The Day Is Done

Our work is done for the evening. 

Been a really good day. 

Good night, all. Schlof guet! 

Rootin' for Aaron Rodgers

Been prepping for my fall Greek class before heading off to Switzerland. This will be my 49th fall semester as a teacher. I thought about that while watching an interesting NFL interview just now. At the Steelers training camp, Aaron Rodgers was asked why he hasn't retired yet from the game of football. After all, he's been in the sport for more than two decades. His answer? "I haven't done enough yet." 

Jim Carrey, when he was asked why he was retiring from acting, said, "I've done enough. I have enough. I am enough." 

I'm not there yet. I fell in love with teaching when I was 24 years old. As I think about my life, I realize that almost everything that is special about my life has come from teaching. My philosophy is, why stop if you still love what you're doing? 

To A-Rod: Don't let anyone push you out the door. You play the game you love as long as you want to. Enjoy this year with the Steelers and ... RELAX. 

My Very First Hard Copy of the New Living Translation

Guess what just came in the mail?

I am so excited. I've always wanted a hard copy of the New Living Translation. Note: It is a real translation, done by a committee, unlike The Living Bible, which is the work of a single translator. Ever heard of -- 

• Barry Beitzel
• Daniel Block
• Lynn Cohick
• Tremper Longman
• John Oswalt 
• Jeremy Taylor
• Norman Ericson
• Grant Osborne

Yep, they all served on the Bible Translation Committee of the NLT. 

I'll be taking this Bible with me to Europe on this trip. And no, I will not be traveling with my well-worn Greek New Testament. I'm afraid I'd lose it or it would get stolen. "O ye of little faith." Well, I had my first Greek New Testament stolen out of my car in California, so my paranoia is well-grounded. I just couldn't live without my Greek New Testament. That's an exaggeration, of course. But it is a rather special book to me :-) 

Zermatt Weather Report

A week from today yours truly will be attempting his ascent of the Riffelhorn. Here's a Zermatt weather update for D-Day. The date is Wednesday, August 6. 

I could so deal with this: 

Yes, athletes obsess about the weather. I'm also one who believes that if you stop trying to micromanage every moment, great things can happen. 

Either way, I will be thankful. 

God Is a Faithful Guide, So Count on Him As You Climb Your Mountain!

Today was the last full day of training for my climbing adventure next week. Every journey has a story. Telling my story is part of my journey and healing since my wife passed away almost 12 years ago. I share my story as a witness to God's continued presence in my life and as a testimony to encourage others to keep on climbing when the way is steep. After Becky's death I found running cathartic. Then came mountain climbing. Finally I began to surf again. Through it all, God's word has been my best medicine. Reflecting on Scripture has brought me through a very difficult climb called grief, even if it isn't over yet. But God also prompted me to be more physically active than I had been prior to Becky's homegoing. It is amazing to look back and see how he used both his word and his creation to bring healing to my soul. I keep thinking, "God brought me to this mountain, and he will be with me on it." The main point of my journey that I hope you will come away with is this: God will carry you over your mountain, whatever that is. He is a faithful guide and a light to your path. 

On my climbs, I've noticed that mountain guides tend to do a lot of calling back. To "call back" is when you call back to your clients to encourage them toward the top. In the spiritual realm, God continually calls back to us to encourage us to keep climbing. This analogy also implies that one should never climb alone. Two weeks after I climbed the Matterhorn, two Brits in their 60s died on the mountain. They failed to use a guide, got lost, and ended up spending the night on the mountain without proper clothing to keep them warm. They froze to death. Life is steep. We shouldn't try to do it alone. I am so thankful for all who have walked beside me in this journey and who have supported me through all my athletic efforts and dreams. My children and grandchildren are the lights of my life and my greatest cheerleaders. It is for all of you that I try and be a good role model of always aspiring to do your best, reaching for your own dreams, and keeping God as your guide in life. The newest additions to our family -- grandsons Reuben and Noah -- have been a testimony of God's timing and plan. They have given me renewed hope in healing. I love you both to the moon and back.

The journey will not end next week. It is ongoing for the amount of time God gives me on this earth. Since it is ongoing, I'll continue to tell the story. Leading others to know and walk with Jesus is more important to me today than ever. So I'll continue to pass on to you what I'm learning about life and loss as I take one step at a time with the Lord. May all who see my words be encouraged and strengthened. And never forget: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Prov. 16:3, NIV). 

Thank you for reading. In case you might be interested, here are a few pics from today's workout: 

1) Loved seeing the gym so busy today. 

2) Doing "hanging" pull ups. Great for your biceps.

3) My final set of dumbbell curls before Zermatt. 

4) Walked 9 miles on the treadmill today (too hot to walk outdoors). 

5) Today's steps thus far (still have hay to get up). 

6) My final progress picture before leaving for the alps. 

I will be climbing 40 pounds lighter than when I climbed 9 years ago. Praise the Lord! 

Sunrise in Kailua (Time Lapse)

This never gets old. 

Historic Christian Orthodoxy and the Seminary

I would like to take a moment and honor the memory of one of the most respected Bible expositors of our day who is now with the Lord, Dr. John MacArthur. I cannot think of a more fitting way to do this than to draw attention to one of the greatest legacies he leaves the evangelical church, namely The Master's Seminary. 

Regrettably, all too many pastors today are woefully weak in such areas as theology, church history, theological ethics, the biblical languages, and apologetics. Christian leaders have a duty to improve their own education. They have an obligation to read serious books about the Bible and hermeneutics instead of some psychological pablum often sold in Christian bookstores. Wise Christians will reject all such nonsense. These Christians know that the only faith capable of meeting the challenges of today -- the only faith worthy of their continuing commitment -- is historic Christian orthodoxy. The three men on this panel are profoundly convinced of that. They are adamant that pastors need to learn how to think biblically. They care deeply about the content of education. They demonstrate irrefutably that there is no such thing as a neutral educational system. That's why seminaries are so important. Here thinking is shaped, formed, and matured by the word of God. The question of values, standards, and biblical norms must once again be given center stage in the educational process. 

Irv Busenitz was one of my professors at Talbot. I took him for every class I could. At the time Dick Mayhue was pastor of Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach. Through the years we became friends, and it was to him that I dedicated my second book. It is nothing short of amazing what they accomplished by God's grace, under Dr. MacArthur's leadership, in establishing The Master's Seminary, a school that makes no apology for its commitment to Jesus Christ, to the inspired and authoritative word of God, and to the essential doctrines of Christian belief that have always defined the nature of historic Christianity. 

To God be the glory. 

The Timeless Music of Chicago

Been listening to the music of Chicago lately. Chicago isn't Boomer music, as young people like to claim. The music of Chicago is timeless. We're still listening to them 60 years later. The group transcends generations. It's amazing how their songs -- Saturday in the Park, If You Leave Me Now, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, 25 or 6 to 4 -- have become so much of our daily lives that we don't even notice their complexity anymore. As the quote goes, "Genius is making the complicated seem simple." That's really descriptive of Chicago, including the horn section. Many people think their songs are simple until they dig deeper. 

As a former trumpet player, I love how they pushed boundaries. They remain the definitive rock band with a horn section. They had a killer blend of jazz/rock, R&B, pop, soul, blues, and even a bit of funk. Every instrument is perfectly balanced, which is impressive given how much is going on in their music. The mix allows the guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and brass each to have their own space without ever stepping on each other's toes. The harmonies are gorgeously crafted, while the horn section cuts through in just the right way. I especially love their early albums, from Chicago Transit Authority to Chicago VII. 

In case you need a refresher in Chicago greatness, here's a video of them performing their hit Feeling Stronger Every Day. 

With You Every Step of the Way!

Today's step count so far. Still half the day to go!

Got in a bunch of these steps by engaging in one of my favorite activities :-) 

How's your step count going today? 

Making the Most of Your Limitations

A funny thing happened to me on the way to old age. I became an athlete. And not just any athlete. No sirree. This here athlete is an expert in back-of-the-pack running. In fact, I am the most unlikely runner (or mountaineer) you will ever meet. But that hasn't stopped me from pursuing my goals. I have a dresser drawer bursting with race t-shirts to prove it. 

I thought about that while getting in my penultimate (oops -- my next-to-last) workout at the gym before flying to Europe in 4 days. 

While performing exercises like lat pull downs, I was listening to an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Apparently the man is known for his wit in addition to his stellar ability as a football coach. 

The interviewer asked him to explain certain of his "Tomlinisms" for the listening audience. Here's one of them, and I will never forget it:

If you have red paint, you paint the barn red.

I love that. If all you have is red paint, then you're stuck with painting the barn that color. This means, for me at least, that in life you have to work with what you have. No matter what others may do, it's your life to live, and you have to live up to your potential. I will never climb Everest or Denali, but I think I've got another 3,000 meter peak in me called the Riffelhorn. As an author I will never win a Pulitzer Prize, but I can say without the shadow of a doubt that I have written all the books God led me to write, and I am right pleased with every one of them. No one uses lighter weights in the gym than I do, but I don't care because I'm not going to let anyone else define me. 

Being an adult-onset athlete has taught me, and continues to teach me, that there is great joy in accepting your limitations and making the most of them. True, I've only got red paint, but I've got a pretty big brush. I am not finished with life. I am not done pushing myself so that I will have nothing left on the table when I get to glory. 

Being an athlete, even an old and slow one, allows me to believe that if I am willing to work hard enough, I can achieve the impossible. I prize my finisher's medals, not for what they are, but for what they mean to me -- a simple man who is constantly striving for his ideal self. 

Take Responsibility

Being overweight may not be your fault. But it's still your responsibility. 

Why Walk?

Normalize saying, "I walk more, not because I have to, but because I want to." 

Can We Please Get Rid of Unnecessary Jargon?

Ever met a specialist whose extensive knowledge of a subject keeps him or her from being an effective teacher?

To fix a truth firmly in the hearer's mind requires that we state it simply. 

I'm not talking about trivializing truth. But you can be simple without being simplistic. 

There's no need to try and impress an audience through the obscurity of our language. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that you really don't understand your subject  unless you can express it clearly to others. 

New Testament scholars, for example, speak of Weltanschauung, Sitz im Leben, Heilsgeschichte, and Ausgangstext. All well and good I suppose when speaking to other scholars. 

But when we're addressing an audience less familiar with our discipline, we must step down from our abstraction and talk about "world view," "setting in life," "salvation history," and "initial text." If we fail to do so we may get high marks as scholars but fail as communicators. 

If we're not careful, we'll use jargon to impress rather than to inform. Terms like pneumatology, existentialism, and hamartiology become unnecessary barriers to communication.

In short: Never overestimate your audience's religious vocabulary.

The Gracious God Who Gives (and Even Withholds) Rain

It's 9:45 pm and I just got home from working in the fields. When we started baling this afternoon the weather looked pretty foreboding. A storm was heading our way. We saw lightening off in the distance. 

(We are located just southwest of Clarksville.) What to do? Send up a quick prayer. Nothing fancy. A simple prayer, along the lines of Max Lucado's words in his wonderful little book Before Amen:

Father.

You are good.

I need you.

We need you.

Please help us.

Thank you.

In Jesus's name.

Amen.

Within minutes, the storm seemed to just fizzle out. 

Not a drop of rain fell on us. The sky cleared up and displayed her beauty.

I can think of no one who depends on God more than farmers. We depend on him for sunlight, for rain, and for health. For equipment that works. And even to withhold the rain when needed. In an agrarian region of the nation like mine, good weather is all-important. Jesus knew this. He reminded us that God sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous alike (Matt. 5:45). He makes no distinction between the wicked and the good. He gives good gifts to both in equal portion. God not only graciously gives good things. He graciously withholds things. I can't tell you how many times the forecast called for a storm when we needed to bale and the Lord held if off. It's a beautiful reflection of his love for us. My gratitude knows no bounds. 

Thank you, Lord. 

Thank you. 

Thank you.

Lovely Day for Farming

The Downside to Losing Weight

One of my workout shorts. 

The same shorts 10 months later. 

They were suddenly too big. 

I had lost 40 pounds, that is, a pound a week. 

Time to switch to smaller shorts that fit properly. 

But I'm not complaining! 

Happy Birthday to My Grandson

He turned 8 today. Love you, Chesley! 💕

The Laborer Is Worthy of His Wages

Don't mind if I do. 😁

Today's Steps (10 Miles)

Choose the Window Seat

Live your life, no matter how boring you think it is. 

That is way better than living vicariously through the eyes of others. 

Stop living life through someone else's experiences rather than being a part of the events themselves. 

People sometimes ask me why I like to run long distances or challenge myself in the mountains. I often ask myself the same question. Why do I do what I do? Why do I sign up for something that I know is going to be extremely difficult? 

To me, the answer is clear. I think it's because it's our nature to be curious creatures. In some strange way, I think the uncertainty of not knowing what will happen has always attracted human beings. 

During the race or during the climb anything and everything can happen. 

The outcome is never a given. 

If we knew the outcome in advance of everything we did, life would lose its sense of adventure. 

Moreover, the human body was designed to be pushed and tested. 

Paradoxically, we find comfort in discomfort. 

There's nothing like working towards something you're not really sure you're going to be able to achieve. 

It's all about being genuinely curious about life. 

I suppose this is one reason I always select a window seat when I'm flying. There's so much to see and experience when flying. 

That's why I'm always shocked when people seated by the windows keep their window shades down, even when taking off and landing. 

A couple of weeks ago I was landing in Honolulu. I noticed I was the only one who had his window shade up. I got to see my home town of Kailua. 

The same was true when we departed Honolulu for Dallas. Why, the views you're afforded during takeoff and landing would cost you hundreds of dollars if you had booked an aerial tour of the islands.  

When flying, the view from the window seat is magnificent.

When it comes to sports, the view from the playing field is so much better than the one you get from the stands. 

In the words of Jim Elliot, "Wherever you are, be all there." 

That's how I want to finish my years on this earth. 

On the Shoulders of Giants

When I began my doctoral studies in Basel in 1980, I was expected to develop a dissertation topic fairly quickly in the process. I tell you, I spent hours in the theological library perusing the dissertations that had already been produced in the field of New Testament studies. One of them was this very influential work. 

In it I saw a model, an exemplar of sorts, of what a good doctoral dissertation should look like. The author, Robert Jewett, wrote it for the protestant faculty of theology at the University of Tübingen in 1966. 

The prestigious publisher E. J. Brill in Leiden published it in 1971. The book's bibliography covered 19 pages. It was here that I was introduced to some of the names and personages in the field that I would become very familiar with in the years ahead. They were, in fact, the scholars on whose shoulders the Greek teachers of my generation stood. Names such as:

• Kurt Aland
• C. K. Barrett
• Ernest Best
• Otto Betz
• Matthew Black
• Gunther Bornkamm
• F. F. Bruce
• Hans Conzelmann
• Oscar Cullman
• W. D. Davies
• Martin Dibelius
• C. H. Dodd
• Dieter Georgi
• Martin Hengel
• Joachim Jeremias
• J. B. Lightfoot
• Ernst Lohmeyer
• T. W. Manson
• Otto Michel
• C. F. D. Moule
• Bo Reicke
• Heinrich Schlier
• Walter Schmithals
• Rudolph Schnackenburg
• Krister Stendahl
• Margaret Thrall
• Albert Vanhoye
• Theodor Zahn

In my day, all these were giants, though I reckon only a few of these names would be recognizable to my students today. Yet the scholars of my generation -- my peers, if you will -- owe so very much to their influence on our lives, our studies, even our publications. Their work formed the foundation that became the basis of so many of our successes. They passed the baton on to us, and we took up the burden eagerly. The "we" I'm talking about includes such names as:

• Craig Blomberg
• Gary Burge
• D. A. Carson
• Craig Evans
• Buist Fanning
• David Garland
• Mark Goodacre
• Joel Green
• Peter Gurry
• Scott Hafemann
• Harold Hoehner
• Michael Holmes
• Larry Hurtado
• Craig Keener
• George Knight 
• William Lane
• Scot McKnight
• Benjamin Merkle
• Douglas Moo
• Grant Osborne
• Robert Plummer
• Stanley Porter
• Vern Poythress
• Charles Quarles
• Brian Rosner
• Eckhard Schnabel
• Thomas Schreiner
• Mark Strauss
• Christopher Tuckett
• Dan Wallace
• Ben Witherington 

My current students are probably familiar with many if not most of these names, though many of us have now fulfilled our own obligations to the scholarly guild and have, in turn, passed the baton to our own students. Everyone leaves a legacy whether they plan to or not. Everything we do, say, or write leaves a lasting impression on the next generation of scholars. If there was only one legacy I could leave, it would be the hope that I have left the legacy of doing God's word rather than just accruing knowledge about it. 

It has been my great joy to pass that baton to others. One day you may need to do the same. When that day comes, place it gladly in the palm of your students, and allow them to run the race set before them -- men and women who will live out the Great Commission and make disciples who can in turn make disciples. 

Some Really Good News on the Greek New Testament Front

I've been waiting a long time for this. The good news is that in the forthcoming UBS6/NA29 editions of the Greek New Testament, Hebrews will be placed after 1-2 Thessalonians and before the Pastorals instead of after Philemon. This is clearly where it belongs, as you can see from the following. 

Even the Robinson-Pierpont text places Hebrews before the Pastorals. 

Those who teach courses in the Gospels, Acts-Pauline Epistles, and Hebrews-Revelation may need to rethink this division. Hebrews always circulated among the Pauline Corpus! 

Great Things Can Happen

No matter who you are or what you do in life, there's always room for improvement. I call it a holy discontentment with life. If I thought I was done growing, I would shrivel up and die. Life is all about improving, learning, risking, growing. When I decided to first climb the alps 9 years ago, I had my doubts. I moved forward anyway. The people who believed in me never wavered. That's because I've surrounded myself with dreamers, risk-takers, forward-lookers, and go-getters. I like to think that there are no boundaries to what we can do. Every time you do something hard it's a rush. Of course, it won't be easy. Life is hard for every single one of us. This is partly why I love it and why I chase down dreams. Do not be afraid of the future. EMBRACE it. It's so worth it.

P.S. Today's workout was an arm day. I blasted my biceps. 

I ended my workout with band-assisted pull ups. They are the perfect gym finisher. 

Next up were steps. 

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but there is nothing better than being active. A happy and content life is made up of celebrating all the small moments, right? Like doing an arm workout. Like doing a few pull ups (feels amazing). Like simply walking. 

If you put in the time and respect and listen to your body, great things can happen. 

Perfect Running Weather

As in 82 degrees and only 47 percent humidity. Thank you, Lord, for the break from the hot and humid weather! 

Today's 9-mile run:

Today's steps: 

Weight this morning: 197. 😃

Time to cook me some dinner!

A Sneak Peek at the Riffelhorn

In case anyone out there is interested, here's a brief video of what climbing the Riffelhorn looks like. 

You can see why I'm so excited, and why I've been working so hard on my upper body strength! 

Hiking in Zermatt

Today's steps were achieved indoors at the Y. 

But I'm hoping that the weather will allow me to run outdoors tomorrow. But what about Zermatt? How will I get in my steps? Well, because I've only got one climb planned, I'll have plenty of time to get in a run, walk, or hike, many of them in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Here's a trail that takes you from Zermatt to the Hornli Hut then back down the mountain to Zermatt. 

I actually hiked this trail when I was there 9 years ago. This time I'd like to try and run it. There are dozens of hiking trails around Zermatt that are made accessible thanks to the network of cable cars that handle the steep inclines for you. For example, the train to Gornergrat takes just 30 minutes, then you have a choice of easy walks downhill with constant views of the Matterhorn in front of you. 

Can't wait! 

Today's Bible Study (Acts 7)

During my morning Bible time I was in Acts 7 and the speech of Stephen. Coincidentally, while driving to town I listened to one of Moody's sermons called "How to Study the Bible." He begins his message by describing the Spirit-filled Christian. He says that the person who is filled with the Spirit deals often with the word of God. But the person who is following his own ideas refers rarely to the Bible. You seldom see it mentioned in their discourses. 

What does this have to do with Stephen's speech? Well, see all of those words printed in bold below? 

They represent Scripture quotations from the Old Testament. This isn't very surprising in light of what Moody was saying. When a man like Stephen is filled with the Spirit, he can't help quoting it. In Moody's words, "Men and women of God deal much with God's word." 

The Scriptures were serious business for a man like Stephen. And if we're truly in love with Jesus, they will be for us too. 

Have a wonderful day! 

A BIG Praise!!!

It's taken many months, but today I burst through the 200 pound barrier for the first time in decades. 

It's all God's grace. I know now that I leave for the alps having done my best to get my body in the best shape possible to succeed. Thanks especially to all in my family who have faithfully and lovingly climbed alongside me in this journey and encouraged me to keep lifting my hands in praise to God through it all. After all, we owe him our lives. He would not give us abilities, gifts, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. As long as I am able, I will praise him. I am too blessed not to. 

Odds and Ends

It's been a while, so here is a selection of random facts about me.

• I never planned on teaching Greek. I "fell" into my career when I was asked to teach at Biola when I was 24. Today, at 73, I'm still teaching. Who would have thunk it? 
• I can easily eat the same meals every day and never get bored. In fact, I have a Bojangles sausage biscuit for breakfast every single day.
• When Biola opened its swimming pool in 1976, I was one of the first people they hired as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
• I started running because one of my kids challenged me to do a 5K with them. 
• I have one arm that's longer than the other.
• I love to eat all kinds of foods. I've enjoyed dog meat in Korea, donkey meat in China, and fish eyeballs in Hawaii. I think eating must be one of my spiritual gifts. 
• I am half Romanian but can't speak a word of the language, which is extremely embarrassing when I'm in Romania. 
• I climbed my first really high mountain in 2016 on a trip to the Alps. Prior to that I was absolutely terrified of heights. I think that anyone who knew me then would never have picked me to become involved in the sport of mountaineering.
• I dropped out of my first Greek class after only 3 weeks. 
• I was both a cub scout and a boy scout while growing up in Hawaii.
• I am the biggest klutz you will ever meet. I can't even change a light bulb without instructions. 
• I have an odd German accent. The Germans think I'm Swiss, and the Swiss think I'm German.
• I bought my first horse after attending a rodeo in Cody, Wyoming. He was an Arabian gelding. I named him Cody, of course. 
• Though in my 70s, I'm probably happier and more comfortable in my own skin than I've ever been. 

I'll stop there for now. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. 

Cooking Tip

Tonight's dinner fare? Oven baked shrimp and fixin's. 

Yeah, this picture could be in a cooking magazine. 

And here's a tip I've found helpful. To save a ton of money you can make your own tartar sauce. 

You simply need to combine mayo and relish. Sure, I know it's not exactly the same. But it's close enough for me. 

Give it a shot! 

You Are Your Own Mechanic

Well, only 4 more weight training sessions after today before heading out to Europe. Today's workout was a beast. But in a good way (it included a 7-mile walk). Also had my hair cut and my beard trimmed. I feel 10 pounds lighter. 

The simple truth is that when it comes to our bodies, if you don't use them you'll lose them. If we let them waste away, we'll wake up one morning and realize that we can't run or perhaps even walk, even though we want to. I've learned that my body will do almost anything I ask of it as long as I've given it time to prepare and adjust to the new demands I'm putting on it. I've been able to complete 44 half marathons and 20 full marathons by gradually coaxing my body to go just a little farther every week. And most important of all, whether your goal is to walk for 10 minutes a day or run a marathon, you've got to understand that your body's a wonderful machine, and that you are your own mechanic. No one can take care of it for you. 

Each day I get to train or run or climb is a gift, not an entitlement. Each day I can spend as a member of this planet is a day I can treasure. I hope I never take it for granted.

Introducing the Abol Ethiopian Restaurant in Durham, NC

After today's concert I felt in the mood for Ethiopian cuisine and guess what? A new Ethiopian restaurant has just opened in Durham. It's called the Abol Ethiopian Restaurant.

What can I say about this eatery other than -- it's absolutely fantastic. 

It has everything a good restaurant should have: high quality food (the kai wat was out of this world), attentive and professional service (with lots of smiles), a very comfortable and inviting ambiance, and an experience that leaves a lasting positive impression. 

Good food made with real Ethiopian ingredients. 

For example, their injera is made from 100 percent teff without any admixture of wheat. Bravo to them! The servers were very attentive and willing to chat, and the co-owner herself came out to greet her customers. 

Definitely 5 out of 5 stars. I will be back! 

The Majesty of the Pipe Organ

I'm a classical music lover. Everyone knows that. So when I heard that the Royal School of Church Music was performing in Carolina today, I knew I'd have to attend. The venue itself was worth the visit. 

There's just something about great cathedrals. 

Their symmetry. Their architectural precision. Their beauty. Their artistry. Their grandeur. 

They always remind me of the Scriptures. For where else can you find such beauty and sublimity and grandeur and symmetry and perfection than in the Sacred Scriptures? This applies as much to a simple Greek sentence like John 1:1 as it does to the most profoundly rounded periodic sentence like Heb. 1:1-4. 

At any rate, today's performance did not disappoint. Their first piece was the Missa Brevis in D Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Next came Felix Mendelssohn's majestic If With All Your Hearts from the oratorio Elijah. The next number, by composer Eleanor Daley, was called Upon Your Heart. Then followed two Latin choruses, both by Mozart: Sanctus and Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. I loved hearing them sung in Ecclesiastical Latin -- one of my favorite languages in the world and the language in which my entire graduation ceremony at the University of Basel was conducted in, which included me swearing my doctoral oath in Latin. Finally, Amy Marcy Cheney Beach's Peace I Leave With You, based on John 14:27, blessed the enraptured audience. For the postlude, the cathedral organist performed Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude in E-flat Major. Here's a sampling of that magnificent organ piece.

Honestly, I think I enjoyed this more than I did the chorale's performance. 

Since my college days I've always had the feeling that there's something special about the pipe organ. I feel so moved listening to great organ music, so much so that other instruments don't come close. Mozart once called the organ the "king of instruments." Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor might be the most famous example. 

I feel that those who play the organ are keeping alive something extraordinary. For me, it's the sheer power of the instrument. At a single key press, dozens of pipes in various signatures sound in unison, filling the room with music leaving no gaps for distractions. The distinct feeling of the pipe organ is the acoustic environment it resonates within. I am incredibly blessed being able to listen to all this magnificent organ music within an hour's drive of the farm. I would be happier than a peach if organ music would somehow make a comeback today. To me it's the best representative of God's supreme power and glory that mankind has ever come up with. I try to teach my students that every instrument has its place in worship. I hope I'm doing a good job at it. That includes both traditional and contemporary styles of music, though I'm a big traditional guy myself. A good organist can make all the difference within church services, even funerals. Sadly, modern church buildings don't have the same acoustic effect as older ones. I miss the reverberations and echoes that I got used to when I lived in Basel.

I'm struggling to think of any chromatic instrument that's even on the scale of the pipe organ. Its size, coupled with the connotations inherent within the instrument's reflection of huge life events, makes it a very special instrument to me. Organs produce a sound and evoke a sense of worshipful praise like no other. 

Thank God for the gift of music! 

For the Love of the Ocean

I love this bronze statue in Waikiki. 

It's just before you get to the Waikiki Wall. It shows a young surfer sharing a moment with a seal. That's SO Hawaiian. I don't ever remember learning how to swim or surf growing up. You just grew up in the ocean. Even today I probably have more salt water than blood in my veins. As a child and youth, I was able to spend almost every day at the beach. Adults weren't so blessed. They had to work all day. That's why you see so many families at the beach on the weekend. They all seem so in tune with nature. 

Hawaiian culture is rooted in a love for the sea. The ocean (kai in Hawaiian) is the lifeblood of the islands. Of course, there are people who live in Hawaii that don't care for the ocean. For some it's as simple as not wanting to track sand into the house. Others don't like the feeling of salt all over their body. Some don't care to surf or swim. Lots of people prefer Hawaii for the mountains and hiking. I don't think it has to be either/or. 

But for me, the beach will always be where it's at. 

Kailua Beach -- What's Not to Love?

One thing I really dislike about "my" beach is how crowded it always is 😉

Be Bereans

You're not learning until you're rethinking assumptions and reworking opinions. 

Sure Sounds Like Paul

"Paul could not have possibly authored Hebrews," said no one who has ever read Heb. 13:18-25. 

Lovin Me Some Local Kine Music on My Vacation

Pray, But Then Act

Prayer is no substitute for our responsibility. Pray for good health, yes. But you better eat right, and you better stay active, and you better listen to your doctor.

Prayer in place of that is, frankly, the height of irresponsibility. 

Why I Prefer Neutral Grip Pull Ups

There are several advantages of the neutral grip pull up. These include:

• Is less taxing than other variations.
• Provides more range of motion for the upper body.
• Makes it easier to learn the pull up motion.
• Pulls in more elbow flexion and scapular retraction.

You should try it! 

An Unexpected Side Effect of Exercise (Warning: TMI)

This post is one of those rare TMI moments on this blog. You know, I'm not exactly reticent to talk about very personal things here at DBO. But I am selective as to when to bring TMI into the conversation. 

One of the things that surprises me about getting lean(er) is how it can be painful in ways you weren't expecting. The pain doesn't come from, you know, sore muscles after a workout or the hunger pangs you might feel when you have a calorie deficit. My pain comes when I sit. I'm very, very bony now. I used to be able to sit on my bottom for hours but now I can't do it anymore. Know what? That's something I didn't anticipate when I began this weight loss journey. I had no idea that was going to happen, and it did. 

This, of course, is a blessing in disguise. The medical literature on aging is clear: People whose lives are characterized by prolonged sitting tend to acquire disease and become frail at an earlier age than non sitters and regular exercisers. Once you become sedentary, you've lost half the battle. Some are even claiming that sitting is the new smoking. Sadly, many sedentary people view exercise as arduous and uncomfortable. But exercising isn't the problem. It's how we exercise. There are ways to exercise that bring health and a sense of joy. This doesn't mean, however, that there won't be a few unanticipated side effects as a result of moving more. Like skinny Sitz bones. I gotta get up and move WAY more frequently. 

Hip thrusts and glute bridges for the win! 

Makapu'u Beach: Bodysurfers' Paradise

When you leave Sandy Beach, an 8 minute drive will find you at my favorite body surfing beach on the island of Oahu -- Makapu'u Beach. 

The waves here are much safer (they break in 1-2 feet of water rather than directly on the sand like at Sandy's) and it's never crowded (mostly locals). The beach is visible from a lookout and even has restrooms. Nice place to chill either before or after surfing Waikiki!

Review of WHY FOUR GOSPELS?

John over at Christian Wake Up Call read my book Why Four Gospels? and posted his review. 

Hebrews and Paul Compared

What are the parallels between Hebrews and Paul? Glad you asked. 

On Bible Reading

Reading the Bible isn't everything. But everything is harder if you don't. 

Gym Etiquette

If you don't re-rack your weights after lifting, you probably don't open doors for the elderly either. 

A Simple Weight Loss Hack

We all know people who are overweight and have expressed a desire to begin a weight loss program. If you're in that category, please remember: You have to do it when it's the right time for you. Don't let your doctor, your parents, your spouse, your kids, or your friends pressure you into doing it. You have to do it, as I said, when it's right for you. You are going to begin a relentless battle with the bad habits you've had for years. You have to be prepared for that battle. Nothing matters until you get to the point where you say to yourself, "This is going to end up very badly unless I get a handle on my weight. I can't postpone it any longer." 

External pressure to lose weight won't cut it. It's going to take a strong intrinsic desire for you to succeed. 

Meet Noah

Wow, what a night! My daughter and her family just moved back to the Richmond area after living in Kentucky for the past two years. We met up in Farmville this evening for some Mexican grub and so that I could meet my newest grandchild in person for the first time. 

Noah just turned one. He has already completely captured my heart. 

Love you oodles and oodles, Mr. Noah!

3 Weeks from Yesterday

Hey folks. Lord willing, in exactly three weeks from yesterday I'll rope myself to a mountain guide and attempt an ascent of the Riffelhorn. I an uber-excited. Am I up to the task? After all, it's been 9 long years since I last climbed the Alps. Have I trained hard enough? I believe I have. At any rate, I'm throwing down the gauntlet. That heavy breathing at high elevation you'll be hearing? Mine. Those footsteps on the rocks? Mine. I know I'm in for the challenge of my life. And I can't wait. 

Steve Prefontaine was widely considered to be one of the greatest runners of all time. He is quoted as saying, "To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." I couldn't agree more. Friend, if we face the obstacles of life, overcome our fears, and push our limitations, we can emerge victorious. For each of us, our last best day is lying in wait out there somewhere. 

Today's workout: 

Bodysurfing One of Oahu's Most Extreme Waves (Sandy Beach)

One of the most well-known (and dangerous) beaches in Hawaii is Sandy Beach (also called Sandys) on Oahu. 

When I was there last week, the waves were firing. One must be aware of all conditions when a deep water swell folds over a shallow bottom. Quick reflexes and good situational awareness are the keys to having a good (and safe) time. There are usually few willing bodysurfers in the water, mostly locals, which makes it feel more risky. Waves like this are so dangerous that you usually end up with maybe one or two insane rides at the most. I know I passed on maybe 99 percent of the waves I encountered at Sandy's on this trip. I was just too scared to catch them.

Anyway, it was good to get back to the beach where I spent a lot of time when I was a teennager. 

Your Daily Steps: Every Little Bit Counts

Well, it's after 5:00 pm and I've finished my activities for the day, so shall we check in on my miles for Wednesday, July 16? 

Now, it was too hot to walk much outside today, so I used the treadmill at the Y for most of these steps. I walked 7 miles, which added up 14,000 steps. So where did the other 2,600 or so steps come from? They come your daily activities. In my case, this included grocery shopping. Parking at the far end of the Food Lion parking lot got me probably another 800 steps. The rest I can chalk up to "miscellaneous." 

Remember: Every little bit counts.