tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67330675797968170882024-03-05T16:22:28.850-05:00Michael, etc.Love of God, life of a family, and adventures of a swimming pharmacist on a motorcycleMike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-38391394513430305872014-12-13T22:08:00.002-05:002014-12-13T22:08:50.872-05:00Winter in Woodford 12/13/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-3911010073989847812014-02-20T21:10:00.000-05:002014-02-24T21:13:45.888-05:00Overnight Winter Camping AdventureI've often thought about taking the family out for a grand camping trip, and long remembered a couple of weeks in the summertime when my parents sent us to camp at nearby <a href="http://www.merckforest.org">Merck Forest</a>, just over an hour from home. We would spend the days exploring the 3,100 acres of land, learning to make different crafts (beeswax candles), tracking and survival skills, or cooling off with a dip in the nearby pond complete with rope swim. If behavior was not appropriate during meals in the large pavilion, kids would have to get up and sing silly songs in front of the whole camp (I had more practice in this area than I am happy to admit now). At night, we would retreat to our lean-tos and jump in the sleeping bags and drift off to sleep under the starlit sky. In fact, during one night every summer we would venture out in small groups and rough it under the open sky - I still recall the gooiest mac and cheese ever made over the open campfire. Great memories!<br />
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I came across a link to Merck Forest in the fall, and I decided to look at some dates when we might use the lands there as a family. In addition to the facilities that I remember, their website lists a number of camps throughout the property that accommodate parties of 2-15. Since we have snowshoes and the kids had vacation this week, I called the welcome center to ask about the best option for our group, and was suggested that Ridge Cabin would be a good fit of the available cabins, although a little more than 2 miles from base. With Jinho visiting his father and Emma busy with work and school, Lena, Preston and Lina agreed to join me.<br />
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<a href="http://merckforest.org/cms/TrailMap.pdf">Link to Merck's trail map</a><br />
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I have to admit that I was not exactly sure how the trip would work out. Lena did a great job of getting the food supplies and the like ready, and I was able to borrow a propane grill from a coworker. I received a camping lantern from my good friend John MacDonald years ago, so after checking that everything was in working order I knew that we were all set with heat, food, and light on the trip. Since my boss, Larry, is an avid camper, I used him as a resource. I tried to think about the experience in terms of movies I've seen, and was hoping that it would be least like Misery and more closely resemble John Candy's fun in The Great Outdoors .. minus the bear, of course!<br />
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We started packing the van Wednesday morning and everything was all set, except for sleds. Not that we were looking for some fun hills to go sledding, but I thought that they would help with transportation since we don't own "real" hiking backpacks. I I was optimistic that we would easily find a sled (I live in New England, and it's been a traditional heavy winter with lots of snow), but no place in town had any. Lena was not thrilled, but I kept hope that we'd find them along the way to the forest. We stopped by Lena's sister house, and while she had no sleds she did offer some places to stop in Manchester that might carry them. We found the last two sleds and some string at RK Miles, a lumber yard, on our second stop. How exciting, especially with the snow falling around us!<br />
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After driving to Merck, we checked in at the Welcome Center to warm up by the fire and also get some more information. They have a really neat stuffed bobcat among the organic maple syrup products and farm-fresh meat and dairy supplies. With questions answered and some trail maps, we headed back to the car to load up and move out. It was almost magically with the snow coming down, as it was warm outside (around off) and the flakes were the large, wet ones perfect for packing. With our snowshoes on and cargo loaded on the two sleds and our backs, we headed out.<br />
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After a short walk through the woods we came upon the Sap House and the barns. The sleds were not cooperating; Preston had no problems with his by mine (with the stove, plastic bin with sleeping bags, lantern, and water) kept tipping over. While it was a good laugh at first, Lena was beginning to wonder how we would manage for the whole trip, as we were just a quarter-mile into the journey. After readjusting, I decided to carry the purple bin and give up the sled to Liana. This worked ok as we made our way through the clearing to Old Town Road, the main trail that runs from the north to south on the property. I remember that it was a bit of an incline, and the staff reminded us of that. Well, the incline was a bit more than I thought, running for almost a mile up a strong incline. We had to make many stops to catch our breath, and I tried to keep the troops focused on getting to the cabin when we get there while not feeling rushed to do so. <br />
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Finally peaking the first climb, we spotted Lodge Road to the east, and made our way up another (much) smaller hill past Spruce Cabin and then down a bend to the Lodge, about 1.25 mile from base and one of few areas in this wilderness with solar power. Shortly after passing Spruce, I tied the two sleds together and pulled them while holding the purple bin, as the kids were getting winded. The challenge with winter hiking is having to walk a bit differently due to the weight and size of the snowshoes, and having to bring more supplies and clothing to keep warm. Add to that the somewhat quick changes in temperature, and going from feeling cold to sweating while covered in layers and you have some difficulties to overcome. I knew that if we worked together to solve the issues we came across and kept a positive outlook, the trip would be a success. Everyone did a great job of joining me in this regard, even though it took some encouragement to accomplish.<br />
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We continued on Lodge Road, at this point the trail was well packed and wide due to snowmobile use. Merck taps over 17,000 trees for their maple sugar operation, and as the daytime temps have been rising work has begun in order to be prepared to transform that sweet tree sap into the fine amber nectar we all enjoying on everything from pancakes to ice cream (or straight from the jug!). I was getting tired, and the trail soon became narrower, only the width of the snowshoes. The sleds worked well in this track, but with our turn onto Meyer Road and it's up and downs I passed the bin off to the other three to carry. We came across a sign indicating that the cabin was only 0.25 miles ahead. Up a hill. We mustered on, soon meeting with Hammond Road on the mountain ridge. We first saw the wood shed, and were all very excited! The only downside was that the cabin was still further ahead (0.1 miles, but I think farther) and the trail ended - we had to break our own path to get to the cabin. Which we did, passing the outhouse on the rolling glade and finally sighting our shelter for the night. <br />
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Approaching the backside from the north with the snow lightly falling, I dumped the sleds three or four times and finally dropped them, deciding that getting into the cabin and starting a fire was the highest priority at this point in the day. After opening the door we discovered our rustic accommodations, quite literally the "cozy cabin on a remote wooded ridge with great views." There was a table with two small benches underneath, wooden planks on the west and east sides including bunks on the north wall. In between was the stove, complete with a large pile of wood. I had a fire-starting square that I use in the pellet stove at home, plus some newspaper and cardboard which I used to get the fire started, then slowly added wood to get heat for our cold bodies. It was amazing that within 20 minutes, Preston commented that we went from being able to see our breaths to having the warmth require us to shed some layers. <br />
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Lena and the kids moved the items into the cabin, so we set to organizing our space. On the table was a binder with a laminated map and information to help make the stay successful (specifically hints related to the stove). There was also a notebook for hikers to tell their story, which I filled in later in the evening. I took a sled out to get some more wood, and also make a patch to the outhouse. I counted on the way back 160 steps between doors, a long walk! After a short break with some hot chocolate, I set up the stove and took the food Lena set out and started preparing dinner - cheese quesadillas and chicken-noodle soup. Everything cooked evenly and we filled up under the glow of the lantern. We then played a game of Apples to Apples and roasted S'Mores over the stove before making the last trip to the outhouse; we wore headlamps though the heavy, misty air as it settled over the woods. The sky was trying unsuccessfully to produce more snow, so the clouds prevented us from seeing the stars or moon above.<br />
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Once settled in the cabin, I put out the lantern and was soon fast asleep. Mindful of the wood stove, I woke up roughly every three hours during the night to stoke the fire. Around 3am, the clouds had cleared and the moon light was illuminating the landscape, offering a beautiful view off the ridge. I found Preston's sleeping bag on the floor due to the heat in the cabin, so I roused him enough to get it under his body for a little comfort. As we moved towards daylight, the woods became alive with the sound of birds beginning their morning routines. <br />
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We woke up around 8am; Lena chopped up some apples and mixed them with some canned peaches and maple syrup before warming them up on the stove as I got the camp stove-top ready for pancakes. Pancakes (some with pieces of chocolate) were on the menu, along with some orange juice that we brought it. A great feast to enjoy as the sun warmed the snow about us and caused the icicles displayed around the roof to begin to melt. After I restocked the wood the cabin, Liana was interested in making a snowman so we set about that task. Using some wood and stones from the ground, we formed a friend to wish us well on our journey down the mountain and also welcome the next campers. <br />
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We finished packing the cabin, this time rearranging some of the items differently on the sleds. Lena was fed up with the purple bin, so we left that behind so others could use it for dry storage. She was able to make use of our remaining string by making loops to carry the sleeping bags around our backs. Around 11am we started back for the welcome center, full of energy from a full night's rest and fueled by some great food. The green signs directing us along the paths came upon us much more quickly, partly because we were more familiar with the terrain but also because the majority of the trip was downhill. Thirty minutes to the trip I realized that I left the lantern suspended from the ceiling in the cabin; I thought for a moment about going back for it but decided that I would leave a note at the center and plan to retrieve it in the future. <br />
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We passed the tubing from the maple sugar operation, some 17,000 tabs set up to deliver the sweet sap to collection points and then on to the sugar house to be transformed into the amber nectar destined for our plates. Here is the field just south of the Lodge, just under the half-way mark of the trip home. As we rounded Spruce Cabin, we returned to Old Town Road and the very long portion downhill. As we entered the clearing just east of the barn, we stopped to chat with a couple heading into the forest on their way to the Viewpoint Cabin. Returning to the area around the farm, a horse-drawn sleigh was touring the property with visitors, and Lena stopped to say hello to some horses. A short walk from there to the car and our adventure was complete. It took over three hours to hike to the cabin, and were at the car in less than two!<br />
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I personally love to be outside and enjoy nature, with all the grandeur that God created it to contain. Lena kept telling me that I was crazy to think of winter camping, and before the trip Liana mentioned that it seemed like a scary movie, where the audience asks "why would they go out in the woods?"! While the hiking was more strenuous than I had anticipated it to be, and some of the hills a bit larger (and longer) than I remember, I am very thankful that we could embark on this trip as a means to spend time together and work together to address the obstacles that we faced. <br />
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Our trip reminded me of that narrow gate that Jesus referred to in the book of Matthew. In verses 13 and 14 of chapter 7, our Lord stated: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." We are all faced with choices on a daily basis, and can choose to follow the wide path that everyone else is filing down, or we can choose to tackle a more difficult route that is lightly treaded upon. The reward, for me, in following the advice of my Savior and leaning on His strength when my own is in short supply yields a growth that the easier decisions in life do not allow. Ask someone on this trip if they feel the same, as I think we found it.Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com2Merck Forest, Green Mountain National Forest, Rupert, VT, USA43.277669 -73.17070669999998243.271889 -73.180791699999986 43.283449000000005 -73.160621699999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-6267192603154081732013-03-08T22:25:00.001-05:002013-03-08T22:25:53.616-05:00"Christianity: The Religion of the Possessive Pronoun"Below is the devotional that I received this morning from ptl.org:<br />
<blockquote><blockquote>Romans 1:8a:<br />
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ...</blockquote><br />
Thoughts for Today:<br />
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"I thank my God," Paul says. Thomas said upon touching the wounds of Jesus, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Martin Luther once said, "Christianity is uniquely the religion of the possessive pronoun." In other words, you can be a Buddhist without knowing Buddha; you can be a Hare Krishna without knowing Krishna; but you can't be a Christian unless you know Jesus. Christianity is unique because it is not a religion -- it is a relationship.<br />
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Marriage is a great example of this concept. My wife and I do not live under a set of rules which someone else created for us to follow. For example, what time to have dinner, who is to make dinner, clean the house, do yard work, or anything else. We have freedom in our marriage because it is a relationship between us as individuals --governed by love -- not laws or regulations created by others.<br />
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Many people misunderstand Christianity when they place it in the category of a religion. I have had people say to me, "Oh that's right, you don't do ______________ because it's against your religion." It's sometimes hard for people to understand that my choice to not do something is not because it violates a religious rule -- rather I might consider it to be disrespectful or harmful in my relationship with Jesus.<br />
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Questions to Ponder:<br />
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How has your relationship been lately? And I'm not talking about your spouse or friends. Relationships are built because of time spent together sharing, learning, and in fellowship. How much time are you spending with the Lord? He always has time for you; will you make time for Him? Is Christianity just your religion or is your relationship with Jesus growing stronger and deeper? </blockquote><br />
For His Glory has been the mission in our home for many years. It's a choice in how we live our lives. A choice regarding the music we listen to or the movies we watch. I surely don't need any more pollution in my head. Continuing to go deeper, to the richness of a life alive with Jesus Christ. Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-18822044805855017402013-01-23T21:14:00.003-05:002013-01-23T21:22:29.177-05:00Remembering Cold Nights It is 3 degrees right now, and will dip below zero overnight. The sky is practically cloudless, and the moon is shinning brightly in the sky with the stars twinkling above the rooflines and chimneys that gently puff out a warm exhaust. If we had a deeper snowpack, it would surely get colder. These are the nights that, strangely, I long to experience. <br />
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After my mom passed away in '95, I find myself not sleeping all that well. Lena and I lived in the apartment off the house I grew up in, and on cold nights like these, I would venture from the warmth of our bed to the pond deep in the night. With only the moon to guide me past the slumbering garden, I would make my way down the old stone steps to the memorial bench that was etched with her initials and two years, "1945" and "1995." I would lay down on the hard granite slab, which matched two others at the far side of the pond that paid tribute to my grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Just spending time looking into the heavens, listening to the trees clicking as they swayed, warmed from the outside in by clothing but chilled from in the inside out by the air being breathed into my lungs.. <br />
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These days, the pond area has been neglected and overgrown, but the bench still stands tall in honor of my parents. I try to visit it a few times a year, but it is hard to see the area in such a state (especially feeling like a stranger there. I also am watching Northern Exposure dvds we have at the house, as this show was picked up with the old antenna in reruns during the wee hours of the morning in between these quiet visits. It was as if, during these times of depressing solace, this particular tv show helped to remind me of community and family. Now, it is almost therapeutic to watch these episodes again, especially since so many of the shows highlighted a brilliant moon over the snowy, cold landscape. Just like those times back on Furnace Grove.Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-22364285597622222862012-12-02T20:55:00.000-05:002012-12-02T20:55:28.993-05:00Are We Listening to God?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do We Believe What We Hear?</b></div>
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As the Christmas season comes fresh this year, let's look at another section of scripture that is written before one of the narratives of Jesus' birth. The first chapter of Luke looks at the two families that conceive in miraculous ways, but responded to the news differently, which ought to urge us as well to really think about whether the Word of God is the trusted source of guidance in our own lives.</div>
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The Gospel of Luke was written by the physician of the same name, who also penned the Book of Acts (both volumes make up one-quarter of the New Testament scriptures), a remarkable fact since he was most likely the only non-Jewish writer of the NT (Ref: Col 4:10-14). Luke drafted perhaps the most most comprehensive, chronological account of Jesus Christ's life (birth, life, miracles and teachings, death, burial, and Resurrection), with an emphasis on his compassion for the less fortunate and neglected segments of society. </div>
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Grab your Bible and read through the whole chapter. Now we'll look at some key ideas, remembering that for over 400 years (since the prophet Malachi recorded his book), God was silent to the nation Israel. Men and women still had faith in the God of their ancestors, but He was quiet.</div>
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<u>vs 1-4:</u> </div>
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Luke uses eyewitness accounts to offer his readers a complete picture of the Son of God, so that we may know with certainty our Lord and Savior.</div>
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<u>vs. 5-25:</u> </div>
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An angel first appears to deliver a message. </div>
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vs 7: Remind you of another couple that conceived at an old age? How about Abraham and Sarah. Remember, the birth of a baby is miraculous, but what is most important here is that in the case of both Elizabeth and her cousin Mary, the child that they bore was conceived through the miraculous work of God.</div>
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vs 8-9: Burnt offerings were made to God twice daily, as a symbol of prayers and praise to God. Wilmington notes that for the priest to enter the temple was a special honor, happening only once in a lifetime. What a great place for God to again speak, at this appointed time in history, to a man that walked blamelessly before the Lord (vs 6).</div>
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vs 18-20: Here we see Zechariah's response to the angel delivering the Word of God - <span style="color: blue;"><b>DOUBT</b></span>. Even today, when we doubt what God can do, we have difficulty hearing him (and often wonder why). For Zechariah, this meant becoming mute; in a sense, God was preventing him from wandering farther down a path of disbelief by preventing his tongue from working (sometimes, I think we all could benefit from this). Not a punishment per say, but a method to lovingly restore this servant unto his Lord.</div>
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<u>vs. 26-38:</u></div>
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Now Zechariah's wife, Elizabeth, is six months along in her pregnancy (although no one else is aware, see vs. 24), and the same angel of the Lord that visited her husband now appears to her cousin, Mary, with similar news. However, Mary is to give birth to JESUS (vs 31-33).</div>
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vs. 34: <span style="color: blue;"><b>BELIEF</b></span>. Notice the subtle difference to Mary's reaction as compared to Zechariah's: He could not believe what the Lord said would be accomplished, whereas Mary simply asked how it would be so. Do we fully trust what God has planned, or do we try to use our own ways to make something happen our own way?<br />
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vs. 36: Proof of God's work is delivered, since Mary could not have known of her cousin's miracle.</div>
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vs. 37: AMEN!</div>
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<u>vs. 39-56:</u></div>
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Mary leaves with haste to go to her cousin to share in this miracle, and stays with Elizabeth for three months. She also sings a song of praise to God.</div>
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vs. 42: Note that Elizabeth, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, acknowledges that Mary is blessed <i>among</i> women, not <i>above</i>. We are not to worship the mother of Jesus, but rather follow in her pattern by worshiping the One himself who provides salvation to each person estranged from God, Jesus (vs. 47).</div>
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<u>vs. 57-66:</u></div>
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The time has come for Elizabeth to give birth, and a great celebration follows. For a moment, let's consider the means of the names in this family. Zechariah translates to "The Lord remembers," and Elizabeth means "God is my oath." Wow, the Lord remembers His oath - a clear reminder that God's promises endure and that He, through the Holy Spirit, is with those who call unto Him for salvation always, eternally.</div>
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vs. 59-60: The Jewish tradition of that day was for the eldest son to be named after his father. Keep in mind that Zechariah has not spoken in over nine months (depending on which spouse you are, that though may be exciting or troubling!). Elizabeth, keenly aware of God's plan for her child, intervenes and surprises the gathering by stating her son's name will be John (vs. 13), "the Lord is gracious."</div>
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vs. 63-64: True to His Word (vs. 20), at the moment that Zechariah communicates (via writing) that his son shall be called John, his tongue is freed and God allows his servant to speak again. After waiting for nearly a year to utter a word, Zechariah can only praise God!</div>
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<u>vs 67-80:</u></div>
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Zechariah's song, a prophesy about the life and ministry of his son, John the Baptist (reference the Gospel of John, first chapter) in proclaiming to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises and prophesies, the only one to walk ever in the perfect law of God the Father and able to save a guilty person from their sins. </div>
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A great quotation from Adam Clarke's commentary pertaining to this section of the Bible:</div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">If fervent and faithful prayers be not immediately answered they should not be considered as lost; all such are <u>heard</u> by the Lord, are <u>registered</u> in heaven, and shall be <u>answered</u> in the most effectual way, and in the best time.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Answers to prayer are to be received in faith, but faith should not only <u>accompany</u> prayer on earth, but <u>follow</u> it all its way to the throne of grace, and <u>stay</u> with it before the throne until dismissed with it's answer to a waiting soul. </span></blockquote>
God is faithful. He receives our prayers and praises, and will act on them on His perfect time, lest we think that our own preference on how or when this should be ought to happen. He keeps His promises and delivers upon His Word. What response are we to choose - doubt or belief? The answer to this question has eternal consequences. <br />
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May you enjoy a blessed and Merry Christmas, treasuring up the goodness and loving-kindness of God for you. God bless.<br />
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Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-67582786500778423272012-02-05T17:47:00.000-05:002012-02-05T17:47:11.767-05:00God Cares For UsJesus spoke many parables while He was on earth because much of the wisdom that He tried to impart was just to complex for the people to understand. A parable is a way of using earthly examples to explain a Heavenly principle so that it could be understood, and when reading the Bible we see that Jesus used this pattern many times.<br />
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In John 10, we read about the Good Shepard. We see that the Lord uses a familiar idea in that culture: shepards and their flocks. As you probably know, sheep have a way of knowing their master, and will follow him only, even when multiple folks are brought together. This happened often at night, when in the courtyard of a home a gatekeeper ("porter") was hired to keep all of the sheep in a pen while the shepard's slept. <br />
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On my father's dairy farm growing up, we did not have sheep, but the cows did follow his voice when it came time to calling them down from the hillside for feeding. They knew him, and he knew them - even if one of the 80 were missing. Same with sheep, and also the same with God - He knows us and is calling out to us so that we might choose to follow Him.<br />
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Let's look at the entire portion of Scripture now:<br />
<b>John 10:1-18 (KJV)</b><br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">10:1
</span></sup><span style="color: #660000;"> Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
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<sup>2
</sup> But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
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<sup>3
</sup> To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
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<sup>4
</sup> And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
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<sup>5
</sup> And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">6
</span></sup> This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">7
</span></sup> Then said Jesus unto them again, <span style="color: #660000;">Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
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<sup>8
</sup> All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
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<sup>9
</sup> I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
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<sup>10
</sup> The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have <i>it</i> more abundantly.
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<sup>11
</sup> I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
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<sup>12
</sup> But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
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<sup>13
</sup> The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
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<sup>14
</sup> I am the good shepherd, and know my <i>sheep</i>, and am known of mine.
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<sup>15
</sup> As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
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<sup>16
</sup> And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, <i>and</i> one shepherd.
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<sup>17
</sup> Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
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<sup>18
</sup> No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.</span><br />
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Jesus starts out this parable stating, "Verily, verily" and again echos this phase in verse 7. Remember that in Scripture key ideas are repeated again and again, and when Jesus says "verifly" He is in essence saying "this is the truth." The sheep here are just like us humans in that we are dependent on our Creator (even if we don't know it), and the sheep fold is the Church (remember, this is not only specific to a "congregation" because the Bible makes clear that an individual believer in Jesus is the Church.<br />
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It is interesting to me that verses 1-5 of this parable is directed towards those in ministry; at the time it was for the Pharisees and now can be looked at for those looking to enter into the pastorate (the only way is through Jesus Christ). Jesus points out that His flock will only follow Him and His words, not those of a stranger. God has given us not only His Word, the Bible, but also the Holy Spirit to test those things that we see and hear in order to prove if they are of God or not. <br />
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Verse 6 shows that those listening to Jesus still didn't get what he was trying to say. There are times when I do not fully understand what the Bible tells me, but through prayer and studying God makes His way known to me. I need to be patient and commit to seeking after Him. Jesus gets his audience's attention again by clearly stating that "I am the door of the sheep." In my own house, the front door offers an opportunity for fellowship as friends and family may enter in to share in my life, but also security and protection. Jesus makes clear that this is the same with those who trust in Him, and that the Holy Spirit that is available to us now will help us to see what ideas or actions are of God or man.<br />
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Verses 9-11 explain more of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus was to make for me, and you, and all those who live in this fallen world. He saved us from death, and offers today a way of salvation by the forgiveness of sins<br />
because of His death, burial, and resurrection; we can have eternal life! So much in this world continues to point towards the way of death and separation from God, but in His infinite love He offers a life that is more abundant than any of the perceived riches we can obtain on this earth.<br />
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We go on to read about a difference between someone hired to watch the flock and its owner in verses 12-14. On the farm of my youth, my dad could not care for every aspect of the lives of his cows. There was milking twice daily, feeding and cleaning, as well as going out to gather hay and plant corn. He needed to hire people to help him, and when my siblings and I were old enough we were assigned duties to assist my dad. We cared for the responsibilities that he gave us, but not to the full expectations that he had. His care was greater because he had a bigger stake than just helping - he was responsible for everything. Same with me at work in the pharmacy: at the end of the day everything to do with the business is on me (from proper filling and dispensing of medicines to recording the refrigerator temperatures). I have people to help me, but in the end it is my responsibility to be sure every task is completed properly. Jesus is the good shepard, and will not flee from us in times of trouble - Charles Stanley refers to Him as our "anchor in times of storm." He was, is, and will be here with us. He knows us and cares for us.<br />
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The parable concludes with Jesus again foreshadowing his death on the cross for His people, even those that were not Jewish. Remember that Jesus' earthly ministry was focused towards offering salvation to his people, the nation Israel. On the cross, he was mocked as the "King of the Jews" and yet endured the pain of our sins our of obedience to the plan that God had for him. He came to be our living sacrifice (John 15:13) and make a way for the Gentiles (like me - I am in the fold of vs 16 that He speaks of) to be offered the forgiveness of sins by His act of love for us.<br />
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God knows us, and He loves us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth to fulfill all of the requirements of the Hebrew law, and offer a way of salvation from the death of sin for those who believe in Him. It is not by works, but from faith in what He did. That is caring that is out of this world!<br />
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<br />Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-15265587391670040582012-01-02T20:40:00.000-05:002012-01-02T20:40:39.858-05:00Another Resolution?New Year's Resolutions often revolve around things in our lives that we want to change - dieting to lose weight, exercising to become healthier, finding or improving friendships or romance to avoid loneliness, and prosperity. It is interesting to note that only 8-10 out of 100 people actually keep their resolutions for the entire year. I have seen evidence of this while exercising at the local recreation center - the pool and weight room are packed for the first 4-8 weeks of the year, taken over by "resolutionists" but then things get back to "normal" as they lose their motivation to complete their resolution.<div>
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A fresh start for a new year? For many years I have not made resolutions, as I often find that when I try to change something about myself I fail. Don't you? Soon the level of commitment required to make a change on our own takes too much energy to fulfill and we go back to the thing we are trying to evade. I am so thankful that the Bible offers something far greater - a new life, in Jesus Christ, that is obtained once and for all by faith because of the forgiveness of sins that we can have only in Him. </div>
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Remember, when God created the world, "it was good." After that seventh day, man started to muck it up, and we have been ever since Adam and Eve thought it would be ok to ignore God's plan for their lives and take to their own choices. This new life is eternal, and happens when God causes a transformation for all who believe in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross. We are not held hostage by our sins, even though we must still make a choice to yield control of our life over to the Creator and allow the Holy Spirit to take hold of our thoughts and actions. </div>
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Believers in the New Testament are called to be new creatures - not "remodeled" but altogether new. <b>2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) </b>"Therefore if any man <i>be</i> in Christ, <i>he is</i> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." It should be no surprise that the most of the books in this section of the Bible follow a similar theme (which was carried over from the Old Testament): believers in towns fall away from God and His teachings and a letter is written to them, often pointing out their failed attempts to live according to their own ways and lovingly guiding them back to the Truth.</div>
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In Paul's first letter to the folks at Thessalonica calls on them to increase in their faith by loving and serving others, as well as going to the Lord in prayer. J. Venon McGee notes that Paul offers 19 tips to live a life that is pleasing to God, and the points are easily applicable to us today just like they were almost 2000 years ago. See if you can find all of them:</div>
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<b>1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 (KJV)
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">5:11
</span></sup> Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">12
</span></sup> And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">13
</span></sup> And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. <i>And</i> be at peace among yourselves.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">14
</span></sup> Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all <i>men</i>.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">15
</span></sup> See that none render evil for evil unto any <i>man</i>; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all <i>men</i>.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">16
</span></sup> Rejoice evermore.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">17
</span></sup> Pray without ceasing.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">18
</span></sup> In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">19
</span></sup> Quench not the Spirit.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">20
</span></sup> Despise not prophesyings.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">21
</span></sup> Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
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<sup><span style="color: maroon;">22
</span></sup> Abstain from all appearance of evil. </div>
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How are you doing with applying these to your life? If they were not against our human nature, it won't be tough to patient to all men or hold fast that which is good. See, when we try to do things our way, we go right back to desiring to control our life, and that will eventually end up in us being disobedient to God. My way is not His, so my way way is not good. Thank God we can find rest in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of all the baggage in our life. Our relationship with God is only fixed when we trust in His Son, and then we can find that with Him working through us, those points above in Paul's letter can be put into practice.</div>
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"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out another." Found that anonymous quote while looking through the web, and it is so true! We need to give our will and choices over to God so that we can be the people that He created us to be, as individuals and as larger communities. God's promise of salvation does not change, and He is waiting for you to come to Him. You see, we can do something that He can't: sin. <b>Titus 1:2 (KJV)
</b>"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." He does not lie, ever.</div>
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I won't worry about a resolution that will fade away just like our good intentions. Only God can cause the changes in our lives that will mold us into the people that He can use to complete the plans that He has for each of us. Resolve this year for the revelation of God in your life, and know that you can trust Him to keep His promises.<br />
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</div>
<br />Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-74351088343962157272011-12-24T17:47:00.002-05:002011-12-24T17:53:28.074-05:00Jesus is the Reason for the Season<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; text-align: left;">Christmas means many
things to many people:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - Presents (finding the perfect one),
parties (planning all the details to outdo last year), and of course Santa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - Watered down greetings Merry Christmas
-> Holidays -> Winter. Happy Winter??? </span></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/388434_2884590922225_1483682706_2948107_1118386355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/388434_2884590922225_1483682706_2948107_1118386355_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - Our
attention is being taken away from Jesus, the reason we have to celebrate this season<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season</span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The Bible story about the birth of our Savior is one that we know: </span></div>
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<b>Luke 2:1-20 (KJV) </b></div>
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">2:1
</span></sup> And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">2
</span></sup> (<i>And</i> this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">3
</span></sup> And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">4
</span></sup> And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">5
</span></sup> To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">6
</span></sup> And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">7
</span></sup> And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">8
</span></sup> And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">9
</span></sup> And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">10
</span></sup> And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">11
</span></sup> For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">12
</span></sup> And this <i>shall be</i> a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">13
</span></sup> And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">14
</span></sup> Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">15
</span></sup> And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">16
</span></sup> And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">17
</span></sup> And when they had seen <i>it</i>, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">18
</span></sup> And all they that heard <i>it</i> wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">19
</span></sup> But Mary kept all these things, and pondered <i>them</i> in her heart.
<br />
<sup><span style="color: maroon;">20
</span></sup> And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
<br />
<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season</span></span></b>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Let's look closer:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><u>Why did Jesus come?</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - To become the
savior to a fallen man, because WE want to be in charge of this life instead of following His plan for us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Gen 1:31 tells us that what God created was good, and that Adam and Eve (living in a "good" environment) had but one action to avoid (Gen 2:17). We know the story: soon after there is
the BAD of sin that entered into God's creation, caused by man, that ruined the relationship between God and man. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">- Romans
6:23 - </span></b><sup><span style="color: maroon; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For the wages of sin <i>is</i>
death; but the gift of God <i>is</i> eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">- </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalms 8:4 -</span></b><sup><span style="color: maroon; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of
man, that thou visitest him? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our God is a God of second chances!</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season</span></span></b>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><u>How did Jesus come?</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - God left Heaven to
become a man and take on the sin of each one of us (remember, He did not sin - only man has that capacity)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - By the miracle of virgin birth
(Gen 3:15 forshawdows the coming savior, as did many prophets in the Old Testament). Note the differences between His virgin birth (Luke 1:31) and our own (Psalms 51:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> - He came to save the us that are born in sin </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">-</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;">Psalms 51:3-4 </span><sup><span style="color: maroon; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin <i>is</i>
ever before me. <sup><span style="color: maroon;"> </span></sup>Against thee, thee only, have I
sinned, and done <i>this</i> evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified
when thou speakest, <i>and</i> be clear when thou judgest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> - In the OT, we
read how people constantly fell into sin and away from God, then God judged them and punished
their sin, but He always invited them back into a relationship with him. This cycle continues today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season</span></span></b>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><u>Who did Jesus come to
save?</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Salvation is offered to all who choose
to accept the free gift of grace that only Jesus can offer:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;">John 3:16-17</span><sup><span style="color: maroon; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into
the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">****For this purpose, Jesus Christ was born on this earth
– to save us from our sin and allow us to restore our relationship with God. Like Adam and Eve, we do not need much prompting to make bad decisions - they almost seem to come with less of a fight as compared to making the "right" choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>God</b>: Absolute (love and
holiness) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">(Offers the greatest gift - </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">forgiveness</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> of sins and </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">everlasting</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> life)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Man</b>: Changing (sinful, never content) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">(Offers the latest fad - Tickle-Me Elmo, Kindle - will end up in ruin)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season</span></span></b>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">No gift can ever compare to the gift that we
remember this day - God gave His son to me and you to be our Savior. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">- 2 Corinthians 5:21 </span></b><sup><span style="color: maroon; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For he hath made him <i>to be</i> sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">But we have to decide if we want to receive this
gift (His invitation is to all people, like a present under the tree. Will you leave it there, unopened?). All other things in this world
will fall short, because there is no way that we can come close to the superior gift that God has given to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;">1
Timothy 1:15 (KJV) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><sup><span style="color: maroon;"> </span></sup>This <i>is</i> a faithful
saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners; of whom I am chief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If Jesus was not born, then He would not have died on the cross for our sins, and He would not have risen again, a Resurrection that provides a victory of death and is the only means to restore our relationship to a loving and Holy God.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus is the Reason for the Season!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Praise the Lord!</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-90816067478407235392011-09-25T22:00:00.029-04:002011-09-26T20:43:36.428-04:00New England Masters 10K Championships<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I completed my first 10K swim today in Coventry, Rhode Island, at the 5th annual Flat River Reservoir Champion's Challenge. There were just over 40 total participants swimming in either the 5K or 10K events, with a mix of folks donning wetsuits or not. I choose not to, and was happy since the water temp was a warm 68 degrees. Here is what the course looked like - essentially we started on the south end of the lake, swam north for 1 mile, then went east for 1/2 mile, round a buoy and back for 5K, with those doing the 10K make 2 laps.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><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="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/297293_2400597455527_1268783629_32941538_216820501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/297293_2400597455527_1268783629_32941538_216820501_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I swam this loop twice to complete the 10K</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The race was started shortly after 9am, with all swimmers entering the water together, but the USMS registered swimmers in the 10K race starting 5 seconds later (so that the results can be certified). I was in the later wave, and found that since the field was not large there was no problem getting out from the start and through the pack.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I found myself near the front after the first mile, and looked back as I did some backstroke to stretch out my shoulders and found that a pack of 4-5 folks were bunched in behind me. No one was really interested to take over the point, so I keep churning. After we made the first right to the short buoy our group broke up a bit and I stopped for some hydration from my kayaker, Bob, who made the trip down from Maine to paddle with me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IoKIeFoz98/ToEYst9PpjI/AAAAAAAAAVI/2FHlzlcV4-M/s640/11%252520-%2525201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IoKIeFoz98/ToEYst9PpjI/AAAAAAAAAVI/2FHlzlcV4-M/s320/11%252520-%2525201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There I am, to the right, in front of the pod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I settled into a grove behind 2-3 folks through the turnaround and for the next mile or so. After another hydration break, I finished the last 1/4 mile of the 5K. All of a sudden a swimmer was headed towards us - I though it was a late starter but Bob confirmed it was the lead guy going for his second lap. I caught up to the group at the starting buoy and was surprised that most of them finished for the 5K, while I turned around for the 10K! haha - I guess it helped to pace with them as my split was 1hr 18min and change.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My right calf cramped up at the turnaround, so I was slowed down a bit to stretch it out. I tried a blackberry goo shot, which was just plain gross. For the rest of the race my right leg was bothering me, but I decided to get in a cycle of 40 hard stokes followed by 100 long/strong. It worked well back to the 1 mile marker, but my goggles kept fogging up so I was hampered there. I increased my hydration to 20 minute intervals, and decided after the far turnaround to try some food. One fruit cup later, and the way to sweet cherries I knew that was a bad idea! I keep moving and was not able to gain much on a gentleman in front of me, or lose ground from the guy behind.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The last 1/4 mile was tough; my arms were shot, right leg bothering me, and I was starting to feel nauseous from my failed fielding attempts. Bob was a great encouragement as always, cheering my on to finish as strong as possible. I came in at an official time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, 12 seconds. Not to shabby for my first marathon distance swim. I was spent after the race, and even got sick, but we were treated to a great post-race lunch and a chocolate bar shaped like a swimmer as an award.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bob wondered what I thought about during the swim. I employed some counting (forward and backward), but I used much of the time praying for family and friends and also reciting the books of the New Testament in order by book (my son had a test at school this week on these). The end of the swim was tough, but I found that by focusing on these, I was able to block out the pain and exhaustion that I was feeling. It took me about 15 minutes to start thinking clearly again and try something to eat (Bob was kind enough to give me a shoulder rub).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I will post the final results once they are available, but I was able to average 2.25 mph for the race. Ray Gandy and the folks in RI put on a great swim, where safety was the number one concern. There were four buoys dividing the lake, two jet skiers patrolling as well as some other boats, and every swimmer had a kayaker to keep an extra set of eyes on the water. In addition, we had a great feast set up after the swim and a really energized feeling from all of the racers, family/friends, and volunteers that came together to make this event happen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I never swam more than a 500yd as an age-grouper, and after just 2 years back in the water I am trying these longer distances with the hopes of tackling the English Channel in the next 6 years or so. Time will tell on that, but I am very thankful that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to swim, and has surrounded me with a loving family and friends to encourage me, even though sometimes I think I might be crazier than they think I am!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A special thanks to my family for being so supportive, my buddy Bob who (and his family that let him) came to kayak for me, and for the Bible, because if it was not for reciting the order of the New Testament books I am not sure if I could have finished! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts for next year ...</span><br />
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<ul>
<li>No fruit cups or Goo shots (must find a better eating strategy) </li>
<li>Put in more pacing work, and longer swims leading up to the event</li>
<li>Get a new pair of goggles leading up to the event, to prevent the fogging issue</li>
<li>Try some Dramamine to see if the nausea stays away</li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0Coventry, RI, USA41.687945553896341 -71.60705328984374841.650874053896338 -71.735701789843745 41.725017053896345 -71.478404789843751tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-83885182238219443312011-09-18T20:29:00.001-04:002011-09-18T22:50:24.183-04:005k Down, and a Great Weekend<div><p>I had a great weekend with the family in the Catskills of New York. This was a great time to spend together as we celebrated Lena's birthday on Friday.</p>
<p>We were invited to join my good friend from college, Chris (who is also Preston's godfather), get married to his sweetheart Rachel.  The ceremony took place in a cozy Russian church, with a reception at a romantic, refurbished barn, where we danced the night away until the cows came home!  (their British friends last longer than yours truly)</p>
<p>We stayed both Friday and Saturday night at the Inn at Stone Ridge, a wonderful getaway that was convenient to the weekend's festivities. We enjoyed comfortable lodging and fantastic breakfasts to fuel our day.</p>
<p>Before leaving on Friday, I was able to hop in the pool for a workout. I focused on alternating distance sets (500 to 1000 yards each) with minimal rest, and was able to complete 5k in just over 1 hour and 24 minutes. This is half the distance I will be swimming next weekend, and given that I had some kicking sets the time was right where I hoped it would be. I will have another long swim tomorrow, then a lake swim on Wednesday, a regular swim Thursday, then off to the race this weekend.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp36WZczQBXsPJEOaAZL3CZscZRDqlAR0RhcVAiP_64wiLSOQ_jxPelUBQopkKfCbTYnG9N5yF0BMn-I_lZk4_nD28X7WlHkduzpBm-lx6qaxU-lLaBCvvcNT-yCLcD_QJNCctafe1tMc/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75ozxNEEsB7XZQlfczEThf9YVCbysY4MehHQqY6oILLODobdi9EANYUHgPbntn-bhigSvqgSz3tQiBALJfiRp56q4aSPjmyvxQPoyfJOgs7hjKvzzILPTpB2lXqScrirqwBToERbPhnY/' /></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-60874634461803756542011-09-12T23:09:00.001-04:002011-09-12T23:11:11.940-04:00New England 10k swim in just two weeks!<div><p>After a successful 2.4 mileswim at the Peaks to Portland (Maine) in July, in which I swam without a wetsuit in 62-64 degree Atlantic Ocean water in a time of 49:54, I am now looking towards my first 6.2 mile swim on Sunday, 9/25, in Rhode Island.</p>
<p>Ray, the race coordinator, gave me a call last night and mentioned that 40+ folks are registered for either the 5K or 10K swims. I am going to be able to have my buddy Bob join me as my kayaker for the event, which I am really happy about.</p>
<p>I have been reading the Open Water forums at usms.org for helpful hints for this distance. I have had limited training this month due to Hurricane Irene pummeling Vermont. Our town had no main water supply for 7 days, and the Rec center where I train was closed for 2 weeks (one for yearly maintenance, the other since we had no water). Finally the major road traversing the southern border of Vermont, from Bennington to Brattelboro, was reopened this past weekend. </p>
<p>Today Lena and I traveled it on my motorcycle - totally different landscape with roads washed out and buildings gone. We were blessed to only have rain and wind at my home, so I thank God for his protection.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74NlQxHBeFOB9J895-1P-I_J2YOw42ER06M8ZcfX6RE1Fs_iPtHwWB0vJIchJ-BQ6ZAfaSk-125NOa49bMkv5Hq-UYs5YXC_MMTMKpsl2niJt9VOYHJji7X4HWcsQcBE3ITxNQqpVV-Y/' /></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-24594559923402738212011-06-25T15:15:00.000-04:002011-06-25T15:15:24.287-04:00Hit 100 miles todayMy goal for this year is to swim 200 miles. In 2010, I was able to accumulate just over 137 miles, based on the tool that US Master Swimming has on their website that lets you enter swim yardages and time in the water. It also allows you to enter your workouts, so it is a really helpful record.<br />
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This year I set a goal a bit higher than my totals from last year in order to motivate myself to be more consistent about going to the pool. I use swimming not only to help keep the pounds off, but it is a real stress reliever and I start to get a bit agitated when I am not able to get into the water for an extended period of time. <br />
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As of today, I am just over the half-way mark with my 1.5 mile swim before lunch. 101 miles is not too shabby! I have been more diligent recently at working more intervals into my training as the Peaks to Portland event will take place in 3 weeks. I am still not feeling as comfortable during the 30 minute swims I have been doing once weekly since the beginning of June, and the higher-intensity repetitions with a target time and short rest is really getting my lungs into shape. At least I hope.<br />
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I am very thankful that I have a great pool to swim in just up the street from my home, and blessed with my wife and kids whom have been a great encouragement to my dive back into the swimming pool. Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-88709194616210092852011-06-02T22:58:00.000-04:002011-06-02T22:58:25.967-04:00Virtual High School Welcomes You! Academics-SpotlightsHere is a wonderful presentation that my daughter worked on as part of a virtual high school class that she took. She has the same desire and drive to preserve the environment as her mom, and I am so proud of both of them!<br />
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Check it out under the technology heading, maybe on the second page of the project overviews:<br />
<a href="http://www.govhs.org/Pages/Academics-Spotlights">Virtual High School Welcomes You! Academics-Spotlights</a></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-14411649037679963192011-05-13T19:22:00.000-04:002011-05-13T19:22:36.009-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #5<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Hello, GHO Team –</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #953735; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">The time has arrived! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">In a few days we will be seeing each other in Managua. Just a few last minute reminders before we go. But first, here are the weekly prayer reminders….</span></div>
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<u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Prayer items for the week of May 10<sup style="line-height: 15px;">th</sup>-May 14<sup style="line-height: 15px;">th</sup>:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Please keep praying for Rolando and our National team in Nicaragua. They are a vital link in our ministry there, and it is most important that we pray for strength and encouragement for them right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Pray that all the traveling will go smoothly (for some the trip starts in about 48 hours, on Friday afternoon).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Pray for Mark Davis and Ron Brown, who will be preaching in our two church services on Sunday and Wednesday nights.</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Updates:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Thanks for sending in your blurb – I think we have heard from just about everyone, and it’s been great to get to know you better before the trip.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">For our trip this year, please forward the following link to all of your friends and prayer team members: </span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 31px;"><a href="http://may2011ghonic.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 31px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://may2011ghonic.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">(I am still setting some of the parameters up, but I think you can get a sense of how it will look – please be sure not to forward the “april2010” link)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Again, we are still short children’s and adults vitamins; if you can bring any of either in your suitcases I am sure we can use them.</span></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-63504007250472173292011-05-04T18:06:00.000-04:002011-05-04T18:06:46.283-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #4<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a;"></span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Hello, GHO Team –</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Just 11 more days! I hope you are as excited as I am about what lies ahead. This week’s note is directed toward practical matters and getting to know each other a little better. But first, here are the….</span></div>
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<u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Prayer items for the week of May 3<sup style="line-height: 15px;">rd</sup>-May 9<sup style="line-height: 15px;">th</sup>:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Continue to pray for Rolando and the final detailed planning he is doing for our trip. I know he would really appreciate your prayers right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Pray that the Lord will make His way straight before us (Psalm 5:8).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Pray that each team member will know exactly what to say to each person they interact with on the trip (Col 4:4-6).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 19px;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Pray for those on the team still collecting the remaining funding needed for the trip.</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><u style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Updates:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Now is a good time to locate your passport, have your travel itinerary with it ( review it) , and make sure your loved ones have the phone numbers of how you can be reached. These phone #'s are on the back of your name tag (in your soon to come care package).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Here are a few optional things to consider bringing along, they may not have been included in the packing checklist previously sent (thought be sure to review that list when you pack):</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Single serving drink mix packets, that you can add to drinking water bottles that you will be given each day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">A small gift or two for someone special you get to know during the trip (a translator, local pastor, local church worker, etc.) Do know that the Kingsport and Raleigh groups and Kitty Davis will be bringing small gifts for the pastors, translators, and Nicaraguan staff, to be able to efficiently (and equally) recognize them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Single dollar bills - a little bulky but much easier to use at the market, souvenir shops.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Some fun things for the kids you will encounter - ""blow" bubbles and wands, Nerf balls or Frisbees, balloons (especially those you can form into shapes), coloring books/crayons (small packages), sugar free gum, (to be discretely handed out one stick at a time) or individually wrapped hard candy (again to be managed discretely to avoid creating chaos) - our dentist would prefer sugar free!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Photos of your family to show and give away.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">If you have access to small Spanish testaments and can bring them, these are nice to give those you have opportunity to minister to in Nicaragua.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">Several small bottles of antibacterial gel (be sure and pack in your suitcases).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">A small "comfort food from home" item to save as a treat for during the trip (a favorite candy, snack, etc.).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">o<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;">A few empty plastic grocery bags (these often come in handy for all sorts of situations).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-12747818308920025382011-04-25T23:22:00.002-04:002011-04-25T23:22:20.752-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #3<br />
Hello, GHO Team –<br />
<br />
I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. We now turn our attention to what lies just 19 days ahead!:<br />
<br />
· Pray for Rolando and the final detailed planning he is doing for our trip. Satan is quite opposed to the work we are doing in Nicaragua, and Rolando needs prayers for wisdom, protection and victory.<br />
· Pray for the Local pastors and their spouses that Mark Davis and his mother Kitty Davis will be ministering to at pastor’s conference - that they will be encouraged, refreshed, and renewed both in their marriages and in their ministry as pastors.<br />
· Pray for the national doctors we will be working with - that we can bond with them quickly and minister to them and through them effectively.<br />
<br />
Updates:<br />
· · During the week we will be staying in Matagalpa, with plans to be in the Praderas hotel. I was not able to find a whole lot about the Praderas hotel on the internet, but if you have time please do a little on-line research on Matagalpa, as it is a very interesting place.<br />
<br />
· Reminder – please be enlisting a prayer team of 10-15 faithful intercessors to begin praying specifically for you and our team. Themes for intercessors prayer include: Team unity, favor with the local officials, responsive hearts from the patients, a strong national team of pastors to complement our efforts, as they lead in the evangelism and discipleship follow up, national doctors who will partner with us, team health & protection, a servant heart, teachable spirit, and flexible attitude.<br />Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-12761086635350059362011-04-20T21:45:00.001-04:002011-04-23T21:47:33.188-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #3<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">From Jeff Presley (Our group leader) Hello, GHO Team –</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Sorry for not getting this note off to you sooner – it’s been a little chaotic around here lately. I hope that this week is one of renewed hope and wonder for all of you as we approach Good Friday and Easter morning. I pray that God will fill you with His joy as you celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and that we will in turn share that same joy with the folks we are about to meet in Nicaragua.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">This will be an abbreviated update, though we are just 24 days away from heading out…..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">· Pray for Matt Overley (trip Medical Director), for wisdom as he oversees the medical component of our trip and as he prepares Continuing Medical Education (CME) for the team.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">· Pray that trip expenses for all team members will come in on time, and that we will all clearly see God’s hand in His provision for us in this way.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">· Pray for the translators we will be working with - that we can bond with them quickly and minister to them and through them effectively.</span>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-35078176575028152422011-04-12T22:27:00.001-04:002011-04-12T22:29:46.928-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003b79; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is some information from an email from Jeff Presley, our group leader, regarding the upcoming medical missions trip that I will be going on with my son, Preston, in May. I will be posting the prayer points for the trip here - please let me know if you would like more information about this trip or how you can become involved with this ministry.</span><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message">Hello, GHO Team –<br /><br />Hope you had a good week! We will be leaving 4 weeks from Saturday, and things continue to fall into place. I have heard some neat stories on fundraising; keep praying for each other in this area. On a sadder note, one of our dental team members, Grace Chung (fro<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">m the UK) has had to back out of the trip; she was trying to do back to back trips and she was not able to do both. She will get to head to Honduras with a GHO team - do pray for her and her team on their trip in May.<br /><br />Prayer items for the week of April 11-17:<br /><br />· Pray for Mark Davis (trip pastor) and the planning/preparation work he is doing for the trip.<br />· Pray for the health and strength of the team members leading up to, during, and after the trip.<br />· Pray for the people of Matasanos, Nicaragua - that the medical mission in May will minister to them physically and spiritually.</span></span></h3>
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<a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205446_140174406052850_100001808732802_229712_1259197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205446_140174406052850_100001808732802_229712_1259197_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span></div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-3109699387559858652011-04-11T22:03:00.001-04:002011-04-12T22:18:57.793-04:00First Ride of the SeasonI was able to take advantage of the beautiful day today and get the bike out of the garage. I took a 50 mile ride through Shaftsbury, over to White Creek, through Hoosick and down to Pownal on 346 before heading home. The roads were in good shape, and I was pretty cautious with some of the gravel and frost heaves out there. <br />
<br />
I made an unfortunate discovery - a mouse that was hanging out in the garage decided to make it's way into the saddlebag and eat a few holes into my rain pants! I am on the lookout for some black duct tape to seal them up for now; Lena might be able to sew them back together... Lesson learned - move my motorcycle items to storage over the winter next year!<br />
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Looking forward to more rides as the weather improves and more of my buddies get out on the road. Yet again I want to get the guys and gals out for lunch - maybe that will happen this year ...<br />
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Be safe, and remember to <blink><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LOOK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLES</span> !</blink><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlvZ5Pn9NuyxL6mJoJTWc_np4eQqotclESfKDRvPEEgdGkUh8I3FtOMRW6MgRnilqCCPz_rXNZUqMOlMNTkAhnhHT3eWlACR3ttg4nzR7kiy9m5_fTnr6XhvzRxE6Ftm7QZ8MkBR_gmg/s1600/100_3243a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlvZ5Pn9NuyxL6mJoJTWc_np4eQqotclESfKDRvPEEgdGkUh8I3FtOMRW6MgRnilqCCPz_rXNZUqMOlMNTkAhnhHT3eWlACR3ttg4nzR7kiy9m5_fTnr6XhvzRxE6Ftm7QZ8MkBR_gmg/s320/100_3243a.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Luckenbach" - 1997 Yamaha Royal Star</td></tr>
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<br />Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-9835476007167251292011-04-04T21:42:00.002-04:002011-04-12T22:31:12.361-04:00GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003b79; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Here is some information from an email from Jeff Presley, our group leader, regarding the upcoming medical missions trip that I will be going on with my son, Preston, in May. I will be posting the prayer points for the trip here - please let me know if you would like more information about this trip or how you can become involved with this ministry.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, GHO Team –</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br />As of April 4th, we will be forty days away from flying to Managua to serve in whatever ways God has prepared for us (Eph. 2:10). Forty days was a significant time period in the Bible, and I would like to think these next forty days for us will be most significant for us as we prepare our hearts and minds for His service. Let’s be very purposeful to pray these next forty days for God’s blessing on the trip, for each other, and for the people we will be ministering to and those ministering with us (Nicaragua GOH staff, translators, and the local church pastors and church members). I will be asking you to pray for different things each week between now and May 14th; for the week of April 4-10 please pray:<br /> <br />· For Rolando Castillo and the planning/preparation work he is doing for the trip<br />· For the trip funding for all of the team members<br />· For the team members to prepare spiritually for this trip, “setting aside every encumbrance” and to begin the “race set before us” (Heb. 12:1)</span></span>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-47439924308383704912011-03-22T22:00:00.013-04:002011-04-06T20:55:45.464-04:00Final Results: 2011NEM SCY ChampionshipsSo I was able to get these results and splits from the website after the race. I am really happy that folks were praying for our travels and safety during the trip, and quite a few have commented that they were able to watch some of the events online. <br />
<br />
Throughout the weekend I was thinking of my coworkers husband, Al, who passed away earlier in the week. I told Pat that I was "Swimming 4 Al" at Harvard, and was thankful to be able to put together some fast times and bring home some awards at my first championship meet in over 15 years. I am really blessed that my wife and kids got me motivated to swim again with the gift of the music player just two years ago. I've been able to lose some weight, trim up (a little - Emma still thinks I do not look that great in the Speedo - haha), and feel more energetic. I also have had a great time meeting people from the Bennington area during practices and beyond at the meets - I would not have guessed as a teenager that I would have the opportunity to swim competitively as an adult.<br />
<br />
I am planning to take a week or two easy, then gear up for the open water season this summer. Peaks to Portland is definitely on the radar, along with a longer lake swim or two. All depends on work and what the family has going on. Who knows, I have never swum long course meters, and the championships for that are at the end of June in Middlebury. Will this be the year I take a swim at LCM?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Final
Results:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Men 30-34 year age group:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> Friday (3/18/11)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3rd place - 100yd Freestyle:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span> 52.60 - splits: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">25.29, 52.60(27.31)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3rd place - 100yd Backstroke:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span> 59.62 - splits: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">29.58, 59.62(30.04)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> Saturday (3/19/11)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3rd place - 50yd Backstroke:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span> 27.76</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">13th place - 100yd IM:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span> 1:03.18 - splits: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">27.84, 1:03.18(35.34)</span> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> Sunday (3/20/11)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6th place - 200yd Freestyle:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span> 1:57.19 - splits: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 26.45, 56.04(29.59), </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">1:26.53(30.49), 1:57.19(30.66)</span></div>
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1st place - 200yd Backstroke: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; white-space: pre;"> </span>2:11.88 - splits:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 31.71, 1:05.75(34.04), 1:39.25(33.50), 2:11.88(32.63)</span></div>
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<i>The
Benninginton Area Masters (BAM) team (of one) finished:</i></div>
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4th out of 14 in the Squad Division (Men's results)</span></div>
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7th out of 17 in the Squad Division (Combined results)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Let me paraphrase Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire: </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: blue; line-height: 15px;">"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I swim I feel His pleasure."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I am certainly not the fastest, but I do feel that when I swim I am using a gift that He gave to me. </span> </span><br />
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</div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-57540342091982018542011-03-20T22:36:00.054-04:002011-04-07T21:34:13.977-04:00Sunday Recap: NEM ChampionshipsAs you can probably guess, Sunday started off with some waffles and other treats at the hotel. We got packed up and checked out, then headed over to the pool for the final day of competition. It was funny seeing Lena's reaction to the chlorine - thinking back to seeing her with Emma so many years ago was a real trip. She still is not a fan of the humid (and stinky) environment at the pool.<br />
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I got in a good warm up and then prepared for the 200yard Freestyle. I was hoping to get under 1:59.00 for the race, and was fortunate to get seeded into lane one (12th overall in my age group) . I like being there - it is on the far end of the pool, so there are fewer distractions from the people lined up on the deck. Also, there is a good sight at the rest of the swimmers, if you are able to get ahead. Knowing that the 200yard Backstroke was to come, but in a while, I decided to go hard for this swim.<br />
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I had a good start and felt in control during the first 50, and was able to get out ahead of the pack. I usually try to build the second 50, but just keep a strong tempo going as I hit the wall at the halfway point. I then went all out for the third 50, remembering to lengthen my stoke and also settle into a 3-2-3-2 breathing pattern. I had a slow turn as I started the final 50, but kept swimming hard. I finished first in the heat with a time of 1:57.19, and took 3rd in the age group! My splits confirm how I swam - the second 100 was even split, but I could have picked up the pace a tad more on the second fifty.<br />
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After a warm down and having Lena and Preston join me on deck to collect the medal and sticker for my paper, we considered what to do next. I walked with them to the other side of the Anderson Bridge, but decided against walking into Harvard with them as it was a bit windy (again) and my legs were feeling tired from the first swim and the last two days worth of competition. I wondered back to the pool and vegged out, watching for the best way to incorporate a dolphin kick into the breaststroke pullout, and then warmed up when the 200 Back approached. <br />
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I had fun cheering for the Cape Codders that swam before me, and even met up with Dan from the Pittsfield meet (he ended up getting the individual high point award for the men. My goal for the back was to even split, and I was hoping to go under 2:10. I had not swum the event in a meet this year, and still was not really feeling like my stroke was where it needs to be, so I figured an even split for the race and strong swim for the final event of the meet was the best way to go.<br />
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I started in lane 7, and was a bit worried about being so close to the edge of the pool. I had a good start (for me) and felt good on the first 50. I remember working the dolphin kicks off the walls and trying to stay in control of the race. I was swimming with the guys in lane 6, and as we came into the halfway point of the race, I was praying that they all went out a lot quicker than me and would soon die off. That did not happen! haha I got some encouragement from the Codders on both ends of the pool, and went as fast as possible on the third 50. I kept chugging, with my arms and legs aching as I started the last 50. The last turn was horrible, as I came to close into the wall and my legs did not want to push off! The pain!!! I was able to get away and finish the race just behind the guy in lane 6, with a time of 2:11.88. <br />
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I was hurting after that race, and had a tough time getting out of the water. I have not been in that much pain in a while, and even cried a bit in the warm down pool. Who says I am not sensitive? haha I took a shower and checked the scores table before heading up to the bleachers. I was supper surprised with the final placing - I took first for my age group! I could hardly believe it! The family and everyone in the stands were excited too! <br />
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After a stop in the bathroom and then a drink from the concession stand, we made our way over to the Business School and loaded into the car for the ride home. The long weekend was over, and it felt good to swim at Harvard again. The pool is so fast, and I love spending time in Boston. I think that the everyone had a good time - I know that Emma and Madison took in almost all of the sights, and Lena and Preston had some exciting adventures in the city. It was great to see Pat, too!<br />
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Next year I will be at the top of the age group, and I am thinking of swimming more events during the weekend. I know that God has helped me to swim as fast as I have been with limited training (in comparison with my high school days), but I was sure beat after such a long meet! I plan to learn more about tapering and also making sure to be more consistent with training this year, and might even attempt to travel to Nationals depending on how busy our lives are next year. For now, I'll just keep having fun with swimming ...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-29558528863637541332011-03-20T22:35:00.066-04:002011-04-01T13:21:16.584-04:00Saturday Recap: NEM ChampionshipsSaturday morning started off much like Friday - headed to the breakfast with the family and enjoyed another Belgian waffle. Mmmm. With the plans to meet up with Aunt Pat, I decided to drive to the pool today and pay the $5 charge to park across the street at the Harvard Business School lot, instead of the $10 it costs at the stadium, which is only a two minute shorter walk. I am pleasantly surprised how well I can still navigate the streets of Cambridge after all these years - Lena still does not think I "navigate" all that well but I can get to the final desitination in one piece.<br />
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I was able to meet Pat almost as soon as I sat down in the bleachers - she took the T into the Square and walked over to the pool. It was great to see her, like the good old days many moons ago when she would join my mom and dad and they would be cheering on my siblings and me. I introduced Pat to Jim and then slipped away to warm up in the big pool. After returning, Pat shared with me the recent news that caffeine has been 'proven' to boost performance, not just the anecdotal accounts that many people have after having a cup of joe. She treated me to a cup of Dunkin (yep, even swimmers run on in) and we talked about life in general and the fun of pharmacy. <br />
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I was a bit disappointed that my events for the day were the 50yd Backstroke and the 100yd I.M. I have never been the best sprinter due to a lackluster start and feeling like I need more than two lengths to get up to full speed, and the I entered the I.M. so that I had a second event to swim (and I didn't feel like waiting until the last event of the day, the 50yd Freestyle). Pat gave me some good encouragement as checked out the heat sheets for the backstroke, which was nice.<br />
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I again cheered on the Codders in the backstroke events from the deck. Patty swam really well, despite hitting the lane line three times - it has happened to me before as well: you hit the blasted thing once, and then it keeps calling you back for more punishment like there is a magnet attached to you. She was happy with her time despite this, so that was good. I hopped into heat 17, lane 3 when my time was up; the start was ok and I again focused on the dolphin kick at the start. I felt like I had good shoulder rotation and a strong turn the first length, but was very surprised how easy the second lap felt. I was riding much higher in the water for the first time in a long time, and had a good lunge to the wall to finish second in my heat. I was seeded 5th going into the event and did not expect to place much higher, but my time was one second faster than my seed and I finished the race with yet another bronze medal!<br />
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Pat was really pumped about the placing, and then the folks from the Cape started asking if I was going to get any medal other than bronze! I said that I like that color better, and laughed as Pat and I grabbed a slice of pizza and sat outside, near the basketball court, to take in the cool, windy day. It was really sunny yesterday, but just overcast today. <br />
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After vegging for a bit back in the stands, I went down to the pool deck to get ready for the Individual Medley. I swam this at the Frammingham meet a few weeks ago, so my seed time was accurate and I figured I would just sprint the first to legs of the event (Butterfly and Backstroke), then try to survive the Breaststroke before laying it all out in the Freestyle on the last length. I was seeded in 15 place so I figured my bronze streak would end here. And it did! haha After mortifying Emma (due to my very skimpy Speedo - haha), I had a good start and swam a fast 50yds to start. I was so worried about the 'legal' way to incorporate a single dolphin kick during the pullout of the breaststroke that I forgot to do it, then just powered home to finish a very surprising 13th overall in my age group!<br />
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We all loaded into the van and headed back to the hotel. It was neat driving by the different buildings and art installations on the M.I.T. campus - wild stuff. Lena was thinking of making dinner in, but Pat was looking forward to a celebratory dinner out on the town. A short detour for Preston to check out a store, and we wound our way through the construction and traffic to the Government Center area for a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe. Expecting a long wait, we actually got to a table in less than two minutes, and then had a great meal and conversation. Pat was nice enough to cover the supper (and the parking - thanks, Pat!), and headed off to the T on her way home as we wondered around Quincey Market. Emma and Madison made plans to watch a laser show at the science museum - I was feeling really tired and did not have the gumption to take it in. Lena, Preston and I headed back to the hotel and relaxed before the final day of events.<br />
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Click there for: <a href="http://www.meetresults.com/2011/nelmscscy">Meet Results </a><br />
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I have to praise to Jesus for the ability to swim this well again after such a 15 year break from competitive swimming.<br />
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</div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-22086758730208000202011-03-20T22:34:00.013-04:002011-04-07T21:33:30.446-04:00Friday Recap: NEM SCY Championship MeetI worked long days (12 hours) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday leading up to the meet. After getting out of work I helped the kids load up our van and we waited for Lena to get home from school. We left our home around 9:30pm for our hotel in Boston. A quick stop in Greenfield, Mass, helped us to complete the three hour drive to the Residence Inn in Cambridge, adjcent to the MIT campus and Kendall Square. After getting checked into the room and then parking the car, it was close to 1:30am before I was able to get to sleep.<br />
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Going into the meet, I decided to swim two event each day, as I was not sure about the rest I would be getting between swims. Although everyone told me that it would take all day, I was a bit wary due to the fact that in the two mini-meets I swam this winter I had swam four events in the course of 1-2 hours, and was really tired! I picked my strong events (all the backstrokes), plus added the 100 and 200 freestyle races with a 100 IM kicker - boy, do I loathe breaststroke!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I woke up around 8am Friday morning and went to breakfast that the hotel with the family. Residence Inn has a lot of choices (hot and cold buffet, with </span>Belgian<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> waffle maker) and I was able to get a good variety of fruits as well, even taking some to snack on at the pool. I returned to the room and finished packing, then headed to the T stop down the block to ride to the Harvard Square stop and walk the five minutes or so to the Blodgett Pool across the Charles River. I was able to help an elderly guy buy a ticket for the train (</span>apparently<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> he had a birthday a week before so his Charlie Card was not working properly), and talked with him on the ride to the Square. Upon entering the pool building, not much had changed since my last meet there in 1996. I just so happened to run into my buddy from the Cape Cod team, Jim, as I headed up the stairs past the concession stand to round the corner into the spectator area -- remember that I met Jim at my first meet at Simon's Rock and he said all along I could hang out with the Codders at Harvard if no one else from Bennington came. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After getting changed we headed down for a warm up swim at the far end of the pool while the 500 freestyle event was still going on. I checked in on deck for my two events of the day before getting into the water. I swam my usual 1200 yard warmup, then walked to the competition pool for sprints from the blocks during the 15-minute period that it opened up after the 500's completed. I then went back to sit and watch the swimming before my first event of the day, the 100 Free, and was joined by my lovely daughter Emma and her boyfriend Maddison.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(Let me note here that I swam the same 1200 warm up every day, which comprised of 200 yards each free, back, then fly/breast drills, 4 x 50 yard kicking, 4 x 50 yard drills, and then 200 easy. I also hopped into the water before each event, swimming 100 yards easy, focusing on the stroke for the upcoming event, and then I </span>stretched<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> out with 200 yards of relaxed swimming </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">after each event</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. Pretty standard (and boring) for me, even from when I was in high school.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The 100 Free went quick, as I was swimming out in lane one in heat 15. I had a good start and went into my usual 100yd swim </span>strategy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> of long and strong the first length, build the second length to be sprinting into the wall, all out on the third length, and keeping the reach long and rotation fast on the final lap. My turns were ok, but a little too close each time. Overall, I swam well, winning my heat with a time of 52.60 and placing a surprising 3rd overall in my age group (I was seeded 12th).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The 100 Back was the second and my final event for the day. I enjoyed watching the Codders swim before me, then got to business for my swim. I started in lane three of heat 13. My starts lack much, and I tried to compensate with a longer than normal dolphin kick. I followed my regular strategy, but I have not felt </span>efficient<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> in the back at all this season. I am sitting lower in the water than I used to, due to 15 years and 25 pounds no doubt! I have been working on adjusting my head position in the water as well as getting a better shoulder rotation, but still just not feeling like everything is clicking just yet. Finished under a minute again, 59.62, earning my second 3rd medal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A quick warmdown and I walked back to the T in Harvard Square and caught a ride to our hotel. It was a warm and sunny afternoon, so I took a walk with Lena and Preston down to the Charles River, and we walked along the path on the north side of the river as folks jogged and biked by us. It is so neat to see the city from foot, away from the hustle of driving around the city, and walking under the Longfellow Bridge and back to the hotel though Kendall Square. As we got back, Emma and Madison met up with us, and Lena made a wonderful pasta supper in the room, and then the kids headed down the road to get some ice cream. I was really tired, and got to bed early to rest up for Saturday's event's to come (including a visit from Aunt Pat!).</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.meetresults.com/2011/nelmscscy/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.meetresults.com/2011/nelmscscy/</span></a></div>
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I have to praise to Jesus for the ability to swim this well again after such a 15 year break from competitive swimming.</div>
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<br /> </div>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733067579796817088.post-33217634512699180402011-03-12T12:35:00.008-05:002011-04-06T21:04:11.012-04:00Hit 50 Miles Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I swam with the local Masters group this morning. Lots more swimmers in the pool as the triathletes are starting to get back into the water. Nice to see more than the usual handful of faithful hitting the water.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have been doing my best to taper for the big New England championship meet at Harvard this coming weekend, so I swam the posted workout instead of my own (main set courtesy of Meg and Jill with the BAM), adding a longer warm up and some extra pulling at the end. Here is what it looked like ...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">800 w/u (200 Free, Back, Fly/Breast drill)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Main set:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3x</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4 x 75 on 1:30 (sprint middle lap, target time for me was :45 seconds)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 x 300 on 4:30 (work long and strong strokes and bilateral breathing)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 x 150 pull (free then back)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">100 w/d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(total: 3000 yards in just over an hour)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This workout got me to the 50 mile mark through the USMS fitness log. I do not count any dry-land/running time with this log, just straight swimming. Trying to get into the water 2-3 days a week, usually for an hour at a time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Keep swimming long and strong, and looking forward to SCY championships in just one week!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.usms.org/forums/images/smilies/bliss.gif" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="Bliss" /></span>Mike Leakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377719884163166607noreply@blogger.com0