Running into 2014: Finding Purpose

What does 2014 look to me. As I close the door to 2013 I remind myself how faithful God was to me. I can not move into the next year without humbly thanking God for the victories and successes I achieved.
2013 was a year of HEALING for me. God allowed my running to bring me to a place of great comfort. With every mile I ran it was the remedy I needed to mend my broken heart. I wish I could have just licked my wounds with instant healing.
God used my legs as a bridge towards him. I cried many miles. I sought God for Strength both Physically and Emotionally. Having a broken heart is hard enough but having to deal with hurtful people is like salt on a wound. There were many miles I did not want to come back to life rather run forever.

I ran more miles in 2013 than I have ever ran. In my Weakness He gave me Strength. He found Purpose in me in my broken state. I am amazed not in running over 2000 miles last year as I am amazed that God used ME. In my MESS he found Meaning. That is a Miracle in its own.

3 Reasons we go through Heartache or Pain:

1. So God can do something Amazing in your LIFE.
2.  Pain brings Humility.
3. We go through hardships so others can be Blessed.

Finding your Purpose:
Every year I evaluate the previous year trying to define it.
2013 was the YEAR or MILES! Long slow MILES!

2014 is going to be the year of Overcoming. I am going to Overcome my Fear of being 40! I am going to push my body to the element of pain doing more speed work and hills. I am going to exert this old body to its limits seeking God for every breath along the way.
When I am depleted I have NOTHING in myself to conquer my fears; I am in constant need of HIM.

We all need a Purpose. Without Purpose we are just wandering. Stuck in a Rut. "Kelly" a client of mine said to me a couple months ago "Anita, I wish I had something like you have, I want a Purpose."
Setting Goals and Having Vision sets the foundation for a Purpose. 
Purpose is best displayed in Helping, Loving, Encouraging and being there for OTHERS.

LIVING For God is My Purpose.
Using RUNNING is my Tool.
Having Goals allows me to use the Tools He gave me to execute my Purpose.

Running Goals for 2014:

1. Not get ANY slower like the statistics say!
2. Stay injury Free
3. Run more Trails
4. Run a Marathon with Andy
5. Run a new Race out of State.
6. Reach 100,000 views on my blog

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life Goals for 2014:

1. Closing Doors. Detachment: It has been a hurtful last year. It is time to "Let Go". 
2. I am thankful for yet another year to try and be a BETTER me.
3. Being More Positive. Trading Negative thoughts for Power thoughts. Thoughts of Love, Kindness, Forgiveness...
4. Shutting My Mouth More and Using my Ears More!

 Ariel used a lot of my note pads to write down notes from church. I found these and thought they were GREAT Verses to go into 2014 with.
The First one is MY FAVORITE. It Brings PURPOSE for Everyone.

Which One Speaks to YOU?

Thank You for reading my ramblings in 2013. I look forward to another year.


Anita