The Gift of Running (9 Miles Today)

My body has been through so much these past 3 months. First, there was a week of surfing on Oahu. Then two months ago my mountain guide led me up one of the most challenging mountains I've ever been on. Then there was my cancer surgery two weeks ago. You'd think the last thing I'd want to be is active. But that's the irony of exercise. Workouts are invigorating, not enervating. Running is restorative! 

That includes today's 9-mile at the High Bridge Trail. 

I am always glad when I run this trail. For me, running is meditative. I run within my own head space. When I'm finished, the world seems like a better place. Even the run itself gives me a great deal of joy. I started running after Becky passed away. I decided to become a runner and have never looked back. It's amazing how something as simple as this can restore and empower you. When I'm lonely, or stressed, or frustrated, running makes me feel better. Your focus shifts to your senses when you run. You feel your breathing and the wind. You smell the grass. It gives you that endorphin rush everyone talks about. 

I can truthfully say that running is one of the best things I know of. It started as a way as to get over grief, but it's become so much more. It feels great while I'm doing it, and I have developed an incredible drive and enthusiasm that permeates my entire life. I love the hot, sticky, exhausted feeling afterwards. It's literally the only thing I can do where other people's input doesn't matter. It's the ultimate freedom -- not an escape from life, but the recalibration of life. It keeps me fit and burns the calories I consume. Also, the scenery can be beautiful rewards for every passing mile. 

I've never been one to sit. My body loves to move. Running keeps me moving. It's my natural state. The feeling of floating found beneath my feet is what I love.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of running! 

Dash and Dine

Just back from a run and then having lunch with a student at my favorite Mexican place in Wake Forest, Don Julio's. It was great to get back to the Neuse River Trail for an easy 5 miles. 

This trail is one of Wake Forest's best kept secrets. You can also bike it. 

Hope your day is going well! 

Can the Author of an Anonymous Writing Be Known?

The book of Hebrews is formally anonymous. That much is obvious. However, some have taken that fact and run with it in a direction I'm not comfortable with. They argue, "Since God did not inspire the author to identify himself, we do not need him identified for exegesis." Instead, as one author puts it, "we must embrace the mystery." But what if the "mystery" is not all that mysterious? Moreover, typically we want to identify the author because normally such an identification is necessary for a proper understanding of a New Testament book. Thus, for example, it's not irrelevant that we call the first book in our New Testament "Matthew." By that term we mean an actual eye and ear witness of all that he testifying to in his gospel. Likewise, the books we now call "Mark," "Luke," and "John" are all formally anonymous. Yet surely when we study these documents we will want to know something about these authors. The same is true, of course, for the epistle we call "First John." 

In short, I repeat: Just because a book is formally anonymous doesn't mean that the author is unknown. So we must ask why the author chose not to include his name. This is true whether you espouse Paul, Apollos, or Luke as author of Hebrews.

Three Cheers for Interlinears! (Well, Maybe Two and a Half)

I'm here in my Wake Forest office reading me some lovely Latin. 

I know some profs have a very negative view of interlinears. 

I don't. I've used them to teach myself German, French, Spanish, and, yes, Latin. The interlinear might not be the ideal method of studying a foreign language. But it's a very helpful supplement. As the old saying puts it: "Halitosis is better than no breath at all."

Have a marvelous week! 

41 and Still Going Strong

Aaron Rodgers gets his first win as a Pittsburgh Steeler. What a game the old man played. Respect! 

Missing Me Some Swiss Alps

I was doing this exactly one month ago. Boy do I miss Switzerland. 

If You're 70+

Today's blog post is for men everywhere who realize that, at 70+, the best years are yet to come -- and that we can be stronger, smarter, and better than men half our age. 

If you're in your 70s, welcome to the most critical decade of your life. It's a unique opportunity to reassess, take charge, repair neglect, and remake the rest of your life. Even in your 70s you can remake your body into a sleeker, fitter, and stronger version of your younger self. 

Think it's too late? Think again. Don't worry if you're new to the game. Once you experience the difference exercise can make in your life, you'll find plenty of motivation to keep it up for the rest of your life. 

The best news of all? Research has shown that almost anything that declines physically as we age improves with exercise and proper nutrition. 

Friend, you have the opportunity to change your life right now. Just take that first step! 

Today's workout: 

When You Fail

I grew up in Hawaii, where there is an abundance of beaches. I've always loved the ocean. I'd often skip class to go surfing.

When, at the age of 19, I went to Biola as a Bible major, I knew Greek would be tough for a guy who barely graduated from high school. But I wasn't prepared for the kind of endurance my Greek prof expected. I dropped the class after only 3 weeks. I accepted failure and was ready to move on to another major. At the urging of an administrator, I decided to try out Moody Bible Institute's correspondence course in beginning Greek. Guess what? I miraculously discovered I was good at it. I was even hired to teach Greek at Biola one year later. Which taught me a very important lesson about faith.

If I hadn't tried  -- then risked failure a second time -- I'd never have discovered my gifts and capabilities. I gave Greek another chance -- better, God gave me another chance -- and I discovered what I could do.

When you fail, it may be an indication that you're not gifted in that particular area. But it could also be an encouragement to try it again. 

Healthy Doubt

Malcolm Muggeridge once said, "To believe greatly, it is necessary to doubt greatly." If we believe in God greatly, it's necessary to develop a healthy skepticism toward all that smacks of untruth or deception. 

Doubt keeps faith active. It keeps us from settling on what is unworthy of it. "Hate what is wrong," wrote Paul. "Hold tightly to what is good" (Rom. 12:9).

As believers we must become great doubters of all things false if we are to be true lovers of the truth.

THANK YOU

Today we rushed to get up the hay before a giant storm hit us. 

Our farm is in blue. 

We got the last bales into the barns just before a downpour began.

Can't tell you how many times this has happened. It's sheer grace. The grace of God. Undeserved. Unmerited. The gift of God. He'd be offended if you tried to pay him for it. You just say:

THANK YOU. 

You'll Never Regret Investing in Your Health

As noted in my interview the other day, one of the closest parallels between Hebrews and Paul is the way they both use athletic imagery. The author of Hebrews wasn't a track star in high school. But he knew enough about running and about being a Christian to know that neither is a cakewalk. Both require 100 percent effort. 

Endurance is a must. 

Attitude is essential. 

Some things you must do without (like all those extra pounds you're carrying around). 

You've got to train and prepare and run like the wind. 

No race -- be it literal or figurative -- can be won in an easy chair. The action begins when you make the first move. 

I'm 73 years old. I work out three times a week. I've lost -- and kept off -- 40 pounds in the past year. I have lost fat and gained muscle by watching what I eat, lifting, and getting in my daily steps. This is me a year ago at 240 pounds.

 This is me today at 200 pounds. 

This is me working out today.

It's not just about getting lean. It's about staying lean. 

The secret is consistency. 

Keep it simple.

Good food.

Good training.

Good sleep. 

These are the building blocks. 

You'll never regret investing in yourself. 

Fitness is the gateway drug to good health. 

One day your future self will thank you for never giving up. 

Today's Steps

At the High Bridge Trail, of course. 

All the while on the phone. 😉

You Were Born for Greatness

There are two important days in everyone's life. 

The day you were born.

And the day you realized why.

Many of my students haven't yet realized the why. That's not a criticism or a put down. It's just a fact. One day they will know. 

You will know why God brought you to this earth. And you will be amazed. 

My Duke doctor didn't just happen to be a life-saving cancer surgeon. He was the prepared and appointed instrument of healing for me and thousands of other cancer patients. The honors and accolades in his office prove it. 

Too many people are doing a good thing with their life but not the right thing. For years I did a good thing. I was a lifeguard, a swimming instructor, a semi-professional trumpet player, a music major at the University of Hawaii. All good things. But not the right thing. Then, on a lovely September morning in 1976, I entered the classroom for the first time as a teacher. There's not a day that passes when I don't thank God for that day. For it was on that Monday morning I discovered who I was. I realized why I was born. 

One day, you will too. 

4 Weeks

Today I got home from Durham, showered, and took this smiling pic of me. 

It had been an interesting 4 weeks, to say the least.

Week 1: Excising and biopsy.

Week 2: Pathology report (skin cancer)

Week 3: Surgery.

Week 4 (today): Stitches removed. 

A reminder: We must trust in God's promises even when the path is filled with thorns. Like the apostle Paul, I try to thank God for the thorns that build our character while increasing our reliance upon him. I wouldn't trade my closeness with God for anything. If that means being in the valley, then I am thankful for those times when I cling to the Savior. Sure, we have to watch our steps, but the best approach is to keep on looking up. God is with me in the valley, on the mountain top, and even on the cliff. He alone is strong enough to get me through. 

We have to be careful not to miss God's plan for us, especially if it is something unwelcome in our lives. I often picture myself clinging to Jesus like a ledge where I've struggled to understand the way things were going. You are pushed to the brink and barely hanging on. There is nowhere else to go when you are on a cliff. You are barely hanging on by your fingertips. You just hang on, even when it seems darkest. He is helping you hold on. He will pull you up to where you need to be. Our only hope is to reach out to Jesus, who can pull us up to where we feel safe and secure again.

For 4 weeks, that is exactly what he did. It has to be one step (or week) at a time, with God leading the way. We have to trust that God is leading us on the correct path even when it doesn't feel like it. God is omniscient and understands even when we do not. He creates open paths even when we see only obstacles and detours. Times of health issues afford us time to spend with God and really focus on being still and knowing him. He is trying to pull us into a deeper place, to know him better. You could have no better guide. 

May God be the honored companion and guide on your mountain, whatever that is!

14,000 Steps

And such a beautiful day it was. 

If You're on Medicare ....

... your YMCA fees are covered. Just thought I'd mention it. 😏

By the way, my stitches come out tomorrow!!!!

Another Day Is Done

I even like the smell of fresh-cut hay!

Good night all! 

When the Blind Lead the Blind

Too often the scholarly guild has gone along to get along. It has sunk into a bourgeoise, conformist respectability. At times it's almost indistinguishable from the world. It's lost its saltiness, its light is dimmed, it repels all non-conformists. 

Jesus dared to speak in his own name and by his own authority. He was no "yes man." He wasn't afraid to challenge the traditions of the centuries. He thus stood out from the scribes. He amazed his listeners both by the substance and the manner of his instruction. 

We are not Jesus, nor do we have his authority. But we are encouraged by the example of the Bereans to "examine the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). The Greek word translated "examine" has several possible meanings:

• investigate
• question
• sift
• discern 
• determine
• appraise
• scrutinize
• cross-examine

I well recall in Basel how Markus Barth, lecturing on the Gospel According to Mark, challenged the teaching of his own Reformed Church concerning the practice of pedobaptism. He scandalized the establishment by sweeping away the traditions of the elders. He spoke with a freshness that captivated some and infuriated others. He looked in vain for any evidence of infant baptism, and stood his ground. His father, the famous theologian, had done the same thing before him.

Why are we humans still so susceptible to groupthink and so easily manipulated into believing certain things? Even with minor issues, groupthink triggers decisions that aren't ideal. We are becoming less and less independent thinkers. Groupthink is all about participating in a group bias that gives a person a sense of belonging. Lack of cognitive diversity is one of the greatest banes of our day. This is why the free exchange of ideas is so important. 

Read and listen to things you disagree with as often as you can. 

Think more of the evidence than what other people think about you. 

If necessary, be willing to stand alone. 

Walking: Why Not Try It?

You know I'm a big fan of walking. Walking isn't just a way to get off the couch. It's actually one of the best ways to get (and stay) lean, especially if you're already strength training in the gym. It's what's kept me at 15 percent body fat for the past few months. 

I hope you will try it! 

Back to the Gym!! Whoopee!!

Finally! Yay! 

"By the Light of the Silvery Moon"

What a great way to work. 😊

In Case Anyone Is Interested ...

Two Habits of Highly Effective Seminary Professors

Just a thought or two about seminary teaching and seminary teachers. 

1. Highly effective seminary professors stay focused on what is essential. At my school, you could reduce it to a motto: "Every classroom a Great Commission classroom." The goal isn't to study Hebrew and Greek. The goal is to do something -- fulfill the Great Commission. 

2. Highly effective seminary professors exist for the students, not the other way around. Our availability is equally important as our scholarship. We exist for the sake of our students. We wouldn't have a job without them. Something I've noticed over my 5 decades of teaching is that people can't learn from teachers who don't like them. The most effective teachers I know enjoy being around their students. Studies show that the soft skills a teacher possesses can have just as much impact as subject expertise. Compassion is essential. Students need someone who cares about them and is willing to go the extra mile on their behalf. Be that caring professor, and you can teach your students more than you ever thought possible.

The teaching profession is not just a job. It's a personal commitment to shaping future generations. Every Monday I get up and can't wait to teach my classes and to be involved in the training of my students. It was because of my own professors that I discovered the joy of learning. And now I love watching my own students discover that same joy. What a privilege that is. 

Our Lovely Weather

Again, the weather couldn't be better for haying. Thank you, Lord. 

Tomorrow the good work will continue. Can't wait.

Welcome to the Badger State, Micah

I can't believe the Packers got Micah. 

The Pack was 5th in defense last year without Parsons and now just added the best pass rusher in the league to their roster. Way to go J.J. 

Week 4 is Sunday Night Football between GB and Dallas. Should be a doozie.

Post Surgery Update

Well, here it is. My post-op photo in all of its glory. 

I'm surprised. I was expecting there to be more swelling. And the stitches to be more visible. But I almost look "normal." I've experienced no pain at all. Nada. I slept extremely well last night. Wow, what a mighty God we serve! Thanks to all for your prayers! 

Is This My Climb Next Year in Austria?

You're Not Weak If You Can't Do a Pull Up

You're not weak. Pull ups are just insanely hard. 

The "Majority" May Be Wrong

I just received a copy from Amazon of the latest introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism. Sorely disappointed. Among other things, the author blithely repeats the old "since most scholars say ..." adage. Most scholars adopt reasoned eclecticism. Most scholars don't believe text types ever existed. Most scholars think that the Byzantine text type is late. 

I've found that the majority is rarely right.

I'd like to encourage you to be sure of your facts by checking them, not simply by following "the majority of scholars." 

A Historic Walk in Southern Virginia

Not being permitted to do anything strenuous today, I thought I'd drive over to Red Hill and stroll among its famous buildings and pastures. This was the last home Patrick Henry owned. It was, in fact, the last of 12 different homes he had lived in since his birth in 1736. He called it "one of the garden spots of the world." (I've often called my own farm, Rosewood, the same thing.) The plantation's 2,900 acres straddled the line between Charlotte and Campbell countries. From his house you could see the Staunton River (the site of a famous Civil War battle) and the wooded hills of Halifax County, just adjacent to my own county of Mecklenburg. From the window of the small building where he spent the last hours of his life, Patrick Henry could see a century-old osage tree, which has since grown into the giant that has won "champion" status for its species in North America. Visible to his right would have been the walkway that linked Henry's house to a two-room structure that served as his law office. 

Here are a few photos of this historic site in Charlotte County. It was a great place to get in a 2 mile walk and just sit and soak in some of the history of the great Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Have a fantastic day! 

When Life Throws You a Curve Ball

Today I missed my workout at the gym and all 659 pull ups I was planning on doing today because I had outpatient surgery at Duke. The surgery wasn't a huge deal, but even if it's not a big deal you spend the entire day at the doctor's office. 

• There's registration, where they ask you all the same questions you filled in the day before online.
• You get asked 50 times if you are allergic to anything.
• You wait for the doctor. Then you wait for the doctor some more.
• You get a visit from the therapy dog. (Kidding.)

Right now I'm back on the farm and doing well. Now I can go back to being my usual ornery self. To be honest, I was a bit anxious going into the procedure today. Surgery is surgery, and when it happens to a loved one -- or to yourself -- it's a bit unsettling. During the 6 hours I spent at the clinic I saw the doctor for perhaps 20 minutes total. The man was all business. He's the only doctor there and he does 18 of these surgeries every day, so he's not exactly in a position to engage in small talk.

Fair enough.

"What kind of surgery did you have?" you ask. I had a tumor removed from my right cheek. My dermatologist discovered it 2 weeks ago during my annual full-body evaluation. A week ago the pathologist ruled it as "superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma." I was immediately referred to the Duke Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center in Durham. Since squamish cell is more aggressive than basal cell, the surgeon wanted to operate on me as quickly as possible -- hence today's surgery. Thankfully, he only had to make one cut to remove all the cancer and to assure me that there is no chance of recurrence, metastasis, or death. Praise the Lord. There will be a scar, but in the bigger scheme of things, that ain't no big thing. (I used to be tall, dark, and handsome. Now I'm just tall hehe.) 

Life throws curve balls. I've gotten kinda used to it. Most of the things we worry about never come to pass, but all kinds of random stuff that never occurred to you comes out of left field. C'est la vie.

In case you're young and don't know, as you age your body becomes subject to all kinds of cellular breakdowns. Despite the fact that I am naturally dark-skinned, easily tan, and have used sunscreen religiously for 50 years, I did spend 19 years in Hawaii, 27 years in Southern California, and the past 28 years farming. That puts me in the high risk group for skin cancer. On the other hand, I'm "in the Lord's hands, and there's no better place to be" (as a friend texted me today).

Today I'm in recovery mode. I'll let you know how it goes. The nurse ordered me not to lift anything heavy for a couple of days, so no workouts for this weekend. Or running for that matter. Did I tell you I'm training for the Honolulu Marathon in December? So I'm eager to get back to the gym and out on the trails. In God's good time.

Not a day goes by that I do not count my blessings. Never before in my life have I had so much to cherish -- and so much to lose. My body has held out for 73 years. My family is always there for me. I'm still able to teach, and I don't take that for granted. Sunsets. Travel. Haying. A good book. Hot showers. Ethiopian food. The kindness of others. A cup of Bo's coffee. A view of the Matterhorn from my hotel room. Wave riding. The fall weather we're experiencing. My daughter's jambalaya. A grandchild's hug. 

A world-class skin cancer surgeon.

We value what we notice, you and I. I'm trying to notice the little stuff every day. For some, gratitude comes easily. For others, it takes work. A surgeon is a good reason to regain perspective. You notice the beauty all around you. You focus on what you have and not what you think you lack. You learn to appreciate the people in your life.

After today I may be a little uglier, but I am thankful the surgeon was able to remove all the cancer that had assaulted my epidermis. I am thankful that I've got the resources to go to the doctor. Not everyone does. I am thankful for the life and career that the Lord has given me. Most of all, I am so thankful that the Father adopted me into his forever family 66 years ago when I was an 8-year old boy who lost his father through divorce at the age of 3. Without the pain of that loss, I might have never been in the place to acknowledge my need for Christ. 

At times, life gets a bit hard. But you eventually figure it out and keep going. I try to be grateful for the challenge. As much as I dreaded this day, it turned out to be one of the best days of my life. It reminded me that things aren't really as bad or as hard as we anticipated. And it reminded me that, by God's grace, you can keep trudging on. 

Hay There

Worked until well after dark this evening. The Lord has blessed us this summer with some of the best hay we've ever grown. All glory and praise to him! 

Off to bed, tired but happy.

Sleep well! 

The Baby That Grew Up

I suppose people thought Jesus lying in a feeding trough holding onto his baby blanket looked kinda cute. Let's not forget the smell of cow dung that filled the air. Life is like that. You take the good with the bad, the sweet smell of baby shampoo with the pungent odor of manure. 

On bright and cloudy days, that baby who grew up is with his people. Because Jesus is human, he understands you. Because he is divine, he can help you. As the Way to God, he is uniquely able to carry us home. 

A Simple Education Hack

I have nothing against online classes. But isolation is anathema to Christianity. The body of Christ is built on relationships. That's why Paul spoke so often about "body life." 

If you haven't taken an in-person class yet, try it. You might find it enriching in ways you can't even imagine. 

Greek, Though Fun, Is Also Hard Work

Yesterday I said studying Greek is fun. The flipside? It's also a sweaty struggle. It may be the hardest thing you'll ever do. But huge -- I mean huge -- rewards await those who face the struggle, work diligently, and don't give up. 

Be Yourself

"We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people." -- Arthur Schopenhauer. 

Always Be Thankful

Before asking God for anything first thank him for everything. 

Language Study Is Fun

My Greek students have just begun their study of the verb. It will be a long and rewarding journey. Just think: in 9 months they will be able to read their New Testament in Greek. 

Friend, always study something. 

Keep your momentum up. 

If you can hold a basic conversation in Spanish, do it. Eventually you'll improve your language skills. 

Enjoy the process even if it's just a hobby. 

Learning grammar is super fun. So is acquiring a new skill. 

It's intellectually stimulating, requires mental discipline, and opens up entire worlds of literature and history. 

Language study is like opening the doorway in one's mind. 

It's so satisfying seeing progress. 

Sometimes it doesn't even feel like work. 

Health Care: Treatment AND Prevention

Why isn't a discussion of exercise a standard part of our annual physicals? It should be.

Unfortunately, medical training is focused more on treatment and medication than on prevention and lifestyle. 

Most physicians aren't getting any training on the preventative aspects of health, and that includes exercise and nutrition. 

Health care in general is a drug-oriented thing. Patients think it's easier to take a couple of pills every morning than to put in the effort to be active. 

I'm not against medication or prescriptions. But no pharmaceutical drug can do what exercise does. 

I've told my doctors, "I don't want to take a pill for something I can change." To me, exercise and nutrition should be the first line of defense. 

But this won't happen without effort and commitment. 

Three Generations

So proud of my grandson. Like his dad he's a hard worker and a natural farmer. 

Love you both! 

If You Are Over 50 ...

Don't overlook the importance of strength training.

Strength training has results far beyond the effects on muscle. It is extremely important for overall health. 

There is a direct correlation between muscle and strength. When you lose strength, you lose functional independence. And that's a pretty big deal from a quality of life standpoint.

Once you lose functional independence, you become more sedentary which leads to other health related complications. 

There is often a depression that sets in. You now have to rely on others to do things. Lack of strength leads directly to falls. 50 percent of people over 65 who fracture their hip never fully recover. They often end up either in nursing homes or in dependent care. This precipitates mortality.

Some people say they don't have time for strength training. But two 30-minute sessions per week can go a long way to reversing the effects of aging. You will not only build some muscle and gain strength, there are various other health-related benefits as well. You reap rewards for the rest of your life.

If you are over 50, would you please pray about improving your strength and other functional-related capacities through strength training? It's never too early to start, and it's never too late to start. There is ample evidence that those who undertake a strength training program, even well into their 70s, can undo a good deal of damage that has been done. 

Thanks for listening. 

Today's workout: 

Interview with Paul Weaver of DTS

This morning I got to campus early for an interview with Dallas Seminary's Paul Weaver. 

His Youtube channel is called Bible and Theology Matters. Our topic was the authorship of Hebrews. It should be available online in a week or so. In the meantime, why not take a gander at Paul's channel. Lots of good stuff there. 

First Cutting Is Done; Second Cutting to Start

Don't you love farming? I think the Bible does. Genesis states that God put mankind in the Garden to work it. The book of Proverbs contrasts the diligent farmer with the sluggard. James compares the farmer's patience to our waiting for the coming of the Lord. And Jesus used farming parables to teach us about the growth of the kingdom of God. I love Deut. 28:12: "The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands." And boy, has he blessed. Tonight we worked on baling the last of our 12 major fields. 

The bales then had to be put up in the barns. 

But while we are the laborers, the Bible emphasizes that blessings and harvests ultimately come from God. It all belongs to him. We are merely the stewards of his bounty. 

Tomorrow, Lord willing, begins our second cutting of the season. Tomorrow also begins a new day of opportunity for you. May God help all of us to be diligent and faithful in our service and ministry for Christ! 

Pull Ups Alone -- A Good Idea?

Are pull ups alone good enough for developing your biceps? There's a lot of evidence out there to suggest that the answer is yes. Pull ups alone -- yes alone -- can be good enough for your biceps. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do curls. By all means, do them. But from my experience, getting an optimal biceps workout can be accomplished with pull ups alone. 

My biceps have exploded ever since I began doing pull ups and chin ups consistently. Pull ups, chin ups. close grip chin ups -- and you're done. But don't get carried away. Pull ups put a lot of stress on your central nervous system. Doing them more than twice a week is probably a bad idea!

You MUST Visit the Gornergrat

If you ever get to Zermatt, you simply must take the train to the Gornergrat. It's a place everyone should visit in their lifetime. The mountain panorama and the view of the Matterhorn are unforgettable. You take the train up to the Gornergrat and then you're able to see several 4,000 meter meter peaks including the ones I climbed 9 years ago, the Breithorn and the Matterhorn, as this amazing video shows. 

How great is our Creator God!

The Day Is Done

My view tonight as I returned to my car after work. 

I like the old saying, "Keep spittin' in the bucket." It's for tasks that seem overwhelming. But if you keep doing a little bit at a time, eventually it'll get done. 

That's hay season. 

Slow but steady wins every time. 

Good night! 

Getting My Running Mojo Back

I can't thank you enough for reading my post-climb reports and for travelling my alpine journey with me through (literally) the peaks and the valleys, the ups and downs, the emotions, and the distance. See? I really can talk about things other than Greek verbs and nouns. I am still basking in the afterglow of my summiting of the Riffelhorn. Such a great buildup, such a great day, then status quo again. All of my momentum was towards the climb and after that, it's pretty much back to normal. 

Except that I've been running again. Not just going to the gym. Not just getting my daily steps. But running. There are some constants in my life, and running seems to be one of them. Some people have the idea that running is all about weight loss and cardiovascular health. But for a runner, that's only a very small part of why we run. We run because we can. It's always there, a lifeline in the storm, a way to regain perspective when things go awry in our lives. 

Running is difficult. But in a good sense. My belief is that running keeps thing moving -- your blood, your oxygen, your muscles. It promotes energy and confidence. For some of us, it's a surefire way to combat the anxiety that sometimes accompanies aging and life transitions. No matter what I'm going through, I am forever grateful for running. The more I do it, the more I enjoy it. And, now that I'm running again, I feel as if I'm getting my running legs back. I used to hate running more than you do. But after Becky's death the Lord used running to help me embrace the suck and push through. 

Like life, you expect running to be hard. But the irony is, you love the hard. I got in 10 miles of "hard" today at the High Bridge Trail and it was a breeze. Sure, I was able to get in some steps. 

But more importantly, running actually gives me energy, which I will need when we get up hay this evening. In addition, I feel like I sleep better after I've run. Running is much more about mental strength than physical strength. You will NEVER forget the joy of crossing your first marathon finish line. Or your first ultra finish line for that matter. It was on this very trail that I completed three 50K ultras. 

It was hard but I loved every minute of it. 

Even when I don't feel like running (which is rare), every time I get out there I'm glad I did. So I'm grateful to God that my running is going so well. Maybe I'll be able to chase down another 26.2 mile race this fall or winter. I hope so. 

If you ever do a race, you will hate moments of it, but you will love most of it. Trust me. That's the lure of running. 

WOW

A Perfect Evening -- for Farming

I mean:

• 75 degrees.
• 0% chance of rain.
• Light breeze.
• Slightly humid.
• 31% cloud cover.
• Excellent air quality.

This is my life. And I love it. 

Grieving the Heart of God

I first memorized Psalm 139:23-24 in the King James Version (my first Bible). In verse 24 there's a Hebrew word that can be rendered in several different ways:

• KJV/ASV: "any wicked way in me"
• NIV/CSB: "any offensive way in me"
• ESV: "any grievous way in me"
• NASB: "any hurtful way in me"

The Living Bible has, "Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad." 

The Hebrew says "a way of pain." But just who is experiencing the pain? 

David could be referring to pain that he himself was experiencing. Or he could be referring to pain that he caused others to experience. But he could also have been referring to pain that he caused God, as it says in the Living Bible. I think David had in mind anything in his heart or life that grieves the heart of God. A similar idea is found in Eph. 4:30, where Paul warns us not to "bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit" (NIV). We are guilty of this whenever we do something that wounds God's holiness. Think of Noah's drunkenness. Or Moses' anger. Or David's affair. Or Jeremiah's self-pity. Or Abraham risking his wife's chastity for his own safety. The fact is, even those who are most used of God fall short of his holy expectations. They frequently miss them by a mile. 

I am ashamed to say it, but the wrongs these people did aren't that different from the ones I ignore or rationalize away. I sometimes wish God would shrug off these things and not be so sensitive about right and wrong. But his holy standards are serious business with him. He proved it by sacrificing his only Son on my behalf. When I realize that my sin prompted such a sacrifice and that God feels pain when I hurt others -- or gloat, or bear grudges, or seek revenge, or fail to live up to his standards as a father or as a teacher -- I become weary of the daily battle of the Christian life. I'm tired of Satan's whispers. I'm tired of making excuses. Most of all, I'm tired of asking for forgiveness from the One I love the most. 

It makes me want to cry out -- and really mean it --  "Come soon, Lord Jesus." I live in anticipation that it could happen tomorrow. Or, for that matter, today. 

Even so, come Lord Jesus! 

Proper Grip Position During Pull Ups

Today I managed to get in 7 miles of walking at the gym along with a killer arm and back workout, which included 20 sets of neutral grip pull ups. One of the things I've been working on is hand position while doing a pull up. 

Please note: When you do a pull up, you're not going to hang from your fingers. You're going to put your hand completely around the bar and then rotate the hand down slightly. Now the bar is in that area of your hand that allows the greatest amount of surface contact with the bar. Keep your wrist slightly upwards rotated in order to keep your skin less pinched on the bar. Always try to use a bar that's not too thick or you won't be able to properly grab around the bar. The thicker the bar, the more demanding the pull up. The same is true if the bar is too thin. A thin bar gives you very little contact surface. So if you have several options, try the bar that offers you the best grip and the best ratio for your hand so that you can grab around it with a good surface contact. 

Have a wonderful day! 

Bravo!!

Finally, someone plays this piece at the right tempo. Magnificent! 

Today's Exercise

As you know, I'm thinking about signing up for the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 13. Coming back from climbing the Alps, I am only up to running about 10 miles at about 20,000 steps at a time. I figure if I can slowly up my mileage without upping my speed or frequency, I would be okay. You know me. I'm all about the 10 percent rule these days. I have 120 days to train. Today I got in only 7 miles before it began to rain. 

Prior to that I did some scapular pull ups to work on my upper body strength. 

It was an amazing day. And I hope it was for you too. Tomorrow I hope to get in 10 miles. 

We will see! 

Fewer Experts, Please

The world needs fewer experts and more teachers. The difference? Experts traffic in ivory towers and theory, and teachers are grounded in the real world and application. 

The Best Greek Students

The best Greek students aren't consistently great, but they are great at being consistent. 

New Exercise: Biceps Chin Ups

Hey guys!

Today the Lord gave me 9 wonderful miles at the high school track. 

Gotta get in those daily steps, right? 

Afterwards I tried out a new exercise called biceps chin ups. If you want to emphasize your biceps a little more during chin ups, you have to use a super narrow grip. The result is an excellent squeeze on the biceps. For biceps gains, be sure to keep your elbows in nice and tight. And when you lower back down, try to keep those elbows in. In addition, if you want your biceps to give out faster, just pause at the top as I did here. 

The burn will be insane. By the time you get to the bottom you'll be wasted, not because your back has given out but because your biceps are burning. 

Tip: When you get to the top position, be sure to squeeze the life out of your biceps! 

Have a wonderful day! 

Faith: The Gift of God! (Eph. 2:8-9)

Wonderful sermon on Sunday on Eph. 2:8-9. Here Paul speaks of (1) grace, (2) salvation, and (3) faith. He adds, "And that not of yourselves." What does "that" refer to -- grace, salvation, or faith? Well, no Christian would try to take credit for grace or salvation. But some might claim faith in that way. You see, God saved us by his grace. But it's we who believe. We were saved when we trusted in Christ. Yet Paul's point is that even faith is the gift of God. This is brought out beautifully in the Living Bible:

"Because of his kindness you have been saved through trusting in Christ. And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God." 

I love that! Phil. 1:29 puts it this way: "God has granted you the gift of believing." Hence my definition of eternal security: "Eternal security is the work of God that guarantees that the gift of salvation, once received by faith, cannot be lost."

Faith is a gift from God!!! 

Why Worry?

Never let your worry list be longer than your prayer list. 

How to Stay Lean While Traveling

You don't need to lose your gains while on the road. Long flights, random hotels, no routine -- all these make it tough. But when discipline is in place, you can actually maintain your weight while you're gone. 

God Is Good!

Today's steps. 

Can't believe it was only a month and a half ago that I was running 9 miles on Oahu. 

God is good!

Greek Starts Tonight!

At my Wake Forest office, loving me some A. T. before class tonight. 

Brushing up on the history of the Greek language. 

Life don't get any better than this. 

Mowing -- and Praying

I'm so grateful! It was finally dry enough to mow! 

It was a great opportunity to pray for my kids. No service rendered to our children is more important than our intercession. A dad's job is to supplicate for his children, to stand in the gap, to ask for God's intervention in their lives. 

Are your children well prayed for? Jesus is the stability they need and want. 

Is Another Marathon in the Making?

Now that my mountaineering desire has been somewhat satiated by my Riffelhorn climb, I think I might get back into endurance running. It was so much fun to do a 10 mile run today. 

It allowed me to easily get in today's step count. 

I've even begun entertaining the idea of running another marathon this fall. The last one I did was in Fort Worth. I was one of the last runners out on the course that day. I did manage to finish under the time limit. But it was a struggle. I'm not someone who thinks finish lines should be open all day long. A cut off time is perfectly reasonable. The marathon distance is the ultimate challenge. Running is still my passion, my hobby, my sanity if you will. I finally feel ready to start marathon training again. A marathon symbolizes the Cadillac of accomplishments. You can't be out of shape and complete a marathon. That's just not happening. I've missed doing the marathon. I have no clue if and when I'll be able to qualify for Boston. I've tried to do this 20 times and failed each time. Merely the idea of running another marathon makes me tired. You are running a silly marathon! Between you and me, I don't think I have what it takes to make it to Boston. But I can still try. 

I'm looking into the Honolulu Marathon in December. There's no time limit for the event, and running it in December promises cooler weather than in, say, July or August. It's a clearly marked course. There are many water stations with electrolyte drinks as well. It's almost a flat course (except for Diamond Head). 

There are 47,000 runners. (I like big races.) They even have malasadas at the end. 

We'll see. I'm asking the Lord for wisdom. I would love to qualify for Boston. My chances are quickly dwindling as I age. Boston is elite and exclusive. Only about the top 5 percent of marathoners get a bib. These are people who've made running a lifestyle. What's more, they just lowered the cutoff times by 5 minutes. But if we had no challenges in life we'd be bored. You have two choices. You choose your challenges. You make it happen. Or else you do nothing and wait for life to throw something your way. But then you're on the defensive. 

Would you rather create your own challenges and chase down the dreams you want, or wait till you have to fight your way through whatever life throws at you? 

The choice is yours.