Encouraging Spiritual Practices Inspired by Creation
When I turned 50, I ran my first marathon because I wanted to really know what Paul meant when he said, Run the race to win. Just like athletes train their bodies, we train our spirits. There were times when it hurt, when I didn’t think I could make it but along the way I realized there’s a ton of help out there if you are willing to look for it. The good news is that you are not doing this alone. The lessons I learned in that training process are at the roots of this material because…
You are a spiritual athlete.
Following Jesus—living a life of faith—it’s not just something that happens to us. It’s something we practice. It’s somethign we train for, and grow into over time. With some intention and a little bit of sweat, and the right community, everyday can be a step in the training process.
That’s what the 8 Moves are all about. They are a spiritual training plan that helps you build your mind, strength, heart, and soul and show up in your life with purpose and clarity.
It’s built around eight themes—Light, Water, Land, Time, Life, Work, Rest, and Rebirth—inspired by the story of Creation and the rhythms God built into our world. And since we’re talking about running, it’s the story of how God created you and what lessons you can learn from your body.
Each Move teaches something we need for our spiritual life:
- Light helps you see clearly—what matters, what’s real, what to focus on.
- Water refreshes you, especially when you’re feeling worn down.
- Land gives you stability—a strong place to stand when everything feels shaky.
- Time helps you slow down, find your rhythm, and trust the process.
- Life is about connection—to people, to purpose, to God.
- Work shapes your mission. It’s about doing what you were made to do.
- Rest reminds you to breathe, trust in grace; you don’t have to hustle for your worth.
- Rebirth is your reset. It’s your reminder that new life is always possible.
Now let’s be clear—this isn’t about being perfect. No one’s handing out gold medals for best spiritual performance. This is about showing up. Training, even when it’s tough. Trusting that something deeper is happening in you as you go.
Paul once wrote: “Don’t you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV).
In other words: live like it matters because it does.
So that’s what we’re doing here, training together, encouraging each other, and growing stronger.
You were made for this. You were made to move forward with endurance, purpose, and with people beside you.
Let’s get into it. Let’s move forward—together.