Introverts Unite

This past week we celebrated my 46th birthday. Of the variety of gifts I received this T-shirt is my favorite. Quite honestly, it describes me very well. Although I have a blog, I'm generally pretty introverted. Maybe you are, too. In that case, go ahead and get this shirt. We can unite in our introversion (we just won't ever talk about it).

More Race Photos

For clarification, these are not racy photos, but race photos. If that disappoints you, then you need some help. These are additional pics from the Critz Tybee Run Fest:

Crossing the finish line at the 5K Friday night

Doing my Heisman pose during Saturday morning's half-marathon

Suffering straight into the wind during the 2.8 mile beach run

A quick rest and pose between races

Survived!

The race was a massive challenge, but I survived and did well. Praise be to God (who gave me the strength to persevere)!

Over the past two days I ran in a 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon, a 2.8 mile beach run, and a one mile "fun run." These races add up to 26.2 miles - exactly marathon distance. I love the format of the Critz-Tybee Run Fest, which takes place on Tybee Island (Savannah's beach).

The photo to the left is of my wife Alice and me. She, along with a couple of our kids, accompanied me to Tybee for last night's 5K. I figured that I would finish the race in about 22 minutes. As I approached the finish line I was shocked to see the clock say 19:26. That's the fastest 5K I've run in almost fifteen years.

While I'm thrilled about my 5K performance, I must admit that I "robbed Peter to pay Paul." The exertion from last night made today somewhat of a struggle (that combined with a wicked wind that never let up at Tybee). Despite these factors, I was able to complete all four races today. I finished the 10K in 47:19, the half-marathon in 1:48:18, the 2.8 mile beach run in 24:19, and the one mile run in 7:32. Those times were about what I expected when considering gradual fatigue and wind conditions.

I realize that physical fitness in general and racing in particular are not exceedingly important in the big scheme of things. However, God has given us bodies for which we are to be stewards. Racing motivates me to run, which in turn keeps me in good shape. That's ultimately why I do it. I hope you take part in some sort of physical exercise. You won't regret it!

The three photos below are the beginning of the 10K (I'm number 531 in the bright yellow hat), the middle of the 10K where I'm dying, and the finish of the 10K where the blessed end is in sight.

At the Fountain

Yesterday my son Bobby and I spent a couple of hours walking around Savannah's historic district. One of the highlights of this walk is always Forsyth Park. The best aspect of the park is the fountain. That's me above on an absolutely picture perfect day. As a bonus, the ever-present humidity was even low. Awesome.

My Place of Work: JCB North American Headquarters

One of the advantages of finally getting a smart phone is the awesome camera. Today I took these photos of where I spend much of my time - at JCB North American Headquarters. While I actually work in the factory that makes up the rear 80% of the building, these two pics are from the more picturesque front areas.

My Favorite Recent Pic

I have little explanation for the above recent, silly photo. For some strange reason I was wearing my daughter Mary's Chick-fil-A chef's hat. I decided to take a selfie because I wanted to try out my new smart phone (yes, I've finally moved into the 21st century). As I was doing this, my wife Alice photobombed me. There you have it.

Approaching the Finish Line

This is me approaching the finish line of a 5K trail run I competed in this past Saturday:

A Wonderful Wedding

On Saturday Alice's and my daughter Caroline was married. It was a wonderful occasion. I thank the Lord for blessing the entire day. The ceremony was beautiful; I'm thankful to my brother-in-law Tony, who performed the wedding, for keeping things Christ-centered. As for the reception, it was a lot of fun. We kept things fairly simple, and just enjoyed eating while talking with family and friends. It was a great day.

Pictured above, from left to right, are my wife Alice, myself, our daughter Caroline, her new husband Shane, our son Bobby, and our daughter Mary.

Now This Is One Smart Feline!

Simple Church:Unity Within Diversity contributor Chris Jefferies recently posted this photo of his cat on Facebook. I don't know this feline, but it seems to be intelligent and have good taste in books!

The Best Gift I Received Today!

Although it involves much pain and suffering, the Buffalo Bills will always be my favorite professional football team. I grew up in western New York State and have remained loyal despite moving south almost twenty years ago. Today my family gave me something I've always wanted: an authentic Bills jersey. As a bonus, the jersey has my last name on the back (the Bills' kicker is named Dan Carpenter). Sweet!

My Red Fort Photos

Along with the India Gate, I also had the chance to visit the Red Fort in Delhi. Constructed in the 1600's, the Red Fort is best known for its huge red sandstone walls. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan, one of the Mughal emperors of India. Jahan also ordered the construction of the more famous Taj Mahal, thus the resemblance to the Red Fort. I love this type of architecture.

Photos From My Visit to the India Gate Today

This morning I had the opportunity to do a little sightseeing. One of my stops was the India Gate, which is a large monument dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Frankly, I didn't even know Indians fought in WWI, but I suppose it was in support of England's military.

The final photo has a dull finish because it's actually a photo I took of a photo someone took of me at the gate.

No Shave November

Yesterday Alice (my wonderful wife) and I, along with a bunch of other family members, ate a scrumptious lunch at Puerto Rico Restaurant here in Savannah. While there someone snapped this photo of us; it actually came out pretty well. As you can see, I'm taking part in No Shave November. This year I'm just growing the beard for something sort of random to do. Next year I may do more to raise cancer awareness.

The beard is likely to come off in a few days. I threatened my family with just keeping the mustache, but they made it clear that it was not a good idea. A Fu Manchu might be fun though.

Visiting the Dunker Church Building at Antietam National Battlefield

Our family recently visited the Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, MD. The battle of Antietam was the single bloodiest day of the American Civil War. One of the primary landmarks at the battlefield is the Dunker Church building (that's me above standing in the doorway).

The Dunkers fascinate me. Their name stems from their mode of baptism: immersion. It was likely a derogatory term thrust upon them by other Christian groups. According to the Antietam website, "The Dunker movement began in Germany in the early eighteenth century. The peace treaty that ended the Thirty Years War (1618 –1648) recognized three state churches. Dissenters were persecuted and forced to meet in communities where some degree of tolerance prevailed. In 1708 the denomination was formed with the baptism of eight believers by full immersion. The name Dunker derives from this method of baptism. However they were more commonly known as the German Baptist Brethren. In 1908 the official name became Church of the Brethren."

The Dunkers intrigue me in large part because they stem from the Anabaptist heritage. I'm increasingly drawn to the simplicity and nonconformity of the churches that follow in the Anabaptist tradition. The website goes on to say of the Dunkers, "(They) practiced modesty in their dress and general lifestyle. Other Christian principles which the Dunkers stress are: pacifism, members both North and South refused military service; the brotherhood of man, including opposition to slavery; and temperance, total abstinence from alcohol. A typical Dunker church service supported their beliefs in simplicity. Hymns were sung with no musical accompaniment from organ, piano or other instruments. The congregation was divided with men seated on one side and women on the other. The churches were simple with no stained glass windows, steeple or crosses."

We can all learn a great deal from believers who came before us. The Dunkers, who happened to live in an area that suffered through one terrible day, had many positive characteristics. I'd like to live a little more like they did.

All Things To All People

Some people like beards, while others do not. In my own family my wife thinks my beard is a positive, but my kids, well, not so much. In the spirit of the Apostle Paul I shaved off half my beard last night. My hope is that this pleases all people involved. Additionally, I guess this makes me only a half-theologian.

Alan Knox and Me at Seminary Graduation 2006

I was looking through some old photos the other day when I came across these two. In the first, I'm hanging with my good friends Alan Knox (the famous blogger) and Roy Sams. This is taken just a little while after the ceremony.

In the second picture I'm receiving my diploma from President Akin of SEBTS.

As I think back on that time I continue to have such mixed emotions. I suppose that will never go away.

I made great friends, learned a lot about scripture, and got to travel to the other side of the world while in seminary. However, seminaries are not necessary for the church (only for the institution). The existence of seminaries actually perpetuates the clergy-laity divide.

In the end, I'm really glad for the friends I made while at SEBTS. I just wish seminaries didn't have the institutional side effects that they automatically do.

Me as a Young, Hip Mega-Church Pastor

Last year I wrote a post outlining the three required characteristics for young, hip mega-church pastors: gelled hair, funky glasses, and facial hair of some sort. Well, I was recently inspired to act out the role myself. In these photos you can see all three characteristics in place (I'll admit to lacking in the "young" department). As a bonus, I'm even wearing the right kind of shirt. Now where's my resume?

63!

Just out of curiosity I went to Google images and looked up the word "church." The first 63 (!) images that came up were photos of either the inside or outside (mostly outside) of buildings. Sigh.

It was not until the 64th image that any people appeared. I'm not sure how Google selects which images to show, but regardless this is some sort of statement about how our culture both views and defines the church.

Me Planking

The late, great planking fad finally hit our house last night. Actually, I was just tired from 25 hours of work over the past two days. I lay down on the floor, and then in a brief moment of insanity started to "plank." It lasted just long enough for my wife to snap this photo. I'll probably never do it again, but at least I've had the experience. Note to self and others: don't try this on a tile floor. Additionally, I'm told that my technique is not correct - my head needs to be higher. Oh well, I'm an amateur planker.

A Few Fellowship Photos

Yesterday we had the privilege of hosting fellowship. I managed to snap a few quick photos of the get-together. As always, the most important aspect of the gathering is God's people. As the first picture shows, there is always a lot of talking going on.

And sharing the Lord's Supper together.

More eating together.

A sign of many friends in the house.

What the street looks like...a small parking lot.

We thank God primarily for his gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Secondarily, we thank him for our brothers and sisters in Christ. What great gifts!