Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

In just a few weeks, we'll be celebrating one of my favorite holiday... Thanksgiving Day.  There are lots of reasons I enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday:  family, feasting, and football.  I also enjoy the day because it doesn't come with all the commercialism associated with our other big holidays, like Easter & Christmas.  Thanksgiving Day has remained relatively simple.

But there's another reason why I like Thanksgiving so much.  It's a day in which we make the extra effort to reflect on all of the blessings in our lives and give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow... our great and gracious Heavenly Father.

I've often thought, "Why is it that we only stop once a year to say "thank you" to God for all of His blessings?"  I suppose one could argue that if it weren't for this one specially designated day, we might never stop and to give thanks.

Shouldn't everyday be a day of thanksgiving?  Charles Dickens once said that we Americans have it backwards.  Instead of just one day in which to give thanks, we should have 364; with the one day reserved for complaining.

Here's what I want to suggest to you... make every day, especially between now and November 22, a Thanksgiving day.  Stop and consider the blessings you enjoy and say "Thank You" to God for all He has done for you.

Below are some of the things for which I am most thankful.  Please feel free to add your own to the list.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 I AM THANKFUL FOR...
   - My loving & support wife
   - My children & grandchildren
   - My health
   - My church
   - My friends
   - My Savior, Jesus Christ

Accountability & Encouragement

Most Saturday mornings, I get up early and drive into Rochester (about 45 minutes) to do my long distance runs with a great group of people at Fleet Feet Sports.  I've done this for a couple of years now.  

I'm often asked, "Why do you travel so far to go running?  Aren't there any roads where you live?"  Well, there are a few roads out here in South Alabama, NY.  And, yes, they ARE paved.  In fact, I do sometimes run out here, and it's a very beautiful area for running.

The reason I make the trek into Rochester is simple.  I enjoy the camaraderie and encouragement of others who share a similar passion.  

I need the encouragement and accountability that comes from running with others.  There are days I'd rather sleep in.  Knowing others will be running helps me to get up and get going.  There are times I think I've reached my limit.  My group pushes me to go farther and faster than I would on my own.  

This was especially true when I first started running.  Like any new discipline, running is hard.  I needed LOTS of encouragement to stick with it.  But with the encouragement and support of others, I was able to progress from running a 1/2 mile to running marathons.

But there's more to be found in running with a group than just encouragement.  I've also made some very good friends.  We look forward to seeing each other on Saturday mornings.  We cheer for each other at our races.  We connect throughout the week to offer advice, encouragement (there's that word again!), and support... along with a few laughs.

Having been on the receiving end for some time, I recently took on the role of being a pace leader for one of the groups.  Now I get to provide encouragement and support to others as they push themselves to new levels in their running.  It's exciting to hear someone in the group say, "I've never run that far before."  

One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."



Regardless of the journey you're on, we all need encouragement.  Life isn't always easy or fair.  Sometimes you reach the top of one hill only to discover there are several longer & steeper hills ahead (think Mendon Ponds here).  A little encouragement goes a long way.  A smile, a kind word, a little advice, perhaps even some needed correction.  

Do you need some encouragement in your life?  Link up with some others who will help you in your walk today.  Have you been encouraged by others?  Then share that encouragement with someone else.  You'll both be glad you did!

BTW... our group has been training for the past few months to run the MVP Half and Full Marathon in Rochester this Sunday morning.  I'll be leading one of the pace groups for the marathon.  I'm excited to know that we'll be there to support & encourage each other to the finish line.

Mexico Mission Trip 2012 Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, and Lockport Churches

Gaining New Confidence

A comment I hear frequently when I mention that I'm training for another marathon is, "I could never do that!"  And my response is typically the same, "Neither could I when I first started running."

In fact, when I first started running, I was lucky if I could run around the block without gasping for air.  I used to secretly pray that my shoe would come untied so I could take a break!
  
Running a marathon isn't something you decide to do one morning and then sign up for a race the next weekend.  Rather, you start out small and then, over the course of time, you push yourself further and further... a few 5K races, then a 10K, and then a half-marathon (13.1 miles) or two.

Soon you discover that the initial pains of running have passed and you actually look forward to getting out on the road again.  One of the people in our running group posted this week that she found herself smiling while running!  That's when you know you're hooked.

Recently, I've been helping other runners prepare for their first half and full marathon by being a pace leader on our Saturday longs.  I love running with these people.  It's great to hear them say, "I've never run 10 miles before!" and then see them smile when we finish our run.  They're finding for themselves something I discovered since becoming a runner... a new found sense of confidence.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength."  I often repeat this verse to myself while running or when I find myself in a new or uncomfortable situation.

Distance running has given me the confidence I need when facing difficult challenges, knowing that God will give me the strength I need to push my way on to the finish line.

No Fear

On Wednesday I'll be leading a mission trip to Mexico.  There are 10 people (including myself) that will be going to work at Resplandor de Vida, a children's home located near Juarez.  We will be holding Bible classes & activities for about 110 children, distributing food in a nearby colonia, worshiping in a local church, and doing some light construction work at the mission compound.

All of us are excited to be going.  And most of those we know are excited for us.  But there have been some unexpected responses.  On more than one occasion I have heard something like, "What?  Are you crazy?  Don't you know how dangerous it is for Americans in Mexico???"  Such statements have come from well-meaning church members, concerned parents, and other pastors & leaders.


So, here's my response to those concerns...

1. Yes, I know about the dangers that exist in the Juarez, Mexico area.  Dangers exist all around us, even in what we normally consider to be safe areas.  The recent shooting spree in Aurora,  Colorado reminds us of this.
2. We will show proper care to follow the directions of those who know the area best.  We will be there for one week; they live with these dangers constantly.
3. Our God is bigger than any of the difficult or dangerous situation we may face, and we will trust in His care.

Here are two Bible verses that I think of frequently: 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:28,38-39, NIV)

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

We do not need to fear.  There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from God's love.

Here is what God will do for us, whether we are in Juarez, Aurora or anywhere else... he will protect us from all harm, he will sustain us through our difficulties, or he'll take us to our eternal home.  He may even choose to do all three! 

Oh yeah, there's one more thing God will do...  He will use us to honor & glorify Him.  And that's better than anything else we could desire.

For more information about Resplandor de Vida, visit www.harvesthandsministries.org

"Take Five" Friday

It's been a scorcher of a week here in WNY, as it has been in many parts of our country.  This has led many people to seek ways to stay cool.  Here are some ideas you may not have thought about... until now.

Feel free to give them a try and let us know how you make out or share a few of your own suggestions.

5 Unusual Ways to Beat the Summer Heat...

1.  Having a picnic lunch in your bank's lobby.

2.  Standing in an appliance store with all the refrigerator and freezer doors open.

3.  Volunteering to inventory the grocery store's frozen food department.

4.  Posing as a statue in the park's fountain.

5.  Wrapping your body in freeze pops.

A Tribute to Andy

Today we lost an American legend... Andy Griffith.  Like thousands of others, I grew up watching The Andy Griffith Show.  His role as Sheriff Andy Taylor gave us a glimpse of the man he truly was:  gracious & fair, loving & firm, a man of rock solid convictions, and one whose faith was genuine.

Before pursuing a degree in music, Andy prayerfully considered becoming a preacher.  I am so glad he chose the path he did.  I have to believe he touched more lives by the roles he portrayed than he ever would have from a pulpit.

"Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord," his wife, Cindi Griffith, said in the statement issued through the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, North Carolina. (CNN)


Andy, your presence & influence will be greatly missed. 

  

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." - Psalm 116:15

"Take Five" Friday

Beginning tomorrow, I'll be starting a one week vacation with my wife, two daughters, one son-in-law, and two granddaughters.  We're renting a lakefront home on Honeoye Lake (one of New York State's Finger Lakes).  So this week my "Take Five" Friday selection is...

 

TOP VACATION ACTIVITIES

(in no particular order... it's vacation!)

 

#1 - Morning coffee by the lake

#2 - Reading a book by John Grisham

#3 - Being with my family

#4 - Browsing local shops

#5 - Evening coffee by the lake

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Today marks the official beginning of summer and 90 degree temperatures are called for today and tomorrow.  Heat & air qualities advisories have been issued.  Meteorologists and reporters are all sounding the warning to keep cool and stay hydrated.

Runners, like all athletes, know the importance of proper hydration.  They've typically learned it the hard way... from personal experience.  I've had a few occasions where found myself in trouble due to dehydration.

The first time was when I was out on a long run on a summer day.  My running partner had gone out the evening before to strategically place water bottles along our new route.  Unfortunately, a road we were supposed to take didn't exist (don't always trust Mapquest!).  After running a few extra miles, we realized something was wrong and turned back.  By the time we reached our water, I was no longer sweating and becoming light headed.  I ended up walking for a couple of miles to make it back home.  On another occasion I went for a 20 mile run after donating blood the day before.  Bad idea!!

Proper hydration is important to one's body functioning properly.  This is especially true during hot weather and periods on intense or prolonged physical exertion.  Among other things, dehydration can  slow thinking, reduce endurance, decrease strength, cause cramping and slow muscular response.

The solution?  Be sure to properly hydrate before, during & after your workout.  By the time you realize you're thirsty, it's too late.  You must be prepared!

Just as proper hydration is essential to peak performance for athletes, proper spiritual hydration is needed for those who desire to live godly lives.  In Psalm 1, the writer pictures the person blessed by God as one who is like a tree planted by streams of water... a tree that is fruitful and prosperous.  And where does one find this water?  By delighting in and meditating upon God's Word -- the Bible.  

Just as it's physically important to give attention to proper hydration, it's equally important to give careful thought to your spiritual hydration.  If you wait until a crisis hits, it's too late.

Take some time to read and meditate on God's Word.  Your soul will be refreshed and your life will be blessed by God.  Here's a great place to begin.  Start today & drink up!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+1&version=NIV

"Take Five" Friday

With the official start of summer just around the corner, I thought I'd share with you my 5 favorite travel destinations.  Please comment with your favorite locations.  Nancy & I are always up for something new!

Downtown St. Louis

#5 - St. Louis, MO
Besides being my hometown, there are lots of great things (many of them free!) to do in St. Louis. Be sure to visit the St. Louis Zoo and the Science Center.

The Beach!

#4 - Clearwater Beach, FL 
Great white sand beaches and crystal clear water.  Be sure to visit Pier 60 at night.  My favorite restaurant?  Frenchy's (there are several from which to choose).  Be sure to have the grouper sandwich!





  

Tybee Lighthouse

 #3 - Tybee Island, GA
Great beach and restaurants without all the commercialism of many larger coastal destinations, plus its proximity to Savannah with all its history & charm.  Best thing to do?  Chill.

Balaklava, Crimea

#2 - Ukraine
I've visited this country 8 times (Kiev, L'viv, Sevastopol, Balaklava, Odessa, Sumy) to work with my brother Pastor Vladimir Vshyvkin at Revival Baptist Church in Brovary in their summer camp ministry.  Love the people & the food... borscht, vereniki, chocolates, and salo (with chocolate, of course).






   
#1 - Chicago, IL
Our son lives there.  Great city for walking and sightseeing.  Chicago Dogs & Deep Dish Pizza!  Way too many wonderful restaurants!

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Though it was a hard sell at first, I've come to love running.  I usually am able to run 5 - 7 miles twice a week.  But what I really love are my Saturday long runs.  I'm planning to do 10 miles this Saturday with a group of runners that I'm helping to coach in Rochester.

Lately on my off days I've been trying to get to the gym to do some weight training.  Though I had neglected this as my marathon training miles got longer & longer, I've been more successful in recent weeks.  That's pretty much been my exercise routine.  Running and weights.

I've known for a long time that I needed to introduce some new routines into the mix.  Now that I'm between races, I decided it was time to go for it.

What I imagined I looked like

I mentioned in one of my recent posts about trying yoga for the first time.  As I said, it wasn't pretty but it also wasn't too bad.  I'm glad I was alone in the privacy of my home... with the shades drawn!

What I really looked like

I plan to keep at it, even if only one day a week for now.

I'm hoping that this 56 year body will become a bit more flexible as time goes on.





Today I tried something new... spinning!  My wife loves to spin and has been "encouraging" me for a long time to give it try.  After many failed attempts on her part, she even enlisted a few allies at the gym to encourage me to give it try.  I really enjoyed it!!  Our instructor was great.  The music he selected was some of my favorites.  And I discovered some muscles in my legs that had long been neglected!

Bottom line is this... Old dogs CAN learn new tricks.  It may just take a little longer.  But if I can, so can you.  So go on and try something new this week.  You'll be glad you did!

Pastor Pat

"Take Five" Friday

MY TOP 5 FAVORITE FLAVORS OF PERRY'S ICE CREAM:

#5 - French Roast Coffee

#4 - Death by Chocolate

#3 - Mint Chip

#2 - Bittersweet Sinphony

and my #1 Favorite Flavor of Perry's Ice Cream is...

CARIBBEAN COCONUT!!! 

The Importance of Rest

One of the lessons I'm learning in my running is the importance of rest.  Rest gives your body time to repair, replenish and rebuild from both the physical and mental demands of running.  Like cross-training, failing to rest properly will negatively impact your performance.  Keep pushing yourself too hard and you will wear out or burn out!

I'm also learning there are different types of rest, which is great because we'll all different!  For example, a day or two of completely no training may be in order.  Go for a walk or a swim, take a bike ride.  Just don't do anything too strenuous.  On other days, a short, easy run is needed to help speed one's recovery.

I've found that my body responds much better to running 3-4 times per week.  I try to add it a couple of days for cross-training.  I even tried yoga this past week.  Let's just say it was neither easy nor graceful, but that's for another post!


All of the reading I've done on the subject of rest points to the same thing... rest is essential to becoming a better runner.  

Rest is also necessary to one's spiritual health.  God, in his infinite wisdom, created us with the need to rest.  In fact, God modeled our need for rest after he created the heavens and the earth.  We read in Genesis 2:2-3, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."  Later, in Exodus 31:15, we read, "For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord."


Why did God prescribe the need to set aside one day to rest?  So we could spiritually repair, replenish and rebuild from the physical and mental demands of life!  

Just as I'm discovering with running, there are different ways to find our spiritual rest.  These include our times of corporate worship, as well as times of personal solitude; time reading the Bible and other great authors; prayer; a walk (or run) through a park; singing or listening to music; serving others.  I'm sure there are many other ways to find one's rest.  Please share your favorites with us.

The main idea is this... spiritual rest is essential to becoming a better person.  


-- Pastor Pat

ITBS & Spiritual Disciplines

I've recently noticed the development of Iliotibilal Band Syndrome (ITBS).  The tell-tale signs of pain on the outside of my right knee have appeared once again after being pain free for several years.  The cause?  Common to runners, ITBS can be caused in a variety of ways... pregnancy, aging, pronation, road camber, worn running shoes, and muscle imbalance. (For more info on ITBS, see http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=3528)


Having ruled out pregnancy, pronation, road camber and worn running shoes, that leaves me with two probable causes: aging and muscle imbalance.  While I can't doing anything to stop the advancing years (though recent studies have confirmed that running & coffee drinking will add years to your life), I'm left with working on muscle imbalance.

During my recent marathon training regimen I focused only on running.  I did little to no cross training, especially anything to strengthen my hip abductors.  This little flare up served to remind me of the importance of cross training.  So this week I hit the gym once again to add in some long neglected weight training and stretching to help strengthen and stabilize my deteriorating body.  What I'm learning, albeit a little too slowly at times, is that cross training is not optional when it comes to one's physical well-being. 

The same is true for a person's spiritual well-being.  God has given us a variety of spiritual exercises that are essential to our growth and success in the Christian life.  These include worship, Bible reading, prayer and service to others (just a name a few). 

I'm not sure if there is a spiritual equivalent of ITBS, but focusing on one or two of your favorite "exercises" will hamper your spiritual health.  We need to make sure to develop a well-rounded regimen.  I'd recommend the following book by Donald Whitney for anyone wanting to learn more about these disciplines.

While there are definite advantages to tending to one's physical health, I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, "Train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 

Let's keep our balance as we continue to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

Live to Run Another Day

Training for marathon

Part of my recent trip to Chicago included running the the Chicagoland Spring Marathon in Schaumburg.  This year I decided I would run as part of Team Samaritan's Purse to raise funds for their Clean Water projects.

I trained throughout the winter in Western New York.  While a relatively mild winter, nothing prepared me for the 90 degree temps of race day.

One of my favorite Bible verses as a runner is Hebrews 12:1, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  On this particular day, a few more verses came to mind...

"My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (Psalm 32:4) and "There is a way that appears right but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 16:25).

By mile 12, my strength was waning and I was starting to feel the effects of the heat.  I don't know that I would have died had I continued, but I knew I would have been in trouble!

After the 1/2 Marathon

Another of my favorite quotes is, "The better part of valor is discretion."  (Shakespeare, Henry the Fourth)   So in a rare moment of wisdom and ever-decreasing lucidity, I decided to stop at 13.1 miles.

This day the race marked out for me wasn't the 26.2 miles I hoped to finish.  Life is like that at times.  Rarely do things go exactly as planned, at least by us!  But like a marathon (or in this case, a half marathon), we're in it for the long haul.  There will be other days to run.



BTW... together with those who pledged their support, we raised over $1000 for Samaritan Purse's Clean Water projects.  And that's worth so much more than finishing another marathon or an avoidable trip to the ER.

Keep running the race!

I've been attending the reFOCUS Pastors' Conference in Chicago this week.  One of the seminars I attended was on blogging.  So... here's my start to get things rolling.  I'll be working on improving the look of the blog over the next few weeks.  I plan to use my blog to share things I'm thinking about, things I find interesting, and things God is doing in my life, my family and my church. 

Feel free to offer your insights & suggestions.  Really!