Katy and the Big Snow

I read Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton to Nate tonight. We picked this title up from the winter display at the library. It's about a tractor that has multiple uses for the town of Geoppolis. When a huge snowstorm hits the town, Katy is the only plow that doesn't break down. She saves the day and helps everyone in town. I hope it's not foretelling of what's to come this weekend.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, another book by Burton, is a book I remember from childhood. I was always fascinated with tractors, trucks, and machines. I still am. As I was reading tonight I was curious about the author's life so I went to google. I wasn't surprised to learn that she wrote for her two boys. If you've never read these stories, you should go to your library and check them out.

Here is a link to some information about Virginia Lee Burton

What's in the Bible

I like this new series What's in the Bible? I have enjoyed watching these clips on Christmas. I wish they were all gathered in one place, but it's not too much trouble.

Clive & Ian's 12 Questions of Christmas

The Zuckerberg Revolution - latimes.com

The Zuckerberg Revolution - latimes.com

Here's another good article about social media. I liked the line "...we are no longer amusing ourselves to death. We are texting ourselves to death."

Thanksgiving 2010

It was a great Thanksgiving. The day started with a Turkey Trot at the University of Richmond. Nate ran the 1/2 mile kids run. I believe he had a fun time. I had a great 10K. I ran the race 3 years ago and remember it being a hilly course. It was still hilly, but had some really nice downhills too. I finished in 41:50. I was satisfied with the time considering the course. I finished 38th overall and 9th in my age division. I ran negative splits.

The afternoon was spent playing with the boys in the backyard. We then took naps in preparation for the Thanksgiving dinner. Julie's parents arrived and we had a great meal. I have many things to be thankful for this year. It was great to have family here with us for this special time of giving thanks to our God.

The Holiness of God

I've been reading The Holiness of God by RC Sproul. It's a powerful book. I have been playing catch up and trying to read it with others over at Tim Challies' blog. Check out Tim's Reading Classics Together. I am enjoying reading the chapeters and then reading the comments.

Richmond Marathon

I ran my 4th Richmond marathon on Saturday, November 13, 2010. I finished in 3:27:16. The weather was absolutely perfect. Cool temps at the start and low humidity made for a great day of running. I had three goals going into Saturday's marathon. The first goal, as always, is to finish. I have become fairly confident in my ability to finish a marathon, but running 26.2 miles is still quite a challenge. The second goal was to set a new PR (Personal Record). My third goal was to run even or negative splits.

I completed the first goal, but was somewhat disappointed in not achieving one of the other goals. I was running a great race up until mile 17. That is where I started to slow, and I was never able to pick the pace back up to the 7:30 mile pace I was running. I kept going, but I was really struggling mentally with the realization that I'm probably not going to run much faster than this unless I am able to devote more time to training. My life is just too busy with other things that are much more important than running. Seeing my wife and two boys at mile 21 reminded me of that.

I am a competitive person and I guess that's why I am disappointed with not winning Saturday. I am not talking about winning the race. I'm talking about my race against myself. Sure I want to improve my time and I want to qualify for Boston. But, those are goals that I need to let go. For now anyway.

The year is coming to an end soon and I always make new running goals. Next year, who knows, I might lead a pace group and help others achieve their goals. I could easily pace a sub 4 hour group. I still want to run an ultra and maybe I'll knock another state off my lifetime goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. I try to remember why I run in the first place. It's not for my health and it's not for the medals. It's my playtime. I like what George Sheehan once said, "Fitness has to be fun. If it is not play, there will be no fitness. Play, you see, is the process. Fitness is merely the product."

I had fun Saturday and I'm ready for the next one

Social Media and Digital Discernment

Social Media and Digital Discernment

I've been dealing with a lot of the issues addressed in this article. I am thankful for the wisdom and ministry of John Macarthur.

Gospel-Centred Family

Gospel-Centred Family

This looks like another good book to add to my reading list. I wish I had more time for reading.

First Ever Rap on the Heidelberg Catechism

First Ever Rap on the Heidelberg Catechism

I thought this was fun. I am interested in reading Kevin's new book on the Heidelburg Cat.