I can do nothing apart from the Lord! These words were spoken by Jesus in the book of John in chapter 15. What does this mean? How does a person remain in Jesus? If He died and rose and is sitting at the right hand of God in Heaven...Where is Heaven? If I can't find where Heaven is, how can I remain in Jesus? Also, unless I can be transformed into a food, there is no way I can remain in Jesus. Even if I were a food, I would have to find His mouth to be eaten.
I know many of you may read this and say that you can do plenty on your own. Just look - I went out and got a job on my own, I purchased a house or rented an apartment, I took my family on vacation, I go to the store and buy food, I can go out to eat and afford to pay for it, I have a nice TV, car, clothes, etc... None of this was given to me I earned it all; as a matter of fact I worked hard for it all!
Charles Finney the Revivalist once wrote. "The more I try to be happy, the less I am. When I stop trying to be happy and just live to glorify God and praise Him, happiness is chasing me around and I can hardly get away from it!" The idea here is that you cannot make yourself happy. You can have everything and be empty inside and still be searching for happiness. It is only when we give up trying to be happy that we will find true happiness!
A couple of observations come to mind when I think of this. First I think of what Jesus did for us. Eighty percent of the U.S. public proclaims to be Christain, so I do not think it is controversial for me to say that Jesus paid it all! Jesus was God and came into this world making Himself just like us so that He could live a holy and blameless life. A life with no sin! Why? Because we could not do it on our own, we tried and failed and God wanted to bring us back to Himself. Notice in this equation what God did and what we did!
What did God do? Everything!!!!!
What did we do? Nothing (unless you call trying to be perfect and failing something)
Looking at the creation story in the book of Genesis, when did God create the world? It was done at night! When do we typically rest? At night! God went on to create light, the ocean, land, animals, and so on. On the 6th day after He created everything else, He created Adam! Man was made on the 6th day and the 7th day was a day of rest. Again note - what did God do and what did we do?
What did God do? Created everything!!!!!!
What did we do? Nothing! Rested with God!
Also, when Adam or Eve needed anything, where did they get it? Did Eve call Adam and say to him, "On your way home can you stop at the store and buy milk? We are almost out"? Did Adam go out and put in applications at the Fortune 500 companies to get a job? Did he (Adam) request Eve to meet him at the local appliance store to purchase a television? No! Adam and Eve were completely dependent on God for everything. If you asked Adam where he got anything from, he would have said it all came from God. Perhaps he would have said, "I have nothing apart from what God gave me!" Each breath he took came from God!
What did God do? Provided everything!
What did Adam and Eve do? Nothing!
What happened when Adam's and Eve's pride took over and they decided to show God they could do it on their own? They went to the tree of knowledge of good and evil and were tempted. They may have perhaps asked themselves, "Do I really need God to take care of my needs?" Their answer was obviously "no," so they ate from the tree and sin entered the world. They were separated from God!
What did God do? Nothing!
What did we do? Sinned and separated ourselves from God!
So the question I have for all here is simple. If you did nothing to be reconciled to God, and if God created us and provided everything for us, why do we feel like we have to do anything? When we try and do something, what is the result? When God does something does it last forever? Last time I checked the Earth is still here and the Universe is still out there! When Jesus died on the cross, did He change what we did? Do you really believe this?
God is waiting for us to give up our ways and take on His ways. It does not matter if you are struggling with accepting Christ as your true Savior or if you have believed and want to do great things for God. God is waiting on us to give up and let Him live through us! Yes, that is what is meant by you can do nothing apart from Me. God is saying, I provided it all; I paid the way and did all the work - all you need to do is remain in Me! How is that possible? Accept the entrance of the Holy Spirit into your heart! Let it manifest itself in your body and just enjoy the rest that God provided to Adam! In time God will move you to do things in His story and you will find true happiness!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Running for a Cause (Neurofibromatosis NF)
As I stated in my last posting I have decided to run for a cause in 2011. The past two years I feel as if I was running to save my life. I was overweight and out of shape and if I did not do something the only thing anyone would be reading about me would be an obituary. Now that I have been blessed so abundantly, I have decided to run for a new cause.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3000 kids. (Click Here for a video) NF can cause tumors both benign and cancerous, learning disabilities, ADD, blindness, and much more. To date there is no treatment and no cure for the disorder. The only thing that the medical field can do for the patient is educate them and help them live with NF.
As some may know, my daughter Bethany was diagnoised with NF in 2006. Thus far she has not had any issues from NF and has led a perfectly normal life. However, it does not mean that her future will be filled with more of the same. Also, due to the fact that NF is passed on genetically in most cases, if she decides to have children they will most likely have the disorder. Also, many others have NF and they are forced to live without a cure or treatment.
With that in mind, my heart is set on helping to raise $5,000 for NF research in 2011. My plan is to run 1,000 miles this year between races and training. What I am asking is that anyone that reads this helps me in one of the following ways:
First if you would like to sponsor me per mile I will be posting on my blog the progress throughout the year. I will make changes to the totals on a weekly basis, as well as blog on my experiences and how the fund raising is going.
Another way to help would be to pledge a set amount of money. If 200 people will donate $25, together we can raise the $5,000 for NF. I will still update everyone on the progress and my experiences.
Lastly, I am working with corporations to sponsor me in my races. If a corporation will sponsor me I will put their logo and web address on my race shirt. Further, I will place their logo on my blog. I am currently working with some corporations on a matching plan that I will be sure to update you all on later.
To whom much is given much is required. Many people look to these words and think automatically about money. However, when these words were spoken they were referring to all the blessings that have been bestowed on us. In that respect I ask for your prayers for me that I can live up to what is required from me from the many blessings I have been given. I also ask that you click on this link and make a donation today. I will be praying for those with NF and for all of you! May God bless you and your family in 2011!
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3000 kids. (Click Here for a video) NF can cause tumors both benign and cancerous, learning disabilities, ADD, blindness, and much more. To date there is no treatment and no cure for the disorder. The only thing that the medical field can do for the patient is educate them and help them live with NF.
As some may know, my daughter Bethany was diagnoised with NF in 2006. Thus far she has not had any issues from NF and has led a perfectly normal life. However, it does not mean that her future will be filled with more of the same. Also, due to the fact that NF is passed on genetically in most cases, if she decides to have children they will most likely have the disorder. Also, many others have NF and they are forced to live without a cure or treatment.
With that in mind, my heart is set on helping to raise $5,000 for NF research in 2011. My plan is to run 1,000 miles this year between races and training. What I am asking is that anyone that reads this helps me in one of the following ways:
First if you would like to sponsor me per mile I will be posting on my blog the progress throughout the year. I will make changes to the totals on a weekly basis, as well as blog on my experiences and how the fund raising is going.
Another way to help would be to pledge a set amount of money. If 200 people will donate $25, together we can raise the $5,000 for NF. I will still update everyone on the progress and my experiences.
Lastly, I am working with corporations to sponsor me in my races. If a corporation will sponsor me I will put their logo and web address on my race shirt. Further, I will place their logo on my blog. I am currently working with some corporations on a matching plan that I will be sure to update you all on later.
To whom much is given much is required. Many people look to these words and think automatically about money. However, when these words were spoken they were referring to all the blessings that have been bestowed on us. In that respect I ask for your prayers for me that I can live up to what is required from me from the many blessings I have been given. I also ask that you click on this link and make a donation today. I will be praying for those with NF and for all of you! May God bless you and your family in 2011!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
To Whom Much is Given Much is Required
As of my last post, I was in the process of setting my goals for the 2011 year. As I thought about all that I have been blessed with this past two years I was reminded that, "To whom much is given much is required." With this in mind I really wanted to challenge myself to go further and do more than I have ever thought was possible. I have come up with three goals that I want to attack this year. I do this not to put myself on a pedestal but so that you can hold me accountable to these goals.
The first goal I have for myself in the new year is to be a better husband, father, son, brother, and friend. It is easy to take what you have for granted and the first to feel the effects are those closest to you. My goal is to show my appreciation to all with whom I have a relationship. To bury the hatchet on disagreements from the past (most of which I do not remember) and love my family and friends for who they are and support them in common interests.
In the past two years I have been blessed to get my health back and enjoy being in competition in many events. I have searched many times for a reason to run and not to keep this blessing to myself. The most obvious thing I can do is to run for a cause. I have just signed up to run for the NF Endurance Team. I will post future blogs on this and I will also be sending out a personal letter asking for your support.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs in 1 in 3000 kids - one of whom is my daughter Bethany. There are no treatments or cures for this disorder; those infected just have to learn to live with it and its consequences. This goal will allow me to focus my runs on serving others and also will give money to a cause that could someday give a child hope. My goal is to rasie $5000 for NF in 2011.
I will be posting progress on my blog and will post a link to donate to the cause as you feel led to do so. I am also asking for you to pray for me as I go about obtaining this goal. Pray that my focus will not be on me but on those that are struggling day to day to live with this disorder. Pray for the researchers of the Child Tumor Foundation that they will gain wisdom in obtaining treatments and ultimately a cure for NF.
My last goal for this year is to start taking Master's classes at Ashland Theological Seminary. I have felt called to ministry for the last 10 years of my life and, in light of recent events in my life, this calling seems to be coming to a reality. As you can see from many of my entries I have no one but God to thank for all that He has done in my life. As a response to all that He has poured out for me, what can I do? I look to scripture for the answer and it says that I should surrender it all to Him! Give Him my mind, strength, and soul. Thus, in the Fall I hope to embark on a learning journey that will grow me closer to Him who made me!
My prayer for all that read this is that you are encouraged and the biggest thing I pray for is that you all will have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I know He has loved me and I was and am not worthy of it -so I know He can love anyone and everyone! To whom much is given much is required, my hope is this year I will pay forward all that is required of me.
The first goal I have for myself in the new year is to be a better husband, father, son, brother, and friend. It is easy to take what you have for granted and the first to feel the effects are those closest to you. My goal is to show my appreciation to all with whom I have a relationship. To bury the hatchet on disagreements from the past (most of which I do not remember) and love my family and friends for who they are and support them in common interests.
In the past two years I have been blessed to get my health back and enjoy being in competition in many events. I have searched many times for a reason to run and not to keep this blessing to myself. The most obvious thing I can do is to run for a cause. I have just signed up to run for the NF Endurance Team. I will post future blogs on this and I will also be sending out a personal letter asking for your support.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic neurological disorder that occurs in 1 in 3000 kids - one of whom is my daughter Bethany. There are no treatments or cures for this disorder; those infected just have to learn to live with it and its consequences. This goal will allow me to focus my runs on serving others and also will give money to a cause that could someday give a child hope. My goal is to rasie $5000 for NF in 2011.
I will be posting progress on my blog and will post a link to donate to the cause as you feel led to do so. I am also asking for you to pray for me as I go about obtaining this goal. Pray that my focus will not be on me but on those that are struggling day to day to live with this disorder. Pray for the researchers of the Child Tumor Foundation that they will gain wisdom in obtaining treatments and ultimately a cure for NF.
My last goal for this year is to start taking Master's classes at Ashland Theological Seminary. I have felt called to ministry for the last 10 years of my life and, in light of recent events in my life, this calling seems to be coming to a reality. As you can see from many of my entries I have no one but God to thank for all that He has done in my life. As a response to all that He has poured out for me, what can I do? I look to scripture for the answer and it says that I should surrender it all to Him! Give Him my mind, strength, and soul. Thus, in the Fall I hope to embark on a learning journey that will grow me closer to Him who made me!
My prayer for all that read this is that you are encouraged and the biggest thing I pray for is that you all will have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I know He has loved me and I was and am not worthy of it -so I know He can love anyone and everyone! To whom much is given much is required, my hope is this year I will pay forward all that is required of me.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 in Review!
2010 is gone so I thought it would be appropriate to get my first blog of the year out of the way. The past few months I have been thinking about the past year and all that has happened in my life, the life of my family, and the life of many of my friends. In one of the most memorable years in a long time many things have happened, and I will try and recap a few here.
2010 started with excitement and anticipation as I blogged on my lifestyle change and my goals for the year. I had just finished a year where I lost 70 lbs and had finished two half marathons. I set a goal to run the Chicago Marathon and continue to lose more weight. My oldest daughter was about to embark on her first show choir competition and my youngest daughter was doing acting classes. My wife was running all over the world trying to take care of us all.
As winter carried on I really hammered down on my nutrition and ended up losing a total of 101 pounds and more than 20% of my body fat. As March came, AGMC asked to take pictures and asked me for permission to release my story. I did so but did not expect what happened at the end of this year.
During the spring of 2010 I called it quits on losing weight and enjoyed life a bit. I went to California with my wife, had some great leisure runs, worked out for fun for a change, and really just praised God for all that He did for me over the 13 prior months. I also set a goal at that point to run the Hall of Fame to Notre Dame 1/2 Marathon.
I am a huge Rudy fan and, even though I am not Catholic, I really like the history and prestige that Notre Dame University has, so when the opportunity came to be able to run onto the field I just had to go. It was one of my highest points of the year! I went and explored the campus the day before and when I entered into the stadium at the end of the run I was in awe with the tunnel and stadium in general. Great race!
The Notre Dame race was in the beginning of June; at the end of June I started my marathon cycle. This is typically a 16 week cycle which for me would culminate in the Chicago Marathon. However, June, July, August, and September were some of the hottest months on record for the NEO area. This showed me that my kryptonite is HEAT! I hate it! (At least from a running perspective)
In July we took off as a family on vacation to Ocean Isle, NC and then to Denver, Colorado! Both were awesome highlights of the year. We went from below sea level to 14,240 feet above sea level in a couple of weeks. The best part for me was that my wife and kids were with me which is rare when I travel a lot for my job; typically I only experience these things without them.
In September the Akron Marathon took place and I realized why I liked this race so much the year before. The first time I ran it I was busy trying to breath and make it to the finish. This time I enjoyed the run and absorbed all of my surroundings. Akron does a wonderful job putting on the race and the organizers are exceptionally organized and made the event a huge success.
October was special in that I finished my first marathon with 36,000 other runners. What an incredible experience - and I finished it with my wife, kids, brothers, and good friend and Brother in Christ Dale Liff not too far from me! I said at the end that I would never run a marathon again, well it only took a day to change my mind. The end of 2011 I am sure will include one more marathon!
November and December have kept me busy with maintaining my weight and contemplating the next year's events. I love goal setting and I will write more about this year's goals in another blog post to come soon. In short, from a physical standpoint I want to run a half marathon at Cleveland in May and then do a full marathon in the fall. From a personal standpoint I hope to go to seminary and start a Master's degree in the fall. From a family standpoint I want to lead my wife and kids in the only way I know how in the way of Christ.
Good bye for now and I will write more often in 2011! God Bless you all!
2010 started with excitement and anticipation as I blogged on my lifestyle change and my goals for the year. I had just finished a year where I lost 70 lbs and had finished two half marathons. I set a goal to run the Chicago Marathon and continue to lose more weight. My oldest daughter was about to embark on her first show choir competition and my youngest daughter was doing acting classes. My wife was running all over the world trying to take care of us all.
As winter carried on I really hammered down on my nutrition and ended up losing a total of 101 pounds and more than 20% of my body fat. As March came, AGMC asked to take pictures and asked me for permission to release my story. I did so but did not expect what happened at the end of this year.
During the spring of 2010 I called it quits on losing weight and enjoyed life a bit. I went to California with my wife, had some great leisure runs, worked out for fun for a change, and really just praised God for all that He did for me over the 13 prior months. I also set a goal at that point to run the Hall of Fame to Notre Dame 1/2 Marathon.
I am a huge Rudy fan and, even though I am not Catholic, I really like the history and prestige that Notre Dame University has, so when the opportunity came to be able to run onto the field I just had to go. It was one of my highest points of the year! I went and explored the campus the day before and when I entered into the stadium at the end of the run I was in awe with the tunnel and stadium in general. Great race!
The Notre Dame race was in the beginning of June; at the end of June I started my marathon cycle. This is typically a 16 week cycle which for me would culminate in the Chicago Marathon. However, June, July, August, and September were some of the hottest months on record for the NEO area. This showed me that my kryptonite is HEAT! I hate it! (At least from a running perspective)
In July we took off as a family on vacation to Ocean Isle, NC and then to Denver, Colorado! Both were awesome highlights of the year. We went from below sea level to 14,240 feet above sea level in a couple of weeks. The best part for me was that my wife and kids were with me which is rare when I travel a lot for my job; typically I only experience these things without them.
In September the Akron Marathon took place and I realized why I liked this race so much the year before. The first time I ran it I was busy trying to breath and make it to the finish. This time I enjoyed the run and absorbed all of my surroundings. Akron does a wonderful job putting on the race and the organizers are exceptionally organized and made the event a huge success.
October was special in that I finished my first marathon with 36,000 other runners. What an incredible experience - and I finished it with my wife, kids, brothers, and good friend and Brother in Christ Dale Liff not too far from me! I said at the end that I would never run a marathon again, well it only took a day to change my mind. The end of 2011 I am sure will include one more marathon!
November and December have kept me busy with maintaining my weight and contemplating the next year's events. I love goal setting and I will write more about this year's goals in another blog post to come soon. In short, from a physical standpoint I want to run a half marathon at Cleveland in May and then do a full marathon in the fall. From a personal standpoint I hope to go to seminary and start a Master's degree in the fall. From a family standpoint I want to lead my wife and kids in the only way I know how in the way of Christ.
Good bye for now and I will write more often in 2011! God Bless you all!
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