Soakin' Up Life . . . at a 100 MPH!

Saturday I ran the Azalea Trail 10K. It was overcast and humid. It was crowded. It was a blast! I ran the 6.2 miles in 51:15 - that's like an 8:14 mile which wasn't too bad since my first mile was 8:39. My first mile is always slower than the rest. I hate running the first mile in a race - the people drive me nuts, especially the ones who move up out of their time zone and get in front of everyone else who is having to run around and through them. I felt like I could have run faster, but just kept a moderate pace and picked it up the last couple of miles. The Kenyans won the race. The winner ran it in 28:??? - who really cares? I was on mile 4 when when these guys were crossing the finish line. The one thing I didn't understand was their use of the "chip" to track runners and their times. When you cross over the starting line it lets the computer know you've started the race and when you cross over the finish line it lets the computer know you're...

That's right folks, not only will you have to contend with me on the road, now you will have to do it while I'm pulling a trailer. This morning I officially received my Commercial Driver's License (CDL). I'm not certified to drive anything with air brakes (like the big rigs), so I load up a 40 ft goose neck trailer hooked up to a Dodge 3500 1-ton 4-door dually (has 4 wheels in the back instead of 2). I'm driving to make some extra money between ManHeart gigs. Made my first run today! The sittin' and waitin' to be unloaded drove me nuts, but other than that I had a blast. So. . .if you see me coming down the road give me a honk or a wave or just buy me another cup o' joe! Mike

Each year I read the different accounts of Jesus' last night on earth, his arrest, trial, sentence, death, burial, and resurrection. I did the same this year. While I read the different gospel accounts of his death, burial, and resurrection, I (we = Cindy & me) did something a little different. We grabbed a quick bite to eat then came home and watched the Passion of the Christ . Even though I know there's some artistic license being taken, it still amazes me what he willingly suffered on my account. Sunday morning, rather than going and praying with our pastor and several men who meet each Sunday morning at 6:00 am, Cindy suggested I stay home and she and I celebrate Easter with our own sunrise service. Yes! Cindy got up at 6:00 am! We met in the living room where we read the arrest, trial, death, and burial of Jesus from the Gospel of John . Then we spent some time in prayer and confession. Afterwards we shared communion together. I have to admit, it did have a d...

This past week I talked with Cindy about running in the Nashville 1/2 Marathon . This is something I've wanted to do for a while and it would give us a weekend with her family. I've never ran that far before. I shared the idea with Gene - he's run several marathons - to get some input from him. Gene was encouraging and gave me some things to think about. Running the 1/2 marathon (13 miles) has changed how I train and, in turn, changed how I run next weekend in the Azalea Trail 10K. I'm probably going to use it as an up tempo training run. I'm not going out to look for a Personal Record (PR). To get ready for the 1/2 marathon I've got to start building up my miles. So. . .today I took off for an 8-miler. I haven't run that far since I has in high school. That was more than 20 years ago - waaaayyyyy more. My plan for today was to take it easy and just get feel for what it feels like to go that far. So, with the i-Pod cranking out some Chris Toml...

This morning I took off and ran a 10K - my 10K, not an "official" race or anything. It's just a distance I mapped out that happens to be 6.2 miles or 10K. I know some of you don't think much of running - right Kris? But for me it's a time to think, to sing, to pray, and generally takes my mind off of my world for a while. I remember back in 2004 when I did a triathlon and the Hotter-n-Hell 100 (100 mile bike ride). I trained all year, but I wouldn't have if it had not been for Karen. She was my motivation to train - day in and day out she inspired me to run, swim, and bike not matter what the weather or the temperature like. If she could go through cancer, chemo, doctor's visits, and everything else, then a little heat and humidity wasn't going to keep me on the couch. Speaking of the couch - I've been having a problem getting up and out the door. I seem to find a lot of reasons to stay on the "couch" - reading, studying, minist...

Friday's are my scheduled long runs. These are days where I just get out and put in the miles. There's no urgency. . .no sense of hurriedness. . .just the pure joy of running and being outside. Those of you who run - and enjoy it - know what I'm talking about (Gene & Stacey). Those of you who do it because your wife signed you up to run a 10K or 1/2 marathon just won't get it (Matt). Today's long run will have to wait - I'm supposed to run 5 miles this week in preparation for the 10K coming up at the end of the month. Because of my studies it's lunch time and I haven't eaten anything all morning. I got so caught up in my studies - I'm teaching our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) this week - that I forgot to eat. So, I'll either go later today or just do it in the morning. Of course if I was Grant , I would be heading to the slopes to enjoy all the delicious snow and those new skis! Hope your Friday's going well! Gotta go eat. . . Mik...

This morning I hit the streets on a 4.3 mile run. It's my first 4-miler in a very long time. It was my long run day - taking it slow and easy. I loved getting out and enjoying the run. One thing I've learned about running or cycling is that you never know what you will run into, see, or experience. This morning about half-way through the run I noticed something unusual coming toward me on Celeste Road. As it got closer and closer I noticed it's unmistakable shape. . .it was a DeLorean . That's right, a DeLorean! Remember the movie series, Back to the Future , featuring Michael J. Fox ? Remember the car he used to go back in time in? This was that same car - OK, probably not the actual car, but the same model. image copyright © 2006, Peter Kirchgeßner I remember the DeLorean in it's hey-day. It was smooth, sleek, and stinkin' fast. One came up beside me one day on my way home on the Dallas Tollway. Two hills was all it took for me to loose sight of ...

My buddy Bob called yesterday and said he had an extra ticket to see U2 3D . MAN OH MAN! If you haven't seen this movie - go see it , especially if you're a U2 fan. If you're not, go see it because the entire movie is in 3D. It's a stadium concert of their Vertigo tour in South America. Between the graphics on the mega-screen behind them, to the on-screen graphics, to the sense that you're right there with them . . .it's all so incredible. I'm probably going again. I would love for Cindy to see it. I have to say there's something about seeing Bono right in front of you or Adam Clayton sticking the neck of his bass guitar right in your face. The editing was incredible. Not only do you see the concert from different angles from the audience, but you also get close ups, shots from above, behind, from the side, and blended shots. All of them in 3D. When we went it we were given our 3D glasses - not the paper, red & blue kind I've used in the...

In the era a social networks can one become too connected? I'm not sure of the answer to that question. I do now the time it takes to be "connected" is enormous. Take me for instance I have. . . 3 Blogs: Soakin' Up Life at 100 mph In the Midst of the Valley ( I don't post much to that one anymore) Man Words 2 Network Pages: Myspace Facebook 1 Web Site: ManHeart Ministries Plus I send out an electronic newsletter from ManHeart Ministries. To stay that connected takes time. So how "connected" are you? I was also wondering what kind of impact do you think staying "connected" has on a person - you, for instance? And would you rather just hang out with friends in the first place? I would. Mike

This week's been kinda crazy - not chaotic crazy, but busy crazy. Spent Tuesday night at the Smitherman's for dinner. Miss Frankie adopted me as a son when I moved here from Lufkin, TX. We had a great time. Wednesday night Cindy and I ran to the hospital to see a friend from school, then I ran to the church to hang out with some friends. Last night I was with Ricky, Milton, and Daniel for our weekly Bible study - we're reading through the Bible this year and we meet each week for study and accountability. The study itself is pretty loose. We come with questions and to be honest we don't always leave with answers. I think that's a healthy thing. But we do have pizza at the beginning and coffee sometime during the night. It don't get no better than this, eh? I don't have a clue what we will do this weekend. There's a chili cook-off downtown sponsored by the American Cancer Society and a boat show at the convention center (it's just around the ...

Saturday I played golf for the first time in about 2 years - I've played once in the last 4 or 5. I wasn't going to, but Cindy convinced me to do it. Man, was I glad that she did. Without regards to the score, it was one of the best days I've had in a while. SO! I cleaned off the bag and clubs, checked to make sure I had enough golf balls & tees (of the two, having enough tees have never been the problem), and donned the ol' spikes. We played a little 2 man scramble - which really helped my score. Thanks Tom for picking me up and carrying me. After the initial rain, the clouds cleared out, the sun began to shine, and the wind laid down. There was no way we could have asked for a better day to be outside. Hope you had a good weekend! Mike

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday! Here's a picture of him at his birthday dinner. My brother Jerry took it. And am I glad he did. Dad turned 69 yesterday, but to look at his face he's having a blast. What you may not know about my dad is that he goes to work sometime around 4:30 AM - go figure - puts in a full day's work, then he goes home for lunch, a quick nap, an old cowboy movie and piano practice - he's taking piano lessons for the first time in his life, he just learned a new song using BOTH hands - then about three days a week he goes and does yard work till about 4:30 or 5:00 PM . Now that's a full day! Maybe that's how he keeps his youthful attitude and look!? I don't know how he does it but I'm proud of him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! Love ya, Mike Thanks Jerry for taking this picture.

Yesterday was our area's primary vote for president. But you should know that it was originally scheduled for next Tuesday, just like the rest of the state. BUT because that's the big day for Mardi Gras here in the Mobile area, they moved it to Jan 30. Here's what I don't get - why is Mardi Gras more important than participating in the election process of our next president? There will be a polling place open next Tuesday, but just one in Mobile. Just goes to show you how screwed up our society is when a hedonistic, self-serving party is more important than the election process of our next president. In fact, even the schools are closed next Tuesday and Wednesday for Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday - the culmination of Mardi Gras, and Lent on Wednesday). What are we thinking? What are we telling our children and the generations to come? I just don't get it. Mike

This past year God gave me a passage of Scripture that has become very significant as we continue to serve through ManHeart Ministries . 1 John 5:4-5 . . .for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. I just remember reading that and hearing God say, " Mike, you're not a victim, you are a victor. . .an overcomer. . .a conqueror ! " It reminds me that when difficult times come and when Satan attacks I don't have to give in. Because I am a child of God through my faith and acceptance of Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior I AM an overcomer. . .a conqueror. So, I don't have to live in defeat. I don't have to live my life moping around, hanging my head. I am a child of God and I have VICTORY! That doesn't mean I won't get knocked around sometimes. It doesn't mean life won't be difficult. I w...

2008 is almost upon us! Are you ready? I am. I don't make resolutions anymore and I'm not all that good at keeping goals unless I have someone holding me accountable. I am looking forward to 2008 for several reasons: Serving with Cindy Going back to Tanzania this summer Teaching guys the ManHeart Challenge - camps, retreats, etc. Taking ManHeart Ministries to the local church Working on the house - believe it or not! New adventures and experiences New relationships Building on existing relationships Watching God do something miraculous Getting fit again What about you? You looking forward to something special? Hope so! Mike

I often don't spend a lot of time looking back. Usually it's due to the fact that I have so many other things going on that I just don't have time or I don't make the time. But this morning's different. I'm up with a cup of Starbucks in my office and it's quiet. . .really quiet. I tried spending some time with God, but kept thinking about this past year. And man what a difference a year makes. . .not bad, just different. It started with a passion. A passion to minister to guys in a new and different way than I had experienced when God transformed my life at 28 (yes, that was many moons ago). Then I began sharing that passion with others, especially men. I began explaining the message that God had challenged me with. One of those men was Scott White. Scott's one of the pastors at North Mobile and now a director of ManHeart Ministry. He's the guy I would go to for ministry input and ideas and help with small groups or outreach or singles or ...

Ok, so you're asking yourself, " Self, what's Mike talking about? " I'm talking about cleaning the house. I know. . .I know. . .you probably thought it was some HUGE announcement. Sorry, but I'm just cleaning house. We've been putting it off because we've been moving stuff in and out and around. I think we're just about there and now I need to clean! So. . .I'm off to hang out with scrubbing bubbles and Mr. Clean and the Dirt Devil in the wonderful land of Pine Sol. I'll write if I get work! Mike

Well. . .Cindy and I are making progress - getting her stuff combined with my stuff. The living room is about done. The office is about done. Our bedroom is just about finished. The dining room still has an extra couch in it - hopefully it will be gone by the weekend. The kitchen still has some boxes that we need to go through. And the guest room remains the "put it in there" room. But like I said, it's coming along. This after many trips to the Goodwill with clothes, old appliances, a fish tank that never had any fish in it, and stuff we both have "collected" over the years. I was reminded of some things about myself in this process. I like change as long as I'm in charge of it. And I don't like getting rid of stuff - "I might need that some day." Believe me, Cindy gets a lot more done when I'm out of the house and it doesn't take her near as long. She's like a freakin' whirlwind. We still have stuff to do - hanging...

I taught again this past Sunday - it was the singles ABF I taught before I left to pursue ManHeart Minsitries . Man - do I miss teaching! Thought I would share the gist of my lesson. As I do each year, I ask God to show me something new about the Christmas story. I read the OT passages that predict His coming. And I read the NT passages that tell of His coming. This year was something different. I've been reading Romans in preparation for teaching a winter Bible study for a local church. As I was finishing up chapter 1 I read this: 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." It hit me, or the Spirit hit me, that the gospel that is the power of God for salvation to all who believe is the same ...

As I've mentioned before Cindy and I are in the process of moving her stuff to the house, and in the process making my house into our home. It's been difficult at times simply because I feel like I'm moving the same boxes from room to room and we're running out of storage space. Yesterday, in the midst of putting some stuff up in the attic I pulled down the Christmas tree and my two boxes of ornaments and decorations. Last night we decorated the tree put and out what what we could with the space we have. Somehow, that tree with it's lights, decorations from two lives becoming one, and the little angel on top made a difference in me last night. For some reason it feels like Christmas to me. I can't explain it, it just does. It helps that the weather has been December-like for lower Alabama. It's been in the 60's during the day and the 30's at night. The air is crisp and clean. I love it!! OK, so it's not 10" of snow and temps in the ...