics to this amazing song. Oh, check out the album that this song is on. It's called "10,000 Reasons). There are some other really great songs on there as well,
"10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name
Saturday, January 17, 2015
"Safe"
What does the word "safe" mean to you? You might say that it means "to be protected from danger", or you might say something else. According to dictionary.com. "safe" is: secure from liability to harm, injury, danger, or risk. Both of these definitions do resonate with me, but let me share with you an acronym that I wrote for the word, "Safe" is Secure, Anchored, Free, and Everlastingly loved.
I wrote this acronym for one of my fanfiction stories titled "S.A.F.E.". In the story, one character will finally come to terms with something that has haunted her for most of her life. You'll have to read the story and the stories before it to understand what I"m talking about, but here is the final line of the story.
"I am no long scared, abandoned, fearful, and empty. Instead I am secure, anchored, free, and everlastingly loved. I am safe in the arms of God's embrace, breathing in his freedom."
The last phrase that she says (safe in the arms of God's embrace, breathing in his freedom), is actually a line from one of my new favorite songs, "Where Would We Be" by Matt Redman. This song became one of my favorite songs even before I had come up with the acronym. Every time I sat down to write a section of this story, this song would be the first one that I would listen to. In fact, I am even listening to it right now as I type this post.
This song is also featured in the story during a church service, The church in the story is in the middle of a series titled "SAFE" and they are currently on the second letter, A, which stands for "anchored". The song is the theme song for the series. Thee verse that they use is the story is Hebrews 6:19, which says "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (NIV)
I wold like to share with you an excerpt from the story, which is actually part of the message that my character hears and takes to heart.
"There are some of you this morning that are holding onto an anchor that's not from God. It's from the Devil, and he is weighing heavily on you. He doesn't want you to let go of it. He wants you to become so weighted down that maybe you reach your breaking point, But, God says to let it go. He wants you to let go of whatever is weighing you down and be anchored in Him and Him only. He wants you be safe in his arms. He wants you to be secure, anchored, free, and everlastingly loved."
So, what I am trying to get at here? Well, I want you to one day feel safe in the arms of God. Le t go of whatever is holding you down and be anchored in Christ.
This is my definition of safe.
By the way, 2 quick things, my second semester of college is going a lot better than my first semester. Also, here is the link to the story, "SAFE". Make sure you read or are familiar with the stories preceding it, specifically "Russia', so that this one will make sense.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/5760079/chapters/13272103
I wrote this acronym for one of my fanfiction stories titled "S.A.F.E.". In the story, one character will finally come to terms with something that has haunted her for most of her life. You'll have to read the story and the stories before it to understand what I"m talking about, but here is the final line of the story.
"I am no long scared, abandoned, fearful, and empty. Instead I am secure, anchored, free, and everlastingly loved. I am safe in the arms of God's embrace, breathing in his freedom."
The last phrase that she says (safe in the arms of God's embrace, breathing in his freedom), is actually a line from one of my new favorite songs, "Where Would We Be" by Matt Redman. This song became one of my favorite songs even before I had come up with the acronym. Every time I sat down to write a section of this story, this song would be the first one that I would listen to. In fact, I am even listening to it right now as I type this post.
This song is also featured in the story during a church service, The church in the story is in the middle of a series titled "SAFE" and they are currently on the second letter, A, which stands for "anchored". The song is the theme song for the series. Thee verse that they use is the story is Hebrews 6:19, which says "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (NIV)
I wold like to share with you an excerpt from the story, which is actually part of the message that my character hears and takes to heart.
"There are some of you this morning that are holding onto an anchor that's not from God. It's from the Devil, and he is weighing heavily on you. He doesn't want you to let go of it. He wants you to become so weighted down that maybe you reach your breaking point, But, God says to let it go. He wants you to let go of whatever is weighing you down and be anchored in Him and Him only. He wants you be safe in his arms. He wants you to be secure, anchored, free, and everlastingly loved."
So, what I am trying to get at here? Well, I want you to one day feel safe in the arms of God. Le t go of whatever is holding you down and be anchored in Christ.
This is my definition of safe.
By the way, 2 quick things, my second semester of college is going a lot better than my first semester. Also, here is the link to the story, "SAFE". Make sure you read or are familiar with the stories preceding it, specifically "Russia', so that this one will make sense.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/5760079/chapters/13272103
Friday, January 2, 2015
"Thrive"
What's your word for this year? Well, if you asked me this back when I was a junior in high school, I would've answered with this, "Courage". Each day, I needed to have courage and be very brave to adjust to my new high school as I was transitioning from a private school to a public high school. I remember walking in on the first day and it felt like a giant culture shock. By the time I reached my senior year, things were a lot better. It wasn't the greatest, but with God's help, I made it through and best of all, I graduated with honors!
What's your word for this year? Well, this year, my word it "Thrive". According to Dictionary.com. thrive is a verb meaning "to prosper, be fortunate or successful." "Thrive" is my word for 2015.
In 2014, Christian artist Casing Crowns released their 6th album titled "Thrive". This album also featured the song with the same title. The line that stands out to me is this. "It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive."
So, how do I thrive? Well, let me give you an image. Take your right hand and hold up all 5 fingers. Then take your left hand and place it under your right hand, but have your fingers point down .This, according to Casting Crowns' singer, Mark Hall, is called the "Thrive Five". The fingers on the left hand are like roots of a tree. This is called digging deep into God's word and learning more about who He is, The fingers on the right hand are pointed up. This is called reaching out into the world and showing others who God is. We as Christians are not just to only dig deep and only reach out, we are tot dig deep AND reach out.
So, why is thrive my word for 2015? Well, it was also my word when I started college last fall. Unfortunately, and I won't go into details, but I had a rough semester because of some very stressful things that took place. Make a long story short, and thanks to God and my parents, I am going back to college for a second semester!! I still however bare an emotional scar from everything that took place.
As I prepare to head back to college for the spring, my goal is to not just to survive, My goal is to THRIVE!!!!!!! How am I going to do this? Well first off, I'm going to go into each of my classes, ready to learn. Second, I'm going to grow in my spiritual life. I have actually already started a few new things to help. I have started a prayer wall with people's names on post-it notes. Most of them are authors on FanFiction that need prayer. The rest are friends. Another thing I do is devotions. I read devotions morning, noon, and night. It's a great way to relax and focus my mind on God.
The last way that I am going thrive is to think positive. A lot of times last semester I was really negative and not in a good mood because of what had happened, Yes there were days that were enjoyable, but there was always a sense of sadness over me. I wasn't exactly my full self and there were days that I let it overpower me. Well, this year, I am not going to do that. I am going to instead be "safe in the arms of [God's] embrace, breathing in his freedom (Matt Redman "Where Would We Be").
So, what are you waiting for? Stop trying to just survive, go out there and THRIVE!! Dig deep into God's word and reach out into the world!
Here are thy lyrics to this amazing song.
"Thrive" by Casting Crowns
What's your word for this year? Well, this year, my word it "Thrive". According to Dictionary.com. thrive is a verb meaning "to prosper, be fortunate or successful." "Thrive" is my word for 2015.
In 2014, Christian artist Casing Crowns released their 6th album titled "Thrive". This album also featured the song with the same title. The line that stands out to me is this. "It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive."
So, how do I thrive? Well, let me give you an image. Take your right hand and hold up all 5 fingers. Then take your left hand and place it under your right hand, but have your fingers point down .This, according to Casting Crowns' singer, Mark Hall, is called the "Thrive Five". The fingers on the left hand are like roots of a tree. This is called digging deep into God's word and learning more about who He is, The fingers on the right hand are pointed up. This is called reaching out into the world and showing others who God is. We as Christians are not just to only dig deep and only reach out, we are tot dig deep AND reach out.
So, why is thrive my word for 2015? Well, it was also my word when I started college last fall. Unfortunately, and I won't go into details, but I had a rough semester because of some very stressful things that took place. Make a long story short, and thanks to God and my parents, I am going back to college for a second semester!! I still however bare an emotional scar from everything that took place.
As I prepare to head back to college for the spring, my goal is to not just to survive, My goal is to THRIVE!!!!!!! How am I going to do this? Well first off, I'm going to go into each of my classes, ready to learn. Second, I'm going to grow in my spiritual life. I have actually already started a few new things to help. I have started a prayer wall with people's names on post-it notes. Most of them are authors on FanFiction that need prayer. The rest are friends. Another thing I do is devotions. I read devotions morning, noon, and night. It's a great way to relax and focus my mind on God.
The last way that I am going thrive is to think positive. A lot of times last semester I was really negative and not in a good mood because of what had happened, Yes there were days that were enjoyable, but there was always a sense of sadness over me. I wasn't exactly my full self and there were days that I let it overpower me. Well, this year, I am not going to do that. I am going to instead be "safe in the arms of [God's] embrace, breathing in his freedom (Matt Redman "Where Would We Be").
So, what are you waiting for? Stop trying to just survive, go out there and THRIVE!! Dig deep into God's word and reach out into the world!
Here are thy lyrics to this amazing song.
"Thrive" by Casting Crowns
Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word we're digging deep
To know our Father's heart
Into the world we're reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Hey!
We were made to Thrive!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
"A Christmas to Believe In"
I don't have much to say about this song, except that I love using this phrase, "Wishing you a Christmas to believe in!"
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas was a Christmas to believe in! See you in 2015!
Here are the lyrics to this beautiful and heartfelt song by my favorite Christian artist, Matthew West.
"A Christmas to Believe In" by Matthew West
It's a house full of noise ‘cause the family's all in town
It's an attic full of toys so the kids won't find out
The smell of cookies in the oven, it's a slow dance in the kitchen
Oh, ain't it somethin', it's a Christmas to believe in
It's in the snow making angels, it's a mistletoe kiss
It's an empty seat at the table to remember who we miss
It's a candle light carol, it's a grateful choir singin'
Oh Hark! The Herald, it's a Christmas to believe in
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
It's a blanket by the fire watching all our favorite movies
“It's A Wonderful Life” in black and white just like it should be
It's Salvation Army bells, hear them ringing to remind us
There's a world that needs our help, may compassion come and find us
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Hallelujah, we believe in Christmas
It's grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2
It's the greatest gift of love being born for me and you
It's a heart returning home to the One who is the reason
Every Christmas is a Christmas to believe in
May your Christmas be a Christmas to believe in
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas was a Christmas to believe in! See you in 2015!
Here are the lyrics to this beautiful and heartfelt song by my favorite Christian artist, Matthew West.
"A Christmas to Believe In" by Matthew West
It's a house full of noise ‘cause the family's all in town
It's an attic full of toys so the kids won't find out
The smell of cookies in the oven, it's a slow dance in the kitchen
Oh, ain't it somethin', it's a Christmas to believe in
It's in the snow making angels, it's a mistletoe kiss
It's an empty seat at the table to remember who we miss
It's a candle light carol, it's a grateful choir singin'
Oh Hark! The Herald, it's a Christmas to believe in
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
It's a blanket by the fire watching all our favorite movies
“It's A Wonderful Life” in black and white just like it should be
It's Salvation Army bells, hear them ringing to remind us
There's a world that needs our help, may compassion come and find us
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Hallelujah, we believe in Christmas
It's grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2
It's the greatest gift of love being born for me and you
It's a heart returning home to the One who is the reason
Every Christmas is a Christmas to believe in
May your Christmas be a Christmas to believe in
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
"At The Cross (Love Ran Red)"
"Love Ran Red"
When I first saw these words, I din't understand their meaning. All I knew is that it was the title to Chris Tomlin's newest CD. Also, the only two songs that I knew form the album were "Waterfall" and "Jesus Loves Me", (it's actually something else. It's not the one that you would hear in Sunday School.) so the title didn't make sense to me at all. Anyway, I remember asking myself, "What do these three words, 'love ran red' mean? Well, today, 11-5-14, I got my answer. In chapel today. we sang a song that had these words in it,. The words were "where your love ran red and my sin washed white. I owe all to you. I owe all to you. Jesus" As I was looking at those words, Chris Tomlin's album came into my mind. That's when I got the meaning. Red is the color of blood, and it spilled out of Jesus Christ as he hung on a cross. God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on a cross and shed his blood for us. His love for us ran in the form of red, washing our sins white as snow. Now, I don't know about you, but that's love!
When I first saw these words, I din't understand their meaning. All I knew is that it was the title to Chris Tomlin's newest CD. Also, the only two songs that I knew form the album were "Waterfall" and "Jesus Loves Me", (it's actually something else. It's not the one that you would hear in Sunday School.) so the title didn't make sense to me at all. Anyway, I remember asking myself, "What do these three words, 'love ran red' mean? Well, today, 11-5-14, I got my answer. In chapel today. we sang a song that had these words in it,. The words were "where your love ran red and my sin washed white. I owe all to you. I owe all to you. Jesus" As I was looking at those words, Chris Tomlin's album came into my mind. That's when I got the meaning. Red is the color of blood, and it spilled out of Jesus Christ as he hung on a cross. God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on a cross and shed his blood for us. His love for us ran in the form of red, washing our sins white as snow. Now, I don't know about you, but that's love!
Maybe you are reading this and you're saying to yourself, "How can my sins be washed white?" Well, I have the answer for you. All you have to do is ask. First, you admit you are a sinner, then you believe in your heart that Jesus dies on the cross for your sins. Finally, you choose to have a relationship with him. It's that simple. Just pray this simple prayer,
Dear God, please forgive me. I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died and rose from the dead so I could be forgiven of my sins and live forever in heaven. Thank you for loving me and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
If you prayed that prayer for the first time, congratulations! you are now a believer in Christ. I believe that you have been born again. I encourage you to tell a friend about the new relationship that you have.
Read the rest of the lyrics of this amazing song by Chris Tomlin and be an awe of what Jesus di for you.
"At The Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin
There's a place where mercy reigns and never dies,
There's a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide.
Where all the love I've ever found,
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
Chorus:
At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
There's a place where sin and shame are powerless.
Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness.
Where all the love I've ever found.
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
Chorus:
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You save my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow down
Chorus:
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Diary of a Runner
October 29. 2012: Joined Team World Vision
October 29, 2013: released an album of 9 songs that showcased my passion for worship
October 29, 2014: preparing to run my 4th 5k.
Here's the story of how I went from hating running in 3rd grade to now wanting to run a half-marathon by the time I graduate college.
I was so excited to sign up for the team. I would like to thank my physics teacher, my running partner from the Hub Run, and TWV themselves for inspiring me to run. Most importantly, I would like to thank God, for giving me the ability to run. I couldn’t have done any of these races without Him!
October 29, 2013: released an album of 9 songs that showcased my passion for worship
October 29, 2014: preparing to run my 4th 5k.
Here's the story of how I went from hating running in 3rd grade to now wanting to run a half-marathon by the time I graduate college.
My first
run that I can remember was back in third grade gym class. It was a mile run
called the turkey trot. Not knowing much about running, I just took off. The
goal was to run one mile, or 24 laps around the gym. Unfortunately, I wasn’t
able to complete all 24 laps. We only had a certain time to run it. During 4th-8th
grade, I had to run a mile as part of the presidential physical fitness test.
Each year, I always told myself that I wanted to do better. I remember even
re-running it on the make-up day. There was one year in Jr. High that I
couldn’t do the make-up run because I had a bad cough that prevented me from
running. During those years of running, I could never remember all of my times.
The last mile that I remembered was 10 minutes even. I believe that was in 7th
grade. At one point during Jr. High, I considered joining the track team. That
failed because of too much homework and my mom saying that I couldn’t do it
since I was in band.
Fast
forward to freshman year of high school, I didn’t have to run a mile, but I had
to run laps for a certain period of time. I tried to pace myself, but it was
difficult to do it. Since having to run a mile back in elementary and Jr. High
school I developed a small hatred for
running, but yet I loved to race my sister on the beach. My sophomore year of
high school, I still had to run laps, but this time, I changed my attitude. I
wanted to learn about what it meant to be a better runner. I also began to pace
myself better.
When I
transferred to a new high school, the idea of running was dropped. I wasn’t
required to take gym, so there was no opportunity for me to run. It’s now October
and the day after the 2012 Chicago marathon. My physics teacher ran the
marathon while injured. He wasn’t able to get his goal, but he was able to
finish, which made me happy. Anyway, on the day of the marathon, I was actually
coming home from a retreat. I had decided to wear an orange short in support of
the team that he was running for, which was Team World Vision. Later that day,
I posted on Team World Vision’s facebook page saying congrats and that I wish I
could join the team because I wasn’t a good runner. Well, about two weeks
later, that changed. On October 29, 2012, I signed up to join Team World
Vision. My first run would be a 5K called the Hub Run.
Throughout
my junior year, I began my training. I would run through the hallways of my high
school as well as run laps around my yard. Eventually, I had to stop for two reasons.
One, my high school was getting too crowded and two, it was starting to get
cold out and I hated running in the cold. Finally, March rolled around and I
was now on a training plan. The only downside was that I was using a treadmill.
On the longer runs, I would run and watch a movie. On the shorter runs, I would
listen to music. Sadly, at the end of April, I gave up on the plan because I
fell behind. I then decided to just run on my own. I had one goal in mind, run
the 5k in under an hour. I was going to do it, no matter what.
On May 5,
2013, the day arrived. However I had two problems. One, I had to work the night
before, which caused me not to get to bed early. Also, I woke up with my knee in
pain because of reason number one. I was nervous. I even emailed my teacher and
said “Pray for me today, I’m in pain with my knee.” I decided to wear my new
Team World Vision jersey to church that morning. Finally, it was race time. My
phone was ready to go with all of music. My partner was there too. We both
stood at the front of the line, waiting for the start. At last, we were off,
I ran the
first mile without stopping. The rest of the race was a run/walk. I then
finally crossed the line with both my hands raided to “Until The Whole World
Hears” by Casting Crowns. I did it! I had ran my first 5K. My time, which I
checked at home, was 37 minutes and 14 seconds. I was happy that I got my goal!
It’s now June
and I’ve graduated high school. My next goal was to run the Crown Point
Crusader Classic, which was another 5k, in September. Unfortunately, I was not
able to run it. I then decided to take a break. Moving on to May of 2014, I
decided to start running again since I was planning to run a 5K in college. My
first run was a nine minute run to “Assemble” from “The Avengers” and “Lemurian
Star” from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. The goal was to run without
stopping for water. Well, I got my goal, but I was VERY worn out. Plus, I had
to work later that night. Make a long story short, I came home work early
because I felt like I was ready to fall over when I bent down to do something.
Throughout
the summer, I would do these small nine minute jogs. My record for running
without stopping that I officially timed was 7:44. I eventually broke that
record. Today, it is 15 minutes. Ok, I’m now in college, my second 5k is on
September 6. The goal was to run it under 30 minutes. Well, I did just that. I
ran it in 29:50. Eight days later, I announced my third 5k. This would also be
my second one this month. I was super happy to male this announcement. My
passion for running was back.
Starting
on September 16, I worked through a seven day training regiment of running and
cross-training. Cross training included swimming and biking. The plan concluded
on September 23 with a 1.67 mile run and a 1.56 mile bike ride. I then took a
three day break. Saturday came and I was ready. I ran almost the entire 5k,
only walking twice. I finished the last part of the race at a hard and fast
run, hands in the air to “Until the Whole world Hears”. My time was 29:10. I
did it again. I beat my goal of running a 5K in under 30 minutes.
After my
third 5k, I decided to take a well-deserved break. I was supposed to resume on
October 14, but ended up not because of homework and poor weather conditions (cold
temperatures). However, I do have an alternative, bike riding. My longest ride
so far is 8 miles in 1 hour. As I am writing this, I am preparing for my 4th
5k. This one will be interesting because I haven't done much running since my
last one. I hope to run it in a decent time. My long-term goal is to run/walk a
half-marathon by time I graduate college in 2018. I am also approaching my 2-year
anniversary of being a member of Team World Vision. So far, 6 people have water
for life. $50 provides water for one person. When I ran the hub run, I raise
$200. On my one-year anniversary, I released an album of 9 of my favorite
worship songs. The album was all about worship and water. I wanted to showcase
my passion for worship. Also, any donations that I received would go toward
World Vision. I raised $87 and then contributed the remainder to make it $100.
As of today, Team World Vision has a copy of my album as well a a picture
collage so they can see what I look like.
I was so excited to sign up for the team. I would like to thank my physics teacher, my running partner from the Hub Run, and TWV themselves for inspiring me to run. Most importantly, I would like to thank God, for giving me the ability to run. I couldn’t have done any of these races without Him!
The picture below is of me outside my dorm room after completing a 15-minute run in the cold.
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