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Lessons Learned on the Road - Run...At God's Pace


I am truly excited today for you to meet my new friend Wendie. She is in a word - inspirational. She dares you to dream bigger, pusher farther and go deeper with God. This weekend I will get to hug her neck in person for the first time at the Refine Conference. We'd love to have you join us and there's still time - http://therefineconference.com/ for details!
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by Wendie Pett


When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; 
when you run, you will not stumble. 
Proverbs 4:12

I run, because I have to.

WendiePett.com
Or so it goes for those who live to run. As a fitness expert, however, I must admit that there are things I’d much rather do for exercise than run. But run I do, and for a number of reasons — the excellent cardio rewards, an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, and that lasting sense of accomplishment that stays with me throughout the day.

More importantly for me, however, is running provides as much time as I want to silently pray and listen to God. How often we pass through life without a thought Heavenward. The One who created us runs alongside us, every determined step of the way. Removed from phone, doorbell, TV, and the Internet, I am able to carve out a niche of time not only to hear from Him, but to experience His presence in the solitude of nature.

On more than a few occasions, I’ve found myself reaching out to pluck a lonely leaf simply to appreciate holding something completely God-made. Stretching my calves as I lean against a tree, I marvel at how the Lord thought ahead in ensuring we had everything we would need in this world. Trees, for instance, were created not only for ascetic appeal, but to construct houses, furniture, buildings, and to serve as a source of energy. I can’t help marveling at the Lord’s forethought in creating us for His purposes too.

While God never said this life would be easy, He did provide us with enduring families, friends, and mentors to help navigate our paths. Years ago, my own path appeared ideal at first glance:  a promising career in sales and marketing for a publishing company, followed by authoring my own book on fitness - the result of a tragic snowmobile accident that, in the end, equipped me to help others realize that their bodies are their gym and they’re self-healing if utilized properly.

The path I’d created would take a devastating turn for me in the years to come, however, when I lost my job, my company car, a steady income and even my home. Negativity pecked loudly at my heart. It was then that I forced myself to take a leap of faith and follow a new direction – one I’d prayed about and I felt certain was divinely orchestrated. Seven years later, God has continued to clear the path set before me, both on the running trail and in the running of my Visibly Fit™ business – in hosting a national TV show, speaking engagements, books, articles, radio spots, and popular fitness DVDs.

Whether we are running from something or desperately chasing the purpose for our lives, traversing a path alongside our Heavenly Father affords a pace that allows us to see the finish line He has envisioned. Faith-filled determination will get us there, and gratitude and thankfulness will be our rewards. Lace up those running shoes and be prepared to cross a magnificent finish line. Your name is on His banner.
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WENDIE PETT is a nationally renowned fitness expert and coach, mother, speaker, author and creator of the Visibly Fit™ exercise program. Her many Visibly Fit™ instructional DVDs teach wellness maximization through the balance of mind, body, and spirit as well how to use your body as your gym To learn more about Wendie and her program visit -  www.wendiepett.com

13 comments:

  1. this is INSPIRATIONAL. i remember in college i took had a class with a woman who was recently divorced and she talked about running and how it empowered her. even though she'd felt lost - she could find herself when she ran. i obviously still think about her today and i have never looked at running the same since. i walk a lot with my boys and it is one of my favorite things in world. i totally know that "picking up a leaf" moment : ) thanks for sharing this!

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    1. Hello Christine! Thank you for your comment. No matter what "season" I'm in....literally or in life, being outdoors and enjoying God's playground always helps me get through to the next. I enjoy talking walks me my son too. We always have great chats and find all kinds of critters. Blessings to you.

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  2. wonderful post--it's amazing how wonderful our God is when we take the time to enjoy HIS work.

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  3. I used to be a runner, but my knees no longer allow me to be. I miss the solitude, the push, the release. Now I push myself up hills to get the same rush. Connecting outside does an immense amount physically, emotionally and spiritually. Great post to remind us where our determination can take us even when it seems we may have hit a dead end. THANK YOU!

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    1. Val, I love that you've found a new outlet for exercise! Getting outside just somehow changes my perspective!

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    2. Glad you enjoyed the post! Getting outdoors - no matter what the activity - is energizing! Sorry about your knees, but there are SO many other things you can do to continue along your wellness journey. Check out my Visibly Fit exercises - they aren't stressful on the joints, tendons, or ligaments. Might be a good fit for you to incorporate with the other things you're currently doing. Blessings!

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  4. Wendie thank you so much. I am inspired. I will never run the same again. I am so very grateful that today of all days, your guest post is here - speaking loud & clear to me! Dusting off my running shoes...

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    1. That is wonderful, Cynthia! You've just made MY day! Bless you as you dust off those running shoes and lace 'em up.

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  5. I won't be able to get around to running for a while, but I love going on walks with my toddler and baby, especially now that the weather is cooling down a bit! So true that with God's help we can do anything!

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    1. Long walks in cool weather with little ones is so fun. I can feel my heart relaxing just imagining it!

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  6. Yes!! Every time I run, I catch a glimpse of His vision. I think perhaps that's why I find running to be such a worship experience. I crave it. I crave more of His presence. When I run, I feel like He is running right next to me - whispering His ideas and wisdom into my soul. :)

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