tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50443052543627568802024-02-20T11:49:45.458-05:00Irun CoachIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-37917464561909621282010-01-09T23:51:00.004-05:002010-01-10T00:00:33.816-05:00Winter Day To-Do ListBoys ended up staying at the out-laws, er, in-laws last night. Yeah!<br /><br />This morning I filled up ("Squirrel!") the gas tank in my car, got Concannon's donuts, put a new windshield wiper on the van, ate donuts, read, took a brief nap, drove to Winchester and filled the vans gas tank up, went sledding, ate Pizza Hut pizza, drove home listening to the start of the Bengals football game, watched the Bengals stink it up ("Squirrel!"), watched some of the Eagles vs. Cowboys game, played "Old Maid" with Conner, talked to my parents on the phone, read to Conner, watched some more football, read a little, checked my email, and wrote this blog post. Not too bad of a day, although I did sit on my rear a lot! :(<br /><br />BTW, it's really cold outside right now!!! (-1 F) Brrrrrrrrrrr!Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-50023685265646038672010-01-08T22:05:00.003-05:002010-01-08T22:11:07.573-05:00He's Growing UpAfter a relaxing "snow day" at home, we ventured into Muncie this evening to dine with Melissa's family at the Thai Smile (2) Restaurant. Having never tried Thai cuisine before I was unsure what to expect, but it was really good. We'll definitely be eating there again. Afterward, we took a jaunt over to the in laws for a visit. As we were preparing to leave, our boys came scurrying in to ask if they could spend the night. Now, Conner has spent the night there before, although it's been awhile. But Carter has never spent the night away from us before so this is a major step. I hope all goes well and they have a good nights sleep, but I won't be surprised if we get a phone call requesting us to come pick one or both of the boys up sometime during the night.<br /><br />The snow has finally stopped. Well, we're still having some flurries, but that really doesn't count. Now the cold, I mean really COLD weather is supposed to descend upon us for the next couple of days. Everyone enjoy!!! :PIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-81339814103335795722009-08-26T22:15:00.004-04:002009-08-26T22:36:38.790-04:00Updates, Down Dates, Diagonal DatesSummer, or at least the stay at home and not have to go to school type of summer, is coming to a close. Melissa started back to work after nine years as a stay-at-home mom. Conner is in 3rd grade and Carter started kindergarten (with some anxiety.) I had my first cross-country meet of the season yesterday and, well, let's just say there's lots of room for improvement. I start back to school this Friday (teacher's first day) but don't have students until next Tues. (9/1). I think our family can officially be classified as "Hoosiers" because we now have a basketball goal in our drive. (Well, the base anyway until tomorrow.) Pastor Kris, Tammy, and Shelby stopped by while out for a walk this evening and PK took part in a swashbuckling sword fight with the boys. Shelby came to his rescue after he took a couple of viscious hits.<br /><br />What did you do this summer? We had several adventures and jaunts: Indy Children's Museum, Drive-in, water park, Bear Creek Farms, Disney World & Downtown Disney, the beach (in Florida), flew to FL, went bowling (several times), went fishing, vacation Bible school, Cub Scout day camp, putt-putting (I didn't get to go), Parker Fair, "Great" Darke County Fair (OH), bike rides, swimming (a few times). No surprise to anyone, I'm sure, that I ran a lot this summer and did two triathlons (canoe, run, bike).Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-23369084633418517742009-07-18T22:30:00.003-04:002009-07-18T22:50:51.057-04:00We, the Blessed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMRt_KQPDyRHNCH0mOAUiELW50Kr80e0RReOVIl7Buk4JfAFlNzEet4KDrI2XLogXaR59H0wTHR0qQfMRRyasP4B8p8_w6wTN-lI4stAHH21TyQ6IUutYxQPkkEo5l2uOsWROp9Mt148P/s1600-h/wallpaper3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMRt_KQPDyRHNCH0mOAUiELW50Kr80e0RReOVIl7Buk4JfAFlNzEet4KDrI2XLogXaR59H0wTHR0qQfMRRyasP4B8p8_w6wTN-lI4stAHH21TyQ6IUutYxQPkkEo5l2uOsWROp9Mt148P/s320/wallpaper3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359996004805872002" /></a><br /><br />Haven't posted in almost a month because, well, not sure why. Today we celebrated Conner's 9th birthday! (Although his birthday isn't actually until Monday.) Wow, nine years old already and about to start the third grade!!! The cliche about time flying is certainly true. I'm leaving tomorrow after church for Ashland Univ. for a week of classes on the Civil War and Reconstruction. Should be pretty interesting, especially once I figure out what spin or angle the professors are trying to get us to buy. Had a heart-to-heart with Conner tonight about how blessed we are, both as people of God and as citizens of this rich, powerful (and hugely in debt) country. He was disappointed that he only got six presents for his birthday (plus $75). Melissa and I both talked with him about the importance of being thankful and tried to impress upon him that, while it's not unusual to get quite a bit for a birthday in America, it's extremely rare compared to the rest of the world. It's easy to see, looking around my cluttered part of the house, that we have a LOT of stuff. We went to the drive-in last night and watched "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs." We're flying to Disney World in Orlando in just over a week. God has been very, very good to use!Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-1900974134159510212009-06-04T21:43:00.004-04:002009-06-04T22:10:43.252-04:00The END!Tomorrow (Fri., 6/5/09) is the first day of the State track meet in Ohio at the Jesse Owens Memorial Track & Field Stadium at the Ohio State University AND my last day as a track & field coach. This season has had a LOT of ups and downs and I've done a lot of reminiscing and a little tear shedding. It's been a wonderful, sometimes trying, but ultimately worthwhile endeavor to develop ability in and teach life lessons to the many athletes that I've coached. Someday,...well, someday I may get back into coaching T & F, but after tomorrow I'm on sabbatical. Our boys coach told me that he gives me three, four years tops before I'm back at it. Only God knows for sure. I'm confident that Ariel will do well in the high jump. She placed 8th at State last year and her focus and effort have been excellent these past few weeks.<br />~ On a little different note: cross-country practice begins in just over two months! :P And my first race of the summer is in just over two weeks!! :]<br /><br /><em>"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."</em> - 2 Timothy 4:7<br /><em>"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."</em> - Colossians 3:17<br /><em>"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."</em> - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-36329284456043506442009-06-02T20:22:00.004-04:002009-06-02T20:38:02.325-04:00Here & NowToday was an awesome day! Not only was it my first official day of summer break, but God provided warmth and sunshine, then needed rain and a light show! I love watching lightning, especially during a thunderstorm at night!<br /><br />After watching "Sid the Science Kid" with Carter this morning, I did my calisthenics then went for a bike ride(42 min.). When I got home, Carter and I rode around town for a bit. After getting cleaned up, Carter and I headed toward Ohio, stopping at BK in Winchester for a bite of lunch before continuing on to school. Talked with several of the administrators and teachers/coaches. Actually, they were more interested in talking to Carter, but that was okay. :) Found out that I "may" be the head of the social studies department in about three weeks. The main perk there is that I'll get to choose which classes I want to teach next year. Copied my old workouts for next years "new" track coach while Carter played with his "<em>Cars</em>" vehicles. Then it was out to the track for Ariel's high jump practice and a lap around the track with Carter. Once we arrived back in P-town (Copyright 200?, PK) Conner, Carter, and I played <em>warriors</em> outside and I trimmed the grass around the house. Finally, supper and checking my email/blog/facebook before setting down to dictate this entry to my secretary. (<em>Okay, just kidding about the dictation and secretary</em>.) ~ "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-72557285828601024092009-06-01T21:34:00.003-04:002009-06-01T21:46:37.437-04:00FearPastor Kris has been preaching the last few weeks about our "Fear of ...." The first week it was fear of "failure" and this past week it was fear of "losing control." I used ideas from his message about failure when talking with girls on my track team before the Regional meet last week. One of the things that we discussed is that two of the worst feelings that we can have is the fear of failure and regret. We talked about staying positive and letting go of our fears and concentrating on the task at hand. A couple of the girls have no problem discussing religion and God so we talked about the strength and peace that He can provide us in times of stress and turmoil. I think, for most of them, that they understood the meaning behind what we were talking about. Here's a big shout out to Pastor Kris, "THANK YOU!!"Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-1541791053435759562009-05-31T10:17:00.002-04:002009-05-31T10:27:44.582-04:00SUMMER :)My last day with students was Friday, so summer has officially started for me! (Although I have to go back to school every day this week and I'll be teaching an OGT summer school class the week of June 15th.)<br />I had one athlete qualify to the State track meet. She's a high jumper and she jumps on Friday starting at 4:00 pm at Ohio State's Jesse Owens Memorial Track & Field Stadium.<br />I've already started my summer to do list. Things yet to do include:<br />- getting the TV system ready to go digital.<br />- cleaning my desk and the area around it. (It's a mess!)<br />- cleaning and rearranging the back closet.<br />- getting all my "piles" that are scattered around the house cleared up.<br />- fix/caulk the front window.<br />- fix the leak under the kitchen sink.<br />- enlarge the front flower bed.<br />- maybe put a backsplash guard on the wall behind the kitchen sink.<br /><br />I'm sure that Melissa will add to this list as the weeks fly by! :P<br />Hope you have a great summer!!! Run Happy! :]Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-64063903582461145962009-05-17T22:25:00.002-04:002009-05-17T22:37:52.599-04:00Looking BackI haven't taken the time to blog for a while, mostly b/c I've been busy coming and going and passing myself in between. This past week consisted of a track meet in beautiful weather (Mon.); practice in gorgeous weather, sold tournament tickets, academic awards program (Tues.); short practice in the rain (Wed.); first night of conference competition (Thur.); quick practice and Carter's preschool graduation program (Fri.); conference finals and graduation party (Sat.); church, birthday party, outdoor fun with the family, grading papers (Sun.). AND you should see my calendar for this next week! <br /><br />BTW ~ We won. Conference champions four years in a row!!!!<br /><br />P.S. ~ I'm taking a break from coaching track after this season. It's time (past time) that I spent more time and paid more attention to my family and their needs. This is my farewell tour.Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-17921183598070367082009-04-03T00:02:00.002-04:002009-04-03T00:05:15.692-04:00I Need Help!I've got this song going through my head and I don't know the title or author. Would someone please help me with this one? The chorus goes, "At the top of my lungs I will sing Hallelujah, you're the one who saved me, the one who gave me this life I live, forever more, forever more." (At least I think those are the words.) Any ideas? Thanks in advance!!! :]Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-62489776587087652102009-03-29T21:59:00.002-04:002009-03-29T22:06:50.135-04:00First Of The LastDespite what my wife thinks, this is my 17th, and last, season to coach track & field (at least for awhile.) Yesterday we had our first meet of the season, an invitational at Versailles against some of the best DIII teams in the state. We ended up 4th out of the eight teams in our division, which isn't bad, but the overall picture is less than inspiring. True, we knew we'd lost a lot of talent through graduation last year, but the overall performance of our team was disheartening. ~Now that I've got that out of my system, it's time to get back to an optimistic, perhaps unrealistic, perspective of things and continue to work toward improvement. The conference meet is a month-and-a-half away yet and we've got plenty to work on. Tomorrow, for example, we have another meet but part of my team will be missing. Improvisation 101!!! Run Happy! :]Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-63746846186187800342009-03-22T22:52:00.002-04:002009-03-22T23:00:24.445-04:00Like Sand Through The Hourglass....WOW! It's amazing how time flies! Our youngest son, Carter (aka "Little C") celebrated his 5th birthday today. FIVE! For us the time dissipates so fast but to God it is as a blink of the eye. People often say to cherish your children while they're young because time flies so fast. Now I get it! Our "little" boys are growing up so fast. Before long it'll be high school, then college (hopefully), then marriage and grandkids (I pray it's in that order.) Boy, do I suddenly feel really old myself. :]Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-49664160077497036422009-03-09T22:43:00.003-04:002009-03-09T23:07:51.640-04:00And....You'd think since I've been a track coach for 17 years and a cross-country coach for 15 years that I'd know how to figure the splits per lap to run a mile (ok, it's technically only 1600m, not a mile) in 7 minutes, right? WRONG! Another coach and I decided to run a mile (1600m) at 7 minute pace, so I thought, "Alright, that's 1:30 per lap." Anyone see the discrepancy there? 1:30 per lap is 6 minute pace, not 7. Guess how long it took me to figure this out. It wasn't until the 4th lap that I realized that we were going too fast and that my figuring was wrong concerning our pace. Funny thing was he never said a thing about it during the run, only afterward. I believe this demonstrates, without a shadow of a doubt, why it's a good thing that I teach social studies and not math or science.<br /><br />"The Lord said to Moses, <em>'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.'</em>" ~ Leviticus 19:28Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-16654725480710381432009-01-02T20:18:00.003-05:002009-01-02T20:23:32.841-05:00Poor Attempt At RhymingLittle boys and all their toys with lots of little pieces. Scatter them about and hear them shout when the sweeper is at their feetses. Watch them scurry here and there to make sure the floor looks neatses. It's the only time they'll help their mom except when they're offered pizzas.Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-14760354246825007372008-06-22T23:26:00.004-04:002008-06-22T23:44:22.828-04:00Your Request Has Been AnsweredSeveral blogger friends took a poll earlier this year in which they stated that they didn't like to look at blogs that had music that started automatically. FINE. I have deleted my music player to rid my site of the "annoying" music that you found so troublesome.<br /><br />On a different note, we got home last night at about 9 pm from New Orleans. A mission group of 15 people from Farmland Friends Church (FFC) traveled to The Big Easy to work & minister in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina three years ago. Things are still a horrendous mess there! Many of the people are looking for a sign that better times are ahead to keep their hopes alive. It appeared, at least to me, that the local/state/federal governments have given up on Chalmette, St. Bernard's Parish, and the Ninth Ward. "<em>Let them eat cake</em>" is the phrase that springs to mind.<br />For me, this experience has been worthwhile, humbling, awesome, tragic, enlightening, depressing, full of hope, sad, and inspiring. I broke down during church this morning and cried uncontrollably with visions of what I'd witnessed running through my head. I prayed that God would send the people of that region comfort and hope and that a sign might be given to me to let me know how to continue with this type of ministry. In southern Indiana or Iowa there has been a lot of devastation by flooding. Perhaps this is where the Lord will lead me next.<br />To all of the group members that I traveled, worked, laughed, ministered, and cried with ~ THANK YOU! I'd do it again and hope that you would join me on the journey.<br /><br />One of the major things that I've learned is that I need to cast my fears, doubts, complaints, and problems upon the Lord and pray. As Bon Jovi sang, "<em>Living on a prayer</em>." That's my new resolution.Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-88778318659207700382008-06-16T21:49:00.002-04:002008-06-16T22:02:44.049-04:00In Louisiana!!! New Orleans Style Cookin'!Today has been such an incredible day! Meeting Charles, bonding with all my fellow missionaries, working at the Carpenter's House 2! It's been such a fantastic experience and it's only the first day here! (Well, second if you count that we arrived last night.) The work was very hot, but satisfying, as we strung wiring, put up insulation, and hung dry-wall in the Carpenter's House 2 in St. Bernard's Parish, New Orleans. <br />We had beans and rice (with sausage) for supper. A local delicacy that does wonderous things for one's intestinal track. LOL The end results of that meal could be very enlightening (and smelly!)<br />We're not sure where we'll be working tomorrow, or on what we'll be working. Charles' motto is "be flexible, be flexible, be flexible."<br />Later this week we're going to go visit and minister to the people that live under "the bridge." Can't wait to see God move among the people there as we meet and talk with them.<br />Brenda led the devotional this morning with a verse from the Book of Jonah, oddly enough about "the flood." Very appropriate for what we're doing.<br /><br />Always remember, "Holy is the Lord God Almighty!" Let go and let God.<br />PEACEIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-1268318222224376352008-06-09T23:06:00.003-04:002008-06-09T23:16:13.525-04:00Rain, Rain, Go AwayYep, as you might have read on Pastor K's twitter, it's raining again in "P-town Down!" I don't mind the rain as long as it's not flooding, like it is in central and south-central Indiana, and I have electricity. At least we know that the water table/aquifer should be full. Big "C" was supposed to have a double-header tonight, but they were postponed until Wednesday. We were hoping to go to "Bear Creek Farms" tomorrow, then learned that they are closed on Mon. and Tues. (<br /><br />If you lost something, check out my link to Pastor Kris' blog and see if the picture he took is of the item you're missing. lol<br /><br />Enough procrastinating, I guess I have to read now.<br /><br />~ <em>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life." (Think that's right. Did it from memory.)</em>Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-71332702353936110112008-06-07T23:57:00.005-04:002008-06-10T22:13:02.516-04:00Tagged A LONG Time Ago<a href="http://www.changeisgood4u.com/2008/05/tagged.html">Tagged</a><br />Tracey Kisha and Mia tagged <a href="http://amahoney-amy.blogspot.com/">Amy </a>- Amy tagged <a href="http://2littlewildflowers.blogspot.com/">Tricia </a>- Tricia tagged <a href="http://wonbyone92.blogspot.com/">Tammy </a>- Tammy tagged Kris - and Kris tagged Me.<br /><br />Here's how the tagging works:<br />(1) Each player answers questions about themselves.<br />(2) At the end of the post, tag 5 people by posting their names.<br />(3) Go to their site/blog and leave a comment telling them that they have been Tagged. Invite them to your site/blog so they can read the Tagged post.<br />(4) Let the person who tagged you know when you have completed your Tagged post.<br /><br />1. What were you doing 10 years ago?<br /><br />Enjoying being married for a year-and-a-half in a much smaller house than we have now. Plus, no children in the picture yet. Also, I'd been teaching at Ansonia for five years so that had to be about the time I was the athletic director. I started the cross-country program during 1998 too.<br /><br />2. What are 5 things on your "To Do" list?<br /><br />Spend more time with the family now that school and track are over for the year; clean up the huge mess on and around my desk; shop for a newer car; read, read, read the books and materials for the class I'm taking this summer; prepare myself mentally and spiritually for the New Orleans trip.<br /><br />3. What are 5 snacks that I enjoy?<br /><br />Pretzels; Tostitos chips (sometimes with cheese dip or salsa, and other times just plain); frozen Pop-Tart (Strawberry Milkshake flavor); Bomb Pop Popsicles; apple cinnamon Cheerios (plain, no milk).<br /><br />4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire. (In no particular order.)<br /><br />Buy a new car that gets great gas mileage and doesn't have any rust spots.<br />Pay off some bills and our mortgage.<br />Help FFC with the "Building To Bless" campaign.<br />Invest/save for retirement and the boys' college.<br />Maybe travel a little or at least go on a vacation that we normally couldn't afford (which is just about anywhere.)<br /><br />5. Name some places where you have lived.<br /><br />This will be a short list:<br />Arcanum, OH<br />Muncie, IN<br />Parker City, IN<br /><br />6. Name some bad habits that you have.<br />Procrastination.<br />Pack-rat/collector.<br />Often too self-centered.<br />Spend money I don't have.<br />I tend to tune my wife or sometimes others out?<br />Staying up way too late and not getting enough sleep.<br />Did I say procrastinator?<br /><br />7. Name some jobs you have had.<br />Auto parts/tire seller.<br />Strawberry and apple picker at fruit farm.<br />Landscaper.<br />Waiter at Chi-Chi's.<br />Church camp counselor.<br />History intern.<br />Bouncer. (Yes, it's true and a long story.)<br />Substitute teacher.<br />Teacher.<br />Coach.<br />Athletic director.<br /><br /><br />I believe that all of my "friends" have been tagged previously. This may be the end of the line for this thread.Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-84545716351058110512008-06-07T23:33:00.003-04:002008-06-08T00:48:31.637-04:00And Now The Rest Of The Story....!This will probably be my last post (for awhile anyway) concerning the track team that I coach. The Ohio state meet was yesterday and today. To give you an idea of how things went, we came home yesterday evening.( That may sound bad, but we had some special efforts. Here's how we did: our high jumper cleared 5 ft. 2 in. for the first time and placed 8th (top 8 go to the awards stand and get "state" medals & she's only a sophomore.) Our 4x800m relay team dropped 4 seconds off their best time of the year (9:58.8) and placed 10th (they were seeded 15th going in.) The freshman we had running the 400m dash didn't do as well as she'd hoped, but she still finished 13th (and she had the fastest splits on both the 4x800 and 4x400 relays!) Probably the biggest disappointment was our 4x400m relay, mainly because there were two seniors on it and we had such high expectations going in. They placed 11th, which didn't qualify them for finals (only top 8 teams by time qualified.) Overall, this has been a hugely successful track season with a lot of memorable moments.<br /><br />Tomorrow we get to work in Big Kidz Zone! Hope they're ready for us! :P<br /><br />We went to see "Kung Fu Panda" today while it was raining. Lot's of good action and clean humor, with a couple slow periods where I thought I might fall asleep. Overall however a very good movie.<br /><br />Bought Big "C" a new, lighter bat today. We'll see if it helps him get around quicker on his swing. He needs to eat some "Wheaties!"<br /><br />My sister got married last Sunday to a great guy. Now I've got a new brother! (Which helps when you've only got two sisters.)Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-90589071210199095042008-06-01T01:04:00.003-04:002008-06-01T01:15:51.638-04:00Here's What's HappeningFirst, I know I was tagged a couple of weeks ago and I still haven't responded to the questions. I'm a procrastinator, what can I say? I'll get to it later. :-)<br /><br />Today was the finals of our Regional track meet in OhiO at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. We had two individuals and two relays qualify to the State meet, which is next week on Friday and Saturday. Our discus thrower didn't make the finals. Our 100m hurdler finished 8th. The 3200m runner placed 7th. One high jumper placed 6th. Here's who is going to <strong>State</strong>: The other high jumper who placed 3rd; our 400m sprinter who placed 4th (she's only a freshman!); our 4x800m relay team which placed 4th; and our 4x400m relay team which placed <strong>1st</strong> and set a new school record (breaking the record they set last Sat.). As a team, we placed 7th out of the 41 girls teams that scored at the Regional meet. That's a new record for a team that I coach.<br /><br />Only three days of school left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Won't be at church tomorrow/today (Sorry Pastor Kris!) because we'll be in Ft. Wayne at my sister's wedding.<br /><br />Only two weeks until the Louisiana/New Orleans trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />I've been gone so much with track and school, but mainly track, that Big "C" hopes I get fired so that I can't coach next year. (I don't feel like a very good father right now.( ByeIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-4255336213771491212008-05-25T01:11:00.002-04:002008-05-25T01:26:55.174-04:00Updates, Updates, Read All About It! :-)Had the finals in our District track meet today. Our team placed second (District Runner-Up!) out of 18 teams. We (members of my team) broke three school records: 100m hurdles, 4x200m relay, and 4x400m relay! All four of our relays advanced to the Regional meet, as well as a discus thrower, 100m hurdler, 400m sprinter, 3200m runner, and two high jumpers. After comparing results from the other three districts that qualify into our regional, we are sitting pretty.<br /><br />I'm excited that I get to work in "Big Kidz Zone" tomorrow, but really, REALLY bummed that I'm going to miss the third and final sermon by Pastor K on "Gunslingers." :( On top of that, I can't stay for the carry-in b/c we have graduation at the school where I teach and then I've got at least seven grad parties to attend. (Or at least make an appearance.) <br /><br />Memorial Day is Monday! Give thanks for those in the military that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and thank those that have or are still serving to protect us, our country, and our liberties and freedoms.<br /><br />Invited the neighbors over and had a small fire and roasted marshmallows and made s'mores tonight. Then watched "National Treasure II: Book of Secrets" with the misses. It was really good, but not as good as the first one. I'd recommend it!Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-72342311552460347082008-05-17T23:47:00.003-04:002008-05-18T00:20:24.277-04:00News ~ Both KindsOn the previous post I wrote about my struggle with mortality and uncertainty, plus the shaming questions I sometimes ask. I've been thinking about what I was trying to describe and then it struck, the light bulb came on, and I had it. I panicked! I'm usually very calm and cool under pressure but the feelings I experienced while wondering about death and my beliefs about God and Heaven caused anxiety. This will be a long process, maybe as long as my earthly existence, as I search my head, heart, and soul for answers. I know that the Bible is the first place I should start looking for answers. Thanks to those who shared scripture or chimed in to let me know that I'm not alone and that they can relate.<br /><br />Whoa, lightning! Hope my surge protector is working properly. May have to log off and finish this later. It's starting to lightning more frequently.<br /><br />Big "C" had try-outs for baseball yesterday evening. He did great and I'm very proud of him!!! We already know who's team he'll be on. Went to the drive-in at Winchester and saw a movie afterward. Little "C" fell asleep an hour into it.<br /><br />We had our conference track & field finals today. (The prelims and some of the finals were on Thursday, in the rain.) We had very good weather today, but it could have been less windy. Oh, well. The girls team that I coach scored 192 points and we had conference champions in nine of the seventeen events. So, yes, we won for the third year in a row! District meet this next week and then it will only be those that place in the top four and qualify on to the Regional meet.<br /><br />In-laws watched the boys this evening so me and the misses could go on a "date." Ate supper at Red Lobster, shopped at Lowe's and Wal-Mart, then had dessert at Baskin Robbins. (Three scoops!!!) Very nice! :-)<br /><br />Really looking forward to Pastor K's second sermon on "Gunslingers!" And yes, Kris, I generally do take copious notes during sermons at church. ;)<br /><br />Graduation is next Sunday and I've been invited to lots of graduation parties. Going to go to some but not sure how many I'll actually be able to make it to.<br /><br />I know I've been tagged. I'll answer the questions next time I post.<br /><br /><em>"I CAN do ALL things through Him who gives me strength." ~ Philippians 4:13</em>Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-67195118929024332742008-05-13T22:57:00.005-04:002008-05-14T00:08:18.662-04:00Shudder ~ An Uncomfortable FeelingHave you ever thought about your death and in the next moment questioned if there is a God, if Christ exist, and if there is a Heaven? How does that make you feel? I did this on the way home from work today. I've been gone a lot recently and was thinking about my wife and sons and how little time that I've spent with them the last few days. Then I started thinking about how they would be if I died, which led me to ponder my own mortality and the strength of my beliefs/resolve/convictions that there is a God in Heaven and Christ, His son, sits next to him. When I think about my death, which, to be honest, isn't often, I usually get a feeling that is a combination of uncertainty, fear, dread, and shame. I call myself a Christian and say that I believe in salvation, God, Christ, and Heaven. When I consider my death the first two emotions/feelings I have are fear and doubt. Fear of my death/mortality and doubt about an afterlife, the existance of God & Heaven, and whether or not I'll be admitted there if it does exist. I get this weird, uncomfortable feeling when I think of this. I consciously tell myself that I am a believer and that these things are real and, for a time, I feel a slight amount of calm. Then I feel sad and ashamed because of the questioning/uncertain thoughts that I have.<br />As usual, I quickly turned my mind to other, happier thoughts and didn't dwell on my mortality long. Do you have a good scripture to help me with this? Would you share it? ThanksIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-63709002919710567962008-05-11T22:52:00.002-04:002008-05-11T23:17:19.035-04:00Blaze of GloryPastor K's (aka Quick-draw) message today was on dueling topics, both of which I have a difficult time handling. First, as a Christian am I willing to forgo everything and everyone else and willingly give my life for Christ? The ideal answer is yea, sure, of course, you betcha, yes. However, this is reality, not fantasy. As PK stated, for most of us (ME) the answer is probably not. Having admitted that, I've got a lot of deep thinking and praying to do. Obviously my priorities and beliefs aren't where they should be. At least not if I'm going to call myself a Christ-follower and, as the song goes, "giving it all back to you, all back to you, I surrender." That's the point: I haven't surrendered and have a difficult time doing so. Major reasons for this are pride, ego, self-centeredness, individualism/loner, "coward?" A lot of soul-searching to be done.<br />The second part, going hand-in-hand with the first, is the question: are you living your life for yourself and your glory, thus wasting it, or are you living for God and Christ? Are you concerned about your earthly legacy or your future heavenly legacy? Should you be concerned about a legacy at all? (Being concerned about a/any legacy makes one seem to be very selfish and self-centered, IMO.) I've given some thought about this and come to realize that I don't plan too far in the future. Being older than PK, you would think that I've given this more attention, but I haven't really been overly concerned about a legacy. While I've thought about my mortality, I believe that I'm still in a state of denial (not Egypt) about my eventual death. While I acknowledge that it's going to happen, I haven't dwelt on it or attempted to change my life in a way that would be more Christ-like or beneficial for my salvation and hope for rebirth. I'm not trying to say that everything that I already do is great or that I'm perfect. Basically I think that I'm just too selfish and my life centers on me, not God. The really disturbing part is that I realize these things and still I haven't changed.<br />Pastor K is raising great questions and the answers I have I don't like. (Or maybe I do but realize that I shouldn't.) You're not the only one in the sinking boat, PK. Maybe through your "Gunslinger" sermons we can find the lifeboat together. I think we all know what and where it is. It's just acknowledging our faults AND THEN doing something about them that will be the hard/difficult part. I've often found that it's easy to uncover sin/waste/fault. It's going further and actually doing something about it that's difficult and rarely done. I hope to someday earn my chaps and be a gunslinger because, as Pastor K said this morning, he's "fueled by the passion of God's glory." It's for the glory of God, stupid, not your own.Irun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044305254362756880.post-90989127517240851262008-05-10T23:50:00.002-04:002008-05-11T00:26:13.944-04:00Reuse, Repair, Recycle, RecoverOkay, so maybe that title isn't exactly right. I'm trying to go from memory, and for me that's about as good as it gets! Bought some new duds today with the "bargain hunter." She told me that I need to sell some articles of clothing at a yard/garage sale so that someone else who's still living in the 80's can purchase them. :( <br /><em>Have you ever looked at your keyboard and wondered, "What's that?" I just noticed "something" on one of the keys and it's disturbing me b/c I don't know what it is or how it got there.</em><br />Was at a 12 team track invitational last night in the rain. (Fun. NOT!) We managed to place second against some really decent competition. With our conference meet looming this week I hope no one gets sick from the..., Oh, wait! You can't get sick from getting wet. Illness comes from a virus!!! ;)<br />Big "C" had a soccer game this morning. He scored a goal and almost had a second one. WOOT! Then we went shopping at the mall and Target. Afterward, we ate lunch at "Texas Roadhouse" with the outlaws, err..., in-laws. Went to a nursery and bought some plants b/c everyone knows how "green" and "environmentally friendly" we are in P-town! Practiced throwing/catching the baseball with Big "C". He is vastly improved from last year! (Although he still needs to work on his catching and not being afraid of the ball.) Went for a 34 minute run this evening, pushing Little "C" in the jogging stroller. Felt good! (He kept telling me to run faster.) <br />At the soccer game this morning had a nice chat with Pastor Pink! Thanks -P-! It's not often that I get to talk politics with someone with whom I share many of the same ideas/opinions. I still think that you should forward that memo to Hillary's campaign headquarters. lol<br /><br />If there are any moms reading this, "Happy Mother's Day!"<br /><br />Now I have to round up my western garb and six-shooter & holster to get ready for the "Gunslinger" sermon Pastor K is delivering tomorrow! PEACEIrun Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05096968287021953061noreply@blogger.com0