Another Disturbing Article

OK. Two "heavy" posts in a row. Sorry, but it frustrates me to see the ignorance of our country when it comes to what we believe. This article I read today shows that even though people identify themselves as Christians, it doesn't mean they have any idea what the scriptures say.

Nearly across the board, the majority of religious Americans believe many religions can lead to eternal life: mainline Protestants (83 percent), members of historic black Protestant churches (59 percent), Roman Catholics (79 percent), Jews (82 percent) and Muslims (56 percent).

The article even references the scripture in John 14:6 where Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I'm grateful for the grace of God, but Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we're saved by grace through faith. The context of that scripture tells us that it is by faith in Christ, not in whatever people want to believe.

The message I heard in church yesterday is very relevant. Christians need to wake up! God, help us wake up!

Obama Is No Moderate

I read an article last week about Senator Obama, but wasn't sure of it's authenticity until I did some additional research on it. I've been able to corroborate it and, even though I try to keep this blog fairly light and free from controversy, I had to let my large number of readers (all 3 of you) know about it.

With our upcoming election, Senator Obama is touting change. He doesn't really tell us what will change. He just throws out a word that he hopes will motivate people that are struggling.

Here is the original article that I read in the Jerusalem Post which details his actions far better than I can do myself. Let's just say that he goes far beyond a typical "right to choose" mentality.

You can also read Jill Stanek's post and see his votes each time the topic has come before him. If you decide to read his argument against the bill, it starts on page 85. As a side note regarding the votes, any vote as "present" is essentially a "no" vote.

I just felt compelled to share some information on one of the candidates we will be voting on to lead our country.

Google Reader for the iPhone

I love new gadgets that are free and make things easy. For iPhone users, Google Reader has an iPhone version (beta) that makes keeping up on your favorite news and blog sources quick and easy.

Here's their blog about it: http://googlereader.blogspot.com/2008/05/brand-new-google-reader-for-iphone.html

Still Not Happening, So I'm Moving On

I've been obeying the doctor's orders and not running for the last week. I went out for an easy run this morning as the doctor recommended, but the pain in the knee is still there. I'm kind of frustrated, because I enjoy running and it's a great way for me to stay in shape. It doesn't hurt when I walk, just when I run.

So, I'm going to spend more time on my daily devotions and I'll start going to the gym in the mornings with Sharon about 3 times a week. We went on a walk after dinner last night which we always enjoy, but don't do enough of. There was life before running and there will be life after running. I just never figured my running "career" would be so short lived. At least I can say, "I ran a marathon once".

Medical Update

I went to the doctor on Tuesday to see what he thought about my left knee. He pulled and pushed and twisted and couldn't make it hurt while I was there. I actually tried to run on Tuesday morning before I headed off to work and got about a mile in before it started hurting again.

The doc said he thinks it's just a sprain and he gave me some exercises to do. He told me not to run for about a week and then try it to see how it feels. I hope time is all it needs, because I hate taking time off when nothing changes then they tell me I need to stay off of it for another week.

I'll post an update next week and let you know how things are going. I hate not running!

On to more important things . . . I found out today that my cousin and his wife are going to have their first baby! Now that's something to be excited about.

Look Ma, No Braces

Well, DJ got his braces off today. Very handsome!

Yo Adrian, I Did It!

I didn't really say that when I finished, but today I feel like I've been through a 15 round boxing match like Rocky Balboa.

On Sunday I started AND FINISHED the Rock-n-Roll Marathon. For those that don't want to read too much, I'll just give you a quick summary right up front. My official finishing time was 4 hrs 30 min and 43 sec.; I finished on 2 legs (not crawling as some people think); and yes it was an awesome feeling.

Here are the details and a little "behind the scenes" for those that care to read on. This was by far, the hardest physical thing I've ever done (from the first training run to the finish line). 10 months ago I didn't like running and certainly couldn't run very far. I had no intention of running a marathon; only to build up to 3 miles a day, 3 or 4 days a week. On my first day, I couldn't run 1 mile without stopping.

During my training I ran in a 5K, 10K, 15K and the La Jolla Half Marathon. A good friend gave me some advice early on, telling me not to set a goal time for my first marathon, just make my goal to finish (thanks Doug). That is great advice, because the last 6.2 miles of the marathon for me were brutal.

At the half way point of the marathon everything was going very well. I felt great and the weather was cooperating (overcast and about 65 degrees). My split time was 2:03 and change (about 9:20 per mile pace) which was perfect. My awesome wife, Sharon and my great friends Brent and Candy were at mile 11 and at the finish line to cheer me on. At mile 16, I stepped on something near the curb in the road and tweaked my left knee. It hurt right away, but I kept going for a while without stopping. Once I stopped and walked through a water station I could feel it bothering me, but it wasn't too bad. At about 18 miles the sun came out. I'm not sure what happened after that. All I know is that it took me a whole lot longer to get past each mile marker and it wasn't nearly as fun as the previous 18 miles.

I ran as long as I could and then I'd walk when I needed to. I ran the final mile and a quarter without stopping even though everything in me told me to, "please just stop". I made it across the finish line doing the "dead leg shuffle", but I didn't care. I had finished a marathon. I am a marathoner.

By the way, the marathon comes from 490 B.C.. The Greeks and Persians were at war. After the end of the battle won by the Greeks, Athens soldier Philipedes ran 42 kilometers (26 miles) between the towns of Marathon and Athens, to tell the people about the final result of the war. Philipedes yelled out "Nike" (that means victory) and then fell over dead. That's why I wore New Balance shoes on Sunday :-).

Some people have asked me if I'm going to run another one. I going to wait to see how my knee feels when my muscles stop hurting, but I'm probably going to run one with my brother in January. I think it would be awesome to run one with him. So, we'll see. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to make it up the stairs when I get to work this morning.