faithrunner

I'm in the second half of my training to run my next marathon . I have been following the program set out in Runner's World endorsed book, Run Less Run Faster . The premise is that you have three "key run workouts" per week with cross training between workouts. I like the variety, and the cross training fits into my riding routines. The running program is basically speed work, a tempo run, and a long run. The authors have prescribed speeds and distances according to your desired finish time. I have done most of my speed work on the treadmill, which makes me keep the speeds I have set for myself, and I found the tempo runs enjoyable on my usual training trails near the house. Long runs are long runs no matter how you go about them. I recommend it if you are training for a marathon. I'll let you know how I do after the run. I continue to ride with the Legacy Cyclists as part of my need for speed and group activities -and cross training. We had 18 on Saturday...

We ran down to Waco for an overnight to see Storey, Graham, and Cambell . It also happened to be the middle of the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments. When we got there Storey had dressed Cambell up in her Baylor cheerleading outfit . And, both the men and women teams won! Great fun even if the games were not on. Back today for pastoral staff small group, which I enjoy being with them in an informal setting, and ministry on Sunday. Last Sunday we had those present in worship text their response to the question: Which of these most affect your marriage or relationship? If you would like to participate in the poll over the web, go here or click on the links above. You only get one vote . Some interesting results.

Summer got her first road bike and accessories yesterday ! Thanks to Jim Craig of Legacy Cyclists , who encouraged and taught her to love the sport and Alex B at Richardson Bike Mart , who was patient with her (us) through the purchase and fitting of the bike. She was able to afford the bike she wanted because of RBM's discounts and a gift from a friend she teaches with . She has already signed up for the MS150 in May , and I can't wait to experience more rides with her and the team. Last week, thanks to Jay and Jenny Allison , the pastoral staff of Legacy spent two and a half days at their home on Possum Kingdom Lake . They generously shared their home and all of its amenities so we could retreat from the routine of ministry in order to reflect, evaluate, and plan for the months ahead. The times of quiet and ruckus laughter in that setting revived us and helped mold us together as a ministry team . From four-wheelers to fishing at sunset we experienced God in the creation ...

Today I got to spend the day with one of my heroes . We brought Calvin Miller in to spend the day with our pastoral staff. He was his gregarious, insightful, and candid self. We laughed and cried at his honesty and creativity. I am so pleased they got to know him in some way like I do. Calvin became a hero of mine when I read in his book The Singer , "Life is the Song and not the Shrine." I had just started seminary, begun to serve on my first staff, and got married that year. The line and Song hit me in the heart, and I never saw the church and my faith the same way. From that time on--some thirty books and several personal conversations later--Calvin became a mentor, inspiration, and above all, a friend. (He's graciously commented on my writing projects I sent him, and wrote the forward for two of them.) He walked us through his memoirs , Life Is Mostly Edges , and chased any rabbits that ran across our trail. He spoke of topics from disloyal staff members to his lif...

Last week Kim and I attended the National Pastors Convention in San Diego . She came a day late because she got sick on Monday, but she made it out in time for a couple of days of inspiration and encouragement. Brian McLaren , Rob Bel l, and Christopher Wright made the event meaningful. The high watermark of the speakers was Paul Young, the author of The Shack . To know is personal story that led to him to write the story for his children is to understand why the story has captured the heart of so many. Some of that story is here . You can also hear those who fear it's message at the same site. We got out some and saw the sun set on Torrey Pines Beach , and the next day we walked down Mission Beach . It was cloudy and cold, but still the beach. Along the way on Mission Beach, a young girl on a bike waved and said hey. Kim said, "What a friendly girl." A few moments later the Walpoles rolled up on bikes ! They were there for Courtney's hockey tournament. Small world....

This past Saturday we hosted our first " First Saturday Serve " project. We are emphasizing our Serve purpose this year, and we kicked it off with a trip to a local nursing home to host a Valentines Party for the residents . We overwhelmed them with food, flowers, and kindness. I was proud to watch those who participated genuinely involve themselves in the lives of the residents and to see their responses. We had more than we needed in the living room so some wandered back to the rooms and spread the love with those unable to make it to the front for the party. Thanks to Troy and the Missions Team for setting this up so we can be a visible presence of Christ's love in our community. This year we are highlighting one of our mission partners each month. In January we collected baby bottles of change and money for Real Options for Women . I'll let you know our final collection total when we finish. Yesterday, Sam Say, of Bolaven Farms , Laos , told us his story an...

Monday I left DFW early to speak at the Wyoming Southern Baptist Evangelism Conference . They had heard about my new book Evangelism Where You Live , and felt it would match their theme: Beyond the Church Doors. My message and their mission did connect, and I left looking forward to the trip. When I got to Denver a storm had moved in as you can see, and they canceled my flight from Denver to Laramie ; which upon reflection, I am glad they did! Whe n I called Don Whalen and told him what had happened, he said, " Rent a car. The roads are still open." Well, what was "open" to a native of Wyoming is anything but that to a Texan. But, I wanted to be there as bad as he wanted me to be there, so I rented a car and carefully drove through the winter storm north to Cheyenne and then west to Laramie . Here's a view from my windshield. I sang Carrie Underwood's " Jesus take the wheel " several times! I got to the church, Laramie Valley Community Chapel b...