Wichita!
1 comment May 27th, 2007
Hanging with my Dad is supergreat and even if Wichita has lame stuff, the time spent is incalculable.
Later, more posts/pics of travel with the kiddo.
Archive for May, 2007
lifestyle pursuits…where ya at & what priorities?
1 comment May 17th, 2007
I’ve been dwelling on a topic of conversations that deals with how we’re living. Basically it’s simple: are we pursing complete Obedience, or merely Excellence? God’s call on us is total, unwavering obedience. To pursue Excellence involves compromise from time to time, and doesn’t have such clear black and white/right and wrong, that perfect obedience has. What do you think? Where are your targets?
Priorities… I’ve been dreaming of being places by now in my life, and doing things that have yet to be possible. Without going into details, wishing for change and longing for “assumed” wonderful-ness has done little to improve my contentedness with the present. As I presented this to my mentor, my “Paul”, (we all need a “Paul” and a “Timothy” in our lives, who are yours?) he broke it down to elementary for me, as I’ll turn and do for you. “What are your priorities Ethan?” he asked. I answered the typical, God, Family, service, etc. type answer, and he replied to that with a “really?” Further conversation revealed this: I was correct in my answer but not to the fullness of what the answer in itself revealed. As believers, our first priority is to pursue fellowship with Him, and do all we can to improve that and grow closer to Him in knowledge and truth. As a result of this priority being first, we might be able to discern His presence, power, and purpose in and through us. This is just a tid-bit of the blessings fellowship with God prompts, (I could go on all day). 2nd Priority: Our relationship with our spouse, and in the same way the fostering of a more loving and closer bondedness. Our spouses are a wonderful gift from God that we are blessed to be able to have and through that relationship be able to experience the bond of the church (bride) and Christ (bridegroom). 3rd Priority depends on if we have kids, as I do have one so far, everything I can do to better that relationship is paramount. The rest of our priorities in life are not as essential, especially if we consider what the fruit of priority #1 is. He longs to have fellowship with us, He loves us so much more than we can ever imagine. And as Jesus told his disciples in John 15:5, “…apart from me, you can do nothing”.
Heavy stuff this post, character class in session. Comments? questions? I love the interplay of replies. Wishing you a blessed day!
Legend Lastnight…
Add comment May 17th, 2007
For Mother’s Day this year Jess and I agreed John Legend tix weren’t too outrageous and that me taking my mom would be a good thing. TRUE TRUE! What a talented musician! Awesome to see him so early in his career and amazed he was booked at Sandia Casino. His next visit will probably be Mesa Del Sol, provided his career continues in the path it’s begun so far. Here is is his webby if you want to learn more about him. Eventually I’ll figure out how to upload pics and vid from my Razr to share here with you. Good show, great music…kinda like lounge-room-performer, 60’s R&B, Smooth and tight, with grooves that make ya want to move. My Mom severly DUG the suprise, and enjoyed the show as well. If you like him, you missed it! And now we have to wait until the next visit where Mesa Del Sol lawn tix are the only viable $ option.
new music…
2 comments May 15th, 2007
So, I\’ve not been one to follow the charts or latest bands for more than ten-years now, basically since monkey-music was the rage (lame) and I hooked up with KLYT for my music-infusion. The same time explain is my new-begin in ABQ and new-leafed attempt at not worrying about the world, but my growth in the Lord.
My music infusion of \”the world\” has mostly consisted of the stuff I may drift by on presets from 88.3 to 107.1, but no real pursuit of anything but what my better half might intro me to (BNL forever!). Dance music via the european labels (MoS) i could find in the used bins was collected, due to the absence of weekly dance visits (like back in SoCal).
New music scores every week now at the library. Go figure, our tax dollars at work and we can check them out for 4 weeks or so just like a book! Ladytron and Goldfrapp along with our local boys have entertained me of late. the first two are \”like, OMG, Totally 80\’s\” with a current technology tooling shift, while the Shins rock in a mellow-cool kind of way. Just some new stuff I\’m diggin\’, thought you might like to know.
Sundoxazo Ciclismo
1 comment May 14th, 2007
So I’ve decided that it’s a good thing, and what God is in and behind, and will work through. Sundoxazo is Greek for “glorifying together”, and Ciclismo is Italian for Cycling. No brainer on that one I’d hope for you. Anyhoot, put the two together and you have the name of the club/gang/crew I’ve started amongst friends that I ride with. The object is to enjoy the company of fellow-believers and to give God the glory He’s due while riding together. I’d kind of think of it as the Road-specific arm of the local MTB group I belong to and ride the dirt with from time to time. Eventually my goal of conquering a century in sub-7 hours will be a reality, but until then I’ll happily ride with those who want to join us. Simple thought-provoking devotionals will always be a part of it, and other stuff to come like riding togs, fundraiser events, charity rides, and even non-cycling events together: Isotopes, BBQ’s, get-togethers, etc. If you’d like info on the next ride, or any other info, give me a reply and I’ll know to list it here when it gets smack’d together.
Last Saturday’s Ride
Add comment May 14th, 2007
Wow! What a great day it was to get out before it got hot! Too bad only a few brothers joined. Brian had a bead-blowout just a mile or so from our start, so Pat and I remained to enjoy the cool morning. We stuck to the plan until getting just S of the Zoo along the Bosque trail, and stopped at a buddy’s house to inquire why he didn’t join us at the start. “too early” was his weak reply, and off he rode to his dojo for a spar or two on his new ‘cross bike.. From there being it only Patrick and I, I suggested a departure from “de plan” and suffer some hills. Besides, at 17 miles we aren’t getting tired or anything, why not! Up Rio Bravo East, then through to the University and the North Diversion en route back to start. Here is a good blog from another local cyclist who has detailed a good deal about the local area, including parts of the ride Pat and I sweated before it got really sweaty. One hill that was a nice suprise (in the most sadistical kind o’ way) was Randolph just W of Yale. As you’re going East to Yale, after University ends as the corner you previously carved, there is a nice progressive hill up to the light. It seemed like the last 50′ of that climb was at a different pitch, and as the light-cycle changed to yellow, the mashing began. I made it in time, while Pat waited for the next green, but due to my grind, wasn’t able to make it at Gibson for the light, and then it was Pat waiting for me.
Awesome: 37miles, 16.2 average speed, Max @ 33mph, just under 3 hours with the rests. I’d list the elevation loss/gain if I had that able with my computer. IT’s not one of these so we’re both out on that bit o’ data.
IF you want to join us on the “Oak Flat Cruise” ride we’ll do in June, do reply and watch this place for the pertinent.
Today’s Devo…
2 comments May 8th, 2007
“The thistles of self interest grow naturally within me, while the fruit that pleases God requires constant weeding and watering through prayer, confession, and obedience to the Lord. Without these, the soil of my hear will become choked with the thorns of trivial pursuits.” -David McCasland, Our Daily Bread 4/24/07
This statement is brought out of Proverbs 24:30-34, and both the scripture and the thought Mr. McCasland derives from it speaks loudly to me. I’ve been trying to do a regular Devo-time for weeks now, and as I get into it this morning, I am finding my “garden” to be in need of some improvements.
Now it’s 5-8 and since this draft things have improved, but like alot of things, always room for improvement. My bro Pete agreed, constant refinement is the task.