And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. -1 Kings 18:41-45
If you don’t know the context of this verse, here it is. There has been no rain in 3 years. None. Dry. Barren. For 3 years. If you see the wildfires going on in Arizona right now, and you think that’s dry, remember there has been NO rain here.
But, look at the faith that Elijah has in this account.
As the story is retold, we see Elijah asking his servant to go look for rain. When the servant reports nothing, Elijah sends him back again. And again. Seven times Elijah sent him out, and finally the servant tells Elijah there’s a cloud the size of a man’s fist. A cloud the servant probably wouldn’t even have noticed, except that he was probably sick and tired of Elijah sending him out to look at the sea! Elijah was so insistent. Think about this – the servant sees this tiny little cloud, and Elijah says, “Oh, buddy! Here. It. Comes. This little cloud appears and here’s what he says to his servant, “Go and tell Ahab, “Hitch up your chariot and go down, before the rain stops you.” Because Elijah was expectant in his prayers, this little bitty cloud, to him, meant rain was coming. And not just a gentle, soaking rain, but heavy rain. Driving rain. The kind of rain that could stop a chariot from being able to travel. From a little tiny cloud the size of a man’s fist, Elijah prayed expecting God to do something amazing in his life, and God delivered – verse 45 tells us that “the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on, and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.
When we pray, we need to pray like we’re expecting something from the prayer. We need to pray like there’s an entire course of history going on but, because we prayed, something new is going to happen. Like life is being changed because we prayed. Like God is going to do something amazing in our lives because we prayed. We can boldly go before the throne of grace.
So many times, we fail to see the signs that God is working in our lives. We tend to think things won’t change, or that what we’re asking for is too great for God to do, and we miss the cloud the size of a man’s fist in our lives. We get frustrated that this person we’ve been praying for still isn’t coming to church every week, but we miss the fact that they’re asking us questions about God, they’re asking us to pray, God is changing their life and we just refuse to see it. Or we’ve been praying about our financial situation, and we’re still not out of debt, but we ignore the way God has brought discipline into our life, or he’s finally put us on the same page with our spouse, but the changes are small, and we don’t expect God is going to fix it. Or the cancer refuses to go away, but we miss the sign that it’s not growing – it’s stabilized and we feel better and that could just be a sign from God that something amazing is about to happen because we’ve prayed. Or, we’ve been praying for direction in our life, and we still don’t have clarity about what God wants us to do, but we miss the fact that God has stripped away a lot of the things he doesn’t want us to do… He’s narrowed the field for us and yet we refuse to see that as a sign of progress. Or maybe… just maybe… we see it, but we refuse to believe.
Faith is so important in our prayers. Many of us who have entered a relationship with Christ have seen the changes he’s made in our lives and our hearts. So, why do we not believe he can solve our problems? Jesus once said, “if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
What is it for you? Where in your life is there a cloud the size of a man’s fist that you need to acknowledge is God’s sign that there’s a change coming? Where do you need to be expectant about your prayers that God is going to answer them?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What a cold bike ride taught me about quitting my job.
I know it’s hard to remember now that it’s routinely hitting 90 degrees outside, but just 3 weeks ago, our mornings were starting in the 30’s. It was just such a morning that I was scheduled to ride my bicycle into work… I had laid out my cycling kit the night before, inflated the tires, filled my water bottle, and packed my work clothes. I woke up the required half-hour before normal wake time and turned on the news to find the temperature at a not-so-balmy 36 degrees. Fahrenheit. Ahhh, Indiana in May.
My initial response, much like yours might have been, was to turn over, pull the 300 thread-count sheets up over my head, and snooze for another 30 minutes rather than face the cold. But then I remembered a truth I’d recently discovered: I have never ridden my bike to work and then though, “Man, I wish I’d drove this morning!”
So, I endeavored to rise and grind, put on the right clothes, and ride without complaint. After all, I’ve invested several hundred dollars in clothing specifically designed to let me run or ride in the cold. Don’t tell my wife.
Here’s the thing- it turned out to be one of the best rides of the year. The fog was rising over the frosty grass, the birds were particularly chatty, and with the right gear on, I never once got cold.
And the ride reminded me… life is like that, too. We can choose to get down about the circumstances we find ourselves in- our job, our family issues, our economic situation- or we can “dress” ourselves in the right attitude to deal with it. The weather doesn’t bother you so much if you have on the right clothes, and your circumstances won’t bother you if you put on the right attitude.
Many of you know I’m in the middle of a job transition. In April, I announced I was quitting my job with my employer of 21 years to do “something else.” The only thing was, I didn’t know what “something else” would be. Fact is, I’m still not sure. But, I suspect it will pay less, so I’ve recently sold my house. Faster than I expected. Oh, yeah… now I have to find a place to live. About 5 years ago, this would have put me into the St. Vincent stress center, but throughout these transitions, I have found myself to be remarkably calm. And here’s why: I believe God is in the middle of all of it. I’ve seen him work so faithfully in the job transition, in preparing my heart and my family for a new adventure, and even in selling our house (at that price? In this economy?)
Charles Swindoll once wrote, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
So, as you get dressed each morning, remember: you get to pick your attitude each and every day. I hope you pick a good one.
My initial response, much like yours might have been, was to turn over, pull the 300 thread-count sheets up over my head, and snooze for another 30 minutes rather than face the cold. But then I remembered a truth I’d recently discovered: I have never ridden my bike to work and then though, “Man, I wish I’d drove this morning!”
So, I endeavored to rise and grind, put on the right clothes, and ride without complaint. After all, I’ve invested several hundred dollars in clothing specifically designed to let me run or ride in the cold. Don’t tell my wife.
Here’s the thing- it turned out to be one of the best rides of the year. The fog was rising over the frosty grass, the birds were particularly chatty, and with the right gear on, I never once got cold.
And the ride reminded me… life is like that, too. We can choose to get down about the circumstances we find ourselves in- our job, our family issues, our economic situation- or we can “dress” ourselves in the right attitude to deal with it. The weather doesn’t bother you so much if you have on the right clothes, and your circumstances won’t bother you if you put on the right attitude.
Many of you know I’m in the middle of a job transition. In April, I announced I was quitting my job with my employer of 21 years to do “something else.” The only thing was, I didn’t know what “something else” would be. Fact is, I’m still not sure. But, I suspect it will pay less, so I’ve recently sold my house. Faster than I expected. Oh, yeah… now I have to find a place to live. About 5 years ago, this would have put me into the St. Vincent stress center, but throughout these transitions, I have found myself to be remarkably calm. And here’s why: I believe God is in the middle of all of it. I’ve seen him work so faithfully in the job transition, in preparing my heart and my family for a new adventure, and even in selling our house (at that price? In this economy?)
Charles Swindoll once wrote, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
So, as you get dressed each morning, remember: you get to pick your attitude each and every day. I hope you pick a good one.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
What were you made for?
Paraphrased from Sir Ken Robinson at the 2010 SHRM Strategy Conference:
For countless generations, many circumstances had to conspire for you to even exist. People had to live in the right town, attend the right events, eat at the right restaurants, and so on in order to meet and have children, just so you could have your turn on earth. You are a miracle. Congratulations.
Now why would you want to waste the one chance you have on earth doing something you hate?
For countless generations, many circumstances had to conspire for you to even exist. People had to live in the right town, attend the right events, eat at the right restaurants, and so on in order to meet and have children, just so you could have your turn on earth. You are a miracle. Congratulations.
Now why would you want to waste the one chance you have on earth doing something you hate?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Beautiful Children of Haiti
I've been home from Haiti for one week now. I still can't completely understand how it has affected me. When people ask me now what was most powerful, or what I miss about Haiti, though, that's easy. The people. The lovely, happy, beautiful people. Especially the kids.
I've been convicted that I should start blogging about my experience, but I'm not quite sure what to write. I think I heard one time that a picture says a thousand words. So, without further ado, I present my first 7,000 word blog about the kids of Haiti.
I've been convicted that I should start blogging about my experience, but I'm not quite sure what to write. I think I heard one time that a picture says a thousand words. So, without further ado, I present my first 7,000 word blog about the kids of Haiti.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
On The Holy Spirit and luxury cars
It’s the time of year when commercials seem specifically designed to make us believe we’re a bad husband, bad friend, bad parent, if we don’t get a tremendous gift for someone, right? I mean, maybe you spend weeks pouring over catalogs, surfing the web late at night, looking for just the right gift for that special someone, and finally you think you’ve got it. Then, the next night you turn on the TV. All you want to do is watch a little football, or maybe catch the end of Elf and there it is – you know the one. The commercial with soothing music and the garage door opens and in the bay is a shiny black Lexus with a red bow on top, and the cute, perky wife leans over and gives the man a deep, lasting hug. All of a sudden, you are the worst husband ever!
Now, I don’t know anyone who’s actually ever received a Lexus for Christmas, and I certainly don’t know anyone who’s given one. But imagine just for a minute, that you did. Imagine you saved up for years and years, and just once, for that special someone, you plunked down 50 large and brought home a Lexus LS and because you’re a good negotiator, you got the dealer to throw in, at no cost, one of those big red bows. And you drive it home, and park it in your neighbor’s garage until the big day, and on Christmas morning, that special someone wakes up and walks out into the driveway and sees it. And the reaction? Well, it’s a little subdued – not quite what you expected, but you know you did the right thing, so you wait. And days go by, but the Lexus never moves. And Winter goes and Spring comes, and you walk out into the garage and the red bow still sits on top and the odometer still reads 0. When you question your spouse as to why they are still driving the 8-year-old minivan, they just shrug. How do you feel? It was a perfect gift, you paid a high price for it, and it’s going unused.
Did you know God paid a price for you? Did you know He saved you not just so he could spend eternity with you, because he wants that – he’s crazy about you. But he also saved you so you could help advance His kingdom. I know this because if he just wanted you in heaven, he could have taken you away right then. Instead, he left you here and gave you, along with His very spirit, spiritual gifts you can use to help Him find others to spend eternity with. How are you doing with that? Are you giving everything you have to build His Kingdom here on earth? Is your heart broken for people who are far from God?
In his book, Forgotten God, Francis Chan writes that his youth pastor used to ask: “what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?”
What would your church look like if everyone was as committed as you? Would there be a band on stage every week? Would it have enough people to teach kids on Sunday morning? What would small groups look like if everyone were as committed as you? What would neighborhood outreach look like? What would the weekly offering look like? What would your city look like?
On the other hand, what would your church look like if everyone were engaged in using their gifts to the extreme?
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. –Romans 12:6-8
Don’t leave your spiritual gifts in your garage. It’s time to get out the key and fire those babies up!
Now, I don’t know anyone who’s actually ever received a Lexus for Christmas, and I certainly don’t know anyone who’s given one. But imagine just for a minute, that you did. Imagine you saved up for years and years, and just once, for that special someone, you plunked down 50 large and brought home a Lexus LS and because you’re a good negotiator, you got the dealer to throw in, at no cost, one of those big red bows. And you drive it home, and park it in your neighbor’s garage until the big day, and on Christmas morning, that special someone wakes up and walks out into the driveway and sees it. And the reaction? Well, it’s a little subdued – not quite what you expected, but you know you did the right thing, so you wait. And days go by, but the Lexus never moves. And Winter goes and Spring comes, and you walk out into the garage and the red bow still sits on top and the odometer still reads 0. When you question your spouse as to why they are still driving the 8-year-old minivan, they just shrug. How do you feel? It was a perfect gift, you paid a high price for it, and it’s going unused.
Did you know God paid a price for you? Did you know He saved you not just so he could spend eternity with you, because he wants that – he’s crazy about you. But he also saved you so you could help advance His kingdom. I know this because if he just wanted you in heaven, he could have taken you away right then. Instead, he left you here and gave you, along with His very spirit, spiritual gifts you can use to help Him find others to spend eternity with. How are you doing with that? Are you giving everything you have to build His Kingdom here on earth? Is your heart broken for people who are far from God?
In his book, Forgotten God, Francis Chan writes that his youth pastor used to ask: “what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?”
What would your church look like if everyone was as committed as you? Would there be a band on stage every week? Would it have enough people to teach kids on Sunday morning? What would small groups look like if everyone were as committed as you? What would neighborhood outreach look like? What would the weekly offering look like? What would your city look like?
On the other hand, what would your church look like if everyone were engaged in using their gifts to the extreme?
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. –Romans 12:6-8
Don’t leave your spiritual gifts in your garage. It’s time to get out the key and fire those babies up!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The only appropriate response to prayer
I woke up early this morning to go to a prayer meeting.
As I was walking into the building, I found myself shaking. At first, I wondered if it was from the chill of the morning, but I soon realized I was nervous. Nervous? Why? I've been to hundreds of prayer meetings, and prayed in public a lot. No need to be nervous.
Then it hit me...it wasn't nerves, it was excitement. Clear as day, I heard my own voice in my head say, "I get to go before the throne today." Then it all made sense.
As I was walking into the building, I found myself shaking. At first, I wondered if it was from the chill of the morning, but I soon realized I was nervous. Nervous? Why? I've been to hundreds of prayer meetings, and prayed in public a lot. No need to be nervous.
Then it hit me...it wasn't nerves, it was excitement. Clear as day, I heard my own voice in my head say, "I get to go before the throne today." Then it all made sense.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Daddy, I don't think you can!
I was sitting on the couch this evening, winding down from my day, and watching/listening to my girls do the same. One was finishing her bath, while the other was sitting in front of the computer, writing a note to her mom. From the office, I heard a loud noise that sounded like someone hitting a keyboard, then a loud, sustained cry. I got up and immediately rushed in to see what was the matter.
When I saw my 6-year-old standing in front of the screen, her face red and tear-streaked, her eyes puffy, the chair pushed back from the desk, I assumed she had fallen off her seat. So imagine my surprise, when I asked her what was wrong and she said, "the thing won't go back to the center of the page!"
"What do you mean?" I asked. Through deep sobs she replied, "The thing. The blinking thing. I push enter and it goes all the way over here (to the left side of the page). I want it in the middle."
I felt a sudden sense of relief. This was one I could finally handle! "Well, just calm down and listen, and I'll show you how to fix it," I told her.
That's when the bomb dropped. She grabbed the keyboard, clutched it tight and said, "Daddy, I don't think you can!" Well now, this was insulting. I thought I could do anything in my daughters eyes. She has a problem that's so simple, I've solved it hundreds of times. Why doesn't she just trust me to fix it?
And then it hit me. This must be exactly how God feels when I don't trust him with my problems. And that's exactly how I often act. I just want to grab my keyboard and go home.
"I can do it," I told her reassuringly. "I know how." And once she let go of the keyboard and let me take control, I showed her exactly how to fix her problem.
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. -Psalm 55:10
When I saw my 6-year-old standing in front of the screen, her face red and tear-streaked, her eyes puffy, the chair pushed back from the desk, I assumed she had fallen off her seat. So imagine my surprise, when I asked her what was wrong and she said, "the thing won't go back to the center of the page!"
"What do you mean?" I asked. Through deep sobs she replied, "The thing. The blinking thing. I push enter and it goes all the way over here (to the left side of the page). I want it in the middle."
I felt a sudden sense of relief. This was one I could finally handle! "Well, just calm down and listen, and I'll show you how to fix it," I told her.
That's when the bomb dropped. She grabbed the keyboard, clutched it tight and said, "Daddy, I don't think you can!" Well now, this was insulting. I thought I could do anything in my daughters eyes. She has a problem that's so simple, I've solved it hundreds of times. Why doesn't she just trust me to fix it?
And then it hit me. This must be exactly how God feels when I don't trust him with my problems. And that's exactly how I often act. I just want to grab my keyboard and go home.
"I can do it," I told her reassuringly. "I know how." And once she let go of the keyboard and let me take control, I showed her exactly how to fix her problem.
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. -Psalm 55:10
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Top ten benefits of turning 40.
I've been really down on turning 40 lately, but I thought to celebrate the milestone, I would look on the bright side. So, here are my Top Ten benefits of turning 40:
10. Not so offended when the young lady at the gas station calls me "sir."
9. Lower car insurance rates.
8. I don't feel self-conscious saying, "back in the day."
7. New (slower) qualifying standard for the Boston Marathon!
6. The clothes and hair I had in high school are now in style again.
5. With old(er) age comes great perspective - little things seem little.
4. When college students say, "wow, I didn't realize you were that old," now I just agree with them.
3. Built-in excuse for achy muscles.
2. Oh, now the gray hair makes sense!
and the number 1 benefit of turning 40:
1. Three words: New Age Group.
10. Not so offended when the young lady at the gas station calls me "sir."
9. Lower car insurance rates.
8. I don't feel self-conscious saying, "back in the day."
7. New (slower) qualifying standard for the Boston Marathon!
6. The clothes and hair I had in high school are now in style again.
5. With old(er) age comes great perspective - little things seem little.
4. When college students say, "wow, I didn't realize you were that old," now I just agree with them.
3. Built-in excuse for achy muscles.
2. Oh, now the gray hair makes sense!
and the number 1 benefit of turning 40:
1. Three words: New Age Group.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Why the 2010 Census matters to the Church
The Church and government don’t often mix well.
When Jesus was asked if we should pay taxes, he said, “Give to Caeser what is Caeser’s, and give to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Many Christians, and even church leaders, have taken Jesus’s statement as permission to completely disassociate the Church from any government initiative.
But, if we’re honest with ourselves, we will realize that some government programs can be useful tools to help with our great commandment to love others as we love ourselves. When God commands us to feed the poor, or to take care of orphans, there are obviously lots of things we can do personally to make that happen. But, there are also existing programs we can take advantage of, and many of those are funded by the federal government.
Censuses didn’t have a great reputation in biblical times. They were usually associated with collecting money. David angered the Lord when he decided to take a census of his men. And, of course, it was because of a census in Bethlehem that Jesus was born in a manger, instead of more comfortable digs.
The US Census to be held in 2010, however, is different from these. The census is a mechanism used to allocated billions of dollars in government funding for important community facilities like schools, roads, hospitals, child care centers, and more. Over $300 billion a year, to be more specific. How these dollars are allocated, in many cases, is dependent on how many people are counted in each area. That’s why it’s important for our communities for everyone to be counted.
Why should the Church care? Well, the very groups that God calls us to defend (the poor, the marginalized, the orphans and widows) are the groups that are the least likely to be counted. In 2010, America has a higher population of historically undercounted groups than ever. Many of these groups don’t trust the government to do what’s right, but they trust their local church. Therefore, the Church should step up and encourage all groups to be counted.
So, as a church leader, pastor, or not-for-profit director, what can you do?
1. Ensure your congregation or constituents that the census is simple and safe. The questionnaire is only a few questions, and every household’s personal information will be kept confidential for 72 years.
2. Offer to help those who don’t understand or read English If you have a cross-cultural ministry, this can be especially helpful.
3. Create a campaign. Hang signs or posters in your church or office. Make sure everyone’s aware that census questionnaires are coming in March, and that April 1 is census day.
Every person matters to Jesus, so they should matter to us. It’s in our hands. Let’s all do our part to make sure each and every person is counted.
When Jesus was asked if we should pay taxes, he said, “Give to Caeser what is Caeser’s, and give to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Many Christians, and even church leaders, have taken Jesus’s statement as permission to completely disassociate the Church from any government initiative.
But, if we’re honest with ourselves, we will realize that some government programs can be useful tools to help with our great commandment to love others as we love ourselves. When God commands us to feed the poor, or to take care of orphans, there are obviously lots of things we can do personally to make that happen. But, there are also existing programs we can take advantage of, and many of those are funded by the federal government.
Censuses didn’t have a great reputation in biblical times. They were usually associated with collecting money. David angered the Lord when he decided to take a census of his men. And, of course, it was because of a census in Bethlehem that Jesus was born in a manger, instead of more comfortable digs.
The US Census to be held in 2010, however, is different from these. The census is a mechanism used to allocated billions of dollars in government funding for important community facilities like schools, roads, hospitals, child care centers, and more. Over $300 billion a year, to be more specific. How these dollars are allocated, in many cases, is dependent on how many people are counted in each area. That’s why it’s important for our communities for everyone to be counted.
Why should the Church care? Well, the very groups that God calls us to defend (the poor, the marginalized, the orphans and widows) are the groups that are the least likely to be counted. In 2010, America has a higher population of historically undercounted groups than ever. Many of these groups don’t trust the government to do what’s right, but they trust their local church. Therefore, the Church should step up and encourage all groups to be counted.
So, as a church leader, pastor, or not-for-profit director, what can you do?
1. Ensure your congregation or constituents that the census is simple and safe. The questionnaire is only a few questions, and every household’s personal information will be kept confidential for 72 years.
2. Offer to help those who don’t understand or read English If you have a cross-cultural ministry, this can be especially helpful.
3. Create a campaign. Hang signs or posters in your church or office. Make sure everyone’s aware that census questionnaires are coming in March, and that April 1 is census day.
Every person matters to Jesus, so they should matter to us. It’s in our hands. Let’s all do our part to make sure each and every person is counted.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pumpkin Theology
Fall break has come and gone, which means Halloween is knocking at the proverbial door. This weekend, my family took the time to pick out and carve pumpkins. As we were cleaning out the gooey insides, my daughter Grace said, "Daddy, this is so gross." I immediately thought about God, and wondered if He says the same thing when He goes through the cleansing process with me? That got me to thinking deeper about our relationship with Him, and how closely a few minutes with this orange squash resembled our relationship with Christ.
So, we used the whole process as a teaching moment. I invite you to try it with your kids this week if you are pumpkin carvers...
We didn't choose God, he chose us. Just like the pumpkins didn't choose us. God told Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...."
We scoop out the seeds and pulp. In the same way, once we decide to follow Jesus, he cleans out the nasty stuff from inside us. The Psalm says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Micah says God, "hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." I just put the pulp on some newspaper, but still.
Then, we put the new face on the pumpkin. Just like we become new in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Finally, we insert a candle and light it, so everyone can see our great new Jack O'lanterns. After all, we want everyone to see what's happened to them, right? In the same way, we are called to shine our light so people see the difference in our lives. "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." -Luke 8:16
So, we get quality time with the family, fall decorations, and a memorable bible lesson all for around $10. Pretty good investment, I'd say.
So, we used the whole process as a teaching moment. I invite you to try it with your kids this week if you are pumpkin carvers...
We didn't choose God, he chose us. Just like the pumpkins didn't choose us. God told Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart...."
We scoop out the seeds and pulp. In the same way, once we decide to follow Jesus, he cleans out the nasty stuff from inside us. The Psalm says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Micah says God, "hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." I just put the pulp on some newspaper, but still.
Then, we put the new face on the pumpkin. Just like we become new in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Finally, we insert a candle and light it, so everyone can see our great new Jack O'lanterns. After all, we want everyone to see what's happened to them, right? In the same way, we are called to shine our light so people see the difference in our lives. "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." -Luke 8:16
So, we get quality time with the family, fall decorations, and a memorable bible lesson all for around $10. Pretty good investment, I'd say.
Monday, August 31, 2009
God in the whisper
If you're at all like me, (and for your sake, I hope you're not) you may doubt God from time to time. Maybe you're in a situation you don't like or don't understand, or maybe you're searching for direction in some part of your life, or maybe you just want to know if He's listening to your prayers. My tendency is often to pray for a sign. Lord, just show me who you are... show me that you are God.
But, as I read scripture, I really need to stop praying this. Have you done this lately? Look how God often proves Himself. It's almost always with death and destruction. There are very few fleece moments in the bible. It's more like this:
And they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols around their altars...
You will fall by the sword, and I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
The inhabited towns will be laid waste and the land will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
If it's been awhile since you read the bible, think about it. Do you remember a passage that says, "I will deliver the job into your hands, then you will know that I am the LORD?" Or how about, "I will heal your ailing spouse/child/brother then you will know that I am the LORD?" Or even, "I will present to you the lottery numbers BEFORE they are drawn, then you will know that I am the LORD?" No. I mean there is the staff turning into a snake thing. And the time that Elijah called on God to set the altar ablaze. But generally, in scripture, the LORD makes Himself known in ways that we wouldn't really want to see Him. But, it also means that He has the power to make Himself known.
So, what does this mean for us? It means we need to have faith. Faith that His plan is better than ours. Faith that he's the same God He has been- yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Faith that He's still on His throne.
When nothing wheron to lean remains,
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.
'Tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there's no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine. - Joseph Parker
God has told us who He is, and He's probably shown you in your life time and again. Maybe you can't hear him now because life SCREAMS at you. Your circumstances YELL at you to ignore that still small voice inside your head. But, scripture tells us that God is in the whisper. Be still and listen... and know that He is God.
But, as I read scripture, I really need to stop praying this. Have you done this lately? Look how God often proves Himself. It's almost always with death and destruction. There are very few fleece moments in the bible. It's more like this:
And they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols around their altars...
You will fall by the sword, and I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
The inhabited towns will be laid waste and the land will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
If it's been awhile since you read the bible, think about it. Do you remember a passage that says, "I will deliver the job into your hands, then you will know that I am the LORD?" Or how about, "I will heal your ailing spouse/child/brother then you will know that I am the LORD?" Or even, "I will present to you the lottery numbers BEFORE they are drawn, then you will know that I am the LORD?" No. I mean there is the staff turning into a snake thing. And the time that Elijah called on God to set the altar ablaze. But generally, in scripture, the LORD makes Himself known in ways that we wouldn't really want to see Him. But, it also means that He has the power to make Himself known.
So, what does this mean for us? It means we need to have faith. Faith that His plan is better than ours. Faith that he's the same God He has been- yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Faith that He's still on His throne.
When nothing wheron to lean remains,
When strongholds crumble to dust;
When nothing is sure but that God still reigns,
That is just the time to trust.
'Tis better to walk by faith than sight,
In this path of yours and mine;
And the pitch-black night, when there's no outer light
Is the time for faith to shine. - Joseph Parker
God has told us who He is, and He's probably shown you in your life time and again. Maybe you can't hear him now because life SCREAMS at you. Your circumstances YELL at you to ignore that still small voice inside your head. But, scripture tells us that God is in the whisper. Be still and listen... and know that He is God.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lord, make me more stubborn
"But it won't work that way with the family of Israel. They won't listen to you because they won't listen to me. They are, as I said, a hard case, hardened in their sin. But I'll make you as hard in your way as they are in theirs. I'll make your face as hard as rock, harder than granite. Don't let them intimidate you. Don't be afraid of them, even though they're a bunch of rebels." -Ezekiel 3:7-9 (The Message, emphasis added)
At first, this seems like a pretty strange passage to me. I mean, who wants their face to be as hard as a rock? C'mon God, make my abs as hard as a rock, maybe, but my face?
But, what a cool thing God did for Ezekiel. He was sending him to speak to the Israelites and warn them about their sin. But in His sovereignty, God knew they would be stubborn about it, so he promised to make Ezekiel more stubborn.
I have to tell you that so many times, when I find myself in a similar situation, I pray about the others. I pray for the ones I'm speaking to and say, "Lord, soften their hearts. Help them see it my way."
But, maybe God wants to teach me something sometimes by making people stubborn. Maybe people who don't just follow me blindly are meant to test my perserverance. Maybe I should pray for God to change me more than I pray for Him to change other people. Like Ezekiel, I need to ask him to make my face harder than granite. After all, as James wrote, "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." -James 1:2-3 (the Message)
I want to be mature and complete. I want not to be deficient in any way. So, Lord, make me more stubborn.
And, about those abs...
At first, this seems like a pretty strange passage to me. I mean, who wants their face to be as hard as a rock? C'mon God, make my abs as hard as a rock, maybe, but my face?
But, what a cool thing God did for Ezekiel. He was sending him to speak to the Israelites and warn them about their sin. But in His sovereignty, God knew they would be stubborn about it, so he promised to make Ezekiel more stubborn.
I have to tell you that so many times, when I find myself in a similar situation, I pray about the others. I pray for the ones I'm speaking to and say, "Lord, soften their hearts. Help them see it my way."
But, maybe God wants to teach me something sometimes by making people stubborn. Maybe people who don't just follow me blindly are meant to test my perserverance. Maybe I should pray for God to change me more than I pray for Him to change other people. Like Ezekiel, I need to ask him to make my face harder than granite. After all, as James wrote, "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." -James 1:2-3 (the Message)
I want to be mature and complete. I want not to be deficient in any way. So, Lord, make me more stubborn.
And, about those abs...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
On making great people
Dads, let's talk. I think if we were to sit down face-to-face over a cup of coffee (or a large Diet Coke for me), we'd agree that one of the most important things we'll do in this life is raise great kids. Can we just agree on that now? Good.
So, why don't we always act like it's a priority? If we're to be honest with one another, I'd bet we both spend a lot more time thinking about our career development, financial future, or even our vacations than we do about how to build into our children. Look at it this way: we driven, ambitious career types are always looking for a way to add more value at work, right? We wouldn't think of just occupying a seat and getting by with the minimum required to get the job done. We strive to get better, we invest in our skills and knowledge, we bring ideas to people. We aren't static, we are in motion in our careers.
Why, then, when it's our turn to watch the kids, do we look for the easy way out? Why do we wonder which DVD we should put in to occupy the time while we rest or read or do what we need to do? Why don't we invest in our parenting skills, spend quality time playing with our kids, reading to them, coloring with them, doing things that build them up?
In his book Outliers, Malcom Gladwell suggests that great performers are made largely by great opportunities. In other words, if you want to be a great piano player, you need lots and lots of hours at the piano. If you want to be a great runner, you need a chance to put in miles and miles. Likewise, if you want to raise great kids (thereby making them into great people), you need to invest the time in them, not just spend time with them, but really spend time building them.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go and he will not stray from it." That's what most of us want as parents, right? A child who is raised right and turns into a great person - one who doesn't stray. So, let's take every opportunity God has given us to invest a part of ourselves in our kids. We don't have very much time- our opportunity is limited.
So, why don't we always act like it's a priority? If we're to be honest with one another, I'd bet we both spend a lot more time thinking about our career development, financial future, or even our vacations than we do about how to build into our children. Look at it this way: we driven, ambitious career types are always looking for a way to add more value at work, right? We wouldn't think of just occupying a seat and getting by with the minimum required to get the job done. We strive to get better, we invest in our skills and knowledge, we bring ideas to people. We aren't static, we are in motion in our careers.
Why, then, when it's our turn to watch the kids, do we look for the easy way out? Why do we wonder which DVD we should put in to occupy the time while we rest or read or do what we need to do? Why don't we invest in our parenting skills, spend quality time playing with our kids, reading to them, coloring with them, doing things that build them up?
In his book Outliers, Malcom Gladwell suggests that great performers are made largely by great opportunities. In other words, if you want to be a great piano player, you need lots and lots of hours at the piano. If you want to be a great runner, you need a chance to put in miles and miles. Likewise, if you want to raise great kids (thereby making them into great people), you need to invest the time in them, not just spend time with them, but really spend time building them.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go and he will not stray from it." That's what most of us want as parents, right? A child who is raised right and turns into a great person - one who doesn't stray. So, let's take every opportunity God has given us to invest a part of ourselves in our kids. We don't have very much time- our opportunity is limited.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Nehemiah Vision Ministries
In case you missed this last weekend, here is the video about some of what God is doing in Haiti.
Nehemiah Vision Ministries from Northernlight Filmworks on Vimeo.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
MOVE Conference Roundup
So, we returned yesterday from the MOVE Conference at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. I think that most of the students were somewhat underwhelmed or maybe even a little disappointed at the conference... that is, at least, until the last day.
The entire conference focused on the book of Exodus, and the story of the people of God. The worship, by the Aaron Pelsue Band, was really good, but it took the students awhile to learn the new songs. Once they caught on, though, it was phenomenal!
On the first night, we talked about God appearing to Moses in the burning bush, and how he calls us all in different ways. The second day, we discussed what it means to be a slave to sin, and how we can be free. Day 3, we talked about the crossing of the Red Sea, and how we all come to a point in our lives where we have a crossing to make. Day four, we talked about worship, and what it means to worship God and to worship idols. On this day, each of the participants build their idol out of Play-Doh and we smashed them underfoot. Then came day five, the day that rocked our world. On this day, we talked about living with God and in God, and what that means. Each person at the conference got an envelope that they had to commit to do what it said before they opened it (they didn't have to open it, but if they wanted to, they were committed). Well, every student in our group committed to do it, and each one got a challenge that, by God's grace, was appropriately hard for them. One student now has to sell 50 items of clothing and give the money to a family who needs it. One has to skip one lunch per week and use the money to provide a meal for someone who can't afford it. One student has to memorize the book of Ephesians. My challenge is to not buy gas for a month and give the money to an environmental cause. I started today.
Then, by some ridiculously funny manipulation by God, we got the biggest challenge. If you want to know about that, or to know the story, you need to look here.
I'm really excited to see what God is going to do in our students and in our community in the next year. Stay tuned.
The entire conference focused on the book of Exodus, and the story of the people of God. The worship, by the Aaron Pelsue Band, was really good, but it took the students awhile to learn the new songs. Once they caught on, though, it was phenomenal!
On the first night, we talked about God appearing to Moses in the burning bush, and how he calls us all in different ways. The second day, we discussed what it means to be a slave to sin, and how we can be free. Day 3, we talked about the crossing of the Red Sea, and how we all come to a point in our lives where we have a crossing to make. Day four, we talked about worship, and what it means to worship God and to worship idols. On this day, each of the participants build their idol out of Play-Doh and we smashed them underfoot. Then came day five, the day that rocked our world. On this day, we talked about living with God and in God, and what that means. Each person at the conference got an envelope that they had to commit to do what it said before they opened it (they didn't have to open it, but if they wanted to, they were committed). Well, every student in our group committed to do it, and each one got a challenge that, by God's grace, was appropriately hard for them. One student now has to sell 50 items of clothing and give the money to a family who needs it. One has to skip one lunch per week and use the money to provide a meal for someone who can't afford it. One student has to memorize the book of Ephesians. My challenge is to not buy gas for a month and give the money to an environmental cause. I started today.
Then, by some ridiculously funny manipulation by God, we got the biggest challenge. If you want to know about that, or to know the story, you need to look here.
I'm really excited to see what God is going to do in our students and in our community in the next year. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
MOVE updates
If you're looking for MOVE conference updates, follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stevewallen or on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/steve.wallen Can't really blog from here.
Friday, June 26, 2009
3 days until camp
Just 3 more days until we leave with the high school students from Genesis Church to go to Move camp in Holland, Michigan. Once again this year, I will be blogging each day from the camp (assuming I can grab an internet connection somewhere) so parents and interested parties can keep up with our good times, crazy fun, and what we learn.
Stay tuned!
Steve
Stay tuned!
Steve
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The dangers of an authentic life
Well, I've learned a lesson this week. Maybe a few.
A few years after I first started following Christ as an adult, I got introduced to a church that values authenicity. Actually, to say it like that kind of undersells the concept. This church believed and lived the ideal that you can be who you are, in any circumstance, you are who God made you and how He made you, and to pretend to be anything else is to deny your maker. I bought in hook, line and sinker. In fact, around that same time was when I first started having a presence online. Because of my belief in the importance of authenticity and transparency, I decided I would live my online life just like my real life... no alias, no persona. I have never had an e-mail like BigHotDaddy@... or IronMan2632@... My e-mails, this Blog, my Facebook page all have my real name. No hiding. I see this as a kind of accountability for me. By doing this, I can live a life of integrity everywhere, even among those who don't know me.
Well, I started to doubt my decision this week when I found out that I was being cyber-stalked. Someone (I think I know who, though I won't say) had been going through my FB pages, looking for anything that could be inflammatory or insulting when taken out of context. It was sad to me, too, because I like working with her. I also have a very important job, caring for people I love at a company I love, and there have been some really tough times there this year. But, this person implied (and probably really believed) that what I had written (and when) made me unfit for my job. Fortunately, the people who saw it know me well enough not to doubt my intentions, but it made me recoil. In fact, my immediate response was to make everything private. I protected this Blog, my FB page, I unfriended anyone at work (sorry to my friends there). I acted just how I would have if I'd been physically attacked.
Over the last two days, though, my response is changing. I need to not let the fact that someone doesn't want to see me succeed not change who I am. Those of you who know me well, I think, know that I am not insensitive, callous, or mean. I am, however, sarchastic, and I can be prideful. Very prideful, and I need to let Christ work in that area of my life. But, I will not go subterranean.
Many of you have told me that something on these blog pages has touched you. Several of you have enjoyed reading my race reports from time to time. And, I think it's cool that some people may be attracted to a Jesus who is madly in love with them just because some offbeat, occasionally funny runner writes about Him sometimes.
So, what have I learned? Well, being authentic is dangerous. Just as it allows you not to surprise anyone when they get to know you, it allows people who don't know you to see into all your junk. I still think that's a better way to live, and it's how God commands us (Ephesians 4:25 says, "So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth, because we belong to each other"). But, I have realized that what you write online can be seen and misused by anyone. I have also seen that people's perception can vary far from reality, and the more visible you are, the higher standard to which you are held. As a friend told me this week, "just realize your audience is bigger than you perceive." And I do.
I've also learned that not everyone will like you. No matter how much you want that.
So, if you've been offended by something I've written here or elsewhere, I can assure you I didn't mean that. Search anything I've written- you'll not find a hint of profanity, sexism, racism or insult (except to my friends, all meant in love). Unless, that is, you're offended because of something I've written about Jesus. Then, if your offended, maybe it's not my fault.
Leadership author and speaker John Maxwell says his definition of success is when the people that know him best are the ones that like him most. I like that definition. I don't think it's always like that for politicians or movie actors, but I hope it is for me.
Thanks for reading, and peace.
Steve
A few years after I first started following Christ as an adult, I got introduced to a church that values authenicity. Actually, to say it like that kind of undersells the concept. This church believed and lived the ideal that you can be who you are, in any circumstance, you are who God made you and how He made you, and to pretend to be anything else is to deny your maker. I bought in hook, line and sinker. In fact, around that same time was when I first started having a presence online. Because of my belief in the importance of authenticity and transparency, I decided I would live my online life just like my real life... no alias, no persona. I have never had an e-mail like BigHotDaddy@... or IronMan2632@... My e-mails, this Blog, my Facebook page all have my real name. No hiding. I see this as a kind of accountability for me. By doing this, I can live a life of integrity everywhere, even among those who don't know me.
Well, I started to doubt my decision this week when I found out that I was being cyber-stalked. Someone (I think I know who, though I won't say) had been going through my FB pages, looking for anything that could be inflammatory or insulting when taken out of context. It was sad to me, too, because I like working with her. I also have a very important job, caring for people I love at a company I love, and there have been some really tough times there this year. But, this person implied (and probably really believed) that what I had written (and when) made me unfit for my job. Fortunately, the people who saw it know me well enough not to doubt my intentions, but it made me recoil. In fact, my immediate response was to make everything private. I protected this Blog, my FB page, I unfriended anyone at work (sorry to my friends there). I acted just how I would have if I'd been physically attacked.
Over the last two days, though, my response is changing. I need to not let the fact that someone doesn't want to see me succeed not change who I am. Those of you who know me well, I think, know that I am not insensitive, callous, or mean. I am, however, sarchastic, and I can be prideful. Very prideful, and I need to let Christ work in that area of my life. But, I will not go subterranean.
Many of you have told me that something on these blog pages has touched you. Several of you have enjoyed reading my race reports from time to time. And, I think it's cool that some people may be attracted to a Jesus who is madly in love with them just because some offbeat, occasionally funny runner writes about Him sometimes.
So, what have I learned? Well, being authentic is dangerous. Just as it allows you not to surprise anyone when they get to know you, it allows people who don't know you to see into all your junk. I still think that's a better way to live, and it's how God commands us (Ephesians 4:25 says, "So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth, because we belong to each other"). But, I have realized that what you write online can be seen and misused by anyone. I have also seen that people's perception can vary far from reality, and the more visible you are, the higher standard to which you are held. As a friend told me this week, "just realize your audience is bigger than you perceive." And I do.
I've also learned that not everyone will like you. No matter how much you want that.
So, if you've been offended by something I've written here or elsewhere, I can assure you I didn't mean that. Search anything I've written- you'll not find a hint of profanity, sexism, racism or insult (except to my friends, all meant in love). Unless, that is, you're offended because of something I've written about Jesus. Then, if your offended, maybe it's not my fault.
Leadership author and speaker John Maxwell says his definition of success is when the people that know him best are the ones that like him most. I like that definition. I don't think it's always like that for politicians or movie actors, but I hope it is for me.
Thanks for reading, and peace.
Steve
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Race report- Madison Marathon
Okay, this one's a week or so late because we were on vacation, then I was working on a message for church last week. But, I wanted to write down my thoughts about the Madison Marathon on May 24. The short version: I ran a personal best 3:57:51 (in only my second marathon) and was able to walk the next day. Now here's the slightly longer version.
When I started considering a marathon late last fall, I was looking for one that was (1) driving distance (2) in a place I hadn't been, and (3) after the Indy Mini with enough time to recover, but not enough that I would lose my fitness. Madison fit right in- 5 hour drive, and 3 weeks after the Mini. Truth be known, I would have liked another week to allow for one more long run, but even more truth be known... I don't know if I could have run a 20 miler the week after the Mini anyway.
We drove up Saturday morning and arrived at the hotel right around 4:00, which was check-in time. We parked at the hotel and walked to the expo, and I was pleased to find out that our hotel was indeed walking distance to both the start and finish lines. This would work out well logistically, as I could walk to the start and my family could walk to the finish and watch me limp in. The expo was nice, but fairly small compared to the Indy Mini, and it was then I realized how small this race actually was. In a good way.
Sunday morning, I woke up at 5:20, 10 minutes before my alarm went off. I slept well from about 9:30, so that was nice. I ate two granola bars, drank a bottle of water, and went for a walk/jog through the parking lot and the finish line. I determined the finish was about a half mile from the hotel entrance, which would work fine.
I arrived at the start area about 7:00, 30 minutes before the start. The weather was perfect for running- 52 degrees, cloudy, and no wind. I looked for and found the 3:40 pace group. My plan was to run with them as long as I could, then hang on to make it under 4 hours. By this time, though, I had raised my expectations and thought maybe 3:40 was possible. Well, I introduced myself to a couple of the pacers, got a good look at them to know who I was following, then the gun went off. About 1,500 of us left the line, and ran around the Alliant energy center parking lot, off onto the road and we were at a mile before I knew it, just a tad slow. Okay, though. By close to mile two, I couldn't belive the crowd wasn't breaking up more... it felt like I was running with 15,000 people, not 1,500. I was feeling clausterphobic and had to get out. I ran up about 15 feet in front of the 3:40 pace group and all of a sudden, I felt I was running alone. This was more like it. I was very comfortable, enjoying views of Lake Monona, then the capital, then the University of Wisconsin. Five miles went by in 41:30 (8:18 miles), right on time. As we ran, I took note of a couple things to come back for with my family... a frozen custard stand (4.5 miles), a beautiful house being built on Lake Wingra (8.5 miles) and the zoo (9.5 miles).
When we exited the UW Arboretum and turned by the zoo, I couldn't believe the crowd there to cheer us on. There must have been close to a thousand people lining the path, yelling and screaming, ringing cowbells, and shouting our names, which were printed in large type on our bibs. It was very energizing.
I ran through the half in 1:48, which would have been a PR for me a month ago, but was just about on plan for the marathon. One more of those, and I'd run a 3:36. That would be awesome! But, it was not to be. At about mile 15.5, I walked the aid station. I had carried a pack of Clif Shot Bloks with me, and a honey stinger gel. I had planned to take a gel or some energy food every 6 miles, and I had hoped to pick one up at the 4 mile station, but I passed right by it. So, I had to be careful with my calorie intake, and now I knew I was off my plan, but I couldn't remember when I was supposed to eat again. So, I walked, took some Gatorade, and poured some water over my head (it was getting warmer now). I started running again with no problem until mile 17. As we ran around the Maple Bluff country club, we hit the longest/steepest hill on the course. It drove me to a walk, and I never recovered. Between 17.5 and 22, I was reduced to a pattern of walk 1 minute, run 2 minutes, or some variation thereof. The bottom line is there was about a five-mile stretch where I ran only about 2/3 of it.
By mile 22.5 or so, we were running along the shore of Lake Mendota, sharing a bike path with people out enjoying the beautiful day. The mix of more people, nice lake views, and proximity to the finish line drove me to run more. Now, I would walk one minute and run four. I just kept repeating to myself, "This is what all your training was for. This is why you spent so much time away from your family. This is something you can do!"
At mile 25, I started running and didn't stop again. Just before 26, we re-entered the Alliant energy center, and as I ran toward the finish, I started looking for my family in the crowd. As I passed 26, I saw them and realized we'd never arrived on where we would meet. I waved, though, and my girls got to see me finish, which was great. As I approached the finish line, I finally saw the clock and it started with a four. I was a little bummed, but not surprised considering how much I'd walked. Then I realized- that was the 1/2 marathon clock- they started 30 minutes before us. On the other side of the finish line was the marathon clock, and it was at 3:56. I was going to do it! I crossed the line at 3:58:17. I wasn't wearing my watch, but I knew it had been about 30 seconds before I'd crossed the start line, so I was safely under four hours. I grabbed a chocolate milk, hobbled back to find my family, and started to think. My first response surprised me. Instead of the usual, "I'm not doing that again," I thought, "I can probably take 20 minutes off that time if I work at it."
So, I'm really excited to see what's next for my running. The last two weeks I've run, bicycled, and lifted weights without a plan. Now, I'm in training for a 4.5 miler on the 4th, but I'm considering what to do in the fall... another marathon? Fast half-marathon? Ultra? Thoughts, anyone?
When I started considering a marathon late last fall, I was looking for one that was (1) driving distance (2) in a place I hadn't been, and (3) after the Indy Mini with enough time to recover, but not enough that I would lose my fitness. Madison fit right in- 5 hour drive, and 3 weeks after the Mini. Truth be known, I would have liked another week to allow for one more long run, but even more truth be known... I don't know if I could have run a 20 miler the week after the Mini anyway.
We drove up Saturday morning and arrived at the hotel right around 4:00, which was check-in time. We parked at the hotel and walked to the expo, and I was pleased to find out that our hotel was indeed walking distance to both the start and finish lines. This would work out well logistically, as I could walk to the start and my family could walk to the finish and watch me limp in. The expo was nice, but fairly small compared to the Indy Mini, and it was then I realized how small this race actually was. In a good way.
Sunday morning, I woke up at 5:20, 10 minutes before my alarm went off. I slept well from about 9:30, so that was nice. I ate two granola bars, drank a bottle of water, and went for a walk/jog through the parking lot and the finish line. I determined the finish was about a half mile from the hotel entrance, which would work fine.
I arrived at the start area about 7:00, 30 minutes before the start. The weather was perfect for running- 52 degrees, cloudy, and no wind. I looked for and found the 3:40 pace group. My plan was to run with them as long as I could, then hang on to make it under 4 hours. By this time, though, I had raised my expectations and thought maybe 3:40 was possible. Well, I introduced myself to a couple of the pacers, got a good look at them to know who I was following, then the gun went off. About 1,500 of us left the line, and ran around the Alliant energy center parking lot, off onto the road and we were at a mile before I knew it, just a tad slow. Okay, though. By close to mile two, I couldn't belive the crowd wasn't breaking up more... it felt like I was running with 15,000 people, not 1,500. I was feeling clausterphobic and had to get out. I ran up about 15 feet in front of the 3:40 pace group and all of a sudden, I felt I was running alone. This was more like it. I was very comfortable, enjoying views of Lake Monona, then the capital, then the University of Wisconsin. Five miles went by in 41:30 (8:18 miles), right on time. As we ran, I took note of a couple things to come back for with my family... a frozen custard stand (4.5 miles), a beautiful house being built on Lake Wingra (8.5 miles) and the zoo (9.5 miles).
When we exited the UW Arboretum and turned by the zoo, I couldn't believe the crowd there to cheer us on. There must have been close to a thousand people lining the path, yelling and screaming, ringing cowbells, and shouting our names, which were printed in large type on our bibs. It was very energizing.
I ran through the half in 1:48, which would have been a PR for me a month ago, but was just about on plan for the marathon. One more of those, and I'd run a 3:36. That would be awesome! But, it was not to be. At about mile 15.5, I walked the aid station. I had carried a pack of Clif Shot Bloks with me, and a honey stinger gel. I had planned to take a gel or some energy food every 6 miles, and I had hoped to pick one up at the 4 mile station, but I passed right by it. So, I had to be careful with my calorie intake, and now I knew I was off my plan, but I couldn't remember when I was supposed to eat again. So, I walked, took some Gatorade, and poured some water over my head (it was getting warmer now). I started running again with no problem until mile 17. As we ran around the Maple Bluff country club, we hit the longest/steepest hill on the course. It drove me to a walk, and I never recovered. Between 17.5 and 22, I was reduced to a pattern of walk 1 minute, run 2 minutes, or some variation thereof. The bottom line is there was about a five-mile stretch where I ran only about 2/3 of it.
By mile 22.5 or so, we were running along the shore of Lake Mendota, sharing a bike path with people out enjoying the beautiful day. The mix of more people, nice lake views, and proximity to the finish line drove me to run more. Now, I would walk one minute and run four. I just kept repeating to myself, "This is what all your training was for. This is why you spent so much time away from your family. This is something you can do!"
At mile 25, I started running and didn't stop again. Just before 26, we re-entered the Alliant energy center, and as I ran toward the finish, I started looking for my family in the crowd. As I passed 26, I saw them and realized we'd never arrived on where we would meet. I waved, though, and my girls got to see me finish, which was great. As I approached the finish line, I finally saw the clock and it started with a four. I was a little bummed, but not surprised considering how much I'd walked. Then I realized- that was the 1/2 marathon clock- they started 30 minutes before us. On the other side of the finish line was the marathon clock, and it was at 3:56. I was going to do it! I crossed the line at 3:58:17. I wasn't wearing my watch, but I knew it had been about 30 seconds before I'd crossed the start line, so I was safely under four hours. I grabbed a chocolate milk, hobbled back to find my family, and started to think. My first response surprised me. Instead of the usual, "I'm not doing that again," I thought, "I can probably take 20 minutes off that time if I work at it."
So, I'm really excited to see what's next for my running. The last two weeks I've run, bicycled, and lifted weights without a plan. Now, I'm in training for a 4.5 miler on the 4th, but I'm considering what to do in the fall... another marathon? Fast half-marathon? Ultra? Thoughts, anyone?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Lesson about success
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. -Daniel 4:4
Okay, stop right here. This really makes me mad. King Nebucadnezzar, the evil one, sitting in his palace contented and prosperous. Not bothered by the outside world. Not enough compassion to be concerned about the abuses happening in his kingdom. He just sits in his palace, rich and happy, after all the destruction he's caused. And this is the first lesson about success, and it may go against everything you think you know about God.
God sometimes grants success to people who don’t follow Him.
This story in particular is about Nebucadnezzar, and we know he wasn’t a nice man. I mean the book of Daniel tells a little about him, but to really know the King’s whole story, you have to go to 2 Chronicles.
He (God) brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the LORD's temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.
He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. -2 Chronicles 36:17-21
So, here’s a guy that raided the city of Jerusalem. He killed everyone he could, enslaved those he couldn’t. He took all their stuff and carried it off to Babylon- their gold, their livestock, everything of value, and burned the rest of the city. This man, this ancient-day Hitler, is sitting in his place, content and prosperous. And look at verse 17 again: He, God, delivered this into the hands of Nebucadnezzar. See, I don’t understand why, but God sometimes gives success to people who don’t follow him, so what does that mean for you and me. Well, consider this. Maybe just because you’re having success as the world sees it doesn’t mean you’re following God’s will. This is huge!
I mean, I hear this a lot- God is really blessing this area of my life. I’m so glad I took that new job because, even though I’m away from my family a lot more, I’m making a lot more money, so God is really blessing that. Or, my husband and I are separated, but I’ve met this new guy, and he’s a believer, and I just know God wants me to end my marriage and go with him because this relationship is so much better than the one I have with my husband, so I know it’s God’s will. Or, yeah, I know I violate my principals sometimes when I hang out with those friends, but they really like me when I’m with them, and God wants me to be happy, right?
Well, I can’t tell you God’s will for your life, but let me tell you what I know about God’s will. God will never ever will for your life something that violates His word that he’s given us. If your understanding of God's will is different in anyway from what the bible says, who's more likely to be wrong? So, if you think God’s will is to be away from your family more just for more money, or to leave your husband or leave your wife for someone who understands you better, or to sin so you can be accepted by some so-called friends, I tell you that you are buying the world’s definition of success instead of God's.
Okay, stop right here. This really makes me mad. King Nebucadnezzar, the evil one, sitting in his palace contented and prosperous. Not bothered by the outside world. Not enough compassion to be concerned about the abuses happening in his kingdom. He just sits in his palace, rich and happy, after all the destruction he's caused. And this is the first lesson about success, and it may go against everything you think you know about God.
God sometimes grants success to people who don’t follow Him.
This story in particular is about Nebucadnezzar, and we know he wasn’t a nice man. I mean the book of Daniel tells a little about him, but to really know the King’s whole story, you have to go to 2 Chronicles.
He (God) brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the LORD's temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.
He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. -2 Chronicles 36:17-21
So, here’s a guy that raided the city of Jerusalem. He killed everyone he could, enslaved those he couldn’t. He took all their stuff and carried it off to Babylon- their gold, their livestock, everything of value, and burned the rest of the city. This man, this ancient-day Hitler, is sitting in his place, content and prosperous. And look at verse 17 again: He, God, delivered this into the hands of Nebucadnezzar. See, I don’t understand why, but God sometimes gives success to people who don’t follow him, so what does that mean for you and me. Well, consider this. Maybe just because you’re having success as the world sees it doesn’t mean you’re following God’s will. This is huge!
I mean, I hear this a lot- God is really blessing this area of my life. I’m so glad I took that new job because, even though I’m away from my family a lot more, I’m making a lot more money, so God is really blessing that. Or, my husband and I are separated, but I’ve met this new guy, and he’s a believer, and I just know God wants me to end my marriage and go with him because this relationship is so much better than the one I have with my husband, so I know it’s God’s will. Or, yeah, I know I violate my principals sometimes when I hang out with those friends, but they really like me when I’m with them, and God wants me to be happy, right?
Well, I can’t tell you God’s will for your life, but let me tell you what I know about God’s will. God will never ever will for your life something that violates His word that he’s given us. If your understanding of God's will is different in anyway from what the bible says, who's more likely to be wrong? So, if you think God’s will is to be away from your family more just for more money, or to leave your husband or leave your wife for someone who understands you better, or to sin so you can be accepted by some so-called friends, I tell you that you are buying the world’s definition of success instead of God's.
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