Our 16-year son is gearing up for

another great track season.

He is a gold medal hurdler in

high school, AAU and USATF.

We are so proud of his

accomplishments with track

and his medals adorn his

bedroom wall, reminding him

daily of the rewards awaiting

him at every finish line. The

athlete we see now is a far cry

from the long distance runner

earlier in his career. Watching

him then struggle to complete

the 1500M run was heart

wrenching some days. He

despised track and it showed.

As parents, we made him stick it

out and instead altered his

events until his true race was

discovered.

Now, he easily excels past his

competitors and through the

ribbon. He goes the distance.

He made up in his mind that he

can finish every race and earn

the rewards.

When tough times arise and

discouragement tries to set in, I

remind myself of his dedication and

take heart to what’s in front me.

As we move further into the year, we

must not lose sight of goals set.

We must go the distance. Recall your

resolve, your reason to finish. What did

you decide to do differently, better or

begin in 2012? Are you really

accomplishing this? Have you

stopped or reached a plateau?

Decide to go the distance.

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Let’s gain insight from Ruth. She lost her husband

and made a decision to go the distance. In Ruth 1,

her mother in law, Naomi, asked Ruth and her sister

in law to join her as she traveled back to Israel.

Naomi knew that God was blessing the land of

Israel with good crops. Naomi later changed her

mind and released them of their obligation; they

were free to go their own ways. Ruth had decided

to go the distance. Naomi still urged her to turn

back, retreat and go her own way. Ruth had

decided to go the distance.

In Ruth 1:18, ‘Naomi saw that Ruth had MADE UP

HER MIND and she COULD NOT BE PERSUADED

OTHERWISE, so she stopped urging her.’ Ruth had

decided to go the distance. We all know how the

story ends with Ruth meeting Boaz and living in

abundance. This was because; Ruth had decided

to go the distance.

Now you decide to go the distance not to gain

abundance only, but to gain accomplishment.

Decide to go the distance because what’s ahead

is greater than what is behind. Don’t stop now for

you will have to start all over from the beginning.

Don’t let what you have gained fall to waste; keep

striving towards your goals. Go the distance.

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Make up your mind! Decide first that forward is where you want to go. If your

past were so great and rewarding, you wouldn’t be trying to change it now. When

we vacillate, we lose. When doubt rises up, push it down with persistence. Look at

yourself in the mirror and say, “Enough already, make up your mind and let’s get on

with life.” This will keep you stable and give you strength to go the distance.

Be Encouraged! This is the hardest step to take. Once you make up your mind

to move forward, it gets easier. Soon you will look up and see your prize in front of you.

Say This Out Loud! “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:18, KJV

Share the journey with a friend. We all know there is strength in numbers.

Accountability keeps you focused. Share your goals with someone who won’t cut

you any slack or hand you any tissues. This is not the friend who agrees with every-

thing you say or do. This is the real friend who wants what’s best for you and will help

keep you on track.

Be Encouraged! Count yourself blessed if you have a true friend like that. Real

friends are your siblings born to different parents; they will never be replaced in your

life. Allow them to hold you accountable as you go the distance.

Say This Out Loud! “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens

another.” Proverbs 27:17, Message Bible

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Persuasion is Contagious! When you are completely persuaded no matter

what comes up it can’t stand in your way. What’s better, everyone around you

knows that you are completely persuaded. Train yourself and others around to only

speak positive about your journey. Reminders of your past should only serve as fuel

for the future.

Be encouraged! Your doubters soon fade away once they learn that you are

serious. Furthermore, those around you will show their support because they know

you are serious. Decide to go the distance, all the way.

Say This Out Loud! “When God approves of your life, even your enemies will

end up shaking your hand.” Proverbs 16:7 , Message Bible

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Be Encouraged is a publication of Assigned to Encourage!™Design and layout provided courtesy of Integrity Designs

All written materials are the original work of the author. Copyright restricted. All rights reserved. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible - various versions.

Kira McConico’s universal assignment is to deliver encouragement to the hopeless through her Assigned To Encourage! ™

Words are powerful and can be spoken into dark times and bring light to life's situations.

In addition, Kira is an inspirational speaker. Her target audience is young women ages 17-30. She frequently speaks at area schools, domestic violence shelters and other organizations to encourage young women to pursue their dreams no matter their past.

While her target audience is young women, the message of encourage-ment is for everyone!

For booking information visit: www.assignedtoencourage.com.