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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Year end reviews
Wow, What a year I have had. I had no ideal when I started 2010 it would end like this. I thought I was gonna do really good and had planned for successes in my life as an age-grouper triathlete. It was a great year. With 6 races I had (2) top 10's (1) top 15 (2) top 20 all overall, (2) 1st place age-group, (1) 2nd place a/g, (1) 3rd place a/g and (2)5th place a/g finishes and qualifying for the USAT Age-Group Nationals. But that was not the only thing that had happened to me. In January I attended Elevate Church for the 1st time. I never thought that going there would change my life. It was here that made me desire to want to seek God and want to serve Him. Most of all I never thought I would be writing a blog of my journey as a Christian Triathlete.
So as I look back on my year as a Triathlete there are things I enjoyed and things I want to change. I have found a new enjoyment in running even if I am injured and not running right now. I have a huge hunger to get back out and start running. I really want to work on my 1/2 marathon running. I would love to do that elusive 1/2 Ironman. I also really want to achieve an overall win. the closest I have come this year was 7th overall. I have set a standard high and to improve on this year's accomplishments will be really hard, but I am ready to try. I have also set my sights on competing the North Carolina triple T, with my brother Scott.(we are not really brothers, just brothers in Christ).
In my Christian life. I want to grow more in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour. I want to be used so great by God. It is my prayer that Staring at Lines will grow. I pray that this blog will start to reach people and create a desire to follow Jesus by following the perfect line of the Bible. I desire that my journey through life and my own staring at the perfect line of the Bible will drastically change my life as well. I pray that I am an impact and a motivator to the people of my Church that I attend. I hope and desire to inspire many of people at Elevate Church, as they have inspired me in my life.
So as I journey through 2011 I hope and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ is glorified in all that I do physically and Spiritually. I desire that no matter what Triathlon/marathon I compete in that God's glory shine through me. No matter how I serve Jesus at Elevate Church or in my own walk that Jesus be Glorified. Through it all as I Stare at Lines in my training of my body, mind and Soul that they all are based on the perfect line of the Bible. Finally if 2011 is anything like 2010 you will not want to miss following me as I Stare at Lines.
So as I look back on my year as a Triathlete there are things I enjoyed and things I want to change. I have found a new enjoyment in running even if I am injured and not running right now. I have a huge hunger to get back out and start running. I really want to work on my 1/2 marathon running. I would love to do that elusive 1/2 Ironman. I also really want to achieve an overall win. the closest I have come this year was 7th overall. I have set a standard high and to improve on this year's accomplishments will be really hard, but I am ready to try. I have also set my sights on competing the North Carolina triple T, with my brother Scott.(we are not really brothers, just brothers in Christ).
In my Christian life. I want to grow more in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour. I want to be used so great by God. It is my prayer that Staring at Lines will grow. I pray that this blog will start to reach people and create a desire to follow Jesus by following the perfect line of the Bible. I desire that my journey through life and my own staring at the perfect line of the Bible will drastically change my life as well. I pray that I am an impact and a motivator to the people of my Church that I attend. I hope and desire to inspire many of people at Elevate Church, as they have inspired me in my life.
So as I journey through 2011 I hope and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ is glorified in all that I do physically and Spiritually. I desire that no matter what Triathlon/marathon I compete in that God's glory shine through me. No matter how I serve Jesus at Elevate Church or in my own walk that Jesus be Glorified. Through it all as I Stare at Lines in my training of my body, mind and Soul that they all are based on the perfect line of the Bible. Finally if 2011 is anything like 2010 you will not want to miss following me as I Stare at Lines.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Jesus, Christmas and Me.
This is the time we celebrate Christmas. Many view Christmas in many different ways. Some think it is a time for family, friends, food, and presents. Some look at it as a time to give and receive. To some it is a time for us to celebrate the Birth of a Saviour. For God who came to us in human form to die for the sins of the world. Don't get me wrong all the above are good reasons to celebrate, but Jesus is the reason for the season. The best gift you could ever get is Eternal Life in Christ. (Rom. 6:23)
Lk 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also the birth date of this writer as well. Yep, I said it: the 25th of December is my birth date. Now with Christmas being my birthday I often get asked, "how is having a Christmas birthday?" Well it is not all it should be. It is like being robbed. A Christmas birthday is like having a birthday party and everyone is the center of attention not just you. Everyone gathers together for a family function of Christmas (not your Birthday), everyone gets presents (you just get an extra one), and everyone gets deserts not just the birthday cake prepared for you. Have you ever had to try and decide if want cookies, pies, and the cake prepared for your birthday? Not an easy task for a 10yr old child to do. I am not whining or crying just trying to explain what it is like to have a Christmas birthday.
Lk. 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
When I was dating my 3 Boys mother (Vivian). On Christmas her father wanted to see her (at the time her mother and father were divorced and remarried) so I took her to see her father. While we were at her fathers house, he decided that he would take Vivian and go get her Grandmother for their Christmas time. So I was not asked to go with them. while they were gone Vivian's step mother sent one of her kids to tell me that I was to leave. Because Christmas was for family and I was not family. So I was not welcome in that home. Again I am not whining and I have a point to what I am writing. So please just follow me.
Now I am not gonna sit here and tell you my life sucks, because it does not. I have had a wonderful life so far. I have see and experience many things. I have seen success and tasted defeat. I have walked on mountain tops and crawled in valleys. I have achieved many things and failed just as much. I have had my share of happiness and have felt more pain than I care to admit. I have laughed with friends and cried with my friends as well. I have walked in the blessings of God and to my shame I have dwelled the the land of Sin and rebellion running away from God, and I have learned and now understand what King Solomon said:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them:..... v13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
This Christmas season I want to leave you with a Challenge: First, Know Jesus!!!!, Second, make room for Jesus. When I say know Jesus. I mean make Him your Saviour. If you have not confessed that you are a sinner and asked Jesus to save you from your sins. Claim your gift of Eternal life in Jesus. I pray you do this today. That is the best gift you could receive this Holiday season. Also if you have asked Jesus to save you, then get to know him. Read His word (The Bible) pray and talk to him. Think about him and what He as done in your life. Make room for Jesus. During this time of season just take a few minutes and just thank Him for all he has done for you and blessed you with. Make room for him in your heart. You see sharing your birthday is not fun but yet my family did take some time out of the day and Celebrate my birthday. Sang me a little song gave me a cake (well my Grandma made me a personal pumpkin pie all for myself) gave me a present. For that moment I felt like a king. On that day, that moment I WAS THE KING. But sadly I have also felt the rejection. As I drove away from Vivian's Fathers house that day I was crushed!! I was rejected on Christmas and on my Birthday. If you have ever experienced rejection you know it hurts. Don't reject the Saviour. Make time and let Him in your life. It is my sincere desire in writing this blog that as you read this blog that you see Jesus in my life. That life in Christ is not boring and that a walk in Christ is relevant in all that I do. Not just when I go to Church. I know I am not perfect but God is working on me. Please know I fail God just as much as I fail you my friends. But I have found out one thing, it is that walking in the light of Jesus is really the best place to be. I love the good times and thank God for them but I am learning that some of the best times in my Christian walk has been when the storms surround me for I know He is with me. The lessons I have learned have made me a better person and a Stronger Christian. I am finding now that the people God has surrounded me with are hurting right now and what I have learned and experienced can allow me to help them in their own life.
I am looking forward to a wonderful New year. I have many hopes and dreams for Christ and in my Triathlon journey. You can now contact me and send me a message via e-mail: staringatlines@gmail.com . I wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Blessed New year. I hope you follow along as I continue to Stare at Lines. IT IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!
Ric "The Wyldchyld" Simmons
Lk 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also the birth date of this writer as well. Yep, I said it: the 25th of December is my birth date. Now with Christmas being my birthday I often get asked, "how is having a Christmas birthday?" Well it is not all it should be. It is like being robbed. A Christmas birthday is like having a birthday party and everyone is the center of attention not just you. Everyone gathers together for a family function of Christmas (not your Birthday), everyone gets presents (you just get an extra one), and everyone gets deserts not just the birthday cake prepared for you. Have you ever had to try and decide if want cookies, pies, and the cake prepared for your birthday? Not an easy task for a 10yr old child to do. I am not whining or crying just trying to explain what it is like to have a Christmas birthday.
Lk. 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
When I was dating my 3 Boys mother (Vivian). On Christmas her father wanted to see her (at the time her mother and father were divorced and remarried) so I took her to see her father. While we were at her fathers house, he decided that he would take Vivian and go get her Grandmother for their Christmas time. So I was not asked to go with them. while they were gone Vivian's step mother sent one of her kids to tell me that I was to leave. Because Christmas was for family and I was not family. So I was not welcome in that home. Again I am not whining and I have a point to what I am writing. So please just follow me.
Now I am not gonna sit here and tell you my life sucks, because it does not. I have had a wonderful life so far. I have see and experience many things. I have seen success and tasted defeat. I have walked on mountain tops and crawled in valleys. I have achieved many things and failed just as much. I have had my share of happiness and have felt more pain than I care to admit. I have laughed with friends and cried with my friends as well. I have walked in the blessings of God and to my shame I have dwelled the the land of Sin and rebellion running away from God, and I have learned and now understand what King Solomon said:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them:..... v13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
This Christmas season I want to leave you with a Challenge: First, Know Jesus!!!!, Second, make room for Jesus. When I say know Jesus. I mean make Him your Saviour. If you have not confessed that you are a sinner and asked Jesus to save you from your sins. Claim your gift of Eternal life in Jesus. I pray you do this today. That is the best gift you could receive this Holiday season. Also if you have asked Jesus to save you, then get to know him. Read His word (The Bible) pray and talk to him. Think about him and what He as done in your life. Make room for Jesus. During this time of season just take a few minutes and just thank Him for all he has done for you and blessed you with. Make room for him in your heart. You see sharing your birthday is not fun but yet my family did take some time out of the day and Celebrate my birthday. Sang me a little song gave me a cake (well my Grandma made me a personal pumpkin pie all for myself) gave me a present. For that moment I felt like a king. On that day, that moment I WAS THE KING. But sadly I have also felt the rejection. As I drove away from Vivian's Fathers house that day I was crushed!! I was rejected on Christmas and on my Birthday. If you have ever experienced rejection you know it hurts. Don't reject the Saviour. Make time and let Him in your life. It is my sincere desire in writing this blog that as you read this blog that you see Jesus in my life. That life in Christ is not boring and that a walk in Christ is relevant in all that I do. Not just when I go to Church. I know I am not perfect but God is working on me. Please know I fail God just as much as I fail you my friends. But I have found out one thing, it is that walking in the light of Jesus is really the best place to be. I love the good times and thank God for them but I am learning that some of the best times in my Christian walk has been when the storms surround me for I know He is with me. The lessons I have learned have made me a better person and a Stronger Christian. I am finding now that the people God has surrounded me with are hurting right now and what I have learned and experienced can allow me to help them in their own life.
I am looking forward to a wonderful New year. I have many hopes and dreams for Christ and in my Triathlon journey. You can now contact me and send me a message via e-mail: staringatlines@gmail.com . I wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Blessed New year. I hope you follow along as I continue to Stare at Lines. IT IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!
Ric "The Wyldchyld" Simmons
Monday, December 13, 2010
Are you in the Mix?
The Church I attend had a Christmas program meeting after Church one Sunday. We discussed who was playing in the band, who would be running media, who would be running lights and yes, who would be running sound. It was determined that I would not be running sound. Although I was not running sound I quickly volunteered to do anything. Whatever needed to be done I was willing to help. I just wanted to be, "in the mix". The mix you may ask? Well,"in the mix" is a term used by sound people to describe each part of the production. For example; Drums, guitar, bass, keys, and vocals they all have a purpose and they all must work together to make one beautiful sound.
The mix has very important purposes. First and most important it that it unites all the instruments and vocals for one purpose. The next thing about the mix is that it provides balance. Next the mix it enhances an individual without singling out the others. As you can see the mix is about being involved. It is about being a part of something weather your part is great or small, because in the end you are there for one purpose. So as God's servants lead in song the praises to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings it is done with one voice with those who came to worship Jesus who is worthy of our praise.
What is your gift? What is your Talent? What is your part in God's plan? God has given us all gifts and talents to be used for His glory. So what is your part in the mix of Christian life? What is your part of the mix in the Church you attend? So many Christians do not use their gift/talent. They come they feed at the Lord's table but never come and worship God as a servant. Jesus came to earth and lived His live as an servant. (Jn.13:15) If we are going to claim the name of Christian we need to follow the example of Jesus. Maybe as you read this you are thinking I do not play an instrument or would anyone want to hear me sing. Can you talk? Can you say Hi? maybe you can be a greeter, parking Lot attendant, or maybe a Sunday school teacher. There are plenty of thing you can do in the church you attend. I know in our church we want some to just serve once a month. Once a month and you can be in the mix.
Remember no one person is greater than another and no gift is better than another. They and we must all work together for God's glory. (1Cor. 12:12-31) Most coaches will tell you a team is as strong as it's weakest member. Are you the weakest member? You just might be. Ever thought that your gift or talent is that special something that the Lord needs to make that extra difference, but if your not in the mix you will never know til you get to heaven and we give account of our lives. You ever hear a local band and thought wow there is something missing. Ever look at a painting and thought something is missing. Well that is what God is saying when His children are not serving. Look at this church, it is really good and making a difference for My kingdom, but there is something missing. I am not sure what your talent is but when I got off my duff and jumped into the mix. My life changed. I started to see thing that mattered to God and less of what mattered to me.
So as for me I want to be in the mix. I am not gonna lie and say it didn't bother me when I didn't get picked for the Christmas program, but I am not gonna cry and sit on the bench. I am gonna find something to do. I am gonna throw myself into the mix somewhere else and besides it isn't about me. This is about God's message for His glory not mine. So I hope you will continue to follow me as we keep Staring at Lines.
The mix has very important purposes. First and most important it that it unites all the instruments and vocals for one purpose. The next thing about the mix is that it provides balance. Next the mix it enhances an individual without singling out the others. As you can see the mix is about being involved. It is about being a part of something weather your part is great or small, because in the end you are there for one purpose. So as God's servants lead in song the praises to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings it is done with one voice with those who came to worship Jesus who is worthy of our praise.
What is your gift? What is your Talent? What is your part in God's plan? God has given us all gifts and talents to be used for His glory. So what is your part in the mix of Christian life? What is your part of the mix in the Church you attend? So many Christians do not use their gift/talent. They come they feed at the Lord's table but never come and worship God as a servant. Jesus came to earth and lived His live as an servant. (Jn.13:15) If we are going to claim the name of Christian we need to follow the example of Jesus. Maybe as you read this you are thinking I do not play an instrument or would anyone want to hear me sing. Can you talk? Can you say Hi? maybe you can be a greeter, parking Lot attendant, or maybe a Sunday school teacher. There are plenty of thing you can do in the church you attend. I know in our church we want some to just serve once a month. Once a month and you can be in the mix.
Remember no one person is greater than another and no gift is better than another. They and we must all work together for God's glory. (1Cor. 12:12-31) Most coaches will tell you a team is as strong as it's weakest member. Are you the weakest member? You just might be. Ever thought that your gift or talent is that special something that the Lord needs to make that extra difference, but if your not in the mix you will never know til you get to heaven and we give account of our lives. You ever hear a local band and thought wow there is something missing. Ever look at a painting and thought something is missing. Well that is what God is saying when His children are not serving. Look at this church, it is really good and making a difference for My kingdom, but there is something missing. I am not sure what your talent is but when I got off my duff and jumped into the mix. My life changed. I started to see thing that mattered to God and less of what mattered to me.
So as for me I want to be in the mix. I am not gonna lie and say it didn't bother me when I didn't get picked for the Christmas program, but I am not gonna cry and sit on the bench. I am gonna find something to do. I am gonna throw myself into the mix somewhere else and besides it isn't about me. This is about God's message for His glory not mine. So I hope you will continue to follow me as we keep Staring at Lines.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Praise or Blame? Steve Johnson and Me.
Okay, I know this is a blog about my triathlon life and my Christian life, but I have been questioning myself about an issue. Since I am injured and am not training I have been focusing on my spiritual life a little more right now. So with that in mind here is my little rant. Normally I do not really care what over paid professional athletes think or say. I really think that most of them do it for the attention so they can sell their jerseys or the latest shoes they are being paid to wear. But Steven Johnson's actions really hit a nerve with me. His actions have really made me think about myself and how I conduct myself in my walk with Jesus.
What am I talking about? Well, Steve Johnson it the Buffalo Bills receiver who dropped a game winning touchdown. In the post game interview he said, "it was my fault, I dropped about 75 balls today (really only 5)." Then a few hours later on Twitter via an Ipad he writes, "I praise You 24/7!!!!And this is how you do me!!!!You expect me to learn from this???How???!!!!Ill never forget this!!Ever!!Thx Tho..." I will not focus my attention or my comments on whether he really said or tweeted this. I will not rant on a gifted athlete who makes millions of dollars with a God given talent. What I do want to focus on is how typical it is of us Christians to give God all the praise when things are good but when the storms come how do we respond.(Here is a yahoo link so you can read the story yourself if you desire - http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steve-Johnson-blames-God-for-his-overtime-drop?urn=nfl-289770)
I find it amazing that we as God's children want to praise God for all our blessings but we have forgotten what the Scriptures say in James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations: (KJV) I also did some reading on the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts and this was what I found. While Paul did many great things for God he also was thrown in prison several times. One account says's that Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises unto God. (Acts 16:25) This set back led to the conversion of the Phillipian Jailer. What is really amazing is that Paul and Silas before they were put in prison they were beaten in public. Yet no, lets feel sorry for ourselves, no woe is me I am all bloody and even more, "I have done so much for you God and this is how you treat me?" THEY PRAISED THE LIVING GOD!
I think we fail to realize as Christians we are gonna have trials, temptations and yes persecution for claiming the name of Christ. We as Christians must realize that God does his best work in us when we are going through the hardest of times. People don't pay attention to us (Christians) when we praise God when things are good. Anyone can praise God when things are good. Even the lost praise God when things are good. Do you really think that the Phillipian jailer thought oh those poor guys let me see how I can make there day better? They must have been wrongly beaten. No, he said throw them in that cell there and make sure you lock the door. Then he heard something, what he heard was not crying, nor did he hear see what happens when you follow or praise God. No what he heard was 2 beaten thrown in jail guys praying to God. Then he heard them singing a song praising God. Now that is how God does his best work. Seeing Gods people praise God when things are at their worst.
So as I thought about this situation (Steve Johnson's tweet) I asked myself do I praise God only when it is all good? Even more do I praise God when things are not so good? I must remind myself when I go through hard times. I have to walk in the praises of God because I never know who is watching me. There is a Phillipian jailer just waiting to find Jesus and it just might be me who brings him (Phillipian jailer) to meet Jesus. God is always good whether I have a good day or a bad day. As I have said over and over again. I am not perfect, but the things I share are not directed so much at you as they are more for my benefit. I do fail God more than I can admit, but I ask for God's forgiveness and move on. I just ask that you walk with me on my Journey. As I Stare at Lines
What am I talking about? Well, Steve Johnson it the Buffalo Bills receiver who dropped a game winning touchdown. In the post game interview he said, "it was my fault, I dropped about 75 balls today (really only 5)." Then a few hours later on Twitter via an Ipad he writes, "I praise You 24/7!!!!And this is how you do me!!!!You expect me to learn from this???How???!!!!Ill never forget this!!Ever!!Thx Tho..." I will not focus my attention or my comments on whether he really said or tweeted this. I will not rant on a gifted athlete who makes millions of dollars with a God given talent. What I do want to focus on is how typical it is of us Christians to give God all the praise when things are good but when the storms come how do we respond.(Here is a yahoo link so you can read the story yourself if you desire - http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steve-Johnson-blames-God-for-his-overtime-drop?urn=nfl-289770)
I find it amazing that we as God's children want to praise God for all our blessings but we have forgotten what the Scriptures say in James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations: (KJV) I also did some reading on the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts and this was what I found. While Paul did many great things for God he also was thrown in prison several times. One account says's that Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises unto God. (Acts 16:25) This set back led to the conversion of the Phillipian Jailer. What is really amazing is that Paul and Silas before they were put in prison they were beaten in public. Yet no, lets feel sorry for ourselves, no woe is me I am all bloody and even more, "I have done so much for you God and this is how you treat me?" THEY PRAISED THE LIVING GOD!
I think we fail to realize as Christians we are gonna have trials, temptations and yes persecution for claiming the name of Christ. We as Christians must realize that God does his best work in us when we are going through the hardest of times. People don't pay attention to us (Christians) when we praise God when things are good. Anyone can praise God when things are good. Even the lost praise God when things are good. Do you really think that the Phillipian jailer thought oh those poor guys let me see how I can make there day better? They must have been wrongly beaten. No, he said throw them in that cell there and make sure you lock the door. Then he heard something, what he heard was not crying, nor did he hear see what happens when you follow or praise God. No what he heard was 2 beaten thrown in jail guys praying to God. Then he heard them singing a song praising God. Now that is how God does his best work. Seeing Gods people praise God when things are at their worst.
So as I thought about this situation (Steve Johnson's tweet) I asked myself do I praise God only when it is all good? Even more do I praise God when things are not so good? I must remind myself when I go through hard times. I have to walk in the praises of God because I never know who is watching me. There is a Phillipian jailer just waiting to find Jesus and it just might be me who brings him (Phillipian jailer) to meet Jesus. God is always good whether I have a good day or a bad day. As I have said over and over again. I am not perfect, but the things I share are not directed so much at you as they are more for my benefit. I do fail God more than I can admit, but I ask for God's forgiveness and move on. I just ask that you walk with me on my Journey. As I Stare at Lines
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