That's the name of one of my running songs. Anyways, I've been running 40 minutes per day, increasing the speed and distance each time. Today I started at incline of 2.0 and a speed of 6.0. After 20 minutes, I increased to 6.5. After another 10 minutes I increased to 7.0, and for the last minute I went to 8.0. Distance was about 4.3 miles.
My philosophy has been to gradually increase speed and distance, but I'm getting impatient. The worst part of each run is the first ten minutes, because 6.0 is way too slow. I need to experiment with a brief warm-up and then a jump to 7.0, which feels much more comfortable. I might try to do 8.0 for the last five minutes next time and see how that goes down. Knees and heels are fair--not great, but not bad either.
Bottom line: I love running. I really look forward to it every day. I forgot how much I enjoyed it in my youth, but my body is quickly adapting to it again, and I love it.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Summer, 2010!
I love summer. I like very hot, steamy weather. I like working in the garden with Zanne. I recently installed a porch swing, so now our entire porch can be used. We love to sit out at night, watch the fireflies, listen to our waterfall, and talk. Last night (4 July) we watched the Martinsburg fireworks from the porch swing. Way fun.
About four weeks ago, Zanne and I decided to join Gold's Gym and set out on a life-long (seriously!) change. We have been faithfully working out six days a week and counting calories. Learning, pushing, encouraging each other. I've lost just about 10 pounds now. Down to a new low for me: 196.8. Back in December, 2008 I started a program of working out and dieting, and I successfully lost about 16 pounds and kept it off. But since then I've been hovering at around 200. This time I'm headed to 185, and then 175...and I'm going to make it!! I've been running a lot, despite an orthopedic surgeon telling me a couple of years ago that I'd never run again. I told him, "Oh yes I will!" Now I run almost every day--a hard 36 minute run this morning--and my knees feel great.
Headed to the shore this week. I LOVE the beach. My very favorite place to be. When I hit the sand, I'm 12 years old again. I'll be body surfing in the waves for six hours straight. Then I build an awesome sand castle. Run along the boardwalk, drink fresh orange juice in the morning...mmmm. Can't wait.
Since my last post, I also designed a wargame called "Hero of Weehawken: The Aaron Burr Conspiracy". Victory Point Games picked it up for publication. Woot!
Life is good, but I really miss teaching Bible class!!
About four weeks ago, Zanne and I decided to join Gold's Gym and set out on a life-long (seriously!) change. We have been faithfully working out six days a week and counting calories. Learning, pushing, encouraging each other. I've lost just about 10 pounds now. Down to a new low for me: 196.8. Back in December, 2008 I started a program of working out and dieting, and I successfully lost about 16 pounds and kept it off. But since then I've been hovering at around 200. This time I'm headed to 185, and then 175...and I'm going to make it!! I've been running a lot, despite an orthopedic surgeon telling me a couple of years ago that I'd never run again. I told him, "Oh yes I will!" Now I run almost every day--a hard 36 minute run this morning--and my knees feel great.
Headed to the shore this week. I LOVE the beach. My very favorite place to be. When I hit the sand, I'm 12 years old again. I'll be body surfing in the waves for six hours straight. Then I build an awesome sand castle. Run along the boardwalk, drink fresh orange juice in the morning...mmmm. Can't wait.
Since my last post, I also designed a wargame called "Hero of Weehawken: The Aaron Burr Conspiracy". Victory Point Games picked it up for publication. Woot!
Life is good, but I really miss teaching Bible class!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Kagan, McDougall
Read a nice piece by Kagan in Foreign Affairs on the geography of Chinese strategy. Most salient point (to me) was discussion of a possible American strategy of dropping back to the "second island chain" (aka Oceana), or in other words, emphasizing basing in Guam, the Solomons, Marianas, and Marshalls, vice Korea and Japan. More feasible, both politically and economically, and avoids needless provocation as the PRC inevitably expands. Of course, this option would presume that we can somehow extricate ourselves from the burden of defending Japan, Korea, and, of course, Taiwan. It also seems to lead to economic dominance of Beijing, not to mention the possibility of our former allies finlandizing toward China. But in the end, I feel that even these temporary setbacks would be a good thing, because they would tend to overburden the communist regime in Beijing and hasten the day that China either collapses or democratizes.
McDougall's piece on grand strategy corresponded with my own writing on ends, ways, and means. I was gratified that he nailed the current practice of verbalizing goals in the National Security Strategy without talking about means or ways.
McDougall's piece on grand strategy corresponded with my own writing on ends, ways, and means. I was gratified that he nailed the current practice of verbalizing goals in the National Security Strategy without talking about means or ways.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Jimmy Carter
I'm re-reading Our Endangered Values by Carter. I have conflicting thoughts about the man and his views. I cannot doubt that he is a believer in Christ. He states so directly. He has dedicated much of his life to very meritorious activities, like missionary work, poverty relief, etc. One cannot help but admire his accomplishments, including his work for the Lord.
His book, however, makes a strong distinction between what he describes as "evangelical" Christianity, and "fundamentalist" Christianity. He sees himself as the former. He loves the Bible, thinks it is God's Word, but does not hold to literal interpretation nor inerrancy. He hates fundamentalists. That's a strong statement, but I think the book justifies it. He accuses fundamentalists of stupidity, rigidity, and hate-mongering. Obviously, he is targeting George Bush primarily, and the religious right in general. It's a little amusing that he is a strong advocate for tolerating and loving Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Catholics...EVERYBODY...except those fundamentalists!
I find myself wondering how God will judge Jimmy Carter. Will he applaud him or discipline him for rejecting the truth of scripture? Carter boasts about his duties as a Sunday School teacher, and he no doubt has many admirers in that regard. But I find myself totally unimpressed and disappointed with Carter's metaphorical view of prophecy. I've never been able to regard the metaphorical school as anything but a group of people who love the devil's world more than they love the truth of scripture. They remain, in my opinion, the saddest of creatures, who simply cannot align their own desires with those of God. Jesus Christ, if his word is to be believed, has in mind a dramatic intervention to end human history. There will be bloodshed, judgment, and condemnation. There will also be grace, salvation, and glory. The Apocalypse will be a catastrophe for those invested in this world, and blessed relief for those who have not.
Anyway, I'm as frustrated with Carter the Christian as I was with Carter the president.
His book, however, makes a strong distinction between what he describes as "evangelical" Christianity, and "fundamentalist" Christianity. He sees himself as the former. He loves the Bible, thinks it is God's Word, but does not hold to literal interpretation nor inerrancy. He hates fundamentalists. That's a strong statement, but I think the book justifies it. He accuses fundamentalists of stupidity, rigidity, and hate-mongering. Obviously, he is targeting George Bush primarily, and the religious right in general. It's a little amusing that he is a strong advocate for tolerating and loving Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Catholics...EVERYBODY...except those fundamentalists!
I find myself wondering how God will judge Jimmy Carter. Will he applaud him or discipline him for rejecting the truth of scripture? Carter boasts about his duties as a Sunday School teacher, and he no doubt has many admirers in that regard. But I find myself totally unimpressed and disappointed with Carter's metaphorical view of prophecy. I've never been able to regard the metaphorical school as anything but a group of people who love the devil's world more than they love the truth of scripture. They remain, in my opinion, the saddest of creatures, who simply cannot align their own desires with those of God. Jesus Christ, if his word is to be believed, has in mind a dramatic intervention to end human history. There will be bloodshed, judgment, and condemnation. There will also be grace, salvation, and glory. The Apocalypse will be a catastrophe for those invested in this world, and blessed relief for those who have not.
Anyway, I'm as frustrated with Carter the Christian as I was with Carter the president.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Qur'an
I'm making my way through the Qur'an for a project I'm working on at the lab. I have to admire those Muslims--being able to devote themselves to that crap. Or even read it.
So basically we have a document redacted by a bunch of different people who attempted (long, long after the alleged fact) to commit to writing the strictly oral tradition handed down from Muhammad. (All this while M's descendants busied themselves killing each other to determine who Allah's next caliph would be.) It is a really sad book upon which to base a religion.
It starts with a fragmentary and juvenile understanding of Judaism and Christianity, and proceeds to relate Bible stories inaccurately in a manner so jumbled that it defies understanding. The various chapters of the Qur'an are a mish-mash of unrelated gobblety-gook jumping from one topic to another, as if the author were on drugs at the time. Sorry to be so disrespectful, but the truth is, I have zero respect for this religion. I simply cannot believe that any thinking person can read this garbage and not see it for what it is: a poorly written rip-off of the Bible laced with M's particular brand of paganism.
What do we learn about "Allah" as we read?
1. He demands obedience and submission without explanation.
2. He forgives people when he feels like it without the requirement of an atoning sacrifice. Hence, theologically, he has no standards of justice or righteousness that he holds himself to. Compare this to God's policy toward sin: "The soul that sins shall surely die." To uphold his uncompromising righteousness and justice, and at the same time express his incomparable love toward mankind, he sent his own son to intercept the punishment for sin and suffer it in his own body.
3. His requirements for salvation are really quite easy to achieve, again because his standard of righteousness is so low. Bump your head on the ground five times a day, don't drink, give money to the poor, etc., and you're in. Compare to God's standard: "If your righteousness does not exceed that of the Pharisees, you will in no way enter the Kingdom of God."
3. He's very confused--both complimenting and condemning Christians and Jews.
The Qur'an is a very frustrating book to read, primarily because it is so poorly written and organized. Ugh.
If any Muslim fanatics find this blog, please issue a fatwah condemning me to death as soon as possible to save me from having to read any more of this manure.
So basically we have a document redacted by a bunch of different people who attempted (long, long after the alleged fact) to commit to writing the strictly oral tradition handed down from Muhammad. (All this while M's descendants busied themselves killing each other to determine who Allah's next caliph would be.) It is a really sad book upon which to base a religion.
It starts with a fragmentary and juvenile understanding of Judaism and Christianity, and proceeds to relate Bible stories inaccurately in a manner so jumbled that it defies understanding. The various chapters of the Qur'an are a mish-mash of unrelated gobblety-gook jumping from one topic to another, as if the author were on drugs at the time. Sorry to be so disrespectful, but the truth is, I have zero respect for this religion. I simply cannot believe that any thinking person can read this garbage and not see it for what it is: a poorly written rip-off of the Bible laced with M's particular brand of paganism.
What do we learn about "Allah" as we read?
1. He demands obedience and submission without explanation.
2. He forgives people when he feels like it without the requirement of an atoning sacrifice. Hence, theologically, he has no standards of justice or righteousness that he holds himself to. Compare this to God's policy toward sin: "The soul that sins shall surely die." To uphold his uncompromising righteousness and justice, and at the same time express his incomparable love toward mankind, he sent his own son to intercept the punishment for sin and suffer it in his own body.
3. His requirements for salvation are really quite easy to achieve, again because his standard of righteousness is so low. Bump your head on the ground five times a day, don't drink, give money to the poor, etc., and you're in. Compare to God's standard: "If your righteousness does not exceed that of the Pharisees, you will in no way enter the Kingdom of God."
3. He's very confused--both complimenting and condemning Christians and Jews.
The Qur'an is a very frustrating book to read, primarily because it is so poorly written and organized. Ugh.
If any Muslim fanatics find this blog, please issue a fatwah condemning me to death as soon as possible to save me from having to read any more of this manure.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Death of a Vision
I've long known that God's Word contains a major theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments that I (and others) call the Death of a Vision. Indeed, I've taught it for many years. Abraham and Sarah faced it. Rachel faced it. Jephthah, Samuel, many of the OT heroes. The woman who had a bleeding disorder, Jairus, and many others faced it. It happens when you are faced with a no-hope situation. Everything you longed for, believed in, envisioned...it expires.
When that happens, it's a situation that calls for despair. Or for accepting the grace of God. Drawing nearer to Him. Trusting Him that He has a better plan. Something more glorious and gracious than you could imagine.
Today I'm finally having to face the death of a vision that I saw coming for several years. I don't like it. It breaks my heart. It destroys some of the egotistical fantasies that I've entertained for years. It will mean humiliation at the hands of my enemies. Long, unending dramas in which I'm the loser at every turn. Long nights of lying awake and reconstructing my failures. More loneliness and depression.
But therein lies the opportunity to grab hold of grace. To abandon the old vision, as Christ had to do when he rejected Satan's tempting offer. To instead look past the pain and humiliation to find a better future. It is a challenge I would rather not have faced. But let's have at it.
When that happens, it's a situation that calls for despair. Or for accepting the grace of God. Drawing nearer to Him. Trusting Him that He has a better plan. Something more glorious and gracious than you could imagine.
Today I'm finally having to face the death of a vision that I saw coming for several years. I don't like it. It breaks my heart. It destroys some of the egotistical fantasies that I've entertained for years. It will mean humiliation at the hands of my enemies. Long, unending dramas in which I'm the loser at every turn. Long nights of lying awake and reconstructing my failures. More loneliness and depression.
But therein lies the opportunity to grab hold of grace. To abandon the old vision, as Christ had to do when he rejected Satan's tempting offer. To instead look past the pain and humiliation to find a better future. It is a challenge I would rather not have faced. But let's have at it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Categorizing Life's Problems
I suppose I should be thankful. No, I'm certain of it. But sometimes it's hard. People all over the world have serious problems: fatal accidents, serious health problems, unemployment, war, crime, all kinds of stuff.
Me? I have kid problems. That's pretty much it. But they are so vexing. Nothing seems to hurt a parent as much as your kids' indifference (or worse) toward you, especially when you try so hard. And when their antipathy reaches what I can describe only as deeply bizarre, it leaves you not only abandoned but also desperately confused. What on earth could I have done to inspire such animosity?
I hate lying. I hate undeserved hatred. I hate fake Christianity. Our Lord is the key to life and happiness. He is majestic, powerful, loving, surprising, deep, and reliable. He offers so much and asks so little. But so many people respond to him by "religionizing" him. They put him in a box called "Sunday-go-to-meeting" so they can comfortably ignore him, violate his every command, and yet pretend to "be a Christian". Yuck.
I truly don't know how Suzanne weathers the storm. I look at her and see real Christianity in action, and love her all the more for her ability to wade through the crap and come out looking so gracious.
I think I'll play a wargame.
Me? I have kid problems. That's pretty much it. But they are so vexing. Nothing seems to hurt a parent as much as your kids' indifference (or worse) toward you, especially when you try so hard. And when their antipathy reaches what I can describe only as deeply bizarre, it leaves you not only abandoned but also desperately confused. What on earth could I have done to inspire such animosity?
I hate lying. I hate undeserved hatred. I hate fake Christianity. Our Lord is the key to life and happiness. He is majestic, powerful, loving, surprising, deep, and reliable. He offers so much and asks so little. But so many people respond to him by "religionizing" him. They put him in a box called "Sunday-go-to-meeting" so they can comfortably ignore him, violate his every command, and yet pretend to "be a Christian". Yuck.
I truly don't know how Suzanne weathers the storm. I look at her and see real Christianity in action, and love her all the more for her ability to wade through the crap and come out looking so gracious.
I think I'll play a wargame.
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