All my life, God has been teaching me endurance. First I learned to walk, hiking long distances, I learned to keep my burdens light (only pack the absolute necessities). Then I learned to run, relax, breathe, push. Next I learn to ride, pedal hard (spin) coast catch your breath - spin again. The hardest endurance event for me was swimming, breathing is not just critical it's a necessity, you have to practice form and rythym in order to swim very far. I practiced and practiced in the safety of the pool (I was no fool) the water was clean and warm, no big waves, everybody swam in their own little lanes. I worked up to where I could swim 2 miles in the pool without stopping. I was ready for a triathlon. I signed up for a mini triathlon, 1 mile open ocean swim, 15 mile bike ride and a 10k run. I had trained hard and I was ready (or so I thought). Unfortunately training in a safe environment doesn't always prepare us for the real world. At the start of the race, all 1,000+ of us were lined up, when the fog rolled in and the gun we off. We all sprinted into the surf and dove in and that's when the thrashing began, 2,000 plus arms and 2,000 plus legs, kicking and thrashing, trying to make it to the first bouy about 1/3 of a mile out. I got pushed and hit and kicked and swallowed gallons of saltwater. About a quarter mile out, I was exhausted, I couldn't see land (because of the fog) and I was a little frightened by that, I was ready to quit and climb onto one of the boats they had lining the course, just for that purpose. Then I thought, I've swam 8x this far, I just need to slow down, get my rythym and catch my breath and that's what I did and was fine (never was I so happy to have my feet touch the ground).
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
Full Version: Open Water Swimming
Don, This is a great post! A lot of us, need this encouragement and focus!
A hearty, AMEN!
A hearty, AMEN!
QUOTE (Adonaicole @ Oct 28 2008, 06:31 PM) 
All my life, God has been teaching me endurance. First I learned to walk, hiking long distances, I learned to keep my burdens light (only pack the absolute necessities). Then I learned to run, relax, breathe, push. Next I learn to ride, pedal hard (spin) coast catch your breath - spin again. The hardest endurance event for me was swimming, breathing is not just critical it's a necessity, you have to practice form and rythym in order to swim very far. I practiced and practiced in the safety of the pool (I was no fool) the water was clean and warm, no big waves, everybody swam in their own little lanes. I worked up to where I could swim 2 miles in the pool without stopping. I was ready for a triathlon. I signed up for a mini triathlon, 1 mile open ocean swim, 15 mile bike ride and a 10k run. I had trained hard and I was ready (or so I thought). Unfortunately training in a safe environment doesn't always prepare us for the real world. At the start of the race, all 1,000+ of us were lined up, when the fog rolled in and the gun we off. We all sprinted into the surf and dove in and that's when the thrashing began, 2,000 plus arms and 2,000 plus legs, kicking and thrashing, trying to make it to the first bouy about 1/3 of a mile out. I got pushed and hit and kicked and swallowed gallons of saltwater. About a quarter mile out, I was exhausted, I couldn't see land (because of the fog) and I was a little frightened by that, I was ready to quit and climb onto one of the boats they had lining the course, just for that purpose. Then I thought, I've swam 8x this far, I just need to slow down, get my rythym and catch my breath and that's what I did and was fine (never was I so happy to have my feet touch the ground).
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
This is a terrific post and a wonderful and timely message. Just today while writing a post I thought of this very thing....what will happen to some in the end of days. What came to mind was Peter and I believe what he experienced was an example for all of us. Big, strong Peter that promised he would be with the Lord....denied Christ three times.
Yes, it will rough but He is with us, He is in us and think of the ground our feet will touch at the end of this race.
Thanks brother.... timely as always! I am worried though, I seem to not even be making it in the controlled environment! 
Love in Christ,
Val
Messiahiscoming
Love in Christ,
Val
Messiahiscoming
Be encouraged, some he has in training early so you'll be ready.
I thought of another story about being careful what burdens you bear.
My brothers are so mean, but they taught me an invaluable lesson. I had just joined boy scouts and was getting ready to go on my first hike. I think I was about 10 and weighed 75 lbs. My older brothers generously offered to help me pack my pack for my first hike. They put the heaviest things they could find in my pack, stuffing it full of can goods I did not need. My pack weighed 65 lbs, almost as much as me, I really struggled to get it on my back and stand up with it but I wasn't going to let them think I couldn't handle it. Fortunately the hike was only a short one, only like 3 miles but it was 3 miles of pure torture, my clothes were completely soaked with sweat when we finished. I gave away all my food so the return trip was no problem. When I got home, I asked my brothers why they overloaded me so bad, and they said they wanted to teach me a lesson, to never let anyone else pack your pack, never pack cans (they are too heavy) and keep your pack light (under 35 lbs). After that, I always packed myself and weighed it, if it was over 35 lbs, I took something out. I learned to be efficient and only pack the necessities.
My brothers are so mean, but they taught me an invaluable lesson. I had just joined boy scouts and was getting ready to go on my first hike. I think I was about 10 and weighed 75 lbs. My older brothers generously offered to help me pack my pack for my first hike. They put the heaviest things they could find in my pack, stuffing it full of can goods I did not need. My pack weighed 65 lbs, almost as much as me, I really struggled to get it on my back and stand up with it but I wasn't going to let them think I couldn't handle it. Fortunately the hike was only a short one, only like 3 miles but it was 3 miles of pure torture, my clothes were completely soaked with sweat when we finished. I gave away all my food so the return trip was no problem. When I got home, I asked my brothers why they overloaded me so bad, and they said they wanted to teach me a lesson, to never let anyone else pack your pack, never pack cans (they are too heavy) and keep your pack light (under 35 lbs). After that, I always packed myself and weighed it, if it was over 35 lbs, I took something out. I learned to be efficient and only pack the necessities.
Great parables, Don!
Thank you for the messages!
Thank you for the messages!QUOTE (Adonaicole @ Oct 28 2008, 03:31 PM)
All my life, God has been teaching me endurance. First I learned to walk, hiking long distances, I learned to keep my burdens light (only pack the absolute necessities). Then I learned to run, relax, breathe, push. Next I learn to ride, pedal hard (spin) coast catch your breath - spin again. The hardest endurance event for me was swimming, breathing is not just critical it's a necessity, you have to practice form and rythym in order to swim very far. I practiced and practiced in the safety of the pool (I was no fool) the water was clean and warm, no big waves, everybody swam in their own little lanes. I worked up to where I could swim 2 miles in the pool without stopping. I was ready for a triathlon. I signed up for a mini triathlon, 1 mile open ocean swim, 15 mile bike ride and a 10k run. I had trained hard and I was ready (or so I thought). Unfortunately training in a safe environment doesn't always prepare us for the real world. At the start of the race, all 1,000+ of us were lined up, when the fog rolled in and the gun we off. We all sprinted into the surf and dove in and that's when the thrashing began, 2,000 plus arms and 2,000 plus legs, kicking and thrashing, trying to make it to the first bouy about 1/3 of a mile out. I got pushed and hit and kicked and swallowed gallons of saltwater. About a quarter mile out, I was exhausted, I couldn't see land (because of the fog) and I was a little frightened by that, I was ready to quit and climb onto one of the boats they had lining the course, just for that purpose. Then I thought, I've swam 8x this far, I just need to slow down, get my rythym and catch my breath and that's what I did and was fine (never was I so happy to have my feet touch the ground).
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
wow!
I missed this post back in October.
Perhaps I wasn't suppose to read it till now.
It really blessed me and encouraged me.
(ocean swimming would terify me. )
Thank you for sharing this Don
QUOTE (Adonaicole @ Oct 31 2008, 03:12 PM)
I thought of another story about being careful what burdens you bear.
My brothers are so mean, but they taught me an invaluable lesson. I had just joined boy scouts and was getting ready to go on my first hike. I think I was about 10 and weighed 75 lbs. My older brothers generously offered to help me pack my pack for my first hike. They put the heaviest things they could find in my pack, stuffing it full of can goods I did not need. My pack weighed 65 lbs, almost as much as me, I really struggled to get it on my back and stand up with it but I wasn't going to let them think I couldn't handle it. Fortunately the hike was only a short one, only like 3 miles but it was 3 miles of pure torture, my clothes were completely soaked with sweat when we finished. I gave away all my food so the return trip was no problem. When I got home, I asked my brothers why they overloaded me so bad, and they said they wanted to teach me a lesson, to never let anyone else pack your pack, never pack cans (they are too heavy) and keep your pack light (under 35 lbs). After that, I always packed myself and weighed it, if it was over 35 lbs, I took something out. I learned to be efficient and only pack the necessities.
My brothers are so mean, but they taught me an invaluable lesson. I had just joined boy scouts and was getting ready to go on my first hike. I think I was about 10 and weighed 75 lbs. My older brothers generously offered to help me pack my pack for my first hike. They put the heaviest things they could find in my pack, stuffing it full of can goods I did not need. My pack weighed 65 lbs, almost as much as me, I really struggled to get it on my back and stand up with it but I wasn't going to let them think I couldn't handle it. Fortunately the hike was only a short one, only like 3 miles but it was 3 miles of pure torture, my clothes were completely soaked with sweat when we finished. I gave away all my food so the return trip was no problem. When I got home, I asked my brothers why they overloaded me so bad, and they said they wanted to teach me a lesson, to never let anyone else pack your pack, never pack cans (they are too heavy) and keep your pack light (under 35 lbs). After that, I always packed myself and weighed it, if it was over 35 lbs, I took something out. I learned to be efficient and only pack the necessities.
ok ok, God used this one too.
Remind me when we sit down to coffee to tell you about the burden I am trying to carry.
it makes me laugh thinking of it.
Dear Don,
I could really relate with this story your shared. Been there, done it
When I was reading, this came to mind: Matthew 11:30
"For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
For me these Words give new meaning to the phrase: TRAVEL LIGHT
I could really relate with this story your shared. Been there, done it
When I was reading, this came to mind: Matthew 11:30
"For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
For me these Words give new meaning to the phrase: TRAVEL LIGHT
QUOTE
The point I'm trying to make with this story, is that we have been learning/exercising our faith in a pretty safe environment but I believe it's going to get rougher for christians to practice their faith. The important thing to remember is to simply endure, relax, trust and keep your focus on the goal.
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