“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.“ Ephesians 6:12 I sense that this verse is more relevant today than at any time in history. To 'Withstand' means to resist and to 'Stand' means to endure ..read more

Physical exercise positively affects my mind during a run by giving it a sense of ‘well-being’ which lasts long after I take off my shoes. It sends messages of encouragement to my mind, especially when I surpass supposed limitations. Running allows my senses to connect with the environment. The pavement, trails, hills, and weather conditions have a unique impact as I become intimate with their influence on my body.  It also causes my thoughts to become more analytical, gifting me a realistic view of life’s circumstances. I can't imagine life without running ..read more

4.3-mile run Foggy 34 degrees Winds calm Humidity 85% Needless to say, fog in the high desert happens rarely but this morning it made an appearance. I have lived here six years and this is the first time I've seen it. It actually made the run quite comfortable ..read more

I leaned over the hospital bed to whisper 'hey'. Del was in the intensive care unit at Wade Park Veterans Hospital. I knew this could be the last time I'd see him ... the cancer had spread. I met Delbert at the veterans' group home where I visited every week to sing and share God's word. He was in his late 80's, with a weathered scowl firmly planted on his face. He didn't suffer from the mental disorders common to the other residents. Del was just old and set in his ways. Though most of the men looked forward to my visits, Delbert wasn't among them. He resented it. He didn't believe in God a ..read more

When a wrong thought creeps into our consciousness, we have the choice to expel it or to entertain it. Through the strength of the Holy Spirit, every believer possesses power to change his or her mind. A strong antidote to temptation is a long-term view of disobedient behavior. Is the pleasure of this sin worth the consequences of enslavement? Inevitably, the answer is no. What alcoholic would claim that his next drink is worth the powerlessness he feels against the bottle? We should order our life according to Scripture. That is, make the choice to place ourselves in servitude to the Father ..read more

8.25-mile run Sunny 39 degrees Slight wind Humidity 69% Laney dropped me off out in the desert and I ran down to the river from there. She took this photo before heading home. It was a good day for a run ... perfect weather. My pace was mediocre at best, but not bad for this distance ..read more

Have you ever wondered why we continue to struggle with sin after trusting Christ as Savior? Shouldn’t all the habits and tendencies of our old heart have vanished? The answer is that the term “new creature” refers to our position in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is true that believers are forgiven and eternally secure as children of the heavenly Father. Yet we remain in fleshly bodies, and as long as we are on earth, there will be an ongoing battle between spirit and flesh. Throughout our life, God is transforming us to be increasingly like Jesus—His Spirit residing within helps us to com ..read more

4.3-mile run Sunny 33 degrees Slight wind 63% Humidity Even though I hadn't fully recovered from my 7-mile run on Monday, today's outing was better than expected. As I grow older, it seems that the recovery time between runs grows longer. I appear to be 'in the groove' now that the temps are to my liking. My breathing is less labored as I attempt to maintain a faster pace. I'm mentally and physically at a good point in my running career, I think. The weather forecast calls for rain tonight and tomorrow, but sun again by Friday. That's when I'll hit the road again ..read more

You would think that after 45+ years of running, the most vivid memories would be recollections of my Boston Marathon experience or some other notable race. Not so … When I reminisce about life as a runner, it’s not the races that flood back but the nonsensical storylines … things that happened during the ‘so-called’ normal, everyday outing. There was the time I ran through a huge swarm of black gnats that stuck to my sweaty body. They pelted my eyes and mouth making it difficult to see and breathe. I continued running until I reached an apartment complex. It was there that I dove into thei ..read more

Do you have a troubled mind? In this current age, it's difficult to find peace. Our thoughts can be held captive by the turmoil of current events, the decay of moral standards, and flashbacks of past personal failures. Yet the Lord would have us be spiritually at rest so He gives us this verse as a reminder ... Philippians 4:8 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these ..read more