Gaining Wisdom?

I enjoy watching NBC's The Biggest Loser. I notice the contestants wear a body-montoring device to track their calories burned, consumed, etc. Costco has one on sale this month and I was seriously going to buy it. But I wanted to take my time and research it. Especially since it was over $100. My main concern is that I would spend a lot of money and then stop using it after a while.

While that might not be too bad (I could always use it later, right?), it's functionality only works as long as you pay the monthly fee to see your data. While the device comes with either a 6-month or 12-month subscription, after that it becomes useless unless you keep paying.

Then my mom told me about MyFitnessPal website and mobile app. I checked it out and was impressed. Then I remembered the heart rate monitor I already owned from the NoExcuses website and realized I already had the tools I needed if I combined MyFitnessPal and the heart rate monitor. So I saved over $100 and feel like I made a wise decision, one made possible by being patient and not buying something impulsively.

I've used MyFitnessPal for 2 days now and am using it to hold myself accountable for exercising. I plan on entering the mini-triathlon in August and don't want to wait until May to start training. I also want to be more of an outdoor person. That change will be difficult, but more enjoyable if I am more fit.

the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 3

Chapter 3: Pursuing the Dream [continued]

Three kinds of dreams: ones who source comes from within, without, or above

My dream to run. What kind of dream is it? I know I feel like I am to use it as a reminder about enduring parenting, that parenting is not a sprint. But I go days without walking or running. So let me look at what is going on.

I feel like God is asking me to run. He wants me to run as an outward symbol of my commitment to parenting. I had felt like I should run in the morning because many times the evening gets too busy and I can't do it. I don't like running in the dark, but at least the boys' don't have any activities at 5:30 a.m.
But I'm not getting up at 5:30, I'm snoozing my alarm. In order to get up early, I need to go to bed earlier, not stay up late watching tv and reading after that. Parenting is important. Running is important. Both need prepping. Parenting is hard. Getting up to exercise is hard. Both need an "endurance" attitude.
Is it a matter of what is important? Or is my dream source from within and not from without? I question the source because my desire to run has been a gradual one. I don't like running. It hurts because I weigh too much. Yet I like seeing myself grow in what I can accomplish as I worked through the Run 4 God program. Can God's call be a gradual realization?

Well, time is up for this morning. But I have a direction to keep meditating on.

the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 3

Ch. 3 Pursuing the Dream

p. 33 "Even as an adult, I'd been focusing on the end result instead of the journey. I decided then to make my dream a lifestyle, not a destination. Holly Hight in Running Times magazine"

I want to run, but I struggle with the discipline. Sammy mentions on pg. 34 that "without the dream, discipline becomes too painful, and life too difficult. But with the right kind of dream, nothing is impossible."

What's my dream? I want to run. Right now that is a dream because of my weight. I have worked through the C25K running plan in conjunction with Run for God. I discovered I can do more than I thought. But my running gait was more of a shuffle. I want to start the program again (and actually got through 2 wks worth), but without accountability I stop.

When the group ended in May, my accountability ended. I stopped making my running time a priority. A change in the season also effects things. But I can't say that just because summer is over my running time ends. I started this in February. While working. But something about going into fall and it getting darker and darker has me not wanting to get out. I also stopped running as much when my dog could no longer go with me. I so enjoyed have Sophie go with me to Booker T. Washington State Park for my running. I enjoyed seeing her progress in how long she could stay with me. As an older dog, she struggled and when she couldn't keep going, I would hook her leash to a parking sign in a shaded grassy area of the park's nearly empty parking lot, and then just run back and forth in her view. But one day she fell (apparently had bone cancer and we didn't know) and she just couldn't recover. She limped from that day forward, preventing her from going with me. I can't get my boys to join me. I don't have a friend who can easily join me anymore. So I let these reasons become obstacles that I don't battle. I let them win and don't even think about battling them, overcoming them.

My dream seems to be an end product (losing weight so I can run more easily) and I need to look at the journey. The journey includes overcoming obstacles.

God Guides a Friend

Our Journey to Hawaii...

by DeeAnn Gray on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 7:08am

In August of 2009, one of my colleagues traveled to First Baptist Church of Wahiawa, Hawaii where he and his wife sang for the church's 75th anniversary. In the 80's, he had been stationed in Wahiawa, and was a member of FBC for 4 yrs. When he came back home, his face would light up as he talked about the people of Wahiawa, and how special his time was there. He said, "I would move back there in a heartbeat, if I could...It's a paradise." He described the cool trade winds, pure water, lush foliage, and tropical birds...I remember sharing this with Steve, and dreaming that I could experience this too...

During this same time, Steve was beginning to feel a restlessness that often comes before a season of change..As a young man he sensed that God had specifically called him into a life of service, and being a musician, he pursued this avenue of study. In the early 80's, when we met, we were both working on the same music degree, and our common interests & schedule threw us together where we began our journey. For 26 years we worked as a musical team, and in 2009, due to the demands of my grad studies, and teaching schedule, I had to let something go, so resigned as pianist at Immanuel Baptist Church.

You know, when you are doing what you've always done, it becomes "the norm", almost automatic..

without thought, or intentionality. And sometimes God prompts us to step outside our comfort zone, to move in different directions, to learn something new, or maybe to be taught a life lesson that cannot be learned in the normalcy. Ever heard that saying, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."? Well, that's where I was in 2009, and that's where Steve was too. We had arrived at these places simultaneously, yet separately.

When you live, and work in the public eye, your lives are an open book. It's the risk you take...to be scrutinized, analyzed, and sometimes misunderstood. I can honestly say that Steve and I have been blessed beyond measure in every place we've worked. It's been good to share in ministry: joys are multiplied, and sorrows are divided. God has always been good to us. Life has not always been easy, and we've not always been faithful. We have struggled, and let each other down, and I'm sure we've disappointed many people! We've been through trying times of illness, sorrow, and deep loss, and through every challenge we're learning to lean into His strength a little more, and to trust His wisdom, and do you know what we've found? He's been faithful! He has never let us down. He's an abiding Presence...strengthening, guiding, healing, and touching our deepest needs. We know that His Word is true.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Ps 37:4 He has done this, and He continues to do this, and we're still amazed.

2010 was a difficult year for us. Walking through a series of heart-wrenching, painful experiences brought two different responses from Steve and I. We were both hurting, but responding differently to the same circumstances: I needed to withdraw, and he needed to re-channel. When you're seriously injured, or hurt, you may need a hospital...an ambulance ride...surgery...medication...physical therapy...to rest and to recover. The injured is often so seriously hurt, he/she isn't capable of making health care decisions, and the physician may step in with instructions.

This is where I was: hurt, and unable to function normally, so the Physician stepped in, performed multiple surgeries, applied the medication, and the healing process began. It has been painful, but needed, and while I've been healing, I have rediscovered the joy of worship, the treasure of His Word, the power of His Presence, and the privilege of leading.

Steve, on the other hand was hurting too, feeling a weight of responsibility, and journey to forgiveness, listening, praying, encouraging, and loving people through their questions, and confusion. He spent more time in prayer, and in the Word...delving deeper into his study, and searching for wisdom. God was developing his pastor's heart...impressing upon him the importance of integrity, grace, peace, and patience...preparing him for something new. I admire his perseverance through adversity, love for people and servant's heart. (He's a keeper, and his father would be so proud!)

Through this past year we've been reminded that life is fragile, so handle it with prayer. When you're frustrated, and aren't sure what to do, drop to your knees beside the bed when you wake up, and pray "The Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6:9-13). You will be amazed at the difference in your day...As we've spent more time separately, we've learned to value our time together, and look forward to serving together in ministry again soon.

Through a series of events, over this past year, including many phone conversations, emails, and one midnight teleconference, FBC Wahiawa selected Steve as their candidate for pastor. They invited us to come in June, and Steve preached a very moving, and powerful sermon about, "The Lord's Prayer" on Father's Day. We were overwhelmed by the gracious hospitality of the people, and we were also struck by the huge needs. For those who may have trouble picturing Steve as a pastor...As someone who's known him for 31 yrs., I've seen this coming for quite awhile with a gradual shift in his focus from worship leader to spiritual leader. He's always had a passion for God, and people, and when he shares from the Word, the connection is very powerful. As a wife, it's thrilling to see him energized, and so happy in this role. The smile on his face when we were in Wahiawa reminded me of the smile he had when he saw our firstborn child...priceless.

We had misgivings, and doubts about moving so far away from family, friends, and familiarity. We were worrying about our daughter's school, and ability to make the cultural change because Wahiawa is very different. It's not like any place we've ever been, and in many ways it feels like a foreign country. It is a tropical climate, many buildings are not air-conditioned, the pace is slower, technology is not a priority, and the food is unusual. When you hear "Hawaii", you think "resort", but Wahiawa is not a resort community. It is native Hawaiian with a strong military presence. Emily will be a minority at her school, and there are significant racial tensions she will face, due to the ever-changing military population. We've struggled in deciding whether to put her in this situation or not.

We did feel a very strong connection with the people, and could picture ourselves living, and working there because their needs, and our strengths seemed to parallel each other....But, again, we mulled this over, and over, prayed, and sought God's direction, and we struggled, really struggled to make a decision. We waited several weeks, and in the meantime the church voted to officially extend a call for him to come as pastor. Steve literally waited until the final hour to call them, and neither one of us had a peace about saying yes, or no. We thought since we were confused that we should not go...that it must not be the right move for us,

We both cried after he told them because they were so excited, and filled with hope for the future...They are a hurting church with many issues that need to be healed...How ironic is that?? We are both coming from places of deep hurt, and healing...Steve had every intention of returning to Immanuel, and serving with integrity. He says when you aren't sure what to do, you go back to the last time God spoke clearly, and remain there until you hear from Him again. I agree, but when we returned, we continued to talk about the people of FBC, and Hawaii, and one day Emily said, "OK you guys, why are you continuing to talk about Hawaii??? I thought you decided that we weren't going..." Now Emily is quite discerning, and intuitive...She doesn't mince words, and we had to have a family meeting.

The sermon that I heard that day was entitled, "The Calling", and the Bible study centered around Peter, and his willingness to put down his fishing nets in deeper water. The last verse of Luke 5:1-11 says that after Jesus called the fishermen to follow him, they "left everything, and followed Him". The pastor looked up, and I felt like he was looking right at me when he said, 'Do you trust God to take care of your family?"...

I had to admit that I wasn't trusting Him. I was trusting my logic, my evaluation of the situation, my opinion, and the opinions of my family. I wasn't walking by faith; I was walking by sight.

We had to talk openly and honestly about our feelings, and the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. It's pretty significant when your 16 yr. old shares that she doesn't "want" to leave, but may "know" that it's the right thing. It reminded me of Jesus' struggle in prayer before He went to the cross, "Not MY Will, but Thy Will be done..." That's what talking up your cross daily is all about...and that's where we need to be.

So, we prayed together, cried together, and decided to do not the easiest thing, but what we all knew was the right thing...It's a risk. A risk that we will be misunderstood, that we will hurt people, that we will be homesick, and have to stretch, and grow in many ways, but it's a risk we are willing to take because we know that He is faithful...that He will provide for our needs, that He loves us, and that He loves the people of Immanuel, and the people of Wahiawa...that He loves our families, and that He will take care of us all. God is greater than this issue. "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world."

Now we begin the process of cleaning out the home we've lived in for almost 14 years, getting ready for that garage sale, and selling our house! We will most likely leave that last week in August...still working on that one! Please keep us in your prayers, if we come to mind. We hold you close in ours...and please know that you're always welcome to visit us when you're in Hawaii!

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 2

Chapter 2: A Call to Run

Discipline -- 1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline 2. activity, exercise or a regimen that develops or improves a skill

Marathon -- 1. a foot race over a course measuring 26 miles, 385 yards 3. any contest, event, or the like, of great, or greater than normal length or duration or requiring exceptional endurance

Endurance -- 2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina

p. 29 The endurance metaphor isn't in the Bible to say you need more hardships. Instead it shows us how to live by God's grace and power in the midst of adversities.

When I participated in my 2nd mini-triathlon Aug. 7, I realized something. While all the practice I had put in during the summer helped improve my swim time, I had failed to practice endurance. If I only practice one or two of the events I do not prepare myself for the length of time my body would be physically pushed during the race. My overall time improved, but I still only trained for one event at a time.

I felt God called me to participate in the mini-triathlon a second time as a reminder that parenting is a call to endure. I must depend on Him. While I have an idea on how to better train for next year's triathlon, I'm still mulling over how you "train" for the endurance of adversities.

the race: run like a champion by Sammy Tippit ch. 1

Chapter 1 - Rejoice, we conquer!

At this point, I am not done with the book. There are many things to meditate on, causing me to take it slow, but the truth is I am not being obedient to God in the amount of time I spend in this book and in His Word. So while I would love to share my thoughts about the part I'm reading now, I feel like I need to go back and start at the beginning.

I enjoyed reading about Pheidippides and how it might have felt to run the 26 miles to announce a victory. My thoughts are filled with the images of the generals, rested and relaxed, asking Pheidippides to run the 26 miles to announce their victory just so a feast can be ready. The rested generals asked a battle-tired soldier to run 26 miles in less than 4 hours. I want to yell at them -- "Do it yourself!"

The race was hard. Pheidippides did well at first, but ignored signs of trouble. I don't know if he could have rectified anything, but I still want to keep in mind that there were signs.

Sammy says on p. 11 about his marathon race that "I was doing this for the glory of God--and the memory of my dear friend, Ken Leeburg. I knew I couldn't quit. But it was so hard. At a half a mile from the finish, I hurt so badly, I wept."

Sammy didn't quit. He hurt. But he didn't quit. On p. 12 he says, "'This was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life,' I said. 'I didn't run as fast as I hoped. But I decided that speed was not the most important thing, but finishing the race was what mattered.'"

I am concerned with appearances. Does that relate to speed in a race? I constantly feel judged. Is that similar to being concerned with speed in a race? If I concentrate on finishing, then I would look ever to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, on whom I must desperately depend. Also, I bet I have to expect the pain.

Many times cultures/races don't get along. Why? Sometimes we are taught not to like other races. Sometimes we don't take time to get to know them. There are examples in children/young adult books where humans and other fictional races don't get along.



Harry Potter Series:
Link to Harry Potter, book 1
In the first book Hagrid shows up to ensure that Harry receives his letter from Dumbledore. When he finds out Harry knows nothing about his past, he's upset. Yet Uncle Vernon spouts bitterness and rage when he explains that they want nothing to do with the "magic world."

Link to Harry Potter, book 2
In the second book Malfoy calls Hermoine a "mudblood" and we learn that the term is a really bad one to call people of non-magical descent.

But here is a great example of a character changing his mind:

Inheritance Trilogy -- Eragon, Eldest, and [still waiting]
Link to Eldest
I have been re-reading The Inheritance trilogy (Eragon, Eldest) this summer. Last night I read in Eldest where Eragon tested the minds of three Urgals in order to know their true intent of joining his side of the fight against the empire. He had a great hatred for all Urgals. Yet after working his way through their memories and such, "Eragon doubted that he would ever like an Urgal, but the iron certitude of his prejudice only a few minutes before now seemed ignorant, andhe could not retain it in good conscience." (pg. 620). A few paragraphs later Eragon has this thought about a good friend of his who doesn't trust the Urgals either. ". . . it would be impossible to convince Orik that the Urgals were not rapacious killers when he himself had refused to consider the possibility until sharing an Urgal's memories." (p. 620-621)

So, how can we "share memories" with those we don't like? We must spend time with them. Sometimes we already think someone is ok, but once we spend time with them, they find a place in our heart and we know they are wonderful.