Andrew Smith's Blog

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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.

Journey of My Run Week 1 : Day 2

Week 1


Day 2 - Saturday, April 17

It’s finally, day number two on my journey of running a 5K. I started walking the first lap in the park. But I decided to push myself a little more, and I ran the second lap. I walked the third lap around the track. Later, I ran a small piece in the forth lap. I didn’t run the whole lap I started good, but then I started to get tired. I put way to much energy in running just one lap. But it was a good start. I went a total of four laps again today. As a result, I walked/ran 2.01 miles today around the track. Yesterday, if you remember, I walked/ran a total of 1.89 miles. I am increasing, which is a good thing in my running distance. You have to start small to get big. We didn’t just learn our ABC’s in a day at least I didn’t. I burned an entire 908 calories according to my pedometer. I burned more today than yesterday. I know you’re thinking well if you walked more miles you WOULD have burned more calories. Yes, I know, but why not still celebrate. It’s all about enjoying life and loving every minute of it. I took a total of 30256 steps during the laps. I worked out for a grand total of 22 minutes and 40 seconds. I did go celebrate; I went to Dairy Queen and had a Peanut Buster Parfait. Have anyone noticed how the size of the ice cream has changed? The parfait used to be bigger, but now it is smaller. But the price is the same. Different discuss for a later day. I haven’t eaten one in quite a while, I decided to celebrate. I am currently reading about how to live guilty free. It’s called Eat the Cookie and Buy the Shoes By Joyce Meyer. The book describes how to enjoy life and not to feel guilty for celebrating your small victories. But that’s doesn’t many you can eat the cookie every day and buy something nice for yourself every day. I only have read about three chapters in it so far. So I enjoyed the ice cream, now time to get back to work. But we can’t forget why I am doing this event. It’s all about running to help raise money for St. Jude’s. It’s always good to keep that in the back of my head and in the front. To remind myself that if they could run they would and that helps give me motivation! It’s all about helping one another. It could easily have been me.

I want to ask you some questions. I want to hear from you and your feedback.

What kind of sports did you play in middle school, high school, or college? Do you still play on a team? Or do you just do it for fun?

Have you ever run in a K before? If you have, why did you choose to participate in it? Was it for an excellent cause?

Do you enjoy working out? Was it hard at first? Did it get easier overtime?

If you could make a difference in someone’s life would you? How are you helping people in everyday life?

Thank you for your feedback! Thank you so much for the continued support in helping me raise money for St. Jude’s.

Journey of My Run Week : 1 Day 1

Week 1


Day 1 - Friday, April 16

My day one run/walk was a little difficult and challenging. I ran and walked around the park near my house. I would run a half a lap, then I would walk a half of a lap. I went a total of four laps around the park. The park walking track is in a big circle on level ground for the most part. The first day did make me a little bit sore, but it’s because I was not use to it. My side did hurt a little from running. I know it will get easier over time. I am using a Life Wise Digital Pedometer to record my process. The total steps I walked were 26002 steps, which equaled a total of 1.89 miles. I burned 775 calories; the timer said it took me 21 minutes and 48 seconds to complete the work out. I started slow on my first day, since I haven’t run a 5K or even a 1K ever. I did however; take a class in high school in which, I had to run a total of 20 minutes to pass the final. It has been 2 years ago, as a result it’s time for me to get back in shape. I will continue to keep updating. Keep going after your goals. Thank you for all the love and support.

Journey of Me Running a 5K for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Journey of My Run:

I have been feeling the need to join a 5K run. But first let me back up. It all started, when I hear from a Country Music artist, Mrs. Jo Dee Messina talking about the run. I have listened to her music, since I was a little kid. I remember when “Bye-Bye” and “I’m Alright” was released on a CD. Now times have changed, you can buy music online now from ITunes, Amazon, Wal-Mart Downloads, and many other online stores. But Jo Dee was one of my first artists’ I grew up to like. She was always a country girl, who could tell it like it is. She still can tell it like it is.

Well, one day I turned on the computer and saw that she was going to be starting a podcast. It was a live podcast via Ustream, which is a way you can connect with fans through a chat board and can even put on a show live. She also took calls via Say Now, which is a phone service that lets artists answer calls and talk to fans. The artists take the calls on their own phones and there real numbers are never revealed.

I know you’re thinking what does this have to do with running a 5K. I am getting there slowly. It started when I talked to Jo Dee Messina live on her podcast. Yes, I actually talked to the one and only Jo Dee Messina. There was a little joke going on about a caller asking for Justin Bieber's Say Now number. They wanted to call him, but somehow the little girls got Jo Dee’s number instead. So I called and asked her his number too as a joke. Then, I decided why not ask for Reba’s number while I was at it. I asked if she could hook me up with her. Yes, I am a 19 year old but hey, I had to pick a big top name. I had to take that risk. Jo Dee laughed hard; everyone knows that I had to bring the laugher to the show! She is a very rounded down to Earth girl. I have watched most of the podcasts.

If you would like to watch her podcasts, she does them every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 EST/6 CST/04:00PM PT during the month of April. The show is called Make Something of It with Jo Dee Messina on Ustream. She is getting fans throughout the globe to send in awesome stories of inspiration to share. She is also is sharing shout-outs, taking questions, sharing your talents, and a hot button, but she is trying to keep it uplifting. You can email her your stories, questions, ideas for the show by using her website. She started the show to help her promote her new album coming out Tuesday, April 27. Tune in and you might get to hear previews. You still have time to order her autographed copy of Unmistakable Trilogy: Love for a special price of 5.99. But it’s only for a limited time.

Just use the forms on her website to submit the info below:

http://www.jodeemessina.com/podcast/

Watch the broadcast live below:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/make-something-of-it-with-jo-dee-messina

Now, here is what, I want to share with you. I just wanted to give you the background on why, I decided to take on this next huge life changing challenge.

On Saturday, June 12, 2010, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is holding an event to raise money for Cancer research for children. Country superstar, Jo Dee Messina is hosting the event for St. Jude’s Hospital. She has invited fans to take part in the run with her. So, I have decided to start training for a 5K run, which she is hosting. I think it is a wonderful cause to be a small part of. I invite you to take part in the run, as well, if you are in the Nashville area. Maybe you could even travel to the event too. My story is I haven’t ever participated in a run before. My goal is to make the 5K event knowing, I helped make a difference. Even if you can’t join in the event, you can still donate online. I urge you to help out St. Jude’s Hospital today. I will be a part of Jo Dee’s The Unmistakables running team. You are welcome to join any other team or you can even start your own.

The Unmistakables team link is listed below:

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayTeamPage.do?userId=469197&programId=401&eventId=104753&teamId=4874

For the list of other team’s here is the link:

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/event/page/displayEventPage.do?sectionStyle=subMenuFour&eventId=104753&programId=401

I decided to run with Jo Dee Messina and all the St. Jude’s Heroes in this 5K event coming up in June. I will keep blogging and keep everyone up to date. If I can do it, so can you. Just, please check with your physician or any other health care professional before you start exercising. They will be able to make sure you are fit to start training.

The 5K run event starts at 8 am on Saturday, June 12, 2010. There is also a Fun Run for kid’s that starts at 7:30 am. The event starts at the Public Square Courthouse in Nashville, TN.

If you want to join the 5K run, check out the link below:

http://www.musicfestroadrace.org/

The fee’s to join the 5K are $20 through May 28.The fee’s increase however, if you decide to wait, until it gets closer to June. If you want until the day of the event it will cost you $30 to enter it. It should be an exciting day of fun, knowing you helped make a difference. I hope you will consider helping me raise money for the kid’s going through the awful diseases of cancer.

If you would like to support me, which I hope you will consider.

Check out the link below:

http://www.mystjudeheroes.org/hopenow

You are helping so many children out, where St. Jude's can keep helping them daily. Cancer is a deadly disease, but you can help save a child's life. Thank you for your continued support. It is going to a wonderful cause.

Follow my on my Google Site Page!

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

Hurts By Rejections

Rejection effects most people at least one point in their lives. But more than likely, we go through rejection a lot every single day. I have suffered rejection from peers, family members, strangers, and just every day people. We all have been looked at funny with that look that says, “You’re not worth my time.” Just look at people you meet on the street. Some of them are so shy and quiet they hardly talk. Yep, you guess it that's me. I have always been controlled by what people think of me. What should I wear, what should I eat, what should I drink, what should I say, what shouldn't I say, how will I sound, how do I look. I know I'm a guy. But I have been struck with criticism my whole life. I compare myself to other people. I know we all thought wow I wish I had that personality. I wish I could look like that.

In our world today, the models and celebrities look so perfect and flawless. It's called Photoshop; let's just paint over that flaw. But the flaws make us not look like everyone else. If you haven't noticed, no one looks like you; or me for that matter. I know, you're thinking that might be a good thing. But we had to deal with the issue of why we feel so different.

Jessica Simpson was one of the first people, I wrote about in my first blog. She was getting make fun of by a pair of jeans she wore. Which, she looks fine in might I add. Heck, I wear the wrong thing sometimes too. But maybe that's just me. Now, she has a show out called "The Price of Beauty". The show purpose is to show the True Beauty of different countries. Some of the ways are crazy and some are way different than America. The second episode showed a girl who was a model in Paris. She went through an eating disorder called anorexic. She had to weigh a certain amount to be a model. The concept of the show is a great idea.

We think we have to be tan and weigh a certain amount to look good. I am all for being healthy; however, you need to be you. You have got to love yourself. Yes, you make mistakes. But it's never too late to turn around.

Jessica Simpson also has a great theme song for The Price of Beauty. The words in the song include: "I have to take control So much is left untold Trying to find myself At times its hard to know Who we are, we are, we are Words can cut so deep Weighing down on me Time and time I see how vicious the world can be Who we are, we are, we are We're beautiful Our flaws and all They're beautiful to me It's who we are, who we are It's who we're meant to be You've got to be you for yourself Cuz you're like nobody else Who you are, you are, you are, you are" The song is called "Who We Are". It has a wonderful message, because we all just want to be accepted in life for who we are. We may not have done everything perfectly, but no one has except Jesus.

You might have come to guess the truth. I have been called fat before. You don't know what that comment did to destroy my image of myself. I remember in high school I got invited to some pool parties. I wouldn’t even take off my shirt and swim! I wasn’t even swimming in front of the person who called me fat. I just sat on the sidelines and watched everyone else swim. They must have all thought I was afraid of the water. The thing is I LOVED to swim until that comment. I am sure that person meant nothing by it. I couldn’t let it go and move forward.

Another example, some of my so called friends called me gay before as well. I admit I don’t date a lot of girls. I haven’t found the right one yet. None of them are married yet; so I am guessing, they haven’t found the right one either.

How do you get through the comments? Well, you have to forgive them. It took me a lot of years to do just that. I have always been in a little bit of a box. I didn't want to get hurt by anyone. People are going to think what they are going to think no matter what. You have to just be yourselves. If they don't accept you find someone who will. God always will love you no matter what. He can always forgive you. I have been hard to get along with and I have said things I regret too. That's why it's important to forgive one another.

"But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’" Luke 10:10-11 (New Living Translation)

Some people hide their true selves, because they think people will like them more. The mask will eventually come off or it will fall off. Don't pretend to be someone you’re not. It's not worth it!

"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. John 15:16 (The Message)

If God choose you, why are you rejecting yourselves? There are a lot of people comparing ourselves to other people. You are an original. We all do things a little bit differently.

"Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more." Isaiah 54:4 (Amplified Bible)

You shouldn't be ashamed of yourself. Keep trying to do the right things in life. God loves you! Nothing can change that. Yes, you may need to change in some areas in your life. We all do. He will continue to work with us to bring the change we need. Keep on keeping on! He is your Healer. No problem is too big for OUR GOD!

“Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. Everything you do should be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14


With Love,
Andrew

Break Down Your Walls

The fears of life can be very overwhelming at times. We tend to fear the unknowns of life. I guess we realize we can’t control anything in life. If we could control everything we wouldn’t need a Savior.

The walls in life get build around our hearts to protect us from the outside. I have always seemed to put a wall around mine. I let in most of my family but some I think we tend to reject. Yes, we still see them but we don’t really love them for who they are. We’re busy in our own little world. We think they are different why let them in. Maybe they offended us; however, we don’t forgive the person. We think “oh who cares I will just stay away from them”. If I don’t talk to the person they can’t hurt me anymore; instead, we put up a wall to keep them out. We block them out forever, or at least until we see a reason to let them back in. Now, we might wake up in time to change, but what if they are stroked dead the next day. Tomorrow is way too late get to know the person.

I have been there most of my life and I know how the walls work. I have quite a few walls up myself. Why do we tend to block out our family members, antagonists, friends, and other church members? Are they really that different? I know people will hurt you by their comments. If have a choice to move on and forgive them.

Sometimes we are just so selfish including me. I have acted out a lot in life and burnt some bridges. I shut people who hurt me out of my life for good. I am not perfect and I have made a lot of mistakes. I guess the mistakes tell the stories. If it was a perfect day, every day with no problems, we would just find some other way to not be happy.

You can only run from people for so long. Eventually, you will have to face everything in life. Granted you can run forever in life if you choose too. You have freewill to do anything you want to do.

There’s a lot of pain and scary events in life to hide away from.

· Death

· Failing

· Unknown

· Rejection

· Parents Divorcing

· Bugs

That is only a very short list of fears people go through. I don’t know every fear out there and what is easy for you someone else might be afraid of it.

We don’t see what is behind the scenes in people lives. We only see the person they show us too be. There’s a lot of hurting people out there just turn on the news. You don’t have to turn on the news to hear about bad things you still hear the stories. The question is… will you help them?

I know your thinking why should I have problems of my own. You want to know the truth we all do. I don’t have anything to give to the hurting people. I didn’t say anything about giving away money. If they need it help them. Most people just need one thing love and acceptation. They are so different from me. Granted people are different, but that’s the beauty of life. Sorry, they can’t all be like you. I kind of glad about that if they were as quiet as me well… I guess the birds could do more talking than people. I know we all use the excuses. We can sometimes be experts in why we can’t help each other out.

People are the way they are because of things that make up their pasts. Some kids go through numerous problems in life.

· A kid kills himself because he thinks no one loves him.

· Another blames himself for their parents divorcing when he was little.

· Yet, a girl try’s to find love through sex and thinking oh he loves me.

· A parent dies and they don’t know how to handle it

· Peer pressure

· A little guy gets picked on in class and he now has a hard time trusting people

· His peers always reject him and never talk to him- they think he’s different

· The lie that drugs help you feel better about life

· Drinking to forget your problems

· Her father hits her every night

· A little girl is exploited into human trafficking

These problems are extremely real. Sometimes we wish they weren’t but they are. We don’t have control of some things in life but some things we do. Sometimes you have to dig to find the root of the problem and then work to change it.

We find our voids in so many different kinds of things. Most of those, things only fill you up for a limited time. We try the next thing, and the next thing, and still the next thing, and wait the next thing. Wait, let’s go back and try them all again. It’s only a temporary rush then it disappears. The question is it worth it?

We all make mistakes in life that’s why it’s important to forgive each other every day. If you hold on to the hurt you will just take it out on other people. Joyce Meyer once said, “Hurting people hurt people.”

Only God can truly fill you up in life. It takes Faith to trust God in times when your life is spinning out of control. We have to learn to trust God, since he is the only one who knows what’s best for us.

“Take my side, God—I'm getting kicked around, stomped on every day. Not a day goes by but somebody beats me up; They make it their duty to beat me up. When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?” Psalm 56:1-4 (The Message)

“My help and glory are in God —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be.” Psalm 62:8 (The Message)

“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” Proverbs 29:25 (The Message)

How do you break down your walls? The only way to break them down is to keep going through. Everyone has different stories from different areas of life. I haven’t shared most of my stories. I tend to draw back but I don’t have to hide. If people hurt you in life just keep forgiving them. Don’t shut people out of your life. Let them in! Yes, you might get hurt by people rejecting you. God is always there to help you heal your wounds and move on with your life.

God Bless,
Andrew