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.