tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3911551114655863302024-03-20T04:35:34.449-04:00Don't Slow DownFaith. Endurance. Running the Christian Race.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-24701380863919115782013-05-06T21:16:00.001-04:002013-05-06T22:35:34.699-04:00Disturb Us, Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Disturb us, Lord, when</div>
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We are too well pleased with ourselves,</div>
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When our dreams have come true</div>
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Because we have dreamed too little,</div>
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When we arrived safely</div>
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Because we sailed too close to the shore.</div>
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Disturb us, Lord, when</div>
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With the abundance of things we possess</div>
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We have lost our thirst</div>
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For the waters of life;</div>
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Having fallen in love with life,</div>
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We have ceased to dream of eternity</div>
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And in our efforts to build a new earth,</div>
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We have allowed our vision</div>
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Of the new Heaven to dim. </div>
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Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,</div>
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To venture on wider seas</div>
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Where storms will show your mastery;</div>
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Where losing sight of land,</div>
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We shall find the stars. </div>
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We ask You to push back</div>
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The horizons of our hopes;</div>
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And to push into the future</div>
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In strength, courage, hope, and love. </div>
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<i>A Prayer of Sir Francis Drake
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-38201330366258865162013-04-23T22:20:00.000-04:002013-04-23T22:20:25.229-04:00Responding to Boston with Strength and Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is why the terrorists will never win. </div>
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They want us to scatter like mice. They want us to turn on each other.</div>
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But it never quite works out that way. </div>
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My old Pastor used to say that a crisis creates nothing; it simply reveals what is already there. And what this crisis has revealed - once again - is a core of strength and grace.</div>
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<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p480x480/310796_406698262762126_984865059_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tatyana McFadden responds to the Boston Marathon bombing." border="0" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p480x480/310796_406698262762126_984865059_n.jpg" title="Dedicated to Martin, Jane, and their mom." /></a></div>
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Take a good look, terrorists. This is the face of America. Yes, we have soldiers, sailors, and police who will chase you to the gates of hell. And I am proud of them. But we also have young people like Tatyana, who will pick up the people you leave for dead and teach them them to walk again. </div>
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This is why you can't win.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-66902232765777909272013-04-16T12:06:00.000-04:002013-04-16T12:06:58.230-04:00We Stand with Boston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Source: <a href="http://netrightdaily.com/2013/04/we-stand-with-boston/" target="_blank">NetRightDaily</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-28548748774791465852013-04-11T21:46:00.000-04:002013-04-11T21:46:55.190-04:00IFIf you can keep your head when all about you<br />
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;<br />
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,<br />
But make allowance for their doubting too:<br />
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,<br />
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,<br />
Or being hated don't give way to hating,<br />
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;<br />
<br />
If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;<br />
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,<br />
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster<br />
And treat those two impostors just the same:.<br />
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken<br />
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,<br />
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,<br />
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;<br />
<br />
If you can make one heap of all your winnings<br />
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,<br />
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,<br />
And never breathe a word about your loss:<br />
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew<br />
To serve your turn long after they are gone,<br />
And so hold on when there is nothing in you<br />
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"<br />
<br />
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,<br />
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,<br />
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,<br />
If all men count with you, but none too much:<br />
If you can fill the unforgiving minute<br />
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,<br />
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,<br />
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son
<br />
<br />
Rudyard KiplingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-61380034028117051362013-04-02T22:29:00.000-04:002013-04-09T00:25:25.042-04:00North Face Endurance Challenge<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There are three things that Val and I have learned about adoption:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It's a race against time;</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We've got to push way beyond our comfort zone;</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We're not on this journey alone.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It's a race against time because our chi</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ldren face a very real danger of aging out. If that happens, it may mean a life on the streets. As for the comfort zone - instead of kicking back and enjoying the empty nest, we've joyfully made the decision to open our home to some very needy young people. And we're not alone. Not only have we sensed God's presence, but we've come to love an amazing community of people who are giving themselves to helping children. They - you - inspire us.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><span style="color: #37404e;">So here's the racing metaphor: Next June, I'll be running the </span><a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/endurance-challenge/washington-dc/?stop_mobi=yes" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">North Face Endurance Challenge</span></a><span style="color: #37404e;"> as part of the </span><a href="http://rodsracing.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">RODS Racing</span></a><span style="color: #37404e;"> Team. Believe me, this race is way beyond my comfort zone.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #37404e;">But I'd like you to be part of it. Please consider sponsoring 1 mile of this 26.2 mile race. On the day of the event, I'll be carrying the names of each sponsor with me and praying and thanking God for you during your chosen mile. And you'll be helping Estelle and Gerard to find a home.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #37404e;">Please share this with your friends and consider <a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AACA928A31-north" target="_blank">signing up</a>. Most of all, thank you for your prayers and continued concern.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 15.989583969116211px;">All donations will go directly to </span><a class="SUGlink" href="http://reecesrainbow.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.989583969116211px;">Reece's Rainbow</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 15.989583969116211px;">, a 501(c)3 Registered Public Charity. Due to the nature of international adoptions, no one can guarantee that every adoption will go through as planned. No matter what happens, though, all donations made to this race will go towards the adoption of an at risk child.</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-size: 13px;">To sign up, or to learn more, just click </span><a href="http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AACA928A31-north" style="font-size: 13px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a><span style="color: #37404e; font-size: 13px;">.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-25266060128219888132013-03-23T16:01:00.000-04:002013-03-23T16:01:58.315-04:00Don't Go Out Too Fast!Ask any experienced marathon runner for first-timer advice and nine out of ten will say, "don't go out too fast." Great advice. I heard it. I understood it.<br />
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Guess who went out way too fast on his first marathon?<br />
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I chose the Instant Classic Trail Race as my inaugural 26.2. That may have been a little bit crazy in itself. The course is single track and rolling hills with roots and loose gravel. The only pavement in site is the opening quarter mile through the parking lot. (Uphill, by the way.)<br />
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Despite being under-trained and over-tapered, I was pretty psyched when I arrived at Pocahontas State Park on the morning of the 16th. And so when we surged past the starting line, adrenaline and a complete lack of judgment took over.<br />
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The weather conspired wonderfully with my unwise zeal; it was chilly and a sudden downpour at the starting line instantly contracted every muscle in my body.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQj_VPXuth5SthUDYQ4aRusX4-XSqiktY59eVIOPZoosQSGjQZ4ZhIFVE8xRYYyGcQlI23DO4WKKwU0TwUKZFeRUchszv0Q6j3r2UZ1rIz_grG61hYrLijVcX1G7n5VmYgMnG1X3SddtU/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQj_VPXuth5SthUDYQ4aRusX4-XSqiktY59eVIOPZoosQSGjQZ4ZhIFVE8xRYYyGcQlI23DO4WKKwU0TwUKZFeRUchszv0Q6j3r2UZ1rIz_grG61hYrLijVcX1G7n5VmYgMnG1X3SddtU/s320/untitled.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mustard on my bib is from the post-race Brats!</td></tr>
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I ran this race (or started this race, anyway) with my buddy Rob - a veteran of torture tests like the Blue Ridge Marathon. So the fact that we even started out together should tell that I wasn't thinking. He pulled way ahead when I had to, um, pit stop in the woods. (Rain does that to me). Fortunately, he was not there to witness my dramatic decline.<br />
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Around mile eight, I was feeling fantastic. My feet were turning over fast I was and passing people who had a lot more respect for this trail than I did. (They would all cruise by later).<br />
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At mile ten, I experienced the first omen of impending doom. It felt like someone suddenly shoved a knife into the back of my right hammy. For some ridiculous reason, I tried to hold on to my pace even after that. But the slow, inexorable deceleration had begun.<br />
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In shorter races, I always hunt for bunnies on the second half of the course. Great motivation! Choose your bunny. Pass. Repeat.<br />
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By the time I reached mile thirteen, I was the bunny. Everybody's bunny. Seriously, I had pellets in my shorts after the race. Ouch. If you ran the Instant Classic, you are quite welcome for the inspiration and entertainment I provided.<br />
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By mile eighteen, I was out of gas. At twenty-one I completely bonked and was reduced to thinking thoughts like, "Just run twenty steps, you can do that."<br />
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My death march continued until mile twenty-five. I smiled and jogged through the aid stations, but it was misery. Realizing that I would be visible to the few remaining spectators when I came out the woods, I forced myself to run like I was enjoying myself.<br />
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As soon as I hit open trail near the finish line Camille, the ebullient race director, came over the the loud speakers. "Is that you, Bill." Of course I couldn't speak, so I just waved my arms over my head. Not easy. "Hey, is this your first marathon"? I pumped my fists in the air.<br />
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My daughter Heidi high-fived me as I hit the last straight-away. Then she ducked under the orange tape and we ran it in hand in hand.<br />
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All in all, I'd guess that my lack of strategy cost me an extra hour on the course. There will be faster finishes, but none happier.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-64291029567789217012013-03-21T23:17:00.000-04:002013-03-21T23:43:18.691-04:00A Change of Direction<span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Well, it's been a while since I've posted about our adoption, but my family and I haven't been sitting still. This adoption journey we've been on has taken a sharp, unexpected turn. </span><br />
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As you probably know by now, the Russian government has outlawed all adoptions by Americans. The news came out the morning after our home study was completed. For a while, we held on to the hope that this cruel law would be overturned. Or that exceptions would be made. Or that adoptions already in progress would be allowed to move forward. </div>
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It soon became evident that the door to Russia was bolted shut. At least for now. <span style="font-size: 13px;">If we've learned anything from our journey, it's the truth of this Psalm. </span></div>
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Thy way is in the sea, </div>
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And thy path in the great waters, </div>
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And thy footsteps are not known. </div>
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(Psalm 77:19)</div>
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I really don't know why the Lord allowed this to happen. And I can't be certain of exactly where He's leading us. But even as my heart aches over Tim and Ana, I know that He is in control, and that He loves them more than I ever can. I will never forget Tim and Ana, and will continue to pray. Perhaps someday, they may still join our family.</div>
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In the meantime, there are many, many children in their same situation. Children without a loving family who face a life on the street if they age out of their orphanage. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/10825232256-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="10825232256" border="0" src="http://reecesrainbow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/10825232256-199x300.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Estelle</td></tr>
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Estelle (not her real name) is one of those children. <span style="font-size: 13px;">She's in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, and she has about a year to go before she'll be forced to leave. I don't want to see that happen, and so Val and I are working hard to bring her into our home. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">At the same time, we're open to adopting other children on the same trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">As of today, we're in the process of updating our home study for the new country. Piles of paperwork still await. And, Lord willing, Estelle will join our other beautiful daughters this year. Perhaps she'll bring more brothers or sisters home with her; we just don't know. But our eyes are still on the Lord; we're trusting in Him to guide us. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-7339033442222135992013-03-13T06:23:00.001-04:002013-03-13T06:23:41.197-04:00Wordless WednesdayTell me you wouldn't rather be here. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtsbhgEABo9KXrfOcoXSgSwmtgeek5U7jKr_NUnQk2YXu9UkqCZCcFf1TjASaflafscliaJ4VSdBnnCy1nAvvpAocrYjHwewmEaY-kPKHXxGil0yFbOCc87ChL2UoJ7jqLzrGimQq9oy9/s640/blogger-image-1247480444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtsbhgEABo9KXrfOcoXSgSwmtgeek5U7jKr_NUnQk2YXu9UkqCZCcFf1TjASaflafscliaJ4VSdBnnCy1nAvvpAocrYjHwewmEaY-kPKHXxGil0yFbOCc87ChL2UoJ7jqLzrGimQq9oy9/s640/blogger-image-1247480444.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-50898749704439535492013-03-02T21:54:00.001-05:002013-03-02T21:56:27.373-05:00Idaho Potatoes Fuel RODS Racing<h3>
New partnership will fully fund two adoptions!</h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">The </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.idahopotato.com/" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;">Idaho Potato Commission (IPC)</a> </span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">is the Presenting Sponsor of </span><a href="http://www.rodsracing.org/" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">RODS Racing 2013</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">RODS Racing is comprised of 40 athletes. We will collectively compete in more than 224 marathons, triathlons and other events this year, raising money to find homes in the United States for orphaned children with Down syndrome who live in other parts of the world. The IPC has donated $50,000, which will cover the adoption costs of two orphans.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The RODS Racing athletes will proudly wear the Idaho Potato Commission's logo on their jerseys as they race to raise funds for orphaned children with Down syndrome." src="http://pressroom.idahopotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/RODS-racing-jersey2.jpg" height="275" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 RODS Racing Jersey</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Every day, thousands of children around the globe are born with Down syndrome. In industrialized countries like the U.S., these children are provided with support and resources that allow them to live healthy, happy and often productive lives. Unfortunately, in many countries these children are often institutionalized and don’t receive the care or love they need to flourish. RODS Racing is committed to finding homes in the U.S. for these children so they can have the fulfilling lives they deserve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">“We are thankful and thrilled that the IPC is the RODS Racing 2013 Presenting Sponsor,” said Brady Murray, Founder, RODS Racing. “My teammates and I rely on Idaho® potatoes to provide us with the energy and important vitamins and minerals we need for training and racing. Their generous donation and support have inspired each and every one of us to further challenge ourselves to not only compete at our highest level, but to do everything in our power to save as many orphaned children with Down syndrome as possible.”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-21968445626467536332013-02-27T19:57:00.000-05:002013-02-27T20:05:45.907-05:0030 Minute, No Gym WorkoutGreat news! You've got all the time and money you need to get fit. Here's a challenging 30 minute routine that doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment.<br />
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Special thanks to the folks at <a href="http://greatist.com/">Greatist</a> for providing this infographic, and thanks to Adam Bornstein @BornFitness for sharing it on Twitter.<br />
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No gym + no equipment = no excuses.
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<a href="http://greatist.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-30-Minute-No-Gym-Bodyweight-Workout1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://greatist.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-30-Minute-No-Gym-Bodyweight-Workout1.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-2189045137145838352013-02-27T15:14:00.000-05:002013-02-27T15:14:29.961-05:00Another Rainy Day WorkoutOk, call me a wimp, but the cold rain kept me from running tonight.<br />
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However, with some online inspiration from <a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2012/09/determination-at-its-best.html">Noah Galloway</a>, I finished off a fairly productive cross training workout.<br />
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Noah posted one his recent workout SEAL FIT workouts. The idea behind the routine was to complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes. One round included:<br />
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5 pull-ups<br />
10 push-ups<br />
15 squats<br />
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5,10,15 in 20. Even I could remember that.<br />
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Full disclosure - after round seven, the pull-ups dropped to three. And the timer went off on my seventh squat in round 12.<br />
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Still, it wasn't a bad use of twenty minutes. And certainly better than taking the night off. Thanks for the extra push, Noah. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-275535718267565952013-02-26T23:33:00.000-05:002013-02-26T23:33:22.963-05:00Why Sports MatterForget Tiger, Lance, and Oscar. This is why sports matter:<br />
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<span id="goog_17085309"></span><span id="goog_17085310"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-24652035914081564702013-02-19T09:57:00.000-05:002013-02-20T20:43:13.326-05:00Potatoes: The Perfect CarbThis article from the <i>Runner's World</i> archive explains why potatoes are the perfect carb. Don't overlook the mighty spud for fuel or recovery.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Potatoes are actually the most popular vegetable in America, but sadly more than 50 percent of those are fried--turning them into a nutritional disaster, which helps account for their bad rap. It doesn't have to be this way. "A large baked potato is just as effective as pasta at getting runners ready for a hard or long workout," says Gidus. "Runners can't go wrong with potatoes." <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/potatoes-perfect-carb?page=single" target="_blank">Read More..</a>.</span></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-84122923710256118942013-02-12T21:19:00.000-05:002013-02-12T21:19:47.500-05:007 Reasons Why Running is Good for Your Soul<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I set out on a dirt road and just ran down any trail my feet pointed me to. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The trails hid some inviting hills - one that sloped straight down and away from a small lake (two repeats there with a little vault over the wooden guard rail - woot!).Stairs built by the Boy Scouts. Deer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt like a kid again; just leaning in the wind and running until dark. It was good for my soul. </span><br />
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So in celebration of tonight's run, I'm sharing Michael O'Loughlin's article <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-oloughlin/7-reasons-why-running-is-good-for-your-soul_b_2538618.html" target="_blank">7 Reasons Why Running is Good for Your Soul.</a><br />
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Here's what Michael shares about his own running Odyssey. Can you relate?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Like many, I started running while in college to get in shape and lose a few pounds. I became a more dedicated runner after grad school, first finishing a 10-mile race, then a half-marathon, followed by a couple of full marathons. It was during this long-distance training that I realized that while the physical benefits were obvious and welcome, that the spiritual benefits of running were just as beneficial to me. Below are seven reasons why running is good for your soul.</span></blockquote>
<ol>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Keeps You Humble</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Makes You Happier</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Causes Kindness</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Makes You Proud, In a Good Way</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Allows Time for Prayer and Meditation</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Tests Your Limits</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Keeps You Patient <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-oloughlin/7-reasons-why-running-is-good-for-your-soul_b_2538618.html" target="_blank">(Read More...)</a></span></b></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-40795724896584397712013-02-04T22:42:00.002-05:002013-02-20T16:49:44.728-05:00Fartlek, Interval, and Tempo Runs: What's the Difference?I don't know about you, but I hate math. So when I read articles about tempo runs and interval workouts that require me to calculate percentages of my half marathon pace multiplied by the inverse of my lactate threshold, I start to zone out.<br />
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That's why I love this calculus free introduction to speed workouts by Coach Jenny Hadfield. She breaks down the difference between fartlek, interval, and tempo workouts in a way that even this mathophobic runner can grasp.<br />
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So put down your slide rule, read this article, and go for a run.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/whats-difference-between-fartlek-tempo-and-interval-runs" target="_blank">What's the Difference Between Fartlek, Tempo, and Interval Runs?</a> by Coach Jenny Hadfield</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-37655359891993491482013-01-31T23:49:00.000-05:002013-02-01T00:01:10.180-05:00Better Pushups for Better RunningI love pushups - traditional pushups, diamond pushups, fingertip pushups, one-armed pushups - so this article in <a href="http://running.competitor.com/" target="_blank">Competitor</a> grabbed my attention. According to author Nate Helming, properly executed pushups can help with IT band pain, lower back pain and even help develop a more efficient arm swing.<br />
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So if pushups aren't part of your cross-training routine, check this article out and get to work.<br />
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<a href="http://running.competitor.com/2013/01/training/better-pushups-for-better-running_65070" target="_blank">Better Pushups for Better Running</a> by Nate Helming</h3>
<img src="http://running.competitor.com/files/2013/01/pushups-679x421.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-16741505868665931842013-01-21T13:40:00.001-05:002013-02-01T00:02:49.103-05:00Getting Back In Shape: 4 Simple Things You Can Do Right NowGetting in shape isn't rocket surgery. Here are five things that you can do right now - without spending a dime on gym memberships or video programs - that will start you on the road to healthier living. <br />
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<b>1. Practice What You Know</b><br />
Here's a radical idea: the next time you find yourself staring at a piece of food and saying, "I really shouldn't eat this," just stop. Don't stick it in your pie-hole. We all know a good deal more about nutrition than we practice. So start putting your know-how to use right now.<br />
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<b>2. Don't Try To Lose Weight</b><br />
Seriously. Don't do this. Instead, focus on getting healthy. Make sensible diet and exercise habits part of your life and your body will find its own ideal weight.<br />
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<b>3. Embrace the Carbs</b><br />
The low-carb diet. Just one act of craziness that people commit when trying to lose weight. Not good. Your body had three sources of energy: carbs, fats and proteins. Complex carbs, such as whole grain bread, are the easiest for your body to use. Deprive yourself of these and you won't have the stamina you need for sustained activity. <br />
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<b>4. Do Something - Right Now</b><br />
Stop reading this blog RIGHT NOW and go do something. Anything. Do a few push-ups, jog around the house, touch your toes. Do just enough to get your blood flowing and give you that nice, energized feeling. <br />
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There now. Don't you feel better? So tomorrow, do the same thing and you'll be on what fitness buffs call "an exercise program." But I'm warning you. Stick with your program and soon - very soon - your body will be asking for new and ever more challenging activities. You may become what couch potatoes call, "an exercise nut."<br />
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<b>A Final Encouragement</b><br />
These tips are intended to get you off the coach and on your way to a healthy lifestyle. The hardest thing about getting in shape is to just start moving from a dead stop. But if you've been sedentary for a long time, you may well have issues that require attention from a health professional. This may be the first step for you, but please don't make it your last. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-27542500206298535122013-01-06T22:17:00.001-05:002013-01-06T22:17:23.585-05:00More ChallengesSeems I can't get away from challenges. Just one day after posting about Running Mom's <a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-131s-in-2013-challenge.html">13 13.1s in 2013 Challenge</a>, I go to church, open the bulletin and read this sermon title: <i>Challenges for A.D. 2013</i>.<br />
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Fair enough. In my view, the spiritual challenges far outweigh the physical. Like St. Paul said;<br />
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Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (I Timothy 4:8)</blockquote>
So here are the challenges my Pastor, <a href="http://evergreenpowhatan.com/evergreen/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=15">Len Liu</a>, threw down:<br />
<ul>
<li>Read the entire Bible before next Christmas;</li>
<li>Keep a prayer journal;</li>
<li>Invite someone into your home every month;</li>
<li>Encourage someone everyday. </li>
</ul>
That's a tall order. But as I think of how this would bless those around me, and bring glory to God, I can't help but try. Will I miss the mark? More than likely. But God's mercies are new every morning. So when I stumble, I know I can always get back up and keep pressing on. Again, taking my lead from Paul:<blockquote class="tr_bq">
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14)</blockquote>
The more I read Paul, the more I'm convinced he was a runner too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-72134694120801132252013-01-05T22:39:00.001-05:002013-01-05T22:39:36.828-05:0013 13.1s in 2013 ChallengeYikes.<br />
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So last year I did this exactly twice: run 13.1 miles. Truth be told, that was two more times than I had planned in January. But, still...<br />
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So then Heather Winkler, aka Running Mom, sets up this 13 13.1s in 2013 Challenge. The idea is straight forward: run 13 half marathons in 2013. Now Heather did stipulate that these don't all have to be official races (very expensive) - training runs count and marathons count for two.<br />
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I'm a sucker for <a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2012/10/expect-great-things-from-god-attempt.html">challenges</a>. So I'm in.<br />
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I'm looking at two marathons this year: the Instant Classic Trail Run in March, and the Richmond Marathon in November. Hopefully I can squeeze the Ashland Half Marathon in as well because that race is just so much fun. Who doesn't love a hill that stretches from mile 11 to mile 12?<br />
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Add in the training runs and I should at least get close.<br />
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If you want to take a shot at this challenge, visit Heather's blog <a href="http://diaryofarunningmom.blogspot.com/2013/01/13-131s-in-2013-challenge.html">Diary of a Running Mom</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-10434295351164122772012-12-31T14:29:00.001-05:002012-12-31T14:40:43.029-05:002013: Our Eyes Are On God<br />
On Friday morning, we read in the news what we had been fearing for days: Vladimir Putin signed the Russian Adoption Ban into law.<br />
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So what does this mean to Ana, to Tim, and to the rest of our family? The short answer is, we simply do not know. We are staying in close contact with our adoption agency and relying on their expertise to work through these issues and guide us as to our next steps. What a caring and professional team they are. </div>
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Already, there's a glimmer of hope for children with special physical needs. One Russian lawmaker has proposed an amendment to the bill that would allow these adoptions to move forward. Our hope, of course, is that the way would be open for any child in a Russian orphanage to find a home, wherever that home may be. </div>
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As we wait for the politicians to work through these issues, I'm comforted by the words that our dear friend <a href="http://vimeo.com/43539778">Jane Stuart Smith</a> sent to us in a Christmas card:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Things are not as they appear to be, as we see them from our limited point of view. It is easy in our troubled world to lose track of the truth that God is in control. </blockquote>
Yesterday, we sat in a little country church as the pastor opened these words:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! (Psalm 141:8). </blockquote>
The outcome is in God's hands. In the end, it will not be determined by the politician's pen. We don't claim to know what He is doing or why. But we are trusting in Him. History is filled with stories of miraculous intervention - causes that seemed doomed until God rolled in with a sudden, unexpected deliverance. Please do not give up hope. Continue to pray for the defenseless in Russia.<br />
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Savior, He can move the mountains. </div>
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Our God is mighty to save,</div>
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He is might to save.<br />
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<b>Don't Slow Down Yet</b></div>
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In the meantime, I'm still running and praying. I've got no intention of slowing down. My sights are set on a trail marathon in March. My first race as a member of the <a href="http://rodsracing.org/">RODS Racing</a> Team. If you're able to help donate towards that race, please visit my <a href="http://rodsracing.org/bill/">team page</a>. All of the money raised at this race will go to help orphans through <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/">Reece's Rainbow</a>. You can't imagine how kicking in even a few cents per mile will encourage everyone working to help these kids. It's not time to slow down yet.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-76115262066869445442012-12-20T22:29:00.000-05:002012-12-20T22:29:13.912-05:00Putin: Banning Adoptions Is "Not So Simple"<br />
According to today's Moscow Times, Vladimir Putin suggested that - even if the Russian adoption ban becomes law - it may take at least a year for the ban to take force.<br />
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Referring to the Russia-US Adoption Agreement that went into effect in November, Putin stated, "The agreement says that if one country decides to quit, it must notify the other side a year in advance. [Undoing that agreement ] is not so simple."<br />
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The bill is expected to be approved on Friday, and will then go to Putin for his signature.<br />
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Based on what we are hearing, the Russian Minister of Education - among others - has taken a stand against the bill. An online petition opposing the bill garnered over 100,000 signatures from Russian citizens.<br />
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Here is the entire text from the Moscow Times article: <a href="http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/article/putin-hints-he-cant-ban-us-adoptions/473444.html">Putin Hints He Can't Ban U.S. Adoptions</a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-15072619210201719372012-12-20T17:38:00.000-05:002012-12-20T17:38:28.436-05:00Proposed Russian Adoption Ban<br />
As many of you know, my wife and I are in the process of adopting two orphans from Russia. You may also have heard that the Russian Parliament voted - for a second time - to ban adoptions for American families. This ban is not yet law, but the vote does not bode well for Russian orphans.<br />
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What does this vote mean for us, for Ana and Tim, and for the many families now in the process of adoption? We simply don't know yet. It is certainly a call to prayer. This vote is the result of long-standing tensions between Russia and the United States. Sadly, it is the orphans who will pay the heaviest price if the ban ever becomes law.<br />
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We know that our God holds the hearts of all men in His hands. He sits enthroned over every man and government. Please begin to pray that He will intervene on behalf of these children and remove this latest obstacle. Please pray also that God will grant peace and patience to every family affected by this vote.<br />
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Here is a helpful summary of the situation, as provided by our adoption agency:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is a political move in direct retaliation to President Obama’s signing of the the Magnitsky Act on December 14. The Magnitsky Act imposes U.S. travel and financial restrictions on human rights abusers in Russia ... a third reading of the ban is expected to occur on Friday. After that, the Council of Federation plans to review it on December 26. Finally, it goes to President Putin for signature. He can approve it as written (which we don’t have a copy of). He can refuse it outright. He can send it back for revisions. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This brings to the forefront the complaints from Russia that a total of 19 Russian children have died in the hands of adoptive American parents. Russian has accused the US courts of imposing light sentences in these cases. If this ban is signed in its current form, it will invalidate the bilateral treaty which the US and Russia have recently signed and implemented. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Not all Russian officials agree with this. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a stand against the ban citing the welfare of the orphans who will be denied families. We have no indication whether special needs adoptions will be considered different from regular adoptions. This is occurring within a week of the shut down for Russia’s holidays. Government offices won’t start reopening until January 9, 2013 after the celebration of Orthodox Christmas. Consequently, we don’t expect to have specific answers for some time. </blockquote>
Once again, we want to stress that this is not law, and many within Russia are opposed to the ban. But we do ask that you would join us in prayer that this obstacle would be removed, and that God would take up the cause of these orphans.<br />
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If you would like more information on this issue, here is a helpful article:<br />
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<a href="http://rt.com/news/russia-us-adopted-children-351/">Adequate or faulty? Russian lawmakers vote for US adoption ban amid criticism</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-32997336223769017432012-12-03T23:35:00.002-05:002012-12-03T23:35:47.031-05:00Team Ilene. These People Don't Know When to Quit.Back in September, I wrote about <a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2012/09/determination-at-its-best.html">Noah Galloway</a> and his friend Ilene. Noah is the Iraq vet who lost an arm and a leg to an IED. In spite of his injuries, <a href="http://noahgalloway.com/about-noah/">Noah trains like a machine</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8n-1BCrYC8t9g-B8JAljlbnN92-TfuuG3-CB1HXzxMpzjuXtWUExGb3xDkDH_1-O-Mrbg5XH_7ffbjuCvmLEl9KqZOLxZqNn2-XM1gxMhnRo2tcZP4OCdrnSpbj6YiPloEbhPGoTTLup/s1600/A9MnQTMCEAAFgH4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8n-1BCrYC8t9g-B8JAljlbnN92-TfuuG3-CB1HXzxMpzjuXtWUExGb3xDkDH_1-O-Mrbg5XH_7ffbjuCvmLEl9KqZOLxZqNn2-XM1gxMhnRo2tcZP4OCdrnSpbj6YiPloEbhPGoTTLup/s1600/A9MnQTMCEAAFgH4.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what determination looks like.</td></tr>
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Noah and his friend Ilene (who has brittle bone disease) trained for the Tough Mudder competition in September, but that event was cancelled before they could hit the course. <div>
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Well, these two don't know when to quit. So this past weekend, they conquered the Tough Mudder course in Sarasota, Florida. </div>
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Give my <a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2012/09/determination-at-its-best.html">previous post</a> on this event a read, and then take a fresh look at your own obstacles.<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-65689056927868424002012-12-01T23:53:00.001-05:002012-12-01T23:53:25.506-05:00RODS Racing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mcB3kDyuDOp_yvueBpqIb0IvOhpMIWwH06t8mYASRrXhO0exFdwvZj5m0aVsclvixENGeXjAXJMZmGMNE4SrHXFMLzsh42rnyKQUpfiQ0i7a7rGxbjWYOQ2T_VF1xZNIwdgUoYms-ooZ/s1600/RODS.jpg" height="153" width="320" /></div>
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It's official: I'm the newest member of the <a href="http://rodsracing.org/">RODS Racing Team</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://dontslowdownyet.blogspot.com/2012/10/iron-angels.html">Ironman Brady Murray</a> founded RODS to help orphans with Down Syndrome find a home. The athletes of RODS run everything from 5Ks to full Ironman races in order to help fund these adoptions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt-OMLpr4VpgpT2Y9Z0OqOmAX5QdCIlJ7-yg2e2CXscGRGXGdDO4-puJBRF8dv1t_u0MpdaP6EQHJTRfM1jio_UU5A67JyKY7oyRrnQOMwQlt96QL5Ftkhfns8kovNdENtHXlJ_opg9Tc/s1600/half+marathon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt-OMLpr4VpgpT2Y9Z0OqOmAX5QdCIlJ7-yg2e2CXscGRGXGdDO4-puJBRF8dv1t_u0MpdaP6EQHJTRfM1jio_UU5A67JyKY7oyRrnQOMwQlt96QL5Ftkhfns8kovNdENtHXlJ_opg9Tc/s1600/half+marathon.JPG" height="320" width="167" /></a></div>
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In most cases all of the RODS athletes race for a single orphan. When that adoption is fully funded, they move on to the next. They've had life changing success; I'm honored to be a part of this organization and ready to run my heart out. My first scheduled race for 2013 is the <a href="http://www.instantclassictrailrace.com/">Instant Classic Trail Marathon. </a><br />
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Through a special arrangement with the RODS Team, I'll be running to support <a href="http://www.deutschfamilyadoption.com/">Ana and Tim</a> until their adoption is fully funded.Older orphans like Ana and Tim are in a particularly dangerous situation. At sixteen years old, they will have to leave their orphanage. With no family, no social safety net, and the stigma of having been raised in an orphanage, a tragically high percentage of these young people turn to crime or suicide. In some cases, the only thing standing between them and a family is money: it typically costs $35,000 for a family to adopt a child internationally.<br />
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RODS works hand in hand with <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/">Reece's Rainbow</a> to provide adoption grants. I first learned about RODS through my association with Reece's, so this just seemed a natural fit. Once Ana and Tim are home, I'll keep running until my legs crumble. There are just so many beautiful, needy kids waiting to bless a family. And if pounding the pavement will help to get them there, then let's keep moving!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06525775735333407999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391155111465586330.post-64583401254517120472012-11-28T22:46:00.001-05:002012-11-28T22:46:02.895-05:00Almost HomeRussian law requires three visits to the country before we can bring our new children home. The first visit will be to meet Ana and Tim. After that meeting if everyone - Val and I, the children, the adoption agency, the Russian officials - are in agreement, we will make a second trip to finalize the adoption in court.<br />
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Lord willing, the gavel will come down and the Judge will say, "We hereby grant you permission to adopt the two children Tatyana Deutsch and Artem Deutsch." </div>
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And then we will wait. </div>
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Because, you see, even though they will be our children in the eyes of the law and in our hearts, we will have to wait thirty days before we can bring them home. Within those thirty days, yet more papers will be filed, and any long-missing family members who want to contest the adoption will have their chance to come forward. </div>
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At the end of our day in court, we will celebrate. We will cry. We will share a family meal. And at the end of that life shifting day, Tim and Ana will go back to sleep in the orphanage. Just like they have every other day of their lives. This time, though, it will be different. Because they will know that they have a home and brothers and sisters in another land. </div>
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Just a little wait, and they will be home. </div>
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Isn't that the reality of the Christian life? Every believer is an adopted child in God's family. We have a home and brothers and sisters in another land.<br />
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But still we have to wait.<br />
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Hope sustains us, though. Because we know in our hearts that our Heavenly Father has already made the arrangements. Our adoption has been finalized.<br />
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Just as I long to bring two more children into my home. Just as my sons and daughters anticipate welcoming their new brother and sister, my Heavenly Father longs to see me. My elder brother Jesus anticipates welcoming me into his home.<br />
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Saints who've gone before me will stand with open arms when I cross that final threshold. But for now, I wait.</div>
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