Five things friday

And a dreary good Friday to you. Nothing says mid-November like gray skies, sprinkles, and naked trees. Yet, I still have (at least) five things to say...

1. Yesterday I logged my first run since the marathon on 11/2. Five miles (+1 walking). Almost two weeks off is the longest I've gone since... I dunno... maybe this time last year, or even longer ago than that. It went okay. The stamina and muscle memory were still there, but I started lifting weights and using the Assault stationary bike this past Monday and may have overdone it a bit. I was a bit sore from that, but am not feeling any effects from the run. I will take today off, and tomorrow shoot for 7-8-ish miles.
2. As long as all goes well I'm hoping to do this half marathon trail run December 14th. I probably shouldn't have taken this much time off, but it might be okay. The only real concern I have is my left achilles tendon and calf area. I've had trouble with that before, and it was a tad tender after the marathon, but so far it's holding up. I hope I can do it, because I've never done a trail run this long, nor have I ever been to this place. I've always wanted to. We'll see.
3. So, have you been keeping up with the news lately? Djt is already hogging the headlines again. Ugh. Of course, we all knew that was coming. That's what he does. What I'm not sure of is: does he do it just because he's that much of a narcissist, or is he a patsy in someone else's game and they know this distracts us while they do God-knows-whatever-else to try to take over the world? I don't trust the lot of them, and elon is at the top of the list. Even those who aren't purposely out to ruin the world, giving the benefit of the doubt, their god is not the same as mine, and they may have no idea the damage or trouble they are causing to countless others. But I'm not giving in. It really is "it is what it is." I'm trying to keep Ephesians 6 in mind as much as I can.
4. Speaking of which, I still contend it's not really "Christians" (meaning 'followers of Jesus') who are so on-board with djt and the Rs, but it's those who identify as christian because they are "American." It's not just me rolling my eyes every time a report comes out about "evangelical support for djt." I don't really believe they are evangelical Christians since most outright admit to little to no church attendance. They live under the delusion that being 'Merican makes them Christian, and I'm not sure they understand what that even means. But I'm only going to say that here - just between you and me - because I don't think Jesus would try to defend it either. In fact, maybe as a #4b, this morning I was lamenting how defensive and childish I got when I was dismissed from my role as pastor oh-so-many years ago. I wish now I'd just moved on and not said anymore about it. Yes, I/we needed to grieve, but that's as far as it needed to go. I reacted poorly and regret it. Live and learn, I guess.
5. "Lord, keep us from following the gods of pride, stubbornness, vanity, sloth, greed, and comfort that beckon for our allegiance every day. You brought us through the night watches, you who neither slumber nor sleep. We pray to follow you along the path of generosity, humility, and love throughout this day. Amen." (Common Prayer: ALFOR)

The pic at the top is my grandson, modeling for me how to react to the daily news (not necessarily how to respond to it). This one at the bottom is simply a humorous aside as I attempt to keep myself sane (we all know I don't bake). :)

Have a great weekend, and don't lose sleep (as much as you are able)!

Burning highlights

Have I mentioned that I finished 'A Burning in My Bones,' the Eugene Peterson biography written by Winn Collier? 

This was perhaps the best read for me at this time. Or, maybe any time. It's another of those "slows-me-down" books, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes I felt like maybe I'd read it before because parts were so familiar from reading Peterson's own works. I was reminded of some things I'd forgotten, but also learned some things I never knew (or knew I knew). More than anything, maybe, it made me want to be a pastor again. Not sure if I could muster it, but there's still a bit of a ... burning.

Anyway, as I may have mentioned, I read it on my kindle, and it didn't occur to me until well into the book that I could highlight sections, so below are some of my highlights. And don't get me started on how stupid Amazon has made it to retrieve these highlights! Like, why can't we just copy and paste them? Oh, I know, because that's how rich people/companies operate! Grhhhh. 

• (181) "Steve, yesterday, told me [about the view of ministry] and what he experienced here, where I am not trying to do very much, but am looking for what the Spirit is doing. Well, I'm glad he sees that and wants it. I think he knows, at least a little anyway, of how difficult it is -- but more of the difficulty is inward, the struggle to be here, stay out of the way, and to pray without forcing anything -- or running out and contradicting by action what I enter into by prayer." -EP
• (206) "...but if I cannot pray and run and read and write I cannot live." -EP
• (221) Virginia Owens told the group, "I wish someone took my writing seriously enough to want to kill me."
• (225) "Too many Christian ministers get impatient with slow learners and profoundly broken people like me. But Eugene didn't. He stayed around, confident that God would heal and restore and mend." And he did.
• (241) In one of his last courses, Eugene recounted, with his raspy voice, the sad contours of David's final years, how this man with such desire and fervor, such promise and intention, squandered the last part of his life. Eugene paused often. "He would just be very quiet," Cuba remembered. And then, after one long stillness, Eugene offered a single line: "We don't always finish so well." Eugene longed to finish well, to live a faithful life. To be consumed, to the end, by God's fiery love. To become a saint. And to finish the final miles, he would need to return to his quiet home. Eugene needed Montana.
• (264) These five books would be his heart and soul: Christ Plays in 10,000 Places. This is the basic book on biblical spiritual theology, which is foundational to all of the rest. Practice Resurrection. This is the course on spiritual formation using the book of Ephesians as the groundwork. Follow the Leader (later renamed The Jesus Way). This I would describe as a course on spiritual politics using aspects of leadership as they come into being in contrasting Jesus with Herod, Caiaphas, and Josephus. Tell It Slant. This is the course on spiritual direction, which is based on the parables. Eat This Book. This is the course on using scripture as the formative text for spirituality.
• (268) Apart from mentioning Hans Urs von Balthasar's Prayer as the best book on the subject and Edith Stein as a preeminent writer on contemplation, Eugene gave little advice on how to pray.
• (273) To be a pastor, he believed, means one must live with fear and trembling, to cling to hope in God even as she reckons with her own unsteady soul. To be a pastor requires immense humility and self-awareness, clinging to mercy like a drowning man grasps for a buoy. The strongest sign of authenticity in what you and I are doing is the inadequacy we feel most of the time.
• (275) "...a near pacifist but not doctrinaire." -EP
• (275) "Well, I want to be a pacifist," Eugene answered, "but I'm not sure I have enough courage."

There was plenty more I could have, and maybe should have, highlighted, but these are what I managed on this reading. 

Someday I would like to read the five books listed on p. 264 (I've read one, and maybe two, already). Actually, I've been thinking of signing up for a free trial of Audible, and maybe I could listen to them if I decide to do the Assault Bike this winter instead of running. It would be way cheaper, but I've never listened to a book before, so we'll see.

And, there ya have it. Now to decide what to read next. I have on deck: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by Comer, The Narrow Path and Good and Beautiful and Kind by Villodas, and Where Your Treasure Is by Peterson (plus several others laying around the house and on kindle). I'd like to do one or three more by the end of the year. Guess I better get started...

Death as birth...

"Death is only part of the process of life." - from The Lakota Way

 It's been a couple days. As in, it seems much has taken place.

We took our "date night" last night because it's the only night available this week. We had one glass of wine too many and were home by 7:30. Then I had the strangest phone call. It was from a friend of Jane's, whose name is also Jane. Except it wasn't her. It was her longtime boyfriend/partner. I didn't understand what he was saying at first, and he finally just blurt out, "Jane's dead." Ugh. We've been friends for 10-15 years or so, used to go to church together, work concerts together, hang out at summer events together. They were slightly younger than us, but it seemed we shared a lot of some deeper-type stuff. It was a punch in the gut, and I still feel somewhat hollow this afternoon.

This morning, then, I get another strange call. My mom. Uh-oh. She never calls mid-week. I guess my aunt Mary passed away earlier today. She has been in a nursing home for a number of years, so this one is likely as much relief as shock, but still. To top it off, though, in a way I think perfectly describes my memory of her and her late husband when they were alive, it is apparently his birthday today! So I'm guessing they are partying like never before!

While not exactly the same, I also finished Winn Collier's' biography of Eugene Peterson (A Burning In My Bones) this morning. Wow, what a wonderful book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It ends, of course, with the end of Eugene's life. The controversy at that time was so tragic, but the picture Winn painted of the man and his family, ever so tender. And, it made me think of my dad - his death, and the tragedy of how it happened. I cried for the first time in what seems like a long time.

They say deaths usually come in threes. I'm hoping Eugene's passes as the third. It seemed like a lot for a period less than 24 hours...

Anyway, it reminded me to take a look at my post from about a year ago: "Death Notes." That's where the title of this post is from, in these words written by James Bryan Smith:

Death is really another birth. Imagine telling a baby in the womb, attached to an umbilical cord, "Hey, guess what? You are about to enter into a bright new world with sound and light and air and brilliant colors. You will be able to see and smell and taste for the first time. There are mountains and sunflowers and sandy beaches... a lot of beautiful things out here. You're gonna have to let go of that umbilical cord. In fact, we're gonna snip it. Don't worry. You'll be fine after a few moments of crying." I think our death is something like that. It is actually a birth into a brighter, more aromatic, more delicious, more beautiful world than the one we now know...

 

Peace, my friends; in, and out.

Five things friday

I'm just going to wing this, folks. It's Friday, and I feel like I need to write something - for myself more than anything - so we'll see what happens. Off the top o' my head...

1. I gotta say, I'm a little hurt, or resentful, or something, by the social media posts I've seen blaming Christians for how the election turned out. I mean, I get it, because I think there are a lot of people who consider themselves Christians, or were/are "church"-type people, who voted for him. But it may be a misrepresentation, or at least not a full representation. I know plenty of pastors and Christians, and I can't think of too many at all that were/are trump supporters. Anyway, I know this is how it goes, but just between you and me, it kinda bothers me. I'm sure I'll survive. I'm also not a big fan of people who are saying, "Oh, get over it, it's not like YOUR life is going to change." That may or may not be true, but there are people I know whose lives WILL be changed! It seems a rather insensitive and unkind sentiment to me.
   
2. While I'm on this transparency roll, I also have to say I'm a little nervous about getting out among the other humans. I'm still a bit unsettled, and not sure how I'll react in the presence of those who... are not. We went out to eat both Tuesday and Wednesday night - mostly because we wanted a drink, but also because it's just a bit of a challenge to hold things together right now - and I was a little surprised at how 'festive' the environment was. It's still pretty somber here at home with me and the cat.
3. I read three books about how to deal with politics in a "Christian" way prior to the election: The Spirit of Our Politics, How To Have An Enemy, and The After Party. They were all very helpful, maybe even in different ways, and I'd hate to think what I would be like had I not read them! One of these days I will get around to writing about each book here.
4. Currently I'm reading Winn Collier's biography of Eugene Peterson, A Burning in My Bones. I've had this for awhile on Kindle (it's the main reason I wanted to get a new Kindle when the old one broke). Just since Tuesday I'm already about halfway through it (which is fast reading for me). At first I thought maybe I'd already read it and forgotten, but I think it simply contains some things Eugene had shared in some of his books and other writings, so it seems very familiar. That's not a bad thing. The pic at the top is one of the endorsements, from John Mark Comer. It's been a nice way to keep my mind occupied elsewhere. Also, he's the kind of pastor/person I want to be!
5. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -Jesus (John 14:27)

Well, here we go, friends. That's about all I've got (other than I did finally mow the lawn/leaves yesterday). Peace.

Here we go (not necessarily again)

You may be thinking, "It's not my fault; I didn't vote for him." Maybe so, but it's going to be everyone's problem!

Somehow I managed to avoid the news on election day and night, so when I got out of bed yesterday morning I had no idea who the next President of the United States was going to be. Except I did. 

I could feel it. I swear. I didn't look at email, social media, or news of any kind. It was in the air. Black as coal. It was in my bones.

I guess I wasn't so surprised that he won... But I am still in a bit of shock that it wasn't really even close. Wow. How???

What it does is make you wonder if you know anything at all anymore. Like, how do you explain that the most unfit candidate for ANY office in my lifetime - with his reputation, convictions, felonies, swindling, cheating, lying, bankruptcies, infidelity, and simply no character or moral fiber whatsoever - could not only get elected, but so overwhelmingly elected as PRESIDENT? He isn't fit to be dog catcher!

I think it boils down to these three things...

1. THE STATED REASON - Mammon (money) "I want cheaper eggs."
2. THE UNSTATED REASON - Race/power (Still not over a black President) "And there is no fucking way we're letting a woman do it!"
3. MAYBE THE REAL REASON(?) - Demonic ("For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:12)

More and more I feel like this is a spiritual issue. The stronghold that MAGA-mania has on the American people defies logic, reason, and sense. I believe it's why it is so rampant in the "church." No, I don't believe trump is THE anti-Christ - I don't think there is just one - but I believe he IS anti-Christ. Everything he is about goes against the things of Christ. Just as Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:23, "Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 

Mark my words: This is going to cost innocent people their lives. Look at how many millions needlessly lost their lives from his refusal to address the Covid-19 pandemic! The rich will get richer - exploiting and capitalizing on the poorest among us; along with a reduction in corporate regulations which will take even more lives; not to mention the almost constant threat of war - both at home and abroad...

All that being said though... My hope is that this will create a clearer, more focused church of actual Jesus-followers. We are who the Bible was written for. The struggle will be real; the lines have been drawn. 

"Fear not" is a frequent phrase in Scripture. "Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world." "For such a time as this..." Need I go on?

Yes, I do feel the need to go on. And so should you. It's time to read our Bibles, keep the faith, spur one another on toward love and good works! The Sunday School lessons are over. Now is the time to live it.

Make no mistake, though, things are going to get worse; it will be difficult; you and I will be tempted to bend the knee and kiss the ring; we will see ugly likely we've never seen before...

But it will be worth it.

Maybe I am overreacting and completely wrong, and that's fine if I am. This is just my gut feel.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they've done.

Marathon #8 and a birthday

Well, that's done. I am now 62 years old, and I covered 26.2 miles on said birthday. Oof. Who thought that might be a good idea?!?

Actually, it was a beautiful day to run. Maybe the best weather I've had for any of my 8 marathons. It was a crisp 35F at the start, and maybe got up to 50 by the time I was done. Not a cloud in the sky and only a few moments of slight breeze here and there. 

That was the good part.

I've had this Columbia City, Indiana marathon on my radar for years. It's only 30 minutes from our house, and I don't mind a 2-loop course. I do, however, mind running on an "open" course of almost entirely country roads where you're either going up or down the entire way! Ugh. It was a bit brutal. The blacktop roads are so steeply crowned, and it seemed there was soooo much traffic. I think some of it (maybe most of it) was spectators driving around. And while none of the hills were huge, they just wore on me. Of course the worst one is about mile 25 1/2 as you come back into town.

Anyway, I survived. The first look wasn't even too back. The marathoners and half marathoners started together, so there were more people. I averaged a 9:30 pace and didn't feel bad at all. However, I could tell the second time around would not be the same...

I think mile 15 was my first 10-minute mile, and somewhere around 16 or 18 or something I started walking a tenth of every mile. At 20 or 21 I started to consider having to walk in the rest of the way. I also started feeling really alone. It seemed like miles where I couldn't see anyone else, and I started to wonder if I'd missed a turn and was going to be lost on the back roads of redneck haven. I also had trouble judging whether I was going uphill or down.

I was still on track to break Oprah's 4:29 when I finally made it to mile 25, walked my tenth of a mile, but when I tried to start into a jog... it wouldn't happen. I was toast. I'm not sure how much longer I walked, but I was finally able to muster a trot when I came into town and made it across the finish line. It was right around 4 hours 33 minutes, and my watch said 25.35 miles.

My cheering section (Jane, Carrie & Anna) was relieved to see me, and I was happy to see them. There was actually a nice little crowd cheering people in at the finish. They also had water and soup, which I didn't think I would be interested in, but it tasted pretty darn good!

As far as overall health: I was fairly calm the night before and even the morning of. During the race I developed some tightness in my left calf, but never felt any knee pain, had no chafing or blisters, and really didn't feel bad at all other than just tired legs. However, as the day(s) went on, I think this is probably the sorest my legs have been after any marathon. I'm still having trouble getting up and down stairs today, and my left calf is more sore now than it was while running. I'm sure everything will be fine, and it's probably forced me to take some time off from running - which maybe isn't a bad idea. I didn't take any time off after the marathon this Spring.

As for the practical stuff: I went to bed maybe around 8:30 the night before and got up around 4:30am. Had a couple cups of coffee, and my usual pre-run breakfast of peanut butter and jelly on toast, and otherwise dinked around until we pulled out about 7am. We arrived in CC in the dark right about 7:30-ish, parked, found the porta-potties, and pretty soon Carrie & Anna joined us.

I started out wearing my gray cap, light blue T, blue Brooks jacket, gray shorts, Creeper toe socks, gloves, and the new Brooks Glycerin 20 (8 1/2) shoes. I was plenty warm with the hood up, and never really sweat too much. When I came around toward the start after the first loop I took off my jacket and gloves though, and changed into a dry long sleeve dark blue shirt. I probably could have went with a short sleeve T, but depending on the breeze and the sun I wasn't too bad either way.

I carried my 12oz water bottle and stored 3 gels for each lap. I debated whether to carry the water bottle, but am glad I did. Not only to keep the gels in, but as I feared, the water station that was 2 miles from the finish - which was there for the half - was all packed up and gone when I came around for mile 24. WHY DO PEOPLE SHUT DOWN WATER STATIONS BEFORE THE MARATHON IS DONE!!!! I don't know what in the world these people were thinking. Fortunately I'd refilled my water bottle, so I was okay, but I bet there were a few runners that really needed it. 

Anyway, I'm glad I did it. Yes, it was a challenge, but, then, I guess that's kind of the point. 

I think there were 88 marathoners, of which I came in 53rd(?). I was surprised to find out the next day that I got 2nd in my age group actually! I think there were maybe right around 100 half marathoners, and I'm not sure how many did the 5k.

One thing that I did notice was the number of women running the marathon seemed to far outnumber the men. I'm not sure if that's normal or not, but it's the first time it's stood out to me.

So, it was a nice day for a run in the country. As for the rest of my birthday, we came home, I looked at my phone for a bit, soaked in the tub for awhile, took a shower, and we went to Cork'n'Cleaver for supper and had filets, baked potato, and salad bar, with a bottle of wine. Not a bad day.

At the finish line

I got a rock

Five things friday (halloween, voting, saints)

Holy cows and pigs, how in the world is it November already??? And it's like in one day the trees are almost bare and it feels like... November. You know what else it is? It's Fridayyyyyyyy!

1. Last night was Halloween in our neck'o'the woods. We had maybe more trick-or-treaters than I anticipated considering the rainy cold evening (which still wasn't a lot). Plus, I swear almost no one on our block had their front light on. It was us and one of the Burmese refugee houses across the street. I love that a woman and a couple small kids stood out front of their house in the driveway with a big bowl of candy and waved people in. Unfortunately I ate too much chocolate myself and had a hard time falling asleep last night...
2. I also voted yesterday. Yep, for President and everything! Well, not everything. There were a couple things I didn't have any idea about. I was surprised there were five options for President. I also didn't remember that my little piece of paper you get after you sign in lists me as having "no party." Which is true. I'm not a partier, at least not politically. There have been many times I've voted both ways. Not yesterday though. This country is so partisan-divided, and the GOP seems so over-the-top, I just went with all Dems. I just can't see giving in to the far right. Their weirdness is one of the only things that's ever trickled down (from federal to local politics). Btw, did you know it is now legal to place bets on American elections? Not that anything could ever go wrong with that! Geez.
   
3. Speaking of which, I saw an American flag with DJTs face superimposed over the stars and stripes yesterday. I mean, what in the actual world, people!?! And, yes, there was a couple outside, who I assume live in the house with the flag, and they completely fit the redneck, hillbilly profile of someone you'd imagine would fly such a flag. Ugh. What can you even say?
4. You know what else is weird... It hasn't even registered in my brain that it's my birthday tomorrow. And I am totally fine with that! Not that I mind getting older. I don't. In fact, I actually prefer it! It's just that I haven't even thought about it. Jane has asked me a few times what I want for my birthday. I honestly don't want anything. I don't need anymore stuff. I think if I can drag my ass out of bed, run a marathon, maybe take a nap, and go out to eat with my love... That's not a bad way to spend a day!
   
5. "Since it's earliest centuries, the church has set aside a day to remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in the faith, stretching across the centuries and around the globe. However hard it might seem to follow the way of Jesus in our own time and place, this is a day to remember that we may be crazy, but we are not alone." - Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Happy All Saints Day, my friends! 

The last run (before the marathon)

Am I ready to run a marathon this Saturday? Well, um, I don't think anyone is ever really 'ready' to run 26.2 miles (at least not at my pace). However, I have done all the necessary training... So, let's say I'm "prepared." Mostly.

This week was easy-breezy. I did a 3-mile run Tuesday and 2-mile run yesterday (both followed by the customary 1+mile walk). Now it's two days of rest and then... The marathon.

I don't recall if I've mentioned that I drove the course last week. Ugh. That was maybe a mistake. I had no idea it was so hilly. Undoubtedly the hilliest course I've run - marathon or otherwise. But still...

I feel pretty good. I have no aches or pains other than an occasional ache in my left knee, which is probably more from how I sit on the couch than running-related. I've taken better care of my feet this year by soaking in a mixture of Epsom Salts and Baking Soda, and the use of a pumice stone; plus the size 8.5 Brooks Glycerin 20s fit me like Cinderella's slipper. Also, the upper respiratory "thing" I've been dealing with the past couple weeks seems to have finally cleared up. 

Mentally I feel pretty good too. The first year (2018) was good because I was excited and was around a lot of other people who were either running it too or were simply just excited for me. That's really the only thing I miss about not working: I don't really have anyone to talk about training and running in general with. But the nice thing about not working is I don't have the stress to deal with. In fact, I'd say that I am a much calmer person overall. Hopefully I'm not as difficult and don't make as many bad decisions as I used to.

So, the only thing left to do is try to get plenty of sleep, rest, and at some point I need to get everything ready for the morning of the marathon. It looks like the rain may hold off (at least as of right now) but the temps are still a little iffy. It should be somewhere between 35-40F at the start, and maybe just up to 60 by the end. I haven't yet decided on shorts, long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves; whether to carry my water bottle or not; phone or not; how to carry gels, and what I might want to take to change out after the first loop (or not). I also want to have a cooler for post-race snacks/drinks, because I'm not sure what/if they will have there. So there are still a few variables up in the air that will likely be morning-of decisions. I'd at least like to have everything accessible, and may just pack it all in the car just in case. :)

Otherwise, yep, looks like I will likely make it to the starting line Saturday for marathon #8. The bigger question is if I can make it to the finish! You just never know. Four and a half hours is a lot of time for any number of things to happen.

And... have I mentioned that I will be running 26.2 miles on my 62nd birthday?!? Yeah, that was kind of why I ultimately chose this one. How often is that gonna happen? Plus, it's a "veterans" marathon, so I thought I'd do it in honor of my old man. God knows I never did anything for him while he was alive, and it's a bit overdue, but I did have a boatload of respect for him. I wish he hadn't been the high school principal, so I could have been proud of my dad like most people are. I guess I always felt like that wouldn't be "cool" since all my friends and basically everyone else in our small town in some way always thought of him as the "enemy" in some way or other. So, hopefully I can spend some soul-time reminiscing over the course of the day.

Now I'm going to go try to vote - if I can find a place that doesn't have a mile-long line!

The politics of peace

I said I would post more about The Politics of Peace event our church hosted last Wednesday night (7-9pm). I will, but, boy do I wish I'd remembered my notebook! There was so much good stuff - much that I thought I would surely remember later - but, alas, you know how it goes... I didn't/can't. 

What I do know is that it helped me a great deal as we approach next week's American Presidential election. I thoroughly enjoyed every speaker/singer. Andy Squyres hits so deep in my soul with his combination of humor and gut-wrenching honesty; Melissa Florer-Bixler brought her Mennonite fire that lit a spark in my dry bones; and Winn Collier - perhaps the perfect person to wrap the evening together - spoke with such a pastor's heart to remind us that, yes, miracles are real, and peace IS possible. 

Anyway, I apologize for not taking notes or remembering better. Here's the little snippet that was used to advertise the event:

In a season marked and marred by political polarization, outrage, and fear, we’re coming together to explore and celebrate the politics of peace. How might the Kingdom of God illuminate a way forward at the height of a contentious election cycle? How might we boldly engage in the front-lines work of peacemaking and truth-telling in a time when division and half-truths seem so pervasive? We’ll re-imagine fresh answers to these questions and others as we rally together in a spirit of hope and renewal.

Guided by the voices of scholars, pastors, practitioners, and artists, this evening will feature messages, music, prayer, and space for interaction.

That's about all I've got. Though we did buy four coffee mugs from Andy, and I took pictures!

Josh VonGunten (Canvas Pastor)

Andy Squyres

Melissa Florer-Bixler

Winn Collier

Five things friday (photos, food, pharmaceuticals, and heart)

Wow, I thought the signs of Fall were in full swing last week... As I look out the window just now it's all yellow, red, and green. I want to take it all in before everything goes brown.

1. I've recently been going through old pictures (trying to find some of Isaac's baby pics). Such great memories. It makes me wonder what it will be like in the future, now that no one actually prints pictures anymore. Yesterday I downloaded the Walmart app with just that intention (phone to print).
   
2. Eating out. I don't normally eat out unless it's with the love of my life (that would be Jane, in case you weren't sure). This week is an exception. The two of us did go out for lunch one day in Minneapolis, but I have two others by myself, and a third where we will both meet with another couple. In fact, I'm getting ready to go meet up with my old Skyline Y friends in about an hour. I love that they include me in these monthly-ish meals still. We're going to a new place called the Bru Burger Bar (at least it's new to FW).
3. Wednesday I had lunch with Melissa Florer-Bixler, author of 'How To Have An Enemy'. Our church hosted a "Politics of Peace" event that included her, musician/writer Andy Squyres, and Winn Collier. I will write more about that next week because it was outstanding (imho). The lunch was as well. It wasn't only me and Melissa. Actually, it just occurred to me that it was the staff and elders of our church, and me and Melissa. I didn't even notice that day that I was the only oddball. Anyway, I was so glad to be invited. We had a nice chat about church, politics, kids, and Mennonites (she wants us to become Mennonite). I also had a fun chat with just her on the walk back to our cars. She is super intelligent, but also very down-to-earth, and quite fun.
4. I wanted to make #4 about the statistic I saw that says 75% of TV ads are for pharmaceuticals (because that is wrong on so many levels), but instead I want to share a new word I learned this morning: "orthocardia, which I found in a Michael Reeves book. He argues that in addition to right thinking (orthodoxy) and right living (orthopraxy), we need a right, true, straight heart (orthocardia)." I love that. (H/t for both these items)
5. "Let our whole body, then, be preserved in Christ Jesus; and let everyone be subject to his neighbor. Let the strong not despise the weak, and let the weak show respect to the strong. Let the rich man provide for the wants of the poor; and let the poor man bless God, because he has given him a community that can provide for his needs. Let us consider then, brothers, the matter out of which we were made, how we came into the world, from utter darkness, as if emerging from a grave. He who made us and fashioned us, prepared his bountiful gifts for us before we were born, and introduced us into his world. Since, therefore, we receive all these things from him, we ought to give him thanks for everything; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." - Clement of Rome (Common Prayer: ALFOR)

And... it's Friday... in the Fall... how Fantastic!

We went to see the baby

We had a nice visit to Minnesota to see the newest grandchild. We flew out of Fort Wayne Friday morning (10/18) and flew back to the Fort Tuesday evening (10/22). Flying is not cheap, but it's so dang easy. We're 5 minutes from our airport, and they are 15 from theirs; plus the direct flight on Delta is only like an hour fifteen minutes. It's hard to pass up. And Grandma wanted to spend as much time as possible with Wynn!!

I do have to say, the fourth grandchild is just as special as the first three. It doesn't get any better, and certainly doesn't get old! He is the sweetest thing and allowed us to hold him and stare at him almost the entire time we were there. And, aside from a few times when he would open his eyes and try to hold his head up, he's a great sleeper!

The only downer of the trip was the old dog (Crosby) was not feeling so good. Isaac and I took him to the emergency vet after we got there Friday. They 'hope' he just had a bulging disc that was causing him pain and making it difficult to move. The vet hopped him up on Prednisone, Codeine, and Gabapentin. He had trouble standing and going from standing to sitting or laying. He was pretty wobbly and actually fell a couple times. By the time we left, the medicine seemed to be helping, but at fifteen years old he was still moving pretty slow. We were afraid he was going to die while we were there, and I'd say it won't be long. He was such a good boy though, as was Tig (the 3-legged dog). She was much more concerned about the new baby though, and making sure the humans were taking proper care of him.

Anyway, we mostly just hung around the house the whole time there. We ordered pizza one night, but otherwise Jane or Isaac cooked. We went to the store a couple times and got supplies, and Jane and I had lunch down the street one day. Fortunately there is a grocery store within walking distance (.4 miles), and there are all kinds of restaurants and such about a mile away - which could easily be walked to as well (it's all residential). It's a great neighborhood.

I did my 12-mile run Saturday along the Mississippi River. They have a great trail system, and it's only three blocks from their house. I ran 4 miles down to Minnehaha Falls Park, turned around and went back plus 2 miles to downtown Minneapolis (past the U. of Minnesota). It is really pretty, although from their house to downtown is quite a big hill. When I did my 4-mile run Monday I just went the other way to avoid the incline. 

All in all it was a pretty swell time and that baby is awesome!

Five things friday

I am no scientist but I would say Fall is upon us! How do I know? The leaves. Look out your window, go for a drive, or a run. It's breathtaking - maybe in more ways than one. For as much as my eyes like this time of year, my sinus and respiratory system do not. Such is life. Anyway...

1. I believe October 15th may be the earlier I've ever turned the furnace on. And, yeah, yeah, I have no idea why I always try to see just how long we can go without turning on the heat... But it was 63 the other morning and I was like, "This is stupid, I'm firing up the furnace!" And we did.
   
2. For those of you monitoring my health numbers, my BP the day after the doctor visit was 126/80. About what it was before the dreaded appointment. My doctor actually asked me why I thought my blood pressure went so high in his office. I didn't know how to tell him that I honestly think HE has a lot to do with it. He may be a great person, but we just don't have a good . . . connection . . . and I should probably try to find someone else. He makes me nervous and I simply don't have much confidence in him. I don't/haven't felt this way about all doctors.
3. To be perfectly honest, though, I'm thinking my anxiety over doctor visits has more to do with me, and... control. For instance, even at home, the first time I take my BP it is almost always high, because I'm wondering "Where will it be this time?!?" If it's not too high (which is almost always the case), the next reading will be significantly lower. That's why an AFib episode is so unsettling. Because there is nothing I can do about it! I can't make it go away, or straighten it out, or lower it, or anything. I suppose many people are like this to varying degrees. Perhaps that's why aging usually fosters a more humble approach to life. Believe me, I'm trying. It just ain't easy.
4. We are almost done with our class at church on How to Talk About Politics. I don't know that I've learned a lot, but I was somewhat taken aback by something shared in class last week. One participant had talked with her mother (whom she knew was voting for trump). She said her mother actually admitted, "I see one candidate as evil and the other as a Socialist." When asked why she was choosing to vote for the "evil" candidate, she responded: "I'm voting with my pocket book. Trump's policies were good for me financially."! You know, I think that may be a more popular opinion than many are willing to admit. I have two thoughts: 1) I don't know that it's true, but 2) I also don't know that there is any better way to say money (or Mammon) is clearly the god you worship. When your personal finances take precedence over morality, ethics, the way lives of other human beings may be impacted... I mean... I guess I can see this from a worldly perspective... but not from someone who says they are a follower of Jesus. At least that's how I see it.
5. "Lord, remind us that we are resident aliens, called to be in the world but not of it. Show us today what it means to live as though your kingdom has come, while trusting that it is still coming. Amen." -Common Prayer: Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, p. 509

Okey doke, it's Friday my dear reader folk! Do your thang!

Dr. visit - annual physical

 I had my routine annual physical exam this morning. Ugh.

For starters, when I arrived, I discovered they have changed the layout of the clinic. There are several different doctors offices and various other things, and it used to be you checked in at your particular place. Now everyone checks in at the same place right when you walk in the door at the main desk (which makes some sense). Of course, even though I had supposedly checked in online, I still had to fill out three more papers when I arrived. 

I finally got called back for my 8am appointment around 8:15. My vitals were not the best:

Weight: 159 (not terrible, but I've put on about 5 pounds in the last month)

BP: 148/96 (what??)

HR: 60 (this was the only good thing)

The doctor was of course concerned about my blood pressure. I showed him my at home results. Until this morning it had been normal - minus an occasional hiccup here and there - except it had actually been 153/86 at home this morning before I went to the doctor. I don't know why I get such anxiety before going to this doctor. I've been dreading it for weeks now.

I also tried to tell him that I haven't been feeling very good for a few weeks. Sinus pressure, can't seem to clear my throat, ear ache, cough, etc.. He suggested I start using Flonase for allergies. He never even looked in my ears or at my throat! I'm also supposed to take my BP every day for two weeks and email him the results.

Otherwise, he ordered me to get a lab done for cholesterol, get the flu/covid/rsv vaccines, and next year I need to do another Cologuard.

He listened to my heart and lung and rechecked my BP, and that was it. I was out the door in 30 minutes.

This visit wasn't as bad as some of them have been. I still don't have a lot of confidence in him though. He constantly shakes his one leg when talking to me (which makes me nervous), and at first he asked me why I'd never completed the Cologuard test he ordered. I assured him I had, and he finally found the results apparently somewhere they shouldn't have been. He was also surprised that my heart rhythm sounded 'normal' because he said the EP doctor still had me listed with persistent afib. I dunno... maybe it's not him, but the whole Lutheran Health Network just doesn't have a very good reputation. Maybe it's their whole system. Or, maybe that's just the way the entire healthcare field is now. I wish I had a doctor who would talk to ME, and listen to ME, and not just look at their computer and see what tests I was due for. Whatever.

All in all, I was glad to be done with this. Hopefully my BP will fall back to a normal range, my labs will be okay, and life can move on...

Infinitely better than zero

Not a lot to say today, but I do want to keep this advice from James Clear's 10/10/24 newsletter in mind. I think it is helpful. 

Sometimes we can get overwhelmed by all there is to do. So this is good to keep in mind...

"Two is twice as good as one, but one is infinitely better than zero.

• One minute of making sales calls is infinitely better than zero minutes.
• One minute of meditation is infinitely better than zero minutes.
• One minute of writing is infinitely better than zero minutes.

Sure, it might be ideal to spend an hour doing these things, but one minute gets you in the game. Now you're learning. Now you're improving. Now results are possible. One doesn't seem like much, but it's something real. At zero, you're still dreaming."

 [Yes, that's a picture of my new grandson]

Five things friday

Lots of things going on today, but I am finally getting around to the ftf...

1. The Minnesota Horwedels have left the hospital and little Wynn is home now meeting the dogs (more importantly, they're meeting him). Apparently there was some concern about his blood sugar, mostly due to his low weight, but that seems to have resolved itself with steady eating.
2. Today is also grandson Bennett's 12th birthday. He has always been sort of the "easy" child. And what he wanted for his birthday this year was for all of us to go kayaking. So that's what we're doing tomorrow. We also got him some presents, because... we're his grandparents!
3. Today I did my 20-mile run. This is the high point of training miles (the longest pre-marathon run), and I am looking forward to the taper. It wasn't a "bad" run, but, then, how good can it be when running 20 miles? I always intend for this to last like 4 hours, because rather than worrying about speed you're supposed to try to match total time on your feet for the marathon (which I anticipate will be 4 1/2-5 hours again). I made it last 3 hours 45 minutes. I'm a little sore, but not too bad.
4. Tonight we have our "small group" from church. It's mostly just a social group consisting of the 'old people'. Once a month we get together, eat, and play games. I think this is our third time meeting, and there's supposed to be 20. We're also involved in a class now that meets weekly, and we're trying to learn how to have difficult conversation (about politics mostly).
5. “The things we do, do things to us.” Unknown

Btw, I did not witness the aurora borealis like so many others in the midwest did in the wee hours of this morning. I wish I had because it looked pretty neat from pictures. Such is life!