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Funny how this year is going by so quickly. Per usual, I mark the 4th of July as the year's midpoint. Soon enough, it'll be 2010.
As a note, I have to develop a Year To Do list here. That'll probably be done by the time I return.
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Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
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So. How has my marathon training going?
Despite starting 40+ days later than the projected calendar, the return to running the previous year made adjustment easier. Basically, I started where the calendar was marked at the time - around the week of March 15. Since then, I maintained the training schedule and plan to continue on since.
Admittingly, some days, I had to reduce the mileage. That's either due to discomfort or simply not having enough in the "tank" for that day. That is acceptable if the cut-off isn't more than 2 miles. Any more than that, the day is wasted.
Now as for my goal:
Try to finish the Marathon. If I do finish, then that's "icing on the cake".
I will have to adjust that higher. Finish or Bust. The feeling of finishing - this is what I am looking for. If there's anything my 40-day journal has taught me (among many things), if I set myself out to do something - especially if the work is long term, then I do my tasks ritually - daily or almost daily as the calendar requires. My intention is to finish - and that is what I intend to do. In the event of failure, I try again.
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Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
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More often than not, the mind
Wanders from one topic
... to the next.
Often dwelling on thoughts
By which we lead ourselves
... mildy perplexed.
Here we examine ourselves
Checking our alignment
... our center.
To what idea do we point
Our focus and avoid
... needless banter?
Our sin's aim is to confuse
Divert our thought away
... from the root.
Thankfully, Christ has given
Us the Word to make the
... confusion moot.
When lost in the train of though
We can find our way back
... towards the light.
For Christ is that light to whom
We follow through the darkness
... safe from fright.
"Do not be afraid," Christ says
For in Him is the gift
... of Salvation.
Our minds may lose focus
But the Holy Spirit works in
... divination.
All this works in the heart
As God's Eternal part.
Signed, Kyuu-reStart
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Happy Easter! The life, death, and ressurection of Christ has made Salvation a certainty. Thanks be to God through Christ.
As a confession of faith, I write here the Nicene Creed. Thankfully, my service folder today has a copy of the words - thus allowing this privilege.
( Read more... )
Amen.
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kyuu (adj)
1. weird
2. simultaneously valued and worthless
3. derailed
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
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From here on out, my use of LiveJournal will be limited. From my 40-day exercise, I found my taste for pure handwritten journaling. It's a lot more honest than my typed up version; and I'll be able to reach and train my intuition a lot better. Since the end of that exercise a good 3-weeks ago, I had felt rather... lost. It was as if a part of me was gone. Well, through the pen and paper method, I may be able to get that back - easily. I just maintain the same pattern from the 40-day exercise into this form of journaling. At least, this time - I won't need some kind of Internet hiatus pledge or something like that - not yet anyways. Nevertheless, randomly, I will still contribute entries here.
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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
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The biggest lesson from the 40-day thing is to: "Slowdown". In the event I feel some sort of "rush". It's best to hit the "airbrakes". Slowdown and pay attention. This is where the patience will come to play. Quite frankly, this "slowdown" is a skill to be learned. Some naturally have it. Many of us don't. I certainly did not; therefore, I had to learn it. Did I really learn it? Not really, but gettin' there.
On that note, I still need to review and summarize in the last pages of that book.
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Chicago Marathon: October 11,2009
( Read more... )
GOAL: Try to finish the Marathon. If I do finish, then that's "icing on the cake".
(I know, sounds like I'm aiming lower - but I'm not. Deep down, I know that I want to finish.)
Comments: Seeing as how the first week as the 1st of Feb. - I started my 40-day thing then. If only I had started this training... it'd be underway. So, that bit of lateness now has me rather nervous - as if the idea of even trying this race makes me nervous enough.
Naturally, I won't be sticking strictly to that schedule. Variances will depend on my health status on any given week. If I can run more, I'll run more. If not, then I won't. Let's not forget the weather too. Either way, the point is - to prepare for this big thing - race - run. Whatever.
Why am I even doing this? Well, it's something to work for. I choose to do it. IF I do finish this race - it'll do me a lot of wonders. I know it.
On top of everything, I'll be praying to the Lord each step of the way. No way I can do this alone.
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Now that I have returned to the Internet. I really don't know what to say. In the journal book, one of the prompts for the last day was - something like - what would I say to my friends about this 40-day "excursion"? Right now, I don't know. I'll wait till I actually write it in that book. For now, this is simply a closer to the exercise - even though I still have to review all the entries written over the past 40 days; that's what this weekend is for.
To be honest, I'm not all that comfortable coming back; even though I should - well - not really should - but - I do make a return to it. Ultimately, I cannot let this thing take me over like it did before. Sadly, at the end of this 40-day exercise, I was letting something else take me over - namely Sim City 4. Darned that game! But it was fun building something (even virtual) and watching it grow.
In any case, just gotta balance everything out, y'know? With everything I managed to learn during this exercise, I can use and experiment with it during the remainder of the year. See where it all leads me. My goals still stand; none of that changed. I'd say - the biggest difference before the 40-days to now:
How do I intend to go through with those goals? Nothing. I will do them for the sake of doing them; plus, they are written. Therefore, I shall do them. I want to - as best as I could. And that is that.
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Sunday, February 1st, 2009
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From Christmas - I thank my older sister for this gift - 40 Days 40 Nights guided journal.
To make sure this gift will not be left unused, I shall use it. Prior to this entry, I had already read the preface, but no further. For once, I don't want to spoil it. From my impression, in order to make effective use of this gift, I shall execute this plan with minimal interference.
Order:- For the next 40 days and 40 nights, I shall journal in this book daily - as directed in this book.
- For the next 40 days and 40 nights, I shall refrain from the Internet.
( Read more... )
Practice:
This is a practice. A practice of Faith. A practice of Restraint. Does this make me closer to Heaven? Of course not. Only through Christ. Nevertheless, I consider this gift as an opportunity given from the Lord himself. I do this with gladness.
Start:
This practice starts Feb. 1st - as soon as I go to bed this evening. This is my assignment, as a command. I shall follow it through.
Comments:
This will not be an easy task. This is considering how much I've used the Internet. Furthermore, the content of the book is uncertain. It is a journey in of itself. By following through with this, I hope to learn some very important things - about myself and everything else. By the end, I will see how this all goes.
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Saturday, January 31st, 2009
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Well, after a change in phone service - with limited notification - my house is cut off from the Internet -- and phone. So, I will have to talk it with my mother about restoring services.
While I have a plan to shun myself away from the Internet for a number of days, I don't plan to put my sisters through that same deprivation. By the looks of things, this will be something to take care of next week. Much to my dismay.
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Friday, January 30th, 2009
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Cinderella Teams.
In sports, teams considered to be Cinderella Teams are those who "on paper" have no chance of winning, let alone making a championship. Analysts, fans, and critics often do not give these teams the benefit of the doubt and expect failure and defeat. Numerous examples throughout sport history show Cinderella Teams beating the odds and overcoming adversity.
The very human aspect of this story - overcoming the odds and adversity. Many of us find ourselves in situations that seem "impossible". No way we can do it, etc. Given the odds, no matter how bleak, there is a way. This is what sports show; they show that even the "little guy" has a chance of making it big. It's all a matter of whether the cards for them - turn in their favor.
For example, look at the 1966 NCAA Championship. This tournament featured the first all black team - just after the passing of the Civil Rights Act (1965). I'm sure the sentiment against this team was not very positive. On my way home from my Philippine trip (2006), I remember watching a movie about it, Glory Road. The depictions are just as imagined - a rough road - riddled with adversity, not just within the game - but beyond it, especially when the idea of racism was very much fresh in people's minds. They were regarded as "loose-jointed ragamuffins. Hopelessly outclassed". Despite all that, this team went onward and won it all.
In the event where we are gifted enough to make this kind of achievement, we can be very thankful of it. If not, then someday. This kind of story occurs over and over again in human history. Just don't give up.
We may see it again in the Super Bowl in a couple days. This is why the games are played!
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
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As much as I'd like to take this course - it's been years since I had any science course (that's not computer related) -- it is disappointing to cancel it. I made this decision based on its interference to a pledge to be made within the week. While it is a breather to be taking a class on this subject - and with the extra time on my hands, regrettably, I cannot take advantage. I have a greater good in mind.
Well, I can study it on my own.
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After innocence lost, it is possible to return to it. Aside from time, another means is possible -- remembering the roots. Usually, when innocence is lost, some form of transgression has occurred. As long as we live on this Earth, we are vulnerable to sins and transgression. Well, no one is better suited to carrying our transgression other that Christ himself. This belief is one powerful root. Knowing this, the return to innocence is possible.
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Monday, January 26th, 2009
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From the previous list, the following are completed:
1. Strange Days. By default, this is always done every year.
2. Birthday shopping. Taking advantage of the retail drop (in prices) over at Macy's, I indulged in a bit of shopping here. It was nice.
3. Working out. While I could have done even more, I have returned to my previous pace as far as going to the gym. As for running, the cold has been a hindrance; even though I should take up some winter running.
4. License renewed. In and out in 30 minutes. Easy.
5. Enjoy January. The month is not yet over; but it practically is over. Did I enjoy this month? Yes and no. Plenty of ups, but I brought myself plenty of downs too. Overall, I cannot complain due to a lot of fun this month.
The next list:
1. Begin 40 Days - 40 Nights. I'll explain more in detail in a later entry.
2. Class begins. Spring classes begin. I even added an Astronomy course for fun.
3. Any task under failed items. Tasks that I have labeled as "failed". They will not be left incomplete.
4. Any task under my year list. Items here have always been in effect.
5. Plan out Running season and begin training. Winter has not been favorable for me running-wise. While going to the gym has kept me in general shape, my ability to run is still hindered. Need to get back into that pronto.
Expiration: March 15
NOTES:
1. Items to be added for the week. They are to be added to the above list.
2. Maximum of 10 items every week or 2 week list.
3. Time limit. An expiration date is set for each list for review and/or goal renewal purposes.
4. The next list will briefly evaluate performance on the previous list.
5. Failed items are to be assessed, readjusted, and/or determined if any can be included in a later list for completion.
6. Extra items can be noted but not necessary.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009
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Event Name: BIKE To
Description: Learn the gear, clothes, tools and skills you'll need to make biking your favorite form of transportation. We'll have Chicago's best mechanics, cycling commuters, maps, tools and tips to help you join us. RIDE ON.
Time: Tuesday, February 17 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Host: Eric Puetz
Contact Phone: 773-384-3010
Location: Smart Bike Parts (Chicago, IL)
3031 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Directions: Armitage & Whipple - across from Atlas Cafe
www.usaservice.org
By first look, this does not look like a volunteer activity to help others. However, I'll check it out and see. To attain the skill of bike repair, it will be useful later on.
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Friday, January 23rd, 2009
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Given our time's path
We come to points of decision
Where preferred results
Demand selection precision.
Yet, sadly to say - as humans
We are prone to mistake
Often making choices
And promises to break.
Our human nature brings
About this very problem,
Our iniquity and inability
Can't maintain our emblem.
Only one in Spirit can retain
Our spiritual innocence,
No one other than Christ
Himself - done in pretense.
Our mistakes made in sin
Are cleansed by Christ's robe
So that God ignores a black ball
But instead sees a white globe.
Our spiritual slavery set apart
From the chains of the devil
Our guilt taken away and plowed
Straight on a level.
In a time of decision, we must
Praise in thanks to Him
For giving us the opportunity
To live a life in hymn.
Signed, Kyuu-Indemnity
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Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
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Seeing other Christians within my congregation behave, I have been paying attention to them. Looking in a sense, i want to be more like them. Sure, I have my own personality; but I can and do pick up some mannerisms applied by other Christians. In a sense, I'm modeling off of them.
Personally, I still need work. Then again, we all do. For now, I merely see them on Sundays for church sermons and Bible study. Additional opportunities come on the game nights.
Eventually, I hope to look more into church activities. For now, I've only done flyer distribution and independent study. Ah, yes. Let's not forget the Book Club which actually jump-started my taste for supplementary study. The more I learn - the better I'm understanding WELS, where the Holy Spirit does the work within us.
So, I look forward to learning more in the weeks ahead.
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
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Listen to this song and think about it:
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Thursday, January 15th, 2009
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God's Promise of Salvation has no time limit nor time frame. Never has. Never will.
Likewise, our promises (and goals) should not have time limits or time frames. Putting a time limit instills a time based pressure on a promise or goal. God does not work this way. Many promises end up being unfullfilled by the time limit - and ultimately, it brings about the feeling of a failed goal.
To counter the time limit, goals and promises must be remembered - with no time limit! Ultimately, they will be fullfilled - and the goals are met. This eliminates the pressure from time and instead allow us to fullfill promises and complete goals gladly.
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