Five things friday

Well, it's another one-post week. Hopefully you have survived...

1. SEVENTEEN MILES TO RIGHT HERE

I could have said right or write. I just got done with my 17-mile run, and here I am. Oof. It actually wasn't bad, but, you know, after a couple hours, a person gets kind of tired. 

Oddly enough, I randomly turned my watch off when it chimed at 17 miles, and it was exactly 3 hours and 2 minutes (zero seconds)! Ha! Then I walked another .53 miles.

It was 39°F when I started, and 54 when I ended. Nearly perfect tempts, and clear blue skies. I suppose that accounted for the first 9.5-mile loop feeling exceptionally good. The last 8 miles weren't quite as peachy, but all-in-all I didn't feel too bad. 

2. M'LADY HAS A BIRTHDAY 

Today is Jane's birthday. We both kind of lose track of the exact number anymore, but it's 60+. And she just keeps getting better and better!

I bought her a card, and while I was writing in it, it dawned on me that I think I bought her the exact same card not too many birthdays ago. The message inside was that true, though, so I don't mind.

We splurged and bought tickets for a Tedechi Trucks (with Alabama Shakes) concert this summer for her. Even got the good seats, plus a camping spot right across the street. This is one band we're willing to splurge on, and we can't wait! 

3. PREACHING SUNDAY

I have a suitable manuscript to speak in church again this Sunday. It was a rather quick turnaround for me. The pastor just recently asked if I could fill in. It seems I already may have explained that I'd had a stack of notes and books already amassed for a message on Psalm 23:1 (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want). 

Lately I've went through a dozen or so rewrites until I was satisfied, but this time I stopped at four. 

I will talk about Lord Huron, a Chinese Farmer, David (considered the writer of said Psalm), David Foster Wallace, and offer a demonstration of 'word emphasis meditation' (or 'focal shifting'). Mostly the idea is: you are enough; we have enough. I'm kinda looking forward to it.

4. A NEW BOOK

I haven't started it yet, but hopefully this coming week I will begin reading 'Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself - and to God - When You're Wounded, Weary & Wandering,' by Chuck DeGroat. This was a freebie, offered to me since I'm an elder in the church, and I took it! I love reading Chuck's substack, and am looking forward to this book.

5. THE WEEKLY QUOTE

"Spiritual disciplines are not about making us more precious to God. They are about making God more precious to us." - unknown 

 

Alrighty... I'm a bit wiped out, and you probably are too. Have a great weekend!!