What an incredible day this has been. After a leisurely early morning of coffee, breakfast and some reading/journaling, I loaded up my bicycle for another run at the Blue Ridge Parkway. On Saturday I rode north from the entrance. Today I chose to ride south. What a ride! I rode a total of 18 miles round trip but the clincher was that on my way south the last two of the 9 I rode before deciding to turn around was a steady uphill climb in which I was able to average only about 6-7 mph. When I turned around as the sign will testify I was at 2930 feet elevation and it was still uphill from there to Mount Pisgah which is over 5,000 feet elevation! Riding back down at one point I hit 38.5 mph!
I finished reading a book that I started yesterday loaned to me by Gene Yeazell, Blood Brothers: The Unforgettable Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel. I regret I did not know about or read this book before traveling to Israel, but I'm glad I've been able to read it. I suggest it to be a must read for every follower of Jesus Christ to have a better historical understanding of the Jewish/Palestinian conflict. I've already suggested to Bev that she should purchase this book, read it for herself and then place in the Florin COB library. It has been a real eye-opener for me and helps me to more fully understand why peace in the Middle East is such an illusory objective. Yet, as brother Elias Chacour lives his life for the Prince of Peace, so must we keep living with the objective, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called son's of God." (Matthew 5:9)
I post a picture of the "dividing wall" in Israel to keep the Palestinians in their place and as a reminder that "walls" do not make for peace but only the love of Jesus Christ shared and expressed one to another.
Just a reminder that you can (and I really would like to hear from you) reply to my blog. Just use "anonymous" and the go ahead and sign your name. By setting it up this way anyone can reply without having to have a password. I will simply read the your reply and then post it. This also allows me to screen unwanted reply's. So, let's hear from y'all! OK!!
Hi Dad!
ReplyDelete38 mph! And 6-7 mph going up- that is impressive- better than walkin!
So glad to hear that you are having such a restful time in such a beautiful area. I wish we could be there worshiping with you at IGLESIA JESUCRISTO EL CAMINO. Will be praying for you as you prepare for mtg with the youth.
Praying that God will really be able to renew you and prepare you for the message and work he has for you and the entire Florin congregation.
In regards to posting- every time I have posted a message to you here and choose anonymous it says request cannot be processed or something to that regard- so I press it again and it works- at that point it gives you a key verification or whatever that is called where you type in the letters it shows you and then it shows the message sent and will be posted upon approval.
Love ya- Kirsten
p.s. I will send you a picture of your goof ball grandsons! I sure am glad they always remember to use washable markers!
Eric,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posts. It has been really neat following your experiences. It sounds like the Sabbath Rest is doing exactly what it should... allowing you to step back from your role as pastor at Florin, and to soak in new experiences that you would not normally receive. Keep exploring the country side. Just look out for snakes!!!
Wayne
Where do all the unwanted reply's go??
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for them. I don't think they ever envisioned becoming unwanted reply's when they were wee lads.
Please send me to the unwanted reply's so that I might be of comfort to them.
Unwanted reply from Wayne
Wayne, You'll be blessed to know that there have been no "unwanted reply's." Thanks for your concern and for your willingness to be of comfort to them. Should there be any in the future I'll remember your offer of grace and mercy! Eric :)
ReplyDeleteTried to post something here last night and I guess I didn't do it right. So I'll try, try again!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start calling you Lance Armstrong . . . I won't be able to keep up with you on the bike when you get back home.
FYI - the book Blood Brothers has been ordered and is on its way. As soon as I read it, it will be put in the Florin Library for all to access.
Love ya - Bev
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
ReplyDelete:) kirsten