Greg, our pastor, is on a mission trip to Asia. It's interesting to read about what's happening while they're there instead of waiting to hear about it when they get back. You can read more here ...> link
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
American Idol
I’m not a huge American Idol fan. I think it’s because I can’t stand to watch people fail and each week on American Idol people fail – well at least one of them does. The rest of my family really likes to watch. For them maybe it’s about the success of those who don’t fail and move on in the show. You’ll have to talk to them about their motive for watching.
Last night we watched the very beginning of the American Idol process where thousands of people get in front of the American Idol judges and sing. Some of them know they are bad and they try to be as outrageous as possible just to get on TV. Others are really good and I can see why they feel they have a chance at being on the show. But some who try to sing are truly delusional. Their voices are horrible and they believe they can sing well. Watching them and the judge’s response made me laugh until my stomach hurt.
Something about American Idol bothers me. It makes me take a look at myself and ask, “What am I delusional about? Where am I making a fool of myself? Do I think I do something well that everyone around me thinks I do horribly?” Do people say to each other “can you believe he’s doing that?” Ignorance is bliss so maybe I don’t want to know. Then again maybe I do.
With that said, I’m kinda scared of the comments on this post ….
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)
Last night we watched the very beginning of the American Idol process where thousands of people get in front of the American Idol judges and sing. Some of them know they are bad and they try to be as outrageous as possible just to get on TV. Others are really good and I can see why they feel they have a chance at being on the show. But some who try to sing are truly delusional. Their voices are horrible and they believe they can sing well. Watching them and the judge’s response made me laugh until my stomach hurt.
Something about American Idol bothers me. It makes me take a look at myself and ask, “What am I delusional about? Where am I making a fool of myself? Do I think I do something well that everyone around me thinks I do horribly?” Do people say to each other “can you believe he’s doing that?” Ignorance is bliss so maybe I don’t want to know. Then again maybe I do.
With that said, I’m kinda scared of the comments on this post ….
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Fear
I don’t fear many things. It’s just not in me to be scared of stuff. I’m not normally anxious about change or risk. I just feel like God is in control and I should run hard toward life and deal with it as it comes. I don’t worry too much about what other people think of me either.
Notice though that I wrote “I don’t fear many things”. There are some things that make me lay awake at night and stare at the ceiling. One of those is the fear of not being able to provide for my family. Its part of my life I have had a hard time giving to God and saying “Take it, do what you want and I won’t ever ask for it back.” I’m getting better with that one though.
In the last couple of years I’ve developed a new fear. I fear standing up in front of people to preach and not having anything to say. I’m not talking about the fear of public speaking, in fact I feel really comfortable in front of people when I know I’m saying what God wants me to say. It’s just in the process of preparing I shudder at the thought of standing up and mocking God and wasting the time of everyone listening with useless information. I think it is a healthy fear though as long as it doesn’t take over. In fact if I ever get nonchalant about teaching I should probably quit.
My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Notice though that I wrote “I don’t fear many things”. There are some things that make me lay awake at night and stare at the ceiling. One of those is the fear of not being able to provide for my family. Its part of my life I have had a hard time giving to God and saying “Take it, do what you want and I won’t ever ask for it back.” I’m getting better with that one though.
In the last couple of years I’ve developed a new fear. I fear standing up in front of people to preach and not having anything to say. I’m not talking about the fear of public speaking, in fact I feel really comfortable in front of people when I know I’m saying what God wants me to say. It’s just in the process of preparing I shudder at the thought of standing up and mocking God and wasting the time of everyone listening with useless information. I think it is a healthy fear though as long as it doesn’t take over. In fact if I ever get nonchalant about teaching I should probably quit.
My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Proverbs 3:21-26
What do you fear?
Sunday, January 16, 2005
My First Marathon
Check.
Today I ran a marathon … something I said I wanted to check off of my list of things to do and today I did it. It was a good day start to finish.
At the starting line of the marathon a guy with the words "Woot!Woot!" on the front of his shirt stood next to me. I don't know what the sign on his shirt was all about but he looked over and asked, “What’s your goal time?”
I said, “I’d like to run about 4 hours and 30 minutes but my main goal is to finish. If I do that I’ll be happy.” So I asked him “What’s your goal time.”
He said, “I don’t have a goal time. I trained with a friend to try to help him finish his first marathon and he bailed on me. So I'm running for fun and to finish.”
So I asked, “How many marathons have you run?”
He said, “This will be my third. What about you?”
I said, “This is my first.”
To which he replied, “Once you cross that finish line today your life will never be the same.”
It took me aback that he would say that. I never assumed that finishing a marathon would change my life. Giving my life to God, getting married and having kids have changed my life because they changed my priorities and reoriented the way I live. Somehow I don’t think finishing a marathon will do the same, but I will be able to say that I’ve done something through discipline and effort that few other people would even think to attempt.
A couple of people helped me today. First Andrea went with me and she provided support for me on the course. She met me a couple of places and gave me Power Gel and Ibuprofen when I needed it. It was a boost to my running to see someone who loves me cheer me on and tell me I could make it. I could not do life without Andrea and I would not have wanted to run my first marathon without her either.
Also I saw Edwin and Jenny on the half-marathon course. Both of them said something to the effect of “Go Tommy!” I missed seeing Jenny’s husband Wes but he sent me an email today and said “Way to go.” Wes, Jenny and Jenny's dad finished the half-marathon together which is way cool.
My friend Mark parked his car downtown and ran 6 miles back to the 20 mile mark and “ran me in” from 20. At about the 24 ½ mile mark he saw a friend who was struggling and since I was doing okay he let me go ahead and helped her make it to the finish line.
And then after the marathon was over we got to my parent's house and mom, dad, Tori, Jakeb, and Anna had bought me a cake that said "Congratulations Tommy!" I've got good kids and parents.
I know quite a few of you prayed for me.
Thanks everybody!
I finished in 4:13:12 chip time (from starting line to finish line). I ran 4:16:51 clock time (from starting gun to finish). If you wonder what the difference is you’ll have to ask me sometime.
It was a good day. The results were beyond my expectations. I may just have to try it again sometime.
Today I ran a marathon … something I said I wanted to check off of my list of things to do and today I did it. It was a good day start to finish.
At the starting line of the marathon a guy with the words "Woot!Woot!" on the front of his shirt stood next to me. I don't know what the sign on his shirt was all about but he looked over and asked, “What’s your goal time?”
I said, “I’d like to run about 4 hours and 30 minutes but my main goal is to finish. If I do that I’ll be happy.” So I asked him “What’s your goal time.”
He said, “I don’t have a goal time. I trained with a friend to try to help him finish his first marathon and he bailed on me. So I'm running for fun and to finish.”
So I asked, “How many marathons have you run?”
He said, “This will be my third. What about you?”
I said, “This is my first.”
To which he replied, “Once you cross that finish line today your life will never be the same.”
It took me aback that he would say that. I never assumed that finishing a marathon would change my life. Giving my life to God, getting married and having kids have changed my life because they changed my priorities and reoriented the way I live. Somehow I don’t think finishing a marathon will do the same, but I will be able to say that I’ve done something through discipline and effort that few other people would even think to attempt.
A couple of people helped me today. First Andrea went with me and she provided support for me on the course. She met me a couple of places and gave me Power Gel and Ibuprofen when I needed it. It was a boost to my running to see someone who loves me cheer me on and tell me I could make it. I could not do life without Andrea and I would not have wanted to run my first marathon without her either.
Also I saw Edwin and Jenny on the half-marathon course. Both of them said something to the effect of “Go Tommy!” I missed seeing Jenny’s husband Wes but he sent me an email today and said “Way to go.” Wes, Jenny and Jenny's dad finished the half-marathon together which is way cool.
My friend Mark parked his car downtown and ran 6 miles back to the 20 mile mark and “ran me in” from 20. At about the 24 ½ mile mark he saw a friend who was struggling and since I was doing okay he let me go ahead and helped her make it to the finish line.
And then after the marathon was over we got to my parent's house and mom, dad, Tori, Jakeb, and Anna had bought me a cake that said "Congratulations Tommy!" I've got good kids and parents.
I know quite a few of you prayed for me.
Thanks everybody!
I finished in 4:13:12 chip time (from starting line to finish line). I ran 4:16:51 clock time (from starting gun to finish). If you wonder what the difference is you’ll have to ask me sometime.
It was a good day. The results were beyond my expectations. I may just have to try it again sometime.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
It takes a village
And another thing …
Running a marathon is a family thing. I could not have trained for a marathon without the support of Andrea, Tori, Jakeb and Anna. “Hey, let’s get in bed; I’ve got a 12 miler in the morning.” So thanks y’all.
I also have had a huge amount of encouragement from those who run and know how much work it takes to get to the starting line. So thanks Edwin, Wes, Jenny, Brent, Jim, Mary Margaret, Nathan, and others (I’m sure I forgot to mention 12 people here) who have asked how the training is going, and have encouraged me to run on.
No matter what happens Sunday I appreciate the help!
Running a marathon is a family thing. I could not have trained for a marathon without the support of Andrea, Tori, Jakeb and Anna. “Hey, let’s get in bed; I’ve got a 12 miler in the morning.” So thanks y’all.
I also have had a huge amount of encouragement from those who run and know how much work it takes to get to the starting line. So thanks Edwin, Wes, Jenny, Brent, Jim, Mary Margaret, Nathan, and others (I’m sure I forgot to mention 12 people here) who have asked how the training is going, and have encouraged me to run on.
No matter what happens Sunday I appreciate the help!
Taper week
This has been a weird week. It’s the week before my first marathon so I’m not running as much as normal to allow my body to rest. This morning I ran two miles. I haven’t run as little as two miles since I started marathon training. When the run was over I felt like I was just warming up. I rode my bike to work this morning like I do most days. Even with the two miles and the bike ride I am having trouble sitting still in my chair at work. I have too much nervous energy.
One of the other reasons I enjoy running is that it allows me to eat well and still maintain a reasonable weight. I could never go on a low-carb diet because I LOVE bread, potatoes, rice, cereal and pasta. This week has been heaven because my diet has consisted of those things. People say that you cannot maintain proper weight by eating a high carb diet, but this week I have eaten more carbs than normal to fuel my body, I have run less and I’ve actually dropped a couple of pounds. I think the reason though is because all of the Christmas sweets have disappeared from the house and I’ve pretty much cut out dessert foods all together.
In three days I’m going to attempt to run 26 miles, 385 yards. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Pray for me when you think about it.
One of the other reasons I enjoy running is that it allows me to eat well and still maintain a reasonable weight. I could never go on a low-carb diet because I LOVE bread, potatoes, rice, cereal and pasta. This week has been heaven because my diet has consisted of those things. People say that you cannot maintain proper weight by eating a high carb diet, but this week I have eaten more carbs than normal to fuel my body, I have run less and I’ve actually dropped a couple of pounds. I think the reason though is because all of the Christmas sweets have disappeared from the house and I’ve pretty much cut out dessert foods all together.
In three days I’m going to attempt to run 26 miles, 385 yards. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Pray for me when you think about it.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A Quiet Life
Our small group is studying the book of 1 Thessalonians. As we study it we have been encouraged to read through the book a couple of times to get a good feel for it. I’ve done that and I have only had one verse really stick out to me so far. In fact it puzzles me and I keep asking myself, “What am I supposed to do with this?” It was written to a specific group of people – the Thessalonian church, for a specific purpose.
Here it is:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
I am a social introvert who is not very good at small talk. I enjoy good conversation with those whom I’m close but have a hard time having surface level conversations with those I barely know. A passage like this from the Bible is easy to use as justification for remaining the person I am and refusing to stretch myself. I don’t think that’s the point.
These verses though, remind me of my parents. They live a quiet life, which is something they enjoy. They mind their own business. I know that it is easy for parents to desire to give their kids unsolicited advice after they’re married, but my parents have always been good about letting Andrea and me work through stuff. My dad is a mechanic and my mom loves to work in the yard so they both work with their hands. Outsiders respect them and they are very independent. I’ve got great parents! They live this verse. By the way, today is my mom’s birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!
Here it is:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
I am a social introvert who is not very good at small talk. I enjoy good conversation with those whom I’m close but have a hard time having surface level conversations with those I barely know. A passage like this from the Bible is easy to use as justification for remaining the person I am and refusing to stretch myself. I don’t think that’s the point.
These verses though, remind me of my parents. They live a quiet life, which is something they enjoy. They mind their own business. I know that it is easy for parents to desire to give their kids unsolicited advice after they’re married, but my parents have always been good about letting Andrea and me work through stuff. My dad is a mechanic and my mom loves to work in the yard so they both work with their hands. Outsiders respect them and they are very independent. I’ve got great parents! They live this verse. By the way, today is my mom’s birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!
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