I'm the worse blogger (+ other things) ever.

OK 1st for updates. Well I successfully completed my 1st marathon. I ran a 4:34:17 in unseasonably temps/humidity.

Deaconing is going I guess. One of the older members died on Thanksgiving and since I was out of town, had no clue what was going on until I get in for choir practice Sunday afternoon straight from MS and his family was there straight from the funeral. I have another family that is separated at the moment. But I am in weekly contact w/ them and they're making progress. Praise God.

Right now I'm fighting a cough that I developed after the marathon, and running to train for the Mercedes Marathon in 8 weeks despite it.

Spiritually, I'm OK. But its tough to feed yourself when you spend so much time getting others to the table. I just completed a "study" of the Gospel of John. Parenthetic to indicate that as a biblical scholar, I'm still fairly lazy. I hate taking notes, and it really slows the process down. But I guess that's the point. To slow down. To ponder what His Word is trying to speak personally to you. Daily before my quiet time, I ask God to open my heart and my mind. I'm doubting if God is getting as much into my mind if I'm busily just trying to run through a chapter in the 20 mins or so I give. hmph. Maybe I should give another go at John? This time just letting it sink in more.

Hi!!

Alright this is my 1st time doing this blogging thing. I just wanted somewhere I could record my thoughts and stuff. Maybe get some online accountablity from any Christians that may be floating by.

A lil' more about me? m'kay. Well I'm an ex-smoker. A 5 year Navy vet (MM2 was my rank when I left). I enjoy aggressive Christian rock, former metalhead (but wanted my music to feed my soul instead of eat it away).

I believe that people can only grow as Christians when you finally surrender yourself to Him, and that growth cannot occur without effort on your part. Showing up a few hours a week at church, will grow you spiritually as much driving past a car wash will get it clean. Ya gotta get into it. I'm currently studying the Gospel of John.

I'm also 12 weeks away from my first full marathon. Training has been fair. I'm slow, and occasionally lazy. My last long run 2 weeks ago was terrible (16 miles).