I am a prison guard for the state of Illinois, and last week I learned that walking violent inmates backwards disorientates the inmate. You see instead of thinking about how or when to do the next violent act it forces them to focus on walking backwards not on violence. I have thought about this allot in the last week. What came to mind was Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
So many times we as Christians spend most of our Christian lives moving forward while walking backwards. We walk in an disoriented state. We focus on our failures, we focus on past sins, and most of all we spend so much time worrying about things we cannot change. Instead of reaching our full potential in Christ. We must realize that those things in the past is history and we cannot change it. What has been done cannot be undone. So as Paul said, we must leave the past in the past, and move forward toward the calling that Jesus has on our lives.
I believe that every if every Christian (most of all myself) would just realize that we cannot let the past dictate our future but allow today to determine the outcome of our future. Just as today's newspaper, it might be today's news but tomorrow's trash. Lets stop moving forward by walking backwards and start living today that we may obtain our prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. So as I walk forward I pray that I will continue to walk toward the high calling of Jesus, by Staring At Lines.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
When Words Are Not Enough
I have been going through a rough time right now, and for some reason God has placed me in a situation that has put allot of stress on me. I know that He will bring me through it, but for now I just wanted to shut down. I was so hurt by the situation that I just didn't want to talk. So that night I just held my girlfriend (Julie) and she did something she had never done before. She said nothing. It really never dawned on me at the moment but while I was reading the book of Job I saw that in Chapter 2 verses 11-13. That Job was hurting over his losses his 3 friends came and sat with him for 7 days and 7 nights and said nothing.
What I realized is that sometimes we say more in silence than we do when we talk. I think that sometimes we talk way to much and what we need when we are hurting is just an ear to hear. We want to know that our friends are here just to let us know they care. Just the fact that a friend is near by is what we need. That having security of knowing that your friends are just a phone call away. Realizing that they are hurting with us.
In fact, when Job's friends do talk. Job says that his friends are "miserable comforters!" (Job 16:2). While they are well meaning, sometimes we just don't want to hear it. Often our friends think they know all the facts, and in reality they only know what we tell them. So most times the advice they give while may be good, if they do not have all the details they cannot give the proper advice.
So, what I am finding out about life is that I still have allot to learn. Things that I didn't know before, I am learning for the 1st time. So as I continue to follow, or stare at the lines of Scriptures. Please follow me while I am Staring At Lines
What I realized is that sometimes we say more in silence than we do when we talk. I think that sometimes we talk way to much and what we need when we are hurting is just an ear to hear. We want to know that our friends are here just to let us know they care. Just the fact that a friend is near by is what we need. That having security of knowing that your friends are just a phone call away. Realizing that they are hurting with us.
In fact, when Job's friends do talk. Job says that his friends are "miserable comforters!" (Job 16:2). While they are well meaning, sometimes we just don't want to hear it. Often our friends think they know all the facts, and in reality they only know what we tell them. So most times the advice they give while may be good, if they do not have all the details they cannot give the proper advice.
So, what I am finding out about life is that I still have allot to learn. Things that I didn't know before, I am learning for the 1st time. So as I continue to follow, or stare at the lines of Scriptures. Please follow me while I am Staring At Lines
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Lesson on Trust
The other day I received a text from my oldest son Raymond (the one I spoke of, about the $20 challenge). the text said. "Do you remember all those talks we had than went something like this, Dad, I want you to trust me. Well Raymond you need to show me you are trust worthy first. Dad, how about you give me some trust and I will show you I am trust worthy? Sorry, Raymond it doesn't work this way. I just had this same conversation with Izayah (my grandson) very similar, but pertaining to a guitar."
I have often wonder what earthly good does it when you try to speak wisdom to your non listening kids? Or at what point do we start talking like our parents? It is the latter question I want to focus on. How often did we say, "I am never gonna say that to my kids". Then somehow, someway or sometime we have found the logic in what our parents were trying to teach us. It is kinda weird, but also it is kind of humbling to know I was wrong the whole time. Now I use the knowledge that I was taught and try to share the wisdom with my boys. It is kinda funny, Raymond once told me, "He thought I was the dumbest man on earth, and now I am the smartest man he knows." I am not sure that if the statement is true but this one thing I know I am defiantly my fathers son. Raymond is also his father's son as well.
You could say I am a reflection of my father and my son is a reflection of me. When it comes right down to it. Is that not what we were suppose to do in our Christian walk? Are we not suppose to reflect Jesus in our lives? While other may not get it, or understand it. Hopefully when we are faithful or trustworthy God will bless our lives and others will see it, and they just might get it. They will see and hear what we are saying loud and clear. Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5) .
As I try to show myself trustworthy to my Father, I will continue to follow Him by Staring at Lines.
I have often wonder what earthly good does it when you try to speak wisdom to your non listening kids? Or at what point do we start talking like our parents? It is the latter question I want to focus on. How often did we say, "I am never gonna say that to my kids". Then somehow, someway or sometime we have found the logic in what our parents were trying to teach us. It is kinda weird, but also it is kind of humbling to know I was wrong the whole time. Now I use the knowledge that I was taught and try to share the wisdom with my boys. It is kinda funny, Raymond once told me, "He thought I was the dumbest man on earth, and now I am the smartest man he knows." I am not sure that if the statement is true but this one thing I know I am defiantly my fathers son. Raymond is also his father's son as well.
You could say I am a reflection of my father and my son is a reflection of me. When it comes right down to it. Is that not what we were suppose to do in our Christian walk? Are we not suppose to reflect Jesus in our lives? While other may not get it, or understand it. Hopefully when we are faithful or trustworthy God will bless our lives and others will see it, and they just might get it. They will see and hear what we are saying loud and clear. Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. (Prov. 3:5) .
As I try to show myself trustworthy to my Father, I will continue to follow Him by Staring at Lines.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The $20 Challenge- I Dare You To Do It!
Have you ever had a burden that just ate at you? Something that you might not have seen before, just when you notice it just grips you? Something you felt strong about but felt powerless in doing? So powerless that you know that it can only happen with God's help? You know you have to do something but other than pray, your just not sure what to do. I always hate the thought that all you can do is pray (like prayer is a hail Mary pass, just hoping it might work), but that is not a bad thing either because God's glory is revealed.
So with that being said, I was praying one day and I got a heavy burden for my 3 sons. So I started praying for them. That God's glory be revealed, and that the love of Jesus be shown to them. I have not been the best father to them. I have made allot of mistakes as a parent. I have left a few scars on their lives. So when God brought me back to Him. I knew my message (of Jesus love) would not be as strong coming from my life right now. So yes, I was left with the hail Mary pass. The ideal of prayer being the last resort was tough pill for me to swallow.
One day my oldest son Raymond and I got into a heated conversation about God. My son wanted God's blessings 1st then he would obey and follow Him, but I kept telling him it doesn't work that way. On my way to work God spoke to me and asked me to remind Raymond that He has blessed Raymond. So as I went to work and came home I had prepared for his phone call. When he called, he had told me how God had reveled Himself to Ray. Praise God for answered prayers!
So one day I took Ray and his Girlfriend (Amanda) and my 2nd Grandson (Remington's) to lunch. I was telling them how they should come to our Easter Experience. In fact I said, you should come since you have nothing to do on Saturday night. They said they would like to come, but with the price of Gas they could not. I said if I give you $20 for gas will you come? They said, "how can we refuse". They ended up coming and Amanda made some decision for Jesus although I have never asked her yet. I do think it was real because she had that special glow and they come every Sunday they can. What was the most amazing part of this story is that she brought her Mom and little brother. They also planned on coming back again. So my $20 investment in the future lives of my son has brought more rewards, as my Son Raymond says it is amazing how far $20 will go when it comes to eternity.
So this is my $20 challenge. Find someone or ask God to put a burden on someones soul and start praying for them and ask God to do a miracle in their life. Then ask God to give you the wisdom to do something nice for them. Gas money, Dinner, just something, just get them to come to church with you and then afterwards do something nice for them. See how far it takes you. See what God does with you $20 investment. It might not be $20 it could be more it maybe less, but give God a chance to work through you and be a blessing to someones soul. You never know how much it will return. So until next time keep Staring At Lines.
So with that being said, I was praying one day and I got a heavy burden for my 3 sons. So I started praying for them. That God's glory be revealed, and that the love of Jesus be shown to them. I have not been the best father to them. I have made allot of mistakes as a parent. I have left a few scars on their lives. So when God brought me back to Him. I knew my message (of Jesus love) would not be as strong coming from my life right now. So yes, I was left with the hail Mary pass. The ideal of prayer being the last resort was tough pill for me to swallow.
One day my oldest son Raymond and I got into a heated conversation about God. My son wanted God's blessings 1st then he would obey and follow Him, but I kept telling him it doesn't work that way. On my way to work God spoke to me and asked me to remind Raymond that He has blessed Raymond. So as I went to work and came home I had prepared for his phone call. When he called, he had told me how God had reveled Himself to Ray. Praise God for answered prayers!
So one day I took Ray and his Girlfriend (Amanda) and my 2nd Grandson (Remington's) to lunch. I was telling them how they should come to our Easter Experience. In fact I said, you should come since you have nothing to do on Saturday night. They said they would like to come, but with the price of Gas they could not. I said if I give you $20 for gas will you come? They said, "how can we refuse". They ended up coming and Amanda made some decision for Jesus although I have never asked her yet. I do think it was real because she had that special glow and they come every Sunday they can. What was the most amazing part of this story is that she brought her Mom and little brother. They also planned on coming back again. So my $20 investment in the future lives of my son has brought more rewards, as my Son Raymond says it is amazing how far $20 will go when it comes to eternity.
So this is my $20 challenge. Find someone or ask God to put a burden on someones soul and start praying for them and ask God to do a miracle in their life. Then ask God to give you the wisdom to do something nice for them. Gas money, Dinner, just something, just get them to come to church with you and then afterwards do something nice for them. See how far it takes you. See what God does with you $20 investment. It might not be $20 it could be more it maybe less, but give God a chance to work through you and be a blessing to someones soul. You never know how much it will return. So until next time keep Staring At Lines.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Near Death Experience On A Run
The other day while doing my long run. I was enjoying some Hillsong United on my Ipod when I noticed a lady walking her dog. So I did what everyone does when they are running on a sidewalk and someone is walking their man eating Dog. I veered to the right and hope the lady would hold the leash tight and not let her dog attack me. Lucky for me the lady did just that and as the dog ferociously barked at me with the delight of eating me in his eyes I was able to escape the clutches of the jaws of death that would have consumed my leg or my big toe at least. What kind of dog was it you may ask. It was....... well it was a Chihuahua. Yes, I said it! But it was a man eating Chihuahua. Well he acted as a man-eater!
Now Seriously I never thought the dog would eat me, but I did admire his tenacity in trying to attack me. That dog barked, pulled his masters leash and growled as I ran by. I could not help but realize that I was a giant compared to that little dog. I weigh about 190lbs and the dog maybe a whole 5lbs. I could have stepped on the dog and done major damage to him. But that did not stop that little dog from coming at me as if he was gonna do some damage to my big toe. It was as if the dog had no thought for his safety or his masters safety. But just maybe he was sticking up or standing up for his master.
I tell this story because I want to share with you how we should all learn from this silly dog. Because far to many Christian including myself fail to stand up for God. We do not defend our faith. We do not stand our Ground. We do not stand up to the Goliath's in our lives. We do not speak in defence of the Gospel. We don't take a stand when the people we work with blaspheme our God. I am not saying to act ignorant but just like that little dog. We should be willing to defend the Living God who gave so much for us. I think we are so scared to stand up and be noticed as a child of God because we do not want anyone to hate us. But God says if we love Him people will hate us. Now how or why they hate us should be for the right reasons. If you act like a jerk in your defence then you are wrong and they should hate you. Now if you give a defence in love and not with a judgemental spirit that God be glorified then we are being hated for the right reasons. Remember God commands us to Love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind and then to Love our neighbour's as our selves. Just like that little dog we should be tenacious about our faith, we should stand our ground and most of all we should defend our God not because He cannot but because He would want us To.
So as this little dog has challenged me I want to challenge you to be strong stand up for Jesus and be counted as one of His children. I will stand and I hope you follow as we Stare At Lines.
Now Seriously I never thought the dog would eat me, but I did admire his tenacity in trying to attack me. That dog barked, pulled his masters leash and growled as I ran by. I could not help but realize that I was a giant compared to that little dog. I weigh about 190lbs and the dog maybe a whole 5lbs. I could have stepped on the dog and done major damage to him. But that did not stop that little dog from coming at me as if he was gonna do some damage to my big toe. It was as if the dog had no thought for his safety or his masters safety. But just maybe he was sticking up or standing up for his master.
I tell this story because I want to share with you how we should all learn from this silly dog. Because far to many Christian including myself fail to stand up for God. We do not defend our faith. We do not stand our Ground. We do not stand up to the Goliath's in our lives. We do not speak in defence of the Gospel. We don't take a stand when the people we work with blaspheme our God. I am not saying to act ignorant but just like that little dog. We should be willing to defend the Living God who gave so much for us. I think we are so scared to stand up and be noticed as a child of God because we do not want anyone to hate us. But God says if we love Him people will hate us. Now how or why they hate us should be for the right reasons. If you act like a jerk in your defence then you are wrong and they should hate you. Now if you give a defence in love and not with a judgemental spirit that God be glorified then we are being hated for the right reasons. Remember God commands us to Love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind and then to Love our neighbour's as our selves. Just like that little dog we should be tenacious about our faith, we should stand our ground and most of all we should defend our God not because He cannot but because He would want us To.
So as this little dog has challenged me I want to challenge you to be strong stand up for Jesus and be counted as one of His children. I will stand and I hope you follow as we Stare At Lines.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Cheer or Cry?
While at Elevate Church this past Easter Sunday. I has this thought. If I was back in Jesus time during the Crucifixion would I have Cheered with the crowd or would I have cried? I have thought allot about this over the last 24hrs. I would like to say that I would have cried. I wish I could have said, this is not right, and stood up and tried to do something. I would love to think that I would have stood up for Jesus. In my shame I think I would have to say I would probably be one of the Cheerers. I think I would have been duped into believing that this Man is Challenging our faith. This Man is trying to convince us He is God. That He is the Truth the Way and the Life. He spends more time with the street people, hookers and thieves, truly He could not be whom He says he is. He never takes the time to hang out with us religious types. I read, study, pray and tithe. Am I not good enough.
With that being said, Jesus was a trend setter. He question the status quo of Religion of the day. He saw the need to be with the down trodden (poor, sick, blind, lame and deaf) with the outcasts (street people, hookers, thieves and the homeless) He was more concerned with His Fathers business, than being popular. He then died for the sins of the world, but staying dead was not His fate. He would rise from the dead. Paying the debt that no one else could pay. While it is hard to believe, Jesus did not only die for those who were crying but for those who were cheering as well. I know it is really hard to believe that while I may have been one of those who would have been cheering, Jesus died for me.
I am so glad I do not have to deal with the thought of, did I made the right choice in cheering or crying. I know, I am His. I am a Child of God through His work on the cross (the shed blood of Jesus) and the fact that the grave could not hold Him and He forgives me. Makes me believe. He is the Son of God! He did heal the blind, deaf, lame, and the sick! He did raise the dead and Feed the 5000. I am so Glad that even though I would have been a cheerer, Jesus still forgives me. Still loves me and will still wants to use me. So even though I would have been a cheerer, because of Jesus Love for me I can now say in hind-sight of course. I AM NOW A CRIER!!!
While this is not my usual type of blog. I just think that sometimes it is good to just reflect on how and what we believe. I think we should ask ourselves how we would have acted if we were there when Jesus walked the earth. While we cannot be there physically we can through His word walk with Him. While we Stare at Lines.
With that being said, Jesus was a trend setter. He question the status quo of Religion of the day. He saw the need to be with the down trodden (poor, sick, blind, lame and deaf) with the outcasts (street people, hookers, thieves and the homeless) He was more concerned with His Fathers business, than being popular. He then died for the sins of the world, but staying dead was not His fate. He would rise from the dead. Paying the debt that no one else could pay. While it is hard to believe, Jesus did not only die for those who were crying but for those who were cheering as well. I know it is really hard to believe that while I may have been one of those who would have been cheering, Jesus died for me.
I am so glad I do not have to deal with the thought of, did I made the right choice in cheering or crying. I know, I am His. I am a Child of God through His work on the cross (the shed blood of Jesus) and the fact that the grave could not hold Him and He forgives me. Makes me believe. He is the Son of God! He did heal the blind, deaf, lame, and the sick! He did raise the dead and Feed the 5000. I am so Glad that even though I would have been a cheerer, Jesus still forgives me. Still loves me and will still wants to use me. So even though I would have been a cheerer, because of Jesus Love for me I can now say in hind-sight of course. I AM NOW A CRIER!!!
While this is not my usual type of blog. I just think that sometimes it is good to just reflect on how and what we believe. I think we should ask ourselves how we would have acted if we were there when Jesus walked the earth. While we cannot be there physically we can through His word walk with Him. While we Stare at Lines.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Oh No!!! Not the Wind Again!
Today I finally got outside on the bike. That is right the bike trainer has no hold on me. It was time for me to hit the open road and let the wind flow through my hair under a bike helmet of course. Oh, wait did I say wind? No I didn't just mentioned that bad 4 letter word? Wind! Oh man. Thats right, this is what happened today. I got out on the open road and started pedaling. Up to the top of the hill down the other side and up another hill. when I finally got to flat ground, I thought wow my winter bike plan was working because I was cruising at 28mph. That was when I realized that I didn't have a winter bike plan. I was injured all winter. Then that is when it hit me this speed I am traveling at is all wind generated. That thought might not seem like allot but when I turn around I am gonna be heading right back into the wind. The same wind pushing me at break neck speeds is gonna be pushing me to a drastically slow pace.
So while doing my SUFFERFEST bike ride the thought came to mind. That while riding, the wind at my back was pushing me and when the wind was in my face it was holding me back so to speak. It was while I was suffering that I was reminded that in my Christian life if I walk in the Spirit it seems like my life is on cruise control, while not perfect or with out issues ( I have some, OK maybe allot) ,but things just seems to flow real good. Although when I am not in the Spirit but in my Flesh walking my own way. This is when I feel like I am riding against the wind in my Christian life. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit gives power (Acts1:8) gives comfort (John14:16-26) helper (John14:26) and convicts (John16:8-11). You see God has sent His Holy Spirit to work in our lives. He is here to help, lead and move us to grow closer to Him and serve others. He gives us POWER to do the will of God. While we are living in a Spirit Filled lives we will draw closer to Him. While we serve others we draw closer to Him.
So as we allow God to flow through us with His Holy Spirit. (I John 4:13) There is nothing we cannot do for Him. My desire right now is to be like a mirror. I people to see God's Glory reflecting off of me. So when the they see me they see Jesus. I believe this can happen if I let the Holy Spirit flow through me as I continue to Stare At Lines.
So while doing my SUFFERFEST bike ride the thought came to mind. That while riding, the wind at my back was pushing me and when the wind was in my face it was holding me back so to speak. It was while I was suffering that I was reminded that in my Christian life if I walk in the Spirit it seems like my life is on cruise control, while not perfect or with out issues ( I have some, OK maybe allot) ,but things just seems to flow real good. Although when I am not in the Spirit but in my Flesh walking my own way. This is when I feel like I am riding against the wind in my Christian life. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit gives power (Acts1:8) gives comfort (John14:16-26) helper (John14:26) and convicts (John16:8-11). You see God has sent His Holy Spirit to work in our lives. He is here to help, lead and move us to grow closer to Him and serve others. He gives us POWER to do the will of God. While we are living in a Spirit Filled lives we will draw closer to Him. While we serve others we draw closer to Him.
So as we allow God to flow through us with His Holy Spirit. (I John 4:13) There is nothing we cannot do for Him. My desire right now is to be like a mirror. I people to see God's Glory reflecting off of me. So when the they see me they see Jesus. I believe this can happen if I let the Holy Spirit flow through me as I continue to Stare At Lines.
Monday, April 4, 2011
It Is Not How You Start, But How You Finish!
Today is my first day back on the training cycle again. Yet once again it seems like I am asking my self the same old question. With 2 months left before Tri-Shark, the question that I find myself asking do I compete or participate? I know that I am very competitive but the real question is, will I be ready in time? 2 months is not a lot of time to become competitive. My goal will be to start training so that I will be ready for my last race the North Carolina TTT's in October.
As For my race goals for the Tri-Shark? I always wanted to compete in this race. so I guess I will try to get ready as best as I can. I must remember, it is not the beginning of the season that I am looking forward to it is the End. The North Carolina TTT's. so I guess I may have to wait til next year to compete in Tri-shark then again I just might be ready. June 4th will be the day for me to find out if I am ready or not.
While I was swimming today. I found myself thinking about a conversation I had with My pastor. He and I was talking about how I was saved at 19yrs old, but by the time I was 28 I was off doing my own thing. I then told him how coming to Elevate Church had changed my life. Then I then told him about how I have wasted more of my life on myself than serving Him. I told him how I really felt bad about what I have done. Then my Pastor said this, "Ric you are a Triathlete and you should know this, it is not how you start but how you finish."
This is so true, not only in my Triathlon life as well as my Christian life. It is never how you start but how you finish. As we go through life we see a progression of learning and growing. I hope you will see it is not how I start but how I finish. So while I continue to Stare at Lines, lets see how I finish not how I start.
As For my race goals for the Tri-Shark? I always wanted to compete in this race. so I guess I will try to get ready as best as I can. I must remember, it is not the beginning of the season that I am looking forward to it is the End. The North Carolina TTT's. so I guess I may have to wait til next year to compete in Tri-shark then again I just might be ready. June 4th will be the day for me to find out if I am ready or not.
While I was swimming today. I found myself thinking about a conversation I had with My pastor. He and I was talking about how I was saved at 19yrs old, but by the time I was 28 I was off doing my own thing. I then told him how coming to Elevate Church had changed my life. Then I then told him about how I have wasted more of my life on myself than serving Him. I told him how I really felt bad about what I have done. Then my Pastor said this, "Ric you are a Triathlete and you should know this, it is not how you start but how you finish."
This is so true, not only in my Triathlon life as well as my Christian life. It is never how you start but how you finish. As we go through life we see a progression of learning and growing. I hope you will see it is not how I start but how I finish. So while I continue to Stare at Lines, lets see how I finish not how I start.
Monday, March 28, 2011
What Do You Love?
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing". They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. Jn. 21:3
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to Him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said unto him, "Feed My sheep." Jn. 3:17
During one of my recent morning devotions I read John 21. What was odd is I never really had a scripture grab me like this one did. I have never thought about Peter deciding to re-start his fishing business. I have always looked at is as Peter was just wanted to pass the time and do a little fishing like you and I. I really do not know why I have thought that but I did. The fact that he boarded a boat with some of the Apostles and fished with nets all night makes me now believe he was re-starting the family business. As I went through the day the phrase kept running through my head, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" The phrase, "love Me more than these?" just rang in my head all day. As I thought about, the more I came to realize it wasn't Peter, Jesus was talking to this day. It was me!!! While in the Scripture He (Jesus) was in fact talking to Peter, today Jesus was talking to me.
Before you think I am some kind of nut job, let me explain. Last week I was feeling a little down and frustrated with all my injuries and illness. I have not really been training like I was before I sprained my ankle in November. I was just starting to get my training up to speed then my chronic Bronchitis came back real hard. I am still trying to recover. So while in a self imposed pity party it was Jesus saying to me,"Ric do you love Me more than racing/training?" I am not sure why He had put these verses in my mind and heart, but I do know He spoke and I have listened. I have been evaluating what I love. I ask myself if I love this more that Jesus.
I am finding myself Loving Jesus more and other things less. I still love and long to train but it doesn't seem to be my top priority anymore. I find myself wanting to read my Bible and pray first then what time is left then I train. Training and Racing are starting to be secondary to what I am doing for Him. So I pray that you will, pray for me while I follow the true line of Faith and life. So as I Stare at Lines I hope my journey will be one that Honors and Glorifies God.
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to Him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said unto him, "Feed My sheep." Jn. 3:17
During one of my recent morning devotions I read John 21. What was odd is I never really had a scripture grab me like this one did. I have never thought about Peter deciding to re-start his fishing business. I have always looked at is as Peter was just wanted to pass the time and do a little fishing like you and I. I really do not know why I have thought that but I did. The fact that he boarded a boat with some of the Apostles and fished with nets all night makes me now believe he was re-starting the family business. As I went through the day the phrase kept running through my head, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" The phrase, "love Me more than these?" just rang in my head all day. As I thought about, the more I came to realize it wasn't Peter, Jesus was talking to this day. It was me!!! While in the Scripture He (Jesus) was in fact talking to Peter, today Jesus was talking to me.
Before you think I am some kind of nut job, let me explain. Last week I was feeling a little down and frustrated with all my injuries and illness. I have not really been training like I was before I sprained my ankle in November. I was just starting to get my training up to speed then my chronic Bronchitis came back real hard. I am still trying to recover. So while in a self imposed pity party it was Jesus saying to me,"Ric do you love Me more than racing/training?" I am not sure why He had put these verses in my mind and heart, but I do know He spoke and I have listened. I have been evaluating what I love. I ask myself if I love this more that Jesus.
I am finding myself Loving Jesus more and other things less. I still love and long to train but it doesn't seem to be my top priority anymore. I find myself wanting to read my Bible and pray first then what time is left then I train. Training and Racing are starting to be secondary to what I am doing for Him. So I pray that you will, pray for me while I follow the true line of Faith and life. So as I Stare at Lines I hope my journey will be one that Honors and Glorifies God.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spring Training in Full Swing or What?
Well this was the week I was suppose to start training full swing. I was planning to bike outside and really start picking up my training. I wanted to Get focused on June and Tri-Shark. This is a race I have missed the last 2 years. I have a very competitive spirit but coming into this year my competitive vision has not been as strong. I have been seriously considering if I am gonna compete or participate. This has been a serious struggle for me. I have always had a competitive spirit it has been in my blood since I was a little boy. But now it just seems like I have been content to just go thorough the motions. I am not sure if it is the injury to my ankle or this case of bronchitis that has me down over the weekend. What ever the case I have kind of lost my focus for training right now. While I am trying to find my way for this Triathlon season it has left me thinking of how I will face this season. Will I compete or will I just participate is the question I will be asking myself for the next few days.
I think it is funny but there are times in my life I find myself asking the same thing about my Christian walk. Not so much anymore. When I first met my girlfriend Julie we were not seeking God. But as our relationship started to grow we started to seek Him. We went to a church and we went through the motions. You know get up on Sunday's and go to church and feel good for the moment and then we lived our life until the next Sunday. I now think back to those days and wondered how I could live like that. Craig Groeschel wrote a book about that very thing called,"The Christian Atheist".
A Christian Atheist is one who believes in God, but lives as if He does not exist. So as God continues to work in my life. I now look back and wondered how I could have lived my life in that way? While I must admit that from where I came (total disobedience) to where I was just a little over year ago was an improvement, but was still Christian Atheism. Ever since God really got a hold of my heart to now I find myself growing closer and closer to Him. Just about the only thing I really know for sure is, that while I am not perfect I believe I am on the right path in my walk for Him. As long as I keep His words in my heart and my mind on Him, He will direct my path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
So while I may not know where I am going on my Triathlon journey one thing is for sure I know my bike course, and my running path and as long as I keep my sight right on the swim course of Life. He will guide me. As I Stare at Lines.
A Christian Atheist is one who believes in God, but lives as if He does not exist. So as God continues to work in my life. I now look back and wondered how I could have lived my life in that way? While I must admit that from where I came (total disobedience) to where I was just a little over year ago was an improvement, but was still Christian Atheism. Ever since God really got a hold of my heart to now I find myself growing closer and closer to Him. Just about the only thing I really know for sure is, that while I am not perfect I believe I am on the right path in my walk for Him. As long as I keep His words in my heart and my mind on Him, He will direct my path. (Prov. 3:5-6)
So while I may not know where I am going on my Triathlon journey one thing is for sure I know my bike course, and my running path and as long as I keep my sight right on the swim course of Life. He will guide me. As I Stare at Lines.
Monday, March 14, 2011
More Thoughts on Heart-Rate Running
Since the weather has been warming up and I am tired of running on the treadmill already. I thought I would start running outside. I love being outside but what I noticed is that the area I live in is quite hilly. Because of these two factors I quickly learned 2 facts about heart-rate running that I did not realize. First, I learned that my perceived running on a treadmill and my perceived running pace outside are not the same. While running at a comfortable pace outside I soon learned I was actually running faster then I had planned on running causing my heart-rate to shoot up. The other thing I learned is that when running up hills my heart-rate shot up but running down hill my heart-rate slowed down. These 3 elements, (perceived running pace, up hill and down hill) have caused me to look at thing a little different. When I run at a pace that averages what I run in zone 2 I find out that I can run farther at a slower pace then when I go all out. When I go all out I seem to get tired and I cannot hold the pace as long. What I must remember about running up hill is that I am going eventually go down hill and my heart-rate will slow down.
What I think is ironic is this is how my Christian life goes as well. If I go at my own pace and not at God's pace it seems like whatever it is I am doing dies out real fast. But if I go at God's pace and in God's time I seem to be able to just about do anything as long as He needs me to do it. I also have noticed that when I am going up hill in my walk with Him. It seems like the top of the hill is not in sight, but that is when I need Him the most to get me to the top. Then when my life is going down hill I find myself coasting and reminding myself to enjoy this because I have earned it and now know the lesson I have learned from the climb.
So I guess what I am learning is that while I am training I must stay focused on my proper heart-rate zones and I will eventually get faster in due time and the Hills will make me stronger. Also in my Christian walk I must always keep my eyes fixed on Him and go at life in His pace not mine. Maybe my line in my walk is not my will Lord but Yours be done. Additionally, I really need to appreciate the mountains in my life for when they are done I seem to enjoy the climb more than the decent. This line might be called, "count it all Joy when you fall into diverse trials". So until next time follow me as I keep Staring at Lines.
What I think is ironic is this is how my Christian life goes as well. If I go at my own pace and not at God's pace it seems like whatever it is I am doing dies out real fast. But if I go at God's pace and in God's time I seem to be able to just about do anything as long as He needs me to do it. I also have noticed that when I am going up hill in my walk with Him. It seems like the top of the hill is not in sight, but that is when I need Him the most to get me to the top. Then when my life is going down hill I find myself coasting and reminding myself to enjoy this because I have earned it and now know the lesson I have learned from the climb.
So I guess what I am learning is that while I am training I must stay focused on my proper heart-rate zones and I will eventually get faster in due time and the Hills will make me stronger. Also in my Christian walk I must always keep my eyes fixed on Him and go at life in His pace not mine. Maybe my line in my walk is not my will Lord but Yours be done. Additionally, I really need to appreciate the mountains in my life for when they are done I seem to enjoy the climb more than the decent. This line might be called, "count it all Joy when you fall into diverse trials". So until next time follow me as I keep Staring at Lines.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Not The Guy I Once Was
The other day I was looking at pictures and I ran across a photo of me on my bike. What makes the photo so unusual was that I was wearing glasses. In April of last year I had Lasik surgery. I wore glasses for over 30 year. Even though I have only been glasses less for only a short time 10 months now when I see a picture of myself, I find myself saying, "oh yeah I once wore glasses".
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| Me in April of 2010 |
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| Me in Sept 2010 |
In January of last year (2010) I started attending Elevate Church. While attending there God started speaking to me over the last 15 months God has really been working on me. Jesus has given my soul a Lasik surgery only he can give. When I look back at my life over the last year. I see a totally different man then I was a year ago. What is truly amazing is how it has spilled over in my personal life as well. I am finding myself becoming a leader in my family, in my Church and in my work. I strive to be the best person I can be to honor God. I am finding that while I am not perfect, He is still working on me. So while I continue to Stare at Lines (God's perfect Word). I hope that next year I will look back and say, "while I am not perfect I am a different person today then I was a year ago."
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sticking to What I Know
I have a friend from work who want to try and do a Triathlon. I have helped a few people in the past reach their goal of completing a triathlon. So it was nothing for me to tell her I would help her. So today she met me at the gym I train at and I just had her follow me and train along with me. On Monday's I do a strength training and did my normal routine of, Dips,Pull ups, Chin ups, Squats, Lunges and Bench press. Then we moved to the Treadmill (or the dreadmill, same thing) I noticed that she was running flat footed which I had never seen before. So I pulled her off the treadmill and went to the indoor track where we worked on proper running form. I taught her how to run on the balls of her feet instead of flat footed. Then back to the dreadmill for a 30 minute run (she is in the National Guard and is in good shape already) After the run she said that was the best run she ever did and it felt so natural. Not sure if it was because of my great coaching abilities or if she was so used to running bad that the good form felt better? Anyway after the run I met her at the pool. Before we started to swim she said she had a hard time keeping her head underwater. So I knew the first thing I had to do was to teach her how to breathe. I told her that swim breathing is backwards. You breathe out you nose (underwater) and in your mouth (preferably out of the water). So I had her practice this while I did my drills. She said, I finally get it now. I said good and then I gave her a pull drill and a kick drill. After it was all said and done she thanked me for all my help. She also said I really helped her allot. As I walked away I thought I really didn't do anything. She did all the work I just told her what I know.
You know our God is like that. He tells us what He knows. He tells us how to live. How to talk. How to treat each other. He has instructions for everything we do in life. God gave us the Word of God. The Holy Bible is life's, "How to Manual on Life". I think it is funny how we as Christians spend so much money on how to books for our lives. I am not saying that these books are wrong, I buy these books as well.(allot of these books are based on Scripture as well) I just wonder if we as God's children would seek God's advice by just reading His Word and Praying. (praying = talking to God, Reading the Word is God talking to us) I think if we spent more time doing this we could get the same advice that the authors of the books we buy get with the added bonus of spending time with our Great Saviour.
So until next time I will continue to seek Him and His will for my life as I Stare at Lines. (the Word of God. The only line, path and direction I need.)
You know our God is like that. He tells us what He knows. He tells us how to live. How to talk. How to treat each other. He has instructions for everything we do in life. God gave us the Word of God. The Holy Bible is life's, "How to Manual on Life". I think it is funny how we as Christians spend so much money on how to books for our lives. I am not saying that these books are wrong, I buy these books as well.(allot of these books are based on Scripture as well) I just wonder if we as God's children would seek God's advice by just reading His Word and Praying. (praying = talking to God, Reading the Word is God talking to us) I think if we spent more time doing this we could get the same advice that the authors of the books we buy get with the added bonus of spending time with our Great Saviour.
So until next time I will continue to seek Him and His will for my life as I Stare at Lines. (the Word of God. The only line, path and direction I need.)
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Time of Reuniting
With Tri-Season just around the corner one of the things I love the most next to racing is meeting people. I love going to races and meeting new people and then reuniting with people I have met in the past. I love talking to the new people and learn about what they are doing, whether it is how many races they have done or if it is their first race. The I also love meeting the people I have met at previous races and we get to talk to about what we are doing now and what races we have done. It is kind of weird but we get to bond over something that we have in common.
Every Sunday I look forward to going to Elevate Church. It is a place where I get to hang out and worship God with some of the most incredible people I know. I get to catch up with people I like hanging out with. It is so awesome to just hang out with God's people and praise God for what he has done in our life, and yes maybe pray for those who are hurting or in need of God's help. Elevate for me is a place that I always look forward to going to every Sunday and when I am not there I feel like I am missing out on something. Once again it is a place where I get to bond with people over something we have in common.
One day though I when I pass from this earth or Jesus comes and gets me. Either way I am gonna be going to heaven. When I get there I know that I will see Jesus for the first time. I will get to walk on the streets of Gold and I will be in the presence of God. I will also get to meet all the people I have met in the past. All the people I have led to Jesus, all the Sunday school kids and Jr. church kids I have taught Jesus to. We will talk about the victories and the defeats. We will discuss our failures and our successes as well. Then we will stand in eternity and Praise the Living God who gave us all the blessings that we have received and will receive.Yes, we will have a time of bonding over the One who Gave us Life.
I look forward to the day when all this takes place and know this. I will continue to Stare at Lines til this time comes.
Every Sunday I look forward to going to Elevate Church. It is a place where I get to hang out and worship God with some of the most incredible people I know. I get to catch up with people I like hanging out with. It is so awesome to just hang out with God's people and praise God for what he has done in our life, and yes maybe pray for those who are hurting or in need of God's help. Elevate for me is a place that I always look forward to going to every Sunday and when I am not there I feel like I am missing out on something. Once again it is a place where I get to bond with people over something we have in common.
One day though I when I pass from this earth or Jesus comes and gets me. Either way I am gonna be going to heaven. When I get there I know that I will see Jesus for the first time. I will get to walk on the streets of Gold and I will be in the presence of God. I will also get to meet all the people I have met in the past. All the people I have led to Jesus, all the Sunday school kids and Jr. church kids I have taught Jesus to. We will talk about the victories and the defeats. We will discuss our failures and our successes as well. Then we will stand in eternity and Praise the Living God who gave us all the blessings that we have received and will receive.Yes, we will have a time of bonding over the One who Gave us Life.
I look forward to the day when all this takes place and know this. I will continue to Stare at Lines til this time comes.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Needing Some Inspiration.
Today I started my triathlon training for the 2011 season. So while I am writing this I am watching the 2010 Ford Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii. For those of you who don't know me this is my goal. My journey and maybe my vision quest. This is probably the one thing I humanly want more than anything else. Although I will always want to walk in the will of God .I have both 2009 and 2010 the 70.3 and the Ironman World Championships. I have kept them on my DVR just for these moments. I watch them to get myself motivated, and they help inspire me with the behind the scenes stories. I love being pumped up it helps me get my training focused. I have some goals for this year and I am ready to move it up a notch. This year my race schedule may be smaller but my races are bigger. I will do 1 Sprint, 1 Olympic, 1 70.3 and finally the TTT in North Carolina. I have some goals, and some desired finishes but most of all I just want to Honor God with my life. Racing has become secondary to winning. This is a new area of my life. I have ever been this way in my life about anything. To me winning was everything, but now I want to race to Honor God with my life instead.
The last year of my life I feel like I have grown-up a little. You see Triathlon was my life. It was what defined me. Now being a Christian is what I desire to define me, and being a triathlete is now my hobby. I have seen my life change so much in the last year. I would have never thought I would be where I am today. I defiantly didn't see writing this blog. I didn't think serving God would be my priority. God has blessed my life more than I defiantly deserve. I know God is not finished with me yet but I have some dreams and goals of things I desire to do for God. While I am not sure of my direction and destination but I do know one thing. If I stay faithful and trust in God with all my heart and soul He will direct my path.( Prov. 3:5) As Long as I continue to Stare At Lines He will direct my path.
The last year of my life I feel like I have grown-up a little. You see Triathlon was my life. It was what defined me. Now being a Christian is what I desire to define me, and being a triathlete is now my hobby. I have seen my life change so much in the last year. I would have never thought I would be where I am today. I defiantly didn't see writing this blog. I didn't think serving God would be my priority. God has blessed my life more than I defiantly deserve. I know God is not finished with me yet but I have some dreams and goals of things I desire to do for God. While I am not sure of my direction and destination but I do know one thing. If I stay faithful and trust in God with all my heart and soul He will direct my path.( Prov. 3:5) As Long as I continue to Stare At Lines He will direct my path.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Restoration
Psalms 51:11-12 Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. (12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. (KJV)
A little over a year ago I was just going through the motions as a Christian. You see a long time ago I was called by God to preach His word. To serve Him full time in the ministry, and as I said last week I just quit one day. Well actually it didn't happen in just one day. It happened over a period of time. You see I let somethings get in my way and that allowed me get distracted. Then when I was least prepared to defend myself, and when temptations came it was to late I was far from God.
So for the next 20 years I wandered in the wilderness of life like the children of Israel. I now find myself looking back at my life and seeing the same mistakes in my life. That the children of Israel made in theirs. I also see how David a man after God's own heart made several mistakes and yet here in Psalms 51 David seek restoration with God. While I did not seek restoration for the 20 years I've wasted, nor was God in my thoughts during this period of my life. Within this last year while I did seek God. for some strange reason I did not seek restoration. Although I did ask God to forgive me for my transgressions and I now seek God's will for my life. My quest was not for restoration, but God is slowly restoring me to my original calling. On February 13th I will be speaking in a Church. for the first time in over 22 years.
I am not saying I will be fully restored to the full time ministry. Although I have not ruled this out, and I have given my life back to Christ to be a willing to servant of God and do His will. I will seek to serve him whether it is doing the work I do at Elevate Church or speaking a message in a Church. or some type of Christain setting. I am seeking restoration of my soul 1st and my calling 2nd. So as for now my Journey is to follow Christ and His perfect will for me by Staring at Lines.
A little over a year ago I was just going through the motions as a Christian. You see a long time ago I was called by God to preach His word. To serve Him full time in the ministry, and as I said last week I just quit one day. Well actually it didn't happen in just one day. It happened over a period of time. You see I let somethings get in my way and that allowed me get distracted. Then when I was least prepared to defend myself, and when temptations came it was to late I was far from God.
So for the next 20 years I wandered in the wilderness of life like the children of Israel. I now find myself looking back at my life and seeing the same mistakes in my life. That the children of Israel made in theirs. I also see how David a man after God's own heart made several mistakes and yet here in Psalms 51 David seek restoration with God. While I did not seek restoration for the 20 years I've wasted, nor was God in my thoughts during this period of my life. Within this last year while I did seek God. for some strange reason I did not seek restoration. Although I did ask God to forgive me for my transgressions and I now seek God's will for my life. My quest was not for restoration, but God is slowly restoring me to my original calling. On February 13th I will be speaking in a Church. for the first time in over 22 years.
I am not saying I will be fully restored to the full time ministry. Although I have not ruled this out, and I have given my life back to Christ to be a willing to servant of God and do His will. I will seek to serve him whether it is doing the work I do at Elevate Church or speaking a message in a Church. or some type of Christain setting. I am seeking restoration of my soul 1st and my calling 2nd. So as for now my Journey is to follow Christ and His perfect will for me by Staring at Lines.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Re - Dedication
On January 6th of this year I started a journey. I did not know where I was going or how I was gonna get there. I just knew I had to go. I didn't do it because my Church was doing it. I didn't even do it because my Girlfriend (Julie) was doing it. I did it because I felt led to take this journey. It was very helpful and it did make things easier. Being encouraged by Julie and my Christian brothers and sisters made the way allot more bearable as well. Knowing we were all taking a Journey of faith alone but walking with others made all the difference in the world.
As my ankle began to heal it became time to start getting ready to start training. Yep, that is right Tri-Season is just around the corner. I have to admit I cannot wait to get out and start running, biking and swimming. I have already started to doing some base work. I have been doing some swimming and cycling on my trainer at home. I have even been doing some short runs trying to get ready to start my Tri - season training plan. I have done the research and I now have a plan. Now I just have to re-dedicate myself to training. To making the time to do all the work, and to start focusing on what it takes for me to compete at a level that I desire to compete at. I for some reason love the battle of competition. I love the victory and despise ( OK, maybe hate is a better word), but in the end it is in defeat that I learn and find my biggest form of motivation. So on February 7th I will start my Triathlon training.
Just like in my Tri life my spiritual life I need times where I can regroup and get focused. That is what the Journey was all about. On January 6th I along with my Church (Elevate Church, in Morton, IL) we began a Daniel fast. Without allot of details it basically is a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables and drink only water. No sugars, no caffeine, no artificial additives. Let me tell you I did allot of google searching and to find recipes to be creative and have a variety of foods. I thought this would be easy. I was so wrong. I had to do allot of praying and trusting God to carry me on.
This Journey was not for waste. I learned allot about myself and what I could do on very little. The most amazing thing about this Journey was that God lead me to re-dedicate myself. You see at one time God had called me to preach His Word. I was on my way and then one day I just left. I just packed up and went my own way. I decided that God was not important. As I journeyed through my life without God, I made several mistakes. I got involved with the wrong people and wrong things, but God delivered me out of that wrong path. When He brought me to Elevate Church a little over a year ago. Over the past year God has lead me to do some amazing things and meet some amazing people along the way.
So while on this fast God spoke to me again. I am not going to tell you it was an audible voice, but it was a leading kind of like the time He asked me to volunteer to do sound. I just knew what He was leading me to do. I would love to explain it but I cannot. When I know, I just know. So when I was running sound at a Praise Service, I just knew what I had to do. I wish I could say this was my ideal, but it was not. I had read this on another Blog and when I read it. I knew it was what I was suppose to do. What I did was I signed a contract with God. I made a contract with God to do whatever it is that He wants me to do, when He wants me to do it. I put them in points of commitments and used Scriptures to back up each point. I then initialed it and then I signed it on the bottom and had a Pastor Friend and her husband whom I respect very much sign it as witnesses.
I have really learned allot from my Journey. God taught me even more. I finally know what God wants from me. Just like with Abraham when he took his son Issac to the mountain top to sacrifice. God wanted to know that Abraham loved Him more than anything. When God saw that Abraham loved God enough to offer his son as a sacrifice. Then God provided a lamb to take Issac's place.(Gen. 22) That is what God wants from us. To love Him with our whole heart, with all our soul, and with all our might. (Duet. 6:5). So in making my contract or what the Bible calls a covenant with God it was my way of saying. I am done! Done with running! Done doing things my way! My ways were not working for me and I needed Gods help in my life. I now know that I am going in the right direction and that He will lead my path as I Stare at Lines. (Prov. 3:5&6)
As my ankle began to heal it became time to start getting ready to start training. Yep, that is right Tri-Season is just around the corner. I have to admit I cannot wait to get out and start running, biking and swimming. I have already started to doing some base work. I have been doing some swimming and cycling on my trainer at home. I have even been doing some short runs trying to get ready to start my Tri - season training plan. I have done the research and I now have a plan. Now I just have to re-dedicate myself to training. To making the time to do all the work, and to start focusing on what it takes for me to compete at a level that I desire to compete at. I for some reason love the battle of competition. I love the victory and despise ( OK, maybe hate is a better word), but in the end it is in defeat that I learn and find my biggest form of motivation. So on February 7th I will start my Triathlon training.
Just like in my Tri life my spiritual life I need times where I can regroup and get focused. That is what the Journey was all about. On January 6th I along with my Church (Elevate Church, in Morton, IL) we began a Daniel fast. Without allot of details it basically is a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables and drink only water. No sugars, no caffeine, no artificial additives. Let me tell you I did allot of google searching and to find recipes to be creative and have a variety of foods. I thought this would be easy. I was so wrong. I had to do allot of praying and trusting God to carry me on.
This Journey was not for waste. I learned allot about myself and what I could do on very little. The most amazing thing about this Journey was that God lead me to re-dedicate myself. You see at one time God had called me to preach His Word. I was on my way and then one day I just left. I just packed up and went my own way. I decided that God was not important. As I journeyed through my life without God, I made several mistakes. I got involved with the wrong people and wrong things, but God delivered me out of that wrong path. When He brought me to Elevate Church a little over a year ago. Over the past year God has lead me to do some amazing things and meet some amazing people along the way.
So while on this fast God spoke to me again. I am not going to tell you it was an audible voice, but it was a leading kind of like the time He asked me to volunteer to do sound. I just knew what He was leading me to do. I would love to explain it but I cannot. When I know, I just know. So when I was running sound at a Praise Service, I just knew what I had to do. I wish I could say this was my ideal, but it was not. I had read this on another Blog and when I read it. I knew it was what I was suppose to do. What I did was I signed a contract with God. I made a contract with God to do whatever it is that He wants me to do, when He wants me to do it. I put them in points of commitments and used Scriptures to back up each point. I then initialed it and then I signed it on the bottom and had a Pastor Friend and her husband whom I respect very much sign it as witnesses.
I have really learned allot from my Journey. God taught me even more. I finally know what God wants from me. Just like with Abraham when he took his son Issac to the mountain top to sacrifice. God wanted to know that Abraham loved Him more than anything. When God saw that Abraham loved God enough to offer his son as a sacrifice. Then God provided a lamb to take Issac's place.(Gen. 22) That is what God wants from us. To love Him with our whole heart, with all our soul, and with all our might. (Duet. 6:5). So in making my contract or what the Bible calls a covenant with God it was my way of saying. I am done! Done with running! Done doing things my way! My ways were not working for me and I needed Gods help in my life. I now know that I am going in the right direction and that He will lead my path as I Stare at Lines. (Prov. 3:5&6)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Heart Rate Running
Before I rolled my ankle. I was following a running program called Heart-Rate Running. This is also known as Zone 2 training. Based on the Zoladaz system with a max heart rate of 180 my heart rate at zone 2 is 135-145bpm (beats per minute). Here is the link to find out your heart rate zones http://www.best-running-tips.com/heart-rate-monitor-training-zoladz-calculator.html . Zone 2 give your body a better chance to heal and recover (at my age I need all the help I can get). It also allows you to build your Heart muscle and allow it to operate more efficiently. So as you train you will be able to run faster longer. Which if your planning on doing a run longer than a 10k then this plan just might be what your looking for in a running training plan.
As I am preparing to return to running I was thinking about my Zone 2 running plan. It made me wonder what is my Spiritual Heart rate. If my heart-rate is to high I might just burn out. If my heart-rate is to low I just might not be doing enough. I would love for my Heart-rate to be in zone 2. Then I know I will be in it for the long haul. You see allot of times we either fall into one of these 2 categories. To much to fast for so long and we fade away. We get tired and then we get board and then we just want to take a break, but the break becomes a vacation to a permanent vacation. While on the other side we go so slow and we do just enough that we boarder on being a Christian Atheist. I've talked about this before. A Christian Atheist is someone who know and believes there is a God but lives as if he does not exist. I want my Christian walk to be a gentle run and as I progress. My heart-rate would decrease so I could run faster to make my heart-rate climb, so I can do this all over again. The Christian walk is a marathon not a sprint. So we should live out lives like we are training for a marathon.
So let me be reminded of what Paul said in Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. (7) and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus. So as I continue in my journey in life. I must always protect and build my heart for God. By Staring at Lines.
As I am preparing to return to running I was thinking about my Zone 2 running plan. It made me wonder what is my Spiritual Heart rate. If my heart-rate is to high I might just burn out. If my heart-rate is to low I just might not be doing enough. I would love for my Heart-rate to be in zone 2. Then I know I will be in it for the long haul. You see allot of times we either fall into one of these 2 categories. To much to fast for so long and we fade away. We get tired and then we get board and then we just want to take a break, but the break becomes a vacation to a permanent vacation. While on the other side we go so slow and we do just enough that we boarder on being a Christian Atheist. I've talked about this before. A Christian Atheist is someone who know and believes there is a God but lives as if he does not exist. I want my Christian walk to be a gentle run and as I progress. My heart-rate would decrease so I could run faster to make my heart-rate climb, so I can do this all over again. The Christian walk is a marathon not a sprint. So we should live out lives like we are training for a marathon.
So let me be reminded of what Paul said in Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. (7) and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus. So as I continue in my journey in life. I must always protect and build my heart for God. By Staring at Lines.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Learning to Swim
2 years ago when I started this crazy life as a Triathlete I thought it would be nice to reacquaint my self with the pool. I used to swim when I was a kid and well thought I would just jump right back into it. So armed with goggles I started to a local pool. The pool was populated with Senior women. As I made a feeble attempt to swim some laps, I found out real quickly that I was not doing allot of things right. At the end of my session an old lady asked me what I was doing. I told her that I was there to train for a triathlon, and she then replied, "you don't get much swimming done, do you?" To which I was shocked, and then she said,"your never gonna make it." As she walked away I thought to myself, I just got dissed by an old lady. As I was leaving the pool, I ran into the old but wise lady again. I thought oh no here comes round 2. She looked at me and said, "just remember your basic swimming lessons, breathe in with your mouth and out your nose." and then she walked away. She was right my 1st pool session was a total disaster
As I thought about this encounter all the way home. After I got home I started thinking about what she said about swimming lessons. I then started to do some research on freestyle swimming. I watched UTUBE videos and searched out lesson plans on beginnertriathlete.com. I started to do the plans and practice what I watched on the videos. I ran into that same mature woman again. After I completed my workout. She walked up to me and said, " I see someone learned how to swim". That I did. I, I did the research, I did the work and I found success in completing what I started to do. That was 2 years ago. I now can swim a mile in just a little over 30 min. Last time I tried I did it in 32 min. I have completed 10 triathlons.What I am trying to say is, I did not let someone stop me from achieving my goals.
I have thought about this very situation this week. We as Christians have struggles and problems but how many times do we go the Scriptures and seek God's advice to what we are going through. I wonder how many times I tried to solve my problems without God's help? How many times I tried to just fake it til the next day. Or just try to find a way to forget the problem just exists. I sometimes forget that the Bible has many purpose's. God word convicts us Neh.8:9, God's word corrects Ps.17:4 & 1Jn. 1:9, God's word confirms Jn. 8:31, and God's word equips Prov. 22:2. With so many purposes you would think that I realize that it is the best hand book on Life. God gave us His word, and His Spirit. How can I fail? These are the truths that I need to lean on. So as I continue this journey of life. Please follow me as I Stare at Lines!
As I thought about this encounter all the way home. After I got home I started thinking about what she said about swimming lessons. I then started to do some research on freestyle swimming. I watched UTUBE videos and searched out lesson plans on beginnertriathlete.com. I started to do the plans and practice what I watched on the videos. I ran into that same mature woman again. After I completed my workout. She walked up to me and said, " I see someone learned how to swim". That I did. I, I did the research, I did the work and I found success in completing what I started to do. That was 2 years ago. I now can swim a mile in just a little over 30 min. Last time I tried I did it in 32 min. I have completed 10 triathlons.What I am trying to say is, I did not let someone stop me from achieving my goals.
I have thought about this very situation this week. We as Christians have struggles and problems but how many times do we go the Scriptures and seek God's advice to what we are going through. I wonder how many times I tried to solve my problems without God's help? How many times I tried to just fake it til the next day. Or just try to find a way to forget the problem just exists. I sometimes forget that the Bible has many purpose's. God word convicts us Neh.8:9, God's word corrects Ps.17:4 & 1Jn. 1:9, God's word confirms Jn. 8:31, and God's word equips Prov. 22:2. With so many purposes you would think that I realize that it is the best hand book on Life. God gave us His word, and His Spirit. How can I fail? These are the truths that I need to lean on. So as I continue this journey of life. Please follow me as I Stare at Lines!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pre- Season Preparations.
As my physical therapy progresses very well it is time to think about Training and Racing. I am very excited about the prospects of another great season. I look forward to the battle of competition as well as glorifying my Saviour as well. I look forward to a great year as a triathlete and as a Christian. What a year 2010 was and I will be hard to top last year. The awesome Journey I took last year was beyond belief. My Tri- season and my spiritual walk was Amazing to say the least. God has truly blessed me. With that being said I have thought allot about preparation.
While it may be true I have sat down a little and considered what I should do as far as training. I have considered how I want to train for the North Carolina Triple T. I have considered how I will train for Tri-Shark, but my focus right now is not fully on Triathlon Training. Don't get me wrong I am excited to be training full tilt in just a few weeks. I cannot wait to be running, cycling and swimming with the heart of a Champion (in my mind) once again. Although now it will be for the Glory of God. In how I race and how I carry myself in front of my teammates T3 and my fellow competitors as well. I am just a little more focused on my walk with Christ.
Our Church is going through a series based on the book Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I love this book and it has changed the way I look and actually pray. It is based on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua in the Bible. It focuses on the story of how Joshua asked God to make the Sun Stand Still for an entire day + another day. So that the Children of Israel could defeat the Amorites. (Joshua 10) Now while it may be true that Joshua had audacious Faith to ask God to stop the sun, what I think we miss is how he got to the point to have this audacious faith. You See Joshua was in Egypt when Moses took the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He was with Moses when he parted the Red Sea, ate the manna from heaven, drank water from a rock. What am I saying is that God prepared him for the task at hand. He became 2nd in command to Moses and led the children of Israel into the promise land. He learned from Moses. He saw the miracles and the curses. He saw the victories and the losses. But most of all he sat outside of the promise land for 40 years waiting for the time to lead the Children of Israel into the promise land. I think I can safely say that Joshua was fully trained for the task at hand. He knew he could come to God and take God at his word and claim boldly the Promise of God. God had prepared Joshua for the task he had for him.
Jesus also did this with His Apostles in Matthew chapter 10. Before Jesus sent them out to Preach the Kingdom of God is at hand. Even before He sent them out to heal the sick and cast out demons. Jesus sat them down and gave them some instructions. (Mk. 6:8-13, Lk.9:1-11) He gave them the purpose of what they were to do. How they were to do it. With what resources to do it with. What to do with those who rejected them and how to respond to those who despise and seek to harm them. Finally He told them the reward for such service. Once again if God has a task for you He will make sure you are prepared to do it. Even if you don't think you are. If He leads, you are ready to do it.
While I enter this new phase of my life. I find myself saying, "God I know your hand is on me, and I see your blessings. I just want to know what You have for me and why are You leading me the way You are? I want to know my task and what it is that I am suppose to do for you? What is my Sun Stand Still moment? When will I be ready?" I guess like me you will have to wait and see what the answers to all of my questions and hopefully more on my up coming triathlon season. While we prepare for our triathlon seasons and our faith walk lets remember to do it while we Stare At Lines.
While it may be true I have sat down a little and considered what I should do as far as training. I have considered how I want to train for the North Carolina Triple T. I have considered how I will train for Tri-Shark, but my focus right now is not fully on Triathlon Training. Don't get me wrong I am excited to be training full tilt in just a few weeks. I cannot wait to be running, cycling and swimming with the heart of a Champion (in my mind) once again. Although now it will be for the Glory of God. In how I race and how I carry myself in front of my teammates T3 and my fellow competitors as well. I am just a little more focused on my walk with Christ.
Our Church is going through a series based on the book Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I love this book and it has changed the way I look and actually pray. It is based on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua in the Bible. It focuses on the story of how Joshua asked God to make the Sun Stand Still for an entire day + another day. So that the Children of Israel could defeat the Amorites. (Joshua 10) Now while it may be true that Joshua had audacious Faith to ask God to stop the sun, what I think we miss is how he got to the point to have this audacious faith. You See Joshua was in Egypt when Moses took the Children of Israel out of Egypt. He was with Moses when he parted the Red Sea, ate the manna from heaven, drank water from a rock. What am I saying is that God prepared him for the task at hand. He became 2nd in command to Moses and led the children of Israel into the promise land. He learned from Moses. He saw the miracles and the curses. He saw the victories and the losses. But most of all he sat outside of the promise land for 40 years waiting for the time to lead the Children of Israel into the promise land. I think I can safely say that Joshua was fully trained for the task at hand. He knew he could come to God and take God at his word and claim boldly the Promise of God. God had prepared Joshua for the task he had for him.
Jesus also did this with His Apostles in Matthew chapter 10. Before Jesus sent them out to Preach the Kingdom of God is at hand. Even before He sent them out to heal the sick and cast out demons. Jesus sat them down and gave them some instructions. (Mk. 6:8-13, Lk.9:1-11) He gave them the purpose of what they were to do. How they were to do it. With what resources to do it with. What to do with those who rejected them and how to respond to those who despise and seek to harm them. Finally He told them the reward for such service. Once again if God has a task for you He will make sure you are prepared to do it. Even if you don't think you are. If He leads, you are ready to do it.
While I enter this new phase of my life. I find myself saying, "God I know your hand is on me, and I see your blessings. I just want to know what You have for me and why are You leading me the way You are? I want to know my task and what it is that I am suppose to do for you? What is my Sun Stand Still moment? When will I be ready?" I guess like me you will have to wait and see what the answers to all of my questions and hopefully more on my up coming triathlon season. While we prepare for our triathlon seasons and our faith walk lets remember to do it while we Stare At Lines.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Year Evaluations.
As I start 2011 it is time for me to start getting ready for another Triathlon season. So I will announce that the WyldTri season will end with a Team Effort race called the North Carolina Triple T. Now for the rest of my season I am not sure what is next. Due to my ankle injury I am not sure how close I should plan. I know I would like to defend 2 Age-Group wins I had last year Petersburg,IL (April) and Canton,IL (August). Also I would love to do TriShark, Hudson,IL. as this is another race that has eluded me as well. I would also like to do a Race in Quincy,IL called Tri for Jesus. (I just like the name of the race). I also want to do a 1/2 Ironman or 1/2 Marathon as well.
So with that in mind I have broken out my calculator and evaluated my (2010) season in my age-group event by event. I took each race and found my percentage of finish in each event for my age-group. then gave it a value. Then I took all of my race events added the value then divided them by the number of events I did which was 6 this year. Then compared all my averages to see which events need the most work. This year I was pretty even across the board. except for my transitions were just a tad low. So I will continue to work on my run again this year as I did last year. I really noticed when I worked on my run my cycling times came down as well. So I now have a plan and a goal now all I have to do is find my races.
As I was doing this I began thinking about my walk with God. I wondered if I had to give values on some of the different aspects of the Christian life how would I measure up? What would I need to work on? What is it that I am lacking in my walk with Jesus? Although I will never measure up to God's standards which is why Jesus died for my sins. I think we can safely say that there are things we can and should do for the Glory of God. I know all the basics I need to pray more, read more, and tell others about Jesus more, but is there more to this Christian Journey thing that I am not seeing? Is there something that he wants me to do? Or is there something I am doing and I just don't know it yet? I guess what I am trying to say is, Yes, I need to pray, read and do more for Him. I just think what I really need to work on is seeking Him. Like the wise men who sought to find "Jesus King of the Jew" I really need and want to seek Him. I want to find His perfect will for my life. I want to know what he wants me to do and not just think I know.
So as I seek to find my stride in my triathlon life. I also have a larger purpose in life to know what God has for me. I am excited an scared all at the same time. I know that what ever it is, it will be life changing. So if you at least a bit curious then continue to follow me as I Stare at Lines.
So with that in mind I have broken out my calculator and evaluated my (2010) season in my age-group event by event. I took each race and found my percentage of finish in each event for my age-group. then gave it a value. Then I took all of my race events added the value then divided them by the number of events I did which was 6 this year. Then compared all my averages to see which events need the most work. This year I was pretty even across the board. except for my transitions were just a tad low. So I will continue to work on my run again this year as I did last year. I really noticed when I worked on my run my cycling times came down as well. So I now have a plan and a goal now all I have to do is find my races.
As I was doing this I began thinking about my walk with God. I wondered if I had to give values on some of the different aspects of the Christian life how would I measure up? What would I need to work on? What is it that I am lacking in my walk with Jesus? Although I will never measure up to God's standards which is why Jesus died for my sins. I think we can safely say that there are things we can and should do for the Glory of God. I know all the basics I need to pray more, read more, and tell others about Jesus more, but is there more to this Christian Journey thing that I am not seeing? Is there something that he wants me to do? Or is there something I am doing and I just don't know it yet? I guess what I am trying to say is, Yes, I need to pray, read and do more for Him. I just think what I really need to work on is seeking Him. Like the wise men who sought to find "Jesus King of the Jew" I really need and want to seek Him. I want to find His perfect will for my life. I want to know what he wants me to do and not just think I know.
So as I seek to find my stride in my triathlon life. I also have a larger purpose in life to know what God has for me. I am excited an scared all at the same time. I know that what ever it is, it will be life changing. So if you at least a bit curious then continue to follow me as I Stare at Lines.
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