Triath-long

We haven't had a triathlon update for a while, but things are continuing to progress.

Last weeks efforts were two runs and an 15km and 20km bike rides.  For the first time I did the full bike ride and then tried a short run immediately afterwards.  All I can say is that I definitely need more practice at combining disciplines!  My legs felt like very heavy bean bags hanging from my body when I first started but that wore off after a while and then the burning pain came into the calfs as they felt like they were going to cramp up.  An interesting experience but all symptoms soon wore off, especially when I stopped!!!

Caring for Life

Caring for Life is a charity I have had an interest in for many years.  Last night I went to the first meeting of a local supporters group.  We had a lovely time of fellowship and prayer.  We watched a DVD with information about the charity and testimonies from the people in their care.  It is so moving and humbling to hear people with great needs testifying to the goodness of God and passionate about living for Him.  

For anyone that doesn't know, CfL is a charity based on a farm in Leeds who run projects for supporting people with needs, including agriculture, arts, horticulture, music etc. etc. They also have two homes where they offer care to those with mental and emotional needs.  The unique aspect of this charity is that they offer 'Care for Life' differentiating them from many other charities.  The project aims to share the love of Jesus with all who come into contact with them and they have seen many conversions and had wonderful opportunities with high profile figures.  Due to their strong Christian principles there is often difficulty obtaining funding so they rely heavily on supporters.  They are looking for more supporters to give just £1 per week to help them continue and expand their work.   If you are interested see: www.caringforlife.co.uk.

Trip-ing

There has been a break in triathlon training due to a skiing holiday.  Had a fantastic time in Austria, snow was very good and scenery fantastic.

We has some good talks from Ecclesiastes, a real challenge about our priorities in life and building our lives on God and living in fear of Christ.  Made me realise that there is nothing wrong with those periods when we feel life is very monotonous because we are building our lives on Christ and that is what He has planned for us.  I was pleased how the speaker was able to tie in the Easter messages with the passages in Ecclesiastes on the appropriate days.  I so enjoyed looking at parts of Ecclesiastes I am continuing to study it in my quiet times this week.

On Easter Sunday we worshiped in an English speaking church with some very encouraging sermons.  'But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.' 1 Corinthians 15 v20.  Jesus is Christ is risen and lives today, He is the token, the surety of the rising again of His people - Hallelujah.  In the evening the service was bilingual, it was lovely to be united with Austrian believers and enjoy a wonderful time worshiping our God, a special service.  The sermon was about the two who Jesus spoke to on the road after His resurrection.  The preacher had 5 points about their hearts - Mistaken hearts, Humble hearts, Burning hearts, Pleading hearts and Satisfied Hearts.  How wonderful to have Jesus ministering to them in such a personal way for a long time, as the minister remarked, wouldn't it have been amazing to hear what He said as He expounded the Scriptures, but that was not for us to know.

I am very thankful for a good holiday and being kept free from injury and a time of spiritual refreshment.

Encouragements

A week or so ago I heard a very encouraging sermon from Nehemiah 4: 'Remember the Lord'.  A good motto to have.  Nehemiah must have thought all was against him but he remembered the Lord and that he was doing His will.  It is helpful for us in whatever situation we are in to 'Remember the Lord'.  With Him nothing is impossible and He is in control of ALL things.

Tonight we had an encouraging prayer meeting where we were reminded that our souls can experience a winter time, like the long winter we have had, but spring comes and there is new growth and much to encourage.  This can be on an individual basis or more broadly within the church.  We must pray for personal and corporate revival in this day of great need and often great discouragement, but the Lord can revive.

Tir-ing

We have missed a few triathlon updates:

Last Week - Run x2, cycle (8 miles) and strength

Previous week - 2xrun, strength

I was disappointed to realise that my longer running route is just 4.8 km, I thought it was over 5 km but had forgotten the extra section of the route I used to do!

Plan: Longer runs, further cycle and add swimming again.

Do you now believe?

Pastor spoke on this verse from John 16 at the Lords table on Sunday.  My mind drifted....

How true as we look on those emblems of the shed blood and broken body we see the amazing love of our Saviour and the Godhead for us as sinners.  It made me think of all those things that are on my mind - doubts, fears, concerns, anxieties etc.  When we look on what Christ has done for us it is as though He says - Do you now believe - that I love you, that I know you, that I am in control of all things, that I am with you.

Hallelujah, what a Saviour.

We were reminded this evening of how Great our God is, His mericies are new every morning and we are to lift up our hearts in prayer to Him concerning all things.

Tri-ing

Last weeks training effort:

2 runs

1 strength

1 swim

One day was a longer run than normal and a swim on the same day - good progress.

Next weeks aim: CYCLE!

From the Calendar

I liked what the calendar said today, I only wish it were true of me:

'Clearly you are an epistle of Christ.... written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.' 2 Corinthinans 3:3

When God gave the Law, He wrote it in stone.  Now He is writing on our hearts and we are to live out His message.  If people read you like a book, do they get your story or His? Remember, you are the only Bible some people will ever read - living epistles 'known and read of all men'.

We each write a Gospel, a chapter a day,

By deeds, looks and likes, the things that we say.

Our actions betray us - words faithful and true,

Say, what is the Gospel according to you?

Choice Gleanings Calendar

God's love

John 15:9 As the Father has loved me so have I loved you, abide in my love.

Heard a sermon mentioning this verse yesterday and was struck by how amazing it is.  God loves me with a wonderful, eternal, unconditional love and He will never leave us.  We know that He has all things planned and because He loves us 'all things work together for good'.


'For I know whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.'  

Tri harder!

Oh dear, last week was not an improvement in my training schedule:


2x runs (3 miles)
1x strength


Room for improvement!