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.