Take Two - So I completed my first official half marathon this spring. The numbers? 117 (bib), 2:17:17 (chip), 947 (place), 516 (sex), 63 (age)...not much to be proud of in those numbers, but I feel pretty good about the number 2.
Two Hospitals - It has not been uncommon for me to visit both of our local hospitals in the same day, both in ministry and funeral service. It is a part of my job that I really enjoy. Some people don't feel comfortable, but I don't mind as long as I am just there visiting! I am starting to believe those who want to make Kalamazoo the healthiest community in Michigan. We have some pretty awesome services at our disposal. The airplane banner demanding a fair nurse contract would indicate we have some work to do with relationships.
Two Police Stations - Public servants. Some were paid (I'm thinking overtime) some were volunteers. All were servants. There to help, protect, nurse, guide, hydrate, energize and especially encourage every participant. And all were thanked. I couldn't believe the runners thanking every person they passed by. Gratitude was evident. My heart was right...but I was saving my breath.
Two Cemeteries - "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart" I have uttered these words a couple hundred times in cemeteries, never as retrospectively as I climbed Mt Olivet hill. Healthy living is good, but it doesn't ensure longevity. Cemeteries are filled with those whose lives were cut short. I admire the runners who love what they do. They don't do it for life, but as life. They really do enjoy it. Some die doing what they love. What do you love doing?
Two Wrong Turns - I guess two dangers would be: If you were in the lead or if you lose sight of anyone ahead of you. Both occurred to the High school student who was disqualified for taking a wrong turn and finishing in second place, only a few seconds ahead of the third place finisher. How surprised was that third place finisher when the guy turned in front of him on the home stretch! There were a couple of miles where I was trying to figure out a way to cut some of the course off. Unfortunately I wasn't in the lead nor was I ever out of any one's sight.
Two Walkers - Pace is everything. The first four miles I stayed behind a young lady who I had trained with. I knew the time she was going to run suited me perfectly. Unfortunately, she peeled off the course to use the ladies room. The middle four miles I found myself pacing with two walkers. That's right. Man & a woman, early sixties, were race walking the half marathon. I asked him his pace and it was exactly what I planned. Unfortunately I lost them on Mt Olivet hill...evidently race walkers don't slow down on hills! Note: They finished 4 minutes ahead of me, exactly at their 10:15 pace!
Two Cheerleaders - Two peculiar things happened in the last mile: I was cheered, encouraged and spurred on to completion by two former church members who never did that for me when they attended here. With my hat, glasses on (not to mention my death crawl) they didn't recognize me when I thanked them...it's probably good, cause I really needed some encouragement right then! There is a hill on Nazareth road as the race winds down. My ipod was blaring some good screaming music at me...but I was thinking, "I sure wish I had the theme of Rocky right now". As I got to the top of the hill, there was a guy blasting The Rocky Theme from large speakers out the back of his truck. It sure hurts to laugh when you're that tired.
Too Soon - What's next? My hope was to do two races this spring. I have trained pretty hard, why settle for one? Well, I could give you several answers why I should (and might) settle for one... but the decision isn't in the number of races but in the number of miles in races. So I'll be sorting these things out. Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years. I appreciate it!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day 2010
Franklin Knew - Life's certainties. They do come round. All of a sudden they're here. Faster all the time. "Death where is your sting?" It's coming, don't worry. We will soon find out.
Bees & Mosquitoes - Michigan's certainties. Had a mosquito in the house last night. It had bit three of us before I killed the sucker and got everyone's pathogenic smear all over my arm. Nice mixture. The bees are building their homes right by our front door again. Don't they know they are going to die? Oh, yea...no one survived to warn them last year. It is all about the warnings.
Diet, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Choices - Regardless of when your check comes: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever...we decide how much tax money is set aside so we aren't socked with a large bill in the middle of April, right? Even when we are self-employed we are informed to be prepared for tax day. We know the 15th is coming. Some of us should be better prepared. We are without excuse.
God Will Not Be Mocked - We do have a tendency to deceive ourselves. Spring is a good time to remember that what is sown is what is reaped. Autumn isn't good and winter is even a worse time for this reminder. And tax day is a great time. It's due. Start planting!
Bees & Mosquitoes - Michigan's certainties. Had a mosquito in the house last night. It had bit three of us before I killed the sucker and got everyone's pathogenic smear all over my arm. Nice mixture. The bees are building their homes right by our front door again. Don't they know they are going to die? Oh, yea...no one survived to warn them last year. It is all about the warnings.
Diet, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Choices - Regardless of when your check comes: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever...we decide how much tax money is set aside so we aren't socked with a large bill in the middle of April, right? Even when we are self-employed we are informed to be prepared for tax day. We know the 15th is coming. Some of us should be better prepared. We are without excuse.
God Will Not Be Mocked - We do have a tendency to deceive ourselves. Spring is a good time to remember that what is sown is what is reaped. Autumn isn't good and winter is even a worse time for this reminder. And tax day is a great time. It's due. Start planting!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Religious Experience
Amen Corner - The Master's officially starts today. Golf doesn't get any better than this week in Augusta, Georgia. Of course, to many, golf couldn't get any worse...it is kinda like talking about NASCAR, oh wait, that is popular. There is something about the mastery of golf in the context of tradition & grandeur, shrouded in the quiet contemplation of walking about acres of beauty surrounded by tens of thousands, yet hearing your own pulse beat in you chest. Cathedral, pilgrimage, great cloud of witnesses, anointed one, forgiveness and redemption...this church has it all. "SHHHHH, quiet please."
2100 Woodward Ave. - Did you know that there is a church here? Tomorrow there will be over 40,000 in attendance, and I will be one of them. I can't wait. I heard this morning that Matt Giraud is singing. Mayor Dave Bing will be there, too. Chris Chelios is hosting us for lunch. "What a day that will be." Of course, they really do need to get the parking fees under control.
Two Of The Biggies - This week's Christian Standard lists two Michigan Churches that rank in the largest congregations of our fellowship. Both were planted by New Churches of Christ Evangelism, whom we support. How appropriate that NCCE will be our guest this weekend. I hope you will come and hear Ron Scott share about this incredible ministry that we partner with.
Ample Parking - God has given each of us unique passions and interests, that we have gotten SERIOUS about. But He has also given us some common assignments to get serious about. This is shaping up to be a monumental weekend. Don't miss out.
2100 Woodward Ave. - Did you know that there is a church here? Tomorrow there will be over 40,000 in attendance, and I will be one of them. I can't wait. I heard this morning that Matt Giraud is singing. Mayor Dave Bing will be there, too. Chris Chelios is hosting us for lunch. "What a day that will be." Of course, they really do need to get the parking fees under control.
Two Of The Biggies - This week's Christian Standard lists two Michigan Churches that rank in the largest congregations of our fellowship. Both were planted by New Churches of Christ Evangelism, whom we support. How appropriate that NCCE will be our guest this weekend. I hope you will come and hear Ron Scott share about this incredible ministry that we partner with.
Ample Parking - God has given each of us unique passions and interests, that we have gotten SERIOUS about. But He has also given us some common assignments to get serious about. This is shaping up to be a monumental weekend. Don't miss out.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
To Work We Go
Hi Ho, Hi Ho - Do you ever have those days when you would rather not go to work? Even if you love what you do, after all these years...sometimes you just don't feel like working. Two stories this morning caught my eye. The first was Andray Blatche of the NBA's Washington Wizards, apparently Andray was taken out of the game and refused to be "coached" by Flip Saunders. So he sat on the bench the rest of the game. Sometimes you just want a night off. Even when you make millions playing a game.
Sit There And Like It - The Washington Post reported about the incident... "I'm disappointed. I'm the most disappointed I've ever been in 15 years with a player," Saunders said. "Most disappointed." Being Flip Saunders' most disappointing player in his coaching career is fairly impressive, considering he's coached Isaiah Rider, Stephon Marbury, Anthony Peeler, Dennis Scott, Rod Strickland and Latrell Sprewell, that's quite an accomplishment.
Work For The Night Is Coming - It is hard to show up and always act like you want to be there, especially when you don't. Just make sure to get through work before starting your "after work" relaxation.
T.U.I. - THERMAL, Calif. (AP) -- A Southern California school teacher has been arrested for allegedly teaching while drunk. Toro Canyon Middle School teacher Tonya Neff was taken to the Indio jail Tuesday afternoon and booked for investigation of felony child endangerment. Administrators at Thermal's Toro Canyon Middle School told the Riverside County Sheriff's Department that the 47-year-old teacher was apparently intoxicated on campus. Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Tapp says Neff had taken prescription drugs and alcohol and an alcoholic beverage was found inside a container. Coachella Valley school district Superintendent Ricardo Medina says there was never a threat to Neff's seventh-grade students. Neff has been placed on leave.
Ole' Saying - You ever heard the saying, "That's (drunk) the only way I'd do it"? Well, teaching in today's public schools is a challenge enough without this. I wonder what sobriety tests they run on suspicious teachers? I hope one has to do with a circle, a chalkboard and their nose.
Third Rock From The Sun - Did you know that God's plan to redeem the world involves you at work? That's right. There is more to the green planet than meets the eye. Something is happening around us. Intersections, appointments, examples, words...many you probably didn't even notice. One thing we could do is start each day with the realization that our job is part of His plan. Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness requires it.
Sit There And Like It - The Washington Post reported about the incident... "I'm disappointed. I'm the most disappointed I've ever been in 15 years with a player," Saunders said. "Most disappointed." Being Flip Saunders' most disappointing player in his coaching career is fairly impressive, considering he's coached Isaiah Rider, Stephon Marbury, Anthony Peeler, Dennis Scott, Rod Strickland and Latrell Sprewell, that's quite an accomplishment.
Work For The Night Is Coming - It is hard to show up and always act like you want to be there, especially when you don't. Just make sure to get through work before starting your "after work" relaxation.
T.U.I. - THERMAL, Calif. (AP) -- A Southern California school teacher has been arrested for allegedly teaching while drunk. Toro Canyon Middle School teacher Tonya Neff was taken to the Indio jail Tuesday afternoon and booked for investigation of felony child endangerment. Administrators at Thermal's Toro Canyon Middle School told the Riverside County Sheriff's Department that the 47-year-old teacher was apparently intoxicated on campus. Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Tapp says Neff had taken prescription drugs and alcohol and an alcoholic beverage was found inside a container. Coachella Valley school district Superintendent Ricardo Medina says there was never a threat to Neff's seventh-grade students. Neff has been placed on leave.
Ole' Saying - You ever heard the saying, "That's (drunk) the only way I'd do it"? Well, teaching in today's public schools is a challenge enough without this. I wonder what sobriety tests they run on suspicious teachers? I hope one has to do with a circle, a chalkboard and their nose.
Third Rock From The Sun - Did you know that God's plan to redeem the world involves you at work? That's right. There is more to the green planet than meets the eye. Something is happening around us. Intersections, appointments, examples, words...many you probably didn't even notice. One thing we could do is start each day with the realization that our job is part of His plan. Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness requires it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
2010 Census
Every Ten Years Or So - My census form came in the mail yesterday, so did yours. I sat down this morning over coffee and filled it out. It took less than five minutes to complete. This was my third census, I am so glad I don't have to travel back to Milwaukee every ten years. They ask for five minutes of my time every ten years or so.
But, They Really Would Like To Know - I get the impression that Hispanic race is at the center of someones curiosity. Evidently they haven't been counting at the border as well as they should. I guess it makes sense to want to know how our country is made up, or does it? No questions about who has a job, whether you have health insurance, or a college fund for your kids. "Why would you think I am Hispanic?" "You've been taking us to all those Mexican restaurants." "That was because you were black."
Leverage Your Influence - Before I got the mail at home, I got a post card from the census bureau at the church. They would like me to encourage you to promptly fill out your census response form. Civics class taught us that voting is our privilege and right as Americans. Now there is some great material for impassioned challenges to motivate our young people to vote. Yet voter turnout is mostly embarrassing. What do you suppose the census response will end up being? After all, how do you motivate the American spirit for this one? "This is why all those young men & women have given their lives...." what, so I can count how many people live in my house and determine their skin color?
Red and Yellow, Black and White - So here it is: Please take (less than) five minutes, fill out and return your 2010 census form. Be a good sport. There must be a good reason for it. ALSO - If you happen to find someone living under your roof that you didn't know about, there is a place to declare them, too. Though the majority of time it would be inappropriate to ask... please get their race right. All are precious in His sight.
Who Can Be Counted On - Every team has a roster. Every class has an enrollment. Every army has an enlistment. Every business has a payroll. Even our country takes a census and requires voter enumeration. The church should take note... Who is in? Down? On Board? For us? With us? There is a good reason to want to know... now, I've got to get my tax return done.
But, They Really Would Like To Know - I get the impression that Hispanic race is at the center of someones curiosity. Evidently they haven't been counting at the border as well as they should. I guess it makes sense to want to know how our country is made up, or does it? No questions about who has a job, whether you have health insurance, or a college fund for your kids. "Why would you think I am Hispanic?" "You've been taking us to all those Mexican restaurants." "That was because you were black."
Leverage Your Influence - Before I got the mail at home, I got a post card from the census bureau at the church. They would like me to encourage you to promptly fill out your census response form. Civics class taught us that voting is our privilege and right as Americans. Now there is some great material for impassioned challenges to motivate our young people to vote. Yet voter turnout is mostly embarrassing. What do you suppose the census response will end up being? After all, how do you motivate the American spirit for this one? "This is why all those young men & women have given their lives...." what, so I can count how many people live in my house and determine their skin color?
Red and Yellow, Black and White - So here it is: Please take (less than) five minutes, fill out and return your 2010 census form. Be a good sport. There must be a good reason for it. ALSO - If you happen to find someone living under your roof that you didn't know about, there is a place to declare them, too. Though the majority of time it would be inappropriate to ask... please get their race right. All are precious in His sight.
Who Can Be Counted On - Every team has a roster. Every class has an enrollment. Every army has an enlistment. Every business has a payroll. Even our country takes a census and requires voter enumeration. The church should take note... Who is in? Down? On Board? For us? With us? There is a good reason to want to know... now, I've got to get my tax return done.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Who Do You Think You Are?
Hall Of Fame Running Back - Emmit Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher. With three Super Bowl Rings and now a first ballot famer, he has enshrined himself permanently in American lore. But his American roots go much deeper than football.
Champion Dancer - Emmit has lent his celebrity to the new reality show "Who Do You Think You Are?". Celebrities take the journey of genealogy to unlock the mysteries surrounding their existence. Emmit's story was told this week on Oprah. Check out the whole story on her website. Here is the gist...
Not So Great- Five generations removed, Emmit realizes his great-great-grandmother had the last name of an infamous slave owner. Her father, Emmit's great-great-great-grandfather was listed as "mulatto", specifically black/white race. His mother, Emmit's great-great-great-great-grandmother was a slave named Mariah. The infamous slave owner??? Ends up being Emmit's great-great-great-great-grandfather. In the show Emmit comes to the sobering realty that he is a product of "rape", a slave owner taking liberties with his "property".
Redskin Lover - It is pretty extraordinary to think of what was produced seven generations after such a traumatic event in young Mariah's life. How many thousands of people have been given life and have their own meaningful legacies who trace their origins to young Mariah? Two thoughts: First, if he isn't already, I would hope Emmit has become an advocate of making it illegal to abort a baby - regardless how it is conceived. A baby is a baby for crying out loud. It deserves to be protected under the law regardless how it came into being. How do you know that you weren't a product of some form of illegal (or immoral) liberty (even if it was 200 years ago or 600 years ago)? Who you are was determined farther back than even 2,000 years ago. Jeremiah reminds us that God took care of that long before. Let's get this right. OOPS! Oprah had one of the best pro life tv shows and didn't even acknowledge the truth that she helped uncover.
Book Of Deeds - Here is another thought. Emmit's news culminated in a trip to a county courthouse to see Mariah's name deeded to the notorious slave trader. The book number - 22. The same number Emmit wore during his football years. Says Emmit, "I've been wearing #22 since college. I have always thought I was a child of destiny, maybe this is my destiny." I believe it is. Our life will not add up like a hall of fame football player. BUT the total of our life isn't seen in the sum of our years on earth. That is just a morsel of who you are. To get the whole picture you have to start at the beginning of time and then draw a line somewhere out into eternity to get the full picture. When you do, you will get a better look at who you really are.
Champion Dancer - Emmit has lent his celebrity to the new reality show "Who Do You Think You Are?". Celebrities take the journey of genealogy to unlock the mysteries surrounding their existence. Emmit's story was told this week on Oprah. Check out the whole story on her website. Here is the gist...
Not So Great- Five generations removed, Emmit realizes his great-great-grandmother had the last name of an infamous slave owner. Her father, Emmit's great-great-great-grandfather was listed as "mulatto", specifically black/white race. His mother, Emmit's great-great-great-great-grandmother was a slave named Mariah. The infamous slave owner??? Ends up being Emmit's great-great-great-great-grandfather. In the show Emmit comes to the sobering realty that he is a product of "rape", a slave owner taking liberties with his "property".
Redskin Lover - It is pretty extraordinary to think of what was produced seven generations after such a traumatic event in young Mariah's life. How many thousands of people have been given life and have their own meaningful legacies who trace their origins to young Mariah? Two thoughts: First, if he isn't already, I would hope Emmit has become an advocate of making it illegal to abort a baby - regardless how it is conceived. A baby is a baby for crying out loud. It deserves to be protected under the law regardless how it came into being. How do you know that you weren't a product of some form of illegal (or immoral) liberty (even if it was 200 years ago or 600 years ago)? Who you are was determined farther back than even 2,000 years ago. Jeremiah reminds us that God took care of that long before. Let's get this right. OOPS! Oprah had one of the best pro life tv shows and didn't even acknowledge the truth that she helped uncover.
Book Of Deeds - Here is another thought. Emmit's news culminated in a trip to a county courthouse to see Mariah's name deeded to the notorious slave trader. The book number - 22. The same number Emmit wore during his football years. Says Emmit, "I've been wearing #22 since college. I have always thought I was a child of destiny, maybe this is my destiny." I believe it is. Our life will not add up like a hall of fame football player. BUT the total of our life isn't seen in the sum of our years on earth. That is just a morsel of who you are. To get the whole picture you have to start at the beginning of time and then draw a line somewhere out into eternity to get the full picture. When you do, you will get a better look at who you really are.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Cut Above
Choice Grade A - Funeral dinners provide a wonderful opportunity for the ministry of Christ. Thanks to all of you that helped, this Tuesday. What a strong statement of love and support for the Eldred family. Della and her team deserve our encouragement and appreciation for a top notch job! Besides ministry these opportunities are great evangelistic tools. The Good News is multiplied in these kind of circumstances and you can bet there were those that were touched in a spiritual way. This church is a cut above!
Measure Twice Cut Once - Spring is right around the corner and that means outdoor service opportunities. God has blessed us with an amazing piece of property for our church facilities and meetings. There is still a lot of potential in what our grounds could look like. But with everything else, first comes those who are passionate about serving & gifted to make it happen. I can't help but envy some of our neighbors yards & landscaping. It doesn't happen by itself, when I see a yard that stands out I know there was a lot of effort and pride that went into it.
Short And To The Point - Kent County, Michigan (NEWSCHANNEL 3) A Sparta man has been arrested for performing circumcisions without a license. Police say (the accused) was performing the circumcisions on adult male subjects. Police say (he) portrayed himself as a medical doctor and performed the procedures at his residence. The Kent County Sheriff's Department asks that anyone with information regarding (the accused) or his medical procedures contact the Sheriff's department or Silent Observer.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving - Since I started writing this post (yesterday) additional information has been released about the accused Spartan. I will refrain from commenting further, as what yesterday was a clever simile, today is just plain creepy. Let's just leave it at... We all have gifts and passions. There are plenty of forums to use them that are admirable. But only what is done seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, is best. If you haven't plugged yourself into God's work in a regular capacity do so now. Nothing compares to the choice cut!
Measure Twice Cut Once - Spring is right around the corner and that means outdoor service opportunities. God has blessed us with an amazing piece of property for our church facilities and meetings. There is still a lot of potential in what our grounds could look like. But with everything else, first comes those who are passionate about serving & gifted to make it happen. I can't help but envy some of our neighbors yards & landscaping. It doesn't happen by itself, when I see a yard that stands out I know there was a lot of effort and pride that went into it.
Short And To The Point - Kent County, Michigan (NEWSCHANNEL 3) A Sparta man has been arrested for performing circumcisions without a license. Police say (the accused) was performing the circumcisions on adult male subjects. Police say (he) portrayed himself as a medical doctor and performed the procedures at his residence. The Kent County Sheriff's Department asks that anyone with information regarding (the accused) or his medical procedures contact the Sheriff's department or Silent Observer.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving - Since I started writing this post (yesterday) additional information has been released about the accused Spartan. I will refrain from commenting further, as what yesterday was a clever simile, today is just plain creepy. Let's just leave it at... We all have gifts and passions. There are plenty of forums to use them that are admirable. But only what is done seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, is best. If you haven't plugged yourself into God's work in a regular capacity do so now. Nothing compares to the choice cut!
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