Good morning to all of my running friends. As another year comes to a close, I hope you met your running goals for the year. Maybe you just enjoy running and did not set any running goals. That’s awesome! You may have started your running journey this year. If so, welcome to the world of running. Some of the greatest people you will ever meet are runners. I miss being part of the running community. Based on my health, it has been a while since I last ran. I miss it everyday. God has me running a new race these days. This is a race to encourage others going through their own storms. I encourage all runners to embrace every moment of your run. Running is a beautiful gift. I pray everyone finishes this year strong and has a blessed New Year. Keep Running! ~OC

We are approaching the end of another year. Hard to believe. This year has been full of challenges. These challenges have brought out the very best in some people and the worst in some people. Let us focus on the positives. I love hearing stories of people overcoming major obstacles, people who turn a negative into a positive. I love people who refuse to be defined by their challenges in life, those who refuse to stay down when they have been knocked down.

So here is the challenge for the New Year. Be the person who refuses to stay down when you are knocked down. Be the person who turns a negative into a positive. Be the person who always looks for the positives in others. Be the person who refuses to be defined by your circumstances. Be the person who, when faced with overwhelming challenges, makes the choice to overcome and thrive. Refuse to stay down this year. ~ OC

Love came down on the first Christmas. Love came down for you and me. Love came down to set us free. Love was born on Christmas Day. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas. ~OC

As we celebrate this holiday season, what are you grateful for? I pray as we are busy finishing up all the shopping, cooking and traveling, we will remember to be grateful for our blessings. Here are a few things I am grateful for:

*I am grateful for my relationship with God.

*I am grateful for the first breath I take every morning and each one afterwards.

*I am grateful for my wife Laura West Shoemaker.

*I am grateful for my family and friends.

*I am grateful for my medical team.

*I am grateful for my feeding tube.

*I am grateful for my gastro pacemaker.

*I am grateful for this crazy/beautiful journey.

*I am grateful for prayers.

*I am grateful that I can still walk on my own.

*I am grateful for my church home.

*I am grateful that Laura and I still get to make memories together.

*I am grateful I am still able to travel.

*I am grateful for my medications.

*I am grateful for books and music.

*I am grateful for my home.

*I am grateful for technology.

*I am grateful I still get to share my story.

*I am grateful I am able to write this post.

OC

I am human. My comprehension of eternal things are limited by the skin that I am living in…. but I know enough about God’s character to know that His promises are rock solid. He cannnot lie and He is not a man that he should change his mind. His words are unchanging and for me, that is enough. ~OC

Below are some encouraging words God shared with me.

I am by your side during this journey.

I will never let you walk this journey alone.

I love you more than you could ever imagine.

The healing I have for you is coming.

OC

Today’s a new day! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We hear that a lot during the holiday season. There are so many parties, and get togethers with family and friends. There are people laughing and saying, ” Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” But not everyone is enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. For many, this is the toughest time of the year.

So as we whistle and sing Christmas carols, let us not forget those that are hurting. Slow down enough to see that loved one, that coworker, or stranger who appears to be struggling. Let’s not get so caught up in the parties and gift giving that we miss those who are dealing with depression or other life issues this holiday season. Take time to reach out and offer a helping hand. ~OC

Anyone who knows me, knows I love music. I have music therapy sessions several times a day. I love all types of music. My musical library is very diverse. We all know how powerful music can be in our lives. Let me share how powerful music can be.

As everyone knows I have been dealing with Parkinson’s for the past 11 years. As the “Gift” that keeps taking has gotten worse, everyday activities have gotten more difficult. One of those activities is shaving. This is something I have been doing since I was a teenager, and it has become a major undertaking. But one day a few months ago, I decided to listen to some music while shaving. To my surprise, shaving was a little easier. There was less knicks and blood involved. I think the music helps me not concentrate so much on the activity of shaving. This revelation has made at least one activity a little easier. The power of music. ~OC

Good morning! Dear God, thank you for being so faithful during my crazy/beautiful journey. Help me to share your faithfulness with others to help encourage them. ~OC

Today’s a new day! This crazy/beautiful journey has taken many winding roads. I cannot always see what’s up ahead, though I desperately look for any kind of signs. So I keep my eyes focused on God’s footprints, who have gone before me. ~OC