THUD! (That was a lion falling)

Wow, I made it! I praise God that I was able to chase down and tackle the 1/2 marathon lion today -- it was awesome! (You can actually check out my race results here . . . That's cool!)

I want to share more in a later about some of what I learned through this marathon experience (and some more pics) but as I'm about to drop from exhaustion into my bed (even though I'm still excited even after a loooong drive home from Austin), I just want to a praise God for some things about this weekend:

- I'm thankful for my family being able to be there with me - that just increased the 'special' level
- I'm thankful for my Dad being an awesome chauffeur and dropping us off two blocks from the start (Thanks Dad!)
- I'm thankful for an absolutely incredible day to run on (50 degrees & sunny at start!)
- I'm thankful for my cousin giving up running the marathon to run with and encourage me (Thanks John, I don't know if I would have made it without you)
- I'm thankful for all the folks on the side of the road who cheered for and encouraged me for 13.1 miles
- I'm thankful for ALL of you praying for me
- I'm thankful for Dino Roseland stepping in from the bullpen this morning to preach at Oso Creek (Harold Teel got stuck in Mexcio) and doing what I heard was a fantastic job!
- And I am so thankful to God for giving me the vision in my life to chase lions that may seem insignificant to others --- and the strength to see them fall!

May all of us live to hear many thuds!

4 Days n' Counting!

Went on my last short jog today (about 2 1/2 miles) before the AT&T Half Marathon on Sunday!
And per the countdown on the front page of the marathon website it's 3:14:40:10 until the gun sounds.

I'll rest my body for the remainder of the week as I've been told to do (although it seems kind of counterintuitive to me to work so hard for months and then just quit the week of the race!).

Besides my morning cup of joe, I'm just drinking water this week to make sure I get plenty hydrated. I'm also trying to get to bed & up in the morning as I'll have to get up at about 4:30 Sunday morning to get there (12,500 runners, plus volunteers, fans and the US Olympic Committee that will be there to scout me for the 2012 team!) and be ready for the start.
And then on Saturday night I'm gonna eat early and load up on pasta.

My anticipation builds . . . The lion will fall!

Tax Refund?

I want to connect you to blog that talks about how you're going to handle your tax refund. Have you thought about it? We all should. Click here to check it out . . .

But I also want to keep encouraging you to CHASE YOUR LIONS! This blog is by a guy who was in deep financial poopoo, got out by following God's way, and now is using his passion and experience to help thousands of others! (Maybe even tens of thousands!)

What experiences have you had - and are you having - that God wants to use to build His Kingdom?

Chasing a Lion!

A couple of months ago I told you that one of the lions that I wanted to chase was running a marathon. Well I have officially moved towards that lion. I'm starting with a half-marathon and I'm now signed up to run the AT&T Austin Half-Marathon on February 17th!

For the past 3 weeks I've really picked up my training - thanks to the guidance of my cousin/trainer John Wilson, an avid tri-athlete and marathoner. Today I went over 6 miles for the first time and ran almost an hour (56 minutes). It's been a looooong time since I've run that long. Nearly half-way to 13.1!

What lions are you gonna chase this next year? Tell us about it . . . .

Chasing Lions

As I said on Sunday, beginning this Saturday I'm going to lead a men's journey through the book: In A Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day.

Men, if you're a Creeker or not, would love to have you come. We've got a few books left at the building (most were snatched up yesterday) but you better get by quick to grab one. Then read chapter 1 and show up at the building Saturday morning at 7:30am.

We'll have the coffee brewing and go for about an hour.

Monday Random Sports Thoughts

How bout' them Boys! Tony Romo is a playa! Get your wallet our Jerry.

And the Red Raiders scored 75! That's ridiculous . . .

One cheer for my Mom . . . How bout' them Rockies!

World Series Prediction: Cubs vs. Red Sox . . . Cubs win their first WS since the Civil War! Ok, maybe a dream more than a rational prediction. But IT COULD HAPPEN!

Check out this story about Allan Houston and his NBA comeback. He doesn't want to leave any regrets on the table. He's chasing his lion.
A couple of excerpts:
When asked about what he was looking forward to: "Just playing again. The feeling of doing what God has blessed me to do."
He went on to say about his decision to come back: "In the end, prayer is what will determine everything. After all, we will only take our faith to work if we know that our work is valuable to God!"

Thoughts on Chasing Lions!

I've had incredible feedback this week on chasing lions and I praise God that many of you are turning and facing lions for the first time! (And if you're not sure what I'm talking about click here and check out the message from Sunday.)

As I was running a couple of times this week God pushed me further about chasing lions . . .

On Monday as I was running some guy (about 20 yrs. my younger) blows by me. (Jerk!) Well, shame & pride took over and for about 4 minutes I picked it up, a lot. Know what happened? I died -- barely finished my route.
I was chasing the wrong lion. Don't chase someone else's lions!
Be content chasing the lions that God has given you. I can easily try to be like some other hip pastor, just like you can try to emulate some other Mom or salesman, teacher or student. Don't settle for that. Go after what God is calling you to go after!

And then on Wednesday because of some evening obligations, I had to change my schedule up and I ran after a morning meeting instead of in the evening. I was kind of shocked when the sun was in my face in the second half of my run instead of the first half. Sucked it out of me.
Don't be surprised when you start chasing lions that the enemy, who 'prowls about like a lion' and who is the author of deceit and lies, will start trying to make sure the sun is in your eyes. ANYTIME that you are taking ground for the Kingdom in your soul, there will be a battle!

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up!"