{run the race}

i have been blessed beyond measure by faithful friends who KNOW the Lord.  they know Him intimately & in real ways.  they live out the gospel daily, laying down their lives, picking up broken people & pointing them to their one & only savior, Jesus.  libby & justin are two of those people to me.  two people who point me {and so many others} to Jesus.  it's weird to be thankful for cancer, but i am.  i am thankful for the dependency they now know & for the hundreds {maybe thousands} of people that will know more of who their heavenly father is because of the ryders.  all glory to the King!

i have other friends a strong, passionate community of people who really ARE the body of Christ.  they are running in the music city marathon at the end of april.  they {we} are raising money to support the ryders.  to cover their medical bills.  this video explains their hearts, our hearts, better than anything i could ever write.  please take a look.

ang, you made a beautiful video.  thank you for loving people really well.

ryders & friends-

'therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.'

feel free to forward this link or video on to anyone you know who might be interested in supporting!  also, check out the ryder's blog for their full story.  it will change your life.  i wish you knew them {if you don't}!  the chipin on this page is the same chipin shown on [thirsty hearts], it is linked to the same account {just fyi}.