Run a Race (Part 1)

Imagine the date is April 10th, 1950 in the town of Atlanta, Georgia. Spring is in full bloom. The cool breeze hits your face as a relief from the mild sun which shines down. All the colors on the flowers and trees around you are sharp and vibrant. This would be a prefect day to run. But, what you would not see on Preachtree Street that day is a runner. In the 1950s, running for exercise and "fun" was plain weird. I was recently talking with an older gentleman in the locker room at my gym. Though he can't run any more, he loves running. He told me how he would wait until the sun would set and the night was dark when he made his run. He loved it but in fear of being laugh at, he would not tell anyone. How things have changed! The advent of running in America for sport, exercise, and fun wasn't popular until the 1970s. Many today enjoy running. For those who enjoy running or would like to run, here are a few pointers in helping you start running or continue this pleasure. I will focus my attention to those who are beginner or immediate runners.

1) Pick a race.

If you never have run before and would like to start, my advice is to pick a race and train for it. Your goal is not to win the race, but to learn the discipline of running. Hopefully, while you are training for the race, you will develop a desire to run not only for this race, but for many races to come. I have talked to many committed runners that by deciding to train and run one race, they are running now for a life time.

If you have been running for a while, you know that one thing can easily happen: Your running becomes stale and flat-footed because you don't have a goal. Periodically, running a race is very good.

How do you pick a race?

Races come in all different sizes. 5k to Ultra-Marathons (100 miles). The most common road races are 5k (3.1 miles) and 10k (6.2 miles). If your a beginner, I would recommend starting out running a 5k.

Once you have decided on the distance of your race, you need to consider how long do you want to train for the race and see if there are any races available. If you live in Atlanta, I would bookmark the Atlanta Track Club's Racing Calendar (http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/calendar/at01010.htm). You will find most of the races in the Altanta area and information about those races.

to be continued...

Religion vs. The Gospel

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Religion says that God will not love me until I follow and obey His rules enough to earn His love.

The simply equation for religion is "I do this and God will accept me". Religion is law-based acceptance or works-based acceptance. This way of living consist in memorizing all of God's commandments and striving with all your will-power to do those commandments. It is "I obey--therefore I am accepted by God." It is as if I would say to Mandy, "Sweetie, if you clean the house, wash all my clothes, and make two meals a day for me, then and only then, will I love you for a year." Furthermore, "if you stop working for me, I will stop loving you." Life is based on a "moral-performance" narrative as Tim Keller would say. This is the "Pharisees" in the Bible and in all of us. Church people are the worst at this. Life is based on your moral conformity: bible reading time, attending church, helping others, praying, how you treat your spouse, kids, and others, accomplishing your goals, etc... This was especially true for my life for the first seven or so years of my Christian walk. I understood that Christ died for my sins, but I thought I had to morally perform to keep His love. I didn't understand that Christ wanted my moral, good things. My righteous actions must die (repentance) as well for His acceptance (see Phil. 3:1-8).

Many times those who reject Christ and Christianity when the Gospel is presented to them, do not reject true, Gospel Christianity, but a "moral-performance" presentation of Christianity presented by a Christian who struggles with a burden of righteousness on his back.

The Gospel

The Gospel is worlds apart from religion. The Gospel states, for those who trust Christ, "they are 100% accepted by God through the work of Christ--therefore I obey." It is a "grace-based identity" narrative. Your identity and worth is found fully and firmly in Christ alone. In this narrative, you pursue life with joy and freedom. It is "I am loved by God in Christ; therefore, I am free to love Him and others." Living in the Gospel of Christ, you are open to your weaknesses and repent of your sins since God is for you, not against you. In Christ, you won't find a sin in your heart or life in which He can not nor has not forgive you. You are also open to boldly pursue the path of godliness in your life humbly by the grace of God. Your pleasure is the Father's delight not pleasing Him to love you.

Lydia: Four Months

She has officially doubled her birth weight. Lydia tipped the scales today at 12 lbs, 14 oz. (We believe most of this is in her cheeks). She is exactly 2 feet tall and doing very well according the doctor. Since we last saw Dr. Kitchens, Lydia has accomplished several milestones such as reaching for toys, turning her head to follow someone as they walk across the room, laughing out loud (just this past weekend for the first time while Daddy was singing to her), and cooing all the time! No rolling over yet and her back strength is not so good (due to lack of tummy time)...so we are working on that!

Here are some pictures of her 4th month. She was baptized and got to see lots of family that weekend. She went on her first hike near Nana and Papa's log home in NC. We hiked about a mile into Pisgah forest to find a beautiful waterfall. Lydia did great strapped onto Daddy. A few of her favorite things include the ceiling fan, the Carden kids (specifically Cole and Halle), the outdoors, and well...mommy and daddy of course.

Religion vs. The Gospel

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Religion is about what you DO.

Religious people base their acceptance with God on their righteousness, not Jesus’ perfect righteousness. They rely on what they seem to think is good (think moralism or the average American) or even God-given good works (think sanctified works) for God to be “for” them. Because of this, they like to quantify their righteousness in measurable ways. Since love, mercy, justice, and kindness are not easily measureable or “boot-strap” doable, they do not pursue them passionately. Religion is about the external and visible rather than the internal, heart motives which comes from free grace. This is shown when Jesus interacts with the Pharisees, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. There ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Luke 11:42).

When ask the question, “how is your relationship with Jesus?”, a religious person will immediately start counting how many hours they spend in prayer and the Bible or how many times they have gone to church. One of these two reactions will follow: pride (if they think it is going well) or despair and shame (if they think it is going poorly). This is where religion leaves you. This is for all of us, as Martin Luther rightly said that the default mode of the human heart is "religion." Even after you become a Christian, your heart gravitates back toward works-righteousness unless you continually set them on the gospel.

The Gospel

The Gospel is different in that God has supplied all you need in Christ. It is Christ’s righteousness, not yours. It is Christ’s works, not yours. It is Christ and all of Christ! Christ covers you with His perfect righteousness and God accepts you only on Christ and His work, not yours. You rest in and receive it by grace through faith alone (See Romans 3:21-4:8). Now, since God is 100% for you in Christ (Romans 8:31-32), joyfully you serve, obey and love Him and others.

Maybe-Wise

Those of you who do not get my "punny" title clearly are not up-to-date on the latest parenting terms! "Baby-Wise" has been around for years, I think, but seems to be VERY popular around these parts. The basic gist is scheduling your baby around an eat-wake-sleep hourly routine. The book suggests this routine is healthy for the baby and the parents, providing sanity and predictability. It offers helpful tips for sleeping through the night, letting baby "cry it out", play-time, etc.

So, like any good suburbian mom-to-be, I read Baby-Wise while Lydia was about 4 months from meeting us...and even took notes. I told anyone who would listen how scheduled Lydia was going to be and how easy it would be to plan out my day. I laughed at the "feed-on-demand" parents and disobedient children (whom I honestly thought were a product of lack-of-routine).

Yes, I'll take that slice of humble pie. Hold the guilt please.

Enter Lydia. I have to admit the scheduling was good for the first 6 weeks since I needed to figure out what she wanted. Feeding her every 3 hours helped me know that at 1.5 hours she probably was sleepy or bored or gassy...not hungry. As she grew though I started living life a little more. No, not bar-hopping in Buckhead...but you know...grocery shopping, meeting friends for lunch, going to the gym...all those things an extravert needs at least daily. It got increasingly harder to keep Lydia on a strict schedule because, for instance, my yoga class did not fall in her nap time, but she would always fall asleep in the carseat on the way to the gym. I would feel trapped at home without getting out every so often, even if it was to go to the post office. And then there's the "I'm hungry" at 2 hours after I fed her and the "No thanks, I'd rather sleep" at 4 hours after I fed her. I also realized my motivation for a schedule was not for Lydia, but for my convenience.

So, at 4 months, I confess I have ditched Baby-Wise. I have gleaned some wisdom from it and feel happy I read it. I appreciate the moms and babies who do well with it. My friend, Rachel, for example has the most scheduled little boy I've ever met and it works for them. I remember telling Rachel when I was pregnant, "If I ever do demand-feeding or get away from a schedule slap me!". Thankfully she has been wise enough to not correct me!

But for me, and Lydia, we rock the "kinda-schedule". I still make sure she gets enough to eat without keeping her latched on like a koala all day long, she takes decent naps, sleeps "through the night" (read: 6 hours), and she seems to be healthy and happy. I'm not going crazy, have a social life, continue the ministry I need to, spend quality time with my husband, but then also understand the worthwhile "inconvenience" of having a baby.

My mom gave me this advice, which she got from my grandma, which Brian continues to remind me of: it's our baby and we have to find what's right for her and us. I pray that we continue to raise Lydia in a way that is glorifying to God and He shows us what works!

What Mandy doesn't know...

is that cool moms cruise around with their lights flashing in a minivan! Word. Happy 4th Anniversary! True.

Lydia's Baptism

A few weeks ago we were blessed to see our daughter baptized at Christ Community Church. Lots of family came into town for the event (we took up a whole row at church) and we were so excited to share this with them. Lydia did well...no crying till the end. Although, she did fill up her diaper (unbeknown to everyone but Brian who was holding her) right before Pastor Mike took her in his arms!

Lots of our friends and family hold differing views of this sacrament. We wanted to take part of this post to (hopefully concisely) explain WHY we had Lydia baptized. Let us just say up front that we hold this view with humility knowing that we believe we are acting in obedience and being faithful to what God (by His grace) has taught us through scripture. People and churches that do not hold to our view are still loved by God (and us)...we know the gospel is made up of more critical issues than baptism.

So, that being said, here's what we believe. Abraham was commanded to be circumcised once he entered into covenant with God (that is, God promised to make him a father of many nations). He was also commanded to circumcise his male children. These children did not have faith yet (like Abraham did) but were given the "sign" of the covenant and entered into the covenant community (i.e.- the church). Later in life these children would look back to their circumcision as a reminder of God's love for them and His promise to be their God, and so (Lord willing) they would put their faith in Him.

Baptism correlates with circumcision, but in the New Covenant it is open to girls (yay!) and non-Jews (Gentiles like us). We baptize our children because we believe this is an act of obedience. God told Abraham His covenant with him is eternal, so we are STILL under this covenant of grace. Jesus has come as fulfillment of the covenant and He still carried on the practice of baptism. So the simple answer to WHY is because we are commanded to do so.

Baptism is also a means of grace (like the Lord's supper). For reasons only known to God, He chooses to bless the infant who is baptized in a special way. The water is not holy, but God is present in the event of baptism...like when Jesus was baptized we saw the Holy Spirit hovering over Him. She is a "covenant child" who is raised in a Christian home (Brian and I took vows at her baptism to do this) and a member of the covenant body of Christ (church) who all took vows to help and support us in the raising of her.

Let us also say what baptism is not. This act in no way saves Lydia or cleanses her from original sin. It does not make her less sinful. It makes her holy in one sense of the word (that is set apart) but she is still unholy and will be outside of God's presence until she makes a profession of faith. It also is not a baby dedication with water. There are some similarities (like us taking vows and the church promising to support us) but baptism is a sacrament. Being a sacrament means that God is spiritually present and that is a special way that He has chosen to bless His people. It is different than a pledge on our parts or a metaphor...it is weightier, if I can use that word. God ordained this to be done with reverence and to reveal Himself in this way.

We hope one day soon she will come to a saving knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. This is how she will become a Christian, living up to what was done at her baptism. We, as parents, look to God's promise and hope that He will open her heart (like He did with Lydia in Acts 16).

PS: the sweet baptism gown was made by Amy Huff. She has an etsie shop and is very talented!

Religion vs. The Gospel

Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Religion is about dividing the GOOD people from the BAD people. Religion says the world is filled with two types of people: "good" people and "bad" people. Religious people set out their list of rules and laws which all must follow and be weighted by. Then, they judge how well you do to see if you are acceptable or "good". If you are "good" according to their list, you will be liked and accepted. You are in the "in crowd". On a side note, don't read this and assume I mean "good" as "you don't drink, smoke, and hang out with the girls that do" mentality. Sometimes, it is the exact opposite. The "good" on the religious list is that "you do drink, smoke, and hang out with the girls that do." The reality is that most irreligious people are very religious in their ways.

The list of rules is always self selective and overly convenient to those who make up the list. This is their line of thinking: Since I don't struggle with "this sin", it must be "really" bad and therefore, whoever struggles with "this sin" must be "really bad". And, I must be better than them. Or, the list could be based the color of skin, heritage, sex, etc... which leads into racism or classism. This is how "religion" defines the world. The Pharisees did this, "I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector."

The Gospel

The Gospel divides also but very differently. The Gospel assumes we are all bad expect Jesus. We are all messed up, broken, self-centered, self-self-indulging idolater. We all commit the sins of religion: self-righteousness, pride, and judgmentalism. We all have committed sins of irreligion: drunkenness, lust, sexual immortality, hatred, and murder. These lists could go on and on. The point is that we are all bad in thought, word, and deed and the difference is whether one is repentant or unrepentant. The repentant is like the tax-collector, "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'" He cry out for mercy not based on his works or anything in himself, but trusted something in God, namely, His mercy in Christ.

How do you see the people around you? GOOD vs. bad? Or, all are broken and need a Savior? Do you live a life of repentance of sin and dependence on God's mercy in Christ? As Martin Luther said, "the whole life of believers should be repentance" (Article I, 95 Theses). I pray that God will grant me His Gospel way of living and may I continue to repent of my sins and trust in Christ as Savior.

Lydia's First Bath

It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce to you, the viewing audience of three, the long-awaited, long-overdue, first video of Lydia (clap, clap, cheer, cheer). This was one of the sweetest and funnest moments of our beginning parenting duties. Enjoy!

Credits:

Starring- Lydia Anne Stock

Supporting Roles- Daddy and Mommy

Commentary and Film Crew- Nana

(There were no rubber duckies injured or used during this movie.)

Celebrating 40 Years!!!

40 years ago, Mr. Edward Michael Stock and Ms. Carolyn Louise Wetterhall tied the knot. 40 years ago, my parents said "yes" to each other as long as they shall live. Today, by grace, they continue to say "yes" to each other with a stronger, deeper understanding of love. Happy Anniversary, Dad and Mom!

Psalm 128 (NIV)
A song of ascents.
1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6 and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.