Friday, August 28, 2009

Donald Miller's Mentoring Project

There are a few people I really enjoy following, and one of them is Donald Miller. Earlier I posted a widget of his upcoming tour and new book (which has a free audio download!). Now I'm excited to help him promote the Mentoring Project - an organization that "exists to inspire and equip the faith community to provide positive male role models to boys between the ages of 7 and 14."

The Mentoring Project - Elephant Musth Cycle from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sorin's Dedication

dedicate: to set apart for a special purpose

Intentionality is tough these days. There are so many things fighting for our time and attention. And if you don't have priorities straight and maintain a disciplined lifestyle, the world can pull a person in many different (and bad) directions.

One element of a balance life for Katie and me is our relationship with Christ. To say "one element" isn't even fully accurate. We try daily to make that element the pivotal element of our lives. It's a difficult task and we're growing in that relationship as the years go on. But if we were to be defined by one aspect of our lives, it would be our faith in God.

In light of our Christian walks with God, Katie and I want to dedicate Sorin to the Lord. We want to commit ourselves to raising Sorin in the ways of the Lord. We want to be intentional without being demanding. Is that possible? We believe so.

Last Sunday (August 16) we had our dedication for Sorin. After weeks of planning, I had the ceremony planned and Katie had the food/party organized. We had about 38 people attending which was a big number. But as I was gathering the people to begin, I realized how appreciative I was that each and every person was there. I believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and we value our friends and family as they encourage us in the process.

I guess I can't say much more in this post. The whole weekend was very reflective for me, so stay tuned for more insight into our dedication.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Marathon Training

Well after Madison Marathon was completed at the end of May, Katie and I had a very busy few weeks. This is especially noteworthy because my training for the Lakefront Marathon was adversely affected. It was tough for me because I was really looking forward to seeing how the first marathon training would prep me for the second. I'm happy to report that I'm back on schedule with my training, and I don't think the time off hurt me. That's the thing with exercise: if you don't use it, you'll lose it. But if you re-train, you'll gain it back quicker than if you hadn't trained in the first place. Does that make sense?

One necessity of my training was a new pair of shoes. Over the winter I bought a new pair of Brooks that were a little more resistant to the elements. I'm happy with them - they certainly allowed me to get out and run in some compromising elements this winter and sloppy spring. But they're nothing like my Asics 2120s. Now they've been updated to the 2140s, which I just got in the mail last week:

(me smelling a new, fresh pair of shoes)
@hschiefelbein and his new kicks on Twitpic

Marathon training is so good for me. Admittedly I'm not great at it yet. I still have so many days when I just don't want to get out and run. But when I get the weekly miles in, there's nothing like the feeling of training and being fit.

Are you working out? Do you exercise 3-5 days per week? As an ACSM personal trainer, I'm doing CEUs and I'm also studying for another certification - Exercise Specialist. All the material says that EVERYONE should be exercising for 30 minutes 4-5 days per week! I guess that soapbox is for another post, maybe even another blog in and of itself.

Friday, August 07, 2009

I've never done this before, but as it turns out it was easier than I expected...

I follow Donald Miller on with my Google Reader account, and a couple days ago this came across the screen. I heard Don talk about "Story" last fall and it was fantastic. His writing is very unique and I appreciate his honesty and candid words. You should check out his blog and get ready for his new book.