Great day on the river. I saw a bald eagle up close. Pretty cool. The carb loading helped a bunch. I didn't fade at all. What I mean by carb loading. I went off my diet on Friday and ate some pizza for lunch, and had pasta, bread, fruit and whatever I could stuff my face with. I was miserable I was so full. But it worked. When you paddle at around 4 mph you expend about 400 calories an hour. But your body can only absorb 250 calories an hour. So you get behind pretty quick. The idea is to load up a couple days before to help sustain your energy level. We paddled almost 8 hours, or 3200 calories burned. I made sure I was drinking a type of Gatorade every hour and eating something every 2 hours.
The weather perfect, and we the music going to keep us on pace. I had Garth playing and Greg and I were singing and we were in sync. Our time today, 7 hrs 54 minutes. Average speed 4.9 mph. Everytime we have paddled we have gotten faster. From 4.2 to 4.9 mph. The prelim race is next week. I think we are ready. 4.9 mph is good, real good. I think our strategy is going to be to stay around 4.9 or 5 plus mph and just wear our opposition down. I'm pumped about that possibly.
I'm not so tired or as sore as I have been in the past. I think the conditioning and running during the plus paddling these distances is starting to pay off. We'll see. The adventure continues and I'm standing inside the fire.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rain, The Bay, Nightime Paddling
Here's a further update. Greg and I went paddling again last Friday evening around 9:30 p.m. We were at a deacon's retreat located right on the bay. After the evening session was over, the water on the bay was calling us. Yes, it was raining and yes the wind was blowing, not bad maybe 15 miles an hour.
Our plan was to stick to the southern shoreline of the bay to get some relief from the wind. It was a great for awhile. We paddling about 3 miles out around a point to a reef Greg wanted to show me for fishing. As we turned around I told Greg, since it was only 3 miles back, I wanted to paddle as hard and as fast as we could. We started back across the bay,and naturally the wind was in our face, the waves turned into occasional whitecaps and breaking over the bow every one and awhile.
What fun it was. The wind, the waves, the lightening. ( We were in an aluminium boat.) We were paddling with everything we had, getting soaking wet, enjoying every minute of it. I am going to the find the them song to Hawaii Five O, for out next trip when we do that.
We got back without swamping the boat, soaking wet and extremely tired. The next I my legs muscles were pretty sore. I am adding that my things I want to do again list. We are continuing to prepare and train for the 262 mile Texas Water Safari in June. We need to get in another 120 miles of paddling minimum as preparation. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for this great adventure.
Our plan was to stick to the southern shoreline of the bay to get some relief from the wind. It was a great for awhile. We paddling about 3 miles out around a point to a reef Greg wanted to show me for fishing. As we turned around I told Greg, since it was only 3 miles back, I wanted to paddle as hard and as fast as we could. We started back across the bay,and naturally the wind was in our face, the waves turned into occasional whitecaps and breaking over the bow every one and awhile.
What fun it was. The wind, the waves, the lightening. ( We were in an aluminium boat.) We were paddling with everything we had, getting soaking wet, enjoying every minute of it. I am going to the find the them song to Hawaii Five O, for out next trip when we do that.
We got back without swamping the boat, soaking wet and extremely tired. The next I my legs muscles were pretty sore. I am adding that my things I want to do again list. We are continuing to prepare and train for the 262 mile Texas Water Safari in June. We need to get in another 120 miles of paddling minimum as preparation. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for this great adventure.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Challenge - The Decision
Here in Texas, there is a race called, the Texas Water Safari. It's billed as the toughest race in the world. It 262 miles long, and begins in San Marcos, Texas, and ends in Seadrift, Texas, right on the coast. It's 262 miles of paddling in a kayak or canoe. You have 100 hours to cover those 262 miles. So, there is little or no time for sleep, all food and provisions, have to be taken with you. The only outside help you can receive is ice or water from your team captain. I have heard about it for several years now. I didn't think much of it until last year one the men in out church competed in it with his brother.
A couple of weeks ago, Greg Wynn, that's his name, told me that his brother would not be in it this year. Greg, said he had asked around and really couldn't find a partner. Out of no where I said, hey I might give it a try. ( Now I don't where that can from. I might have just stuck my foot in my mouth.) I told Greg, I have never paddled any long distances. He suggested we try a short run one day and see. Well, we did. The idea was to paddle about say 8 miles, just something short to get a feel for it. We went instead 14 miles, and I was pumped. Could this be what God had in store for me? I don't know. We have now gone two more times on various sections of the river. Both times paddling close to 40 miles on each outing, averaging over 4 miles an hour. I know that may sound slow, but in a 17 foot canoe, that's a pretty good clip.
So that's the Challenge- to paddle in the Texas Water Safari, all 262 miles, with little or no sleep, stopping only as needed, going full tilt for 3 solid days. Pushing myself and Greg to the limit physically, mentally and emotionally. Being sunburned, maybe drowned, being wet and cold, surviving on liquid protein and power bars, getting so tired that you begin to hallucinate at night and see all sorts of weird things. Not to mention, putting up with snakes, gars, alligators, and bugs, and whatever else nature can throw at you. Just to finish is an accomplishment. There is no prize, just a patch that says you did it.
My Decision- Is to accept the challenge. Why, I do not know. I have asked my wife Becky to pray about it with me. She says go, I can see it in you. She told me, I can tell you are looking for a challenge, you have been restless and searching. My Men's group I meet with says go. Almost all my friends say, go. For me, the real deciding factor is what I sense God saying to me- G0. Now, I don't know why, I don't understand why I have been drawn to this, and what lies ahead, and what task God has for me to do in His name. Maybe it's not even about me, maybe it's about someone else along the way that needs a touch from God.
So here goes, I know it's weird, but for those that know me, they know I have never been real normal. Here's link to Greg's story about he and his brother's race from last year so you can read and get a sense of the size of this task.
http://pages.suddenlink.net/1/TWS.html
Here is also a link to the Texas Water Safari Website.
http://www.texaswatersafari.org/
Please lift Greg Wynn and I up in prayer as we continue to train and prepare for this great adventure.
A couple of weeks ago, Greg Wynn, that's his name, told me that his brother would not be in it this year. Greg, said he had asked around and really couldn't find a partner. Out of no where I said, hey I might give it a try. ( Now I don't where that can from. I might have just stuck my foot in my mouth.) I told Greg, I have never paddled any long distances. He suggested we try a short run one day and see. Well, we did. The idea was to paddle about say 8 miles, just something short to get a feel for it. We went instead 14 miles, and I was pumped. Could this be what God had in store for me? I don't know. We have now gone two more times on various sections of the river. Both times paddling close to 40 miles on each outing, averaging over 4 miles an hour. I know that may sound slow, but in a 17 foot canoe, that's a pretty good clip.
So that's the Challenge- to paddle in the Texas Water Safari, all 262 miles, with little or no sleep, stopping only as needed, going full tilt for 3 solid days. Pushing myself and Greg to the limit physically, mentally and emotionally. Being sunburned, maybe drowned, being wet and cold, surviving on liquid protein and power bars, getting so tired that you begin to hallucinate at night and see all sorts of weird things. Not to mention, putting up with snakes, gars, alligators, and bugs, and whatever else nature can throw at you. Just to finish is an accomplishment. There is no prize, just a patch that says you did it.
My Decision- Is to accept the challenge. Why, I do not know. I have asked my wife Becky to pray about it with me. She says go, I can see it in you. She told me, I can tell you are looking for a challenge, you have been restless and searching. My Men's group I meet with says go. Almost all my friends say, go. For me, the real deciding factor is what I sense God saying to me- G0. Now, I don't know why, I don't understand why I have been drawn to this, and what lies ahead, and what task God has for me to do in His name. Maybe it's not even about me, maybe it's about someone else along the way that needs a touch from God.
So here goes, I know it's weird, but for those that know me, they know I have never been real normal. Here's link to Greg's story about he and his brother's race from last year so you can read and get a sense of the size of this task.
http://pages.suddenlink.net/1/TWS.html
Here is also a link to the Texas Water Safari Website.
http://www.texaswatersafari.org/
Please lift Greg Wynn and I up in prayer as we continue to train and prepare for this great adventure.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Lighter and Starting to Feel It
An update on my weight loss. I have lost 30 pounds now. I am 10 pounds from my goal of 160 pounds. When I get to 160 then I will evaluate if I need to lose anymore. I have had to buy a new belt, and new pants. I am now in a size 34 waist, at least for now. I noticed one the pair jeans is fitting kind of loose. I can also feel the difference in weight as I exercise. I walk everyday now, and have workout routine I do 4 times week. The weight loss has not been very hard, if fact it's been fairly easy. I think because is a part of this process. He is preparing me for something I just don't know what. Well, we'll see. I don't know the future but He does.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Changes Come Slowly
I haven't seen this for awhile. Since the first of the year I have lost 24 pounds. I have gone from a 38 inch waist to my surprise this week a 34 waist. Now I haven't reached my goal yet. I still need and want to lose 20 more pounds.
How did I do this? I don't really have plan I am following. I am making it up as I go from the things I have learned and read about. I quit eating any sweets. I eat portions. My big meal of the day is at lunch. Supper is something really light or maybe a piece of fruit. I walk everyday and have a hard workout routine I do every other day. Hunger hasn't really been an issue.
I guess the other factor is a silly bet. One f my friends and I bet a moonpie and RC cola. Loser buys the moonpies and RC cola. The deadline for weight loss- April 5. Why then? It seems like a good date. I the accountibility and support has been important for both of us.
Bottom line, I believe more anything else it is God's way of answering my prayer for a renewed passion. It's not me but God. Sounds weird- maybe. But God can do anything he wants, after all he is God.
How did I do this? I don't really have plan I am following. I am making it up as I go from the things I have learned and read about. I quit eating any sweets. I eat portions. My big meal of the day is at lunch. Supper is something really light or maybe a piece of fruit. I walk everyday and have a hard workout routine I do every other day. Hunger hasn't really been an issue.
I guess the other factor is a silly bet. One f my friends and I bet a moonpie and RC cola. Loser buys the moonpies and RC cola. The deadline for weight loss- April 5. Why then? It seems like a good date. I the accountibility and support has been important for both of us.
Bottom line, I believe more anything else it is God's way of answering my prayer for a renewed passion. It's not me but God. Sounds weird- maybe. But God can do anything he wants, after all he is God.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Just a Few Words
I do not know if it is the result of this prayer I have begun praying or not but a few things are going on. How do I explain them, I don't and really can't because they are not clear to me yet.
One, I have lost 21 since the first of the year. I knew all along I needed to lose some weight. I just kind of fell into watching my diet and exercising. No real plan, just cutting by and trying to some wise decisions. Plus, I 've got a bet with someone to see who loses the most by April. The loser buys the winner a RC Cola and moon pie. What a deal. I really want to try to lose 19 mores, who knows we'll see.
Two, I picked up my guitar again. Now I play occasionally. We have several good guitarist for our praise team, so there really isn't a need there. I am playing and worshiping once again during my quiet time with God. I even have a song or two that he has given me that I might write down and introduce in worship at some point.
Three, our Easter production is in full swing with stage and sets being built and put into place. I have about 70 people I am giving instruction and directing for this years production. Long hours and lots of work.
Lastly, I am just trying to be open and sensitive to whatever God is trying to say to me. I don't know where I am going, but doesn't matter, it's a journey.
One, I have lost 21 since the first of the year. I knew all along I needed to lose some weight. I just kind of fell into watching my diet and exercising. No real plan, just cutting by and trying to some wise decisions. Plus, I 've got a bet with someone to see who loses the most by April. The loser buys the winner a RC Cola and moon pie. What a deal. I really want to try to lose 19 mores, who knows we'll see.
Two, I picked up my guitar again. Now I play occasionally. We have several good guitarist for our praise team, so there really isn't a need there. I am playing and worshiping once again during my quiet time with God. I even have a song or two that he has given me that I might write down and introduce in worship at some point.
Three, our Easter production is in full swing with stage and sets being built and put into place. I have about 70 people I am giving instruction and directing for this years production. Long hours and lots of work.
Lastly, I am just trying to be open and sensitive to whatever God is trying to say to me. I don't know where I am going, but doesn't matter, it's a journey.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Renewed Passion
I know most of the time when I blog, I share some kind of funny thing that has happened or talk about whatever strikes my fancy. Well, a couple of events have happened recently to me that have caused me to take a backward forward look. So as you read this understand I haven’t lost my mind, and I have no plans to jump off a cliff anytime soon. I may ramble for awhile so hang on.
“Backward forward”, I don’t what caused that to pop out of my head. It’s just that lately I have been looking at my life, doing a self examination, where I have been and where I am right now, and what the direction is for the future. Thus the term- Backward forward.
I know part of this as risen up out of my personal time alone with God. The result is me taking the step to pray this decidedly challenging prayer-
Lord, renew my passion, give me a fresh wind, a fresh fire.
It’s very simple, yet very powerful. I have this scrap of a tune floating around in my head ever since I started praying this prayer. I am not a great song writer, but I have written a couple of songs for our church, that we use on a regular basis, nothing great, just simple songs that have come out of my heart. This scrap of a song and tune speaks of lost dreams. Since it is unfinished the thoughts are incomplete. However one verse says this:
"Dreams piece by piece have been chipped away, in my life. A passion that was once there, is gone. It has drifted away on the wind. Where did the dreams go? Lord, please take the hurt of my lost dreams. Renew the passion I once had for you."
Wow, it seems like such a downer and depressing thought. But I think it is part of the answer God is trying give me as a result of this prayer I dared to pray. It really hit me when I heard the news that one our senior adults passed away recently. Mac and Mary were so devoted to each other. I can still see them holding hands while walking down the hall at church together. They shared with me stories of how they met, and fell in love. It was a love that genuine and real. Mac’s example of a husband’s love really struck a chord with me. Would I have that same passion when I get to be 80? It made me think about my passion for Christ and for my wife and kids. Long relationships seem so rare these days.
Passion- I thought about what has been missing in my life, (if I am really honest with myself it’s been missing the last few years) it’s been passion, fearlessness, boldness, adventure, following God no matter who said what or when, or even when others are telling me no, and me just doing it anyway because God said so. Where is the guy that would drive all night, to be a part of a medical mission project on the border, stay up all night to get back home, and get back in time to do church? Where the guy who took off with 10 other brave souls into the Northern Mexico desert for week, with no water, no electricity, in the middle of the summer heat, only to meet with the Mexican army at a military check point after they had a running battle with drug dealers, to see bodies lined up by road, (remember that nara visa cowboy), their guns trained us, as the missionary and I, others talked our through the checkpoint, and never even thought of turning back?
Where is the guy who went back to school at 31, with no money, as he and his family lived on rice and beans, and yet saw God move so many times during those years?
I am beginning to understand just how beat up I was when I came to Port Lavaca. I came from a church in Oklahoma that I lead through what I call the worship war – leading a church change it worship styles. I already beat up coming from the strain of holding a church together in Colorado, and being told by that pastor I needed to leave. No job, no nothing. God provided. But I felt like walking away from this church stuff all together. I remember instances of church traditions that must be rigidly followed no matter God might be saying when I was up in the Texas panhandle.
To those reading this I am not on some kind of pity party or depressed. It just that ministry is hard, your dreams of serving God get chipped away little by little. It is so tempting just to set back, and do church. Doing church is easy, it will run itself But I am not ready to do church.
If you are reading this, you are one the chosen ones- those loved ones God has placed in my life. You are my friends, and we share the common bond of Christ. You have guided me at times, shared you wisdom with me, and put up with me.
What am I seeking from you? Prayer, prayer for renewed passion in my life and in yours. I can tell you, I know God is in the process of answering this simple powerful prayer of a renewed passion, and a renewed spirit in my life. I sense a new excitement. I don’t know what is around the next corner, but I don’t want to know. I just want the faith and the passion to once again say, “it time to saddle up boys and girls,” and if no one is willing to saddle up with me, to still be bold enough to take off across this desert place we call life.
I have reached the big middle of my life. The first half was filled with this raw adventure called being a follower of Christ. I desire for the second half to be even more. I closing I’ve got God, and, He gave me moon pies and RC cola, and after all, what else does one really need?
Job 11:15-19
“Backward forward”, I don’t what caused that to pop out of my head. It’s just that lately I have been looking at my life, doing a self examination, where I have been and where I am right now, and what the direction is for the future. Thus the term- Backward forward.
I know part of this as risen up out of my personal time alone with God. The result is me taking the step to pray this decidedly challenging prayer-
Lord, renew my passion, give me a fresh wind, a fresh fire.
It’s very simple, yet very powerful. I have this scrap of a tune floating around in my head ever since I started praying this prayer. I am not a great song writer, but I have written a couple of songs for our church, that we use on a regular basis, nothing great, just simple songs that have come out of my heart. This scrap of a song and tune speaks of lost dreams. Since it is unfinished the thoughts are incomplete. However one verse says this:
"Dreams piece by piece have been chipped away, in my life. A passion that was once there, is gone. It has drifted away on the wind. Where did the dreams go? Lord, please take the hurt of my lost dreams. Renew the passion I once had for you."
Wow, it seems like such a downer and depressing thought. But I think it is part of the answer God is trying give me as a result of this prayer I dared to pray. It really hit me when I heard the news that one our senior adults passed away recently. Mac and Mary were so devoted to each other. I can still see them holding hands while walking down the hall at church together. They shared with me stories of how they met, and fell in love. It was a love that genuine and real. Mac’s example of a husband’s love really struck a chord with me. Would I have that same passion when I get to be 80? It made me think about my passion for Christ and for my wife and kids. Long relationships seem so rare these days.
Passion- I thought about what has been missing in my life, (if I am really honest with myself it’s been missing the last few years) it’s been passion, fearlessness, boldness, adventure, following God no matter who said what or when, or even when others are telling me no, and me just doing it anyway because God said so. Where is the guy that would drive all night, to be a part of a medical mission project on the border, stay up all night to get back home, and get back in time to do church? Where the guy who took off with 10 other brave souls into the Northern Mexico desert for week, with no water, no electricity, in the middle of the summer heat, only to meet with the Mexican army at a military check point after they had a running battle with drug dealers, to see bodies lined up by road, (remember that nara visa cowboy), their guns trained us, as the missionary and I, others talked our through the checkpoint, and never even thought of turning back?
Where is the guy who went back to school at 31, with no money, as he and his family lived on rice and beans, and yet saw God move so many times during those years?
I am beginning to understand just how beat up I was when I came to Port Lavaca. I came from a church in Oklahoma that I lead through what I call the worship war – leading a church change it worship styles. I already beat up coming from the strain of holding a church together in Colorado, and being told by that pastor I needed to leave. No job, no nothing. God provided. But I felt like walking away from this church stuff all together. I remember instances of church traditions that must be rigidly followed no matter God might be saying when I was up in the Texas panhandle.
To those reading this I am not on some kind of pity party or depressed. It just that ministry is hard, your dreams of serving God get chipped away little by little. It is so tempting just to set back, and do church. Doing church is easy, it will run itself But I am not ready to do church.
If you are reading this, you are one the chosen ones- those loved ones God has placed in my life. You are my friends, and we share the common bond of Christ. You have guided me at times, shared you wisdom with me, and put up with me.
What am I seeking from you? Prayer, prayer for renewed passion in my life and in yours. I can tell you, I know God is in the process of answering this simple powerful prayer of a renewed passion, and a renewed spirit in my life. I sense a new excitement. I don’t know what is around the next corner, but I don’t want to know. I just want the faith and the passion to once again say, “it time to saddle up boys and girls,” and if no one is willing to saddle up with me, to still be bold enough to take off across this desert place we call life.
I have reached the big middle of my life. The first half was filled with this raw adventure called being a follower of Christ. I desire for the second half to be even more. I closing I’ve got God, and, He gave me moon pies and RC cola, and after all, what else does one really need?
Job 11:15-19
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