Running Faster, Better Health

Success requires the synergistic synchronization of all the right pieces. 

For example, I once overhauled a four-barrel carburetor. Would you believe that leaving out a couple of tiny screws and springs greatly hindered the vehicles performance? I know...I initially believed that I was more efficient than the engineers...

Similarly, as an agronomist, I witnessed enhanced crop yields by increasing levels of individual micronutrients in the soil by only a few ppm (part per million).

Semmingly small deficiences can result in significant performance losses.

Intra-cellular glutathione serves as one of the success pieces in optimizing the performance of your body.

Increased intra-cellular glutathione plays a key component in quickening my average training pace over the past 26 days--measured by Garmin--17 sec/mile while running an additional 9% more miles compared to the previous 26 days.

(I occassionally take time away from supplements to provide a "check strip" for their effectiveness.)

This indicates an increased efficiency of my body's complete performance including enhanced overall health. How efficiently is your body performing?

Are you enhancing or hindering your health? Consider investigating the benefits of intra-cellular glutathione (along with the nutrients of other products). While seemingly small, intra-cellular glutathione provides a powerful punch!

Yes, Chuck and Gena Norris endorse the company and the products.

For athletes, it's critical to assure that any supplement is "Certified Drug Free" by the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG).
As Ronald Reagan once stated, Trust, but verify.

It's also gluten free.

Let me know of your questions, etc..

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve Christ's will (Mt. 7:21, 1 Thess 5:16-18)!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve
www.rickEmeyer.com
www.Max.com/337072

See, Believe, Achieve Inc. Mental Coaching and Podcast Subscriptions

 Do you manage mid-race fatigue or does exhaustion control you?

Maximize YOUR Mental Fitness with Rick E. Meyer and Elevate Your Performance 

• Competition Preparation
• Training Optimization
• Strategic Approaches for Conquering Competitive Challenges

Running is 90% Mental and the other Half is physical.

• M.A. Christian Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary  
• Coached Five Elite Eight NCAA Cross Country Teams
• Coached numerous NCAA All-Americans
• Coached numerous State Champion Runners, Teams & State Record Holders
• Placed 47th in Boston Marathon, 10th American  
• Placed 86th in New York City Marathon, 12th American

 

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Bonus podcasts are also available for download.
July 13, 2015: How are you Constructed? (Available until Midnight on 7/20/15)

July 20, 2015: "Achieving Dreams, Overcoming Hills"

July 27, 2015: Visualize
August 2, 2015: Are you putting yourself in position to win?
August 10, 2015: Taking Control of Muscles and Lactic Acid
August 17, 2015: Self Talk - Part 2 Should you use words such as, "not"?
September 1, 2015: Attitude of Gratitude
September 1, 2015: What's Right...?

Receiving awards following a recent Half Marathon from an inductee of College Football's Hall of Fame, Bill Snyder, who serves as the Head Football Coach of the Kansas State Wildcats.

Seeing the sights in Boston the day after the 2015 Marathon.

  

Listen to Congo's Ideologies - 2008 Toastmasters District International Winning Speech

"Thanks Rick. Great seeing you this last weekend and really enjoyed it! I sure wish I had a video of your opening speech!"

Brent Seifert

Rolls Royce

Indianapolis, IN

Re: “GOAL Achieving” presentation in Chicago

“Rick’s energy is electrifying…he can capture and engage an audience with such ease. Most people know that sports are very physical, but Rick explains the mental science inside sports that creates winners that is unseen to spectators.”

Mendi Alexander

Hays, KS

"I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your speech last week. You did an excellent job of comparing running a race to how we live our lives. The lessons in it were very good. So good in fact, that I would enjoy hearing it again. If you ever video tape, put it in writing or prepare a handout for it I would like a copy."

Lonni Smith

Nebraska Public Power District

Contact Rick E. Meyer
214-998-9407
www.rickEmeyer.com

Internalize-Implement-Achieve

Speakers appreciate all compliments. However, the most powerful exist when people share about the positive impact of a message give 6 months or 6+ years ago. A very humbling experience hearing how God has used you, the speaker, to positively impact lives. The key resides in humbly serving as a conduit of Wisdom--not the source rather the messenger.

The message's sound waves travel to everyone in a room. Some heckle and snicker, and others ignore. A few ponder while camping on "Someday Isle."

Yet, a handful in every meeting internalize, implement and achieve. I pray each of you choose the latter.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com


 

Running Goals

Runners frequently identify our key races, times and finishing places in these races. Additionally, we seek weekly, monthly and annual mileage goals. Whether the former influence the latter, or the latter influence the former depends upon our most limiting factor.

 

If our greatest limiting factor rests in fitness, then the mileage and training influence our times and positioning. If our desire to seek and utilize time in our schedule for training, or the necessary health to achieve the training lacks, then the mileage becomes the greatest limiting factor. Perhaps inclement weather appears to limit mileage. Hall of Fame Coach Lyle Claussen frequently states, There is no such thing a tough weather, only weak people. Physical fitness mandates mental toughness.

 

A frequently omitted goal component resides in our average pace for our weekly, monthly or annual mileage. In the words of Lyle Claussen, If you want to run fast, you have to run fast. I believe Don Kardong is the one who once wrote that all mileage is not equal. Whether running fifty-miles per week or one-hundred miles per week, we must examine the internal components of our mileage.

 

For example, I ran only 70 miles per week while training for my first marathon with a disappointing time of two hours and thirty minutes (2:30). I trained with one of America's top collegiate cross country teams, University Nebraska at Kearney. Years later, I trained for another marathon running 70-100 miles per week with a much slower average pace of 6:30 per mile.

 

I attained my highest fitness level in between these marathons, running 80-135 miles per week with an average pace, door-step to door-step, of 5:55 per mile. This included regular long runs, frequent intervals and up-tempo mid-week runs.

 

As you probably suspect, as the mileage increases and the pace quickens, my prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit during training intensifies. For years, I have declared that adequate goals mandate intense prayer. Any goal seeming achievable without prayer remains too low.

 

Friends, consider these factors when evaluating your goals throughout 2013:

• Mileage
  
  • Daily
    
  • Weekly
    
  • Monthly
    
  • Quarterly
    
  • Annually
    
• Pace
  
• Long Run
  
• Fastest Training Pace
  
  • Distance at that pace
    
• Slowest Training Pace—We benefit from recovery runs
  
  • Distance at that pace
    
• Body Weight
  
  • Rule of Thumb lose only 2 ½ pounds per week
    
  • Body Fat
    
• Recovery time
  
  • Pace
    
  • Mileage
    
  • Sleep
    
  • Social
    
• Diet
  
• Spiritual Life
  
  • Worship
    
  • Bible reading
    
  • Prayer
    
    • Specific Prayer time
      
    • Conversational Prayer during training and day to day activities
      
  • Fellowship
    
  • Devotional
    

    
     

Seek the Lord in setting and achieving each goal, regardless of size or apparent significance. This includes the above Spiritual Life actions, as well as discerning the Holy Spirit's voice in your life and consulting with a spiritually mature mentor. Godly goals please God, and glorify God. Consequently, the questions to consider in discerning your goals include:

• Does this achieve goal please God, if so how?
  
• Does achieving this goal glorify God, if so how?
  

The answer to these two considerations should correlate with one another.

 

In other words, do your mileage, pace, and race goals please and glorify God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? Invest considerable pondering—to the best of your ability—in defining how achieving your running goals provide an affirmative response.

 

Do you need to gain, or sharpen, personality or communication skills to optimize serving God in achieving these goals? Does your entire life reflect the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, are you fully submitting your life to Christ? Do you and I please and glorify Christ more when we fully submit to Him or our selfish desires? Who possesses greater wisdom and power, you and I or the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?

 

As seniors at Manhattan High in Kansas, we sought to become the first team in years to repeat as the best cross country team in Kansas. Dan Schneider led our fifth and final prayer three minutes before starting gun of the championship race, "Lord, help us run a race to glorify you, whether first place or last place (12^th)." Our team never considered anything less than second as a possibility. However, Dan's prayer submitted our results to the Lord. He also reminded our team of our ultimate purpose. We did win, and The Harrier later alphabetized us among the best high school cross country teams in America.

 

Because of God's love for you—beyond human comprehension—He strongly desires involvement in every aspect of your life, including your running. In 2013, either begin to trust or increase your trust in God. Trusting Him beyond human understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

 

Running on Faith
Power of Light

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

The Leader Servant

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

Book Review: His Own Image

In His Own Image: We Are Wonderfully MadeBy Art Mathias M.D.

Book Review

Foreword

The light initiating germination of my pondering the power of the mind combined with the Holy Spirit flashed on my six-year-old imagination while irrigating on the farm with my dad. Dad and my neighbor Richard straddled the property line demarcating their cornfields outside of Gaylord, Kansas in July. They discussed crops, weather, and irrigation water supply. Wearing green Sears Toughskin jeans, a tank top with blue horizontal stripes, a baseball cap pulled down over my eyes, and cowboy boots, I threw clods and chased frogs.
Suddenly their conversation captured my attention—ultimately changing my life. Richard began sharing his experiences as a United States Marine serving in World War Two. He described a battle with the Japanese that left him as the only survivor among his group of U.S. troops—I do not recall the number of men in the group. Japanese soldiers walked amongst the U.S. Marine causalities verifying their death by penetrating their heart with bayonets.
One Japanese soldier approached Richard, kicking him in the ribs and poking him with a bayonet. Richard played dead! He avoided moving, breathing or screaming—he played dead. Just as the Japanese man prepared to pierce Richard's heart, the enemy commander called for his soldier to leave Richard and move forward.
This story, along with several others Richard told that day, permeated my mind, permanently prompting my curiosity. What forces enabled Richard to remain motionless, breathless, and speechless under these circumstances? What caused the Japanese commander to halt his soldier immediately before the bayonet pierced Richard's heart? What prevented the Japanese soldier from quickly completing the motion of piercing before proceeding with his company? Do these forces and causes affect the lives—functionality, performance, and health—of typical, non-combat, individuals?

Introduction

A plethora of scholars amidst the inclusive array of athletes, biologists, business men and women, metaphysics, motivational speakers and authors, neuroscientists, physicians, theologians, as well as other perpetually inquisitive people ponder and study the mind—spirit—body relationship. Does interdependence exist among the body-mind-spirit? If so, how do the interdependencies reveal themselves, and do they yield synergy or antagonism? Who or what controls inputs and resulting yields?
Should we believe the Holy Spirit guided prophets and apostles who discussed spiritual influence and our resulting words on our mind and body (James 3:5-6)? Does Christ's torturing, death and resurrection affect our health (Is. 53:4-5; Mt. 27:26; Mk. 16:17-18; Jn. 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24)? Does the mind truly enable physical manifestation of any and everything one believes? Does the Christian view accept views of Faith and Autosuggestion as discussed by Napoleon Hill? Hippocrates (500 BC) accepted the correlation of behavior, attitudes, thoughts, emotions and disease. Galen (AD 131-201) concurred while adding passions.


Dr. Art Mathias, Wellsprings Ministries of Alaska, thoroughly investigates the inquisitions
body-soul-spirit interdependencies through scripture and human physiology, supplying detailed insights. Dr. Mathias examines vocabulary definitions, thus correlating scriptural words with one's health.
For example, scripture uses 'Salvation, soteria and the verb form sozo, are used over one-hundred-fifty times to mean "to save, cure, heal, preserve, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger, or destruction, deliver, to save from peril, injury or suffering, to make whole from physical death by healing, and from spiritual death by forgiving sin and its effects (Mt. 21-22; Mk. 6:56; Acts 4:9; James 5:15-16).' Rapha means 'to cure, heal, repair, mend and restore health' (Gen. 20:17)"



Doctor originates from Rophe, "the one who heals (Ex. 15:26) diseases and sins (Ps. 103:1-3; and broken hearts" (Lk. 4:18-20; Ps. 147:3). While healing of the body, and promoting a sound mind and character comes from Marpe (Prov. 4:22; 16:24). Hugiaina signifies a properly functioning body, and the English word, health.

In His Own Image: We Are Wonderfully Made

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) studies the interactions between "behaviors—stress, thoughts, attitudes, and emotions—brain (central nervous system), the endocrine system—hormones—and the immune system." Adrienne Buffaloe, MD states, "Rarely does a physician investigate the spiritual and emotional contributions to an illness, so two-thirds of the cause of the illness remains unexplored." PNI asks how and why anxiety modifies the endocrine and immune systems, delving into the bi-directional relations. Mathias suggests our response to stressors or experiences determines our body's physiological response. Negative emotions do suppress the immune system while positive emotions of laughter, peace and healthy family relationships enhance the immune system.
Fear serves as a powerful emotion that conditions our responses resulting in an alarm reaction, thus conditioning our immune system. "2 Timothy 1:7 calls this type of fear, an evil spirit." The book insightfully illustrates the effect of the alarm reaction as well as triggering events such as "unforgiveness, anger, guilt, regret and loneliness" to name a few. The evidence of their negative effects on our health amplifies the physical significance of forgiveness and trusting God (Prov. 3:3-5).
I agree with Mathias' assertions that God designed plasticity in our immune system, allowing it to be "educated, trained and specialized." We develop our specific immunity, as opposed to receiving an innate immunity. Growing-up and working on the farm amidst old dust, livestock and playing in the soil with microbes and pathogens along with much joy, laughter and healthy family relationships eventually enhanced my immune system.


Having accumulated a meager ten days of sickness since 1990, I believe these intentional interrelations exist. During this ongoing twenty-two year stretch beginning in 1990, the flu or other incapacitating illness struck for a few days each in December 1990, December 1998—I felt as if I were floating above the bed where I lie—February 2003, and February 11-13, 2007. Each of these occurrences resulted from my ignoring the warning signs of exhaustion.
Effectively, I muted the voice of the Holy Spirit. Yet, I experienced immense stress throughout these periods, ranging from working full-time while running fifty to 135 weekly miles between 1990 and the end of 1996. I avoided injuries between May 1994 through November 1996 while running 70–135 miles per week at an average door-step—to—door-step pace of 5:55 per mile. I constantly prayed, studied scripture, listened to motivational tapes, and read motivational scriptural based books with my favorite, What You Say Is What You Get. Which present similar concepts to the book in this review, In His Own Image, while lacking the scientific dialogue. Allergies to parathion caused my resignation as a Consulting Agronomist in 1994. Twice I moved to new communities.


Between September 2005 and August 2008, I endured a shocking personal event, along with the death of a grandmother, aunt, uncle, nephew and Dad. I then reentered the agricultural sector as an agronomy salesman. On August 14, 2009, my boss asked for my resignation because I am too honest. Previously, others in the company warned against choosing truth and biblical principles over profit. "Rick, if you continue choosing to follow principles of the Bible on the job, you will fail in this profession." Two of these gentlemen served on local church councils.


Despite these stressors, I remain healthy. Consequently, I believe this book's thesis of our thoughts, attitudes and responses may affect our health. While certainly falling short of adequacy, I read the Bible regularly. This includes cover-to-cover about twenty-five times between May 2006 and August 2008, in addition to devotional readings. Yes, I have studied the content of this book where the rubber meets the road over decades and from numerous perspectives.
When on the verge of physical and emotional collapse, only scripturally true inspiration activates the proper neurotransmitters and neuropeptides to keep my mind and body healthy. Yes, I agree with Mathias' assertion regarding the effect of communication between the nervous system and neuroendocrine system, or between the brain and endocrine systems on the immune system. Why do some of us respond in a manner yielding good health, while others fail to respond similarly? I continue standing by my earlier argument of God's sovereignty aimed to glorify Him.
Yet, how much choice do we have? We could probably read and write volumes of books on this question alone. God intertwines people and opportunity in our lives, quite possibly to spark neuropeptides resulting in a hormone or endorphin to encourage us to say, Yes leading to another open door, leading to another neuron interaction.


Biochemical transmissions and interactions including the exchange and passage of hormones fire hundreds, sometimes thousands, of times per second. No wonder we get tired. Endocrine glands produce hormones, effecting growth, development and metabolism. Hormones, or "Messenger Molecules," originate specifically from our hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, gonads, thyroid, parathyroid and pancreas.


The body mirrors the mind. Each neuropeptide in the mind exists on the surface of the human monocyte. Human monocytes have receptors for opiates, and other peptides such as PCP—angel dust. Monocytes represent one type of white blood cell. Immune cells create, store, and secrete peptides themselves, especially endorphins, making the same cells that we conceive of as controlling mood in the brain. Therefore, immune cells control tissue integrity of the body, and manufacture information chemicals that regulate mood or emotion, resulting in the bidirectional communication between brain and body. Dr. Mathias explains the physiological effects of sin, especially on the immune and nervous system. The sin of negativity carries profound impact on attainment and recovery of injuries and illness.


Conversely, cheerfulness enhances the immune system (Prov. 15:30, 17:22). The Bible defines joy a component in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and explains our remaining joyful in our every circumstance pleases God (James 1:2-4; 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Additionally, cheerful words also enhance our immune system formed in our bone marrow (Prov. 16:24). Therefore, one may correctly conclude that joy prevents unnecessary illness.
Joy produces good neuropeptides, these occupy opiate receptors which prevents the attachment of cancer cell neuropeptide receptors. I prefer filling my opiate receptors with neuropeptides of joy, than those of angel dust. This displays the body's need for joy, yet depraved humanity seeks destructive neuropeptides generated in and from sin. The Bible uses Job's multitude of physical tortures (Job 2-38) and Lazarus' illness and death (John 11:4) to illustrate that God may allow the failing of our physical health to glorify Him, and heal the souls of unbelievers.
Consequently, prudence mandates we cautiously address the Prosperity of Health Gospel, lest we practice the judgment errs of Job's friends. Regardless of the volume of thoughts we originate or our allocation of positive or negative emotions, our physical bodies will die because of the Fall of Man in the Garden (Gen. 3:1-19; Rom. 3:23).
Brain and Nervous System
Dr. Mathias provides a brief overview of the brain along with the major functions of each component. Evidently, I experienced miss-firings in my brain while typing these last two sentences as evidenced by numerous errors. The brain's "lower structures" involves "circuits of the brainstem deep within the skull that mediate the basic elements of energy flow, such as states of arousal and alertness and the physiological state of the body (temperature, respiration, heart rate)."
While the thalamus resides on the brain stem's upper side, overseeing as gateway for inbound sensory information along with extensive connections to other portions of the brain, this includes the neocortex. The neocortex mediations encompass perception, thinking and reasoning. The limbic system's central location, whose components include orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and amygdala, optimally coordinates the higher and lower structure activity.
The latter regions facilitate "emotion, motivation, and goal-directed behavior," while also integrating processes such as the appraisal of meaning, processing of social experience and regulating emotion.
When we consciously access our memory, we rely heavily on the limbic system's hippocampus, which is part of the medial temporal lobe. This aids understanding why our temple region hurts when striving to remember….oh yeah, the bread at the store….remember the orange juice too.


Neural pathways serve as the highways by which information travels from the brain to the various destinations of organs, and muscles. One hundred billion neurons make up the nervous system. An average of ten thousand connections, directly link each neuron to other neurons. Scientists estimate one million billion connections. The body contains two "million miles bioelectrical cables," with some signals exceeding 100 meters per second while controlling things such as the eyes, toes and fingers. In laymen's terms, "They're boogying!!!"
Every thought and deed ultimately originates from a bioelectrical signal, on unfathomable electrical grid. How does one escape awe in the grid, yet exponentially incomprehensible that each of these biochemical-electrical synapses occur thousands of times per second every day of our life. We rarely consider their existence when they misfire or "short." This attribute alone cements the verifications of Romans 1:20. Even though we fail to see the interactions of the body, we observe its continual functioning, only crying to God when a few neurons become misdirected.


The book's discussion on brain formation and function fully correlate with other reputable books. The author discusses how infants are born with excess neurons, and pruned as they develop. We learn that experience, beginning at our conception, affects our future relationships. This may explain why siblings may vary, or why children of the same age whose parents are friends develop relationally similar. This principle also illustrates the effect of choices and consequences affect us from the immediate beginning. Additionally, Mathias discusses the plasticity of our genetics, changing throughout life. In fact, "positive responses to negative experiences can change genetics." Another explanation on the differences of siblings, relatives.
Neurotransmitters
Negative emotions significantly impact over or under secretion of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters—thus negative emotions—control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury recovery, cardiovascular, and the immune system. Science displays how our relationship with God, striving to live in His image, and living joyful, grateful, prayerful lives benefits our health as we avoid, or at least hinder, negative emotions.
Negative emotions lead to stress (i.e. anxiety or depression) which causes the adrenal gland to release cortisol, long-term excess cortisol can destroy the immune system. However, like most molecules, poison exists in the dose. Cortisol's benefits the body by assisting metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids Metabolism. Cortisol reduces muscle uptake of Glucose and Fat Tissue. Exercise mandates the proper muscle uptakes of glucose and lipids, lipid metabolism increases endurance.


Scientists have identified at least thirty molecules as neurotransmitters, divided into categories such as neuropeptides, amino acids—which comprise proteins—monoamines, and acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury, recovery, cardiovascular, and the immune system. This section identifies numerous neurotransmitters, their primary and tertiary functions along with where in the body some are located. Two examples include Serotonin that "influences mood and behavior…and vasoconstrictor (reduces blood vessel size); reduces appetite…and aggression, and is responsible for normal sleep. Histamine: Found in mast cells and basophils;….results in increased blood flow to an injured part of the body,…."²⁴




The book continues discussing the various organs, systems and their interrelations, I will examine a few for the sake of illustration and insight.
Hypothalamus is the supervisory center of Brain.
Hypothalamic hormones are produced by nerve cells–neurons which control:

• Hunger
• Thirst
• Sexual Functions and Behaviors
• Blood Pressure
• Heart Rate
• Body Temperature Maintenance
• Sleep-Wake Cycle

Factors indirectly influencing hypothalamic functions:

• Light-Dark Cycle
• Temperature
• Communication from People
• Our own Thoughts and Emotions
• Sights
• Sounds
• Smells
• Touch

We represent an amazing creation, in the image of the Creator. Each of the factors on the bottom, affect those on the top. Considering the Moon stage serves as an indicator of the physical environment as affect by the earth's spatial positioning, we should easily acknowledge why strange things sometimes occur during full moons. Additionally, this strongly displays the effects of one's physical and emotional environmental. Our thoughts and environment certainly influence our health, behavior and productivity. This reminds of our dependency on the Holy Spirit.


The Major Hypothalamic (releasing and inhibiting) hormones and what they regulate and/or control include, CRH (Corticotrophin) – carbohydrate, protein, fat metabolism, GnRH (Gonadotropin) – sexual and reproductive functions, TRH (Thyrotropin) – metabolic processes of all cells, contributes to hormonal regulation of lactation; GRF (Growth Hormone Factor) – promoting growth of our bodies, Somatostatin – Bone and Muscle Growth, Dopamine – Neurotransmitter (primarily) - sends messages of pleasure, alertness and motor control.


The Pineal Gland, located in the same area of brain as hypothalamus, produces Melatonin. When a neural pathway from hypothalamus to Pineal Gland is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Depression lowers melatonin, which regulates daily body rhythms, inhibits some cancers by stimulating production of interleukin 2 and natural killer cells in the immune system. This acts as a powerful antioxidant that contains complete map of the visual field of the eyes.²⁹



There is tremendous evidence of negative emotions (depression and anxiety) enhance production of proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines create inflammation throughout the body – resulting in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), Alzheimer's and periodontal disease. Once again the physical manifestations of joy versus depression display the health benefits of scriptural truths of joy.


We previously discussed the detrimental effects of fear on our immune system and our resulting health. Mathias discusses the continual spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2), along with sin and the effects of sin. He also correctly acknowledges the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers. He concludes with approximately one hundred pages studying the specific diseases and the root spiritual cause and best practice for a chance of curing.


For example, Bone Cancer—"Osteosarcoma—the most common type of bone cancer in children. Very weak immune systems are the major factor in this disease." He lists the spiritual and emotional strongholds as "Inherited broken heart, bitterness, abandonment, and fear. Parents, repent and renounce these strongholds, including unbelief, and break agreement with them in your generations (both sides of the family)."


While much of what Mathias states holds truth, his presumption of sinful parents absent adequate questioning, lacks prudence. However, Mathias walks in the presumptuous company of the disciples (Jn. 9:2), as well as myself, and others, occasionally. Moreover, using non-factual terms such as "broken heart" allows for error of understanding. How does one adequately define a broken heart? If we assume bitterness, abandonment or fear, then only use those terms.

Summary

Our thoughts and emotions affect our health, including our past fears and joys. What alters thoughts and emotions? Spiritual forces easily influence our thoughts, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Choosing to rebuke Satan and all his demonic forces provides significant advantages as well as asking Jesus Christ through the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us with His presence and resulting fruit of the Spirit, along with protecting our body, mind and soul from the evil forces. I concur with Mathias' assessment that faithful prudence responds with power, love and sound mind and that fear is a sin (2 Tim. 1:7). Walking by the Spirit, and the resulting fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) leads to enhanced opportunity for good physical health.


We can only speculate on Richard's survival, his ability to play dead, while the Japanese kicked him in the ribs and poked him with a bayonet. This speculation very likely could have resulted because God possessed additional plans for Richard. Because of these plans, perhaps altered by prayers from Richard's home at that moment or cumulative, it appears God enabled Richard to have peace and joy in Him. This allowed Richard's breathing and heart rate to reach undeterminable levels.


Why have I been blessed with good health virtually all of my life despite various stress triggering events? As Mathias declares in In His Own Image, an optimistic attitude, a forgiving heart, cheerfulness and joy certainly help.


    In His Own Image by Art Mathias sufficiently investigates and identifies the body-psyche-soul interrelationship. He discusses the Bible's teachings of spiritual warfare, exceeding our conscience cognizance. This book serves well in evaluating the spiritual and emotional factors affecting physical health. However, as illustrated in the story and book of Job, God's sovereignty rules above physical laws. Consequently, prudence demands caution before using the context to condemn an ill person. Conversely, the wise will carefully assess their physical ailments in light of the emotional and spiritual affects.


    Ultimately, this book emphasizes living in grace, love and forgiveness, walking in the Spirit, receiving the fruit of the Spirit. In so doing, we place our self in the best possible position to win with good health. Of course, I once heard a speaker quip, "I exercise every day so that I will die healthier." The body eventually dies; we seek to live as best possible while serving Christ on earth.

Bibliography

 

Andreasen, Nancy C. M.D., Ph.D. The Creating Brain: The Neuroscience of Genius. New York / Washington, D.C.: Dana Press, 2005.

Blakeslee, Sandra, and Matthew Blakeslee. The Body Has a Mind of Its Own. New York, NY: Random House, Inc., 2007.

Boa, Kenneth, Sid Buzzell, Gene A. Getz, and Bill Perkins. Promise Keepers Men's Bible Study (NIV). Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1997.

Bristol, Clyde M. The Magic of Believing. New York, NY: Pocket Books, 1948.

Burns, Lanier Dr. "Class Notes." Dallas Theological Seminary, ST103B Angelology, Anthropology, Harmatology. Burns, Lanier Dr., December 2012.

Getz, Gene A. Life Essentials Study Bible. Vol. 1. Nashville, Tennessee: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011.

Gosset, Don. What You Say is What You Get. Old Tappen, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1976.

Hill, Napoleon. Think and Grow Rich. New York: Ballantine Books, 1960.

Martin, Francis P. Hung by the Tongue. Lafayette, LA: F.P.M. Publications, 1979.

Mathias, Art Ph.D. In His Own Image: We are Wonderfully Made. Anchorage, Alaska: Wellspring Publishing, 2003.

Meyer, Rick E. "Cheerful Heart." Running on Faith. January 9, 2009. http://rickemeyer.blogspot.com/2009/01/cheerful-heart.html (accessed December 06, 2012).

—. "Light and Germination." Running on Faith. May 30, 2011. http://rickemeyer.blogspot.com/2011/05/light-germination.html (accessed 12 05, 2012).

Pert, Candice Ph.D. Molecules of Emotion. 1999.

Ryle, Gilbert. The Concept of Mind. London: Hutchinson & Company, Ltd., 1949.

Schroeder, Gerald L. The Hidden Face of God. New York: The Free Press, 2001.

 

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Confessing Faith = Living Faith

Actions define Faith (James 2:14-17). Faith believes in the physically unseen. We act according to our beliefs. If I believe I need water, and I believe there a water hydrant sits one-hundred yards west; I will walk one-hundred yards west for a drink. This assumes I possess the ability to walk. If I fail to walk one-hundred yards west, I either doubt my need for water or I doubt the stated location of the water hydrant.


I love proclaiming my dependence on God's strength, wisdom, mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, understanding, joy, peace and the fruit of Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). This includes how He has and does bless my efforts in school, speaking, running, and all I commit to Him. The messages include the Power of Light and Hanging on by a Thread.


When I proclaim my dependence on Him along with His ability to bless efforts, I must completely exert myself—in faith—toward the desired goals. Because, if I use His name as my source of power, then fail to fully exert myself, my witness loses all credibility and power. Outsiders view my declared dependence versus my effort as hypocrisy or they view it as God lacking power. I poorly represent Him! I fail to please Him. The failure results from my lack of effort as opposed to lack of results.


Consequently, as I share my dependence on Him in studying, speaking, running and a number of other activities, I must fully exert myself towards those goals. I must study beyond the point of exhaustion, striving for comprehension to the point of simplicity. I must write, rewrite and rewrite papers to the absolute best of my ability.


Ultimately, I am acting according to my belief that God will bless my efforts according to His will when I seek to please Him in all that I do. Only then do I serve as a good witness. Someone one said, "To know and not to do, is not to know." Do our actions reveal our knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, death, resurrection and resulting salvation?


Do you and I know God's strength, wisdom, mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, understanding, joy, peace and the fruit of Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). Are you and I glorifying God as our actions represent Him? Will your faith resulting actions and efforts encourage others to also seek God as their source of power, peace, hope, forgiveness, love and salvation?


Today, walk in the direction of your faith. Walk, in belief, toward the one whom gives you water for which you will never thirst again (Jn. 4:14). What would someone whom you never met conclude about your beliefs based on your actions?


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com








 

Start vs. Finish

Every distance race I have run or observed consists of several constant factors. One of which, everyone positions themselves among or near the lead at the starting line. While only a few remain among the lead near the finish line.

The difference includes factors such as faith, vision, preparation, coaching, talent and desire.

Anyone can run among the leaders at the start of a race, only champions run among the leaders at the finish of a race.

How are you preparing for victory?

(The following originates from Running on Faith: Timeless Principles for Winning Life's Marathon.)

When the components of greatness combine in any order or combination, the achievements increase exponentially.

FORMULAS OF FAITH

E=mC >E=mc²
Energy = mass*Christ (Light of the World) > Energy = mass*speed of light²

·       Effort – Magnitude of self-exertion.

·       Desire – Value determines Price.  The higher the Value, the greater enormity and duration of physical and emotional pain you are willing to suffer for achievement.

·       Belief – Knowing your physical, mental, financial and spiritual resources exceed the price of the achievement; trusting God to provide these resources. 

·       Vision – Submit your boundary fence of possibilities to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

     Direction – The best source of guidance is internalizing the Bible and a communicative relationship with Jesus Christ

What is your Christ filled vision?  Are you fully activating your faith?  We achieve Christ’s desired greatness in our lives well beyond our second wind; rather in our fifth, sixth or tenth wind.  Each wind is the point you desire relief, when your mind and body say, “enough.”  Sadly, most people make a big deal of attaining just their second wind. Faith, Vision and Desire are essential components of greatness. 

Frequently, the mental challenge of running six miles or twenty-nine miles resembles a poured, thick cement wall.  It appears virtually unbreakable, until an exhaustive examination reveals a hairline fracture.  Faith, desire, belief, and vision are thoroughly mixed with focus and concentration; creating a liquid solution seeping into and through the fracture.  Their gradual expansion disseminates the wall.  The pristine view of “Champion” faintly appears in the distant horizon.

Sometimes I acquire "running closter phobia," I just want out!  This often occurrs around sixteen miles, my body feels okay with sufficient energy for completing the run.  You may experience this at four miles, or after completing four phone calls to clients or prospects.  Ultimately, running closter phobia is disproportional to vision.  Fatigue, much like temptation, seeps in your mind.  If left unchecked, fatigue suffocates vision, displacing faith with doubt; t

the lack of vision and faith redirects desire for greatness to desire for relief. 

Internalize the Components of Greatness, you too will finish among the leaders.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve Victory with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Complacency

April 23, 2006

Running on Faith

Running on Faith: Timeless Principles for Winning Life's Marathon

by Rick E. Meyer

Introduction

 My legs burn with fatigue! The Kearney Good Samaritan Hospital 5K starts in a matter of moments, and others question my sanity again! I quip to Erich and Tom, “This will be a good mental toughness workout.”

Perhaps the 5:30 a.m. 6-mile run and the 120 weekly miles of training contribute to the intense fatigue. As the gun fires at 8:06, Kearney High runners shoot out quickly.
Former UNK (University of Nebraska-Kearney) cross-country runners Tom Magnuson--a three-time All-American--and Erich Whitemore join me as our bodies transform potential energy to kinetic.

Tom’s experience and strength delay his assumption of the lead until near the quarter-mile mark. Erich and I move into the second and third positions after the first half-mile.
We pass the mile in 4:45. “I can hang out at this pace,” I reflect while viewing the split. Erich has other ideas; he quickens the pace. At the halfway mark, my legs begin to wobble and buckle. I struggle to remain standing, while Tom holds a commanding lead.

My mind, exhausted from the focus and concentration necessary for the demanding mileage and workouts, seeks relief and begs my body to stop. Erich looks back at me, and I call out, “Go ahead.”

 Erich yells back, “Come on!”

 Once again I plead, “Go ahead.” This mental toughness workout exceeds my expectations and desire. My legs wobble like a wheel falling off a wagon.

Erich bellows a second time, “Come on!”

I state consciously but not verbally, Lord, I need you! I cannot! Christ can! We are. It is not me, rather Christ who is in me. I repeat this as if playing on a continuous loop. Suddenly, my body fills with the strength necessary to continue this hasty cadence.

The perpetually intensifying pain resembles lightning bolts piercing my body’s every nerve. Our second mile split is 4:37; four minutes and thirty-three seconds (4:33) excruciatingly pass into history before reaching the three-mile mark.
Running on faith, I sprint the final 176 yards and pass Erich to win second place in 14:32.

In the hospital parking lot following the awards ceremony, a Kearney physician approaches me. “Congratulations, Rick. I could never run like you do. I hurt when I run.”

 His words leave me speechless! Little do I realize, 10½ years later, I will stand in this same parking lot, speechless, with excruciating pain zapping my body and mind: ‘Running on Faith.’

*****

Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Goals, Mentors, Healing

If Winning Were Easy, Everybody Would Do It

If Winning Were Easy... Referral

Jasmine Schmidt                                              May 7, 2012
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Maryville University
650 Maryville University Dr.
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to highly recommend keynote speaker, Rick E. Meyer. Currently, I am a student at Maryville University of Saint Louis, Missouri. Here, I serve as president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Our organization is young and our campus is growing rapidly in the athletics.

While considering this, my team was praying for opportunities for campus outreach and Rick immediately came to mind. Two years ago, I met Rick as I was flying home from college. He struck up a conversation when he noticed that I was wearing a track jacket and being a runner himself, he wanted to ask about my team.

From this short meeting before our flights, I was inspired by how Rick relates to people. It is clear that his heart burns for Christ. From our short chat, I learned that he is a keynote speaker, who gives special focus on the competitive spirit and how we must fix our eyes on Christ to truly live.

This past March, my university hosted Rick to speak for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Our theme for our meeting discussed what it truly means to succeed. Rick presented his speech ‘If Winning Were Easy, Everybody Would Do It’. This event was truly a blessing; Rick speaks by the Spirit and lets the LORD define the direction of what is being discussed.

From this night, I learned an important and striking lesson: Rick Meyer is an excellent speaker because he is a careful listener. His passion to share Christ’s love with people is shown whether he meets just one person for a brief moment, or a large gathering for an anticipated conference.

In either case, Rick listens carefully for what Christ would have him share. I cannot express how much I enjoyed working with Rick to organize our event. He demonstrates humility, a speaking presence of the experienced and contagious joy. I highly recommend him and would absolutely host him at our university again.

Sincerely,

Jasmine Schmidt

Your Example ?

During the fall sports seasons, many fans expect great achievements from their favorite high school, college and professional teams.

In the mid-1990s while living in Nebraska; I led "Prayers of the People" before the congregation of a relatively large church. Most expected their beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers to win yet another National Championship in football.

My last prayer remained simple: Lord, help us expend our efforts and strive for excellence in our own lives to reach the national level of success we expect of our favorite teams.

If the members of your favorite team followed your example of effort, discipline and excellence; would they achieve your expected level of success for them?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Authenticity

22 October 2011

Today’s workout consists of two miles of warm-up, and four repetitions of five minute runs with three minutes of jog run to recover. After completing the first five minute run, I removed my shirt. This was once as common on warm days as tying the shoe laces on the shoes.

The purpose of removing the shirt is keeping my body temperature lower, enhancing the ability to run fast. As my weight increased and my abdominal muscles lost form, I discontinued removing my shirt.

I became more concerned of someone seeing my real, undefined, un-honed stomach, than staying cool; thus kept it covered.

My abdominal muscles are once again visibly tuned or honed, although necessary improvement remains. Today my shirt is off during the run as my abdominal muscles, thus I am no longer ashamed for their public revealing.

We lack any need to cover our well tuned and well defined core muscles. Only when they lack clear, concise definition do we desire covering them up in public.

Once again, our core, abdominal, muscles are reflective of our core beliefs and values. When our values and beliefs lack Biblical definition, we tend to cover them up. We are inauthentic.

When our core values and beliefs are well honed, tuned and highly correlated with the Christian Bible, the Spirit of Truth; we gladly reveal our self. We are eagerly authentic.

Removing one’s shirt while running in the warm and hot air enhances achievement. Similarly, removing all false coverings, fully exposing our authentic self enhances our relationship with Christ.

Enhancing our relationship with God: Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; enhances relationships with those with whom we regularly interact.

Authenticity, fully revealing our core values, is tuning our heart, mind and soul with God: Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit; obediently and lovingly living his Word.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Spiritual Abs

22 October 2011

“Why am I running so slowly, regardless of increased training?”

Despite increased training, stretching for increased flexibility and apparent leg turnover at a respectable rate, my pace is slow.

“Why is my stride length so short?”

I continually ponder these and other questions, seeking improvement. Enjoyment of running is nearly proportional to my capable pace.

I moved to Dallas the end of August 2011 to pursue my Masters of Theology (Th.M.) at Dallas Theological Seminary. This move prompts my commitment of regaining respectable physical fitness: losing weight and running relatively fast again.

Included with this commitment is strengthening my abdominal (ab) muscles, averaging less than one hundred ‘crunchers’ per week lacks sufficiency for fitness.

My ab work slowly increases with 50 to 200 per day three or four days per week, or an average of roughly four hundred repetitions of abdominal exercises per week.

A few weeks later, I notice my strides, measured by segments of sidewalk, are increasing. Additionally, efficient running form maintains throughout runs. The shoulders are back, hips forward, eyes and chin-up: running is fun!

Weight loss is a contributing factor, along with the significantly increased strength of my abdominal muscles.

This morning I completed 500repetitions of abdominal exercises, expecting a return of the eight-hundred to one thousand daily repetitions relied on when running 100 to 135 weekly miles years ago.

Yes, a strong correlation exists between the strength of one’s core and the ability to stride out, performing effectively and efficiency.

Running fast still hurts due from the required effort, yet I am able to achieve more with equal discomfort.

Does this have spiritual application? Absolutely!

When I struggle to achieve in life, when lacking efficiency and effectiveness; this is often attributed to a lack of focus on my core values.

Increasing the honing, fine tuning, of my core values which is my relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit increases my achievements in running life’s race.

We hear the voice of the Holy Spirit easily in our lives, we easily discern between right and wrong; we increase our physical and mental health.

The Bible also illustrates that sometimes physical ailments glorify the Father in heaven. Consequently, decisions and achievements are easier. “Easier,” is absent meaning “easy.”

Achievements continuing requiring exhausting effort, thus pain remains. We are able to “stride out” in life with the confidence of knowing right from wrong and discerning the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

How do we fine tune our Spiritual abdominal muscles? The Bible says, “…without faith it is impossible to please God,” and “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

We strengthen our spiritual core when studying, and meditating on scripture; praying and listening for the small quiet, yet distinct voice, of the Holy Spirit.

As previously discussed, keep a journal of your “hunches” to increase your discerning proper understanding of the Holy Spirit’s voice in your life. The Holy Spirit always speaks in congruency with scripture. If any thought contradicting scripture lacks being from the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Do you desire greater achievements and efficiency in life? Are you willing to endure the pain of training and achieving God’s will for your life? Are you aware achievements aligning with the Lord Jesus Christ are often different in comparison to achievements as defined by the secular, non-Christian, world?

As I hone and fine tune my spiritual core, I complete my school and professional assignments much quicker; yet equally as exhaustive. Effort is mandatory, regardless of our fitness level! Faith without works is dead! (James 2:26)

Exercise and strengthen your core, your spiritual abs, daily!

Let’s run effectively and efficiently with Christ together; daily increasing and honing our spiritual core beliefs. This keeps our chin-up, shoulders back and our hips forward; progress with confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Healthy Diet

I surpassed 107,000 miles of lifetime running last week, perhaps more. Update: I have now surpassed 121,000 miles and not had the flu since February 2007.
This originated ponderings of comments over the years; especially in regard to my diet. What is a healthy diet?

For many years, and by numerous people, I am told that my diet lacks ‘healthy’ food. Ironically, most who condemn my eating habits possess more body fat, are sick at least once, usually several times, per year. I realize there are probably some who are healthier than I am, yet my body seems to do okay.

The flu bug has conquered me four times since December 1991. With one exception in 1999, my blood pressure and cholesterol remain low. When my diet was most heavily condemned, I was 2.5% body fat; and ran over 100 weekly miles. During a two and one-half year span of heavy training, injury was avoided by prayer, belief, faith and confession of scripture.

Yet, society says I eat and live in an unhealthy manner. The obvious question: How does one define or obtain healthy food? Healthy food is like good deeds, mankind’s efforts make neither good nor bad. Food and deeds are healthy and good when submitted to Christ. Seeking and receiving Christ’s blessings on our food, creates a healthy diet; beneficial exercise and deeds.

Christ tells Peter that all food made by God is good. Unhealthy diet, exercise and deeds exist when we seek our own glory, believing our secular choices create healthy lifestyles. Years ago, many ‘experts’ including the media condemned high fat, high cholesterol diets.

Great-Aunt Ruth Douglass, my grandmother’s sister, delivered food to the shut-ins and remained active into her early 90s. Once when about 92 years old, Aunt Ruth quipped, “This eating bacon and eggs everyday and cooking with lard my whole life is sure killing me at a young age.” Her trademark smile possessed its glowing beam while speaking.

Aunt Ruth entered heaven a few weeks before her 97th birthday. What is the secret to Aunt Ruth’s heath? She requested the Lord’s blessing on her food, thoughts and deeds every day. The Lord provided her health!

Health is less about the years we live, rather the achievements garnered. Do you desire excellent health? Submit your food, thoughts and deeds to the Lord, requesting his blessing on all you eat, think and achieve.

I must go for a run! I pray the Lord blesses this and all runs, along with the food I eat and thoughts before, during and after the run. This has been the key to health and the missing factor when struggling, since my competitive running began June 1978.

Be healthy, Seek the Lord!

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/