365.....Commense

Today I am starting a 365 day challenge.......my goal is to create a series of blogs with one being written each day for the next year. I have been thinking for a long time about what I could possibly write about every single day for a year.....with much thought and a lot of influence from my wife I have decided to blog about my journey towards qualifying for the Boston Marathon and then hopefully my participation in the run next April.

I will be looking for an opportunity to put my struggles, my successes, my good workouts, my bad workouts, my pains, my thoughts down in words as well as hopefully hear back from anyone who might come across this blog. I will also be sharing some spiritual motivation along the way. And would be looking for the same in return from those who might read this. I am very excited about potentially running one of the most notable street races in all history and am so thankful that God has provided me the healthy body to do such a task, I would like to share my journey through this blog.

"blessed"

So, it has been a few weeks and I have not been able to post. but I just wanted to take a moment and talk about the blessings in my life. I was lying in bed last night with a million things on my mind and I just started to think about how fortunate I am and how thankful I am to be at this stage in my life. I think all too often I expect success, or my terms of success way too early in mine and Megan's journey.

As we are preparing to go back to Rome to serve on a mission trip, I was thinking about the people we will be working with and how rough there life has been and with no possible solution in sight. Being homeless at such an early age and not really knowing when money or food will show up....Wow...I just cant even really imagine that. I have always had food, I have always had clothes, transportation, safety, clean water to shower....and it's something I have always taken for granted.

I see people around me who deal with broken families way too often and have dealt with splitting time with each parent for years. I see kids who from the moment they were pretty much born have only had one parent present, I see brothers and sisters who hate each other, moms and dads who can't even stand the sight of each other. How fortunate I am to have escaped that and have had an amazing family my entire existence, thank you God.

As the Christmas season is upon us, how great a time of year it is for giving and receiving, as much emphasis is putting on giving, it's also important to allow yourself to receive. I have struggled with this many times, I don't like people spending money on me when it can go to someone else, but one thing I have learned is that people who want to give you something aren't doing it because they feel obligated they are doing because you are important to them and their life. Allow people to bless you and give to you.

I see young couples often who are either stuck in a sexually addicted dating relationship and can't escape, and I see married couples who seem so unhappy. All I have to say about that is "Put God at the Center".....stop fooling yourself. You can't do it without him there I promise!!! I am so thankful that I have the most amazing wife who loves God more than she does me. Who cares for me and cares for others. We are young yes but I believe we are on a good path for a healthy and LONG marriage......probably with multiple children.

So I know this is a very random post but take a moment and really think about the blessings in your life and I would love to hear back. Have a great day!!

5:30 AM

So as I was getting my leggings on and tying my shoes preparing to head out the door for my quick morning 2.5 miler, I grabbed my beanie and secured it on my head, usually I would plug my eyes with my staple white ipod ear buds and start out the door. However today I decided to go music-less, I enjoyed it very much.

As I started off down the wet & windy road, my mind started going to work. I began to think about Megan and all of the school work she has in front of her this week. Would we be able to spend some quality time together this week or would it week come and go in a blur as usual. Passing the half mile mark, I began to think about the cars that were passing me. Who each of those people were and where are they going this early in the morning and what is on their minds.

At the mile mark I start into some neighborhoods and it gets very dark....so I start thinking more internally since I can't really see anything. I began to pray and thank God for this day and allowing me to be able to run, I start praying for the day and certain people who come to mind. I ask God for guidance and direction on our fundraising for Rome. At about the 1.75 mile mark I get some light back and stop to stretch my early morning tight muscles, it is very quiet at this point there are very soft noises that make this all the more relaxing and enjoyable.

2 Miles in, I start passing more cars, so my mind naturally goes to protection mode and strategic planning in case of a necessary bail out to the ditch. With the wind at my back it is a nice push to the end of my run. Nearing the end, I am thinking about my new business venture, something quite tasty.......

I have to admit I really enjoyed my non-ipod, early morning run. So I encourage you rhythm addicted runners such as myself. Take those ear buds out for a run and enjoy the music around you.

"Just a Seson"

So I have to say I am loving this time of year, when the trees start to change into those gold, brown and red colors. the leaves start blanketing the ground. If only the clouds would dissipate and bring out the sunshine. I guess I can only wish so much.

Anyways I really do enjoy this time of year, maybe because it is nearing the holiday season. (I am a sucker for the Christmas season, thanks to my late grandfather). I also believe that around this time of the year there is much hope in the air for people. Not sure what it is, whether it is spiritual or just ambiance of the holidays. However it is very inspiring to witness in my mind.

So the titled phrase of this blog "just a season" is something that Meg and I have been hearing on a pretty regular basis and it's almost funny because we actually laugh about it quite a bit now when we hear it. But the great thing about it, is I really think it's God's constant reminder that life is just a season.....that we have very short moments to make the most of what we are doing or be with the people we are around. Don't waste those moments. As my dependence on God grows more each day I am learning that encounters with people are not coincidental they are strategically planned. So take a moment and spend some time with those you see everyday, ask them how life is, what you can pray for. Tell them about your life, give of your time to show compassion.

I am excited about what the next few months have in store, we are in a planning phase to go back to Rome and need lots of prayers......many logistics need to fall into place and much planning has to be done before we even step foot on a plane.....so please say a prayer for us.....and remember whatever you are in right now.....it is "just a season".......Amen

Lost Time

So it has been quite a while since I have posted, a lot has taken place. Life has truly gotten in the way. So I really have several random thoughts that I would like to get down in this post. So please just bare with me.

I would say I am probably going through a very deep spiritual growth session right now. Well let me just catch you up on where Meg and I are right now. I have started a new job....thank God....and Meg is right in the middle of an intense semester of school. We see it each other very little during the week due to schedules but certainly enjoy our time together on the weekends. We are doing well, just having to manage ourselves a little differently due to schedules.

So let me ask first of all, how many of you would say that you question on a regular basis whether you are doing what it is you feel like you are called to do? Whether you believe in God or not maybe you too have felt that you are meant to do something "Great". Well I would say that is what I have been dealing with more and more lately. I am sick and tired of feeling useless, it seems like I see my peers progressing in their endeavors but yet I am not. I say all this not to have a bad attitude but to strengthen my faith in God. I know he has a plan for my life and more and more it seems like a plan that I have no idea about.

I have a passion for working with people and helping those that are in need. It is time to step across the street and take some risks. What kinds of risks have you taken lately? I know I have taken none.....I ahve been living quite comfortably for a long time now and I am ready to take that leap of faith.

If you can relate with my mental struggles right now, please let me know what your thoughts are.

AM Thoughts

So here we are again, it's early AM and I can't sleep. However there is a nice thunderstorm taking place outside so the background music is quite soothing, and Sam and I are holding down the cough. This week has been very interesting and mentally draining, however Megan and I went and met with Brian, Tina, Bree, and Spencer this evening at Aspen, it was a blast. Maybe the Mondo Granita is why I am still awake?.....probably should have considered that. 

I am really looking forward to Friday night, I believe God is given me a very special privilege and

I am looking forward to the experience. I believe heavily that change is on the horizon for Megan and I. I am anticipating some news to arrive very soon that will change things up for me a little bit and hopefully satisfy her as well. 

I am praying tonight for patience, understanding and "Horton" sized faith. Heavenly God you have never left me alone and I know you will never leave me in the future. Thank you for loving me. 

Jeff and Deanna are on my mind this evening. I hope things are going well for them in wintery Africa today. Well I am going to wrap this post up and try to get some sleep. Good Night