For Us Who Have Been Blessed

Last night, I lay wide awake in my bed thinking about the things I've been learning lately. While overwhelmed by the life i've been blessed with God started stirring my heart and so in some "holy-spirit creativity" I did my best bring life into words. Here it is:

"Seasons of blessings are for those who do not yet know of what lies ahead.
While we lay peacefully, sweet dreams floating through our head,
Our brothers and sisters toss and turn in their beds.
Life's trials become heavier and nearer is death.
But this is where we stand, far from that sinking sand to say:
He is here, do not fear.
His promises are true, He will bless you.
Our God is faithful, so come get full.

High and low we roll clinging to the little truths we think we know.
We seek comfort and love while there is nothing we sow.
Why not even try; it's because we are just an average joe.
Next step. GO.

Uncover that heart and let it bleed.
Only then will you start to plant glory seeds.
Peel away the skin that bares you from humanity
Cry like you are a part of this broken insanity.
Stop wearing the sash of a saint without a trace of taint.
Let the robes crumble to sackcloth,
Only then will you feel like you belong to the one on the throne.

We can't keep on living like drones because we were meant to make decisions, 
Not just follow instructions.
The guidebook of life speaks of selfish deductions.
Maybe you need an introduction.
It's not transubstantiation, but a new kind of creation.
Let it flow.

Walk like on water not cobblestone
It may carry you away but don't be afraid to go.
So put down the phone and pursue a little risk.
You may just get caught up in the wild abyss." 


So for any of you who read that, I hope it spoke to you in some way and maybe, just maybe you found it a little inspiring.

Running for the Kingdom: Result

I am fully aware that I did a terrible job of updating my totals everyday here on my blog, but I figured most of you would primarily see the daily updates on my Facebook event and truthfully updating that was a lot simpler and quicker.

So besides that, I had an incredible week. I was blessed so much by the pledges and the encouragement. God truly proved himself faithful throughout the week. I am entirely positive that I would not have been able to perform and record as many miles as I did the past week without His strength and your prayers.

I ran a total of 65 miles. This brought the total amount of donations to $442.50. The money was spread out between SCMYFC, National Youth for Christ, Grace Christian Kids Church, Feed My Starving Children, and Compassion International.

I know that each organization that received a donation because of the pledges and miles I ran will be blessed and further that the monetary donations will impact children and communities for the Glory of God. Being a Kingdom builder has been a reoccurring theme this fall in my life and as I continue to learn what that means, I know that this past week has made a small impact on His glorious kingdom and no matter how big or small the impact is doesn't matter as long as it is all to the honor of our faithful  heavenly Father.

This experience was more than I had asked for but I'm glad I didn't ask because I wouldn't have learned  what I did. Although I spent 9.5 hours running plus stretching and everything else, the sacrifice was entirely worth it. Physically I would have never though it possible but I am so thankful that I didn't question God, but bodily stepped out in faith and love this past week. I hope that my example will also be an inspiration to each of you that following God's plans will always bless you in the long run no matter how extreme or challenging they seem. And more importantly that if we follow Jesus's example of love we will learn that it doesn't come with conditions and it causes us to live audaciously. So don't be afraid, He will be with you in every step.

With love,
Kelli Jo

Running for the Kingdom: Day 1

Total Miles: 10

Total Money Raised: $85.00

Running for the Kingdom

Dear Friends and Family,

I have been at North Central University for over a month now. I have spent the majority of my time reading text books and the Bible, writing speeches and reflections, and most importantly praising the Lord. The community here is a wonderful place to develop and grow a deeper relationship with our creator, redeemer, and Father. Through this process I have become strongly convicted about what this relationship with the Lord means. We are all familiar with the stories and life of Jesus Christ and how it was anything but ordinary. I grew up with all the right phrases and coloring pages about who Jesus was, but knowing these and knowing Him are disparate. It is time for me to start living extraordinarily, consecrated, and maybe a little crazy because this Jesus kind of love just does. “Love doesn't recognize boundaries and never obeys the rules we try to give it. After Jesus arrived, God whispered to all of humanity. . . It’s your move(Bob Goff).”

My move; Throughout the past couple weeks an idea was planted and has been stirring me up ever since. An organization, Venture Expeditions, had a speaker at chapel. Venture’s mission is to “empower people to benefit the world and discover their souls through adventure-driven humanitarian efforts.” As most of you know I enjoy running quite a bit. In high school I wasn’t always able to be a part of the track or cross country teams because I have pain in my knees from running. Since coming to school, I have ran almost everyday. This past week it was again becoming painful to run because of my knees. While praying for healing and the ability to keep running, I realized that God doesn’t need to heal my knees because I have been running selfishly. I haven’t been giving Him the glory in every mile or accomplishment. So this is where the crazy comes in, I decided that if God would heal my knees I would run for something much bigger than myself. So one day I gave God the option that if he would let me run pain-free I would set aside one week to give everything I had to him. And He did. 

During the week of November 4-10, I challenge you to partner with me. I will be logging as many miles as I can. It is my request that you would pledge any amount per mile you feel led by God to give. In trying to choose an organization to donate the money I raise, I decided that I want you to make that decision on your own. Choose to give where you passion is. This will be a challenging and sacrificial week for me so even if you are unable to pledge I ask that you would still join by praying for me physically and also for organizations that will be donated to. 

Each of you have been influential in my life and helping me to develop into the Christian I am today. I am incredibly thankful for you and none of this would be possible without you. Now its time for me to take what I have been taught and run with it, literally. 

In Love, 

Kelli Jo 

Details:

• Pledges for miles will only be for those I record starting Monday, November 4 and ending Sunday, November 10, 2013
• I will record my miles using the Nike+ Ipod app
• Each day I will make my milage available to you through my Facebook and also through my blog, www.wordsofalovesong.blogspot.com
• I would like to receive your pledges, the name of your organization, and what they do by Friday, November 1 via my personal email, kelli.jo.sanderson@gmail.com I will then compile the list and keep a running total of miles and money raised. I will also post this information so all can be in prayer for the other organizations also.