From the mouths of... er um.. Cucumbers?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner for those folks in the United States. A day traditionally filled with family and with Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberries, and probably some type of green bean casserole. Of course most would tie this holiday to some type of harvest season feast with the Pilgrims and the Indians in early settlement times.

Rather than talking about that, I'd rather share a verse of two from a Kids CD we have that my sons and I were listening and singing along with today. Its from the Big Idea studio's, the famous purveyors of our kids favorite.. Veggie Tales. This song is brought to you by Junior Asparagus its called "I am a Promise"

I Am a Promise (by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

I am a Promise
I am a possibility
I am a Promise with a capitol "p"
I am a great big bundle of potentiality
And I am learning to hear God's voice
And I am trying to make the right choices
I'm a promise to be anything He wants me to be...

This Thanksgiving, like many of you I'll be giving thanks for family, and health. But I will also be giving thanks for the day, and hoping for many many more days in hopes to fulfill the "Promise" God wants for me, and want me to be. Perhaps if all of us (myself included) lived up to our promise just a little bit more, we could bring about our own "bailout package". A bailout package to bring real change to the American people.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours
Peace

Back in the saddle again

Its now been about 1 month since the 2008 Marathon. Unlike last years marathon in which I was back out on the streets running within 1 week, I have yet to go out even for a single jog this year. Starting to feel a bit lazy, I grabbed the bike pump, filled the tired, and jumped back into the saddle. Being almost winter here though, I'm not that nutty to go riding outside. So I'm on the trainer in the basement. I must admit that I was unusually sore after the first few days. I have after all taken off from riding and swimming for most of 2008. Getting back onto the bike has got my triathlon vibe back. I haven't registered for anything (running or triathlon) for 2009. But its nice to be back on the bike.

Whats the point here? I guess, that even for people that seem to run all the time, and enjoy it, get burned out. Its ok to take a break. Perhaps switching things up is just what would be good for you as well. If not running, maybe biking, or swimming, or yoga, or oh.. I dunno.. Bellydancing fitness classes at the local park district. Whatever gets you active.. its like Milk. "It does a body good!!"

Peace

Message of the Day...

As I take a break from work, to refocus, to recenter, to renew, I look up at some of the inspirational quotes, sayings, and prayers around my desk. Whilst this might have been more appropriate on a general population level yesterday (voting day in the U.S.), I find it to be just the message I needed at this moment. Whatever the challenge, whatever the celebration, whatever the sorrow or joy, without having the proper perspective, we are just missing something. The Prayer of the Day is..

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (before the San Damiano Cross)

"All-highest, glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity and profound humility, with wisdom and perception, O Lord, so that I may do what is truly your holy will. Amen." ... Saint Francis of Assisi

Peace