Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

I won't be posting a Woman of the Week this week, we are on our way to Florida for Thanksgiving and I plan to just enjoy myself.  I'm not even taking my laptop!

We had a visitor last week - Les' cousin Shannon had business in California and spent a few nights with us before flying home.  Friday afternoon we made a quick visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.  We didn't get there until about 3:00 and it closed at 5:00, so we moved quickly through the exhibits.

I forgot to take any pictures of the Oval Office, but here is Les being presidential:

Air Force One:

His meetings with Gorbachev:

Part of the Berlin Wall:

There is a special exhibit right now - "The Wall the Heals" is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  This is a traveling exhibit that is only on display for a few days and we were fortunate to see it.

On my way out of the library, I  walked through the gift shop.  I picked up a 2016 calendar with this picture of the cover:

When the library opened in November 1991, I was working down the street at Bugle Boy.  Security was high with our current president and these four former presidents in town.  It's one of my favorite pictures!

I don't understand all that is going on in our world.  Sadly, the Bible tells us that man is not good, we live in a fallen state.  But "what is right" is God's ways and those ways will always eventually triumph!

Tamar (Lineage of Christ) ~ Woman of the Week

Matthew 1:1 says, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."  Fifteen verses detail the lineage of Christ from Abraham to Joseph and only four women are named.  Tamar is the first.  A study of all the men in this lineage would also be interesting, but I'm sticking with the women.

According to the Genesis Record by Dr. Henry Morris, "The time that elapsed between the events of Genesis 37, when Joseph was sent into Egypt, and those of chapter 47, which describe the coming of Jacob into Egypt, was about twenty-two years."  Genesis chapter 38 is the only chapter that tells about the sons of Jacob while Joseph was in Egypt.  "This chapter contains details, which probably would never have obtained a place in the inspired record, had it not been to exhibit the full links of the chain that connects the genealogy of the Savior with Abraham."  (A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown {JFB})

Verses:  Genesis 38:6-30

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
The Bible doesn't give any background on Tamar.  Judah had moved away from his father and brothers and married a Canaanite woman. Most commentaries agreed that Tamar was a Canaanite as well.
Tamar was married to two of Judah's sons - Er and Onan.  She later had twin sons by Judah, Pharez and Zarah.

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?
We are introduced to Tamar as the wife Judah chose for his son. According to the Genesis Record, Er was probably a teenager when Judah chose Tamar as his wife.  "Knowing the weak and sinful character of his sons as he must have by this time, he probably felt it was all the more important that a wife be selected for his oldest son who would be a good influence on her husband, as well as on her children.  He finally found Tamar, a girl he apparently judged suitable for such needs. Though nothing is said about her background, we believe the above inferences are warranted from all the recorded circumstances."

The Bible doesn't say how long Tamar and Er were married, but only one verse later it says, "And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him."  We don't know what the wickedness was, just that Er was wicked and the Lord slew him.

As was the custom, Judah then gave Tamar to his next son, Onan.  "Onan, however, was of the same mind as his brother in this matter. No doubt he was supported in this attitude, perhaps encouraged in it in the first place, by his mother. At the same time, he was aware of the fate which had taken his brother, and so was torn between fear of disobeying his father’s God and his antipathy toward the idea of being the father of Tamar’s son. He especially disliked the idea of fathering a son who would not be reckoned as his. In his indecisiveness, he did go ahead and marry Tamar and actually “went in unto his brother’s wife.” At the last moment, however, he changed his mind and “spilled the seed on the ground.” As a result, the Lord was greatly displeased, and slew Onan also." (The Genesis Record)

Judah then put a restriction on Tamar, "Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown."  "She could not marry in any other family so long as Judah would retain her in his." (1599 Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Genesis 38:12 says, "And in process of time..."  We don't know how long this was, but Tamar had continued to wait for Judah to make good on his promise to give Shelah as her husband.   She heard that Judah had gone "to Timnath to shear his sheep. And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife."  (Genesis 38:13-14)

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible said, "Tamar wickedly prostituted herself as a harlot to Judah, that, if the son might not, the father might raise up seed to the deceased. Some excuse this by suggesting that, though she was a Canaanite, yet she had embraced the true religion, and believed the promise made to Abraham and his seed, particularly that of the Messiah, who was to descend from the loins of Judah, and that she was therefore thus earnestly desirous to have a child by one of that family that she might have the honor, or at least stand fair for the honor, of being the mother of the Messiah. And, if this was indeed her desire, it had its success; she is one of the four women particularly named in the genealogy of Christ. Her sinful practice was pardoned, and her good intention was accepted, which magnifies the grace of God, but can by no means be admitted to justify or encourage the like. Bishop Patrick thinks it probable that she hoped Shelah, who was by right her husband, might have come along with his father, and that he might have been allured to her embraces.  Judah was taken in the snare, and though it was ignorantly that he was guilty of incest with his daughter-in-law (not knowing who she was), yet he was willfully guilty of fornication: whoever she was, he knew she was not his wife, and therefore not to be touched."

Judah and Tamar came to an agreement.  Judah would send a kid from the flock.  Tamar wanted to be sure that Judah would pay up so she requested a pledge.  "And he said, What pledge shall I give thee?"   He was "willing to part with anything for the gratification of his lust."  (John Gill)  "And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him."  Judah didn't argue, he willingly gave all three items to fulfill his lust.

Three months passed before Judah and Tamar were faced with the consequences. During that time, Tamar put back on the garments of widowhood and Judah tried to send a kid from his flock, but the harlot could not be found.  "And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt."  (Genesis 38:24) 

"Consequently, Judah immediately judged Tamar to be guilty of a capital crime and ordered her to be burned. It may be, also, that he was subconsciously happy at this unexpected opportunity to solve the vexatious problem of how to avoid marrying Shelah to Tamar. In the process of interrogating her as to the other guilty party, however, Judah suddenly experienced an even greater shock. He himself—self-righteous Judah!—had been the adulterer responsible for her condition. There was no doubt about it, because she brought forth his seal and cord and staff to prove it.  Tamar did know enough about Judah that she had confidence he would treat her fairly, once he saw the full truth of the situation. The mystery of the vanishing harlot was solved, and he immediately realized not only what she had done, but why she had done it. No longer could he be angry, but only repentant and compassionate. She had been more righteous than he. Rather than slaying her and her unborn child, he would care for them as his own. He could no longer give her to Shelah, nor would it be right for him to live with her as husband and wife, but he would at least acknowledge her son as his heir." (The Genesis Record)

Finally, when it was time for the baby to be born, there were twins.  Like their grandfather, Jacob, they wrestled at birth with Zarah putting for his hand first, but Pharez being born first.  "The midwife attending the birth first saw a tiny hand emerge and, in order to keep the twins distinct, assuming this one would be born first, she tied a scarlet thread on his hand. But then, surprisingly, his hand drew back, and the other twin forged ahead and came out first. The latter was named Pharez, meaning “breaking-through,” in token of the manner of his birth. The other was named Zerah, meaning “rising.” It was he on whose hand had been tied the scarlet thread." (The Genesis Record)

We don't read anymore of Tamar.  Most commentaries agree that Judah provided for her but he did not marry her  In spite of her background and her sins, she is still named in the genealogy of Jesus.

Woman of the Week ~ Tamar (Lineage of Christ)

As we make our way to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I want to spend the next five weeks studying the women named in Matthew chapter 1.  These women are both Jews and Gentiles, women of great interest.

Verses:  Genesis 38:6-30

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Elisabeth ~ Woman of the Week

One of the things that I have noticed this year, is that God often has a special plan for barren women.  It was not a punishment, but a delay.  God moves in His time, not ours.  Sarah, Hannah, and Elisabeth are all examples of women who were barren, to whom God gave special children.  John Gill's commentary said, "God had promised the people of Israel that there should be no male nor female barren among them, yet there were instances and exceptions to this general rule, as before mentioned, when it was the pleasure of God to make himself known, and magnify his power in the extraordinary conception and birth of any person; and therefore, though barrenness was reckoned a reproach to a person, there was, in this case, a particular hand of God, to answer a special purpose."

Verses:  Luke 1:5-80

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
Elisabeth was married to Zacharias, they had one son, John the Baptist.  We don't know anything about her parents or any siblings, but she was the cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Elisabeth was also of the daughters of Aaron - priests could marry a woman of any of the tribes of Israel, but many commentators said that it was most commendable of all to marry one of the priests’ line.

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?
Elisabeth and Zacharias were both called "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." "The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity." (Matthew Henry)

I was curious what "well stricken in years" actually meant.  From several commentaries:  "Old or advanced in life, so as to render the prospect of having children hopeless." (Albert Barnes)  “Had gone far in their days.” (Archibald Thomas Robertson)  "It may be literally rendered, "they had proceeded", or had far advanced "in their days": it is an "Hebraism", and answers to, באים בימים in Genesis 18:11 where the Septuagint render it by the same phrase as here. The Mahometan writers Beidavi and Jallallo'din say (c) that Zacharias was "ninety nine" years of age, and his wife "eighty nine."  (John Gill)  This would have made them the same age as Abraham and Sarah when Sarah was expecting Isaac.  After a quick search, I found that the phrase "well stricken" was only used referring to Abraham and Sarah (well stricken in age), and Zacharias and Elisabeth (well stricken in years.)  Whatever their actual age, a baby was no longer what they were expecting.

Luke 1:24 says, "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months."  Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible said, "Did not go forth into public, and concealed her condition. This might have been done that she might spend her time more entirely in giving praise to God for his mercies, and that she might have the fullest proof of the accomplishment of the promise before she appeared in public or spoke of the mercies of God."

Elisabeth then speaks, "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."  She, who was well stricken in years, who had heard the questions and whispers about her barrenness for probably decades, could now rejoice that God had taken away her reproach.

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?
I don't think Elisabeth needed to reset, but she received a special blessing in carrying the one who would prepare the way of the Messiah. 

Six months into Elisabeth's pregnancy, the angel appeared to Mary.  I'll talk about that in a few weeks, but I love how these two women's lives are intertwined.  Elisabeth in her advanced years, Mary just a young woman.  I think it's interesting that in Luke 1:36 the angel told Mary of Elizabeth's pregnancy and it is the next verse that says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible."  "The case of Elisabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elisabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised." (Albert Barnes)

When Mary appeared to Elisabeth, a wondrous thing occurred.  "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost."  In Luke 1:15, Gabriel told Zacharias, "he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."  Elisabeth, and later in verse 67, Zacharias, are the only people named that were filled with the Holy Ghost before the day of Pentecost.  "The Holy Ghost visited Elisabeth and Zacharias in an exceptional manner." (John Nelson Darby)

Elisabeth confirmed the prophecy to Mary saying, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.  And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."  (Luke 1:42-45)  "Elisabeth was far from envying the superior honor conferred on her kinswoman, who was both meaner and younger than she; that she esteems it a wonderful favor, that she should be indulged with a visit from her, who had already conceived the Messiah." (John Gill)

Mary stayed with Elisabeth for about three months before returning home.  Not long after, Elisabeth gave birth to a son.  "And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her."  "Pictures the continual joy of the neighbors." (Archibald Thomas Robertson)

On the eighth day, the baby was to be circumcised.  Family and neighbors said he should be called Zacharias after his father.  Elizabeth responded, "Not so; but he shall be called John."  She knew this was the name that the angel had given, "having learned, either by inspiration of the Holy Ghost (as is most probable), or by information in writing from her husband, that God appointed this to be his name." (Matthew Henry)  Zacharias is able to confirm this in writing and then his mouth is opened once again as he is filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesies.

We don't read about Elisabeth and Zacharias again in the Bible.  I assume they must have passed away before John began his public ministry and God spared them the agony of his beheading.  They are an important part of the coming of the Messiah, and a reminder that "with God nothing shall be impossible."

When the Dream Never Dies

While studying Elizabeth this week, a song from the Christmas musical "Child of the Promise" has been on repeat in my brain.  Before the song, Elizabeth speaks to Zacharias:

Zacharias! What is the matter?
What is this strange new look in your eyes?
Don’t you know it’s me, Elizabeth, your wife?
Why don’t you speak? What have you seen?
A letter for me, from you, Zacharias?
What does all this mean?
A son, Zacharias? For us?
But we are so… well… we are old

I’ve dreamed of giving you a son, Zacharias
I saw what I thought was the death of that dream
I trust what you’ve heard
And I know what you’ve seen
Are from God...

WHEN THE DREAM NEVER DIES
(Omartian/Omartian, 2000)

Deep in my heart was an ember of longing
Kept warm by the flame of desire
A dream held in secret I yearned to hold openly
Fanned by my hope into fire

It burned to such heat I could touch it no more
So I put it away and then closed up the door
Forever extinguishing all that would keep it alive
But the dream never died

The Lord has done this for me
He has looked on me kindly
He has heard all my cries
He's given me back what I laid at His feet
It must be God
When the dream never dies

Isn't it just like the Lord to invite me
To put all my dreams in His hands
Forever releasing the grip that once held them
Forever surrendering my plans?

And then when He's certain it's not born of men
He calls for the fire to rekindle again
And He asks me to know in my heart
What's not seen with my eyes
So the dream never dies

The Lord has done this for me
He has looked on me kindly
He has heard all my cries
He has given me back what I laid at His feet
It must be God
When the dream never dies

It must be God
When the dream never dies

Do you have a dream that refuses to die?  Have you laid it at God's feet?  Don't give up, it just might be God when the dream never dies.

Veterans Day

We have many American holidays and often given thanks to our service men and women on them.  But Veterans Day is the day that was set aside nearly 100 years go to officially honor America's veterans.  The important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
 

My great uncle, Lewis Gannaway, who served in the Philippines in WW II

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

My father-in-law, Bill McElhaney, still able to fit into his Navy blues!

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

My great uncle, Euel Gannaway, who served in Germany during WW II

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

My uncle, Ron Fultz

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

I honor all those men and women who have served and those who are serving today.  Thank you for your service!

When Satan Runs Amok in the Streets

Our adult Sunday school class has been studying Feasts and Celebrations this quarter.  This past Sunday, Les taught a fabulous lesson about the Festival of Purim.  This is the celebration that was instituted after the Jews were delivered from Haman's wicked plot in the book of Esther.

This feast is still celebrated each year in March. It covers two days, the first being the Fast of Esther, followed by the Festival of Purim. This particular fast has one purpose - to remember God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s attempt at extermination.  We don't usually fast to remember, but to ask God for something.  I know I have never fasted in remembrance of what God has done for me.  The next day, during the Festival of Purim, is a time of joyful celebration.

Les concluded the lesson by sharing a story of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  400,000 Jews were rounded up and 300,000 were eventually killed.  It was a dark time.  There was nothing to celebrate, but Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman said:

"In the Zohar it is written that Yom Kippurim means Yom ke Purim, ‘a day just like Purim’. That is to say, just as on yom Kippur – whether you like it or not – you must fast on orders of the Holy One, blessed be He; so you must rejoice on Purim. Even if Satan runs amok in the streets, you have to be happy, it is the will of God."

If anyone had a reason not to celebrate, it was these Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.  It is said that young Gerer Hasidim courageously emerged from their bunkers in the Warsaw Ghetto on the festival of Purim in 1943 and danced in the spirit of this joyous festival.

It often seems like Satan runs amok in the streets of America, but we must rejoice, it is the will of God.  We serve the God of deliverance and He will come through for us!

Revel Canyon City Marathon Report

Here's how marathon #4 went for me:

Friday - Packet Pickup
This was the smallest expo I've ever been to, but I didn't mind.  The volunteer handling my letter (L-M) spent the entire time talking to a friend, which I always find a bit rude, but I got my packet and was on my way.  They had a mat set up to make sure your timing chip worked, then I picked up my shirt.  I had paid a little extra for long sleeve and really like it.

Dinner, of course, was pizza.  We went to Aviolo's in Covina.  I had my normal two pieces and lots of water.

Wearing my Life Is Good "Gotta Run" shirt!

We checked into the DoubleTree hotel in Monrovia.  This was about 9 miles from the start line.  We were given a little information packet and told that breakfast bags would be available at 4:00 a.m.  That was an unexpected surprise and while I didn't eat what was in the bag before the race, the water, apple and Nutri Grain bar really hit the spot on the drive home!

Saturday - Before O'Dark Thirty
As usual, I didn't sleep great.  I was awake about every 30 minutes from 11:30 on and finally got up for good at 3:00.  We had to be on the buses for the marathon between 4:00 and 5:00.  Because there was a problem at one of their earlier races this year, I wasn't going to take a chance on missing the bus!  We left the room just before 4:00, grabbed our breakfast bags and headed to Azusa Pacific University.

Les walked me to the bus then headed back to the car.  He waited around until about 5:30 then got on his bike.  Because he knows the back roads, his plan was to ride to the intersection of highway 39 (that we would be running) and East Fork Road.  We weren't sure if it would work, but I got to see him at mile 15!  Since the road was closed to all traffic, there were no spectators on the course, so that was an awesome moment.

I sat next to Tom on the bus ride.  He ran Canyon City last year in 4:02, missing a BQ by 2 minutes since he is 61.  His plan was to run the first half aggressively and hope to finish a little faster this year.  He, along with every other runner I talked to, was so friendly.  I ran with many people throughout the morning and the camaraderie/commiserating on the course was awesome!

We were at Crystal Lake Cafe by about 5:30 and everyone made use of the gloves and blankets included in our packets.  I had an extra layer that I planned on donating to the road at some point and was glad for it as well.  All drop bags had to be on the truck by 6:45, then it was just 15 minutes until go time.

Because I wanted to run my first half a little faster, I talked to the 3:45 pacer.  She said she planned on doing about an 8:25 pace.  I felt comfortable with that for the start and hung out with the group that was going to run with her.  Many had the same goal as me - sub 4:00.

Without any fanfare, right at 7:00 we were off!  I hung with my group but felt like I was really working hard.  I looked at my pace and saw 7:55!  Uh oh.  I know I'm not that fast.  My fastest recorded time was 6:32 (probably for about a second) and I dipped below the 8 minute/mile range during 9 of the first 10 miles.
 

I let the 3:45 group go after about 3 miles and just got into my own rhythm.  I felt good but didn't want to blow up.  I blew up anyway!   I hit the halfway point at 1:54:28, 8:44 pace.  But the road turned up and my legs were too beat up to respond like I wanted them to.  I walked and ran, walked and ran some more.

My stomach did really well.  I felt nauseated a couple of times, but not too bad.  I stopped twice to use the port-a-potty and once to re-tie my shoes, but other than that I was able to keep moving.  Sometimes at a snail's pace, but moving closer to the finish line.

The next official time check was at 23.1, I ran those ten miles in 2:09:06, a 12:54 pace, bringing my overall pace to 10:32.  The final 5k was a disappointing 42:57, 13:51 pace!  According to Strava, my first 5k was in 25:18!

There was a small 30 foot climb during mile 26 that felt especially cruel, but then there were 2 right turns with 30 feet of descending to the finish line!  I found the energy to run the last 0.2 at a 10:04 pace.

I loved the finish line - they had two mats to cross, one that got your name to the announcer so that when you officially crossed you heard your name.  Then there were the humongous medals, followed by water and towels that were dripping with ice cold water!

After taking my official PR photo, I collapsed in a chair and Les took my shoes off for me!  I have a couple of small blisters, but nothing like the giant one I got when I did my training run up there.  I put mole skin on my heels before the race and I'm pretty sure it saved me.

Best foot massage (by the best husband) ever!

I was really impressed with the organization of this race.  I love the free pictures, especially since there was no way for spectators to take any.  (I'm still waiting for my finish line shot, hopefully I can post it tomorrow.)  The volunteers were fantastic.  At one of the later water stops, a volunteer was holding a large jug of water and yelling, "I'll top of your water bottle for you!"  That really helped.  I've stood pouring water from cups into my water bottle more than once.  It warmed up to about 70 by the end, so I made sure I took in plenty of fluids.  My overall energy was good - my legs were just too beat up to maintain the pace I wanted.

Official time 4:46:31, 10:56 pace.  7 minutes and 2 seconds faster than my previous best - Ojai to Ocean in 2012!

Woman of the Week ~ Elisabeth

2015 is quickly coming to a close.  I fell of the Woman of the Week wagon, but I want to finish the year with this several more posts.  Starting next week I'll be looking at the women named in the lineage of Christ as found in Matthew chapter one.  But there is one woman who is also closely tied to that story - Mary's cousin, Elisabeth.

Verses:  Luke 1:5-80

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Marathon Results - A Personal Best

I finished marathon #4!  It was, without a doubt, the hardest run I've ever done.  The first half was all downhill and my legs were completely beat up for the second half.  Official finishing time 4:46:31, 10:56 pace.  27/48 in my age group.  345/536 females.  846/1199 finishers.

Full details coming soon!

Revel Canyon City Marathon

I'll be running my fourth marathon this Saturday.  I'm really excited, my training has gone pretty good this time around, and I'm ready to cross the finish line!  It's looking to be pretty chilly at the start (high 30s to low 40s.)  This picture was in September near the start line at 5,700':

I'll be running downhill for the majority of the time.  I've blogged all about my training on my running blog, if you haven't been following along, you can read about here.

This link will take you to a tracking page if you want to know how I'm doing during the run.  Canyon City Marathon Tracking.  I am bib #2776. Full details coming soon!

Twenty Five Years Ago Today!

Several years ago I found this note in Mom's handwriting:

I think Mom was a bit happy about that!   It was a lovely day in Yosemite when we hiked to Vernal Falls.  He asked and I said YES!!

You can read the entire story here.  Twenty five years later, I would still say YES!  Besides following Jesus, this is the best decision I've ever made.  Needless to say, I was a bit ecstatic the next day!

There is SO much I could say about this wonderful guy.  He's the best!  Our life has been quite an adventure.  We've had some tough times with job losses, surgeries and the loss of loved ones, but our good times have far outnumbered the bad! I think the best way to sum it up is one word:  Adventure!  Here's to many more adventures!

We have already booked our Silver Anniversary Trip.  Next May we will be jetting off to Rome, then boarding a cruise ship for 9 days to the Grecian Isles.  I have to give a huge shout out to our travel agent.  We usually book our own trips, but wanted help with this one.  Paula, at Paula's Travel, booked our cruise in May.  Since then she has emailed me three times to let me know she was able to get a reduced price - over $1,300 in savings so far!  If you're looking for a great travel agent, I highly recommend her.  You don't need to live in Simi Valley - all of our plans have been done via phone or email.  She doesn't charge a penny - her income comes from the cruise and airlines.  Click this link right HERE to go to her website.

Fall Back!

It's that time again (unless you live in Hawaii or Arizona!)  Set your clock back one hour tonight.  Don't waste that hour - get up at the same time, exercise for 30 minutes then surprise your pastor by being early for church!

And while you're at it...

REI to Close on Black Friday

I read a really interesting article on USA Today - "Outdoor gear and sporting goods retailer REI is canceling Black Friday this year. No promotions, no hourly sales, no doorbusters, no waiting in line. In an unprecedented move for the modern-day holiday shopping season, REI's 143 stores will be closed the day after Thanksgiving. The co-op business plans to launch a campaign Tuesday encouraging people to forgo shopping to spend time outside instead. With the hashtag #OptOutside, REI will ask people to share what they're doing on Black Friday on social media."

I love this!  I have never done the Black Friday thing.  I think I got up once, before I was married, and was at a store at 6:00 a.m., which was really early back then!  I was looking for one item.  I bought it and went back home.

We've spent several black Fridays traveling, but we have also opted outside quite a bit.  We were at Yosemite in 2009:

We did some cycling on the Pacific Coast Highway in 2010:

We rented bikes in Mexico Beach, Florida in 2011:

We were back at Yosemite in 2012:

We were back in Mexico Beach in 2013 and I did some running while Les went cycling:

Last year we stayed home and I don't have a single picture, but my training log shows that I ran 4 miles then rode 8.6 miles!

Will you #OptOutside, go shopping on Black Friday, or a little of both?

Jet Lag, Domestic Recovery, Fall Envy, and Puzzle Prayer Time

I have several things to blog about that will take a bit more thought, but I wanted to pop in today with just a few short thoughts:

We flew home on Friday night.  Les needed to be in the office the entire day on Friday, so we took the red eye, leaving Honolulu at 11:10 p.m. and arriving in Los Angeles at 7:40 a.m.  Those flights are painful!  I think I slept off and on for about an hour and Les got about a 20 minute catnap.  We crashed as soon as we got home, spent Saturday afternoon unpacking and, unfortunately for Les, repacking.  We were in bed by 9:00 (6:00 Hawaii time) and slept straight through until our alarm went off at 5:30 Sunday morning.  Les had to fly three more time zones east for a conference in Philadelphia this week.  So while I'm dealing with a three time zone difference, he's dealing with six!  I got a text from him this morning letting me know he had won a drone, so it wasn't all in vain!

After getting Les off to the airport, Sunday was filled with church with a nap sandwiched between services.  Pastor White preached two fabulous message and Sunday night's was off the charts!  I finally made it to the grocery store yesterday, along with the dry cleaners.  Today is Domestic Recovery Day Two while I clean house and do laundry.  I don't have too much laundry since I washed all our clothes in Hawaii on Friday morning before we packed. 

While I'm cleaning, I'm trying to decide if I want to bring out my Fall/Thanksgiving decorations.  I usually do this mid-September, but we were gone.  It has been in the 90s every day since we got home, so it's hard to get motivated.  Maybe I'll put them out by faith!  I've yet to have pumpkin spice anything.  I'm envious of those who are enjoying beautiful 40 degree Fall mornings, but won't be when 40 is their high in a few months!

Finally, if you have not read the latest post on The Ballestro Blog, you need to!  It's one of the neatest, sweetest posts ever!  Click here now!

Today's Sunrise

We are flying home tonight so I did my final run for this trip this morning.  God sent me off with this spectacular sunrise!

Having an Apostolic Attitude

We enjoyed Tuesday night Bible study at New Life Pentecostal last night.  Pastor and Sister McGriffin had been in Tennessee for General Conference and some family time so this was the only Tuesday night we got to hear him this trip.  He taught about "Having an Apostolic Attitude," from Philippians 2:3-8.  I forgot to bring a notepad, but I did manage to get a few notes on my iPad.

Deciding to follow Christ makes you a success. Just deciding that means you have the attitude of a winner.  But it is possible to be filled with the Holy Ghost and have a rotten attitude. We also know people who know nothing about God who have positive attitudes. 

We need to start looking at trials and tests as opportunities to be better in Christ.  We need to connect the right attitude with the power of the Holy Ghost and our opportunities will be limitless. We live in a restricted dimension when our attitude is wrong. 

Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" The Amplified version says, "Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus:"

Ability is what you are capable of doing

Motivation determines what you do

Attitude determines how well you do it. 

- Lou Holtz

Sounds like we're about to have an attitude check. 

In addition to an altitude indicator, a Lear jet has an attitude indicator. The gauge lets the pilot know what position the airplane is flying relative to the horizon. If the nose is down, you are descending.  Even if it is just one degree, if you don't do something about your attitude you're heading for a disaster. This is why some people crash in the kingdom of God. They ignore the signs directing them to check their attitude. 

Change the attitude of the airplane it changes its performance.  When the attitude is lifted, things start heading up. Change your attitude. 

There is a technique called attitude flying.  We need to learn how to engage in attitude flying and maintain an Apostolic attitude that makes sure we're climbing. Our performance will improve. 

If you are always pointing your nose down, you are going down. Think up, look up, be up!  Jesus said "lift up your eyes." Exist in a dimension of ascending attitude. Engage in spiritual attitude flying. 

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."  To have the mind of Christ we have to have a selfless attitude. Not about me, but how I serve others.

Philippians 2:6-7 says, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"  Jesus was secure in who He was. Our salvation is in Christ so we have no need to be insecure. Insecure people are hard to get along with.  Jesus was selfless and secure. It is dangerous to see yourself as being spiritually sensitive but not being submissive to the will and word of God. 

All You Need is Love... and a Little Ice Cream

We're on our final week for this Hawaiian trip.  We've had a wonderful time.  Les has been super busy working and getting in some fun bike rides.  I've continued training for my next marathon.  Four weeks from Saturday I'll be lining up again.  In addition to my normal training runs I was able to participate in the Brio Ice Cream 25k yesterday morning.  It started at 5:30 a.m.  Since New Life Pentecostal only has a Sunday evening service it did not impact our church attendance at all.  We were so happy to see Pastor McGriffin feeling better, preaching and encouraging us all.

It was a breezy 76 degrees for the race, which meant my body was working overtime to run and keep from overheating.  I haven't done many races but this one felt pretty good!  I finished 16/34 in my age group (Females 50-54) and I was happy with that.

And ice cream at the end?  Can't go wrong there!

I apologize for my lack of posts.  I don't have a comfortable spot to type on my laptop in this particular condo and any extended time ends up really hurting my wrist.