Mark Wilkerson’s Blog

February 26, 2011

February 26, 2011

Spiritual Prep:

Was running this morning and thinking about a conversation CJ and I had about a lot of life in general.  Greg Marksberry every once in a while uses the saying “leaning into”.  We were talking about life and the ups, downs, uncertainties and blessings.  Our discussion involved how we move forward and that saying “leaning into”  seemed appropriate.  The term comes from and can be applied to most situations where effort is needed to progress, defend and maybe just hold on ourselves.  If it is the wind, leaning into it will keep you from being blown away.  If it is lifting a heavy object, it helps get things moving.  I want to lean into life.  Don’t see much good in just being tossed about here and there being beaten up.    There are probably some things it is best to retreat from rather than lean into, but it seems being in-between in not a good destination.          

James 1:6-8

Training Prep:

Nice day to run.  About 40 degrees when I went out and was dressed just right.  Did 4 miles total but had to walk the last  3/4″s, and give the foot some time to calm down.  Forgot my good shoes and had to run in an old pair.   It is important to keep shoes current and in good shape.  They do breakdown over time and can lead to some injuries.  Didn’t have my current shoes so had to use an old pair.  They are an old pair for good reason.  But a good day, enjoyable spending time with my thoughts.  Running is great for that.

February 25, 2011

February 25, 2011

You wouldn’t believe how many comments I am getting on the web site.  Now, almost all them are spam.  People have ways to take key words and seek out your site to send an advertisement of sorts.  Some are so authentic you have to read it first to get a sense of the purpose.  Most start with flattery and a few start with an insult.  The key is to somehow capture your attention.  I often wonder if we are capturing your attention and if so, are we communicating the right information.  Here’s the deal, we are working to help people who have a lot less than the least of us.  We are working to raise money to use for their betterment.  We are hoping that with your help and the assistance we provide,  they will ask us why.  And we can say, because He first loved us and we want you to know He loves you.  And we are doing it because we love you in Him.  My prayer is that all of this, glorifies Him so others can experience His love through you and I.  Amen?

Training Prep:

Laid off last night so had to do weights tonight.  Fridays are usually a rest day.  Was able to do weights with the lovely CJ, my bride going on 34 years.  What a treat! 

February 24, 2011

February 24, 2011

Haiti is a Caribbean nation less than 700 miles from Miami’s glitzy skyline – a day’s drive if your car could float, or a short international flight.  Yet very few Americans know much about the country.  The earthquake last year brought attention and money but not much effective help.  From the beginning of its rich but tragic history, Haiti has been shaped by the actions of adventurers, missionaries, opportunists, and governments.  All the good and the bad of Haiti are a product of that history.  We should be cautious about accepting simplistic explanations about Haiti, and we should be slow to criticize. Reliable statistics about Haiti are hard to come by.  Relatively little data is kept by the Haitian government, and false assumptions and misinformation run rampant even among frequent visitors to Haiti.  Our work is specific to the Northwest region of the country.  Perhaps the poorest part of the island.  

The Neighbors program is a new endevor seeking to match up a community of like minded people here in the US, to a community/village of people in Haiti.  Purpose is to match up people for the long term.  It is a really cool idea and Mark Graham one of the runners of the runmarkrun–running team is going to Haiti in April to visit a village to support their new  Neighbors.  Pray for them.

February 23, 2011

February 23, 2011

Spiritual Prep:  (a bl0g from a missionary at NWHCM clinic)

February 22, 2011

February 22, 2011

Spiritual Prep:

Proverbs 22:9   The generous will themselves be blessed,   for they share their food with the poor.  Thanks for sharing in this effort to bring clean water, food and medicine to the people of Haiti. 

Training Prep:

Ran a short 2.5 miles this morning.  I am committed to being easy on this foot.  I am at a downtown meeting so ran downtown.  That is always fun to do when in a city.  Gives you a different perspective.