On Nov. 2, in just 5 days, Becky will have been gone for 14 years.
14 years ago I was saying goodbye to her as she was in hospice care here at home.
My mind is filled with memories of those precious days.
Please pray for me this week as I need it more than you know. Although time has passed, my love for her has not diminished. 37 years together. 14 years apart. Loved forever.
Rest peacefully, my sweet beautiful wife.
Thank you for the best years of my life.
Until we meet again,
Dave
1. It's all about your research topic. Where I studied (Basel), there were no required courses or term papers or quizzes or exams. Instead, you chose a research topic and you stayed with it for 3 years.
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| Graduating with my M.Div. from Talbot in May, 1980. That fall we were living in Basel. |
2. Your research professor is amazing. At least mine was. Bo Reicke was perhaps the doyen of New Testament studies in his day.
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| Swedish-born New Testament scholar Bo Ivar Reicke. |
3. You get two educations for the price of one. I think everyone should travel abroad. The experience of studying in the German language and of learning Swiss culture was inestimable. Had I stayed home, life would have probably been easier, but comfort has a funny way of hindering our growth. Living in Switzerland showed Becky and me that we were a lot more resilient than we ever gave ourselves credit for.
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| So proud of Becky. She picked up German within a few months of our arrival in Switzerland. |
5. One of the greatest pleasures in life is immersing yourself in local customs, culture, and people. What a joy it was to preach not only in German but in Swiss German!
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| Bec made a lot of new friends in Basel. |
Let me conclude by saying this. Wherever you travel, go there with curiosity. Pause. Listen. Foreigners have a lot they can teach us about our own culture. If you do this, you'll see the world -- and your place in it -- in a whole new light. Travel can be transformational, especially if we come home and put our newly gained insights into practice.
Running outdoors is my happy place. I truly thank God everyday that I get to run. I'm blessed to be healthy. Nobody comes back sad after a good workout. Tired maybe, but never sad.
Today I got in almost 18 miles on the Tobacco Heritage Trail.
What a beautiful place to run.
All this in preparation for my ultra in December.
You don't run 32 miles all at once. You run the mile you're in. One breath. One step. One stride. One mile. Life works so much the same way. Just learn to be faithful with the step ahead of you. Pray before and after you run. Every run is a reminder of the grace of God.
Thank you, God, for running.
In case you're suffering from insomnia ... 😉
(I said "epistle" but meant "gospel" haha.)
My family tree looks like this on my paternal grandmother's side:
That's as far back as I've gotten.
David Miller, along with his wife Catherine, were from the Rheinland-Pfalz region of Germany. This is the light green area in the left of the map.
It's one of the most beautiful regions in Germany.
Many people from this area moved to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pennsylvania Dutch, spoken by the Amish in the U.S., originated in this region of Germany. Many Mennonite refugees brought this language to Pennsylvania between 1717 and 1732. My 3rd-great grandfather David Miller was born in 1734 in the Rheinland-Pfalz region. He died in Sharpsburg, MD, on May 14, 1811 at the age of 76. In July of 2026 I was able to locate his grave.
How to describe it? One of the most sacred moments of my life. A man I had never met yet whose blood runs through my veins. A man whose choices helped to shape generations he would never see. Family is more than those who stand beside us. Family is those who came before us.
Great-great-great-great-grandfather Miller, thank you for your legacy. Thank you for the gift of family. Thank you for helping to create opportunities that allowed future generations to grow and thrive.
Standing at that grave in Sharpsburg, I didn't feel pain or loss. I felt connection. I felt gratitude. I felt home. I didn't just find a grave. I found myself.
Risk taking is essential to living a full life. I know because I've taken my fair share of risks. I can honestly say that my life has never been boring. It has always been challenging, beginning with my days in Hawaii surfing Pipeline and Pupukea. I am at my personal best when I live on the edge. I promise you: if you try something you are really scared of, you will become a new person. So here's what you need to do. Try new things.
I remember my first 5K race. I ran it in Cary with my daughter. I was terrified. I had never raced before. I thought to myself, "Seriously, Dave, you don't have to be doing this. You can be sitting at home right now sipping coffee." Yes, I could have. But that's not me. That first 5K eventually led to marathons and now to ultramarathons. And now my fifth ultra is in only 5 weeks. I feel it all -- nerves, excitement, anticipation. I literally can't wait for the race to start. I don't think I've ever mentioned my goal for this race. On purpose. (HINT: While getting a PR is always nice, that's not my goal for this race. I think you know what it is.)
I know this race is going to do a number on me. I know this because every single ultramarathon I've run has done that. I have no idea how I'm ever going to be able to finish the race, but I know I will because this is what I do. (Watch me get a DNF -- haha.) Someone has said, "Goals that aren't formidable aren't worth having." For me, it's not just about embracing a lifestyle of fitness and health. It's about continuing to set and (perhaps) reach goals that I never dreamed I would be able to accomplish. I find myself wondering what I will be thinking about while running 32 miles. I will be reminding myself that life is a very precious gift. I will remind myself that nobody cares about your training or racing goals. In fact, a great part of the population doesn't even know what an ultramarathon is. But YOU know what it is. And that's what keeps you feeling alive and rejuvenated.
Running is not all there is to life. There is life -- a lot of life -- beyond training and racing. I love life too much to be tied up in this all the time. But I also love running and I love chasing down impossible dreams. I love being an experiment of one and seeing where all this takes me. I NEED to make myself a better runner/racer/climber/man/dad/teacher/Christian, etc. And NOW is the time to do that.
I could go on and on, but I think you get my drift. Most of us play it way too safe. We choose only those goals we know we can accomplish. But we need to stretch ourselves. We need to take risks. That is when we are truly at our best.
If you're a teacher, always try and give some thought as to how you want to end the class. You can't teach well unless you ended well. In teaching, motivation is such a crucial factor. Determine never to end class on a negative note. Always conclude with a word of hope and encouragement. Let your students know that you are for them. You want them to do well, and you are always available to help them succeed. You can even plan your closing prayer so that it ties up loose ends.
Let's make it a point to conclude with Jesus honored at the end.
74 and just here to remind you that it's never too late to prioritize exercise and fitness. If I can get just one of you to think about becoming more active, it's worth it.
Here's a weight lifting trick you might try. You don't need to do every set at the exact same effort. Instead, do what I do. Finish most sets with 1-3 reps left in the tank. This goes for band-assisted pullups.
As well as for one-arm biceps curls.
Then save one set for the hardest push of the day. This keeps your form cleaner and helps recovery.
Since everyone is different, there's no right and wrong way to lift. It all comes down to your experience and how well you know your body. Keep what works and get rid of what doesn't. Just two days per week in the gym is plenty enough to change your body.
P.S. After my lifting session I got in today's steps on the treadmill.
I ended up going 10 miles.
Tomorrow I hope to get in 15 miles on the High Bridge Trail. We will see .... :-)
Have a wonderful day!
What a delight to talk with Stephen Hackett today!
I was in studio while Stephen was in Iowa.
I love his passion for the Scriptures. The episode should air in about a month. In the meantime, you can check out his other videos here.
I regret to inform you that there is no end goal when it comes to studying Greek. When you signed up for the class, that was the beginning of a lifelong love of the language. After a year of Greek, you should have formed the habit and the motivation to continue for the rest of your life.
Can't stop.
Won't stop.
The Divinity School at Oxford University dates back to the year 1427. The Theologische Seminar of the University of Basel saw its initial construction in 1271.
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| Nadelberg 10 |
In this building yours truly wrote his doctoral dissertation. These buildings accumulate the presence of generations of students. They have reached a story-filled identity that newer facilities haven't had time to earn. The University of Basel perfectly embodies this cultural charm. Rather than having a single enclosed campus, the university is seamlessly woven into the architecture of the city itself. It was an unforgettable experience for us to live there.
So Kansas City finally loses a game. That's actually a good thing. There's nothing like a loss to keep you level-headed. They still have the third best record in the NFL.
We all know that to be a winner you have to lose sometimes. The fact that I dropped out of Greek after only three weeks sure keeps me humble!
Eight weeks before cancer took his life, Jim Valvano, head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, delivered a speech viewed by millions. The one line from that speech that is remembered is this:
"Take time each day to laugh, to think, and to cry."
These words were so meaningful to Coach V that they were etched into his gravestone.
I have laughed much in my 74 years. I have thought deeply in life. And I have cried. So have you. Even though people may seem outwardly strong and "together," little do we realize the pain in many a heart and many a soul. You can't tell by looking. But it's there.
This morning I took this wonderful book off my shelf.
I haven't read it in years but it's worth rereading. The book is a reminder of an essential truth about life, namely how personal struggles and divine grace have always shaped the lives of notable Christian figures. Trials impacted both their faith and their contributions. These were people who laughed, thought, and cried. The book is a reminder of how we need to embrace the imperfections of great Christians. It brings to light the true life stories of gifted yet deeply troubled followers of Christ like Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and C. S. Lewis. Their stories reflect the journey of navigating grief while seeking understanding and support. Each figure has a unique tale to tell, yet their genius is attributed to a common background of suffering. Running as a golden thread through the sometimes dark tapestry of their lives is the clear message that our weaknesses as believers can be a channel for Christ's strength.
The one figure who might well have been added to the discussion is the apostle Paul, whose "theology of weakness" emphasizes that the believer's human frailty is not a barrier to God's work but rather a means through which divine strength is revealed. In a culture like ours that values success and purely human strength, Paul flips the paradigm on its head, arguing that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than personal achievements.
This dependency is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry. As I often remind my students, "God's means of making us stronger is by making us weaker and weaker until the divine power alone is see in our lives." Moreover, embracing our weaknesses allows us to connect more deeply with others, fostering a community based on humility and shared struggle.
Perhaps for me the main takeaway from Genius, Grief & Grace is the reminder that ministry success is often mingled with less-than-desirable traits such as depression, perfectionism, narcissism, paranoia, and much more besides. How grateful we are that Jesus would work through such people -- and through such people as us, too.
Tomorrow, at the age of 74, I will enter the classroom again. I will be just as excited and enthusiastic to teach as I was when I first entered the classroom 50 years ago at the age of 24. What I want my students to see isn't my physique. I want them to see discipline, consistency, and a high work ethic. Physical strength is temporary, but the example I can set for my students can last generations. Strength helps you to live. It helps you to work. It helps you to move. It helps you to remain independent as you age.
Strength isn't reserved for the young.
Strength is for everyone.
Age isn't the limitation.
Quitting is.
Nice ultra training run after church today.
Needed to get in my weekly miles since I had to miss my workout on Friday (when I was at Liberty all day).
Tennyson once had Ulysses say, "And though we are not now the strength which in old days moved heaven and earth, that which we are, we are -- made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
We aging ultramarathoners already know that getting to the starting line is what really counts. The race itself is merely the victory lap. You're aware that something special has happened. You realize that no matter what happens during those 32 miles, you will be a changed person. The race is just another step in the endless, restless pursuit to become the person you are.
Turn your volume up and enjoy the sounds of the waves at "my beach" on Oahu -- Kailua.
The weather was gorgeous. Feeling blessed to be able to keep moving toward this dream race. This journey to 32 miles has been challenging in so many ways. I'm thanking God for the strength to get this far. Looking forward to some rest and recovery tomorrow.
Earlier today I got in a one hour strength training workout. For what it's worth, here are some vids. Hope this doesn't bore you too much!
What a day! My heart is so full right now. So incredibly grateful to have been able to speak in two classes at Liberty University today. It was an absolute honor. First and foremost, thanks to my former students Thomas Hudgins and Ben Laird for the invitation to speak in their classes. And to the incredible students at LU, thank you for your grace and attentiveness. I am so grateful for having been able to speak to you today. I am in awe of the beauty of the campus but especially everyone's love and passion to build up the next generation for Christ in whatever career he is calling them to. I just want to thank the Lord that maybe I was able to have a tiny impact on their lives. I absolutely love this school.
Recently I was asked by Stephen Hackett to speak with him about my book Why Four Gospels? That interview will be taped this coming Monday, Lord willing. Stephen has a wonderful Youtube channel that provides Christians with an insightful and relevant look into understanding and applying the Bible.
There is life-giving power in the word of God because it leads us directly to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. May our interview help open the door to God's book for this generation.
When earlier today I published my post about Mark's use of the diminutive for "daughter" in Mark 5:23, I forgot to mention that I found at least one German and one Spanish translation that properly bring out this nuance. The Schlachter New Testament reads "Mein Töchterlein" instead of Luther's "Meine Tochter." That is simply brilliant.
As for Spanish, I was very happy to see that La Biblia de las Américas reads, "Mi hijita." To all who worked so hard on producing these Bible translations, thanks for helping us know and love the Savior through his word.
I had a wonderful time during my morning Bible study today. The verb "revel" comes to mind. This word (rarely used today) means to take part in a noisy celebration or to enjoy something very much. The term implies both abandonment and enjoyment. Synonyms include celebrate, indulge, and even carouse. I'm never in a hurry to get through my time in the word. Sometimes words sort of lie down in the grass and become hidden. When you come across words like this, take notice of them. Become a careful student of words.
When I read the Bible, I feel like a word vulture as I hover over statements made and even connotations of words. Words are my craft. They mean everything. I teach in a place that is thoroughly committed to training men and women for the hard work of Bible study. Remember, the difference between reading and studying is pen and paper. O may my students learn to "revel" in such study!
May I give you an example from this morning's time in Mark 5?
So how do English versions handle this word? (Remember, I'm a word vulture!) Here are some examples:
Here's how I might render verse 23:
"My precious daughter is at death's door. Please come and lay hands on her so that she will be healed and live!"
Interestingly, Luke 8:42 adds that she is Jairus's "only daughter." O the pathos! Moreover, she was 12 years of age. That was the age in Jewish society when a son or a daughter was on the verge of young adulthood. Imagine what fun we could have if we simply slowed down and observed the words of Scripture!
Would you like to read the Bible with eyes like that?
Observation is the first step in Bible study.
The point is, do whatever it takes to approach the word with a fresh perspective. One of the greatest killers in Bible study is the statement, "O, I already know that"!
I've realized a fact that changes how I see my commitment to fitness. Working out consistently isn't just about working out your body. It's about the person inside the body, the real you. It's about the skills that will carry you through life. You just need to commit to the process. You don't need to go heavy, but I challenge you to really push yourself. Below are some exercises you can try. I performed each of them today at the Y.
Folks, strength training isn't a fad. It's one of the most powerful things we can do to age well, stay independent (so important!), and continue to do the things we love to do for years to come.
When you put on muscle, your body will completely change the way it operates. So ...
Pick your exercises.
Get strong.
Stay at it.
You can spend the next few months saying, "I really need to start working out." Or you can walk into the gym and start working out today.
Three days of weight training.
Walking between sessions.
Time to recover.
Remember: Your body belongs to God. Not you. Strengthening it helps you show up more for him, for your family, and for those he's called you to serve in this life.
A simply, full-body workout done three days a week beats five random workouts any day.
Even if you're over 70.
Here are the exercises I did today. But don't do what I do. Find a strategy that will work for you and then stick with it.
Love you all! Thanks for reading!
When Bec and I moved to Basel in 1980, we found a nice 1-room apartment not far from the Rhine and the French border.
Notice I didn't say "1-bedroom." I said "1-room."
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| Our apartment at Immengasse 18. |
This is what our home away from home looked like.
We loved it. Of course, we also had a tiny kitchenette and an even tinier bathroom (not pictured). None of that mattered to us. We may have been as poor as church mice, but we had the Lord and we had each other, and that was enough.
The greatest riches in life aren't measured by money.
Today I did a 16-mile training for my 50K ultra in December.
Everything seemed to click! The weather was gorgeous, my legs felt strong, and I felt like I could have kept going beyond the 16.6 miles I ran.
Ultra marathoning isn't just about how far you can run. It's about teaching your body to keep on going while taking care of it along the way. I'm feeling stronger, more confident, and more excited about the race on Dec. 5.
If you've ever finished a marathon and then asked, "What's next?", trying out an ultra might be the best thing you can do!
Interesting chart someone put together. I'd love to see it expanded. Recognize any names?
The number one rule for completing an ultra: Keep moving forward.
The number one rule for completing your first year of Greek: Keep moving forward.
I told my Greek class last night that, despite the fact that I've been teaching Greek for 5 decades, I feel like a small child wading on the shore of a limitless ocean whenever I read my Greek New Testament. The greatest students in life never graduate. That's why in the ISV we rendered didaktikos in 1 Tim. 3:2 as "teachable" rather than "able to teach" (the lexicons allow both renderings). This kind of intellectual humility is valuable because it keeps you open to learning.
The wisest people I know are the most humble.
