Thursday a.m.

Good morning! It's going to be another good day! Poor old winter -- it's just not getting any respect this time around. As much as I like snow and don't really mind most of the other aspects of the season, I must confess that I am ready for Spring to go ahead and fully arrive. There are hints of it all around. Yesterday morning, even though it was in the 30s when I ran, it had the feel and the sound of a Spring day. The birds were singing their Spring songs.

I went for an easy 6 miler yesterday morning, making 20 miles for the week. Today, at some point, I am going to go for a 10 miler, probably the hilly course, which will make me 30 for the week. Who says I'm not good at math? The plan is to run 20 on Saturday, which then will make 50 for the week. This will be my first 50 mile week in this training cycle.  I did several in prep for the Monumental Marathon, back in 2010, but this time I am less focused on overall miles and more focused on quality miles.

The Boston Marathon is just 2 months from today. Yikes! Part of me wants to panic, and I don't even know why. I'm running well and strong. I think it is because I haven't cranked out any 20 milers or 50 mile weeks. I should feel better on Saturday night, right? ha ha. Ah, mind games.

Today is sermon/Sunday prep day. I'm farther along than usual. Pat A and I met yesterday, due to scheduling problems today, and made a lot of good progress. This week we are dealing with Joshua and Judges. We picked up the theme/idea of:

How do you live life in a chaotic world?

Things go pretty well in Joshua, as the people finally move into the Promise Land, but because they do not fully obey God, they leave room for problems. The influence of the pagan culture creates chaos for them. Judges pictures that, and, man, it is crazy stuff! You might want to read the book of Judges. You'll find all kinds of stories, like a man who buries his dagger in a fat man's abdomen, like a woman who drives a tent peg through a man's head. You'll find the Sampson story. It's interesting reading.

How do you live in a world like that?

The key is found in Joshua 1, where God speaks to Joshua. The words contain principles that are woven throughout Scripture and apply to us as well.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.