Archive — Purpose
13 Nov
Training My Core
I spend a lot of my free time working out and training. Lately, I’ve been putting a lot of energy into training for bouldering (rock climbing without a harness, up boulders). Having strong muscles helps, but the secret to being a good climber is having a strong core. I was trying to climb a competition route when I found this out. After falling from the top several times, and finally giving up, an onlooker suggested I spend some time on specific muscles in my training. The next week I finished the route my first try! When I started focusing on what mattered, I got stronger.
1 Oct
Finishing Well
One of the many good things about walking or running outdoors is that you can’t quit before you make it all the way home. But, alas … I walk on a treadmill. That pretty much says it all for me. Yes, I have trouble finishing what I start.
29 Sep
Another Game…Another Heart-Attack
Sniffing the air, the sweet aroma gently caressed my nostrils, Aw, if ‘Perfect’ had a scent, surely it would be thee! Few smells can stir such emotion, or command such passion as the glorious fragrance of–a hockey bag. Each piece of equipment uniquely perfuming the air: the odor of sweaty shoulder-pads bringing back my first childhood game, the scent of moldy shin pads rekindling thoughts of glorious goals. The time has come after four-year hibernation from hockey, I would return to the ice–and recapture my former glory.
17 Sep
Dare to Compare
Last evening a rodeo evangelist spoke at my church. Yes, you read that right. A “rodeo evangelist.” Before he began, I wondered how I could relate to what he would have to say, but as I listened I was delighted by his passion for sharing the gospel in such a unique way.
20 Aug
Keeping Up Appearances
We live in a world in which it is getting easier and easier to hide who we really are. We post profile pictures that have been “photoshopped” for perfection and meticulously write status updates to keep our friends informed and make our lives sound interesting and quirky if not downright worthy of national headlines. Our likes and dislikes, our relationships and breakups, our busy schedules and random thoughts—all carefully chosen and listed on our “page” to give the perfect impression of what we want others to see as the real us. And to some extent these virtual personalities nearly are real. At least they reveal who we really would like to be.
10 Jul
Running Club Inc.
I’m not exactly renowned for being someone who makes “health-conscious” choices. This character flaw traces back to my childhood. As babies, my brother and sister crawled—I rolled. Perhaps this was due to my cheeks, which served as constant anchors, dragging two or three feet along the floor behind me. This globular physique carried into teenage-years due to a growing addiction. When I was cut, I bled McDonald’s grease. After surpassing yet another ‘milestone’ in weight, I knew it was time for change. It was time for Running Club Inc.
2 Jul
Hunger Pains
Christians should always be happy people, right? Purpose driven. Content in all situations. Fulfilled. Filled to overflowing, in fact. After all, we have been redeemed. Bought at a precious price. And that should be enough—it is enough, right? Yes. But today it just doesn’t feel that way.
28 Jun
ALL THE COLORS OF THE…HAIR?
In my attempt to be accepted and admired, I had made many changes in my life: I switched my clarinet for a set of drums; I replaced my mushroom haircut with a “spikier” one; I started buying jeans instead of sweat pants; and I traded in my Star Wars books for…uh…harder-to-read Star Wars books. I thought I had tried everything, but still the ladies took no notice of me! I thought I had run out of options when I got an idea…an awful idea…I got a wonderful, awful idea! I would dye my hair!
18 Jun
Deep Roots
One of our favorite places to go with the boys and picnic or kick around the soccer ball is Bowman Field, the large green space where Clemson’s “town and gown” (university and city) intersect. On the edge of Bowman Field stands the grandest tree I have ever seen… .I can only imagine how this mammoth tree stretches beneath the soil. How wide and deep must the root system extend?
2 Jun
Chariots of Fire…
I hate exercise. On the other hand, I also hate the thought of being 500 pounds, so I occasionally attempt physical activity. I like hockey, tennis, and snowboarding, but the one form of exercise I have never understood is running.
