DoxA

The Gift of Music

Before this day gets too far away from me I am sitting down to quickly jot down some thoughts of our whirlwind trip to San Antonio, Texas made possible through the generosity of Provident Label Group and our continued participation in Randy Elrod's annual cre:ate (said, recreate) conference.

First, to understand how this came about, Randy and the folks at Provident conspired together to offer an all expense paid trip for two to San Antonio to see Michael W. Smith with special guests, Matt Maher, Meredith Andrews and Phil Stacey on their current New Messiah World Tour. To be eligible for the trip you needed to be an early registrant to cre:ate. Then on October 26th they held a drawing which we were able to view via a livestream broadcast.

So, on 10/26 at 8pm, our time, as Joy was finishing up our dinner (we're European at heart; we eat late) I tuned in to the live feed and as others joined in on a chat screen where we waited for the name to be revealed. I honestly didn't expect to win, I just wanted to be part of this wonderful and close community that has developed over the years.

After a couple of weeks of planning with Roxanne Nichols with Provident, we finally met yesterday afternoon in the lobby of the stylish Aloft hotel in San Antonio. Along with Brian, VP of Promotions with Provident and Douglas who was involved with artist management, we made the trek to the Summit Christian Center. Upon walking into the 5,000 seat auditorium we were quickly met by songwriter extraordinaire and uber nice guy, Matt Maher. Roxanne made sure we were introduced to family, band and others associated with the event. It was a nice touch to be treated so kindly. It was also wonderful to catch up with multi-talented, drummer for MWS, Michael Olson who I've had the privilege over the past several years to host and worship alongside at Southwest Community Church. 

As we sat and watched the sound check/rehearsal for the evening I was taken back to former days of touring and production. No matter where or who; the pace, vibe and issues are the same! Most notably for me was a tune Smitty kept casually playing which eventually turned to a full rehearsal at the end. The lyrics and mildly haunting melody we're speaking directly to much of what we've been addressing as a core value at Twin Oaks Church.

There's people on the street
Ain't got enough to eat
You just shake your head
The measure of a man is one who lends a hand
That's what my father said

After you've counted everything you saved
Do you ever hit your knees and pray?
You know there's gonna be a judgment day
So what will you say?

Later, after dinner, I asked Micheal about the song. He told me it was a song he heard Vince Gill sing at a benefit and asked Vince about the possibility of recording it (I hope it makes Michael's next recording, which they recently started).

After dinner our excellent seats allowed us to join with our friends John and Kelly who drove in from Austin while the concert, full of energy, production and massive amounts of talent went into full swing.

First up, was Meredith Andrews. We first met Meredith this past year at cre:ate who really impressed us with her humility and sweet spirit of worship. Again, this clearly was evident amid her sweet vocals and excellent songwriting. Then, Phil Stacey took the stage. Most might remember Phil as a season six contestant on American Idol. But my wife Joy insisted we knew Phil and spent an evening having dinner with him once at cre:ate. When I told her he was on American Idol she finally admitted she has a reality TV problem and will soon be checking herself in for rehab! Phil did a patriotic tribute which had the crowd on their feet and moved to tears with pride... Most of you who know me, know I'm not one to support a God and Country allegiance because the line between is often blurred and both mistaken for the other but I must admit, I was moved. Matt Maher, what can I say... love this guy! Best worship experience of the night for me was the combined songs of You Were On the Cross and Christ Has Risen. Oh my, worth the trip! Finally Micheal took the stage. You'd never guess this seasoned pro was nearing thirty years of performing as it all seemed so fresh and new. With boundless energy and apparent excitement the following hour took us through well known classics (yes, Friends was done in it's entirety) to a classic to come, A New Hallelujah. Choosing to perform, for the first time, earlier mentioned song, What You Give Away, the night also had a compassionate tone which was echoed in the final song of the night Help is On the Way, a collaborative, gospel blowout that left us all with a reminder, that during times like these, God will not forsake us. 

Overall our quick little trip to San Antonio was a great respite and reminder that music is a gift from God to our lives and a offering to God from our lives. Which seems to be fitting for the home of the Alamo... you know. Remember.

1:Thing that Changes Everything - Part 5

Today I was reminded of an old phrase I used to read on billboards and see in pamphlets. It's associated with a particular symbol and it got me thinking about the very first symbol used in Christian culture. Used as a means to signify faith, this symbol was first discovered in the catacombs of Rome, where Christians were imprisoned, to possibly signify a meeting place for fellow believers or identify one as such. Also, during times of open persecution the symbol was used to declare kinship. When coming upon another person it was likely a Christian would draw an arch in the sand with his foot. If the other mirrored the same, creating the image of a fish, it revealed one had come upon a friend. The fish symbol or Ichthus derives from the Greek word ichthys which is an acrostic meaning I = Jesus, X = Christ, T = God, Y = Son, S = Savior.

Today we still see this symbol. But like many things it has gone the way of commercialism and parody which seems to be a problem for many Christians. But this is the kind of problem we've brought upon ourselves. We have fallen into the trap of what some refer to as "Bumper Sticker" Faith. With phrases such as, God said it, I believe it, that settles it!", "No Jesus, No Peace, Know Jesus, Know Peace", "What would Jesus do?" and "I'm not perfect just forgiven!" it's no wonder people think we have reduced the Christian life down to a cliched experience.

Christians do have problems! I know, I am one. But our problems are rarely problems when we consider there are those who deal with real issues that have life altering consequences. For those who live in poor, oppressed countries, the lack of clean water and ample food is a real problem. Consider those who face ostracism and being disowned by family because of their new found faith in Christ; wouldn't you agree that is a real problem? And then there are those Christians who face imprisonment and severe punishment in cultures where it is illegal to believe in Jesus as Lord and God... I think that is a REAL problem!

For those of us in secure, affluent cultures, where freedom of religion allows protection against such problems, we should be embarrassed to consider our discomfort as real. Perhaps we would be better off to remember the words of the apostle Paul written to an affluent and secure group of believers in Corinth...

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17,18

Here we see Paul reminding us that in the face of death (see vs. 11) our faith has a limited perspective yet an eternal destination.

What then are we to do?

We should remember those who are in prison and suffer as though we were there and feeling it ourselves. (Hebrews 13:3) We should welcome trials and not trivialize them with a heartless response, "Well you know, Consider it all joy!"(James 1:2) Finally, I believe the answer lies in the one phrase that got me thinking about this whole thing in the beginning. As yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we should pray, not just on one day but everyday. Not just for your problems but for real problems and not for comfort but for courage! Because...

The one thing that perhaps changes everything... is Prayer.

1:Thing that Changes Everything - Part 4

    I have to admit; I've lived a comfortable life. Oh sure, there have been times when things weren't rosy and I would have liked to crawl into a hole but most of the time, even during those early years growing up when we had very little, I must confess, I've done pretty well in the "lack of suffering" department.

However, for several days now, I have been burdened with the suffering of others. There are several families in our church who are going through very difficult times! They have been out of work, some are in the process of losing their homes and yet others have made the choice simply to move to a less expensive place hoping to find a better life. Which to me seems a bit silly but I understand why. To move to a place where there are more affordable housing, good schools, plenty of jobs and secure neighborhoods your choices are pretty limited. Which makes me think, "what if I didn't grow up in California, live in the freedom of the United States and benefit from a civilized culture providing roads, sewers, utilities, not to mention, rapid communication and travel devices?" Let me ask you... What if you did? Can you dig it? You too are dong just fine in the "lack of suffering" department!

All too often our world is defined simply by those people and things around us. We hear about people in foreign places who suffer and by definition I mean those who truly suffer (have no clean water, eat perhaps but one meal per day, have no access to medical care, are subjected to the elements and exposed to pestilence, disease and thuggery) but we don't really understand suffering. Not because we are ignorant, we are fairly intelligent folks around here, but we don't really understand it because we've never really experienced it! Now, without opening the Knowledge vs. Experience can of worms let me just say, knowledge can never lead you to an experience. it can help you have a better experience but never give you one. On-the-other-hand, experience does give you knowledge, albeit limited based simply by what you experienced! So, with that said; if you suffer, you have better, more accurate knowledge!

Why then am I burdened with all this suffering if I'm not experiencing it myself? Hmmmph! I wish I knew. But we are told, as part of the body of Christ to share in the suffering of our brothers (1Cor.12:25,26); is this it? Perhaps. But maybe I'm becoming more mature in my faith as a follower of Jesus. How do I know this? I'm becoming more and more convinced as I read more and more of His Word that suffering is evidence of my faith!

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

... It is tests, strengthens and perfects my faith!

Dear brothers and sisters,​ when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

... and it validates and empowers my faith!

So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian,​​ for then the glorious Spirit of God​ rests upon you.​  If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 1 Peter 4:12,13

Why then is it a problem for us to embrace suffering? To normalize and dare I say, expect it? There are places around the planet where suffering is the way of life... there are Christians, who in the face of persecution, find great joy, do incredible good and consider it a privilege to suffer for Christ! I have my opinions but what are yours?

Perhaps the one thing that changes everything... is location.

1:Thing that Changes Everything - Part 3

At an early age I would love to watch crime detective shows. I especially loved the part where the unexpected twist would occur. Just when you thought the guilty guy was actually innocent or the innocent woman guilty, the writers would reveal a hidden piece of evidence that would change the whole thing around and present, without question, the real criminal! Colombo was my favorite... just when Peter Falk was clear on the evidence and had the whole thing figured out he would start to walk out and then turn around with that classic line, "Excuse me... uh, one more thing..." then proceeding to go over a few other pieces of evidence that had been overlooked and therefore unconsidered, he would solve the case! So, before we can consider the evidence; let consider evidence.

Evidence is a powerful commodity. Here's what I mean...

• If you have evidence you have credibility! Unlike the kid who makes up stories in eloquent vacuums about being a red-belt, karate student, a kid who can produce the actual belt and deliver a roundhouse kick proves it!
• If you have evidence you have confidence! Having a genuine photograph of the person who blames you for stealing the cookie from the cookie jar with his or her hand in it, assures you the punishment will go elsewhere!
• If you have evidence you have command! For those who hold the proof, its as if they're holding power! Countless people have been blackmailed into doing or not doing things simply because someone had evidence on them.

So, I ask the question; when it comes to our faith, wouldn't it be prudent to have evidence of such faith? Or is that possible? Because it is, after all... "faith." 

The writer of Hebrews describes faith as the "assurance" of things hoped for and "evidence" of things still unseen. Some would argue it's not real if it's not seen... evidence has to be evident! Which is why miracles are sought after in this world as evidence or proof in the existence of God! Unfortunately, I have seen, as perhaps you have, the only evidence of miracles happening today is nothing more that a bunch of Tom Foolery in the name of Christ to get a quick buck!

So what then? Are we to throw our hands up collectively and declare, just because these guys are phonies, "God is too?" Well, maybe not so fast... could it be we have overlooked some evidence that has been there all along?

In a courtroom, evidence is used to determine the viability of one's behavior against the limits of the law. Without going into the whole legal analogy of "reasonable doubt," which forces any atheist into the category of being an agnostic, I'll simply ask this question. Do you have the evidence of God on you? If so, why aren't you credible? Why are you lacking confidence and what is keeping you from taking charge? The last time I checked, the keys of life and human existence have not been discovered. The fact you are eating, talking, breathing, seeing, laughing, crying, loving, hurting, driving, lifting, thinking, sleeping is greater evidence of God than any scientific formula or philosophical explanation. The evidence shows, no promise to a quality of life, only that you have life.

So, for those waiting to see evidence of God to believe in God; take a look around. For those who've found evidence, be credible, confident, courageous. For those uncertain, think about the law that you've tried so hard not to break. If we're honest, in our hearts, we know we're not perfect. Therefore, hoping God will grade on a curve isn't faith... But believing in Christ is!

Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises?​​ Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:21,22

Perhaps the one thing that changes everything... is evidence! Think about it.

Just Stop and Think!

I was reminded of this video today and thought since I've been absent in provocative thought lately I'd let someone else ask the questions! Sit back...             these are good things to ponder.

1:Thing that Changes Everything - Part 2

I remember the days when a penny was worth a piece of bubble gum and two pennies could buy you a Tootsie Roll Pop! As children growing up, we had (or have) strong urges for certain things, like candy or toys! I couldn't care less for what was going to be on the dinner table but would be consumed with the thought of eating a Snickers! Showing up on the playground with a pocket full of Jolly Ranchers was always a good thing because it gave you the power to be popular among your friends: Hand out candy and you'll always be sure to have company!

I remember a kid in my neighborhood when I was about eight years old. He always had candy. I hardly ever had candy so I was the perfect mark for his sales pitch. Unfortunately, I think I used him more than he used me. Personally, and I'm not proud to admit this, I didn't really like this other boy very much. He was awkward, frail, very... how shall I say??? Sissy-like. None of the other boys in the neighborhood liked him, so he was loner. That was until he showed up at my gate with a box of Mike and Ike's. Like a drug dealer, without a word, the exchange was made; He handed me the candy and I handed over my devotion, at least for the duration of the supply. 

At the earliest of our social awareness we realize the most important part of navigating relationships is where to turn... or shall I say, WHAT to turn in to. With some friends I could be this and with others I should be this and with another group, well, just tell me what you want me to be! Unfortunately, these detours often lead to dead ends and too many blindsides will find you lost and alone! Fortunately, most of us figure this out along the way and value the straight and narrow of a consistent direction. However those who long to be "In" with the "In crowd" will only find themselves at the end of this life with a closet full of Member's Only jackets, Cole Haan loafers and Abercrombie and Fitch sweatshirts!

There are somethings I can get into, like a car and then there are those things I'm just "in" to, like certain cars! Of course these cars are completely outside my ability to own but what does that matter? I'm into certain wines, can you guess which ones? I'm so into a particular sport... no need to even guess on that one! I'm told ladies, that some guys just aren't that into you. And fellas, your ladies aren't into your fellas!

Think about it for a moment and consider what you are REALLY into? 

When we are completely immersed in something, we are fully into it! Let me say it this way... If you are immersed in something, there is no percentage which is "out." As, poker players would say when betting every penny they have... "I'm all IN!" And like these poker players, you and I, for whatever it is we are into are baptized by it! That's right you read that correctly. Baptized!

Oh, I can hear it now... "Uh uh. I was baptized when I was a kid!" Nope, you are baptized right now if you are completely into something! Because the word means to be completely immersed! In fact one part of the definition implies to be "overwhelmed!" and like many of the things we get into, they eventually overwhelm us... like debt or an addiction. Understanding baptism in this manner, sheds new light on the meaning of baptism as Christ followers! We are into Christ... Completely! This happens at the moment we say, "I'm all in!"  And when you're in... you're in! In other words, You're part of the Body of Christ. Look what the Apostle Paul says in Galatians, "And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes." This baptism isn't speaking of the water type we do as children or later as adults in obedience to being baptized but the baptism of God's Spirit which places us INTO His Body, or Family or House; all ways to describe those who are "In" Christ! Which leads me to think, perhaps the one thing that changes everything... is belonging!

So, the final question is, "Just how much are you into Jesus?" Is it a candy affair or are you all in?

1:Thing that Changes Everything - Part 1

This past week has been a week of waiting. Me waiting on God, God waiting on me, you waiting on me and me waiting on you, not to mention, you waiting on God and God waiting on you. How? You think. Well, we all go through life with the desire of a better tomorrow, instant answers, peace of heart and mind and the assurance you always have a little more than you need. Because we believe God supplies us all we need (according to His riches) and He often uses people like you and me to accomplish this promise, we go through each day wanting... and that generally finds us waiting.

Hope is a good thing. When we speak of hope our mind wraps around a virtue that stems from green goodness or a ray that streams from golden sunshine. Hope reflects gratitude and if left unfulfilled; no one gets hurt. Expectations, on the other hand, are another thing. These are thoughts that rise to the surface like a film coating everything, they leave a selfish, often bitter taste in one's mouth and requires a satisfactory resolve or everyone gets hurt. Now just to be clear, while both ideas convey a sense of waiting for a particular result, an expectation holds an assurance of completion while a hope holds a desire for such.

I often find, when counseling folks who are going through relational difficulties, that most of their problems stem from "expectations" that should be hopes" and "hopes" that would be better as "expectations." We tend to have hopes that we're unwilling to let go, so in time they become expectations. Likewise we discover our expectations, that seem so obvious, continue to go unmet so we dismiss them as hopes and put our energies elsewhere. Best thing to do when coming to this realization is to evaluate our hopes and expectations and perhaps re-categorize. But this isn't the point I'm trying to make but it is related, so it's thrown in at no extra charge... back to my point.

When we have expectations our ability to wait is strong while our desire to wait is weak. Likewise when it comes to hope our ability to wait is weak while the desire is strong. In other words, we act like our hopes should have the result of expectations and visa versa. Confused yet? Just try this test... What are you waiting for? A new car, a better job, a loved one to be healed from a terminal illness, your own miracle that only God can do? What is it? Now, honestly ask, do you expect or hope it to happen? Well, you could say one implies greater faith and if you believe as Jesus said, to have faith of a mustard seed... I can expect it to happen. Also, if I don't expect God to do X, Y or Z then I believe that God is limited in his power and I think less of God! Yes, you make a good point. BUT let's look at the familiar verse which tends to define faith... Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Interesting, it doesn't say "expect."

Yes, we can put God up to the big challenge and expect Him to come through, in our life and in the lives of others but wouldn't it be better to hope that God's will is the same as our expectations? We do not see the eternal picture. We have a limited view from the disadvantaged position of our humanness. Which, last time I checked, was still selfish and sinful. Yes, we can put the blame on God when things don't happen the way we want them to but perhaps it would be better for us to just change our view... maybe the one thing that changes everything is "perspective." 

(to be continued)

Oh, Just ___ More Thing

(read this as if Andy Rooney were talking...)

I've heard people talk about the "Power of One." I'm sure that is a reference to unity and how much can be accomplished when everyone is putting forth a collective effort toward the same goal. I can recall chanting "We're number one!" after winning our high school football championship. Essentially, we were bragging to the rest of the world or anyone who cared that we were pretty full of ourselves. Then there's that song which sings, "One is the loneliest number." Kind of depressing, when you think of it. I imagine a crowded restaurant of colorful, laughing, flirting couples eating lobster and drinking champagne while a black and white, solitude character sits in the corner sipping soup and water. We are told to be of one heart and mind (which feels like duplicity to me) to go one way when navigating the concept of community; in other words, common unity. In golf the greatest challenge is to get a hole in one while keeping one as a whole appears to be the greatest challenge in leadership. For something that appears to be so simple just by being the smallest of all numbers, ONE can be so complicated.

(Okay... Andy Rooney is no longer speaking...) Let me ask, "Is one really that small?" Perhaps... What we see as tiny, God sees in a much different way. 

Without getting into a numerology discussion, where we debate the number of God being 7 or 3 or the value of 40, I present to you, when it comes to what is important to our creator, He places a lot of weight on 1.

God created Adam (man) and saw that it was very good but being alone was not, so... out of man's side God created woman so the two could become 1. If that wasn't obvious enough, God wanted His people to know, "The Lord your God, is 1 Lord... 1 faith, 1 baptism, 1 God and Father... that they may be 1 as you and I are 1... name under heaven which man can be saved..." You see 1 is actually a very big number!

We on the other hand we do not like 1. If I have 1, I soon want 2. And after I'm bored with 2, I'll get a 3rd. and before you know it, I'm having a garage sale to get rid of 1, 2 and 3, to buy 4 and 5! Why? Because, 4 and 5 are new and 1,2,3 are old and broken and no longer exciting! Which is why I am so thankful God isn't like us. In fact, He is a collector and a restorer. He makes things new and he treasures each 1. You and I, although different and unique, are priceless and in Gods eyes. You are 1 of a kind. I am 1 of a kind. Together we are different parts of 1 body yet we are perfectly placed!

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.  Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,​​ some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and... God has put each part just where He wants it. 1 Corinthians 12:12,13,18b (NLT)

Just 1 more thing to think about. 

"WHERE are you?" Hiding in a corner, sipping soup as a small person, all by yourself being alone? Or part of one, big body... connected, colorful, different, happy?

Laboring at Nothing

Perhaps this happens to you; you wake up walk into your home office and see a pile of bills, months of yet to be balanced checking statements and several surveys, notices and subscriptions needing response...

But here's the deal; as you read, this you may be thinking this is starting to sound like a post where I'll point out the necessary habits of diligence and routine to bring forth success and happiness. But nooooo... this is my admission that I am a procrastinator! I know, hard to believe that such a disciplined, Ironman type as myself would constantly be putting off until tomorrow what could be done today. To give you an example, this post was begun and the opening sentence written, two days ago, being Labor Day (note the title) and now here I am getting around to finishing my thoughts!

I'm convinced as much as I am a procrastinator, my wife Joy is a "precrastinator!" In other words, what I choose to do later she will always accomplish ahead of time. Which, on one hand creates a nice balance between the two of us but on the other, it basically creates tension exposing the two completely different operating systems in our home. While each of us may argue well the benefits of putting things off or doing things first, the end result must always be the end result! To which, I agree, giving yourself more time rather then less to accomplish any given task, is a far better way. Now, if I could just do something about it.

I have many projects around the house still to be completed... I've purchased the materials, just haven't found the time. Funny, sometimes when I have the time; I don't seem to have the materials. Also, It's time for me to get back into the routine of training my body for swimming, biking and running... I always seem to find the time. How does that work? Finally, I need to find the time to be with my wife. She's given me a schedule of several options to review but I seemed to have misplaced it. I'm guessing it's somewhere in the pile of bills, checking statements and notices...

I'll look for it tomorrow. Right now, I've got work to do.

10:21:18 - Post Ironman Louisville: A Race Report

It's taken me several days even to muster up the energy to write this report. Now 72 hours later, I still feel a horrible pit in my stomach over what should have been the best triathlon experience of my career. Here's the story...

Pre Race: Getting around Louisville wasn't easy but after a few trips around it and learning to navigate it's labyrinth of one way streets and multiple freeway on/off ramps, I was able to settle into my accommodations that would be home for five days and comfortably acquired all the necessary food items I would need for a successful lead up to race day. I was staying literally across the Ohio River from the transition area which was connected by a bridge leading into downtown Louisville on 2nd street. Overall it was a good location! Thursday, I was able to register and unpack and prepare my bike for race day. However a blemish in the front tire had me concerned so I was off to get a replacement tire. But the expo had nothing available to my liking. So, using my trusty iPhone (which was a lifesaver most of the week with it's awesome GPS and search feature!) I was able to locate the coolest bike shop I've ever seen, Cycler's Cafe. There I was able to purchase my favorite tire and head back to put it on... but once I could see I had one good new front tire of one brand and an older used tire of another on the back it bothered me so much I went back to get another so I could have a matching pair! After getting the tires on, bike together and everything organized in the room I went out for an easy run over the bridge and back. It was warm and humid but the weather forecast for Sunday was really looking good so I made no mind of it.

The following day, Friday, saw the arrival of Spence Smith a friend from Nashville who would be doing his first Ironman. We connected via phone and twitter and would soon be sitting together at the athletes dinner catching up on all that led up to getting us both there. But first I was to join several other folks down at the transition area at 4pm for Iron Prayer. However, 30 minutes before it was to start I received a call from Robin telling me the local organizer who was to have everything in place was not going to be there, which she had just found out and explained why I had seen nothing in the two days prior promoting the event. So, thinking it would just be me and fellow ICTN Camper, Scott Burkhardt who was there to be the eyes for Mark, a visually impaired athlete. Earlier in the day I had met a father/son in the parking lot of our hotel who were fellow Christ followers and invited them to join us. Now I was wondering if that was a good idea. But as it turned out we had over 20 people show up and our not so impromptu, impromptu Iron Prayer service was great! And yes, Joe and Jeremy did show up! Come to find out Joe (the father) is a pastor too and we had a great time briefly getting to know and encourage each other! It was great to see Spence! We quickly caught up and I began to just ask a litany of questions to see how prepared he was. He didn't need my help. The boy was ready!

Saturday, Spence and I got to the Gatorade Swim Practice course on the river and jumped in the murky Ohio (yes, it's not the most appealing water you'll want to swim in) but it wasn't as bad as it appeared. after about 20 min of splashing and dashing we were out. He was off to breakfast with family and friends while I had a scheduled bike/run brick to keep the legs loose and to make sure everything was in working order. That night I joined Spence and his crew for dinner and then it was back to the hotel for an early turn in for the toss and turn. Before the lights went out I received a call from Coach Brian and we talked through all of my race plan. Now feeling pretty good about everything I had done up to that point, it was just time to sleep and wait for the alarm...

RACE DAY:

4:10 am the bells tolled from my iPhone and I was up and at 'em. Breakfast consisted of a soy vanilla protein smoothie, a toasted sesame seed bagel, two bananas a handful of almonds and 24 ounces of water. While I'm trying to eat all of this, I am going through my morning race-day routine. Timing Chip - On! Heart rate monitor strap - On! Lube - On! Shorts, jersey, watch - On! Warm cloths - On! Double check... morning cloths bag, run special needs bag, supplements and power bar to be taken and eaten 1 hour and 30 min prior to start respectively. Then it was out the door at 4:35 am.

I had chosen to walk to transition because my bike was already there and figured parking was going to be a nightmare as it usually is so after the race I could just grab my stuff and ride back over the bridge. The walk was dark and quiet. I actually recall telling myself about 3/4ths across the bridge how nice it was to have the quiet time to focus and pray. Then I saw the parking under the bridge was wide open and few were taking advantage of it... I had to remind myself how nice the walk was even though it added a good twenty minutes to my morning and would later require sore legs to push that bike and gear back home!

Upon arrival at transition, I walked in to be sure my bike was ready to go. Tire pressure was perfect as did my best to memorize my bikes location as I would be running to it from a distant direction looking for any uniqueness in a sea of familiarity. As I was leaving Spence caught up to me and we walked a mile down to the race start.

Swim: This race is like no other Ironman due to the time trial start. All other races are a mass start at 7am. But not here. there is a narrow passage between the river's edge and a small island allowing swimmers to go upstream in fairly protected waters from currents. Once beyond this island you turn into the current and swim a mile and a half downstream. But because of this method of start you are on a first come, first served basis of getting in the water! So after we arrived and was body marked with our numbers we walked past those already lined up... and walked... and walked... and walked. The line just seemed to go forever as we walked in the dark finally seeing the line of people end revealing a slice of sidewalk for us to sit and wait for the line to move. And wait we did. I got a little nap in as the sun was starting to light the morning sky. After we heard the canon boom for the pro start we could see the line start to move and once it got going it was a steady walk back which took about a half an hour before we saw the ramp. As we approached Spence and I wished each other a great day and soon found ourselves in a trot toward the ramp. With volunteers reminding people to put their goggles on, I did so and ran across the timing mat signifying the start to my race day and dove in (no warm up here!) and surfaced to clear my goggles so they wouldn't fog up and started up the narrow passage. The water was warm, practically too warm. I had heard someone say 86 degrees while in line for this non-wetsuit swim. It didn't quite feel that warm but it was definitely warmer than desired. Then I realized, "Crud... I forgot to start my watch!" So reaching up to my left hand I hit the button on my watch twice hoping that would get it started. I figured I had been swimming about five minutes and could estimate where I was on time.

Another down side to getting in line later than sooner is just as I discovered my watch hadn't started the sun began to come up over the tree line in the distance. This would mean I would virtually be blind until the turn around. Sure enough I couldn't see any of the buoys in the distance and once past the island the course veered left while I swam into a sand bar. There was a volunteer on a surf board pointing me to the left. Soon I was beyond the turn and heading home. However, I made a decision the day before while looking at the directional buoys from the bridge. They were following the contour of the shore line and not in a straight line to the swim exit. So I decided to swim straight and found my sighting target the edge of the downtown high-rises; the Galt House. But was it a good decision? When I was half way back I noticed I was pretty much alone out there and those orange buoys seemed so far to the left where everyone was swimming but I thought soon those buoys would actually start coming closer to me and I approached the final quarter mile. And they did but without the draft of other swimmers and perhaps a differing current I was disappointed to see my exit from the water at 1:10... ad the few minutes I forgot to start my watch and argh! Slow swim!

Transition 1: Was fast and easy. Getting out of my new BlueSeventy PointZero 3 is much easier than a wetsuit and easier to put away. Once in the row for my bike I could see most of the bike around me still present so maybe everyone was swimming slow.

Bike: Once on the road I could tell the weather forecast for cooler temps and lower humidity were going to pan out. The conditions were perfect: Sunny, slight breeze; you just couldn't ask for better. I did my best to get my heart rate down to ride levels of 130 but holding a 136 seemed to be what my body was willing to do. I felt fresh, comfortable and strong. This year they changed the course up a bit to be more challenging by adding more hills from mile 12 on. When Spence and I drove the course the day before I had to admit it was hillier than I imagined but now on the course it didn't seem too bad. As I was heading out on the "out and back" section there were about three riders, one of whom was in my age group who kept switching positions. I was watching one of them, whose name was Jeff (it was on his race number), riding directly on the wheel of one of the other guys. After a while, I was making the pass and did my best to be polite about it, said, "Hey Jeff buddy, you're gonna get tagged if you keep that up." and just rode on... he said nothing and several minutes later he passed me and I never saw him again.

"Ride your own race, Dan." That's what I kept telling myself while I was going. There would be people who would pass me and I would have this urge to keep up but because of the time trial start I had no idea where they were and most were not in my age group to begin with so... "Just ride you're own race. You still have a run to do." Yes! the run. It was always on my mind. In the past I've put too much effort on the bike leaving me little for a strong marathon. But this day I wanted to change that.

As I was approaching the small town of La Grange it was starting to get congested as the lead in to the town is uphill causing the slower riders to be easily passed by faster, stronger riders. So, as I'm going along watching the slower riders bunch up on this hill I can hear a motorcycle approaching from behind. Being aware this most likely is a race referee I was careful not to cross over the yellow center line of the road, yet keeping pace and passing on the left. THEN... the motorcycle is next to me and I hear... "Number 2648! You must stop at the next penalty tent and stand down for 4 minutes for Drafting!" As I look over this guy is holding a red card and looking directly at me! "What!!" is all I could say. I realized at that moment if I were to get "into it" with this guy I could be disqualified on the spot. So, I bit my tongue and let him ride away. I was stunned! I quickly replayed the scene in my head of the past half mile or so and could not for the life of me think of what I had done that could even be closely considered drafting. To draft you have to be behind someone. I was passing people... I even turned to the guy who was behind me and yelled back... "Was I drafting?" His response... "NO! It got bunched up but I didn't see it." I just kept shaking my head in disbelief. I am a stickler for the rules. In ten years of racing I've only been talked to by an official once, last year in France, in French, which I didn't understand and I was no where near anyone! So, I have no idea what that was about. 

Now approaching the penalty tent another official rides up to me and he's yelling, "if you're going to make the pass, make the pass or drop back." Now with my nerves on edge I yell back... "I'm making the pass!" to which he yells back... "Not you, the guy behind you!" So I look back and guess who? One of the guys who was going back and forth on the out and back. As I rode into the penalty tent so did he. Quickly I asked for my stopwatch (you have to hold a stopwatch for 4 minutes, hand it back to the official and ride on) and noticed that Jimmy Riccitello, the head referee was there. I tried to explain that I thought the call was unwarranted. He told me to look him up after the race and he would look into it. But there I stood watching my competitors ride by. I was really upset. All I could think of is how much this could cost me at the end of the day... little did I know then!

Now back on the bike I had to hold back the adrenaline which could cause me to ruin my race by going out too hard. So, I just kept talking myself through it... "many folks have had penalties and still had great races...have a great race." Now through the second loop of the bike and headed back the legs were still feeling strong and now holding my desired heart rate I was swift and comfortable. Coming into T2 I fumbled with my shoes (road shoes not triathlon shoes are more comfortable riding 112 miles but harder to get off when riding) but got them off in time to jump off the bike at the dismount.

Transition 2: Handing the bike off to a "catcher" I ran into the line with my run gear bag. Quickly, in the changing tent, I dumped the contents on the ground and started changing socks and put on my running shoes. Then shoving the packs of GU into my side pockets I put my visor and glasses on and told the volunteer next to me... "It's time to rock and roll!" and off I went.

Run: Getting out of transition was somewhat congested just by having to navigate the narrow passage out but once out and on the road it was wide open. First, you run up to Main Street then turn onto the bridge and run to the crest of the bridge which amounts for the only real uphill running you do all day. After turning around and approaching the first aid station, I could hear my name. As I looked over it was Joe and it looked as though he had a decent swim and bike to be on the bridge by this time. Once into town the road is flat and crowded. It's a two loop out and back run which takes you past Churchill Downs. There are a couple of little jogs to the next street over but for the most part it seemed long and straight. The streets were tree lined and provided a bit of shade but the temperature was a non issue. There were a few times I just got caught up in looking at the architecture of the homes in the old historic district. By mile 10 I had kept my pace just under an eight minute mile pace and felt that was good at the 140 heart rate I was consistently holding. On the first return to town I remember thinking just how good I felt and did everything I could to keep the drafting thing out of my head. At mile 13 they had laid out all the special needs bag where I had my second round of GU, a packet of Shot Bloks and more Endurolytes and a bag of Gummy Bears (No real nutritional value but I use them if I start to get a bad attitude. I mean how can you get negative when your eating Gummy Bears?). A volunteer was right there with my bag and I quickly pulled everything out, stuffing my pockets and noticed a volunteer running next to me to catch the empty bag. I did drop a GU but it wasn't worth stopping to grab it. I had plenty but then the bag catcher came running up to me holding the GU saying, "I thought you might need this." I thanked him and kept going.

Around the turn into the second lap, things were beginning to ache. I immediately thought of my friend Troy who had recently elected to give one of his kidneys to a young boy. Since the transplant Troy has been experiencing several complications and I told him in an email when I would begin to feel discomfort that I would be taking his discomfort on myself; each time praying for Troy and telling myself... "this discomfort is Troy's discomfort and he can make it!" now noticing my pace had dropped to about 8:20-8:40 I was holding steady. While looking at my watch I also started to do the math in my head. I was on course for a strong PR (personal record) even with the swim which was nine minutes slower than average and a 4 min stand down. This lifted my spirits even more keeping me from reaching in for those Gummy Bears.

By mile 20, at the last turn around, I was beginning to hate GU. With a strategy to take a GU at every other aid station, skipping one every 4th, I was now looking forward to drinking Coke. Up until then it was strictly water! And the Coke was awesome: Cold, fizzy; there's nothing like it when you're parched and tired. And now, it's just a matter of holding on, keeping the best pace possible and not letting the pain talk you into walking or letting up. It's here you begin to hold on to anything that'll keep you moving. Mostly, I thought of those watching online and supporting me from afar, telling myself that those early mornings and long training days were for this very moment and reflecting on those who would love to be in my shoes racing but could not... Troy and Jamie, for instance. And then I remembered why I race. I race to bring Glory to God by living to the fullest with all the gifts and abilities He's given me (Eccl. 9:10). Soon I was back in town. The last mile is full of spectators and all I could think was how good it will feel to get to that finish. And what a finish it is!

Making the turn onto 4th Street, in the distance you can see the finish. It's the second time you see it because you run one city block on the first lap toward it before turning back out for the second lap... but this time you can run it home! As soon as you cross the split and you can really hear the music and crowd going crazy! I picked up the pace just so I could get there sooner than later! But wow! coming into that narrow tunnel of screaming spectators and wall of classic rock and roll, with Mike Reilly's voice booming "You are an Ironman!" It's hard to describe the feeling.

After crossing the line I almost collapsed and it took a volunteer to keep me upright. I had never experienced this before but I was totally spent! And now with the race over, I began to wonder of my finish time... Remembering to stop my watch I knew it wouldn't reflect the real time and the time at the finish line was based at 7 am not the time I crossed the timing mat before jumping into the water. But my watch said 10:21 and to me that seemed good enough for a PR.

Post Race: I was escorted over to Medical where I was looked at and kept for observation. They determined I was a bit dehydrated and needed to rehydrate there. I was okay with that because soon I went into horrible shivers. Eight bottles of water, 4 cups of chicken broth and a bottle of Gatorade later I was good to go. I walked over got a quick massage, grabbed my bike and gear, rode over the bridge, showered and drove back over to the finish line to wait for Spence. All the while wondering about my time and place. When I got settled in at the finish line I pulled out my iPhone and started to read the twitter/facebook comments and a few emails. At first several had said I had taken third place in my age group to which I was jumping for joy because that guaranteed me a Kona slot, which was the main purpose and focus for this race leading up to it. But then I read an email that said I was in forth place and just by a few seconds! My heart dropped... more like fell onto the carpet and trampled by one of the athletes jumping toward the finish line. I knew what this meant. Now to get a Kona slot someone who was first, second or third would choose to not accept a slot so it could roll down to me. My gut told me this would be unlikely... So as I waited most of the evening for Spence to finish I played all kinds of scenarios over and over in my head. What if I had not changed socks, what if I had studied the swim course better, what if I didn't let up on the run a bit between miles 14 and 18, what if I... and the list went on. the difference was 11 seconds between 3rd and 4th! Then it really hit me, "What if I didn't get that penalty!" I didn't believe then and still to this moment strongly believe I did anything to deserve that drafting call. So subtract 4 minutes from my 10:26:18 finish time and I have a 10:22:18 enough to put me in second place in my age group and to be making final travel plans for Kona right now instead of writing this report! I did my best to track down the head referee as he told me to but could not find him. Asking Heather Fuhr at the Hawaii Registration if all three spots had been taken in my Age Group she confirmed my worst fear... they had. She was also kind enough to give me Jimmy's number and told me to call him right then. He was sympathetic while doing what he needed to assure me the race officials do their best out there on the course. He's promised to look into it. But I know how these things go. Once done it's impossible to undo.

Finally, It was a thrill to see Spence come across the finish line. It brought back all the real value of doing this race... it's not for Kona slots or recognition or podium prizes or medals and t-shirts... It's about doing something you'd never think you could do, taking yourself beyond limits revealing the possibilities in life and getting a sense of life the way it was meant to be lived... to the full! Yes, people, this is a full triathlon, a full life. This is the "Ironman."

Stats:

Swim - 1:14:59 / T1 - 4:11 / Bike - 5:17:46 (avg. 21.1 mph) / T2 - 3:05 / Run - 3:41:16 (avg pace 8:27 per mile) total time 10:21:18  add 4 minutes for drafting penalty - total official time = 10:25:18

By the way... this is a PR even with the penalty. But as far as I'm concerned it's the one without it!

Pre-Ironman Louisville

It's Thursday... I'm here in Louisville or L'vuhl as they say it around here and pretty much have adjusted to the time zone in one day. Went promptly to bed last night at 10pm or 7pm on my body clock and woke up this morning at 7am or 4 in the morning which is a time of day I rarely like to see involuntarily let alone normally. Last night I was in search of a grocery store, not easy to find even with my iPhone. I did however get a chance to tour some cool and not so cool parts of Louisville. Eventually found a store, bought some staples, (case of water, milk, cereal, bananas, Triscuits, cheese, OJ) then discovered they had a Whole Foods in the area! Ah, now we're talking! But since it was the end of the day all I purchased was dinner... soup/sandwich and a killer chocolate thingy.

Today, I've done my tune up run... I ran the only hill on the course. It's the bridge that crosses over the Ohio River and is exactly where I am staying for these few days. It was muggy and in the mid 70's. I was dripping when I returned from the 20 minute out and back but if that's the worst of it; I'm feeling fine. Weather reports for Sunday are very nice conditions; less humidity, cooler temps, partly cloudy and where the highs should be in the low to mid 70's. I can't tell you how awesome that is. Ever since Hawaii 70.3, at the end of May, I've been dreading heat and humidity like the H1N1.

In just a little bit (pretty much when I'm finished writing this) I'll go over to the expo site and register. What this means is I'll weigh in, sign the waivers, get my wristband declaring me as competitor, acquire the necessary stuff like transition bags, swim cap, timing chip and then they'll hand you some swag; most of it you won't keep but occasionally there's some nice stuff in there. Then, I'll tour the vendors, try to find a new tire for my front Zipp 404 as I noticed when packing the bike there was a small sidewall blemish. Now, you might think, well if it's not a gash or a hole it the tire why worry... TRUST ME! You don't want to have anything going through your mind while you're racing that you think might, could, perhaps or otherwise be a problem.

Tomorrow prior to the athletes banquet will be an IronPrayer service which I've been asked to speak. I enjoy these events where other athletes, not all sharing the same faith, do come together to place the focus on something other than just a physical endeavor. It's the first time being done here so we'll see how it goes. Also tomorrow, Spence Smith, a friend from Nashville and his gang will be arriving. Spence is competing in his first Ironman. He is very excited and I am happy to be here to witness this. I am very much looking forward to hanging with Spence.

The rest of the time I'll just be staying off my feet, drinking plenty of water, reading and doing a little work from the hotel room. Might try to take in a movie tonight. Although I don't like going to the movies by myself. Which brings up the last thing in this pre-IM report. I miss my wife, who generally comes with me to Ironman events. But this being my 10th IM, she has seen a few and lately has declared she only wants to travel to the "destination" races like Hawaii or France. I don't blame her. I can't stand spectating a sprint triathlon which is generally over in an hour... but one that takes an entire day! Yeah, I can see why. But I still wish she was here.

So that's it... I'm off to the expo. But before I go. If you would like to follow along on Sunday here's how you do it. First Log into ironman.com There you'll see two races providing live coverage, IM Louisville and IM Canada. Click on Watch Live Coverage of IM Louisville. Once there you'll be able to track the progress of the athletes, get a blow by blow description of the race (mostly of the pro athletes) and even a video feed, which turns to the finish line once the pros are in so you can watch for your favorite athlete come across the finish line. My race number is 2648 which is not to be confused with this number - 24601. For extra credit anyone know who's number that is or what it's from. (no fair Google-ing it... Hint: it has nothing to do with triathlon but has been very much a part of my life!)

Compassion: A Loving Act

"... and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;​ but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing."

As I look back on a life of accomplishment I have to place it under the lens of the above verse from 1 Corinthians 13. Not that I want to... but I'm compelled to because I fear there will be the moment in eternity when I line up to stand before the Almighty God and will have to answer for my motives. So... all that stuff that I thought was so kind, so giving, so... impressive; it may be revealed that it wasn't so loving.

The way I see it we have different motivations, if you can call them that, which cause us to "do the right thing." First there is the motivation of PRIDE. If I do this or that then others will admire me and I will be looked upon with favor and perhaps I'll get a reward or asked to serve on a prestigious board or maybe... you get the idea. The next is OBLIGATION. Not that this is a real motivator. I'm not really motivated when I feel obligated but it is what often, if not most often, causes me to do something. Obligation looks like this; if I don't do... what, this, your (fill in the blank) then I'll have to (fill in the blank)! Often, obligation is the path of least resistance. Finally, there is the motivation of GUILT. Now this may be a strange one but it is a very real one. Worst yet, many organizations recognize guilt as a powerful way to get people to give or serve their cause. I don't know about you, but I don't like to feel guilty for not doing something so I may just do "it" so I don't have to think about how horrible I am for not having done it. Again, you get the point.

On those rare occasions when I actually do something completely out of love, I am amazed how little I expect in return, how I couldn't care less about who knows about it and how much peace I carry with me about the decision.

God is love. He is the source of our love. It was because of love He sent His Son to die on a cross. It's because of love that people will know His followers... it's LOVE that should be our motivation for being Christ like. Consequently, let us consider all we do as followers of Jesus to be like Jesus. He was compassionate when his followers were consumed. While the disciples were thinking of themselves, Jesus was reeling from the news his cousin John had just been murdered... Jesus looked out on the crowd and had compassion on them (Matthew 14) so he healed them and made sure they didn't go home hungry.

Compassion is a loving ACT. In other words, compassion is not compassion unless it does something and what we do, should be from the motivation of love; not pride, obligation or guilt. So, ask yourself: What have you done lately that boosted your ego, made someone else happy or caused you to walk away wishing you hadn't walked in? If you don't you may continue to do all the right things for the wrong reasons. Which brings up another question: What's wrong with doing the right things for the wrong reasons?

As you look at this blog you'll see a link to Compassion International where you can sponsor a child in an impoverished part of the world. I would never want you to do so for pride, obligation or guilt but if you do have love... and you wish to express that love, please consider sharing that love with a child.

When I first heard the 1 Corinthians 13 passage as a young boy I had a different impression of what the Apostle Paul was trying to convey because I originally heard the passage from the King James Version of the Bible and it uses a different word for love. It says, "If I... If I... If I... don't have CHARITY I am... I am... I am... nothing!"

Charity = Love