Happy Days

Yesterday I was able to spend the day seeing a clothes closet, food pantry, and other outreach a local church here in Texas puts on every Thursday. I also got to have lunch with 3 precious ladies and spend the afternoon with "Aunt Shelly" and Lizzie... Two people that have become so precious to me! All in all it was a great day and I got to top it off by spending the remained of the day with my family back in Austin... They so bless my heart!!! I love all the Lord is doing. It's incredible to experience his presence and power on a daily basis. He is so good!!!

The End... It Is Just the Beginning

Hey guys, so this blog is gonna be a bittersweet post! The past few days have been a challenging but good few days and I'm here to tell you that I serve an amazing, mighty God!

I'm sad but happy at the same time to tell you guys that my running part of this journey has come to an end. I was hospitalized Thursday and Friday of this week and due to heart issues I cannot physically continue on this run... I know this is all part of Gods plan so I rejoice in knowing that He has some incredible plans ahead!

At the beginning of this journey, God spoke to me - "GO". So I went, I came and I'm here. He didn't give me any instruction except to "GO." I didn't know how this would all play out- I only knew that I was to come and that God had incredible plans for this journey- and incredible it has been!! I've seen and experienced God on a whole new level during my time on this journey...I'm here to tell you that HE FAILS US NOT!!!

Sometimes we don't understand why things happen but Praise the Lord that He sees and holds the whole puzzle!! As I sit here with this one puzzle piece not knowing why this is happening, I can rest in the fact that my God is holding me in the palm of his hand and He has far greater plans that I could ever imagine!... And that there is purpose in this and testimony will flow from this all- His will be done! He will be glorified!!!! I know that He is for me!!!

As much as I want to be out there running; I know that my purpose on this journey has been fulfilled. And for whatever the Lord has next, I will continue to Walk By Faith and Not By Sight- FLAMING ON!!! Pressing forward in whatever HE has for me!!!

The Lord Gives And The Lord Takes Away; Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord! Job 1:21

Pressing on and looking forward to all that is ahead!!!

I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who have supported,encouraged,prayed,loved, provided,etc... For me on this journey! May the Lord bless your socks off! You guys have so blessed my heart! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love you all!!!

A special thank you to:

David and Amy Ball: for visiting me in the hospital, for all the prayers,wisdom, and pouring into my life.

**Heather,Keith,Kristina,Chris,Aunt Faith and Michael for all you've done and for your continued love and support in more ways than I can name!! Such a blessing to be with family- especially during trying times. You guys are the best!**

**Natalie Freeman: Thank you for your dedicated precious friendship,laughs in the midst of tears ,encouragement,prayer, venting convos ,and for making me press on even when I felt I couldn't!!! You bless me to the core!**

**Tim Lyon, Kim Loewer,Rebecca Ruiz, Lena Davis,Melanie Jasper,Teresa Gable,Katie Rogers,Rhonda Rogers, Lisa Delfavero, Brandi Ferrell and Shannon Ripley- thank you for your constant texts,phone calls,prayers,and scripture on the daily! It's kept me going and so encouraged my heart!**

**Hayley Davis- My Mini Me, My Sister, My Teammate, My Best Friend... Thank you for being you, for doing all the behind the scenes work, for countless hours of writing, praying,encouragement,venting time,being here whenever,wherever and for whatever, for going above and beyond- your servants heart blows me away!!!! You bless me beyond words!!! It's OT- let's do this!!!! He's making ALL Things New!**

**Wesley W- Thank you for being my support, for loving me, for waking up early every morning to send me scripture and to pray over me, for giving of yourself , for being patient, and for being a man after Gods own heart! I'm blessed to call you mine!!! Your heart for the Lord and serving others makes me want to be a better person and go deeper in my walk with Christ every day!!! Thank you for being a Godly leader!!!**

My parents:For loving me! That simply is enough! You make me proud! I love all that God is doing in our family! Daddy, so proud of you and stepping out for the sake of the call!!:) Gods got some great plans ahead- keep climbing!!!

THIS IS NOT THE END- IT'S ONLY THE BEGGING!!!

A Different Kind Of Day

Today I got to spend time at the First Baptist Church in Kingsland,Tx with precious "Aunt Shelly". Then this afternoon we spoke at a school here in Texas to K-6 grade students! Some of their comments about Africa and having clean water and even running were so cute!- we def got some laughs from being there. Tonight we were able to take part in service at the Methodist church in Llano- it so blessed my heart. We were able to share about our journey as well as hear the incredible testimony of a high school senior,Jacob,who has been fighting cancer. He shared about where He had been and where God has brought him and how he has been able to soar above the storm despite his circumstances.. GodStrong! Def encouraged my heart so much!!! We are staying with a precious lady tonight that has dedicated her house to being a place of rest and a place people can come to relax and be in the presence of God- before building the house she and several others prayed over the land that the house now sits on and then over the house when it was built!!! Pretty amazing- I love how the Lord continually crosses our paths with such inspiring, God filled people!!

More Than Feelings

Today as I was running I was in a lot of pain. My chest and back were killing. But in the midst of it all I felt God saying-"Keep Going; I've got
You." During the 17 miles today I had a choice to make. I could live in a mindset of defeat and stop and go back to my family's house who live near where we were running today OR I could press through the pain, keep going and Flame On! (Not to say you should always push through pain when doing physical activity- each person knows their body and God gives us a brain and we should use it)... That being said- sometimes we have to do hard things and push through and live above our feelings! This is true to our lives as well:

In life we will face trials, there will be hard times, there will be pain, and things we don't understand- its not IF, it's WHEN! During these times we have the same choice to make: live with a defeated mindset or live with the mindset of Christ and soar above our storms and live a victorious life,walking it out with the authority and power that resides within because of Christ!!! It's not wrong to hurt or doubt or have fear; it only becomes a problem when you let those things have the last say in your life! So the next time you face difficulty or trials remember that you don't have to walk around in defeat: you have a choice to make!!! The battle has already been won! Will you trust God enough to cling to him and soar above the storm???!!!

GodSpeed: Flaming On

So today's run was INCREDIBLE: All I can say is GODSPEED! We all but sprouted wings and flew! 18.6 miles and I don't feel like I ran at all- God seriously amazes me- He carries us everyday. Our view today was amazing and beyond beautiful!! We finished our run with a little foot race:) it was fun!!... We try to keep things fun and interesting- on most occasions a race at the end of our run would not be our idea of fun but we had an overflow of energy today!!! We are in Austin this weekend with my family and I'm absolutely Loving it and don't wanna leave:) soaking up every second with them- they are blessing our socks off. They are taking us for facials and massages today... In the words of Athena.. " I feel like a spoiled little princess." lol. that's all for now- going to have family time!:)

Own It

Today's run was even better than the run before- crazy right?! Yup, I serve a big God!!! You know you've been carried by Him when you have ran 17 miles down the highway,in the wind, singing to the top of your lungs and dnt even feel like you've run at all:)
!!! Blows me away! Love It! The weather today was perfect and beautiful; perfect for a run! After our run our awesome friend Jared picked us up and brought us to the church we are staying at tonight- these guys here have blessed us so much!

In today's run this is what God spoke: OWN IT! Several stops back when we were still in LA my friend Hannah gave me her information on a piece of paper and on that paper was written "own it". Before we set out on our run today I found that paper in my Bible and read it...As we were running it stuck in my mind..."Own it"!

To OWN something is to make it yours right? When u own something tht means it is fully in ur presence and possession? For instance, when you buy a new car and you hav to make payments, that car truly isn't yours
until you've paid in full...so it isn't fully your's, you don"t OWN it...you just "have" it... You hav to pay it off, and it's draining sometimes to have to open up tht bill every month and pay tht $500 (or whatever)...but when you OWN it...there r no monthly payments...its yours ---so dnt just have it...OWN it, whatever it may be! ...having it is a passive way of living!!! Like Christians.. all christians HAVE salvation...but how many of them OWN it...how many of them really walk it out???...isn't that how we change the world! That's how ppl see tht its really OURS...its not just something to have...it isn't just a title or name to call ourselves...its something to OWN!...its something tht can be all YOURS, not to make monthly payments on by doing ur good deed and going to church, because its already been paid in full at the cross...but everyday walking it out, step by step...and that brings a sense of honor and integrity...something to hold ur head up about...because it's yours...not in a prideful way, but more of a confidence in knowing who you are in Christ and that it cannot be taken from u...when you just "have" something, it can easily be taken, but wen you OWN it..its yours and NO ONE can take tht from u! That's what Christ did for us, He gave us something no one can take from us, but we hav to choose to OWN it!

In doing so it gives us the ability in every opportunity and in every situation to put our hearts fully in it. No matter where you find yourself, no matter where God has you, you can own it! Not just walk through life living it and getting by but OWNING it, understanding that what you have cannot be taken from you because it was given to you by the one who is the giver and taker of all things! So when you do something do whatever you are doing as though it were for the Lord. Do everything to the best of your ability- 110%! In doing so, your OWNING your salvation and the gifts and abilities God has given you and trusting God to uphold His promises...and before you know it...your're changing the world! You only live once- make every second count!!!! It's so easy to go through the motions and to do what we have to to just get by- it's time to act like what's been given to us is really ours...its time to stop walking around in the desert and take what's been promised to us! OWN it!

The Lord isn't the Lord just when he feels like it, he doesn't protect us just when he wants to. He doesn't stick to his promises just enough to get by or just stick to them sometimes....his word never fails, He is always faithful, He never leaves! He is a God of Honor!!! Therefore, let us honor Him by giving Him the best of what He has given us!

Day 23

Mark 6:8-11 These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:8-11 NIV)

Acts 9:6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:6 NIV)

Hmmmm.....

Soarin, Flyinnnnnn!!!!

So today's run was ahhhhhmazzzzinnngggg!!! It gets better with each passing day! Literally felt so light I felt like I was flying today! There were a lot of unusual gross smells along the way today and we also met a new friend(dog)... We named him scruffy. He followed us a little ways down the road then almost got squished while crossing the highway-HEART ATTACK MUCH! Now we are feeding him an energy bar and going to find him a home and then going to our host home for the Nght! Thankful for another amazing God filled
Day!!! FLAMIN ON!!

"Move To The Beat of My Voice"- Jesus

Today beat yesterday in being the best day yet of this journey! Today's run was amazing! Let's start off with last night when I opened up my bible and it fell to a passage in Joshua- Sun Stand Still! Well this morning I woke up and could just feel it- "Today is going to be an incredible day."...So we get out on the road and just like I do for the first few hours of our run,every morning,I began to pray for all my family and friends and whoever/whatever else the Lord puts on my heart.... Well about a mile or maybe two miles into our run the scripture I read last night came to mind and in that moment it was as if God himself was standing beside me and said-" Today one of your long awaited "Sun Stand Still" prayers will be answered." In that moment I began to reflect on my prayers that I have written in the past year that I wanted God to answer and some that have been a prayer for many many years. Well, to make a long story short- about 14 miles into our 18 mile run I get a call from my daddy... Drum roll- this is where my world got ROCKED!!!!... He tells Haleigh and I that he is preaching tomorrow at his church!!!! SAY WHAT??!!!! BOOM- that Sun Stand Still prayer God told me a few hours earlier that would be answered just fell into my lap!!!( For those of you who know my dads testimony and our testimony as a family; you know this is HUGE). Well of course I wanted to fall to my knees, thank the Lord, and cry
My eyeballs out from being so overwhelmed!... But I had to stop crying bc I couldn't breathe and had to finish out run!!! You better believe those last few miles we beasted it and all I could do was say Jesus, Jesus, Jesus- Thank you!!!!- WOW!!! So that was amazing! We also had to walk an extra 3 miles after running to get to the next town where we were to be picked up- and let me assure you we were all dragging and just wanted to curl up on the side of the road and rest, but this ended up being a blessing in disguise bc we got to the town and ended up meeting a woman who took us to a place that had food and on the way had some incredible Time together- she was such an encouragement - it was def a divine appointment- we all got out of the car almost in tears and just so blessed! I love that the Lord continues to give us exactly what we need on this journey, daily.

So anyways, today God showed me that it is so very important that we "move to the beat of His voice! Because, it's in doing that that He is able to bless us, use us, speak to us, grow us, mature us...etc! It's not always easy when moving to his beat but it's always the best way! So listen to his voice and "move to the beat of His voice." Allow him to alter your course!!! Always remember - you have only a puzzle piece but he holds the whole puzzle and sees the whole picture- trust him and move when and how He speaks!!! He has your best interest at heart!

FLAMING ON!

Laughs,Smiles, and Interesting Afternoons

Today's run was amazing! It was a day full of laughs, beautiful scenery, and dancing... Yes, dancing!! You've gotta keep it interesting sometimes to entertain yourselves. :) I'm sure we entertained the people driving by as well! Haleigh was sure to keep us laughing along the way today- some now know her as "Beaver". Also The flowers along the road today were absolutely beautiful!!!!- I love how the Lord gives us so much along the way to show his love for us!... Amazing! We met some interesting people today... That was fun. Tonight we are staying at a hotel thanks to some very precious people in my life- I am beyond thankful!:) we had some fun going to Walmart and a local store here in Texas! Now it's bed time!:) Today was by far the best run on this journey! Looking forward to the days ahead!

Give Me Jesus: More Than Conquerers

Hello All!:)
Today's run was great overall! The weather was good, we got an early start, and we had some beautiful scenery along the way! Thank you Jesus, for giving us shoulders to run on today:) ... Always nice! Close to the end of our run today we came to a hill that to me seemed like Mnt. Everest- and what came to mind?? Romans 8:37; which Melanie Jasper sent to me a few days ago- LOVE that sweet woman!! So the whole time we were running those hills I kept saying in my head: "Through Jesus you can conquer and overcome; Flame On!!!! Thank you Jesus that you are enough and that through you we can conquer the impossible!!! You can have all this world; just give me JESUS!! Also on our run today we saw an odd amount of dead skunks along our run- GROSS! Anyways, we are now with our host for the night and she is absolutely PRECIOUS!! She is an older woman and a widow! We are about to go have lunch with she and a few of her friends who are missionaries to Honduras!! Yay- I sure do miss my time in Honduras and those precious people!!! I love how the Lord continually is setting people in our path along this journey that are missionaries and that also are able to pour into our lives and us into theirs!! I love it! God is so good!!!

City Lights and Country Roads

Today's run was amazing! No chest or back pain; praise the Lord! He is so good! We started our run this morning early so we could beat some of the heat! The whole run was good- we stopped at mile 16 for a few and a girl bought us all powerades- Blessing!! When we hit the road for the last 3 miles we all felt weary ;but let me tell you We were filled with the Power of God like never before and beasted those last 3 miles... I love it- felt like I was flying!! Upon finishing our run we were "pulled over" by a cop and yes he called for back up-Hysterical... Not sure why he thought 3 girls on foot with iPods and water were dangerous but cha know... It was amusing nonetheless! Now we are with two sweet elderly ladies that picked us up and are taking us to lunch- they are seriously cracking me up! I am loving this day!

On The Road Again!!:)

After several visits to the ER, lots of pain, and a ton of unanswered questions I am back on the road again!... I serve a great God! He is so faithful! The past few days have been a struggle and through it all I have realized something- I was struggling so hard and was so down bc I changed my focus; I got side tracked and that's exactly what Satan wanted! My peace and enthusiasm and passion to keep going had been sucked out of me! Why? Bc I shifted my focus off of my purpose and took my eyes off Jesus and started looking at my pain and focusing on my problems and how big they seemed! Really???!! Don't think so!!! NO MORE!!! There is NO problem too big for my God! There is no sickness He cannot heal and no strength, passion, or drive that He cannot reactivate!!! My joy, passion, enthusiasm, and drive to keep going is back! I will not stop, I will not back up or shut up!! I will FLAME ON in Jesus name!!! Through Christ I am unstoppable- and I won't stop until I get to the finishline! All Glory to God!!!

I am so motivated be Athena and Haleigh's drive to reach our goal! I love how God has so quickly interwoven our hearts to reach one goal for one purpose!!! - A chord of three stands is not easily broken!!! So thankful and blessed to have these sisters!!!

His Ways are Higher and Better

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of blog updates the past few days! Due to some health issues I will be taking a few days off to recover and get ready to get back on the road if it be The Lords Will... Wednesday night I found myself asking WHY?? Why is this happening to me God? You told me to come on this run! I heard clearly from you, I didn't doubt it then and I do NOT doubt it now...BUT I don't understand why this is happening and I am frustrated!!!... And well you probably guessed that God taught me something through this!... Something I already knew but was reminded of and got to/am experiencing first hand....

None of this came as a shock to God! He had the journey planned out long before I ever even knew about it!...even though I might not understand; He does and He sees the whole picture!!... All God told me was "GO" so I did/am! The journey just isn't going how I thought it would! That's when God reminded me...

My plan is greater; I need you to just be obedient!!!

After much prayer and thought I've realized this is so so so much more than a physical run!(I already knew that but am seeing it in a whole new way now). Sometimes we have to allow our lives and plans to be stopped and allow God to flow through us or lead us in a different direction or allow things to go differently than we think they are "suppose" to go!!... Through my physical issues happening and my not being able to run yesterday I was able to be with people and have conversations that never could have taken place had I been out on the road running!!!! DIVINE APPOINTMENTS!!

My flesh wanted to be out there running and I felt like I was being a wimp for taking time off; but my spirit was saying take time off the road- God is still going to use you! I felt God had other plans for yesterday's journey than actually being on foot running and He did!

Again through this I've learned that we may have pain and difficulties and we might not understand why or what's going on but God only asks that we trust him and be obedient whether we understand or not. Because while we hold one piece of the puzzle; He holds the whole puzzle!!!! So allow your life and plans be interupted today if God prompts you to do so! His ways are higher and better!!!! Take the high road!!!
God is Good, I am blessed, joyful and filled to overflowing!

FLAMING ON!!!!

O and I know some of you guys are wondering: I am being taken care of very well!!! A friend here in Texas, Natalie, has been wonderful the past few days- an angel sent from heaven :)! Thank you guys so much for all your prayers and support!! They mean more than you will ever know!!!

Its Gonna Be Worth It

Today was another great day! God is SO good. Today's run however was very challenging and painful! I wanted to sit on the side of the highway and cry my eyeballs out but every time the pain in my knee became unbearable and I wanted to stop- It's like I could Feel God saying: Keep going, I've got you! It's gonna be worth it! Push through! Finish this race- today's race! There is great purpose for
What I am having you do right now! FLAME ON!!! So I did! Just as He promised; He gave me the strength I needed to get through today's run... Through this process He spoke to me!....

Just as I give you what you need and the strength to make it through your run, I also do in life! You will have pain and there will be trials, but I've got you!! I will not leave you! I will give you exactly what you need to get through! You may go through storms and the journey set before you may be tough; I dnt promise to remove your pain , but I do promise not to leave you!!! So keep going, keep pressing on! There's always a rainbow after every storm!! The journey might seem tough right now but the finish line/break through is coming!!! It's gonna be worth it!!!

Side Note: After our run we had an incredible lunch then were treated to a movie and got to have dinner and hang out with a new awesome friend we have made here in Texas!! We are so blessed!!! I am thankful! Ready to hit the road again tomorrow and see what God has!

Heather Takes A Tumble: Pick Up Your Feet

Today's run was great. Finished early, wonderful weather, and felt amazing physically besides horrific knee pain. I was just jammin along to my music taking the run step by step, you know just Praising Jesus and then BAMMMM!!...I was eating grass and pavement before I knew what happened! God completely protected me b/c it was like I didnt even feel the effect of the fall- no scratches no cuts no nothing!! Upon impact I was laughing uncontrollably- I sure am glad I don't know anyone around here seeing as we were in the middle of town!(Embarrassment much).:) Anyways- once again God taught me something through my running experience today!!!

Pick Up Your Feet: In our Christian walk we need to pick up our feet and get moving! In ALL that we do!! There will be times when we grow tired or when we trip and fall,but in the midst of the fall/storm He will catch us and He will protect us! He is always here to help us up! Also when we fall we must get up and keep moving- He will give us the strength we need! So Head Up, Shoulders Back, Press On!!
FLAMING ON!!

No Limits

So today's run was absolutely amazing!!!:) JESUSSSS! We added 4 miles to the distance we have been going the past few days and finished like 30 minutes earlier so that was pretty amazing!!!:) NO Mosquitos today-Thank You Jesus!:) I can breathe again! All in all I felt amazing and God gave us some beautiful scenery along the way! Couldn't have asked for a better day!! God is so good! Along the way I heard a song called NO limits... And it reminded me once again- there are NO LIMITS to what God can and WILL do!! Love seeing His hand in so much! We are now settled in for the day and the family who hosted us last night is taking us to dinner again tonight and then we will be going to a college small group(looking forward to God showing up there)!:)

Oooooo..... Our strollers got carried again today:) God is Good! I am thankful!

Butter Flies and Promises

Umm today's run was AMAZING! We finished early and I felt great- despite being attacked by 959372519 Mosquitos. God showed up and gave us supernatural strength; just like He does everyday- but today was super great! Also, our great friends James and Ted followed and carried our strollers for us. Again, God taught me 2 things today...
1- As we run alongside the road semi trucks along with other vehicles sometimes throw rocks and dirt our way and bc of the wind it hits us in the face- every time it happens I close my eyes to protect them... Bare with me(God speaks to me in some crazy ways when I run)... But in the moments of closing my eyes to protect them God began to speak: "In the same way that I have put lids on your eyes to protect your eyes from dirt and rocks as they come at you so I do in your life. Just as your lids are a shield for your eyes, so am I a shield for you! Things will be thrown your way and things and people of this world will try to harm you; Satan will try to tear you down, BUT I your God will protect you and place a shield of protection before and behind you!" Have NO fear!

2- As some of you know I had a sister to die. When she died my mom prayed for peace and God to let everything be okay and through it all God sent her yellow butterflies to let my mom know God was in control and despite her pain and despite how bad things seemed; God was/is in control and had her in the palm of his hand! Well, as we were crossing over into Texas today I was praying for protection over the 3 of us girls as we run through this new state. In the midst of my prayer and the midst of a song coming on my iPod that had the message: (you may suffer, you may be imprisoned, it's part of the journey, but Gods not going to leave you- the chains will be loosed , the prison will have to set you
free)...God sent a little yellow butterfly that flew all around me!!! In that moment that let me know 2 things: 1-difficulties are sure to come! 2- When the difficulties come whether big or small- Gods got me! No matter what happens; all will be okay! Gods got us, we are his! No weapon formed against us shall prosper!!! So so amazing to know that we have a loving Father that loves and cares for us!! I am blessed!!!

Also in the words of Melanie that I was so encouraged by today: In Him we ARE more than conquerors! FLAME ON!!!

Blessed Beyond Words- Overwhelmed to the Point of Tears

WOW! That's all I can keep saying. Let me just say that it puts a whole new meaning to crying out to Jesus when you are running 16.2 miles and can't breathe and are throwing up bc of an allergic reaction...that was how the run started off today! Every step I took I felt like I couldn't keep going but everytime I said "I dnt know if I can", God said- Through me you can- FLAME ON! So I did, bc with each step I took, He empowered me to take the next-He is so faithful!
Today we had a family and a high school student come run with us! THE WHOLE 16.2 Miles... It so humbled and blessed me that these incredible people would take off of work and school to come show their support for us as well as taking part in bringing clean water to children in Africa!:) . . . Did I mention that they also got us massages as a little encouragement and blessing!!... Like I said all I can keep saying is WOW and JESUS!! Also about 10 miles into our journey today an elementary school along the way got word that we would be passing through and had the ENTIRE school come out and cheer us on- wanna talk about filling your heart with joy; it brought me to tears!!... And of course encouraged me to keep going! Despite the pain and sickness today my heart was filled to overflowing- I am so so thankful and blessed for all the people that have come into my life along this journey- such encouragement! Our host from last night are incredible and carried our strollers the whole way for us today as well as cheered us on and gave us water and snacks along the way!- INCREDIBLE!! Also, our host from 2 nights ago is still checking in and getting us things- so thankful and blessed that God crossed our paths, Deanna! I have so much to say and be thankful for in this day - I could write ten pages, but I'll let this be all for tonight! Thank you to my support team and all you prayer warriors back home! I love and miss you guys!!

Letting Go

Day 3: Today was another challenging day as I'm sure every day will be! Today God spoke to me in two different ways! The first was- letting go and letting him have control...As I was going down several heels my stroller was trying to take control and lead the way and guide me and I began to resist its pull - which would actually help me down the hill quicker and with less effort and energy than if I tried to control myself and the stroller- in that moment God spoke to me: "in the same way that you tried to control the stroller and lead you/others do the same in your life: Let ME lead and web you do so without resisting I will guide you into your calling- I will protect you- I will get you down the heel with no effort of your own but from myself! I will hold you,I will guide you, and I will lead you." - So let Go and Let God!:)

Second thing He spoke to me today: some of you know that I'm allergic to mosquitoes and well the ones here are the size of birds- and have attacked me like crazy! Today while running I couldn't breathe bc my throat and top of my mouth were swelling bc of the reaction to these bites. I was struggling, I was hurting, and I was wanting to stop at some points during today's journey- but only two words kept coming to my mind:FLAME ON! a few days before leaving for this journey I watched Flame On- a documentary on the life of a precious little boy (who lost his life) and his family and what they went through and all God has done in and through Cooper's and their lives!... Well , Cooper use to say Flame On... he was so full of life and brought a smile to everyone he came in contact with... Cooper/The Jasper's story has inspired me beyond words and God in his awesome power has incorporated their story into my run and used it to speak to me.. So every time I get down or feel like I can't go on God speaks to me Flame On! So I will Flame On til the end!!! I will not give up,back up, or shut up- I will press on and move forward NO MATTER WHAT! So looking forward to the journey ahead: the good,the bad,the hard, and the easy! ALL for His glory!!!

Day 2: Blessed Beyond Measure

Today we started our run in muggy warm weather but ready and happy to get going nonetheless and it continued throughout the entire run. As we began our run I noticed that my stroller seamed to be messed up but thought "o,well, it's probably just me." WRONG. The next 3 miles I struggled to keep it going and finally told Haleigh and Athena we had to stop and check. We looked and couldn't see anything noticeably wrong but Haleigh offered to push it- she soon realized it was a major problem. Throughout the day we alternated strollers to help eachother through the run. Around mile 5 I believe, I began to feel terrible!- the rest of the run Haleigh and Athena alternated pushing my stroller to take the load off me as much as possible! I really wanted to cry my eyeballs out because of their willingness to pick up my slack when I couldn't. We were defenitally strengthened as a whole today. God totally got me through today and it was strength from him that kept me going! We are staying with an incredible group of ppl tonight along with housing us they are going to look into getting my stroller fixed.God is good! I am blessed! So thankful for constant encouragement from friends and family back home- you guys are keeping me going as well!

Day 1:

After a long drive and getting lost a billion times due to malfunctions of our GPS, we finally arrived in LA. Athena, Haleigh, and I finally were united and it was amazing! A few minutes upon arriving our host for the night picked us up and we were able to have hang out time and fellowship over dinner with she and her family, my parents, and a group of college kids... Yes, they convinced me to eat alligator- Here's to new things! Headed out for day 2, day 1 on the road. To God be the glory!

It Starts Now

I woke up this morning one day away from the journey that awaits me. Reality is starting to sink in.  A year ago if you would have told me that I would be embarking upon an adventure like this one, I would have told you you were insane.  But now I sit here with a complete peace in my heart as I begin this run.  The next four months of my life is going to be, probably, the most exhilarating thing I've ever been through, and I've never been more excited about something in my life.  I've never felt more in the will of God than I do right now at this very moment. Looking back, it's beautiful seeing how God has been preparing me for this all along and orchestrating every detail and I didn't even realize it.  The way He pieces things together so perfectly, even when we feel like we're in the midst of chaos, is absolutely amazing.  So for whatever lies ahead for me, I'm going in completely trusting God.  From Him I find my strength.  From Him I find my courage to set out on this run.  From Him I find all I need for my future ahead.  I was, without a doubt, born for this.  This is why I'm here, and no matter what may happen, may God's glory be seen through all my actions and every situation we may face.  I'm all in- now and forever. It starts now!