Running On Faith

My wife and I recently got away for our 25th anniversary. We enjoyed a beautiful trip to Lake Tahoe. It is an amazing place with fantastic views, clear pristine water, and amazing trees. As we hiked together on some days (and I ran on others) through the multitude of trails and walking paths, I marveled at the Jeffrey Pines, the enormous Sugar Pines and the shaggy Cedar’s that filled the state parks and national forests. Standing in some of these ancient forests is truly a humbling experience. To consider all that those majestic trees have seen in their lifetimes is truly awesome.

One morning I ran through an area that had been protected from development. South Tahoe is home to a variety of casinos. There are lots of other companies that are trying to get a piece of that pie, but it is also important for the natural landscape to be preserved for the sake of wildlife and for the enjoyment of the millions of people who vacation in and around Tahoe. Finding the balance between development and preservation is crucial for the wellbeing of humanity and the whole creation.

Sometimes we get so short sighted in life because we are so focused on a goal or objective that we miss the bigger picture and the potentially harmful impact of our actions and behaviors. I was reminded of the saying “can’t see the forest for the trees.”

In our lives of faith, how often do we get so focused on what we are doing right here that we forget to step back and look at the whole? Both are important skills. Sometimes the larger picture can overwhelm us and so focusing on the next step is what is necessary to progress. At other times our singular focus can keep us unaware of the harm we may be inflicting on others around us. So friends, as we journey in faith may we learn how best to implement both skills and enjoy the gift of the forest as well as the wonder of each tree. Watch where you are going in that next step and also remember to look up and out to get a view of the whole landscape.

Soli Deo Gloria!

A few weeks ago I participated in the Blue Ridge Relay in Western North Carolina.  The event was amazing!  There were over 200 teams – from 4 -12 people in size – all running 209 miles from Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia to Asheville, NC. I ran with a group of 11 other guys from the Davidson area, most of which are part of the Davidson F3 group.  We had a blast!  There were two van loads of people each with six runners.  There were 36 legs of the race so we all had 3 legs to run.  I was runner #9.

The first six runners began the race and we met them at the Transition Zone between legs 7-12.  At that point we were on and the first van got a break.  We hopscotched like this until the end when Runner #12 brought us across the finish line.

It was a privilege to run with these guys.  We encouraged one another, cheered for one another, looked for each other when someone got lost or didn’t show up at the expected time.  We made sure folks got rest, helped out with the driving, shared food and water (and clothing when needed).  It was a Team Effort. Everyone wanted to see the TEAM succeed and reach the finish line.  People were concerend about their individual runs, sure, but they were motivated to excel for the sake of the team’s success. I really got to know the guys in my van – runners 7-12.  We bonded over that 32+ hour period and I am grateful for each of them.

In a couple of days (September 29th) I will be running the 50-mile run in Davidson that I have named “50 for Freedom”.  I have had an amazing team to work with to help plan the event, publicize, and spearhead the fundraising.  I could not have done this without Jenny, Julie, Pat, John, Scott, Linda, and Thomas. They have supported me, sacrificed, and given of themselves in extraordinary ways. They have done it for the sake of the team – so that together we might achieve this audacious goal of raising $50,000 for Lily Pad Haven – to help end human trafficking.

If you would like to learn more about this event click http://lilypad-haven.org/50-for-freedom

I would love for you to come out and join me Saturday and become part of a Team Effort to raise awareness about human trafficking and to bring it to an end.  Hope to see you there.

Soli Deo Gloria.

On the anniversary of 9/11 the nation pauses to remember the horrific events of that day when terror struck on US soil.  But more than the terror, we remember the love of family members and friends.  We remember the bravery and courage of first responders.  We remember the countless medical personnel who worked around the clock to care for the injured.  We remember the families of those who died and we weep with them in their loss.

There is a kind of memory that leads us to re-member – that is – to put back together that which has been broken.  And there is much of that still to be done.

One of my common running routes takes me by the Cornelius Fire Department and the 9/11 Memorial that they erected several years ago. I decided the day it went up that when I ran by I would take off my running hat and would pray for the victims and the families as well as for the first responders and their families.  That practice has helped me to re-member.  It has connected me with 9/11 in a deeper way and it has given me a deeper appreciation for what families go through each and every day when tragedy strikes.

What I continue to realize is that humanity is capable of so much horror and so much good.  God has given us a great deal of power, ability, and influence…and sometimes we misuse it in a way that harms, isolates, oppresses, demeans, or destroys.  When we remember who we are as creations – as children – of a God who is good and loving – then we can remember our connection to all that is good and our connection to one another.  We re-member the broken and begin to use our power to bring about healing, restoration, and reconciliation.

There is still much work to do.  I pray that our memories of 9/11 and other tragedies of life will motivate us towards truly remembering – that is – restoring that which has been broken.  That is our calling.  I hope you will join me.

Soli Deo Gloria!

The other morning I was enjoying a run on one of the beautiful greenways in our area.  I have been trying to run at a slower pace than normal as I train for the 50 for Freedom 50-mile run at the end of September.  But this particular morning I was feeling pretty good and so I was running at a sub 8 minute mile – not that fast – but much faster than I plan to run the 50-miler.  As I came out of the woods from the greenway and hopped onto a sidewalk I noticed a runner up ahead that had just come out of a neighborhood.  I decided that I would hang back and run behind him about 10-15 yards so as not to push myself too hard on the rest of the run.

Now – this runner was bigger than me – taller and more muscular.  He looked more like a linebacker to me than a runner.  I was planning to relax the rest of the run as I followed him down the road but what I discovered was that he had no intention of taking it easy.  He actually sped up slightly.  I don’t think he realized I was behind him.  I had no intention of trying to pass…I just wanted to keep up – to keep him in my sights so as to have a way to stay motivated to keep a good pace.  But it pushed me – it challenged me more than I thought it would.

We kept this up for several miles and then I realized that he was going a different direction than I wanted to go.  I was ready to turn and head back to the house and he was going on.  It was time to stop following this guy and head in a different direction.

As I turned off the road I thought about the symbolism behind this choice.  It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the direction that the other person was going…but sometimes there is.  Sometimes the people we are following are leading us in a direction in life that isn’t healthy, that doesn’t help us be our best selves, and that doesn’t bring honor to God.  In those moments it is important to remember who we are and what our goals, priorities, and purpose are and make the hard choice to part company.

Sometimes this can cause pain. Sometimes it leads to a severed relationship. Sometimes it requires us to reevaluate our own lives.  Whatever it requires, it is worth it.  Being true to ourselves, to our maker, to our purpose in life allows us to live with integrity.  That is more important than staying the course when that course doesn’t lead you to your desired destination.

As you come to that fork in the road, path, trail, or greenway, I hope and pray that for you it will be clear which way you need to go.  If you have to part company with someone and not “follow them” down a path that is wrong for you, I hope that it will not cause too much pain.  I hope that you will be able to take the time you need to make the right decision for you and for those whom you love.  Remember to ask God for wisdom, seek God’s Kingdom first, and trust in the Lord with all your heart.  The right path will become evident to you before you know it.

Soli Deo Gloria!

I recently spent several days visiting my parents in Boone, NC.  One of the things that we enjoyed while I was there was a long walk on the greenway.  I also ran on the greenway a couple of times and enjoyed the beautiful wild flowers, wild life, and clear running water of the New River.  I feel so blessed to be able to get out and enjoy these wonderful natural gifts that God has given to us.

Walking with my parents gave me a deep appreciation for my family and for the roots that I have in the Boone community as well as the community of First Presbyterian Church in Boone.  I give thanks for all I learned from my parents and for the ways that they helped prepare me for life.  The images of roots and wings have often been referenced in parenting.  Parents and other mentors help children develop strong roots and strong wings so that when the time is right they can fly on their own.  I feel like I have had the blessing of both.

Not every child has the ability to fly away.  Some find themselves trapped in a cage they didn’t make or choose.  They are imprisoned there by an oppressor who takes advantage of them and tries to gain a monetary benefit from their suffering.  Sometimes they are made to work at very small or no wage to pay off a debt that isn’t even theirs.  Sometimes they are made to perform unspeakable acts for the sick pleasure of some “customer.”  All the payment goes to their oppressor and they continue to be manipulated, oppressed, and held against their will.  This is the face of human trafficking.

But this isn’t the only way that wings get clipped.  Anytime a child is held back, whether through bullying, or abuse, or poverty, or war, there is some part of their ability to fly that is impacted.  We can turn this around.  Through advocacy, encouragement, mentoring, education, and others means of support we can lift children up and help strengthen their ability to fly in this world.

Where can you plug in and make a difference today? Can you sign up at a local school to read to a child?  Can you be a big brother or sister in the community?  Can you teach Sunday school or help with a youth ministry?  Can you donate funds to an organization that works with and for children on the margins?  There is something that you can do!  So do it today and help a child fly.

The butterfly is a beautiful and colorful example of a creature that is able to fly after having been “imprisoned.”  We saw lots of butterflies out on our walk in Boone.  When I see one now I remember my calling to help a child fly.  Perhaps you can think about that too.

If you would like to help me in my campaign to end human trafficking, please click on the payment link above and make a donation to Lily Pad Haven.  They are making a difference and helping repair and rebuild lives so children can fly.  Thanks for your support.

Soli Deo Gloria!

We had some high winds and heavy rains a few days ago.  It brought down a lot of limbs and leaves and even a few trees.  One of my favorite running paths – the new green-way in south Cornelius, had lots of debris and a large tree covering the path.

As I was running I had to leap over the tree.  It wasn’t very high so that wasn’t a problem.  It was even a little fun.  I thought about the hurdles in life that we sometime have to jump in order to get anywhere.  I thought about the hurdle of the $50,000 that I am trying to raise to support the work of Lily Pad Haven and help end human trafficking.  I thought about the hurdle of running 50 miles in one day on September 29th.  I thought about the hurdle that countless families face to find their missing children, or to escape modern-day slavery, or to pay off some insurmountable debt that hangs around their necks like a large stone too big to move.

Yesterday I ran on the same path and discovered that someone had come along and cut and removed the section of tree that had blocked the path.  Farther down the path I saw a man on a tractor with a high-powered blower who was blowing all the debris off the trail.  There were people clearing the path so that others could make it safely and more easily to their desired destination.  I thought about how any of us can contribute to the ease of someone else’s journey. I was grateful for those workers that day.

How can we help? Maybe it is an encouraging word…maybe it is the removing of an actual obstacle…maybe it is clearing stuff out of the way in a person’s schedule by taking on one of their items on their “to do list” so they are freed up to do something else.  What if our lives were all about clearing paths for others in order to make their journey a little more manageable.  I think that is what the scriptures mean when they say to “think of the needs of others before thinking of your own.”  And we can all do that a little bit more than we already are.  It isn’t difficult.  It just takes some intentionality and some love.

In regard to human trafficking, maybe we support the work of Lily Pad or some other worthy ministry.  Maybe we share the story of a survivor and help teach others about the dangers of modern-day slavery. Maybe we seek to be more careful in our purchases so that we are not supporting slave labor.  Maybe we educate ourselves about how to notice trafficking so we can do something about it when we see it.  Let’s help clear the path for those who are caught up in this terrible industry.

So – here’s to those who are out their clearing the path for others.  May we join their efforts today and make life a little better for someone else.

Soli Deo Gloria.

On my training run yesterday I ran by the Bailey Middle School on Bailey Road.  They are replacing the athletic field and are hard at work putting down all the new materials there which will be the foundation for the field where thousands of children will run and play.  I thought about the importance of the foundation of that field.  Proper drainage, grading, leveling, etc are necessary for the field to be the best that it can be.

Along my run I also saw many homes being built.  A similar process is required when workers are preparing to build.  The land has to be prepared in order for the foundation to be set in place. And the foundation must be in place in order for the home to be built.  The foundation must be solid in order for the home to stand firm.

There is a story that Jesus tells in the Gospel According to Matthew during what is called the Sermon on the Mount.  The story is about two builders.  One builds on sand and the other on solid rock.  When the storms come, the home on the solid foundation stands firm.  The other falls.  Jesus tells his listeners that if they listen to his words and live by them that they will be like the wise builder whose house stands firm.

If you read through the Sermon on the Mount you will see that it is a rather tall order to live by it.  If you dig deep down into it you will see that the teachings have to do with our relationships.  Our relationship with God and with neighbor (including family).  The scriptures teach that the summary of all the laws is love.  In other words – “love God and love neighbor.”  Jesus teaches that all the law and the prophets are summed up in these two laws.  What I am getting at is that love is the foundation.  Love needs to be the foundation of our lives…of our homes…of our relationships…of our decisions.  “Love never fails.” Paul reminds the church (1 Corinthians 13).

I invite you to measure your life in love.  If that is your motivation, the life you are building will stand and will withstand any storm.  This isn’t always easy but it is best.  Remember that God promises to be there with us during every step of the journey.  Don’t forget to ask for help.  Hang in there!

PS – Help me end Human Trafficking by supporting my “50 for Freedom” 50-mile run on September 29th.  I am trying to raise $50,000 for Lily Pad Haven, a Charlotte based organization that provides housing, counseling, and support to survivors of human trafficking,  Scroll down to the “50 for Freedom” logo and click on it to make a tax-deductible donation.  Thanks for your support.  Please tell others about it!

Hello world. Today is my 50th birthday. It certainly isn’t momentous in the grand scheme of things but it seems significant to have reached this milestone. And so, as I look back over my life, I pause to give thanks. I give thanks to God for the gift of life; for my parents, who brought me into this world; for a whole host of teachers, pastors, mentors, etc who have helped me learn, and grow, and become the person I am today; for friends and family members who have journeyed with me to so many destinations – phyysical, emotional, and spiritual destinations.  These 50 years have been full of adventure, joy, sorrow, excitement, disappointment, wonder, and love.  I have always thought that our lives are marked by our relationships and the people who have loved us and the people we have loved. If you are reading this you are likely one of those people who has been a part of my journey.  Thank you for the part you have played in helping me get to this day. As I reflect over my life I give thanks for the many communities that have helped nurture me.

I was born in Gastonia, NC at Gaston Memorial Hospital. Our family – mom, dad, older brother and sister – all moved to Boone, NC when I was 2. That was my home during my most formative years.  It was a wonderful community where there were many friends, a beautiful faith community at First Presbyterian Church, and an amazing outdoor playground of mountains, creeks, valleys, etc.  I enjoyed life at Green Valley Elementary and Hardin Park Elementary and Watauga High school.  I worked and played hard in Troop 109 of the Boy Scouts.  I played trumpet and sang and rode bikes, and hiked, and ran all over creation with my friends and family. At the age of 15 I decided to pursue becoming an exchange student through AFS (American Field Service) and at age 16 embarked on a life changing experience – living in Uruguay, South America for half my Junior year and half my senior year of high school. Now, with two daughters entering their junior year, it is hard for me to imagine how my parents managed to let me do that.  They were brave, trusting, and loving to give me such a rich experience.

I lived in Paysandu, Uruguay for most of 1985. It was a strange time for the country – just coming out of a military dictatorship. I lived with the Baccaro family and made friends with classmates and extended family. My closest friends were members of the Bertoni family. They kept me sane during the year and were like a second family to me.  Carlos and his family are dear friends to this day.

I returned to Boone after my year abroad and finished high school, worked for the summer as a day chef at Winston’s restaurant in Blowing Rock, and then began my studies at NC State in fall of 1986.  That would be my home for the next four years.

I was part of the Thomas Jefferson Scholars Program at NCSU and was required to choose a major from the School of Ag and Life Sciences and a major from the school of Humanities and Social Sciences.  I ultimately chose Agronomy and International Affairs.  My TJS peers were good friends, as were my friends from Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and Alexander International Dorm.  I studied hard for four years. My summers included 2 summers as a camp counselor at Camp Grier, one summer working as an intern at the Watauga County Ag Extension office, and one summer as a server at Gabby’s Rib restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC before grad school. During my years at college I had begun to feel God’s pull on my life toward some kind of ministry.  I did not know what I would be doing but it seemed God was leading me to continue my schooling at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA and that is where I went in the fall of 1990.

I spent two years pursuing a Masters in Christian Education, making friends, considering my future, continuing to explore the mission field, living in Chile, South America for one summer and interning with the Presbytery of Philadelphia another summer.  At graduation I was clear I was going to pursue a career in Christian Education.  I started that journey in Evansville, IN at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

From 1992-1998 I served EPC – serving with some amazing people and making some  wonderful friends. During that time I had the privilege of going on mission trips to Mexico and Bolivia, being part of a production of Godspell, serving on the Board of Camp PYOCA, and meeting the woman of my dreams who would later become my wife.  Jenny and I were married in June, 1996 and served EPC for 2 more years before deciding to pursue ordination and attending seminary at Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA.

We were there for almost two years.  Jenny worked and supported me while I pursued my MDiv. I studied, worked at East Lake, recorded a CD, learned about urban ministry, and prayed about what was next. In spring 2000 I accepted a call to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, FL as Associate Pastor. We moved to Bradenton in the summer and I began my service there in July, working with some wonderful people who I will never forget.

We lived in Bradenton for four years, having our first children, Anne and Madalyn (twins), learning about ministry in Florida, walking on the beach, making new friends,surviving our first Tropical Storm, and dreaming about getting closer to home.  After four wonderful and fruitful years I accepted a call to First Presbyterian Church in Union, SC as their Solo Pastor.

We moved to Union in July, 2004 and began seven wonderful years.  We had our third child, Claire, and were so warmly received by the church and the community.  They took such good care of us and we tried to take good care of them, serving God together, worshipping in traditional and creative ways, sharing the good news of God’s love through worship, education, and service.  I was blessed to serve on the board of Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, on various Presbytery committees and also able to travel to Honduras on two occasions to strengthen partnerships with mission co-workers there. What a gift. After many years in Union, our family felt a need for a new adventure and as we searched and prayed we felt God’s call to Davidson, NC. In the spring of 2011 I accepted a call to be the Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Mission at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.  We moved there the first of August and have continued to serve there for the last seven years.

We have made so many wonderful friends and enjoyed serving with the good people at DCPC.  They have given me the gift of this three month sabbatical journey.  It gives me time to reflect upon the gifts of life and the wonderful blessing of God’s presence and love. At DCPC we have experienced so many extraordinary things through worship and music, mission and service, dreaming and imagining God’s vision for us and for the world.  I am excited to continue that journey with my brothers and sisters there when I return in October.

So – that is a walk through the places I have lived during these 50 years of life.  It could make up many books but I write today simply to remember and give thanks for each of the communities that have helped to nurture me throughout my life.  I hope that I have enriched you as well by being a part of you.

Soli Deo Gloria!

PS – if you haven’t already, please consider a gift to “50 for Freedom” and help me end human trafficking. Scroll down and click on the “50 for Freedom” logo to make a quick gift through PayPal. Thanks.

As we continue our journey across the country I cannot help but notice a huge diversity of color in the landscape.  Honestly, my favorite contrast of color has always been evergreen trees against a clear blue sky.

There have been plenty of opportunities to see that!  And I have enjoyed the diversity of green in all of the forests, meadows, and farm land.  I have also noticed huge variety in the color of rocks…from the red rocks of Zion, to the orange and yellow of Bryce, to the blue and grey of Grand Teton, to the rich variety of Yellowstone.  There is even the darker brown and black of the black hills of South Dakota.

Coming out of an enormous rain storm the other day in Wyoming we saw a spectacular rainbow. When I see the rainbow I think, not only of the hope it provides, but also of the reminder of God’s creative power.  Diversity is a good thing.  Diversity of color, ethnicity, food, culture, ideas, etc. helps us to learn, grow, and dream bigger than we ever could in a monolithic situation. (We saw one of those too at Devil’s Tower!)

As we have driven across this beautiful land (over 5000 miles so far) I am so grateful for the wonderful diversity that I see and hear.  It is not only in the rocks and the landscape, but in the people that are visiting our parks, in the multitude of languages that I hear spoken, in the many different family structures that I see driving by on our roads. We learn so much from each other when we open ourselves up to that experience.

We are into our final week of travels.  We have seen so much and have had so many wonderful experiences.  I have much to think about and reflect upon.  Hopefully I will be open to all the learning that can come from it!

Please remember that I am still training for “50 for Freedom.” The run is September 29th and I am hoping to raise $50,000 to help end Human Trafficking.  Will you help?  Scroll down and click on the “50 for Freedom” logo to make a tax deductible gift to Lily Pad Haven and to support your 50-mile run.  Thanks.