The Country Music City Half marathon is completed

Well, I should have posted this about two days ago, but better late than never I guess. The half marathon was an absolute blast. As I stated earlier, my goal was to beat the Kenyan that ran in the Boston marathon. He ran his 26.2 miles in 2:07 and I ran my 13.1 in…2:05:27. Goal accomplished! There were many lessons I learned throughout the process of training and then running the race and I will list as many as I can remember and will probably be adding them for some time as they creep back into my memory.

1. Setting a goal and seeing it through is fun. I believe this may be the first time I have ever set a goal and stuck to it. This whole marathon thing was much more than simply running 13 miles. For me it represented setting my mind to something and seeing it through. Most things in life have come pretty easy for me and I have not had to work very hard for most of them. That is sad because I have not learned valuable lessons about perseverance and getting through the tough times. Doing this though, taught me a few of those lessons and it felt great.

2. Running is cheaper than therapy. That saying comes from a shirt I saw on race day, but thinking about it now it seems pretty true. Going on a 5 mile runs takes about 45 minutes or so and that is great time to process life. Having a two year old daughter, quiet times are not easy to come by. Between watching endless hours of Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go, and then other shows after she goes to sleep, my mind stays pretty distracted. When I hit the road, those distractions disappear and God speaks as the pavement passes. I have truly enjoyed my time running around Mt. Juliet and spending those hours allowing God to just process life for me.

3. When we take the time to notice, God puts interesting people around us all the time. As I was sitting in traffic and missing the official start to the race, I was asking God to just let me get there before it was over. The race started at 7:00am and I hopped on a bus to take me to the starting line @ 7:15am. I sat next to a guy and we started talking about common interests like getting caught in traffic and being late for our starting times. I could have made small talk and then run off, but I ended up running the whole race with Brett, from Birmingham. It was great meeting a new person I must admit having someone to talk to during the 2 hours we were running was nice. Running that race alone would have been much more difficult.

4. Doing the little things pays off in the end. Being disciplined may not seem all fun and exciting, but is worth it. Having a training guide and using it to prepare for the race was key to my success. If I had stuck to the plan a little better, maybe my time could have even been faster. Kinda reminds me of my faith. While there is complete freedom in Christ, being disciplined helps prepare for the adventures ahead. I think I need to put as much effort into my walk as I did this run.

Thats all for now, I am sure to post more about the race later. 

Judgement Day has come

Way back in January I decided to run in the Music City Half Marathon. This stage of the journey comes to a close tomorrow as its finally time to hit the streets. Beginning at around 7:30am I will begin my trek toward 13.1 miles. My goal: anything under 2:07. Why that number you ask? That is what the gentleman from Kenya ran the Boston marathon in. There is something inside me that needs to beat him. And by beat, I mean not let him run 26 faster than I can run 13. For those of you who want to check on me while I run, you can go to www.cmmarathon.com and look around for the results button. I will be runner #18440. I hear they will be posting results during the race so people can track their progress. I am not sure if it will happen, but if you are totally bored tomorrow morning give it a shot. I will post my after race thoughts tomorrow afternoon. Right now I need to go eat some more carbs and go to sleep. Tomorrow is racing day!

Great blog about our churches

Ed Stetzer wrote a blog yesterday that has set off a massive dialog. Check out his blog by clicking here. Be warned though, you will spend the next hour reading if you decide to check it out. It is great to see Ed do what he can do, speak truth and have people come to the table and talk. If I said the same things he said, it would be dismissed as some young kid wanting to be emmergent. Apparently anytime someone wants to change something in one of our SBC churches we get labeled emmergent. You will see that thought in some of the responses, but thankfully only a few. I don’t want the church to be anything different than what it is supposed to be. I just want to see it be a relevant voice in this current culture. Christianity has always been relevant and it always will be. I just think our churches can do a better job of this. In all of my study of the new testament church, you never see them cowering from culture. Jesus never hid. Everywhere He went, He faced culture head on with the truth of His message. The gospel is the most relevant story we could ever tell. The Bible is the most relevant book you will ever read. So, how in the world have our churches and congregations become so irrelevant. How can our churches sit in communities that don’t even know they exist? How could anyone ever have the thought that they are embarrassed to bring someone who does not know Jesus to their church?

Thankfully, Ed can make these truthful comments and have them heard and respected. I hope and pray that we can work together and get our churches back on track. Think about this one question about your church: What has your church done in the past month that has impacted your community? the Kingdom? your family? We have a lot of work to do!

The Midas touch

Rumor has it that King Midas could turn things into gold with the touch of a finger. This gift quickly became a curse as he became unable to touch anything he loved because it would turn into a gold statue. Makes you think about what you wish for I guess. Anyway, the whole point of mentioning him was today I feel cursed. After waking up and starting the daily routine, I found out today was gonna be a good one. In the middle of steaming my shirt for today, the steamer died. It is one of those things you see on QVC, and I know that because that is where Amy bought it. I have to admit I was skeptical when it arrived at our doorstep, but I have become quite fond of it. It works as well as an iron and is easier and quicker to use. All in all, it has become part of my morning routine. Let it warm up and then fresh steamed wrinkless clothes await. This is important for me because I am not know for neatly hanging clothes up and folding them properly. So a quick wrinkle removing process is essential for me, and this steamer was proving itself quite the trooper, until this morning. I am hoping Amy can resolve this issue by contacting QVC or Rowenta, but I was not a happy camper when it broke.

My day would further be frustrating when I got to work to find my Mac fried. It did not want to do anything. Every time I tried to turn it on, it would start and then power off. Great, one more thing turned to “gold” today. Thankfully my new friend Matt from IT ran a few tests, pushed a few buttons and retrieved my personal files and then reformatted my hard drive. It took some time but things are looking up. So be careful if you see me out, lest you be turned to “gold” too!

I’m back.

I apologize to all 9 of you that faithfully check my blog for not having much to say the past few days. Actually I have had plenty to say, just not the time to say it. We went to Gatlinburg for the weekend and it was only the second trip we have taken a trip without Macie since she was born. The first was the time we went on a cruise with our best friends Stephen and Kellie. So, this trip was a great time to get away for a few days and literally do nothing. No schedules, no agendas just rest and relaxation. Thanks to the Pratts for taking care of Macie while we were gone, we really appreciate it. I will be posting pics of the cabin and out Gatlinburg fun later. 

 

Hokie Nation

Hokie Pride

There are times in our lives where events happen that change us forever. Moments when our heart softens and remains that way never returns to its former state. Like the moment I saw my wife walk through the doors of my church, the day of our wedding. The moment I saw a life enter the world and I became less Chad and more Macie’s father. Moments like when I realized Jesus had a plan for my life and I submitted to follow His leading.The time evil attacked our nation on 9/11. The day when evil invaded my home, shattered 100’s of lives and ended 32. It is this one that strikes home today, the one year anniversary.

Blacksburg, Virginia. To me, a little slice of heaven. A place I called home for four years, and I place I would return in a heartbeat. It’s a place hard to describe to others because unless you have lived there, you can’t grasp the meaning of Hokie Pride. I did not even know it existed until I made my first trip to see if it was where my college journey was going to lead. I walked away after that weekend knowing for sure it was where God wanted me. I have heard the question more times than I can count, “What is a Hokie.” The best thing I can come up with to say is, “I am.” My wife is. And through many years of dilligent prayer, my daughter will be too! 

Watching the events 365 days ago take place on my beloved campus seemed all too surreal, like watching a bad movie. I just remember thinking, “That can’t really be happening at Tech.” The images showing the drill field occupied by police and media instead of carefree students, just didn’t fit. Students screaming and crying instead of laughing and cheering. Seeing students gathering a thousand strong singing Amazing Grace and holding candles instead of dancing to Enter Sandman and cheering our team, just didn’t fit. Seeing evil attempt to destroy something I love so much was painful. BUT, as often as evil has tried, its terror comes to an end. It is not the evil we remember today, it is the victory. The pain is still there and for the families it will always be there. For the friends the pain will always be a reminder. But the stories I will always remember are about the ones who faced evil and rose against it. The students that survived and helped lead others to safety. Liviu Librescu, who survived one monster only to stand up to another one while his students escaped. Stories about other schools coming together to help during a difficult time. Students and families returning to the only place of refuge during a storm like that, the loving arms of Jesus. 

I have read countless blogs of students describing their last year and how all the good things that have come from this dark moment. I saw a stadium filled with Wahoos offer their support. One student in particular made a quilt for a victim’s mom and will give it to her today. Hearing of the stories coming out of the BCM at Tech and one of my favorite people on the earth, Darrel Cook reminds me that God is faithful even during the darkest of storms. Yesterday I spent a few minutes praying again for the families and friends of the 32. Below is a list of their names and I would ask you to do the same.

 

• Ross A. Alameddine
• Christopher James Bishop
• Brian R. Bluhm
• Ryan Christopher Clark
• Austin Michelle Cloyd
• Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
• Kevin P. Granata
• Matthew Gregory Gwaltney
• Caitlin Millar Hammaren
• Jeremy Michael Herbstritt
• Rachael Elizabeth Hill
• Emily Jane Hilscher
• Jarrett Lee Lane
• Matthew Joseph La Porte
• Henry J. Lee
• Liviu Librescu
• G.V. Loganathan
• Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan
• Lauren Ashley McCain
• Daniel Patrick O’Neil
• Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz
• Minal Hiralal Panchal
• Daniel Alejandro Perez Cueva
• Erin Nicole Peterson
• Michael Steven Pohle, Jr.
• Julia Kathleen Pryde
• Mary Karen Read
• Reema Joseph Samaha
• Waleed Mohamed Shaalan
• Leslie Geraldine Sherman
• Maxine Shelly Turner
• Nicole Regina White

 

The results are in…and I am officially an idiot!

One would think in this day and age of technology, running out of gas would be a problem of the past, kind of like small pox. Technology is great but there still has to be a flawed human using that technology. In a perfect world, when that little light turns on telling you that the gas is about to run out, the car would be smart enough to fill itself up. Unfortunately, they have not figured that part out yet. So, last night when I realized the light had come on, I quickly made a few calculations in my head. Apparently when I carried the one I was not supposed to because this morning on our way to drop Macie off at school, our mini van did a little sputtering and then very nicely turned off. I guess my math skills are not as good as they used to be, or sitting in traffic yesterday played a larger role than I factored in. Let’s just say Amy was not happy with me. So I called our good friend Jeff and he was just pulling out of the house so he grabbed his gas can and came to the rescue. Thank goodness for friends! Fortunately Macie just thought she had more time to watch A Snoodles Tale, and that Uncle Jeff brought daddy some coffee. Oh what a morning! 

As I have grown older and wiser, I try to make it a point to learn from my mistakes. So as I sit here and think about this morning I have come to a great revelation. When the light turns on, get gas. I know it sounds simple, but I think it just might work. Now I just need to get Amy talking to me again:)

Welcome back my friend, The Office returns!

Last night was a good night, for many reasons.

First, I got to spend the afternoon with Macie. Amy had to go to the dentist, which she just loves, so I picked Macie up and we had Daddy/Daughter time. We pulled out the VT chairs we have and had snacks in the front yard. Just sitting and talking with her is amazing and you never know what she will say next! Gold fish and peanut butter crackers with  a side of water has never been more enjoyable!

Then, I tried out my new Espresso machine. This I have to label as a Goodwill score. I fixed a delicious cappuccino last night and I actually impressed myself. For the price of one Starbucks mocha, my drink of choice, I now have a machine capable of producing many many caffeine infused drinks. As I was enjoying my tasty creation, I had the wonderful reminder of just how good God is!

Next, an old friend showed up. Due to a strike by people I do not know, me and my friend had taken a break. But thankfully last night, The Office returned. and I must say, it returned it all its pants wetting humor and channel changing awkwardness. Funniest moments for me were: watching Michael curl up like a dog sleeping at the foot of the bed. That was priceless. The plasma screen, ridiculous! Jan thinking Michael and Pam had been dating and then seeing Pam’s reaction, wonderful. The show does a wonderful job of making you mad at Michael one second and then feeling absolute pity for him the next. Watching Jan “dance” to the music written by her former “assistant” was torture. If ever a dinner party was tanking, this was takes the cake. The night was rolling along so wonderful when…”We interrupt this show for a weather announcement!”

I did not get to see the finish to the Office. Never before have I been so angry at tornadoes. When the weather man cut in to say there were tornado watches several hours from where I live, I was going crazy. Could they seriously not wait five more minutes? So a great day ended with me wondering how I will get to watch the ending. Anyone see it? Apparently if you lived anywhere near a state bordering Arkansas they cut in to let you know a tornado had been spotted, so I need some help. What happened? How did it end?

A new Christianity?

As I look around the “Christian” landscape today, I see many very strange things. One of them is a form of Christianity I don’t find as I read the Bible. In the Bible, I see men either following God or not. Certainly men were not perfect, but in cases of personal failures you’ll find repentance and reconciliation. As I look around today, I see people claiming to follow Christ, but their lives show nothing to back up their claim. I am not talking about earning salvation, but I am talking about having fruit. I am talking about obedience to God’s Word. I am talking about living a kind of faith that matters. I am talking about following after a loving God who demands our devotion. I guess when I look around I seem to find many people who want salvation without lordship and entrance to heaven without devotion. I’m afraid that many who call themselves Christians are going to be painfully awakened to hear the words, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” It is scary and very distressing to me.

A few tough questions I wrestled with this week: 
Can I be a follower of Christ and not be devoted to His leadership? 
What is devotion and what does it look like? 
Can I be devoted without being obedient? 
Is devotion legalistic? 
Does a life devoted to following Christ look different than the life of a non-Christian?

These questions cause me a lot of concern, both personally and corporately. As I examine my own heart, what level of devotion does my life show? As I look around the church today, what level of devotion do I see being preached and lived? Our faith is not a faith of showing up on Sundays and placing a check mark in that box. Our faith is one of radical devotion to a radical God—the type of God who would miraculously give you a child, and then ask you to offer that child as a sacrifice, the type of God who would offer His only Son to reconcile sinful humanity to Himself, and the type of God who would offer you salvation and freedom and only require acceptance of that gift.

I have to think that acceptance of His gift will result in a life that displays true devotion to Him. As I look through the passages this week, I see an example of true devotion; one night, God tells Abraham to take Isaac, his only son, and offer him as a sacrifice. The next morning Abraham takes Isaac and heads out for the mountains. Wait! Did Abraham know what God was asking? What about the promise God made to Abraham and the miracle that Isaac was? Why didn’t he consult other people to get their opinion on what God had said? Why didn’t they call a committee meeting to see what other meaning God must have had? Why didn’t he do something more along those lines? The answer: He trusted God and lived a life fully devoted to Him. The answer does not make sense. The action does not make sense. But he obeys anyway. I can’t fathom making that decision, but he seems to not even pause. God told him to do something, so there was no other option.

Several thoughts I learn through this passage:(if you want to read the rest, and I know you do, click here to go to the Threads site where you will find the other half.)