Simply Christian - Reflection 4

Not much reflecting here, but thought I would share a paragraph.

The church is the single, multiethnic family promised by the creator God to Abraham. It was brought into being through Israel's Messiah, Jesus; it was energized by God's Spirit; and it was called to bring the transformative news of God's rescuing justice to the whole creation.

Position Matters

I love riding bikes. Both trail and road bike. I don't get to do it enough, but I have enough cycling gear to make me look like I should be awesome at it.

This is an old picture when we brought bikes hoping to ride during a camping trip. From Camping 08 small group

I went to Lincoln Parish Park riding the trails with Derek Joyce a couple Mondays ago and I noticed how high he had his seat. I had always kept my seat position relatively low because when ever we were riding with the kids, I was constantly hopping on and off the bike to help Ethan or Caleb out. It felt more convenient being lower.

When I rode with Derek that day I was getting tired pretty early (a major result of not having ridden in a while and generally not staying in shape). Halfway through the ride we made the adjustment and raised my seat up. It felt strange. I did notice a big difference on my legs. I could tell immediately I was being more efficient with every stroke. It was pretty cool. Still, I was DONE riding for the day. I was exhausted putting my bike in the car, and I watched Derek take off to do a second lap.

I was able to ride again by myself on Monday and I began with the seat in this new position. At the point where last time I had to stop to catch my breath, I only paused for a little water. I made the entire trail in about an hour and 20 minutes (not exactly sure - I don't have one of those computer things on my mountain bike) and I felt great. I wasn't feeling like taking another lap yet, but I felt great. It had everything to do with that higher seat position. Now I did have a little trouble. I was having to adjust my riding style. I found myself leaning forward too much. Which can give you trouble with the back tire slipping while climbing. This also contributed to my minor crash as I went over the handle bars when trying to go through a creek bottom. Still, I can't deny the positive effect this new position had on my riding.

I started thinking about my position. Not my position on abortion, or my political position, or my position on the economy. We already have plenty of people defending all those positions. This morning I read Luke 18:9-14 and saw how much the position of our heart matters. Two men went to the same place to worship and pray. One man's heart position was high on himself and the other was humble. Jesus clearly lifts up in the story the man with the humble heart. What is your position?

I am praying that God will help me to ride high on the bike, but humble in my heart. It will probably feel strange at times adjusting to the position, but I can't deny the positive effect this position will have on me.

Swim Meet and El Dorado

We had a great family weekend. Saturday went to El Dorado for Caleb to swim in his first swim meet. Actually it was an international swim meet since there was a team from Germany there. Which is cool. I told Caleb that is something he can brag to his kids about someday. "I swam in an international meet against a German team." That just sounds cool.

Caleb did great. That was about the fastest I had ever seen him swim.

During the slow waiting times Ethan, Jill and I took turns touring around El Dorado. Very cool downtown area. Jill bought some fudge and brought me a local sample of Étouffée. Good family time.

Caleb loves to read!

He spent his own money to get the new Rick Riordan book.

Ethan, Go Get Ready for Your Bath

Dad: "Ethan, go get ready for your bath."

[1 minutes later]

Ethan: "Come check out my clothes monster"

I walk in and find this on the floor of the bathroom and him ready for a bath.

From Ethan Clothes man

Well, at least he did get undressed and ready for bath. Maybe a little more creative than I was anticipating, but he did the job.

Caleb n Ethan building a fort.

The boys built a fort while i was out.

Ethan wanted a website

Ethan wanted a website to display his art..... so here we go.

http://artofethan.blogspot.com/

LifeHouse Ministries Inc.

Bike Ride

I rode my road bike today.

17.65 miles :)

13.4 Average Speed :(

Was great to get out and ride! It was cold enough I rode almost a mile out and turned around to get full finger gloves and my a jacket. My teeth were chattering and my fingers were hurting. Still it was a beautiful day and a great ride. Sometimes I love just getting on my bike and going without a planned route and today I ended up going west near Ruston Jr. High, then south to highway 80 then east to the Ruston Airport. It was fun just wandering around. I was listening to Revelation. It seems like we get to taste moments in our life where heaven and earth meet up or intersect. Listening to Revelation was like watching Heaven and earth Fully collide.