e-Motion

Capable of so much more…

2012-01-28T06:59:00.001-05:00

We are made in God's image with the capability of representing God in God's mission of bringing every human being into a fulfilling family relationship with God. Every human being is capable of receiving God's wonderful and abundant family life. The problem of missing God's abundant family life is never on God's side of the equation but on ours.

Proverbs 5: 23 For lack of discipline they will die,

If that is true, and it is, then the abundance of spiritual disciplines will bring God's abundant family life into reality for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. To follow Jesus a person will discipline themselves to stop following anti-Christ personalities and ways.

Pay attention!

2012-01-24T06:19:00.001-05:00

My mind keeps drifting to being in the Caribbean next week on a cruise with hundreds of like minded ministers of the gospel. Meanwhile … I still need to pay attention now.

Proverbs 4:20 …, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.

Lord, help me pay attention, and listen now so I can enjoy next week and beyond.

Listening

2012-01-23T06:42:00.001-05:00

It is hard to listen to another person's perspective if a habit of quarreling with one another has developed.

Ge. 45:24 "Don't quarrel on the way!"

Lord, help us change the way we think about the way we interact with one another, so we can listen to one another. Help us acknowledge in a positive way when the one we have argued with is right. For a season remind me that I could be the one that is in need of correction, so I can break this bad habit of arguing.

Extravagant Possibilities

2012-01-18T07:18:00.001-05:00

Just read an article on Patricia Cohen who wrote that middle age is, ""a time of extravagant possibilities". Let us renew our minds so that every day, including middle age and beyond is "a time of extravagant possibilities.

Proverbs 3: 1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

Lord, help us renew our minds to the fact that getting older is a time of peace, prosperity and extravagant possibilities.

SWEET!

2012-01-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

If you have trouble going to sleep listen to what is going on inside your head as you lie down to sleep. What you are hearing can be adjusted and transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Proverbs 3: 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Lord, help us sleep, so when we awake, we will exclaim, SWEET!

Listen

2012-01-13T06:41:00.001-05:00

Listening for the Lord precedes listening to the Lord.

Listen

2012-01-12T06:02:00.001-05:00

Listen for scriptures that you had once memorized to come to you in times of decision making and seeking guidance.

Spiritual Formation: Listening Prayer

2012-01-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

With two ears and only one tongue, maybe it is a not so subtle hint that we should listen to God twice as long as we talk to God.

Listening Prayer

2012-01-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

Ge. 22: 1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

Let us set aside a few moments all during every day of January, to listen for the Lord's call. When reading the bible, I am struck with how clear Abraham heard the voice of God. It must be possible for a human being to tune in to the Lord's voice.

Lord, help us tune in to you. Show us how to listen.

In every season, God’s blessings abound

2012-01-08T09:07:00.001-05:00

This has been a season of endings. My need for a medi port has ended, so it is now in some bio hazard medical waste dump. I asked if I could take it home as a trophy, to mount next to my other trophies but there are rules against that kind of thing. My hair has now grown back to a donateable length and it will be offered up to the Lord in its entirety. I will look like a sheared sheep next week. I can tell you, that in every season of life, God's blessings abound. The cancer, cancer treatments, bald head, and long haired season, have all been blessed by the abundant grace of a loving heavenly Father.

Lord, whatever season we enter and leave, we pause and thank you that your grace is and has been sufficient.

Arrival

2012-01-06T04:51:00.001-05:00

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24 NIV)

We, have now arrived at the presence and person of Jesus. Now what?

Besides the obvious, such as worship, giving, humbling ourselves and others, I learned something new at our district's day of prayer yesterday.

Prayer is sowing seeds of faith. Once in God's presence begin sowing seeds of faith by prayer.

What injustice do you see? What need are you aware of. What lack is in your world?

Sow seeds of faith in prayer.

Lord, teach us to to pray as we continue the journey to remain in your presence.

The day before:

2012-01-05T07:06:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven,

If tradition is true, then the Maji's journey to Bethlehem is almost complete. This is the eve of their arrival. The day before something huge happens is always a day of preparation (at least for me). Whether it is Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, or the day before a race, or getting stitches removed, it is moment to reflect and to ensure one is ready for the big event.

Times of reflection and asking one's self, "are you ready?" is a good thing.

What commandment have you set aside for whatever reason? The Law of Moses was set into context by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Early in this year, it would be good review them and the ones that have been "set aside", may need to be taken back up.

Lord, forgive us for our justifying our behaviors that are contradictory to your commands. Forgive us for setting them aside. In Jesus name, we take them up again, and by your grace choose to live by them. Amen.

Three days from Bethlehem

2012-01-04T06:53:00.001-05:00

Tradition has it that the Magi arrived in Bethlehem on January 6. The exact date is not as important as the fact that they completed their journey. They worshipped, honored, and bestowed gifts to the baby Jesus. We don't know much about them, except that they did complete their journey.

Some are faster than others, and when a person gets to their destination is not as important as getting to the destination. At least ten minutes a day of integrated, holistic exercise that incorporates spiritual formation with bodily exercise will eventually bring a person to the presence of the Lord. It is consistency with one's spiritual disciplines that we are constantly moving forward. During this month it is my hope and prayer that you have discovered a few routines that worked for you, and will be able to move into this new year with a means to accomplish the God given dreams and hopes in your life. As you wrap up an exercise routine pause for a few seconds and listen to the voice of the Lord calling to you, encouraging you, and blessing you.

Lord, help us enter into your presence and listen to your voice calling out for us to follow you.

Listening Prayer

2012-01-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.

Bethlehem is a short distance from Jerusalem, so it would have been easy to think that the star was leading them to Jerusalem, the capitol city. They were so close, but so far away, and their mistake was costly to the children in Bethlehem.

Some mistakes we make are more costly than others. Today, let us listen to the Lord before engaging in any tasks or activities. Fifteen or twenty seconds to pause and listen before proceeding, may save you and others in your life time and treasure.

Lord, teach us how to listen. Open our ears and the eyes of our understanding so we may follow you into your blessing and away from human mistakes. In Jesus name, amen.

New Beginnings

2012-01-01T07:42:00.001-05:00

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

The three kings would have sensed that they were close to their destination. They also would be very far from home, and would have fond memories of what was behind to keep them stable while they journeyed further and further away from home. They would have brought something from home to remember what was behind. I doubt if they brought some black eyed peas and ham hocks to have a traditional New Year's dinner with the other kings and new found friends. I am certain they would have had some tradition to help them remember with fondness their families back home, their parents, their community, their spirituality, and any number of things that had established the hearts of the three kings.

Some kind of simultaneous celebrating of tradition and a new beginning would have been set aside all along their journey to realign them to their goals and God given dreams as well as all the people and things that God had already blessed them with.

Who are the people and what are the things that God has already blessed you with that you can celebrate and remember on this day in which we also by faith imagine a preferred future?

Lord, thank you for the people and things in which you have blessed us with in our past and in our present. Help us establish traditions that will establish our hearts. Help us also keep moving forward as you lead us into a future that you are already present in. Forgive us all our sins, and give us joy for the journey ahead.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

2011-12-31T06:47:00.001-05:00

Malachi 3: 8 "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?'
"In tithes and offerings."

Before the three kings left their palaces, they did a most important thing that secured their successful journey. They loaded up their camels with a very valuable offering to present to the King of Kings. Their offering was not an afterthought, but forethought. Their gold, frankincense and myrrh were chosen as an offering to the King of King's by each of three lesser kings.

This is the eve of 2012. Where do you want to be financially, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, physically, etc, a year from now. It will be by God's grace we have any movement at all in any aspect of our life. This is why the refusal of giving tithes and offerings is considered to be robbing God, for it is God who brought you into a better place. Look ahead to 2012, and join the three kings on their journey to Bethlehem and bring tithes and offerings with you.

Lord, thank you for what the New Year holds. Guide us as we choose to thank you with tithes and offerings for your sufficient grace.

Belonging

2011-12-30T07:06:00.001-05:00

Malachi 2: 15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

The scriptures don't say whether or not the three kings were married and if they brought their wives with them on the long journey from Persia to Bethlehem. I am guessing that they didn't bring their wives, and would certainly have had opportunities along the way to give their bodies to another woman. Opportunity does not equal permission.

Opportunities abound to give one's body and spirit to other's especially for one's in the financial position of the three kings'. As we continue our journey to Bethlehem, let us make a fresh commitment to stay focused on the mission and to keep ourselves only for the Lord and our spouse.

Lord, we have already given our bodies and spirit as an entire human being over to you and have reserved ourselves only for you and our spouse. We re-commit ourselves to this vow and make a fresh offering up unto you. Take away any desire that is unpleasing to you. In Jesus name, amen.

Advocate

2011-12-29T06:43:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 31: 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute

No doubt the three kings witnessed social injustice as they journeyed from Persia to Bethlehem. As strangers on a journey they would have been limited on what they could do about any injustice they saw.

We who have lived in the same area for a long time may no longer see injustice in our community. It sometimes takes fresh eyes coming into our communities to see what we have failed to see for a long time. Will you be open to looking around for social injustices and use what power has been delegated to you by God and those in authority to do something about it?

Lord as we journey through life, help us not be blind and unconcerned for those who cannot or won't speak up for themselves. Empower us to be like you, the Great Advocate. In Jesus name, amen.

Names not numbers

2011-12-28T07:07:00.001-05:00

Ps. 147: 4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

Last night I held my phone up to the sky and with an application, discovered a particular star was T5065. It made me wonder, what God calls that particular star. There are stars we don't even know exist, and God "calls them each by name". On the journey from Persia to Bethlehem, the three kings were guided by a star. This time of year with the shorter days (at least on our spot on the planet), try to go outside and imagine the greatness of God who "determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name".

Lord, help us get away from the artificial world we have made and re-engage with the creation you have made. Remind us of you mind, your will, your memory, you ability to recall thoughts, and your kindness to give us names not numbers. In Jesus name, amen.

Thought Seeds

2011-12-26T06:28:00.001-05:00

Zechariah 8: 12 For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you.

On the long journey from Persia to Bethlehem, there surely would have been moments when the three kings would have gotten on each other's nerves and some level of negative tension would have arisen. It is the day after Christmas and it is possible to get on one another's nerves today. It is also possible to be a vessel of peace and prosperity in all our interactions.

At any moment of our lives the enemy of all that is good is attempting to plant seeds of discord, discontent, disharmony, deceit and anything to hinder our harmonious relationships with one another. Also, at all moments, the Lord Himself is planting seeds of peace and prosperity to bless our relationships. On this day in our journey, let us give no place to the devil and his thought seeds. On this day, let our hearts be a fertile ground for the Lord's seeds of peace and prosperity.

Lord, we repent of giving place to the thought seeds of Satan. They will not grow, but die. I choose to forgive and to grow the thought seeds of peace and prosperity in all my relationships. In Jesus name, amen.

Blessed and Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:28:00.001-05:00

Following in the steps of the three kings will help us avoid the post-Christmas let down. Prolonging this exciting season until January 6 will help capture all the essences this blessed time of year holds. Holding onto the unique feeling of Christmas morning until after the New Year as we continue our own personal journey to Bethlehem will balance out the high's and lift up the lows of this season. If you cannot make it out to the "assembling" with others in worship, I pray you can find a few minutes to break away from family long enough to bow silently in His presence and give thanks for all He is and all He has already provided through His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and His soon and sudden return.

Lord, thank you that our journey to your presence is both already completed and not yet completely entered into. Help us keep pressing on and forward into all the adventures that lay before us. And… Happy Birthday, we give ourselves to you.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T05:10:00.001-05:00

The day after a zero day for the three kings would have begun early. After a day of rest, the human being rises early and is well into their day as the sun rises. The kings had passed the halfway mark and would feel the excitement building that they were over halfway to the place the star was leading them.

Culturally, Christmas Eve is a day many of us gear up for all year long. It is a day that is integrated with so many streams of thought, emotions, materials, foods, friends, family, faith, duties, work, play, hobbies, entertainment, and countless random ideas and pursuits. The freedom to explore all of what it means to be human was made possible by the coming of the Kingdom of God, in the person of Jesus Christ. Without guilt, enjoy all the blessings of the Kingdom of God, and quietly and loudly, alone and in groups, in word and deeds, let us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Allow the excitement of this day, propel you forward into 2012 and into all the possibilities that the rule and reign of Jesus Christ offers.

Lord, there are so many things going on that it is hard to fully express the thoughts and thankfulness we feel. Accept our praise and thanks and we give you all the honor and glory for all that exists and for all that will come into existence as we follow you into this day. In Jesus name, amen.

Zero day

2011-12-23T07:33:00.001-05:00

Zechariah 4: 6 Then he said to me, "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies".

The three kings on their journey to Bethlehem probably had a few days like I am feeling this morning. I am feeling like doing nothing productive, and just chilling out. Even AT through hikers has zero days, as I am sure the three kings did. I cannot remember my parental units ever encouraging myself or my two brothers to ever take a day, or a half a day and just do nothing and let your mind, emotions, body and being just chill out. My heavenly Father not only encourages a day of rest, but included it in the TEN COMMMANDMENTS. They were VERY important. It is possible your day of rest doesn't always cycle on the day of worship that your community of worship has set aside as the day to rest from your human forces and human strength.

Why is a moment or two of doing nothing so important? Zechariah captured some of it. We put too much stock in our human force and strength to get things accomplished. Every now and then, we need to rest from our efforts and put our full trust in the Lord, without guilt.

Lord, help us recapture the Sabbath rest. Help us enter into your rest, especially on the days when we don't wake with energy or will to do anything productive. On those days, help us focus our energies on loving you and trusting you to get things done in our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

Medi Port Removed

2011-12-22T07:50:00.001-05:00

By now, the three kings would have figured out there were things they brought on the journey of following the star they really didn't want or need anymore. They would have to face the fact that what they thought they needed they really didn't need and therefore a choice had to be made. Do I keep carrying this thing I don't need? I recently read of a strategy employed by through hikers of the AT. They are carried fifty or more miles into the AT, and hike back to the front so they can figure out what they don't really want or need and get rid of it. They then are carried back to their put in spot, and carry on the hike without the stuff they didn't want or need.

Yesterday, after a few months of thinking and getting multiple inputs from my oncologist and nurses, I had my medi port removed. It had served me well and protected my arm veins from the toxicity of the chemotherapy. Its purpose had been completed, and now it had to be removed. It was a hassle and it hurts and I almost passed out during the process. If you choose to de-clutter your life it will be initially a hassle, it will hurt and you may almost pass out in the process. Eventually, you will be glad you let it or them go. I also have less than 10% on my laptops hard drive. Deleting old, duplicate, and uploading pictures to online storage is time consuming, and is also a hassle.

Question? What spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, or material stuff are you carrying that you don't want or need anymore?

Lord, help us continue our journey without regrets as we let go of stuff and get rid of stuff and relationships we don't want or need for our journey to Bethlehem. Help us lighten up as we enter the second half of our journey. In Jesus name, amen.

Mid Life Crisis

2011-12-21T09:18:00.001-05:00

Zechariah 1: 3 "Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.'"

We are at the half way point in the journey from Persia to Bethlehem, and it is a good time to reflect. Half time at a game, the middle of one's life span, the turnaround at a loop ultra marathon, are all times to reflect and give up, do something stupid, or press ahead, and do something wise. Something about passing over and beyond the half way point provides a burst of energy to 'get 'er done', or some other version of finishing the race. We all know people who make changes that are less than positive after times of reflection on how their life is going. Many families have been hurt when one member decides to leave their families and make another one. As we reflect on our lives, (and in every life there is pain and disappointment), let us turn towards God and receive his mercy, grace, forgiveness and strength to make our second half better than our first.

Lord, help us not do something stupid with our lives as we reflect on where we are in life. We give our disappointments to you, and we fully return to you in every way and in everything. With your grace we will make the right choices as we enter the second half of our journey to Bethlehem. In Jesus name, amen.

Looking backwards and forwards

2011-12-20T07:28:00.001-05:00

Zephaniah 14 "That terrible day of the LORD is near.
Swiftly it comes—

We are to simultaneously look back and remember the first coming, the Incarnation, and look forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The second coming will be sudden and unexpected and is described as being similar to an unexpected nocturnal burglar. For those who are prepared for a night time burglary, a visit by a thief in the night will not be a "terrible day". A person can be fully prepared for the second coming, by fully embracing one's relationship with God, through Christ Jesus.

By now, on the journey from Persia to Bethlehem, the three kings would have needed to be re-supplied. Their food and water they prepared in Persia would have to be replenished.

Today is a good day to pause, and take note of your spiritual life and re-supply and replenish yourself with all a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ offers.

Lord, if we are not fully ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ, awaken us to our need so we can pause our life, repent of our condition, and renew our relationship with you. In Jesus name, amen.

Go Outside

2011-12-19T06:12:00.001-05:00

Hab. 3:19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

Indoor exercise machines and the controlled environments of gyms are great for winter time exercise. It is also a great stimulation to get outside and exercise in nature and feel the earth beneath your feet, the cold air fill your lungs, the sounds of hawks fill your ears, the scent of leaves fill your nose, and the sights that leafless trees affords you. The three wise men didn't embark on a 1000 mile journey without a lifetime of mental and physical preparation.

How is the Lord making you as surefooted as the deer?

Lord, help me to cooperate with your plan of making me surefooted as the deer. Lead me and I will follow you into the path's that lead to mobility, endurance and health.

Occupy Bethlehem!

2011-12-18T06:59:00.001-05:00

As we journey to occupy Bethlehem, the real question is not so much, "What are we going to occupy?" but more, "Will we allow Christ to occupy our hearts?"

Lord, help us be concerned and moved to action for justice and peace, and even more concerned and moved to action to enter into a relationship with God, through Christ Jesus. May every human being receive the message that God so loved them that Jesus was given and can be received as Lord and savior.

Nahum?

2011-12-17T08:52:00.001-05:00

Nahum 1:2 "The LORD is a jealous God"

On our journey's through life is to include a daily focus on loving God that lingers all through the day.

Lord, we love you, adore you, give ourselves to you, and may our love for you linger all through the day and into the night, forever and ever, amen.

Lighten up

2011-12-16T07:56:00.001-05:00

the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NLT)

The same prophet who predicted that Bethlehem would be the birth place of the Messiah also provides a short list of basic requirements. The longer one follows Jesus the less requirements are needed.

In long runs or long, through hikes of the AT, less baggage is the ideal. The less stuff you bring is better. I am reading a story of a through hiker who got rid of her cook stove early in her hike of the AT. One of the harder things to do as one progresses in building up endurance for long runs or hikes is to get rid of stuff that you thought you might need but really don't need.

I am sure that by now the three kings would have gotten rid of some of the stuff they didn't need.

What excess "requirements" do you need to let go of so that you can go the full distance and occupy Bethlehem?

Lord, help us lighten up so we can go the full distance and occupy the place and person of Jesus.

Smart Phone Aps

2011-12-15T07:39:00.001-05:00

Mt. 2: 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.(NIV)

On Monday night I was privileged to sit beside Pastor Mark Lehmann, of Cornerstone Assembly of God in Bowie, Maryland. If you have ever wondered what preachers talk about when they sit together, let me assure you it is a very wide and diverse series of topics. Just one, was comparing smart phone applications. Pastor Mark shared one that enabled you to raise your smart phone to any place and it would display and give you the names of the stars, constellations, and even satellites that were in the area. I quickly downloaded it, and had fun playing with it. Living with so much light pollution, it is hard to fully enjoy a star filled sky, but this was not the case for the three kings who travelled from Persia to Bethlehem to see the birth of the King of all Kings. They didn't have this smart phone app., to point at the star and be told what it was or what its purpose was, or what sign it was signaling. The star of Bethlehem was set apart, unique and had one purpose. That purpose was to signal the birth of the King of the Universe. Once the three Kings found what the star was signaling, their worship was pointed to the King of Kings. At least once this December, go outside at night, away from the city, and just look up and be awed at the mystery of stars.

Lord, move us, awaken us, alert us to love you, others and life as we simultaneously remember your first coming, and prepare for your second. In Jesus name, amen

To Take

2011-12-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

Mark 11: 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.(NIV)

The original written language of the scriptures defines the word received as "to take" and "to get hold of". (Strong's Concordance G2983). I, personally like being around babies and toddlers and this I have learned. Once a toddler has a piece of candy or a toy, that they have taken a hold of, it is a real fight to get it away from them. They learn early how to grasp the item they have taken a hold of, and run with one fist and arm clenched and held close to their body.

One, very good reason to have at least ten minutes a day with God is "to take" and "to get hold of", God's will, plan, purpose, promises, direction, wisdom, etc. for your life. This human life is good, but it also can also try to take away a portion of God's wonderful, abundant, blessed plan from your life. Today is my quarterly check up with my oncologist. The positive condition I am now experiencing was at one time only by faith. Now it is sight. Now it is feel, taste, touch and hearing. As we journey to Bethlehem, we will encounter doubt, unbelief, insecurity, failures, slip ups, mistakes, and the limitations of being human. It is also possible, "to take" and "to get hold of" a promise from God, and not let go of it no matter how long the journey. There will be a day when faith has become sight.

What is a promise from God that you need/want "to take" and "to get hold of"?

Lord, help us to take and get a hold of, and not let go of any your promises. In Jesus name.

Don Webb

2011-12-13T07:21:00.001-05:00

Revelations 12: 11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony ;( NIV)

My good friend Don Webb through hiked the Appalachian Trail this year. An even greater feat was overcoming cancer (Lymphoma), a few years ago, and was a source of encouragement to me and others who also faced and overcame this deadly disease. I sat beside Don last night at the Potomac District Christmas Party and he is full of amazing stories from his hike on the AT. He has also kept his bald head look, while I have chosen to let mine grow out with the plan of donating it. Our friendships influence us and also allows for our own individuality to come forth. I also sat beside Mark Lehman and Wayne Brimmer. (The men decided to sit one side of the table and talk, so our wives could do the same.) Sitting with these overcoming men, influenced me for good and I left the party encouraged in the Lord and in life.

The three wise men must have had a similar chemistry among themselves. Each one contributed to the friendship and brought their own uniqueness to the journey they chose to make. Be encouraged to give and receive in the context of friendships. A simple choice of who to sit with, fellowship with, hang out with, or journey for a thousand miles with can prove very instrumental in forming and shaping our lives.

Lord, help us be strong in the Lord and be strengthened in the Lord through our relationships.

Headlamps and Tail lamps

2011-12-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

Amos 5:8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion,
…the Lord is his name.

With the shorter days of winter it is inevitable that one's exercise routine will either begin in the dark or end in the dark. I have learned the hard way to always carry a headlamp and a tail lamp. I have added the tail lamp, after being run over by a bicyclist on a downhill stretch of the W.&O.D. near Difficult Run. One of my favorite most memorable runs was at night during a light snow, through Clark's Crossing and the trails that parallel the W.&O.D. With a headlamp one can get out in the dark and enjoy the One who made the stars, and be awed into humility at the greatness of our God. The three wise men followed a star to find the birth place our Lord and Savior so they must have traveled at night. Exercising at night opens up a whole new world and could provide the awakening to a depth and majesty of God that may have been lost with so much time in manmade structures and systems.

Lord, help us press through our fear of the dark and enjoy the heavenlies. Help us face and overcome every fear that hinders us from your wonderful plan for our lives.

Who doesn’t lack something?

2011-12-08T07:11:00.001-05:00

Everyone lacks something they want or need. This hunger for more will never be completely satisfied. There is a God way to have one's needs and wants met, and it is found throughout the bible. There is also an accurate description of why one's needs and wants are not being met. The following passage specifically deals with wisdom, but you can also fill in your own blank of what you are wanting and needing.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (NIV)

Everyone lacks something they want or need and this passage says it is because of "doubt". If we are honest we can admit that with every prayer request, some have at least a little doubt attached to them. That little bit of doubt is all it takes to continue to lack what you want and need.

As we remember the first coming of Christ, and prepare for the second coming of Christ, let us "believe and not doubt".

Lord, we lack (___________________). I want (__________________) and need (_____________________). I ask you for this, in Jesus name. I believe, and I do not and will not doubt, because you give generously without finding fault. I receive what I want and need, in Jesus name, amen.

Praise the Lord

2011-12-07T05:33:00.001-05:00

Psalms 103: 2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases

Let this thought be your thought. Let this word become your word. When thoughts, feelings, and even symptoms of diseases come into your being, you will act on what you believe to be true. You will give voice to what you believe for good or not so good. Give voice to the Word instead of the voice of past sins that still condemn. Give voice to the Word instead of the voice of a past disease that wants to re-establish itself.

Combining stretching, and any form of physical exercise with scripture memorization and meditation for at least ten minutes will have a profound and long lasting effect.

Lord, we praise you. Help us remember your benefits. Thank you for the reminder that you have already forgiven every sin, and healed all my diseases. In Jesus name, amen.

Iran to Bethlehem

2011-12-06T07:59:00.001-05:00

It is approximately 1000 miles that the three Persian Kings travelled to see the birth of the Son of God. The hardest steps were within the first few days. Starting anything new that involves a life change is the most difficult at the beginning. Offering your entire self to God for a minimum of ten minutes a day, and every day is a life change and the hardest time is right now. Those who fish know that the hardest fish is the first fish in the boat. Whatever context you are familiar with; please accept that it requires much more effort to start a positive spiritual discipline. Combine ten minutes of any physical exercise, with listening to scripture, praying, watching a pastor on TV. and/or singing praises and you will be doing what you didn't think you could ever do. Elevate scripture above your own thoughts, feelings, health, job, dysfunctions, etc., and allow God's Word to transform your entire being. Like the three kings, one day, there won't be a 1000 miles to Bethlehem, but 900, then 800, … There were some days the three kings travelled much farther than others, but it was the consistent moving forward every day, that brought them to where they were called to be.

I am asking for 100% of us, to love ourselves enough to grow in our experiential relationship with God. December is the time to remember the first coming of Christ and prepare for the Second Coming.

Romans 12: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Lord, help us elevate Your Word over our thoughts, feelings, health, job, relationships, emotions and everything and everyone. Help us to allow Your Word to transform us into your wonderful plan for us. In Jesus name, amen.

Ten to Twenty minutes can change your life

2011-12-05T07:33:00.001-05:00

2 Peter 3:11 asks this question. "What kind of people ought you to be?"

The question reveals our solutions to our life challenges. We can do something about ourselves and our circumstances. If we would take away our excuses of why we are not the kind of person we ought to be, we could become the kind of person we ought to be. Think about your own life issues that frustrate you, trouble you, worry you, cause fear, create lust, cause depression, and stir up anger or any of the countless issues of what it means to be human.

December is the best time to make positive life changes because it is the season of Advent, the time of remembering the first coming and preparing for the second coming of Christ. We all lose the sense of urgency to make life changes over a long and prospered life. Narrowing the time frame in which we have to be ready for something, provides us the energy and will to do something about our life situations.

This is a minimum daily recommendation for life changes during December. Every day engage in at least 10 minutes of physical exercise in a setting where you can give yourself to the Lord. Walking, stretching, doing stairs, pushups, sit-ups, running, biking, or anything that you can commit to doing for ten minutes every day. The key is consistently incorporating some level of strengthening your relationship with God at the same time. On some days, increase the time as opportunity presents itself. Every day elevate God's Word over your feelings, attitudes, health, finances, relationships, job situation, and any and everything about your life. Elevate scriptures by reading a few verses, and then think on them during the day, and replace your thoughts and words with God's thoughts and words. You can find resources that have scriptures set to songs, or with the option of listening if you are really pressed for time. This ten to twenty minutes of every day, will help you become the kind of person you ought to be.

Lord, I die to a life of making excuses of why I am not the person I ought to be. As I remember your first coming, and prepare for your second coming, I receive your empowered grace to think your thoughts, say your words and do your will. In Jesus name, amen.

Religious Fatalism

2011-11-16T07:51:00.001-05:00

Some have a religion concerned only with not doing anything wrong. This puts you in the category of the person in the parable of the talents (opportunities of the kingdom) who buried the talent (opportunity) he was given out of fear of doing something wrong with that opportunity.

Lord, help us live by faith, not fear of doing something wrong.

The Parable of the Talents

2011-11-15T10:16:00.001-05:00

The parable of the talents is often superimposed with our own world view of what a talent was. The biblical view of the talents is "not natural endowments given to humanity in general, but the specific privileges and opportunities of the kingdom of heaven". This is not our talent of singing, or crunching numbers, or writing, or athleticism, or the lack of it. The talents or bags of gold, are the specific privileges and opportunities of the kingdom of heaven. I have heard preachers say, "if you don't use your singing, teaching, administrative talents for God's work, you will lose them, and base this on the parable of the talents. This has contributed to the burn out and guilt often found among active church going followers of Jesus Christ. Doing all things for the glory of God with all of one's natural endowments is a more biblical approach to life in following Jesus. The talents or bags of gold are the opportunities to bring yourself and others into a deepening, maturing relationship with God.

Lord, help us overcome burnout and guilt that has been imposed upon us by a lack of biblical knowledge. Do help us view positively the privileges and opportunities that you arrange for us, so we can grow in our relationship with you, and to invite others into a relationship with you.

Running Cancer and Chemotherapy free

2011-11-02T16:41:00.001-04:00

Saturday, November 5 will be the first race in memory that I will be running free of cancer and chemotherapy. The journey into and through the valley of the shadow of death will be celebrated in the Mountain Masochist 50 mile trail run. I pray this is an encouragement to those who may be just starting on their journey a valley of the shadow of death.

Lord, thank you for your carrying grace through cancer and chemotherapy. I offer this and all future races up unto you,

In Jesus name, amen.

A Blessed Halloween?

2011-10-31T08:11:00.001-04:00

A blessed All Hallowed Eve on this eve of All Saints day. Halloween isn't supposed to be about scaring people, but drawing people deeper in faith and more willing to suffer for and with Jesus. November 1 is a day to honor the many who have been martyred for following Jesus Christ. The evening prior (October 31) has become something it was never intended to be.

Lord, help us suffer with you by saying yes to building faith, and saying no to building fear.

Halloween Parade Outreach!

2011-10-26T06:58:00.001-04:00

The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ has made every day, a day that anyone can enter into God's presence. There are no 'evil' days because of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ to the place of authority and power. We can join in joyful agreement with God's finished work, or live in fear, cowered down and be judgmental to those who enjoy Halloween.

Lord, help us to make every day, especially Halloween, the day that you have made, and we will rejoice in it.

Never give up

2011-10-25T08:53:00.001-04:00

The Apostle Paul said, in 2 Timothy 4: 17…"I was delivered from the lion's mouth". I wonder how he got there. I also wonder how he never yielded to fear and quitting. Being in a lions mouth would certainly give a person reason to think, that "God was taking me home", or "God has called my number" or, any number of things that God's people say when death is imminent, or a situation is impossible.

Lord, forgive us for quitting when you desire to deliver us from the lion's mouth. By your grace we are saved. By faith we enter into your grace, and in your grace we are delivered from the impossibilities of life.

Following Jesus back into health

2011-09-07T09:40:00.001-04:00

Early this year, I felt the Lord ask me to "follow" him back into ultra marathons. In this process of following I wanted to give a short update on the results of following Jesus. Late winter and spring of this year, I was able to complete three 50k's. Last week I was able to complete a 15 mile long run, after recovering from an injury in the spring. This morning I was able to complete 50 pushups and 50 sit-ups after the back injury (multiple compression fractures of my vertebrae) from 2009. One's health is something the Lord can lead anyone into, if the Lord is welcome into one's health. Next week mark's the end of the chemotherapy season of my life having finished 18 weeks of R-CHOP in 2009 and two years of Rituxan.

Lord, we welcome you into our health and well being. We ask that you would lead us into better and better health. Thank you that you have provided all the health we will ever need. Help us follow your leadership.

In Jesus name, amen.

Earthquake

2011-08-24T10:03:00.001-04:00

Romans 8: ¹⁹The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

All creation, says Paul, is waiting with earnest longing for the day when the sons of God will be manifested in glory.

Creation includes the globe, global climate changes, weather, droughts, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes.

This seems to imply that the problems being experienced with creation are waiting on us.

It was very early in my Christian life, I heard and read this, and maybe like me, you don't want or can't get your mind around this.

It's okay.

A child of God, a joint heir with Jesus, has been born from above, can make a difference in creation, and creation is waiting for us to manifest ourselves.

Do you pray for creation at all?

Do you even think, your prayers can make a difference in earthquakes, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, plagues and pestilences?

A trait of most of us in Northern Virginia is that we are always in a hurry and don't like to wait on slow people. When I check out at the grocery store, I try to find the line with the shortest wait time, and the fastest checkout person. It's a game, and a gamble, and sometimes you pick right and others times you don't.

How many of us do the same? Waiting for someone else to get done with their business is not a favorite activity for any of us. We want the person we are waiting on the quickly get done. We don't mind waiting if the person we are waiting on is doing their best.

Very few of us enjoy waiting on the interstate in a very, very long line of traffic. We would rather be moving forward, than waiting.

Creation is waiting for us to fully manifest our relationship as heirs with Jesus Christ.

This obscure scripture is not even on very many people's prayer list, but it should be.

Creation is waiting for us, to fully manifest a family relationship with God the Father, and be stewards over this creation.

Jesus spoke peace to the storms, and so should we.

Jesus spoke to trees that were not fruitful, and so should we.

Jesus spoke to mountains that needed moving, and so should we.

The Father cares for even sparrows, and so should we.

Jesus drank from water wells and cisterns, and needed fresh water to be safe, and so do we.

Jesus, the Apostles all breathed air, that needed to be clean and pure, and so should we.

Creation waits for all of us, to manifest ourselves to be who we are. Sons and daughters of the Creator, who pray for and bless the Creator's creation.

The selfishness and greed of mankind can create the dust bowls of the past, and the droughts and maybe even the fires that Arizona experienced.

We don't want the Creator's creation waiting on us to manifest ourselves as Heirs with Christ. We need to get on with our loving lives, and extend that love to the Creator's creation.

Be a prayer blessing to the Creator's creation.

In Jesus name, bless the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the trees, the rivers, the forests, the mountains, the oceans, the lakes, the flora, the fauna, the weather, and all of creation.

I am now a published photographer, for a picture I took is in an article entitled, Trashing wildlife", in the Virginia Wildlife magazine.

From cigarette butts, to once helium filled balloons, to plastic grocery bags, to a plastic cup that a deer had stepped in, are a sign that the fullness of the manifestation of the children of God has not happened.

More greed, more selfishness, more cigarette butts, more trash is being selfishly thrown into creation, and instead of creation being blessed, creation remains waiting for the manifestation of the children of God to be the stewards of creation, they were meant to be.

Instead of blaming God, when a violent storm occurs, or a drought occurs or a fire occurs or an earthquake occurs why not ask, what could a human being do about that? Instead of asking, where is God in times of human suffering because of weather, ask, why do human beings allow so much suffering.

The evil times predicted for the end times are directly connected to people who love themselves, or selfishness.

We are to love God, others and this life, and be manifested as children of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and let us stop having creation waiting on us.

Take a moment every day to bless in Jesus name, as heirs with Christ, the Creator's creation.

Lord, we pause and pray for your creation. We agree in prayer with the "groans" of creation that we and creation will share in the glory you have promised and provided for us.

Lovin’ Life run and bike in a storm along the Potomac River

2011-07-03T21:05:00.001-04:00

Tom Kraft and I did some loving life tonight and are trying to initiate a new ministry at VAOG called a Lovin' Life run/bike/walk/hike experience. Here is the Lovin' Life run and bike along the Potomac Heritage Trail highlights for this evening: 5 p.m. start, 95 degrees, thunder in distance, check weather ap and map and we hope it passes to the north, semi trespass through the Trump golf course, hills too steep to ride, roots, rocks, mud, river, creeks, bridges, more mud, more rocks, roots, sky turning darker, thunder closer, temperature cooler, stinging nettles, path through weeds, creeks, Potomac River, discussion at 3.5 miles to turn back as storm is approaching, high winds, dark sky, very dark sky, leaves blowing off, tree limbs falling, larger tree limbs falling, deer running scared, river rising, proclaiming the Lordship of Christ over storms and falling limbs, more proclaiming the rule and reign of Jesus over nature, lightning cracking overhead, downpour, phone water logged goes blank, glasses fogged, holding glasses in teeth, Tom Kraft running very fast, I can't keep up on my bike, worried wives calling, storm passes, debris everywhere, cooler temps, peace, adrenaline levels off, reconnection with family, shower, dinner, and the stinging nettles are still tingling two hours later. Jesus is Lord over storms, nettles and falling tree limbs.

Living by faith with accompanying adrenaline rushes as one is loving life with loved ones is one of the great experiences of being human in loving relationship with God, others and life itself.

Thank you, Jesus, that you are Lord over storms, nature, tree limbs, winds, rain and everyone and everything. Your rule and reign is very much appreciated and in relationship with you life really is an adventure.

Everything was Experimental

2011-06-12T09:05:00.001-04:00

In the earliest Christian churches, everything was experimental and especially with the Corinthian church. They had nothing but a wild, pagan religious background and the Apostle Paul had to both encourage the gifts of the Spirit and to teach on the boundaries of giving voice to the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit are Gifts for the common good, and may all who follow Christ, allow for some experimental expressions within the boundaries set by the scripture.

“And in that place many believed in Jesus”.

2011-05-19T06:16:00.001-04:00

Vienna Assembly of God is strategically located as a transition between the residential and the industrial zones in Vienna, VA. Our parking lot serves as a blessing to the community because parking is so limited in the industrial zone. For many it is just a parking lot and it is treated as such, with all the manifestations of rudeness and litter that rude people leave behind them for someone else to clean up. For the congregation it is a place that we pray and have set aside as a "place many believed in Jesus" Jn. 10:42. Viva Vienna is coming in another week and thousands of people will come in and out of our parking lot, with the hope and belief that while they were in the parking lot, the Holy Spirit will draw them closer and closer to relationship with Jesus and cross the line of faith, and come to active ministry at VAOG. In addition, every Saturday we have an agreement with the Town of Vienna for our parking lot to serve the community to provide parking for the Vienna Farmer's Market. Last night in prayer and bible study those that were present prayed and agreed in prayer with generations of VAOG's members, that 100 Ayrhill Ave. N.E., Vienna, VA. will be a "place many believed in Jesus".

Lord, may everyone who walks through or parks in the parking lot be drawn closer and closer to a relationship with you, become active in following you and become active in ministry at Vienna Assembly of God.

Promise Land 50K 2011

2011-04-26T09:59:00.026-04:00

I probably could have finished a little faster if I didn't pause to take in the beauty of this waterfall, and plead with a hiker if he would take my picture and email it to me. The last time I ran this (2007), I vowed that if I ever made it back to this spot that I would take the time to get a picture, and the Lord provided with a really nice person. This is a little over a marathon distance at this point. I was really needing a break as this is a 4.1 mile climb, and it felt straight up, complete with about a thousand man made steps and a gagillion others. It took me about 2 hours to make it from aid station 6 to 7 and lots of people passed me. I was turtle slow and so I just enjoyed the beauty of God's creation, and encouraged the many people who were faster than I. I was just thankful to be here, as I am two years out of R-CHOP chemotherapy, and still have one more Rituxan chemotherapy infusion to go. Every so often I would touch my surgically inserted port and thank God, for His strength and grace. It was just a few months ago, that I had a break down and cried uncontrolably because my compromised health had taken me out of running altogether. (It's the reason my hair is so long. I am hoping to donate it once it gets long enough.) Running ultra's and overcoming cancer and chemotherapy have lots in common.

The day's prior were filled with grand daughter time as we hung out, fished and played. I found a new use for a turkey call as a teething item for my youngest. I was really hoping (and praying) a big striper would latch upon my grand daughter's lure, but it didn't happen (yet).

The day prior to the race was rainy and a perfect day of rest to prepare for the 50 K. My wife was gracious to arise early with me to prepare for the day at hand. We arrived in plenty of time and with the steady rain, I stayed in the car until the very last minute. As Dr. Horton led us in prayer I knelt in the mud to bow my knee and confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus' rule and reign over my once cancer diseased body then up the mountain in the dark we all went. I hadn't run over three miles since the Terrapin Mountain 50K because my left calf would really hurt after two miles, so it was another run of faith. I hoped my calf would respond to the rule and reign of God's kingdom, and it did! The first portion of the race (to me) was not as pretty as in the past because a weather front with very thick fog moved in. I was very thankful for the efficient placement of the trail markers for at times the visibility was about 50 ft. The fog and the gusting wind were a mild distraction from the race at hand. I was glad to have made it to the Sunset Fields overlook without any huge calf issues, and it was now down, down, down, down, and the fog lifted, the sun came out, and it was spectacular. I caught and passed a few people, and headed into the loop. I had to put on some podcasts to keep me moving as I went into a real energy lull. Two podcasts were on healing (Gloria Copeland), and one was on the eternal crowd (Joel Osteen) who cheers us on as we walk/run in faith. I could imagine that the eternal inhabitants of heaven according to Hebrews 12 were quite entertained as many of us run these things by faith. I also imagined my mother and father and recently passed member of our church, being able to witness the struggle and conquest of an ultra marathon. After those pod casts, and some refueling, I felt better and turned on some high energy music for the remainder and envisioned I was in an eternal outdoor stadium, with heaven's inhabitants cheering us on.

After the loop came the huge climb out of the valley mentioned above and it was soon to be all down hill. My calves were hanging in there, and the descent was so steep, I just let gravity pull me down, and kept praying that I wouldn't fall or make a misstep. Eventually, I made it to the gravel road, and it began to sink in, that by God's grace I was going to finish another miracle run, that I entered in early January, by a prompting by the Lord. The Lord had taken the years of cancer and treatments and had suddenly restored me to the ability to run at this level and it is still an amazing thing to experience. I have a hard time believing it really happened, so I doesn't bother me when others cannot believe that God could restore the years of cancer and chemotherapy in a moment. I was experiencing time redemption and I can only thank and praise God from whom all blessing flow.

About a quarter of a mile from the end, I saw a flattened Pabst Blue Ribbon beer can. This was my mother's favorite beer which she and Aunt Marilyn consumed a few million of before her days of Lupus, Emphysema and making peace with God. Whether it was real or imagined, I could hear my mother, like she used to yell in my high school track meets as soon as I would be making the last turn towards the finish line. Above every voice in the stands I can/could still hear her. "Come on Craig! Kick it in! Move it! Kick it! Come on! You can do it!

Well, finishing an 880 yard race in less than two minutes has a much different kick at the end than finishing a 50 K in 9 and a half hours, but I kicked it in as much as I could, looked over my shoulder to make sure no one was coming up from behind, and was blessed to hear my name being called by Dr. Horton and see my lovely wife as I made it the last few steps to the finish line.

Thanks be to God!

p.s. I am still learning how to insert pictures.
p.p.s. top picture (already explained), boat picture with my grand daughter Becca @ Smith Mountain Lake, smores cooking and eating with daughter and grand daughters, calling turkeys and teething, the finish line, the final finish, look of being done, kneeling in the creek to cool off and treat my legs, two pictures of the creek along the start and finish road, a cleaned up me, and a beautiful wife.

Easter

2011-04-24T07:28:00.001-04:00

The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a "first fruit" of the bodily resurrection of every human being at God's appointed time in the future. This event, brought the future promise back into our sphere of existence, and we can, now by faith in God, through Jesus Christ receive salvation and all its 'attendant blessings'. The 'attendant' blessings include so much more than any human being can receive in their lifetime.

One of the 'attendant' blessings was the strength and healing from God to have run three 50 k's since a word from the Lord to follow Him back into ultra marathons on January 3 of this year.

A few of the memories from yesterday are:

My awesome wife arising at 3:15 a.m. to get me to the start and videoing, and compiling a short clip of the start. Also, being there at the finish, cheering me on, and driving the curvy mountain roads home at high speeds.

At a low energy moment listening to podcasts to lift me up. Gloria Copeland on healing (Proverbs 3 and Isaiah 40) and Joel Osteen ( Hebrews 12). Listening to my compilation of music, just one was "Pressing On" by Bob Dylan as I walked five miles straight up the mountain (Apple Orchard Trail up to Sunset Fields Overlook)

Seeing the most fabulous scenery. Huge creeks, waterfalls, vegetation of every sort, mountains, valley's, fog so thick you couldn't see 50 ft., rain, sun, clouds, wind, heat, cold, rocks, more rocks, steps, dozens of creek crossings, song birds mating, mud, grass, trees, and, and, and….

Witnessed and experienced the struggle and conquest of the human being at the 9500 ft. of elevation change over 31 plus miles. Experienced the friendship of like minded people, camaraderie of a unique sub-culture, friendly competition with one's self, and others, and crossing the finish line with nothing left in reserve.

Jesus lives, because God, the Father raised him from the dead. We have the promise of life, (eternal, abundant life), in a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.

The act of giving a life to God and asking him to take it and do something with it, opens a person up to the life of adventure that only God could plan.

The truest celebration of Easter is to give one's self to God and ask Him to raise you up to live with Him in the heavenly places, all the while giving you the strength by his kingdom's rule and reign to follow Him into his mission.

Promise Land 50K

2011-04-22T17:08:00.001-04:00

April 22, 2011

On Saturday, I will attempt the third 50K of the year after the experience with the risen Lord on January 3. His bodily resurrection was a first fruit of the final resurrection to come and is the ground upon I will run/walk the Promise Land 50k on Saturday, April 23.

Physical strength and financial provision was included on the cross and resurrection and I ask you prayerfully consider giving a small portion of what God has blessed you with to the Cuban Bible College. Just a little bit, goes a long way, and anything you can do will help the future leadership of this vital island country move a little closer to freedom.

FYI: The Promise Land 50K starts and finishes at the base of some beautiful mountains of the Blue Ridge. The first one is Onion Mountain, and if you have ever driven along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Sunset Hills overlook looks down into the valley we will run down and I will walk back up. If I come to mind on Saturday I would appreciate a prayer. There will be 9500 ft. of elevation change in case you were wondering.

If you can spare just a little of what the Lord has blessed you with, please go to viennaag.com, where you can make a donation. I would like to say to the leadership that the rest of the $5000.00 I felt him leading me to make a faith promise would all come in during this Easter week end. So far about $1500.00 has been given.

Blessings,

Craig

Fast Women and Buzzards

2011-03-29T19:37:00.018-04:00

March 25, 2011: Friday afternoon, I took by wife, daughter and son-in-law striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake. I had hoped they would catch one, but, unfortunately I was the only one. I landed a nice 21 incher and it was fun. The plans were to fish early afternoon, and eat dinner early so as to facilitate a good night’s rest.

We were challenged by my daughter to a game of hearts in which she informed us, she “would take us to school”. Growing up as a child it was one of mom’s favorite games, and I was very rusty, but quickly remembered. Brenda plays it often on the computer and instead of being schooled, we schooled her, badly. We headed upstairs as Jakob barely beat her in ping pong and retired early. I have never not had some kind of issue right before any attempt at an ultra marathon and this one would be unique. My sleep would be drastically interrupted. I had a “Proctalgia Fujax” moment that pulled me out of a deep sleep. This is a rectal cramp that is unimaginably painful. (you don’t want one of these) I have fainted with them before. (I faint easily) I quickly quoted from memory Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 reminding myself that “by his wounds we are healed” and “by His wounds you have been healed” and walked around the living room praying. I have needed to lean and trust in scripture for much worse pains and sicknesses and sorrows and I still marvel that Jesus bore all my sins, all my sorrows and all my sicknesses. I took some vitamin I (Ibuprophen) and after 15 minutes of pain meds, prayer and scripture quoting, it subsided enough to attempt lying down again. (They normally last for hours.) Fortunately, I was able to get a little sleep until our 4:15 a.m. wakeup. I had laid out all my gear ahead of time and after dressing, we headed to the start. The deer were out in herds, and the trip was uneventful as we made our way to the start. I had to make an emergency potty stop on the side of the road, and when I saw the lines to the restrooms, I was glad I did. The weather forecast included everything from light rain to snow to cloudy with a high in the forties.

The air was chilly and damp, and I soon figured out that my layers were not sufficient. After checking in and picking up my race bib, I was already chilled and decided to add one more layer after doing some stretching. (I would be glad, later on.). I had on my finisher shirt from the HL 50k, a camouflage shirt and my LUS 2007 series light weight jacket. I try to color coordinate now, so I put on my Florida Gator visor because it matches the blue of the jacket. Brenda had not only driven me to the race start but was video documenting the moment as well. After a few bad starts, she recorded my thoughts on the beginning and soon I was kneeling at the start as the race director asked a participant to lead in prayer. In a moment we were off into the dark. Thirty nine minutes later the two leaders would make it to the top. I would be fiddling around the way through the first creek crossing at the same time. There were about ten of us trying to figure a way across, none of which was good. I somehow chose to not just wade through, but instead risked life and limb trying to step across large moss and slime covered rocks upstream. I thought to myself, on the way back I am just wading through. I nearly fell over into the rushing stream but somehow made it across safely. I had pre-determined to be helpful on the race, but the survival instincts over rode it and I was striding on up the mountain when I remembered I should have helped the others across. As soon as I recovered I looked back and apologized to the first group that soon caught up. I was blessed to see it was an old friend, Diane Taylor from Nashville. We then reconnected on all that has happened in the few years of being away from ultras. It was fulfilling to be able to share with her and others within earshot of my healing of cancer and recovery from all the complications and treatments thereof. An hour and 12 minutes later I reach the first aid station called Camping Gap 1. There were two simultaneous races going on. A half marathon and a 50K. I had to ask a few people which way to go, and they pointed me down the other side of the mountain. Great. It was a gravel road, and it was a fairly easy slope, and side by side with Diane we made it down in pretty good time. A treat was seeing the two lead runners coming back up the mountain. They were running up the mountain faster than we were running down the mountain. We made it to the next aid station, and noticed pink streamers going off to the left up the mountain. I headed in that direction, but was told to keep going down the mountain. I figured there must be some kind of a loop thing that brought you out by this aid station. After a while, I started getting nauseas and my stomach was talking to me, so I told Diane to go on ahead, as I needed to stop. I popped some antacid pills, relieved myself, ate some electrolyte filled nutrition gooey stuff, and slowly started feeling better. I was going to experiment on this ultra with supplementing with my multivitamin assortment every two hours. It was nearing two hours, and I could see the aid station ahead, so I downed the package, and drained my water bottle. The aid station was staffed with some cheerful young people who were well trained to tell everyone how well they were doing. (There is a fine line between encouragement and lying, and they stayed on the encouraging side, and I headed back up the mountain on a different road, but my stomach still was hurting. The two lead runners had bottomed and topped the mountain in the time it took me to make it down the mountain. Diane was way ahead, and I was alone and it was okay. I didn’t see anyone behind me and it slowly dawned on me that I was last. It didn’t mess with my head too much. The streamers were marking a trail off of the road, and into the woods I went. They were gorgeous woods and along this stretch I saw what I think was sign of turkey’s scratching for last season’s acorns. There must have been a pretty huge flock that had discovered the acorns, for the trail was marked often with their sign. I eventually came out of the woods back to the aid station, and after refueling, began walking back up the road. It was lined with campsites and one particular site there were two teenagers being mentored into trout fishing by a young adult. The stream was full and the boys were standing on a large rock casting their baited ultra lite rod and reel into a large pool. The trout must not have been cooperating at least in the time it took me to walk past. I thought of my friend, Jeff, and how he would have liked to be giving it a try. I am not sure of the distances between all the aid stations, but I think the aid station back at Camping Gap 2 after climbing back up the mountain said it was 16.7 miles. It took me two hours and nine minutes to make it back up the mountain and I was now sitting at 4: 14. I thought to myself my friend, Ben was done with his National Marathon run and was enjoying the feeling of completion. Meanwhile I was pointed to my right where I saw some people running at me and realized I was heading into a loop. It was here I got to see other runners including the fast women. I didn’t think I was as far back of the pack as I really was because I got to see so many runners. I mistakenly thought I must be better off than I thought. (I was wrong.) The loop was much longer loop than I realized. I passed the spot where the loop came back upon itself and was very quickly alone again. I also didn’t understand that this little loop would also ascend to the highest elevation (according to the course map) at a mere 3615 feet. One note of encouragement was I passed someone and then another one. One had a cramp and another had stopped to take a rock out of his shoe. I kept worrying about this ‘punch’ thing the race director had mentioned in the pre-race briefing. I asked the guys I passed if they knew anything and they were as clueless as I was. At one obscure place, there were three or four streamers and an object hanging from a string. I approached with caution and attempted to use it as a punch, but it wasn’t like any punch I was familiar with. I tried it a few times and looked at my bib number and at least there was some evidence albeit small, that I had indeed found the punch and used it. I had caught up to Diane and discovered I was a bit faster on the downhills and I was now ahead of three people. I eventually made it back to Camping Gap, now the third time and asked which way to go. I was now 5:40 in. The lead runners had already finished, taken pictures, eaten, showered, taken a sauna, gotten their massages, made it home, watched a movie and were checking email. Someone pointed up a very steep ascent and broke me out of my daze. The White Oak loop had a slow ascent from 3000 ft. to 3600 ft. over a mile or so, but this one went from 3000 to 3500 in, like 20 yards. Not really, but it was Billy goat steep. Surrounded by Mountain laurel and solitude, up and up and up and up I went, pausing long enough to count my heart beats in my head. Finally, at the peak I was greeted with two signs. The one on top said, #2 Fat Mans Revenge with an arrow to the left. Below it was another sign, with #1 Summit with an arrow to the right. Now, I am thinking, why didn’t the #1 sign go on top, and is this some kind of a trick. Do I go with the uppermost sign or the number one sign? Also about this time I am getting disoriented and my mind is playing tricks on me. I looked around for any human help, but there aren’t any (that I can see)(maybe they were hiding to see which way I would go and then jump out and scare me). I shrug my shoulders, make a guess that I should go with the #1 sign instead of the uppermost sign, and head to the right. I was really hoping for a little guidance at this moment. I make my way across some large boulders and see a gorgeous panoramic view and what I think is another of the punch thingies. The problem is, you have to go out on this ledge thing and I am already dizzy. I ease on out, and punch my bib, and take a moment to survey the view. I see a gorgeous view and as I pan to the right realize I do have a companion, but it isn’t human. Perched about 20 feet away is a buzzard eyeing me. I wonder if this is some trick being played on the back of the packers. Like, “I know, just for fun, let’s make the back of the packers think they are supposed to go out on this ledge to be food for my pet buzzard”. I peaked over the ledge to see if there were any streamers down there, to make sure I wasn’t supposed to try to climb down somehow. I am still second guessing myself and stumble back to the spot of the two signs when Diane makes it to the junction and she asks me what to do. I tell her what I did, but I also tell her I don’t know if it is the correct thing or not. (I think it best not to tell her about the pet buzzard.) I follow the streamers through rock outcroppings and still am disoriented and dizzy. I stumble upon yet another patch of streamers and below on a string is the elusive third punch. And then… I see the dreaded Fat Man’s revenge. At this moment my ‘feed my pet buzzard plot’ becomes real as I realize the director is directing us to squeeze through this narrow crack in an outcropping. To get into the narrow crack required being very careful as not become a steer, if you know what I am alluding to. Being disoriented, dizzy, and distrustful of the plot to hassle the back of the packers didn’t make a positive passage through the narrow gap. I am guessing I am about 24 to 25 miles in and my legs aren’t liking this crawl, squat, kneel thing to get through, but I made it through and then it was down, down, down, down. I saw lots of bear poop or some kind of poop that wasn’t human that was laced with lots of fur of some dead quarry, so I kept moving. Three of the people who were behind me were reduced to two and then to one as the fellow who had stopped to clear the stone out of his shoe blew past me. The young man with the cramp was joined by a friend and they also blew right past me. I had begun to worry about Diane and I asked him if she made it through the Fat Man’s revenge and he affirmed that she had. After a while I approached a young woman who, though being far below me I could tell something wasn’t right. As I got closer I saw she was hugging herself attempting to retain body heat. She was shivering cold and I thought about giving her one of my layers, but they were all wet. I thought about trying to hug her to give her warmth, but thought it might be awkward and be misunderstood. All I could do was empathize and encourage her and eventually passed her. I was thankful for my layers and my jacket. Down, down, down and after what seemed forever found two young guys nonchalantly sitting in chairs, looking down the hill. They speak in a very slow drawl and they point me down hill and I meet a few runners coming back up. I ask if I am going the right way, and they affirm that I am, and one group tells me that the cutoff time is fast approaching. I make it to the aid station, and am informed the cutoff was in one minute. He told me I had completed 26 miles and it was only about five miles to the end. He also said that it was a nice easy, gentle sloped downhill run to the finish and to enjoy myself. I should have picked up on his sarcasm as he had this kind of funky orange spiky wig thingy on his head (or maybe I was hallucinating). I load up on fluids and a handful of PB and J sandwiches, and head back up the mountain, yelling up to both the hypothermic young lady and to Diane. The young lady was crying and the thrill of the race was gone. I whispered a prayer for her and when Diane came into view chose not to tell her that she might get pulled. Early on she had told me of recent races that had pulled her for not making the time cutoff. The two boys are heading down the mountain carrying their chair and I really hoped I could find the streamers leading to the left and down the “gentle slope” to the finish. I was 7:13 in and I was filled with joy, thinking I was going to make it. I only had an hour and forty seven minutes to take my time down the “gentle slope” the funky orange spiky haired person told me about. Climbing from about 400 ft. to about 1200 ft. may not seem like much, but when your mind has settled into a big ‘aaah’, I am about to do a “gentle” downhill run, and it turns out to be a 800 ft. ascent (that is four Chinsegut Hill’s where I was raised), became a not such a good thing. I had to re-engage the brain, and recalculate what was involved. I eventually got my mind back in the groove and now the watch began to call me. Sooner than I wanted I passed the 8 hour mark and I was still a long ways away from anything familiar. I kept moving as fast as I could and it started snowing. Snow! I also could hear a dog barking down in the valley which sounded very similar to my grand dog Hobbes. We have our own family’s version of Calvin and Hobbes. (My first name is Calvin). My daughter’s dog surely wasn’t the one barking as I had let her know of the race director’s explicit instructions not to bring dogs, but, it played on my mind just a bit. I also entertained the idea of getting Dr’s Horton and Zealand a stuffed dog as a joke. It was obvious how much they love dogs and really like for them to be at the races. I would have enjoyed this portion of the run a lot more if I wasn’t starting to worry that I wasn’t going to make it before the nine hour cutoff. I attempted to assure myself, and remembered how I was even here in the first place. I recounted the Sunday morning service of January 2, 2011 kneeling at the altar with elements representing the body and blood of Jesus in hand. I yielded myself up to the Lord and asked for his leading for 2011. That afternoon, I received a sense that the Lord was calling me back to ultra marathons and out of cancer, back pain and bone disease. January 3, though I hadn’t run in months entered the LUS series of which this one was the second. The Lord had brought me this far, and I knew he was going to carry me through to the end, but… my mind began to play tricks, like…, when would the end come. I had been singing in my head songs of faith all day, and even more so now. I was walking/running by faith, not by sight, and it became more and more real as I was experiencing one of the more difficult races of my life. I kept hoping I was getting closer to the end, and I knew I had to be, but the trail just kept on going up and around the side of the mountain. Eventually I saw the initial creek crossing and didn’t hesitate sloshing on through. I wasn’t going to risk breaking something just to keep my feet dry. Now, began the “gentle” descent in my wet shoes that the orange, spiky, wig thingy person told me about. I was so thankful the cramps had not come and my experiment with multivitamins every two hours had worked. I cannot remember feeling more positive about a ‘one mile to go’ sign than I did on this race. I looked at my watch, and I calculated I could walk the rest of the way and make it. I probably could even walk it backwards, but, maybe another day. I could now enjoy the moment. After hitting the hard road and cresting a hill I saw the three guys in the distance who had passed me. I also saw a figure on the left hand side of the road in a white coat with a black thing hung across their shoulder. I think to myself, that person looks just like my wife. The online system of notifying of a runner’s time at each aid station had stopped posting times and by all accounts it appeared that I had stopped running the race hours ago, and no one could tell her what had happened to me. She was heading up the road to look for me. She, my daughter and son in law were there on the road, and broke out into a cheer once they saw it was me.

Brenda was crying with positive emotion, once she realized it was me, and that I was okay. It was the first race any of my children had been able to come to, and it was quite the blessing to jog the rest of the way in being escorted by my wife, daughter and son in law 8:43:09 after beginning. I thanked the race director for a well done race (I also told him he was a crazy man for designing this thing) and began to realize the immensity of the miracle of grace that had just occurred. My son-in-law, Jakob noticed the medal
was the outline of a turtle. I didn’t until that moment connect that Terrapin Mountain was known as a turtle mountain. Since I am as slow as a turtle it fits. On one hand it was good I didn’t have a clue as to the difficulty of the race, but on the other hand it would have been a little more helpful to have studied the course and listened better to the pre-race instructions. I think it is called cognitive dissonance. I heard it, but didn’t hear it. They had some freshly smoked pulled pork sandwiches and as I sat down to feast, heard, then saw that Diane hadn’t been pulled and was about to finish. I asked Brenda to take her picture and to bring her over and it was a happy reunion, as we shared about the race with my family. True to form, Diane could talk with a smile on her face, about the adventure and we all connected around a common love of life. I was getting chilled, and the two pork sandwiches had joined the eight gooey nutrition packs and various food supplies each aid station offered. So, with some hugs and good byes, Brenda and I headed home while Diane headed back to Nashville and the kids headed back to our lake house. Back at the car our little Cairn Terrier was quietly waiting in her crate. I am still thinking of giving a pet dog to both Dr. Horton and Dr. Zealand, as they love to have dogs at all their races so much. (maybe not). Since one of them already has a pet buzzard trained to monitor the Summit Punch station, they may not need another pet.

God has a plan for wellth and wealth!

2011-03-23T08:47:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 11: 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)

Lord, help us follow your plan to wellth and wealth. Forgive us for not being generous with our wellness and our wealth.

amen

Luke 1: 37 “For no word from God will ever fail."

2011-03-13T07:20:00.001-04:00

Amen!

Proverbs 10: 22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.

2011-03-02T07:13:00.001-05:00

Financial blessings are by grace, through faith, not of self. They are gifts from God. Financial blessings are not of work(s), lest you should boast.

Lord, we thank you that you are our source, our provider, our shepherd and you love us so much, that you gave, and keep on giving. Help us not trust in our abilities, but in yours.

amen

The Miracle continues...

2011-02-14T13:34:00.016-05:00

The day before the Holiday (I still don’t know if it is Holliday or Holiday. The road sign and website says it has two l’s) Lake 50 K++ I had to complete required reading for an upcoming class. I alternated between sitting on my exercise ball, the floor, the couch, the recliner, standing up, sitting outside in the sun, and as I completed the final few pages, the sun was setting. After a nice meal we retired early for the next day. The alarm was set for 3:22 but I was awake before that.

The day was here, and it was time to do it. We had pre-loaded all that we could, so as to facilitate a quick departure. (It takes me a long time to dress properly for an ultra). There is the antiperspirant for the feet and underarms, muscle rub stuff for all the potential places for stiffness (which is everywhere), band aids for the nipples, sun screen for the face, lotion and other stuff for any place that creates friction. There are the special socks, the shoes, the gaiters, the layers on top and bottom, the head band, the hat. Then there is all the paraphernalia that I may need. Gel packs, music, electrolyte pills, antacids, vitamins, gum, pain reliever, watch, hand held water bottles, flashlight, etc. We get on the road ahead of schedule, and after driving ten minutes realize I had forgotten the books (Constant Forward Motion: the running of the Lymphoma Ultra Series) I wanted to give to the race director to give away. It was the only tense moment. We turned around, loaded the books, but now we were twenty minutes behind, and we had an hour and forty minutes to drive. I could choose not to dissipate energy by worrying, stressing or getting angry, because that would only take energy away from the task at hand, so by God’s grace, I was able to make that choice. The drive wasn’t tense, but pleasant. The sky was clear, the air was crisp, there wasn’t much traffic or snow on the roads, and we were on the way to a miracle. Even with the turnaround for the books we made it before the 6:00 a.m. check in time. I was given number 226 as I checked in. The race director likes to seed the races, and he must have had more faith than I, because with 300 runners, my only goal was finishing before the time limit. After checking in, I then tried to find my wife and truck, but I didn’t have my flashlight, and I didn’t know where she parked. It was dark. I kept walking and I passed a figure walking in the opposite direction, and a thought came, that maybe it was Brenda. So, I tentatively asked with a squeaky voice, “Brenda”? Miraculously the unknown woman answered affirmatively, and we connected and she led me to the truck, where I finished the last minute details, mainly pinning on my number, which was a hassle in itself. A few more last minute instructions, and then hand in hand we headed towards the start. As we approached, we heard the amateurish and heartfelt lyrics of Star Spangled Banner. It was all botched up and off key, but it was more meaningful than the recent performance in the Super Bowl. The race director always begins the race with prayer, and I bowed, as he prayed for God’s protection, strength and grace for all of us. I took off the wind pants, decided to keep the wind jacket on, gave Brenda a hug, took my place and we were off in the dark for 33.6 miles.

I didn’t want to start too fast, as I didn’t want my muscles to get overworked too soon, so I just walked briskly. I was unsure of the initial layout of the course and thought the walk would slowly warm me up for the run. There was a hill and after the hill I could see a back up as the runners entered the woods, so I was glad I had walked. Once in the woods, the line was still backed up with over 300 runners, and it took a hundred yards or more for it begin to move fast enough to run. This is the fate of back of the packers, and we deal with it. After about a quarter mile I passed a few groups, and eventually got into a rhythm. When I passed the one mile marker, I felt pretty good, and was very thankful. This year’s race was in the opposite direction of the 2007 and 2008 run, so it was like running a new course. Eventually it became light enough and the path around the lake brought back the past good memories of this race. There were lots of hills and so I noted this for these same hills would be the last and final stretch. It had hints of the Mountain Masochist (worst hills at the end) all over it. Though it was filled with hills this first portion passed pretty easily and at 51 minutes I was at the first aid station where Brenda was waiting with my refill. She encouraged me with her smile and good nature, and off I continued.

The next portion was filled with lots of hills that had two creek crossings which I very un-daintily splashed through, while others ahead of me pondered in wonderment how and where to cross without getting their feet wet. From experience, I knew it wouldn’t hurt, and it would cool my feet down. I was happy to perform one good deed along this section. I was following a young woman, and I noticed she made a wrong turn and was going down the wrong path. We weren’t too far apart so it was easy to speak loud enough for her to make the adjustment. She was very grateful, and being someone who has gotten off the path once or twice it is so disheartening to be going in the wrong direction even for a step or two, much less a few hundred yards or more.
I made it to the next aid station without incident, and was ahead of my pace. This next section was the flattest, and was able to keep running most of the distance. It was also the most boring and though easier to run, it was harder on the mind. Unfortunately for me, but fortunately for them, the lead runners were looping back and it reminded me how fast they are, and how slow I am. I made it to aid station three in good time and Brenda told me I was way ahead of any time I had ever run, and I pondered on this for a good time. The next aid station would be the turn around and I was feeling like I could make the turnaround within the time limit. The initial impulse I had when I first felt the Lord calling me back into running ultra’s was that the worst case scenario is that I could drop out at the turn around if I couldn’t run any more. I was reminded of the spiritual experience of being physically and mentally transformed, from lower back pain into ultra marathon level conditioning. My back was not hurting, and I was close to finishing 16 miles of running. I pondered the greatness of God as I made it to the turnaround, and quickly got a refill before heading back out. I had made the 16.7 miles in 3:22 and I was feeling pretty good. Back along the path that paralleled the lake, I saw the few people that I was ahead of. (There weren’t many, but they all had the look of worry because it was doubtful they would make it under the time limit. I remember distinctly that feeling and I attempted to encourage them all, but the more I passed, I realized that some would not make it. At aid station 5, I again reconnected with Brenda, and I was starting to get hungry so I took a new food thingy I had bought, and it didn’t set in my stomach too well. (Never try anything new on an ultra!) I also was getting hot, and I called back to Brenda if she could pick up my jacket. She graciously agreed, so I shed my jacket and kept running.

Within minutes my right hamstring began to cramp. I had been regularly using electrolyte replacement drinks and supplements, and I had hoped this wouldn’t happen. Here I was on the flattest portion, and the cramp forced me to walk. Runner after runner, after runner, after runner passed as I would try to run, but the cramp forced me to stop. I had to make it to the next aid station by a certain time (which I couldn’t remember), or be pulled. A young lady ran by me, and I attempted to follow her, and I could run a little without cramping. Simultaneously a truck full of hunters with dogs was beside their parked truck right next to where we were running. The dogs were friendly but it kind of freaked the young woman, and she stopped, hoping the owners would control their dogs. (They didn’t or couldn’t). For her sake, I was glad I was running close behind her. A bunch of men, with dogs and guns in the middle of nowhere that you aren’t expecting may have been a bit daunting. (However, all the females I have ever met in ultra’s are pretty steady in every possible situation that one may encounter.) (It was probably just my father instinct that felt protective as she was the age of my daughters.) My choice of clothing was a desire to blend my own joy of hunting with running, so my camouflaged top and hat distracted the men and the dogs temporarily enough that the young lady could continue without the dogs hassling her. As I passed, I asked in my best southern drawl, “any luck”. The hunter, looked at me, like, he didn’t hear me, kind of like he was in his own world. He kind of saw me, but didn’t see me, like a dream state. I then said it again as I passed, “hey, you fellers have any luck today?” It was like we were as much a surprise to them as they were to us. He mumbled something I couldn’t understand, and I shuffled past. I am up to speed on most things that relate to hunting, but couldn’t recall what season was open on February 12^th. I am sure they were legal, but I wondered at the moment. It served as a momentary distraction and helped take my mind off the cramps.

To fight off the boredom of this flat portion that passed through freshly cut renewable pine woods, I had pulled out my music only to find that my zip lock bag had a hole and most of my electrolyte replacements were gone, and so were the pain relievers. Bummer! I put on some high energy music and ran till a cramp, then walked a few hundred yards and would repeat this over and over. The path moved off this section and I pulled onto a gravel road and thought I saw a car and the aid station in the far distance. It was way in the distance, and I saw a young man running my way. When he got closer, he said, “you have to make it to the aid station in five minutes or you get pulled”. Great! I had been ahead of pace, but because of the cramp, had fallen behind. I had to keep running to the aid station in the distance or get pulled, and by God’s graces, I made it, barely. Aid station seven was the next and final one, and it was the same pattern. Run a little until a cramp, and then limp until it passed. Run a little more, and then limp until it passed. I did this all the way to aid station 7. This is the portion with the creek crossings, and a young man in front of me had stopped at the creek crossing and was thinking how to cross. He went back into the woods to a fallen tree and I think he was planning on risking life and limb on the tree instead of just sloshing on through. I just splashed on in and out and on up the hill I went. I never saw him again. To this moment, I wonder if he got lost out in the woods or fell or ... (Your mind plays tricks on you this late in a race, and imaginations can go crazy if you let them). I tried to regain focus but I certainly went slowly enough for him to have caught up.

Eventually the aid station seven came into view and I saw a worried lady looking intently past me and I think it was her son that had taken the long way through the creek or worse. I decided not to tell Brenda how much I was cramping.

I loaded up on all the electrolyte replacement I could, along with some grapes, etc. I asked her to walk with me awhile as we made the transition (constant forward motion). I gave her my hat and some arm thingies that had kept me warm all day, but now it was heating up. We parted company and she encouraged me by saying it was only three more miles to go. I really wanted to believe her, but mentally I set it in my mind I had a lot more to go, and I kept pressing on. All I had to do was get to the finish in an hour and a half, and I thought I actually might be able to do this. This was a very pretty section of the race, and it was pleasant at many levels. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the mid forties, immersed in a pine forest, blocked from the wind, alone with God, my music and every now and then I got a visit from my cramps. I found that I could run more between cramping, and got into a rhythm behind another back of the packer. We emerged from the woods and the trail ran alongside the lake. It was very pleasant visually and in every way to be this close to the end. The trail is up and down, all along the lake and is strewn with rocks and roots. So far so good as I hadn’t tripped and fallen, and with my cramps I really didn’t want to think about it, so I didn’t. We crossed a park, and I was watching her, (not in a Mt. 5:28 way) and though she was about 50 yards ahead of me I noticed she had stopped and had turned around. I could tell from her body language that she was off the trail, so together, we had somehow gotten off the trail in the least likely spot a person can get off the trail on the entire course. Fortunately, I had a good vantage spot to look for and find the markers and I pointed in the direction of the path. Once we found it I pulled over, and asked if she wanted to resume her position in the lead. At this point in these races it really doesn’t matter who is or isn’t in front, and she just laughed and told me to go on ahead. We were both focused on our legs and the ever present cramping, and there wasn’t much chatter. Plus I had my music on pretty loud and it was high energy songs to keep me moving. I eventually stopped and let her go ahead as my cramps paid me another visit. I settled into a fast walk, checked my watch, and reasoned, that even if I walked, I could finish. We passed the one mile marker and I began to seriously rejoice that I was going to actually do this feat that just a month and a half ago was impossible to consider. My playlist now turned to softer, thankful music and the last mile was a fast walk through nice woods being filled with the positive emotion of doing something extraordinary. I alternated between crying and smiling as I walked out of the woods onto the final stretch to the finish. It was an asphalt road, and my feet were hurting and my right hamstring was cramping. I raised my hands to praise, but my arms were both too stiff, and it hurt too much to raise them. I didn’t care how much it hurt, I was blessed. I was now the healed, the restored, and the years that had been taken up with an incurable cancer in its final stages were over.

The resulting harsh season of chemotherapy, with the loss of hair, appetite, energy and every fast growing cell was over. The four or five compression fractures from the lymphoma and the back surgeries to repair were over. The time lost to battle the disease was being redeemed by my Lord and Master. The memories of barely having energy to walk a hundred yards were still fresh. The memories of having back pain so severe that the strongest prescription pain medication wouldn’t even take the edge off it were still vivid. The memories of a year and half of the manageable back pain that followed, but was of such that I had to stop running so it could heal were all right there in my memory bank in that final stretch. I was beyond thankful that the Lord had redeemed the time and life I had lost. In a relationship with God, through Christ Jesus, I found and was experiencing that not only was I, the saved and forgiven NOW, I was also the healed, NOW. My 75000 steps of faith on the promises of God had brought me close to the finish line and I had experienced the power of the death and resurrection of Christ prior to my entrance into heaven. I had run by faith, and for missions (I asked family and friends to support the emerging leaders of Cuba through the Cuban Bible College). Linking my path back to health with missions helped shift my focus to God and others and away from myself and the disease.

When I could see the finish line I started waddling and hoped my cramp wouldn’t return. I was pleasantly surprised to see a friend and new parishioner, Don Shore was there at the finish line with some friends from his college (Longwood). After crossing the finish in 7:34 (SEVEN HOURS and THIRTY FOUR MINUTES)

I found Brenda and we just embraced and cried, embraced and cried, embraced and cried. She pulled back and said, “I always knew this day would come, but I didn’t know it would come so soon”. We hugged and cried some more and then greeted Don and his friends, Jessica and Jason. They were all active in a college campus ministry called Chi Alpha and they were there in support. We chatted and hung out for quite awhile, but then it was time to transition. I would later learn that the winner was Mat Woods who finished four hours and six minutes earlier than I. He ran 33.6 miles up and down hills over rocks, roots and what not in 3:28:55. Now, that is amazing. I also found that I finished in 294th place out of 317 starters. 304 of us finished under the time limit, and one person finished, but didn’t make it under the 8 hour limit.

I spoke to the race director, Dr. Horton, and congratulated him on a race well done and as mutual followers of Jesus, could speak freely of the grace of our Lord and Savior which has been bestowed so fully upon his followers.I gave him some books (Constant Forward Motion: the Running of the Lymphoma Ultra Series) to give away at his next race event, and after a sponge bath in the bath house we headed home. This year there wasn’t a huge celebratory post race event, and it was okay. All the way home the primary phrase, was, thanks be to God for his amazing grace. One version or another of that was the subject of the discussion all the way home. I had walked to stay in shape, but it was the grace of God that had redeemed and restored the years of battling cancer. January second, when I remembered the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, I was reminded by the one I was remembering of his life and nature I was able to partake of. By the life of God, I had resumed running and followed the call back to ultra marathons and it was and is still surprising in a good way that it actually happened the way the Lord has shown me that afternoon forty days earlier.

Waking up on a Sunday morning after a run of any distance, especially a 50K is comical. Those are the scenes when non-runners ask, “whyyyy????” The way I felt, I wasn’t in a good flow to be able to answer a critic of long distance running. I shuffled out to turn on the coffee and with baby steps could manage movement. Setting up for church and Sunday School was positive and pleasant. When my middle granddaughter came in to church she wanted me to pick her up. (For a year and a half I hadn’t been able to). With joy I swooped her up, and carried her around a little bit, before exchanging her for our youngest granddaughter. Nothing quite as good as granddaughter love on a Sunday morning assembling together to worship God as a family. I had asked Brenda if she would preach for me and she did a fabulous job of ministering God’s word. Her topic was “True Love”, (you can listen to it at ViennaAG.com) which she has modeled all during our 32 plus years of marriage. She graciously served as my crew by moving from aid station to aid station refilling my fluid bottle, my pills, my food, and always with a loving smile. We were privileged to take the middle and the youngest to lunch because it was my eldest’s birthday party (just her and mom and friends). When I told my middle granddaughter, that I ran a race the day before her only question was. “Did you win?” I told her no, and tried to explain something wise about the joy is in the journey, etc, etc., but she glazed over, but not before she told me that she ran a race once, and she came in first. No pressure.

50,000 meters is how long a 50K is.

2011-02-09T13:22:00.001-05:00

I was reminded of this by one of the international traveling members of Vienna Assembly of God. He expressed this fact after I had said that by grace through faith, I am going to run the Holliday Lake 50K on Saturday, to bring awareness and hopefully financial blessings to train leaders for the every growing church in Cuba. The great miracle is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the little one I am experiencing is just a portion of what Jesus already did for all of humanity 2000 plus years ago. Access to God's grace is a part of the 'one blessing after another' that all who are in relationship with God are privileged to experience. I have already lined up a full body massage Sunday afternoon because by faith, I will need it after running/walking 50,000 meters on Saturday.

Back pain is gone! In Christ, I am the healed, the saved and the forgiven.

2011-02-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

January 2, I surrendered many things to the Lord and at the communion table at VAOG I asked the Lord to lead me forward and give me grace to follow. That moment, I tapped into the death and resurrection of Jesus, and my back pain left. Later that day I said yes to following Jesus back into ultra marathons. I found the power of God, within the willingness to follow Him back to a people group I had grown to love. I have run most every day since that moment.

Moments ago my chiropractor said I didn't need his services anymore.

I will run for missions (Cuban Bible School) the Holiday Lake 50 K on Saturday.

More to come…

Ps. 32: 2 Lord my God, I called to you for help,and you healed me.

2011-02-06T07:33:00.001-05:00

I can now say the same thing as the psalmist.

All who are in relationship with God are now, ‘the saved’, ‘the forgiven’, ‘and the blessed’ and…

2011-02-05T07:49:00.001-05:00

We shouldn't wait until we have passed away, and we stand in heaven and suddenly confess, "Wow, I really was saved, forgiven, blessed…". By grace, through faith, we are, now 'the saved', 'the forgiven', the 'loved', the 'blessed', and the next one is one we often waiver at. We are also, now, 'the healed'. We are not the sick, trying desperately to be healed. All miracles of grace any person receives flows from the GREAT miracle. The virgin birth, the sinless life, the diverse miracles, the atoning death, the bodily resurrection, the ascension and the second coming of Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Because of Jesus Christ and him crucified, all our sins, all our sicknesses, all our sorrows, all our mistakes have ALREADY been paid for.

Our faith can rest on this deep thing of God. Try it! Think of yourself as the 'blessed', the 'saved', the 'healed', the 'forgiven', the 'loved'. That is how our Lord thinks of us.

Re-aligning my thinking has significantly affected my entire being and the same can be true for anyone.

New bones and immune system!

2011-02-04T08:21:00.001-05:00

Psalms 28: 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

What is the greatest, most important thing you can do today and tomorrow and the next?

2011-02-03T07:10:00.001-05:00

Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'t38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'t40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

It is not an if, but a when. It’s a when when.

2011-01-22T07:18:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 4: 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.

Good (God) listeners will have a long, good (Godly)life.

2011-01-21T06:59:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 4: 10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life

It is cool to realize it is Jesus who leads us to live some place.

2011-01-20T06:47:00.001-05:00

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed.

20 minutes a day of hearing and understanding the bible can add 2000 minutes to your life!

2011-01-19T07:26:00.001-05:00

Mt. 13:23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"

Fast, or say no to unfruitful words so you can say yes to only fruitful words.

2011-01-18T07:13:00.001-05:00

Mt. 12:34 … For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of…. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and ...."

I love pets. I even have a grand dog, as well as a Cairn terrier and two aquariums of fish, but...

2011-01-17T07:49:00.001-05:00

Mt 12: 12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!

A ‘follower’ is empowered with the love, grace, gentleness, humility, health, wisdom and power of the Leader.

2011-01-16T06:55:00.001-05:00

Matthew 11: 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

@ VAOG we are fasting (saying no) to the less important, so we can say yes to the more important.

2011-01-15T09:32:00.001-05:00

Matthew 10: 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Find God’s wisdom, gain God’s understanding.

2011-01-14T07:45:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 3: 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.(NLT)

God loves us!

2011-01-13T05:40:00.001-05:00

For the Lord corrects those he loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Pro. 3)

Say no to waste so you can say yes to wealth.

2011-01-12T06:21:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

Fasts

2011-01-11T21:57:00.001-05:00

A spiritual fast is one in which a person says no to something or someone less important, so they can say yes to something and someone more important. A popular Christian food fast is the Daniel Fast. If the Lord leads someone into a food fast, then the Lord will empower that person to live not on bread alone, but on the Word of God. It is a powerful experience to experience the sustaining power of the Word. It has been six years since I have felt so led, but I am encouraged to read and hear of many who are being called into food fasts. For now, for me I sense a fast of those things that really corrupt a soul (mine). It is not the things that go into our mouths (food) that corrupt us, but the things (words, thoughts, attitudes), that come out of our hearts that corrupt us. So, whatever, whoever, and wherever, you feel so led to fast, or say no to, make sure to spend some time saying no to the things that really hurt you, so you can say yes to the things that can help you.

For anyone who feels that if they engage in a food fast, it somehow moves the hand and heart of God because of your sacrifice, you are missing the point and are living under the old covenant. Jesus' disciples didn't fast food, like John's disciples, and it is a point worth considering. The first time I was told this, I got mad at the messenger, until I eventually understood. So… fast, or say no to anything, anyone, anyplace that is dissipates your energies away from the most important people, things, and places, and rest in the finished work of Calvary.

Final and First

2011-01-01T09:05:00.001-05:00

The final scripture. Revelation 22: 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

The first scripture. Genesis 1: 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Follow

2010-12-30T08:43:00.001-05:00

Another option to making a New Year's resolution is to ask God where you are to follow the Lord to and into.

Lord God, where, what and to whom do you want me to follow you to in 2011?

Papaya, Pineapple and Pepper

2010-12-20T07:55:00.001-05:00

2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son.

My son-in-law just returned from a business trip to Hawaii and he brought me some jelly with a trinity of ingredients. Separately they would all be good, but combined in a trinity they have a unique deliciousness (which I tasted on my wife's home made cornbread this morning). Even more so are grace, mercy and peace from God. Try some of it on your interactions this week, and taste their deliciousness.

The Good Life

2010-12-15T11:21:00.001-05:00

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

These words in Habakkuk 3 (if applied), can keep a person moving forward in the face of negative issues. I tend to rejoice (get happy), when things go my way. I also tend to not rejoice when what I work for doesn't produce, what I exercise towards doesn't come through, what I pray for isn't manifested, etc. This is truly counter intuitive, and is the life of faith. Nothing can replace a Word from the bible in a person's life. Take a moment and try this

Christmas Parties

2010-12-14T11:18:00.001-05:00

Habakkuk 2:15 "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors,
pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk,
so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!

16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory.

Just a little FYI, for hosting and attending Holiday Parties.

Greetings!

2010-12-13T10:41:00.001-05:00

Here is an Islamic greeting/blessing that is excellent. "May every year find you in good health!" Try it, the next time you are in the presence of a person who is of the Islamic faith. They will know you are attempting a Christ like connection, even if you add, a "Merry Christmas and…"

If called upon for a public invocation, this is excellent addition and a Jewish person will automatically know you are including them in the blessing.

"Blessed are you, Lord our God,

King of the universe

Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season."

My own Craig's list at Christmas is that common ground is a better choice than compromise or confrontation.

Lord, help us manifest peace on earth, good will towards all mankind.

In Jesus name, amen.

Nothing shall separate us from the Love of God?

2010-12-07T08:32:00.001-05:00

Nothing? Nothing shall cause us to separate from the Love of God (Romans 8:37-39)? I have separated from the love of God, and entered into a less than positive flow. I have responded in less than a love of God way to many situations, scenarios and people.

Our experiences can trump truth, and we can come to believe in our experiences, more than the truth of God's Love and Word. We can become blinded and even become deceived and come to a wrong conclusion. WE can come to an end. We can give up. We can stop moving forward. We can fold. WE can crack under pressure. We can stop doing and being. We can superimpose our experiences over the nature of God, and entirely miss the mark.

God is love and God loves every human being! Exclamation point. Nothing can separate us from that fact. God's love in us can move us to compassion, or we can shut it down. Human life isn't perfect, but God's love is. WE can have faith in our experiences or faith in God's love. WE can choose to live by the Love of God, or we can live by the way we feel about a person, or a situation. We can live to the love of God, and we can die to our own emotional responses to experiences.

This past Sunday our worship leader led our congregation in worship. One of the songs spoke of being led to the cross of Jesus. In worship, we can choose to go to the cross of Jesus and die to one's emotional responses or live to those responses. Dying to one's feelings when those feelings are based on experiences is a portion of what it means to be led to the cross of Jesus. We can experience life after being led to and through the cross of Jesus. We can experience never being separated from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Lord, when our experiences are less than positive, help us continue to have faith in the Love of God. Help us love others, especially when others are less than loveable.

Nothing is impossible?

2010-12-06T08:23:00.002-05:00

God's love for us is independent of our performance, our actions, and even our own responses. It is possible therefore in human relationships to model this. Every problem in human relationships and in one's relationship with God can be traced back to some departure from modeling the love of God. Having love for a person, or God involves faith in that person and in God. Having faith in the Love of God holds the possibility of a positive relationship with God, others and the very life we live. God's love forgives, through the finished work that was accomplished in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, God's son. A person can find forgiveness and give forgiveness through a relationship with God, through Christ Jesus independent of others performance, actions or responses.

Luk 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. (KJV)

Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail." (NIV)

Lord, with you, and through you, nothing is or shall be impossible. We both receive and give forgiveness independent of others performance, actions or responses.

So Be it!

Blessed to be a blessing

2010-12-05T07:47:00.001-05:00

The purpose of receiving a blessing from God is for that same person to be a blessing. A person is blessed, so they can bless. Finding person's and projects to bless is one of the treasured roles of leading a congregation. Missionaries and missions projects are worthy recipients of God's blessings that have come to a person. One's future is made more secure when making a promise of faith to give a portion of a future financial blessing to those who share the love and grace of God throughout our complex and diverse world. Being wellthy (healthy), and wealthy has a higher purpose. At Vienna Assembly of God, the leadership team has designated 10 mission's projects, 26 missionaries, and a destination to run towards virtually to be recipients of one's wellness and wealth. If anyone struggles with consistency in ones wellness and wealth, consider making a future faith promise of that wellness and wealth.

Lord, help us live the life of faith. Help us be consistently blessed in our wellness and our wealth and by faith, we will consistently be a blessing.

Amen

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T07:49:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is giving of thanks from your innermost thoughts and humor can sometimes get in the way. People ask me as a cancer survivor, "How are you?" When I respond positively here are just a few of the humorous responses. Some ball up their first and look for wood, to knock on three times, and since there is not the availability of wood, they knock on the next hardest thing, their head. Others thank their lucky stars. Some, really off the wall humor say, "thanks be to my dog". It's all based in humor, not belief, but I have noticed that when a positive thing happens, fewer and fewer people are comfortable just saying, "Thanks be to God". America is a comedic culture nation. Nothing and no one escapes American humor and it's a good thing. Nothing wrong with kidding around, and poking fun at the absurdities and mysteries of life. Adding a little, "Thanks be to God", to ones humored life, is a welcome addition.

Thanksgiving encompasses what has happened, what is happening, and what one hopes to happen. Giving of thanks for what one is already experiencing is pretty easy and straight forward. It is the giving of thanks for what is hoped for, that I and others struggle with. Here's one way to offer thanks for what is yet to be. A promise from scripture is Psalm 107: 19, 20. "He sent his word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions". Another one is in Isaiah 55:11

"so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."(NIV)

Thanksgiving is giving voice to the scripture (fact), not feelings or what one is currently experiencing. Returning scripture's promise back to God is giving of thanks for what is yet to be experienced. Finding your voice, and then giving your voice the opportunity to return thanks is a way God's Word returns to God after accomplishing and achieving the purpose for which it was sent.

My congregation bestowed upon me a gift certificate to an online store. I have had more fun, filling and emptying, filling and emptying my shopping cart many times. Soon, I will make my final choice and hit the send button. Though it will take a few days for the order to be received by me, it is a done deal. I then will wait with thanksgiving, for that which is coming. I don't keep hitting the send button. This Thanksgiving, a sea change for some may be including God in one's thanks. For others, it may be the giving voice to scripture, before a positive things is being experienced. My hope is that less thanks goes to the stars, to the dogs, to one's hard head, or wood, and more goes to God. All together now, "Thanks be to God".

Lord, help us with our giving of thanks. Our humor often gets in the way. Help us to give thanks for what is, what has been and what will be.

Plant a tree

2010-11-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

Over two thousand years have passed since Jesus told his followers that it was the beginning of the end (Lu. 21). The epistles speak of the last days being perilous because of a high percentage of the population having Narcisstic personalities (2 Timothy 3). The Epistles also speak of a figure that will be anti everything that Jesus Christ was and is ( 2 Thess. 2). 1 John 2 says there will be an antichrist, and all through human history there will be many antichrists.

This Sunday and for a few Sunday's we at Vienna Assembly of God, will look at the scriptures with fresh eyes, and not just take what prophecy teachers have told us for years, and who feel like the Church should live in a crisis mode in a continued state and sense of urgency. I have lived in a crisis mode with a sense of urgency and it creates Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after only a few years. We are to not be easily unsettled or alarmed. We are not to allow anyone to deceive us. We are not to allow pride to ruin us (2 Thess. 2). No one knows when the end of time will be. Human history may continue for thousands of years, and it would still be true that this is the beginning of the end. Every day could be one's last day, so, be encouraged to Love God, Love Others and Love the Life that God has given you every moment of every day. Please, avoid living under high stress, in crisis mode for any length of time. Been there, done that and it steals kills and destroys (St. John 10:10) the very abundant life that God intends for everyone. A business author (Kotter), tells leaders to create a sense of urgency to enact change. Once the change has been enacted and empowered by the Holy Spirit, move out of the state of urgency and follow through on what the wake up call, or crisis led you to do. I have read, that when the great reformer, Martin Luther was asked, "what would you do today, if you knew that Jesus was coming back tomorrow?" His response? Plant a tree.

Lord, help us follow up and follow through on what your conviction in the crisis created in us. We humbly ask to be empowered by your Holy Spirit to live joyfully and peacefully as those changes are implemented into our lives. We appreciate being made ready, and even more appreciative to be able enjoy our readied life.

Awakening

2010-11-03T06:05:00.001-04:00

More important things happen within the Community of God's People (the Church), than happened on Election Day. What happens in communities of worship is the substance of culture. Culture takes the form of what happens in living out of one's faith or the lack thereof. America needs a spiritual awakening to keep moving forward. America needs less Narcissist's (lover of themselves), and more lovers of God, others and life. A reason I enjoy living in Virginia, is "Virginia is for Lovers".

Lord, thank you for what you are doing in and through your relational community. Awaken us, and everyone to your Love.

Prosperity

2010-10-27T06:18:00.001-04:00

Daniel 4:1 May you prosper greatly!

The wealthiest, most powerful man at that time was Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. He was humbled by the Almighty, and was able to say to us, "May you prosper greatly!" His pride brought him low, and his humility lifted him up and brought him back from insanity and restored his prosperity.

Lord, help us remain humble before you.

Praise you, O Lord

2010-10-25T07:33:00.001-04:00

This is spiritual guidance to overcoming cancer or a cold. 2 Chronicles 20:15 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

Lord, no matter how bad we feel, help us always to not yield to fear or discouragement. Help us always to praise You, for the battle is yours, not ours.

There is a place…

2010-10-24T06:46:00.001-04:00

John 19: 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.

Eyes of God

2010-10-22T07:43:00.001-04:00

May this be said of us: "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God."

Lord, with all the choices that confront us, may they all be pleasing in your eyes.

Raised from the dead

2010-10-14T07:44:00.001-04:00

While infusing me with chemotherapy, my oncology nurse (a follower of Jesus), who had not been at work for a long time because of seizures said, "I was raised from the dead". After my infusion, I spoke to another oncology nurse and she said, "She was in all essence dead. If not for the ventilator, she would have died". A complex depletion of steroids and vitamin D was finally tested and diagnosed as Addison's disease after a year of the worst imaginable health issues. It all culminated in nearly dying or in "all essence dying". Yesterday, she was her smiling, bubbly blonde self, back at work as an oncology nurse giving thanks to God and her primary care physician, who decided to think outside the box and test her for a non-neurological issue. Following Jesus leads a person through all kinds of struggles. Hers lasted a year. These words from Jesus are a short summary of the opportunities in this life and the life to come:

John 5: 24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

If you have not already done so, will you cross over from death to life through a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus?

Lord Jesus, raise us all up to your life. Help us cross over from lifestyles of death into lifestyles of life. I receive you as my Lord and savior.

Friendship

2010-10-11T07:54:00.001-04:00

1 Chronicles 27: 33 …Hushai the Arkite was the king's friend.

Friendship is one of the great gifts of life. Let us be that gift to others.

Perfect 10

2010-10-10T06:26:00.001-04:00

A blessed trinity of 10's to everyone. Maybe consider loving the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) with a perfect 10 kind of love today and always. On 10/10/10 and every day, this is a great verse for life.

John 10: 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The Perfect Ten loves you and offers a perfect ten life! It is the thief of life, not the Giver of Life and Immortality that steals, kills and destroys.

Lord, thank you for being the Perfect Ten, remind us, and grace us to receive the perfect ten lives you died to give us.

Body Language

2010-10-01T09:25:00.001-04:00

"The sayings of Jesus bristle with stories, and the Spirit of God is expressed in body language rather than mind language". Sum Nam-Dong.

What Story are you telling?

2010-10-01T08:52:00.001-04:00

Telling a bible based story, has both empowering and therapeutic affects upon both the teller and the audience. These stories of the bible, recited over and over, in every generation are set in the context of the story itself and the experiences of the teller with the story. The privileged opportunity to be a bible story teller is experienced by those active in ministry. Consider being a bible story teller. It truly has an empowering and healing affect.

Collapse

2010-09-28T09:15:00.001-04:00

"…when the God who is always 'before us' as Father and 'with us' as the Incarnate Christ is collapsed into the God who is 'in us', the temptations of 'spiritual pride', 'ecclesiolatry', and the idolatry of a culture, a nation, or an ideology are close at hand." Jose Miguez Bonino

We avoid collapsing into these temptations by being a 'sent one' who loves God, others and life itself, with a bible centered faith in God and relational view of God. Being Missional, or a 'sent one', a person is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that Christ the Savior, Healer, Sanctifier, and soon coming King, continues his earthly mission today.

Testing

2010-09-27T14:49:00.001-04:00

Tests are positive and limited. They are limited to what is, whereas faith deals with the what if.

Fantasy

2010-09-23T08:03:00.001-04:00

Today I have every intention of having a fantasy day filled with guilty pleasure. A day filled with little administration and lots of pondering, praying and studying.

Lord, help me live this fantasy dream.

Pentecostalism

2010-09-22T09:54:00.001-04:00

"At the root of Pentecostalism, Hollenweger finds a Catholic spirituality mediated through Wesleyanism being renewed by an African oral liturgy and expression of Christian identity involving story, vision, and prayers for bodily healing."

That was an amazing sentence, from the book, "The Globalization of Pentecostalism", a text book I am reading (with dictionary in hand) for a graduate level class.

I am often asked what distinguishes Vienna Assembly of God, from other churches. At the next VTRCC Chamber mixer, I might try repeating this sentence and see how far the conversation goes, before the person begins to 'back away slowly'.