The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard By Kara Tippetts Book Review

 

My Review:

I would recommend this life changing book especially to anyone who has cancer and they are looking for some guidance during this difficult time. Even if you don’t have cancer, this book covered the important topics of having peace during life’s challenges. If you feel like you’re spinning in a hurricane that’s completely out of your control, then this book is written for you. Peace is obtainable and God can give you His incredible peace. I appreciated how Kara Tippetts was very honest and real about her feelings on having cancer. She called cancer as a gift which was an enormous surprise to me. Cancer isn’t something that I would declare a gift and she had a great perspective. She learned to enjoy life to the fullest and to cherish every single moment with her husband and her children.

 

I liked how she enclosed her testimony about how she came to know Jesus as her personal Savior. She also wasn’t afraid to share about how her father influenced her life in a negative way by spanking his children and she choose to extend forgiveness to him. Forgiveness and holding on to grudges is something I struggle with and this book helped me to learn to let go of the hurts and choose to forgive even though it’s tough.

 

The book also covered her marriage and how she met her husband. She revealed that marriage has a way of unveiling each other’s personal quirks. A pastor taught her the importance of 1 Cor. 13:4 and how critical kindness is in love. Being kind to your spouse, when you’re angry, and you’re both fighting and, you would rather not see that person at the moment almost seems impossible. But choosing to respond with kindness and displaying love could dramatically change your marriage and relationships.

 

“I received a review copy of The Hardest Peace from Litfuse for this review.”

 

 

About the book:    A young mother battling cancer invites readers to embrace grace in every season of life. Kara Tippetts knows the mundane but rich days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow.and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer. In The Hardest Peace, she invites readers to see the grace of the everyday in all seasons of life and to live well even when the living is hard. As the thousands of readers of her blog know, Tippetts explores the hardest questions of life with rare beauty and honesty. Most of all, she draws them back to the God who is present, in the ordinary and the suffering, and shapes every life into the best story of all.   Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Cgo5s   About the Author:      Kara Tippetts and her husband, Jason, have four children and lead a church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cancer is only part of Kara's story. Her real fight is to truly live while facing a crushing reality.      Find Kara online: website, Facebook, Twitter

 

Read what others are saying:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ktippetts



Kara Tippetts' brave and touching book, The Hardest Peace is launching with a blogger challenge. Celebrate with Kara by joining the #HardestPeace conversation and share how you are finding grace in the midst of the everyday and in life's hard moments.

Share your stories of everyday grace in the midst of life’s difficulties and enter to win a #HardestPeace prize pack:

• A book club pack (10 copies of The Hardest Peace for you and your small group!)
• A handcrafted candle
• Journal
• Custom Etsy The Hardest Peace print and coffee mug

To enter to win, simply blog about your #HardestPeace story and then submit the link to your post via the link-up (or see link in the Rafflecopter below). Plus stop by others’ stories to leave encouragement and offer prayers as we all travel the journey of life together and discover that the hardest peace is often the most fulfilling peace. Then follow Kara online (via the Rafflcopter) for additional entries into the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Master of the Impossible: How Our Extraordinary God Conquers Overwhelming Circumstances By Tish Hagee Tucker Book Review

In Master of the Impossible, Tish Hagee Tucker, the daughter of Pastor John Hagee has written an inspirational book to encourage readers in whatever storms of life they may currently be in. Tish Hagee Tucker writes about her compelling miraculous healing from cancer and how she overcame the numerous odds stacked against her. It all begin when she went to the doctor for having bronchitis and they ran some regular tests. A few weeks later when she was driving in her car her cell phone rang. The doctor called and told her the dreadful news that she had a type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma. Satan started planting the lies in her head and declared to her saying, “You just received a death sentence, so now what? I can control you through fear. Your life is over” (Page 3). She held onto the promises of God found in Psalm 27 and they brought her great comfort. These verses reminded her that God is her main strength and there is no need to fear the enemy. God decreed that He will set us on a firm solid rock to protect us from the schemes of the evil one. Leiomyosarcoma is a very rare form of cancer and the doctors stated, “If you survive the first five years of sarcoma treatment, your chances of living will drastically increase to 20 percent” (Page 37). Many family members and friends prompted praying and interceding on her behave to be healed from cancer. She had two small children at home and like most parents, she was very concerned about what the future held and if she would be there to see them grow up. That night she repented and confessed her sins and asked for forgiveness. Then she proceed to pray protection of her two girls and she asked God to grant her an execution to stay on earth if losing their mother would cause her daughters to miss their destinies. The book will take readers through her struggles and triumphs and you will see how God incredibly healed her from cancer and what is impossible for man is possible with God.

 

I immensely felt encouragement and I was awestruck when Tish shared a personal story about after she was diagnosed with cancer a divine person influenced her life in unlikely place. The person spoke a word from the Lord and she had no idea who this person even was. This part of the story is truly powerful that it will give you cold chills and it was a magnificent reminder that God cares so much about His children and what they are going through. I was fascinated by the appendix of the book that contained about thirty pages worth of scriptures from every book of the Bible where readers could conquer whatever situation that was their impossible in life. If readers will speak out these verses and mediate on them, they will have an effective defense strategy against satan and his lies.

 

I would recommend this phenomenal book especially to anyone who is seeking healing from a terrible diagnosis and maybe even the doctors have given you a zero percent survival rate, this book would be a fantastic encouragement to you! I loved how Tish reassured her readers that God is no respecter of persons and He can certainly still heal you from whatever sickness you may be up against. I would also recommend this book to anyone whose marriage is on the verge of a getting a divorce, God is more than able to mend your broken hearts and you can recover what the enemy has stolen from you. If you’re recently lost your job or you’re having a hard time making ends meet, this book enclosed a few examples of how God came through and unexpectedly provided for families who needed God’s provision and they will persuade you to look unto God. The book did an outstanding job on witnessing to readers on the importance of trusting in God and remembering that He is all powerful and whatever storms we have to encounter in life, He is always there. If you’re looking for an astonishing book to assist and guide you on your transition through the difficult storms of your life, then you need to read this one!

 

“I received this book for free from The Booketeria/ Charisma House for this review”.

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Master of the Impossible, then check it out on Amazon.com or Christian Book.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Impossible-Extraordinary-Overwhelming-Circumstances/dp/1621362175

 

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=362173

Days Like These: Even in the Darkest Moment, Light Can Shine Through By Kristian and Rachel Anderson Book Review

In Days Like These, Kristian and Rachel Anderson has written this book to display that even when the circumstances of life throw us off course and we can’t see the light from the darkness that surrounds us, God is still there in the mist of the storms. The book began as blog posts from Kristian’s website until it grew to a fan base of billions of users reading about his journey and challenges. Later his wife decided to turn the blog post into a book where he could leave behind a legacy to his two young boys. Kristian married Rachel and they had two boys under the age of three and they lived in Australia. At the age of thirty-four, Kristian Anderson started to get a little stich in his side and he noticed that he had a little blood in his bowel movements. He eventually went to the doctor and they discovered that he had a blood clot on his lungs. But it turned out that the used a voice recognition software to file the reports and it misheard the doctor said no blood clot present. The doctors did notice that he had something on the bottom of his lung and they ran more tests and found out that he had cancer. The cancer was located in his bowel and it was wrapped around 75 percent of his colon and it already was spreading to the liver. When he found out he had cancer, they had to make a decision together. Rachel desperately wanted to have four children and the chemo had a risk factor of damaging his sperm and they might not be able to swim. He went to the In Vitro Fertilization to save some healthy samples. Kristian underwent chemo and many different medicines to try and kill the cancer cells. He shared all of the details and his emotions throughout the book in his brave battle for his life. At the end of each chapter, Rachel also expressed her thoughts and concerns about the battle against cancer alongside her husband. Unfortunately, Kristian lost his battle with cancer on January 2, 2012.

 

Kristian also made a very personal memorable birthday video for Rachel’s birthday. He was holding up signs with his two young boys to show his wife how much he truly loved her. He also got Huge Jackman to appear in the YouTube video. The video finally went viral and was seen all over the world and it even reached the eyes of Oprah Winfrey. This video is one that will have you in tears! Oprah also had Kristian and Rachel appear on her show when she was in Australia and Microsoft donated an enormous amount of money to assist them with their medical bills.

 

One of the private stories that he conversed was about a conversation he had with his youngest son, Jakob while putting him to bed. Kristian told him that he would always love him and would be in his heart forever, no matter what occurs. He kept reinforcing to his son that he would live in his heart and he was explaining that sometimes when you’re very sick you have to go away and you can’t return. His oldest son, Cody overheard the conversation and screamed with tears running down his creeks and declared, “YOU CAN’T LEAVE! Why are you going, and why can’t you come back? There’s only one daddy for a family, and you’re our daddy…and… and… you can’t go!” (Page 182). This like any parent caused Kristian to break down and cry. This was the most exquisite piece of the book that touched me emotionally. I can’t even began to imagine having to say goodbye to your spouse or children.

 

I would recommend this marvelous book to anyone who is looking for some hope in their life and it is a great book for someone battling cancer. This is the first book that I have read that I will admit to having cried and have gotten teary eyed while reading it. It was a heartbreaking book to read about Kristian’s journey through having cancer and he still managed to trust God. I immensely appreciated how he revealed the details of his roller-coaster ride of getting a little better to getting worst to getting better, and so on. I haven’t had cancer but I lost an aunt to cancer and a few other people that I know to the horrible disease. I specially loved the numerous scripture verses Kristian included and the positive confidence that Christ wouldn’t fail him or his family.

 

I love how transparent Kristian was and he shared his feelings about the pain of having to battle cancer. He was very expressive and he described the terrible symptoms he dealt with each and every day. Kristian’s love story about loving his wife and sons was evident throughout the book, and it made me want to be the kind of brave and courageous man, husband, and father that he was. I’m not even married yet and I don’t have kids yet but it presented me with an example of an extraordinary man to look up to. In reading his book, I felt the love he had for his beautiful wife and his handsome two boys and he tried to cherish them with each passing moment. I liked how Rachel was candid about how she felt when she saw the person that she loved struggling and in extreme agony. She was very genuine about describing her dreams to have more children and how she begged him to try to get her pregnant before he underwent chemo. He refused to try because he feared if something happened to him he didn’t want her to have to take care of three children alone. I liked how the book showed how it affected her through his sickness and that she had a difficult time too. If you’re looking for an inspiration book that will give you hope even when we don’t understand, why pain and sickness must exist, then this book will impact you and point you to the light and hope of Jesus Christ!  

 

 

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze/ Zondervan book review bloggers program.” 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Days Like These, check it out on Amazon.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Days-Like-These-Darkest-Moments/dp/0310325838

 

Check out the video, Kristian made for Rachel’s Memorable Birthday:

http://vimeo.com/14325334 

Mission Completed

I had my run for St. Jude’s Research Hospital on Saturday, June 12. It was extremely hot in Nashville, TN. The humidity was smoldering to anybody’s body. The run was at 8 am. This little girl named Ellen Taylor kicked off the 5k run with the National Anthem. One guy juggled balls during the whole walk/run. I don’t know how he did that. I did good to walk and run it. Then two girls walked and hula hooped the whole run. I only had about two months to prepare for the run. I could only run for 0.31 miles. Then my right foot started killing me, but I finished the 5k. Most people walked and some ran the whole time. But the reason we all came together was for the children not for being first.

Someone recorded this video of Ellen Taylor performing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaJKOWvhL5g

I would like to thank everyone who has read and supported me during this run/walk. Thank you everyone who donated or who has ever donated to St. Jude’s. I even saw young kids ranging from 3 to 16 helping one another. I even saw some older people helping and running. The world would be a much better place, if we all would just reach out and move along and help one another. We can’t live in fear or let our doubts hold us back any longer. So thank you for reading any of my posts.

I went to Nashville for the CMA Fest too. It was my first time going and it was a blast. I only went to three of the four nightly concerts. I was hurting and too sore to stay for the last night. But I got to see a lot of artists and TV show stars. I even got to met some of them, which was awesome. I went to the Convention Center which is where artists sign at booths. My favorite would have to be Point of Grace. They made me feel like they cared about me as a fan. We connected and Leigh even remembered my name. Point of Grace did a free concert at the Music City Zone and Leigh said, “We met Andrew today. Hey Andrew” I got a picture of her pointing at me. I about flipped out. If you ever get the chance to go to the CMA Fest, it is worth it. It was crazy and hot though just to warn you. Nashville is very hot! Two of the best singers at the nightly concerts would have been Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. They rocked it! Everyone who performed was great! But they were my favorite, if I had to pick two.

I also heard of a new artist, Danny Gokey. Yes, he is from American Idol too. I got his new CD this week and it is great. I like most of the tracks and I agree with this dude. His first single called, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” is a song about looking ahead in life and not living in the past.

Here are the lyrics:

“Life hasn't always been a party but mostly it's been good There's only one or two things that I'd change if I could I don’t get lost in the past or get stuck in some sad memory yah My best days are ahead of me

Age is nothing but a number Sometimes I have to wonder What does it really mean But hey I’m still putting it together I keep getting better if I keep getting better I can be whatever I want to be My best days are ahead of me”

Here is the powerful video for the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqus079lUz8

I know we all have some things we regret but the past is the past. We CAN’T change it. No matter how much we would like to change some things. We all make mistakes. But all we can do is pray for forgiveness and receive it. Then move on. As the song says, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” we have to believe that.

Who knows maybe I will run another one completely one day.

“Forget perfect. Perfect is boring! Our bodies are beautiful, no matter how narrow our cultures definitions might be. Embrace your perceived imperfections- they make you unique- and love who you are. It’s the only way to move forward.” Jillian Michaels “Winning By Losing” Page 6

Oh and my supporters raised $500 dollars for the run. Which I couldn’t have done it, without you thank you again. I made my goal with everyone’s help. $5,110.00 was raised by Team Messina so far. They are still counting the donations. I believe you can still donate so I don’t have any clue, when they will stop the donations. $27,019.10 has been raised for the St. Jude’s so far! Let’s just pray that we help save a life with all the donations and maybe we will find the cure to cancer!

Determination - Never Giving Up

I will never give up in helping to raise money and awareness for St. Jude’s 5K run! I heard this song and it fits my life. I can’t give up in running my 5K. I will run this! I can do this!

Here is a song called, “Never Say Never”. It is by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith.

“You see I never thought that I could walk through fire I never thought that I could take a burn I never had the strength to take it higher Until I reach the point of no return And there's just no turnin back When your heart's under attack Gonna give everything I have It's my destiny I will never say never (I will fight) I will fight till forever (make it right) Whenever you knock me down I will not stay on the ground Pick it up, pick it up Pick it up, pick it up (up up up...) And never say never (ne-never say never x3)”

Here is the video for “Never Say Never”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5-P9v3F8w

I watched Jillian Michael’s new show last night. It’s called “Losing It with Jillian” and it’s on NBC. One of the quotes I like that Jillian Michael said, “I am going to give you one warning, don’t say I can’t to me.” She is a very tough coach who is all about fitness and being healthy. She also said, “You know what you’re doing right now. You’re quitting”. The show is very moving and motivating. She made this family mother run a 5K. Kind of ironic isn’t it? I am kind of like the Jones family. I can relate to Deb (mother of the Jones Family) letting people and the voices to push her down.

Here is an 8 week program by Jillian Michael in training for a 5K Run:

http://www.nbc.com/losing-it-with-jillian/exclusives/jones/sedentary-to-5k.pdf

I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for me for this run and donated to St. Jude’s. I can do this with your support! I have my family and friends and even strangers depending on me to finish this run. I have to have the determination to finish this running event. I will do it! The cancer patients have to face living with cancer every day. I can at least raise support and money and believe that I will finish this race. God is for me! Let’s believe our money will help the doctors find cures for the patients. We are going to believe God for his favor and for his healing. God is still in control and always will be! We will pray that God will bless everyone and he will.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:31 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31&version=MSG

Here is a message thanking you for your support from Keith Urban:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffq59mGMI94

This is what it means to be a part a St. Jude Heroes Program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Tn8M9Y6rQ
Here is “Just Stand Up” by Various Artists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2hPmcyJBDc

That song makes me want to keep going!

I hope you will consider supporting me and praying for me for my 5K run! You can help save a life.

Here is “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sad2_p1EOic

She let this little girl with cancer walk on stage.

A little background on St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is that it was founded by Danny Thomas in 1962. Because of your donations, families never have to pay for anything not covered by insurance companies.

Read more about St. Jude: No Place Like St. Jude multimedia presentation

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b842499d66678110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=776c13c016118010VgnVCM1000000e2015acRCRD


To support St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital click the link below:

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

"Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.' "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because— I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-45 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:37-46&version=MSG

Week 8

Day 1 – Friday, June 4

I went a total of 0.64 miles and I took a total of 1354 steps. I burned a mass sum of 39 calories.

Day 2 – Saturday, June 5

In my journey for my run for St. Jude, I took a total of 3460 steps. I went for a grand total of 1.63 miles. I burned a total of 98 calories.

Day 3 – Sunday, June 6

I went an enormous sum of 4.65 miles! I smoldered a full amount of 284 calories. I took about 9824 steps! Wow, I can do this!

Day 4 – Monday, June 7

I went for an extensive amount of 1.52 miles. I burned a total of 91 calories. I took a complete sum of 3219 steps.

Thank you supporting me and for helping so many children living with cancer. You are helping make a difference in their lives. When we all come together, we can change the world for the better. May God bless you! Never give up! Everyone can be happy and have joy, if they choose too.

Change Your World : One Step at a Time

Maybe you’re wondering how we can help others. If fact maybe you feel small and like it doesn’t matter. Sometimes we have no clue on how to reach out to one another. Sometimes maybe we stereotype each other based on their appearance and how they act. Granted we are all human. We all feel emotions and we all think with our minds. But helping one another and being kind to one another makes a HUGE different. It makes the world a better place. After all this is only our temporary home.


We only live on this earth for so long. But it all comes down to living and loving along your trip in life. You only have one life to live and love. Yes, things will bring you down sometimes. Yes, you will make mistakes and have to be forgiven. But you have a life, you have been given. That’s why it is important to love each other.

I know some people have hurt you. Maybe I have. But it is essential we forgive one another for each other’s mistakes. We only get one trip to pass through this life. It’s your choice on, if you stay negative and depressed. But you can be happy, if you will choose too. Reading and knowing God helps me get through this crazy ride called “Life”.

We need to be happy in this life. Yes, you will sometimes feel down and sad. But you can get happy and whole again with Jesus. We need our friends and our family. I know some of you dread seeing your family and maybe even some of your friends but you still need to show them love. I don’t know what you’re going through right now but God is still in control. I know sometimes we like to ask the questions why. I can’t answer the why questions. Neither can you. We just have to hang on in this life. If they know Jesus, then we will see them all again someday. Just keep believing things will turn around for the better. Right now, you may not be able to see why things turned out the way they did. But God is still there for you.

Life is way too short to hold on to anger and regrets. You can’t do anything about your past. But you can change your future. You have to heal from whatever is hurting you right now. Maybe its anger and lashing out at people, feeling depressed about your life, hating yourself, abusing someone (or yourself), bitterness, fearful, and anything else. God can take your past and forgive you, if you did something wrong. He can also heal your past that may have hurt you. Maybe you need to forgive people who hurt you. I know I have hurt people with words and actions. I have been hurt by actions and words as well. But God can heal you. I have been working with God to help me heal and let go of some of the pain of my past. I know it is hard to forgive sometimes. Nothing in you sometimes wants too. But it frees you from the pain and hurt. People make mistakes daily and need forgiveness. We all do. We all are human and hurt one another.

Sometimes helping someone is lending a helping hand, donating money, your time, things (clothes, etc), praying, smiling, and loving one another. It doesn’t have to make a huge impact on the world. I know sometimes we think we have to see our names in lights or on TV. But that doesn’t mean everything in life. 15 minutes of fame will always fade away. Look at how much stardom changes for the celebrities out there. One minute you’re in the next you’re fading away.

We have to focus on helping someone, when no one is looking, and there are no cameras around. We can all have an impact on the world but by bring love not hate. We have enough haters out there. We have to love and help people, who can’t give us something in return. This world is not all about you and getting presents. All the presents in the world wouldn’t make you happy. Yes, it might for a day. Then you’re going to the store again to buy something else new. You’re looking to be filled up. Only Jesus can fill that void. I am not saying to never buy anything just don’t buy the whole dept. store. Unless, you own the company would you need all that stuff. I know some people fill that void with drugs, sex, being in love with yourself (thinking you’re better than everyone else), greed, hate, and loving things too much. You need to love yourself but not be in love with yourself. The world isn’t just about me or you. I know it’s hard to give and love people sometimes. But we have to as Joyce Meyer says, “Do It for God”.

I want to share with you a song called, “Change” by Carrie Underwood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H0EY4Rrpf4

What are you telling yourself? Maybe you’re telling yourself, you can’t help someone because you have too many problems. You can smile can’t ya! Then smile a little! There a number of different ways to help. You can give money or your time. Now get out there and lend a helping hand. Make someone else’s life better for good. It’s your choice.
Here are some of the lyrics to “It’s Your Life” by Francesca Battistelli:

“It’s your life What you gonna do? The world is watching you Every day the choices you make Say what you are and who Your heart beats for It’s an open door It’s your life To live the way that you believe This is your opportunity To let your life be one that lights the way”

Week 6

Day 1 – Friday, May 21
I went a total of 1.85 miles today. I burned a total of 112 calories. I took an accumulation total of 3928 steps.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 22
I went for a grand total of 1.51 miles in my running journey. I burned a total of 99 calories. I took 3208 steps in the shoes, which were made for walking scenario.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 23

I went an impressive 1.15 miles today on the treadmill at that. Yes, that is right. I smoldered a total of 83 calories. I obtained a full amount of 2433 steps in this day and time.

In leaving you, with some hope, here is a song called, “No Boundaries” by Kris Allen.

“With every step, you climb another mountain Every breathe, it's harder to believe You'll make it through the pain, weather the hurricanes To get to that one thing Just when you think the road is going nowhere Just when you almost gave up on your dreams They take you by the hand and show you that you can There are no boundaries”

I am not giving up on running a 5K! I haven’t given up and I won’t! Too many people are depending on me. It is all for a wonderful cause. I am doing it for cancer patients, who are getting treatment at St. Jude’s. If you can help in any way please do.

Check out my Google Site.

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 6 - 7

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 19


I went a total of 3.11 miles in my running a 5K journey. I am still having trouble running the whole laps straight through. Some days I do good and some days it’s a struggle. I burned a total of 199 calories. I took 6588 steps today. I can do this!

Does anyone have any tips on running a 5K?

How often do you work out?

What kind of sports do you do?

What comments or advice would you give me?

Thanks for the feedback and support!

Tonight ABC had a special showing of What Would You Do TV show. It showed a bragger getting called names. I have worked retail and some of the customers are rude and impatient. We need to change this. People, we need to change this. We need to bring back the love. I don’t care if you’re in a hurry. Slow down! You don’t want to be remembered for being rude to another human being. We can’t let fear push us down and keep us from standing up for people, who are being called names. This show is awesome in what stories they cover. It is a wonderful thing to see people standing up and helping one another. There are still good people out there.

I want you to watch the video on ABC What Would You Do TV show page.
http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/syndrome-grocery-clerk-scenario/story?id=10648284

Day 7 – Thursday, May 20

I went a full amount of 3.34 miles today in my journey to wellness. I burned overall about 221 calories. I took 7070 steps in my lap walking today.
Also, I wanted to encourage you to help one another in your daily lives every single day.

God LOVES you!

Here a song lyric from a song called, “God Speaking” by Mandisa.

“Have you ever cried a tear that You could not explain Have you ever met a stranger

Who already knew your name What if it's Him What if it's God speaking Who knows how He'll get a hold of us Get our attention to prove He is enough He'll do and He'll use Whatever He wants to To tell us "I love you"

Here is a video about the song “God Speaking”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZI2gOBvBHk

Dolly Parton is also doing a wonderful thing. This weekend May 22 and May 23 she is donating the proceeds from Dixie Stampede, Dollywood, and Dollywood’s Splash Country to the Nashville Flood Victims.

Here is her video on her encouragement to help out Nashville:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGa_V6OGYNY

To donate online or if you want to send her a check. Check out her official website for info:

https://www.dollyparton.com/

Total Donations so far are: $36,676.00

It is updated every 5 minutes on her website. So be sure to check that out.

Until next time, remember to keep following my journey on running a 5K for St. Jude’s.

If you would like to donate to help the children at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Check out the link below:


The money goes to help children with cancer. Let’s fight this disease together. Help find the cure!


http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

Check out my Official Google Site.

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/week5

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 5

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 18

What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
Now is the time to make someone’s life better. It is way bigger than us. But when we all come together, we can touch many lives. Who do you want to be? Do you want to get free and feel happy?

I want God to say, “Well done faithful child”. We have got to reach out and not be so selfish. Money is not going to make you happy. You can keep buying all those things and all you have is more things. See, we always want MORE MORE MORE! But are you truly happy? Is it filling you up? Making you complete?

Ask yourself those questions. He already knows the answers.

Do you want to wake up at 90 years old on your death bed wondering, what might have been? If you would have just changed and helped someone. If you would have loved harder. If you would have let go of the pain of your past and healed. If you would have remained peaceful in conflict. If you would just had the fruit of the spirit. If you would have prayed more. If you would open the door of someone. If you would have smiled more. If you would have reach out a helping hand. If you would have accepted everyone. If you would have forgave someone. If you would have spend more time with your family. If you would have read the word more. If you would have…..

I know they are hard questions to answer. They all begin with would have. But I need to wake up and see what I am doing with my life. You may need to look at your life like I need to too. I don’t know when I am going to die. We could all die tomorrow and we could not. But we don’t have tomorrow promised. We only have right now to live. Some people die at 10 years old, 16 years old, 27 years old, 52 years old, or 88 years old. See we have no way of knowing when we will die. But everyone does die. You can choose Heaven or Hell. It’s your choice.

You can choose to party right now, all you want, or you can change the world.

You can choose to love.

You can choose to live by your emotions and mind.

You can choose to be selfish.

You can choose to live in the past.

You can choose to move into the future.

You can choose to help one another.

You can choose to not help.

You can choose to be happy.

You can choose to be depressed.

You have free will.

Watch “What If” by Nichole Nordeman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUGQFH03apc

So please join me in helping the children of St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The children are being funded by you. Thank you for helping! All of the donations made on the link below are used to help people who are dying from cancer. But we have the power to help stop it! But only if you help and make a donation to St. Jude’s can we fight cancer together.

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

I went a total of 3.10 miles today. On the laps, sometimes I ran and sometimes I walked them. But I am building up my strength and speed. Each day I AM growing and improving. I burned a total of 200 calories. I took a mass sum of 6552 steps. I went around 6 laps on my running and walking journey. Now, let’s help each other out. Love someone today!

Make sure you check out my Google Site:

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/

Journey of My Run Week 5 : Day 1 - 4

Day 1 – Friday, May 14

I went a total of 1.08 miles. I burned only about 73 calories. I took 2281 steps on the track. I didn’t do so well today. But I am doing this 5K run for St. Jude’s! As the song sung by Journey always says, “Don’t Stop Believing”. What Would You Do? TV Show came on tonight. I love the concept of that show. It makes me think about what I would do if I were in their shoes. Would I stand up for something that is wrong? Would I even notice? Would I care? Would I help? See, ask yourself those questions. It makes you want to reach out your hand and stand up for certain things. I also lifted weights today. I lifted my magic number 40.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 15

I went for a total of 1.29 miles. So I went a little bit more today. I burned about 70 calories. I took a total of 2736 steps. The humidly was very scorching today. I also lifted 40 pounds of weights today.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 16

I went a mass sum of 2.77 miles today! I am increasing for once. 174 calories left my body today by exercising. I took about 5852 steps in my journey. I took a day off on lifting weights on my machine. Each day I am getting stronger! I can do this. Please support me in my journey by donating to St. Jude’s the children need your help. They are already going through a lot. Your money helps them get better. Any amount helps them. Big and small and short and tall; size doesn’t matter.

I found this video about Jake Olson. He is a hero! Jake Olson is working on two books on his cancer story. They aren’t released yet, but they are written. I have tried to find information about the books. But I can’t seem to find them. Or I would tell you what they are called. A little background about Jake Olson, he has had cancer 8 times. He didn’t give up. That is a true hero. Watch the video and you can hear his story from his own words.

Jake Olson Cancer Story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX0ovhkgR7s

Day 4 – Monday, May 17

I ran about three laps! I stopped in some of them. But I ran for the most part. I also lifted weights again today. Finally, I was able to go 5 laps total! Totally pumped! I am improving little by little. My mother also pointed out both of my legs is looking more muscular, which is a benefit to running laps around the track. I went for a total of 2.23 miles. I burned around 160 calories. I took 4720 steps. I pushed myself a little harder today. I heard this song come on my I-pod when I was running. The song is called, “The Power of One” by Bomshel. I hadn’t heard this song before, until it came on my I-pod. It was a free song from I-Tunes a while back. You can still buy the song on I-Tunes. It is also available on the Evan Almighty soundtrack. I needed this song today in my run.

The lyrics goes something like this:

“One grain of sand can turn the tide One single spark can light the night One simple dream One gentle word One act of love from someone Can start a chain reaction It all begins in the heart In the power of one”

The verses tell us about Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Jesus, and everyday people. It opened my eyes. You can make a different no matter, what your age is. Race doesn’t matter, you can change the world. We don’t ever have to feel like we can’t make a different. Don’t buy into the lies and the excuses on why you can’t help. Trash those excuses! You may feel like all of those names included in the song are great people. Jesus is a true example of love and kindness. But Rosa Parks and Anne Frank are people just like you and me. They had a choice to choose to help inspire many people. They helped change the world in small ways. You could easily be the next person who helps someone. You don’t have to famous or go down in history to do it. Just be you and help somebody.

Watch this video someone made for “The Power of One”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIIXoOXj0Ek

Another song that I want to share with you is “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman.

“I want to leave a legacy How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically And leave that kind of legacy”

Watch the video below of “Legacy”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbi4nSrhRxo

I want to ask you something. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Do you want to be known for not helping someone else in their time of need? I know you’re thinking they don’t help me. Well, help them anyways and it will come back to you.

“Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+9%3A7&version=MSG&src=embed

"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.' Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because— I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.' Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward." Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-46&version=MSG&src=embed

We need to have more joy in life! We have got to smile more. We need to the kind of people that go out of our way to help one another. Please donate below and help the children of St. Jude’s. They are living with cancer every single day. Cancer doesn’t care if you are young or old. It affects everyone. We all know people who have or survived cancer. You might think you can’t help, but you can! We can help raise money and help support these kids. If you can’t support ask your friends to help. Help promote it! They need people to believe in them.

I hope you will support me in me running a 5K. All the money goes directly to St. Jude’s. I am just a writer. That’s just one of the gifts, God has given me. It is only God using me. To GOD be the glory!

My Page Link is below:

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

My wish is that everyone will see the God in you and me today, tomorrow, and from now on. If you’re alive you’re blessed. God loves you so much! Spread the love!

Watch Mary Mary’s “God in Me” video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agxi8cei9h8

CHECK OUT: http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/

Journey of My Run Week 4 : Day 3 - 7

Day 3 – Sunday, May 9

I went a total of 1.89 miles today. I burned a total of 114 calories. I also took a total of 4187 steps. I walked and ran four laps. I ran one complete lap.

Day 4 – Monday, May 10
I ran in the morning and at night today. I only went one lap at night though. I felt sick for some reason. But I went four laps in the morning time. I went for a sum of 2.74 miles including both times. I burned around 181 calories. I took a mass sum of 5804 steps today.

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 11

I went a total of 1.92 miles today. I burned 124 calories on my journey. I took a total of 4056 steps. I went a total of four laps around the track.

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 12

I went a total of 4 laps. Four is the always the lucky number. I went a total of 1.24 miles and I took a total of 2632 steps. I burned a whole 73 calories, which I guess is a start. I also lifted weights today. I am up to 40 pounds! I was doing 30 pounds. I am improving, which is a wonderful thing. I watched Joyce Meyer today like I do every day. I encourage you to watch this week on TV or the internet. This week is about “What the Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know”. Joyce Meyer said, “You may be sitting there and you’re 20. But someday, you’re going to be as old as me. You need to make a decision now what kind of condition you’re going to be in when you get there. Come on now, I’m talking to some people. Oh well, I’ll worry about that then. No, then it may be too late to worry about it.” I think someone was speaking to me. I don’t really care to exercise and work out, but I need to. I wasn’t ever an athletic person. I would prefer to just have a six pack abs and not do anything to get them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. And no, I don’t have anything near a six pack. I am going to get fit! Yes, I am the least bit person to run a 5K. But it’s for St. Jude’s Children! Even if I don’t run the whole 5K and I walk some of it. It will be okay. They still get the money. We need to give these children a hope. We can always have hope and faith that things will get better. I know you may be using the excuse times are hard. But the children still need donations and someone to believe in them. We all need someone to believe in us! We have got to bring back the love. Don’t make excuses on why you can’t do anything in life. Just get up and do them. If you make a mistake, repent and God will forgive you. Tell the person sorry if you can. But get back to living.

I love Mary Mary’s song called, “Get Up”! Some of my lyrics are:

“Get up ‘Cause you can’t stop Get up Got a lot to do 24 hours Almost gone Get up

Don’t sit there Get up If you wanna get there Clocks don’t stop and Time won’t wait What are you afraid of? Don’t you know What you’re made of? One of God’s Greatest creations Take this invitation now”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgtMHdir_7A

It’s never too late to change and turn your life around. You can get fit if you want to bad enough. You can be happy or you can choose to be depressed. Don’t you dare listen to the lies of Satan! He will tell you its too late but it’s not. He will tell you negative things and he will try to stop you. You can be a positive person, change your words, and your mind. Read the word of God! God sent his only son for your sins.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” John 3:16 (The Message)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:16%20&version=MSG

Day 7 – Thursday, May 13

I am so excited! I ran two laps of my four laps today. I am getting better and better. I went for a total of 2.04 miles today. I burned a total of 143 calories. I took a total of 4327 steps today. I also continued to work out by lifting weights. I lifted 40 pounds again.

Jo Dee Messina has a song recorded called, “Was That My Life”. The lyrics are: “Yes I'll fall before I fly But no one can say I never tried Oh we just get one Ride around the sun In this dream of time It goes so fast That one day we look back And we ask Was that my life?”

I don’t want to look back and wonder what if. No one wants to do that. We need to love and help one another out more. We have got to do better. So many people are getting bullying and abused at school, work, and home. As a whole world, Satan tempts us with drugs, sex, money, things, our mind, our emotions, our mouth, reasoning, and other people’s approval. He has gotten so good at controlling and lying to people. He makes us be afraid to step out and reach out to one another. We hear in the media every single night, everyone is bad. We think, “You can’t trust anyone anymore.” When I die, I know where I am going. But do you? There are still some good people out there! We are all human. But God is always there for us. He never leaves us! Even when you think he isn’t listening, he is. We have got to reach out and love better than we are doing now. We only have one life to live. How do you why to be remembered? Do you want people to say, “______ was selfish, never willing to help anybody, life of the party (but they can’t remember half of their life), doesn’t say hello, wasted years, all talk-never show, living in the past, never laughed, depressed, rude, and critical. I know we all fail in some of these areas daily. I know because I struggle with this too. Everyone does. Not one person has it all together. But we can still try and reach out to each other. It doesn’t matter if you think that person is way different than you. So what! We need to stop judging and LOVE! I of all people know how hard it is. Satan tells us lies! He is a liar. You are never alone! You have not made the biggest mistake that you can’t repent and be forgiven. God will forgive you and come into your heart. He loves you.

Matthew West wrote a song called, "Life Inside You". The lyrics are: “There's a life inside you. There's a beating heart. There's a child of wonder, shining like a star. There's a life inside you.”

So please join with me and help the children of St. Jude’s Research Hospital. All the money goes directly to St. Jude’s and they help children with cancer. Any amount helps them!

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

My page name for St. Jude’s came from the song called, “Hope Now”. Addison Road recorded the song.

Listen to the song below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboucW89gUU

The song lyrics are: “Everything rides on hope now Everything rides on faith somehow When the world has broken me down This love sets me free When my life is like a storm Rising waters all I want is the shore You say I’ll be ok and Make it through the rain You are my shelter from the storm I'm not my own I've been carried by you All my life”

All of the songs are on ITunes, Wal-Mart, Amazon, and other online retail places and they will inspire and encourage you. Or you can also go and pick up their CD’s.

I am also about to start reading a new book. There is also a movie out as well. The book and movie is called, “Letter’s to God”. They both look great and it will make people think. The storyline is about Tyler who is a kid going through cancer. He is writing letters to God and having hope!

Here is a sneak preview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBDK2LGn4p0

Check out the official website for the movie below:

http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/

Here is a clip that is very sad: He is afraid of what people will say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAGYTMmEcrA

Inspiring clip: Giving hope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP8A8ydEdSs

Check out my Google Page Site:

http://sites.google.com/site/theofficialandrewsmith/

Journey of My Run Week 4 : Day 1 - 2

Day 1 – Friday, May 7


I went a total of 1.01 miles today. I walked and ran some laps. Walking or running was extremely difficult for me today for some reason. I burned a total of 62 calories and that’s a very small amount. I walked a total of 2139 steps. Tomorrow’s a better day!

Day 2 – Saturday, May 8

I went on my walking trip earlier this morning. Then, I went back later in the day too. So in a complete total I went 3.40 miles! Woot! I burned a total of 212 calories. I walked and ran 7195 steps. I ran a lap and maybe two. Nevertheless, my feet are very sore at the moment.

I would like to thank my family for supporting me in everything. They have always been there when I needed them the most.

I would also like to thank you anyone who has ever said a prayer for me. Thank you for the support over the years. I haven’t always been who, I needed to me, but I’m working on that.

Thank you family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and especially you for believing in me! In the end, we are all really family. I would like everyone to pray that we will raise a lot of money for St. Jude’s. I believe that the children will be healed! Lives will be changed for you blessing and helping other people. Like the old saying goes, “What comes around, goes around”. If you give and help out a child; I believe God will bless you for it. Any amount helps! Let’s just come into agreement and ask for God’s favor in life and protection!

God Bless!

And even if you don’t want to help me, don’t do it for me. Or maybe you don’t even care for me. But please, do it for the children. I am just the voice and the writer for the voiceless and sick. They need your help and my help!

Watch this video for the survivor stories. You’re helping people like these people shown in the video! I love how the video shows young and old survivors. There is always hope! Every life matters! Never give up!

Portrait of Hope Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx2Jqd0U1l8

My page on St. Jude's :

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

Journey of My Run Week 3 : Day 1-7

Week 3

Day 1 – Friday, April 30

I was busy working on homework and studying for finals for college. So you guessed it, I didn’t work out.

Day 2 – Saturday, May 1

I ran one lap then I walked the rest of the four laps. I went a total of 1.57 miles. I burned a total of 1573 calories so far. I went a total of 5173 steps so far.

Day 3 – Sunday, May 2

I worked out today now that is a good thing. I ran one lap and walked the rest of them. It is so hard to run solid straight. But I am going to be able to run 5 miles! I am declaring that. I will, “Never Give Up”! I went for a total of 1.42 miles today. I burned 86 calories. You are going to be happy with me. I finally figured out that to reset the pedometer you have to hit reset on all of the menu screens. I have only been hitting them on the miles one. Nice going, Andrew! I thought if you hit reset it resets the whole thing. Obviously, I was wrong.
Day 4 – Monday, May 3

Study day yet again!

Day 5 – Tuesday, May 4

I went a total of 2.01 miles and I burned a total of 127 calories. I walked 4249 steps today. I ran about a lap and a half. I went a total of four laps. On the Jo Dee Messina’s podcast today, she showed pictures of the town of Nashville. If you haven’t heard what happened to the state of Tennessee, just watch her podcast of Ustream to see some of the pictures. I will briefly explain. This week, Tennessee had a lot of rain and most of the town is flooded. The reports on CNN are saying that at least 20 are dead so far in TN. But the storms affected Kentucky too. They are saying at least 30 totals are dead from both of the storms.

If you like to donate to the Red Cross to help TN out, check out the link below:

http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/

You can also donate by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.00 to help TN.

If you would like to volunteer, check out Hands on Nashville to volunteer:

http://www.hon.org

Thank you for helping clean up any of the areas affected by the disastrous storm and for donating!

Day 6 – Wednesday, May 6

I had to study but it’s the last day of studying at least for this semester!

Day 7 – Thursday, May 7

All of my finals are officially done! Yay! My mom and I went to eat at a restaurant to celebrate. Our waiter was a very nice guy. He had great manners and an awesome personality. I need to change in some areas from watching him. He was kind. I can be kind of a bit rude and harsh. But over the summer, I have a goal to read God’s word, and heal from my wounds, and let the things I can’t change go. The difference between me and him is that he lives life and is very happy. I carry my life and I have for many years. But I am going to be free! I am going to love people for who they are. We need more love and less hate. I have met a few girls and guys that are truly nice and friendly most of the time. Now I get that we all have off days sometimes. But for the most part we need to be friendlier to one another. One guy, who I went to school with always, had a smile on his face. He went through a huge fight for his life way before I knew him. I have heard he got into a four-wheeler accident in his early teenage years. The four-wheeler flipped over and severely damaged him. He looks fine now but he had a few surgeries, I believe. Why, do I think he had love? He almost lost his life and he now lives every day happily. I only knew him for about two years in high school, and then I went back to public school. A few weeks ago, I ran into him at college. I haven’t seen him in a long time. You can just guess how we met. We met by me going to the bathroom in a hurry. My excuse was I had to go really bad. Well he was coming out of the bathroom, when I was coming in. I jumped because I didn’t expect to see someone standing when I pushed the door. He said, “Sorry”. You know what I said was his name only. I didn’t say sorry or anything. This was a very bad move on my part.

Just one example of how the pain of my past has controlled me. School has always been hard for me due to me being rejected by my peers. I have always felt a little outside of the crowd. No one knows how to connect with one another anymore. We are so caught so much in “OUR OWN LITTLE WORLD”. We have our cell phones and our World Wide Web world now. I am right there with you too. We don’t talk to one another anymore unless they are “cool” or in “our group”. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to bring us all together. Most of my college nights, I couldn’t even sleep well because my heart would just plain hurt nonstop. I was so nervous and so afraid of people. I had a deep shame base in me. No one’s opinion matters expect what God thinks. People don’t define you. Give your future and your past to the almighty God! He can change and heal you; but only if you let him.

In Joel Osteen’s book, It’s Your Time, he says, “One of the best things I’ve learned is that nothing happens to me; it happens for me. God would not have allowed me to go through difficult times if He didn’t have a purpose for them. He wouldn’t have allowed adversity to come if He didn’t already have a plan for good to come of it.” Page 166
So maybe you have been through things (who hasn’t) let God heal you. He might even let your pain and hurt be your message to reach out and help others.

I also went and helped my cousin fix her internet connection today. It would come off and on and it still does even after we called the company. I didn’t work out today. Her dad taught me how to play some more guitar chords. My fingers got real sore again, since you have to get used to playing. He wants me to learn the chords and move faster between the chords. I had fun that’s what matters.

Get out there and live! Make someone’s life better! Put a smile on their face and your face!

“It’s not happening to you. It’s happening for you.” Joel Osteen "It's Your Time" Page 171

Journey of My Run Week 2 : Day 2-7

Week 2


Day 2 - Saturday, April 24

I worked out in a different way today. I lifted weights using a Bow-Flex. I lifted about 30 pounds, since I haven’t lifted weights in a while. Also I was busy today and I had to go to a family graduation. So I didn’t make time for the running.

Day 3 - Sunday, April 25

I walked for 46536 steps so far. I also went for 2.25 miles! I burned a total of 1430 calories. I ran the first lap and I walked the rest of the four laps.

Day 4 – Monday, April 26, Day 5 – Tuesday, April 27, Day 6 – Wednesday, April 28

I didn’t work out during these days. It was the last two weeks of college. So that’s why the posts were delayed.

Day 7 – Thursday, April 29

I ran one lap around the track. I have gone for a total of 48222 steps so far. I only went for 0.79 mile, which is a little less than a mile- really. I burned a total of 1480 total. I only went one lap in order to make it back for the podcast.

Note: I am sorry for the delay again. College finals the last two weeks made me very busy!

Journey of My Run Week 1 : Day 7

Week 1


Day 7 - Thursday, April 22

Today, I did something entertaining! I hung out with one of my cousin’s and her family. We played the Wii, which I always enjoy. Normally, we sing American Idol or play Rock Band. But, today we did something different. First, we played a deer hunting game. She only had one controller that could shoot at the pretend deer’s on the screen. So, one of us got the Wii gun controller and the other got the plain old Wii remote. It was much harder using the Wii remote trying to aim at the deer’s. We also took turns with each controller. It had a pleasurable challenge though, you had to aim and hit the moose’s and bears, before they ate you. No, stop drop and roll. Wait, that thing is for fire. We played the duck shooting game next. It took us a while to figure out how to actually get the pretend Wii gun and the remote to shoot. I got lost in the controls again. After, you shoot about 6 ducks; you have to make your dog go get them by using the dog commands. The dogs didn’t want to listen to, “Come, Here, Sit, and There”. The dogs obviously didn’t have a sense of smell at all. The dogs would be right over the birds and they still couldn’t see them. Then, we played two fishing games. One of the games had a mind of its own. The boat would move, if you hit the A button. Of course, I would always cast the line, then I would hit the A button and bam. The boat would start going on its own and I would hit the shore. Then, the boat wouldn’t back up, without taking out the nunchuk from the back of the Wii cast line controller. Maybe it wasn’t in there right, I have no idea. We couldn’t figure out the problem. But it kept happening. So, we played another Wii fishing game and the fishing game got kind of boring, so we moved on. We then played a surfing game and a skiing game with the Wii balance board. Yes, you know good and well, I couldn’t race around the tracks without hitting the gate or wall. Next, we decided to take a break and we rode her golf cart around the block a few times. We watched the Jo Dee Messina podcast broadcast at her house. Jo Dee Messina shared some good stories of inspiration this week. So if you missed it, go watch it! If you haven’t figured it out yet, I didn’t work out again today. Yes, I know I am falling behind. But I am still celebrating my birthday! Haha Next, after the show, her father decided to teach me how to pay the acoustic guitar. He taught me a few chords C, G, A, E, and a lot more. Okay, I don’t know much about guitar beside how to strum the guitar and how to hold the pick. He taught me that, since he has played for years. Someone needs to practice! Yes, I mean me. He also said, “I have the long fingers for it.” You know what they always say about long fingers. Okay, you got me; I don’t know what they say. Well, another thing is that my fingers started to hurt after about an hour and a half. They are still a little numb. I am thinking learning the guitar and mastering running is my goals for the summer.

What are some of your goals this year?

Do you play any instruments? If so, what kind? How often do you play? How many hours a time?

Maybe your thing is working out. How often do you work out? What kind of activities do you do?

Journey of My Run Week 1 : Day 3

Week 1


Day 3 - Sunday, April 18
Today was a quite a long or it seemed that way in my run/walk. I ran the first lap on the track. I made it about 1 full lap running, but mom pointed out that it wasn’t actually near the start line. I was trying to be optimism about going a full lap non- stopped. I walked the second lap. I am trying to do a run and a walk at the very beginning. Then, I hope to increase the length and the process of running a full 5K. I ran part of the third lap, and then I stopped yet again. But it is making me stronger to keep pressing on to the finish line. I walked the very last lap of course. I went a total of four laps again today. My side got a little bit sorer today along with my legs. However, yesterday my side didn’t hurt though. As they always say, “No pain no gain”. I went for a total of 1.91 miles in my goal of a 5K. I also burned 1044 calories, which is a great thing. I went a total of 34290 steps and a worked out for a total of 23 minutes and 19 seconds. Thank you for your support and your love! :) I also want to thank you for all the prayers and donations to St. Jude’s. Now to watch the 45th ACM Awards, you know I couldn’t miss it.

What performances were you excited to see?

What did you think of the show?

Who were you rooting for?

Tell me your thoughts! I want to hear from you. Make sure you share my webpage and tell your friends what I am doing. Tell them to join me in helping children going through cancer.