I've added a new blog to my "Blogs of interest" list. Interesting topic on the current post, especially if you're a Southern Baptist like me who laments the fact that more SBC churches don't return to their roots and have more church social "dinner on the grounds".
My early childhood church had concrete block columns designed specifically for supporting 4x8 sheets of plywood under a shade tree, for use as a tables. Not for eating, but to set up the service lines. Oh, by the way, I'm not talking about a couple of sections, if memory serves me correctly, it was at least 32 feet long. Yep, a 128 square foot buffet table at a church whose Sunday worship attendance has likely never topped 80 people. That's some serious cooking and eating.
Anyway, the current topic touches on an interesting point about obesity in our churches (not just Southern Baptist Churches) and how we like to pick and choose what we consider sinful, i.e. "drinking alcohol is a sin, eating 4 twinkies a day and 6 tweenty ounce cokes is ok." (my words, not the other bloggers)
Have a good day!
Whoops almost forgot to say that I'd gladly add an extra long run into a week if I could experience another one of those good ol' dinner on the grounds. ;>)
07 August 2008
06 August 2008
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus...
...look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." These are the lyrics to one of the hymns I grew up with, and this is the frequent topic of sermons every Sunday across the country.
I've asserted before that the past three plus years of running, for me, has mirrored my life in Christ and this morning I recognized another similarity. Focus.
Take a look back through my posts and you'll find that over the past year, since starting this blog, I've thrown out numerous goals that I hoped to achieve. I've been focused on distance, on times, on fitness level, on weight, on body fat, etc., etc. The reality is that other than general fitness levels and, dare I say, concern with my appearance, I've never remained focused on any one goal for very long.
Our Christian lives can be very similar. We may find ourselves deeply involved and interested in in depth Bible study one minute, faith based community service the next, then church leadership, or perhaps teaching at another point in time. Then life kicks into high gear. School, kids, activities, work, and sometimes even Church responsibilities can capture our attention and cause us to lose focus. I've come to realize that it's OK. I'm going to stumble, I'm going to get lazy, perhaps even lose interest in one thing or another. What I must never do is lose focus on the big picture. In exercising, my short term goals will change, but each one should, and will, contribute to the overall goal of staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. In my Christian life, I have, and will, do many different things in an effort to serve the Lord. Some will capture my undivided attention, some I will trudge through, like a long set of ab crunches, but each will contribute to my spiritual fitness.
With the approach of the Olympics, I'm reminded of the US Olympian some years ago who pulled a muscle in the final stretch of a race. He struggled to his feet and continued for the finish line, seeing his son struggle, his dad rushed the track and supported his son. Together they crossed the finish line. As Christians we should train to win, yet we will likely never run the perfect race. When we struggle, we must continue to press forward toward the finish line, and when we see another stumble, we must be willing to lend a hand. If we "train" and then "run" with this same dedication and focus then, "...the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
I've asserted before that the past three plus years of running, for me, has mirrored my life in Christ and this morning I recognized another similarity. Focus.
Take a look back through my posts and you'll find that over the past year, since starting this blog, I've thrown out numerous goals that I hoped to achieve. I've been focused on distance, on times, on fitness level, on weight, on body fat, etc., etc. The reality is that other than general fitness levels and, dare I say, concern with my appearance, I've never remained focused on any one goal for very long.
Our Christian lives can be very similar. We may find ourselves deeply involved and interested in in depth Bible study one minute, faith based community service the next, then church leadership, or perhaps teaching at another point in time. Then life kicks into high gear. School, kids, activities, work, and sometimes even Church responsibilities can capture our attention and cause us to lose focus. I've come to realize that it's OK. I'm going to stumble, I'm going to get lazy, perhaps even lose interest in one thing or another. What I must never do is lose focus on the big picture. In exercising, my short term goals will change, but each one should, and will, contribute to the overall goal of staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. In my Christian life, I have, and will, do many different things in an effort to serve the Lord. Some will capture my undivided attention, some I will trudge through, like a long set of ab crunches, but each will contribute to my spiritual fitness.
With the approach of the Olympics, I'm reminded of the US Olympian some years ago who pulled a muscle in the final stretch of a race. He struggled to his feet and continued for the finish line, seeing his son struggle, his dad rushed the track and supported his son. Together they crossed the finish line. As Christians we should train to win, yet we will likely never run the perfect race. When we struggle, we must continue to press forward toward the finish line, and when we see another stumble, we must be willing to lend a hand. If we "train" and then "run" with this same dedication and focus then, "...the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
05 August 2008
New Training Log
I've changed the information on my training log to show my workouts instead of my total mileage. This will give a better of the type of fitness activities I'm engaging in and if someone is interested, might spark an idea or two to break out of a rut or get started with a new exercise regimen
Lately I have found myself struggling to stay focused on running only, and recent runs felt mundane and boring. I'm trying mix up my training with weight training, sprints, running, plyometrics(jump roping), and bike rides with the family.
On the running front, I'm gearing up for a small 5K in Utica, IN and I haven't completely ruled out a fall marathon, however, I'm battling a hamstring issue deep down in the upper portion of my left leg. Stretching doesn't seem to be helping much and I feel it immediately when I begin a run. If any one has any ideas, let me know, it's becoming very frustrating.
Lately I have found myself struggling to stay focused on running only, and recent runs felt mundane and boring. I'm trying mix up my training with weight training, sprints, running, plyometrics(jump roping), and bike rides with the family.
On the running front, I'm gearing up for a small 5K in Utica, IN and I haven't completely ruled out a fall marathon, however, I'm battling a hamstring issue deep down in the upper portion of my left leg. Stretching doesn't seem to be helping much and I feel it immediately when I begin a run. If any one has any ideas, let me know, it's becoming very frustrating.
04 August 2008
Back From The Big Apple
We're back. I talked Jina into Running/Walking Central Park. I thought she was going to hate me for it, but she actually told me later that it was one of her favorite things we did.
If you check out my weekly mileage as of late, I'm way down. That has to change this week, not so much the mileage, but conditioning in general.
Enough from me, not much more to say of any interest or importance, but please, take the time to look in my side column, under the "blogs of interest" list and check out the music video at "Baldpastorguy" - The raw emotion is overwhelming.
If you check out my weekly mileage as of late, I'm way down. That has to change this week, not so much the mileage, but conditioning in general.
Enough from me, not much more to say of any interest or importance, but please, take the time to look in my side column, under the "blogs of interest" list and check out the music video at "Baldpastorguy" - The raw emotion is overwhelming.
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