Greetings from Ft Walton Beach, FL!

Run Stats:

Day: 16
Miles Completed: 65.05
Miles to San Diego: 2035
Avg Miles/Day: 4.1
Playlist Favs: Catalyst podcast, iPod song shuffle
Guest Runners: Mia Grace Donovan, Joe Rudolph

Verse of the Day: "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." - Isaiah 40:28

Run Discussion: Since last post, I have continued to head virtually west on Hwy 98. Based on mileage, I'm actually somewhere on 98 between Mary Esther, FL and Navarre Beach, FL right now. For purposes of this input, I chose to highlight the city of Fort Walton Beach which is about 56 miles from Panama City. The picture I posted is the bridge from Destin over to Okaloosa Island/Ft Walton Beach. As you can see, the view is spectacular, particularly the water. I was pleased to be joined this week by two guest runners: my daughter Mia Grace and my best friend Joe Rudolph.

City Overview: Ft Walton Beach is a year-round fishing and beach resort community. It is busiest in the summer, with spring break being another busy time (like Panama City). The city is home to Eglin AFB and the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum. In 1861, it was the home of Camp Walton, a Confederate Army camp. The area of Walton County was named after Col. George Walton who served as an aid under Andrew Jackson and whose father, George Walton Sr., was the 56th signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

Run Reflections: The Bible verse cited above is from today's Daily Devotional input of Marty Martin, Sr. Pastor at Northstar Church. Provided below are some excerpts from his discussion on this verse.

"Nothing about God is small. As Christians, we should be thinking big, dreaming big and praying big. When we do anything less, we are placing God in a confined box limiting His ability. And there is no limit to his ability. Paul thought so too: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Eph 3:20-21)

As we embark on a new year, let us be reminded that we serve a big God and that we need to step out in faith. Like the Apostle Paul, we too can discover that God's power is at work within us, and He is able to accomplish far more than all we can ask or ever imagine."

He closed his discussion with several questions including the following:

1. In what areas are you underestimating God's ability?
2. Are you dreaming big enough? Why or why not?

I am a big fan of using the start of the new year as a chance to reflect and look for ways to improve and grow. This verse and the devotional input provided me with some helpful perspective as I consider and try to define my goals for the year. I hope they are useful and encouraging for you as well. If interested you can learn more about Northstar Church at their web site. It's an awesome church that is seeking to help "The whole world find and follow Jesus."

Prayer Request: I had lunch this week with my friend Heather. She has several members of her family with some pretty serious health concerns and the whole family is struggling to juggle all the associated care/care giver responsibilities along with everything else that's going on in here lives. Would appreciate any prayers others might be willing to offer for God's peace, strength and comfort for Heather and her family.

Well that's a wrap for this input. I really appreciate the support and positive encouragement I've received so far from so many people!

Adios,

Pat