Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Once upon a time...
A couple years ago I thought I might not be able to run anymore, took a couple years off, then went to some physical therapy and with a lot of work, made it to the point of running a trail marathon at 3500 ft (starting line) with 2500-ish feet of climb total in 3:36 (was my first marathon) and managed to finish top 10.
Said race also seemed to destroy my calves as I still have pain almost 2 years later. Guess I need to give in and find the time for PT again. I've been icing and stretching a lot lately, but I don't know yet if it's working and yesterday I really hurt my back (plus while I sit here typing I can feel my calves/achilles spasming again).
Nonetheless...there was something special to me about being able to spend that much time on a trail and challenge myself. I keep thinking "if only I can train I can really enjoy the long distance trail thing" since that run was on about 3 months of base.
A little inspiration goes a long way, so I finally bought a photo from the race...(this photo was near the end of the race)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
It begins
I've been saying for a long time I sense this country moving toward ever increasing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
Doesn't matter if you're Christian...if you are a believer in freedom of speech and freedom of assembly this is chilling...http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522637,00.html
Additionally, I found this speech excerpt from Churchill on Socialism. Aligns exactly with our current political movements (both right and left, though the left seems much more intent on it...)
"No Socialist government conducting the entire life and industry of the country could afford to allow free,sharp,or violently worded expressions of public discontent. They would have to fall back on some sort of Gestapo,no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.
And this would nip opinion in the bud; it would stop criticism as it reared its head,and it would gather all the power to the supreme party and the party leaders,rising like stately pinnacles above their vast bureaucracies of Civil servants,no longer servants and no longer civil.
And where would the ordinary simple folk - the common people,as they like to call them in America - where would they be,once this mighty organism had got them in its grip?"
Doesn't matter if you're Christian...if you are a believer in freedom of speech and freedom of assembly this is chilling...http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522637,00.html
Additionally, I found this speech excerpt from Churchill on Socialism. Aligns exactly with our current political movements (both right and left, though the left seems much more intent on it...)
"No Socialist government conducting the entire life and industry of the country could afford to allow free,sharp,or violently worded expressions of public discontent. They would have to fall back on some sort of Gestapo,no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.
And this would nip opinion in the bud; it would stop criticism as it reared its head,and it would gather all the power to the supreme party and the party leaders,rising like stately pinnacles above their vast bureaucracies of Civil servants,no longer servants and no longer civil.
And where would the ordinary simple folk - the common people,as they like to call them in America - where would they be,once this mighty organism had got them in its grip?"
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Actions vs Words
I feel bad I keep being political, but I can't keep quiet, so you decide for yourself how this makes you feel.
Regardless of your persuasion, there is a clear pattern developing. Between this, his recent executive decision to send US taxpayer money to foreign "family planning" groups who either direct people to abortionists or even perform them, and his opposition to the "born alive" act, at least the administration is clear on its stance.
Well, except for the fact he keeps saying he's going to what he can to reduce abortions.
Regardless of your persuasion, there is a clear pattern developing. Between this, his recent executive decision to send US taxpayer money to foreign "family planning" groups who either direct people to abortionists or even perform them, and his opposition to the "born alive" act, at least the administration is clear on its stance.
Well, except for the fact he keeps saying he's going to what he can to reduce abortions.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
So much for bi-partisanship
Don't want politics? Don't read on... I'll try to post some pics or something lighter next time...
Excerpt from an article about Obama's first prime-time press conference (it's stuff like this that makes me fear what this administrations impact to a free thinking, independent press will do and ultimately, if the press in in bed with a political viewpoint, what that will mean to the "democracy" my children will live in.. I don't want the press in bed with either side, but I comment on the "left" because that's where the press seems to be)...
"
Analysis: Obama Appeals to Liberal Media in First Prime Time Press Conference
President Obama reached out to non-traditional and left-wing media in his first prime time press conference at the White House.
He seated a left-wing radio host in the coveted front row. He called on a liberal blogger from the Huffington Post. He even brought far-left columnist Helen Thomas out of the wilderness and let her ruminate about "so-called terrorists."
Clearly, President Obama was making a point of showing deference to the Left at his first prime-time press conference, which was broadcast to millions from the stately East Room of the White House on Monday.
...
Critics pointed out that Bush never showcased right-wing bloggers or columnists at press conferences. And he certainly never allowed right-wing radio hosts to sit in the front row.
"What if Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh were up front at Bush's press conferences in the East Room?" asks media critic Michael Calderone of Politico.
During Bush's press conferences, reporters aggressively tried to ask numerous follow-up questions. But on Monday night, aside from Thomas and Major Garrett of FOX News, most reporters refrained from asking follow-ups, even when their initial questions went largely unanswered.
"
Excerpt from an article about Obama's first prime-time press conference (it's stuff like this that makes me fear what this administrations impact to a free thinking, independent press will do and ultimately, if the press in in bed with a political viewpoint, what that will mean to the "democracy" my children will live in.. I don't want the press in bed with either side, but I comment on the "left" because that's where the press seems to be)...
"
Analysis: Obama Appeals to Liberal Media in First Prime Time Press Conference
President Obama reached out to non-traditional and left-wing media in his first prime time press conference at the White House.
He seated a left-wing radio host in the coveted front row. He called on a liberal blogger from the Huffington Post. He even brought far-left columnist Helen Thomas out of the wilderness and let her ruminate about "so-called terrorists."
Clearly, President Obama was making a point of showing deference to the Left at his first prime-time press conference, which was broadcast to millions from the stately East Room of the White House on Monday.
...
Critics pointed out that Bush never showcased right-wing bloggers or columnists at press conferences. And he certainly never allowed right-wing radio hosts to sit in the front row.
"What if Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh were up front at Bush's press conferences in the East Room?" asks media critic Michael Calderone of Politico.
During Bush's press conferences, reporters aggressively tried to ask numerous follow-up questions. But on Monday night, aside from Thomas and Major Garrett of FOX News, most reporters refrained from asking follow-ups, even when their initial questions went largely unanswered.
"
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Who fits God's Image?
From Genesis 1:27.."So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
I remember when I was younger I read a book talking about God loving someone like a mother. At the time, I was pretty turned off by the idea. In fact I put the book away and didn't finish it. I am by all accounts a conservative and certainly wouldn't be labeled liberal in my theology. Within that context (of my being generally conservative) I must say, it's come to sadden me that we often don't regard the wonderful qualities of women as a reflection of who God is.
Over time in my marriage and as I've matured, I've learned so much about how God has created men and women as two complimentary parts making a whole together. I've learned to see my wife's differences from me not as weaknesses, but as complimentary strengths to my weaknesses.
I began to think, if the two together make a whole, perfect union, might that be because each of us has characteristics of the God who made us and who so wonderfully designed us to support and compliment one another. "Duh", you say, but try comparing God a female role (mother for example) and see what reaction you get.
Over time I've come to readily accept that the best qualities of women are really glimpses of the image of God. James 1:17 (NASB) says "Every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights".
When I think of the Godly women in my life, I think of graceful love, a nurturing spirit, a quickness to forgive, the undaunting patience and gentle doting of mothers I know, and the capacity to sense the emotional needs of others and respond with an open heart. Those and so many other characteristics of women (speaking in generalized terms) are of course good things and perfect gifts of God.
As God is the Father of light, I believe apart from Him is only darkness, and that anything good in our lives is of Him and from Him and cannot exist without His having authored it. Thus it stands to reason womanly love and kindness could not exist apart from God and are in fact a reflection of God's very self.
I do not mean to say God lacks the strong, manly characteristics we have come to cultulrally accept. I am thankful for a strong God who is not wimpy and for whom truth is constant, not shifting with popular opinion. I only mean to say, God is bigger than the boxes we sometimes put Him in.
I am quite certain the beauty I see in the women of my life is the beauty of a mirror reflecting images of their creator.
I remember when I was younger I read a book talking about God loving someone like a mother. At the time, I was pretty turned off by the idea. In fact I put the book away and didn't finish it. I am by all accounts a conservative and certainly wouldn't be labeled liberal in my theology. Within that context (of my being generally conservative) I must say, it's come to sadden me that we often don't regard the wonderful qualities of women as a reflection of who God is.
Over time in my marriage and as I've matured, I've learned so much about how God has created men and women as two complimentary parts making a whole together. I've learned to see my wife's differences from me not as weaknesses, but as complimentary strengths to my weaknesses.
I began to think, if the two together make a whole, perfect union, might that be because each of us has characteristics of the God who made us and who so wonderfully designed us to support and compliment one another. "Duh", you say, but try comparing God a female role (mother for example) and see what reaction you get.
Over time I've come to readily accept that the best qualities of women are really glimpses of the image of God. James 1:17 (NASB) says "Every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights".
When I think of the Godly women in my life, I think of graceful love, a nurturing spirit, a quickness to forgive, the undaunting patience and gentle doting of mothers I know, and the capacity to sense the emotional needs of others and respond with an open heart. Those and so many other characteristics of women (speaking in generalized terms) are of course good things and perfect gifts of God.
As God is the Father of light, I believe apart from Him is only darkness, and that anything good in our lives is of Him and from Him and cannot exist without His having authored it. Thus it stands to reason womanly love and kindness could not exist apart from God and are in fact a reflection of God's very self.
I do not mean to say God lacks the strong, manly characteristics we have come to cultulrally accept. I am thankful for a strong God who is not wimpy and for whom truth is constant, not shifting with popular opinion. I only mean to say, God is bigger than the boxes we sometimes put Him in.
I am quite certain the beauty I see in the women of my life is the beauty of a mirror reflecting images of their creator.
Friday, January 02, 2009
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