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Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

Chasing God's glory down unexpected trails

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Guest post: Running down memory lane

The following is a guest post written by my new friend Jackie Brindle. She invited me to be a guest on her Be Encouraged! podcast and we realized we have a lot in common. In this article, Jackie takes us on a run with her and helps us discover the gift of memories and God’s glory on the way. If you’ve been around my blog for a minute, you know that this is totally my jam. Enjoy!

By Jackie Brindle

I am going to be honest: I love receiving gifts. I like giving them, but it’s so fun to receive them, right!? Especially the ones that are out of the blue which can be the very thing that makes my day.

Sometimes gifts don’t always have to be wrapped up in a bag or tied with a bow. I got one tonight, and it wasn’t wrapped up at all!

Take a walk with me down memory lane and meet my grandmother Leah Rubin. She always carried mints in her bags. She walked with her shoulders back, dark maroon lipstick on, and had a deep love for sweets! 

She is no longer with us, but there are days I think of her. A memory of her pops up when looking at pictures, eating coffee ice cream, or a bagel and cream cheese. Oh, and anytime I hear the song, “You are My Sunshine” or sing it to my own children.  Grandmom used to sing to us, especially on long car rides. 

Tonight, I got the most beautiful and unexpected gift. It happened to appear on my run, when I glanced up at the most incredible painted clouds dancing across the sky. It literally took my breath away. It was like the gates of heaven were opening up. 

I was frozen. In awe of the sunshine piercing through the clouds. Of course, in true Jackie fashion, I paused to take a picture of it. 

I breathed in the fresh air and let it out slowly.

As I continued on my run, I thought about my grandmom. I let her smile marinate in my mind. This memory was such a gift! It opened up more memories like a river rushing down stream. I was instantly reminded of what she used to call me: my precious. She really knew how to make me feel so special with the warm glow of her smile much like the golden hour sunset. Her gleaming grayish-blue eyes lit up when I walked in the room. The clouds in the evening sky reminded me of her eyes. 

I thought about one time in particular I had with her, when there was a storm at night, and my twin sister and I were sleeping over. We were probably 5 or 6 years old, and I missed my parents. I was upset over the loud storm.

We heard the thunder and dashed to the doorway of her bedroom. I saw her reading the newspaper. Her glasses had slipped down to the edge of  her nose. My grandfather was doing the same beside her. My grandmother glanced above the black and white pages. 

She put down the paper and invited us in with a smile and her arms spread open wide. We rushed over to her and she wrapped us up in her soft arms. My grandfather told us stories and jokes to cheer us up too. 

That feeling is something I will always treasure and carry with me. That simple wink from God was a gift in that moment.  

The memories that flooded back of my grandmom as I was running, really put things in perspective on how God sees me. I think He sees us all as His precious children.

I imagine Him smiling down on us like the rays of sun through a cloud. No matter how we feel when we are living life, rolling through the motions, I believe God is right there for us.

He is giving us that little wink, a memory, a sunset, a gift for us to open if we look up while we are walking or running. 

-Jackie Brindle

I think He examines our hearts, much like my grandmother or that special person you are thinking of, that sees only the best in you.  

If you need some reminding today of how “precious” you are, let these words soak in to encourage and inspire you: 

You are already so incredibly creative, talented, smart, and beautiful inside and out. I know I don’t see all the things that you are doing, behind the scenes, but God does. I get it. Days can sometimes run altogether or there are days I need that little piece of love from up above to shine a light on my path. This encourages me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

Take a look outside. Look at the stars. You are among many, yet no one is like you. Let this moment stir up all the goodness of those memories of that person who sees you just as you are, unapologetically you! 

Recently, I started reading the devotional called, Walk Run Soar by Dorina Gilmore Young. Her devotion titled, “He Refreshes my Soul,”  challenged me to take in the world around me. Dorina coached me to go for the run, not for the pace, not to compete with others, or for the sake of a workout. Rather, it was an opportunity to recharge and embrace all my senses. It was about letting go with each strike of the foot and looking around at God’s creation.

That was the very thing, I needed to do that evening. I am so glad I took the run down memory lane! 

Friend, I hope the next time you take a walk or go for a run that you lift your eyes to the sky and God meets you there with a sweet memory. 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Sometimes you seem far away. Life can be easily filled with distractions that draw me farther away from you. The truth is you never leave my side and you are always there with arms opened wide. Thank you for never leaving my side. I appreciate the way you remind me of the sweetest memories among days that are harder than others.  

Help me to put my trust in you, not that you have set me apart, among all the people in the world, for your glory. Help me to seek you in the day, as it is a gift that I will always treasure. 

In Jesus name, 

Amen 

Jackie Brindle is a wife to Grant, mom of 3, and an elementary school teacher, in Central, Pennsylvania. She lives on coffee and Jesus. Jackie loves running, writing, and speaking. She started a blog called, “Be Inspired and More” and also podcasts at “Be Encouraged!” Connect with her here. 

Check out my conversation with Jackie on the Be Encouraged! podcast. We chat about how to deal with unexpected change and “Finding the Starting Line Again.” Oh, and we also talk about running, writing, mom life and travel! It’s a fun one!

*Do you have a copy of my latest book, Walk Run Soar? If you are a runner or walker, this one is for you. More details about this new devotional book here.

*Photo by NOAA on Unsplash.

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October 23, 2020 Categories: General, Guest Blogger, Running

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Meet Dorina

Aloha, friend! If you love stories, you are in the right place. I write about grief, glory, running, food, and more. I hope these words inspire you to chase after God’s glory in your life today!

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🥳 It’s podcast day!!! 🎧 Walk Run Soar is a podcast about the intersection of faith and running. We help runners and walkers who lack purpose ...

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Mar 3

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🥳 It’s podcast day!!! 🎧 Walk Run Soar is a podcast about the intersection of faith and running. We help runners and walkers who lack purpose with their exercise routine (or lack of routine) and long to experience God in a more meaningful way while they walk or run.  👉🏽In this episode, we interviewed Latasha Ferguson, who is a speaker, writer, podcaster (Overcome to Become Podcast), and ministry leader. We love her challenge to partner with God on our health and wholeness journeys.  We chatted about: 
👉🏽 how running helped her overcome adversity
👉🏽modeling a healthy lifestyle for her four daughters
👉🏽 how to get started if you’re a newbie
.
🎧 Listen to Season 2, Episode 8 anywhere you listen to podcasts or on my YouTube channel. 📺 Links in profile.
.
#podcast #faithpodcaster #runningmotivation #runningpodcast #running #runnersofinstagram #christianrunnersofinstagram #walkrunsoar #overcomer @latashamferguson #podcastingparty #entrustedwomen #5krun #medalmonday #motherrunner #runlikeagirl #womenrunning
25 3

🏃🏽‍♀️In the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire, Olympian Eric Liddell is quoted: “When I run, I feel His pleasure.”
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🥇 ...

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Mar 1

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🏃🏽‍♀️In the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire, Olympian Eric Liddell is quoted: “When I run, I feel His pleasure.”
.
🥇 Eric won the gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics in the 400 meters. Eric understood that running was not for his personal glory and to win medals. He felt God’s pleasure when he ran because he was doing what God designed him to do. He also was designed to become a missionary to China. {Read more of his story in my new book, Walk Run Soar and Episode 7 of the Walk Run Soar podcast!}
.
🏞 This weekend I felt God’s pleasure running with my people.  My friends and family completed The Diamond 10K! My girls ran the Kids Race, and I completed the Double Diamond Challenge. That was one 10k on our neighborhood Clovis Trail and one 10k on the stunning Winchell Cove Trail at Millerton Lake. We created our own finish line and my parents met us with our medals and water. Oh, and a homemade waffle and bacon breakfast to boot! 
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💎 So many races have been canceled in the last year. It was truly a joy to run! A huge shout out to Endure Jewelry & Sunny Arada for planning an awesome virtual race with the best swag! 
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#walkrunsoar #gilmoreyoungadventures @RunEndure @EndureJewelry #walkrunsoar #christianrunners #runningmotivation #TheDiamond10K #DoubleDiamond #runnersofinstagram #sanjoaquinrunning @fleetfeetfresno #runningismytherapy #runninglife #diversewerun #runlikeamother
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“Being brave, for me, means not giving up on the things that make me feel alive.” - Gabe Grubewald, 2014, USA indoor track-and-field champion in ...

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Feb 28

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“Being brave, for me, means not giving up on the things that make me feel alive.” - Gabe Grubewald, 2014, USA indoor track-and-field champion in the 3,000 meters
.
💎💎This week I ran the Double Diamond Challenge, which was two 10ks! This is my favorite time of the year to run in Central California. The air is fresh and cool. The hills are verdant. The wildflowers are just beginning to twirl their skirts along the trails. The sky and water come together in a kind of blue slow dance. All glimpses of God’s glory! 🌸
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My friend Amber and I ran on the Winchell Cove Trail at Millerton Lake. Donning our sparkly silver Endure hats, we got in the miles and the soul care today. And this is what makes me feel most alive! 🏃🏽‍♀️
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@RunEndure @EndureJewelry #walkrunsoar #trailrunning #thehillsarealive #runningmotivation #TheDiamond10K #DoubleDiamond #runnersofinstagram #christianrunners #christianrunnersofinstagram #runningtherapy #soulcare #sanjoaquinrunning #fresno #runlikeagirl #diversewerun #womenrunning @blodge.girl_goes_outdoors @kymruns @spunkysole #sharetherun @fleetfeetsports @saucony @fleetfeetfresno #contest
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📖 Do you struggle with studying God’s Word? It’s a challenge for most women, and all the crazy of 2020-2021 hasn’t made it any easier! ...

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Feb 26

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📖 Do you struggle with studying God’s Word? It’s a challenge for most women, and all the crazy of 2020-2021 hasn’t made it any easier! 🤷🏽‍♀️
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First, my friend, know this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 😘 So many women are struggling to find space for focused time in Bible study and prayer during this crazy time. But, DON’T LET THAT BE AN EXCUSE!
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Second, I have a way to help! I would LOVE for you to join us for Online Women’s Bible Study. It’s a cool site designed just for you! Every week new teaching sessions from some of my very favorite teachers will be released to you. 
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🌸This spring the theme is “More Than Ordinary” and how God calls ordinary people to live More Than Ordinary lives! I will be teaching a session on Ruth, and I can’t wait to share it with you! 🌸 Plus, OWBS has many opportunities that will help grow your faith, and connect you with others in the process! 💖
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Does this sound like the reset that you need?
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👉🏽Head over here to grow and connect:
https://www.onlinewomensbiblestudy.com/a/30364/z2aSX6sm or head to the link in my profile! 
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#biblestudy #ruth #onlinewomensbiblestudy #womensgroup #womenoftheword #bible #scripture @onlinewomensbiblestudy @beckykiser #biblereading #biblestudytime #godsword #communityovercompetition #christianwomen #smallgroup @vivmabuni @kianstephens @karakae.james @insideoutwithcourtnaye
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All winter
she waited,
wondered,
rested
until one day
in the deep soil of anticipation
and grief
she felt the ground
...

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Feb 25

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All winter
she waited, 
wondered,
rested
until one day
in the deep soil of anticipation
and grief
she felt the ground
around her warming.
She felt her strength rising,
pushing through the
transition.
The pain was acute there,
but the shadow lifted.
And now, fully-rooted,
well-nourished
she extended her arms
in abandon toward the light.
She burst through hardened earth
– a flash of color –
her petals singing Spring! 🌸 
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👉🏽Friend, are you in a winter of waiting? Let your waiting be purposeful. Take time to reflect. Give yourself permission to feel deeply and grieve the past. Live expectant of the resurrection to come.
.
🌸Read my full article on “How To Wait Through The Winter Of Grief” on my blog at www.DorinaGilmore.com.🌸
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#womenoftheword #spring #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #flowers #waiting #christianrunners #flourishingtogether
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