Jesus Wept

Remember the Fairview youth choir tour? What a fun-filled, crazy week!  I remember driving a lot. I remember Kent's car breaking down. I remember going to an amusement park with Jim's group that was a shade above Lake Winnie's claim to be an amusement park. Oh to have a video and watch one of those performances! I'm sure that would be a riot. Good times.

Something I don't think I'll ever forget about the trip is visiting the Oklahoma City Bombing memorial. I remember when the bombing happened. I don't think I'll ever forget visiting the site that night. The pool, the walls that marked the ends of the building, the lighted seats, the tree of life. Stirring and breathe-taking all at the same time. I remember seeing a statue just outside one of those walls.

Underneath the statue is engraved the simple words from John 11:35; 'Jesus wept.' Growing up, the words of John 11:35 were nothing more than an answer to bible trivia. Lately, it has meant so much more than the right answer to 'what's the shortest bible verse?' I'm not a guy that normally cries very much. But the past few weeks have held their share of tears. What does it mean that Jesus wept? It means he understands our pain. He understands the brokenness of our world. He understands heartache...all the way to death. When we hurt, He gets it and cries along with us. In the midst of suffering, of difficult days sometimes facing things that are out of our control, we are never alone. Our tears are matched on the face of Jesus; the face of God. Thanks be to God.

Mark

C 2 5K Day 2

Today was the same routine as Saturday. We finished a little quicker because we walked a little faster and ran a little extra on the last running leg. Running felt good! Something funny about our run Saturday...Allyson keeps time for us. We got to the first run and she said, "Jog." I thought she said 'dog' so I said, "Where?". I started looking in the yard next to us. She said it again and I said, "Where?" looking across the street in another yard. She finally clearly spelled it out for me and I got it. Now, every time we start to run we say, "Dog."

Mark

Couch to 5K

Allyson started Couch to 5K training today...so I joined her. I could probably go out tomorrow and run a 5K the whole time. But I would be lying to myself if I said I am as healthy and fit as I want to be. The truth is I'm far from it. It was a little bit chilly here today which made it great for a family stroll. We walked 5 minutes. Then alternated 60 second runs with 90 second walks 5 times. Then finished out by walking home. 27 minutes total. Always feels good to get out and pound the pavement for a bit!

Mark