Recent Memories of Mine

In the Fall of 1981 I ran Cross Country for the first time. That year, Halloween was on a Saturday. Since it was also on Saturday this year, I am reminded of a few things. 

To properly set up the story I must recount additional details. I come from a musical family and I fondly remember family gathered around the piano singing hymns. In school, I was always in choir and plays the class did. Then came the spring of 1979, when I was in 8th grade. 

We did a play that was something like a television talk show. I played an elderly man who had a lot of energy and spunk.  Things were going well despite my nerves until I flubbed one of my lines. I looking back it wasn’t that bad but at that moment it hit me hard. I was mortified with embarrassment. That night alone in bed I vowed to never be in a play again. I never wanted to feel like that ever again. 

Another important detail is I was good at distance running even though I never pursued it. One day after starting 10th grade I was contacted by a lady about doing a paper route. I was interested and planned to start but September 5, 1980 interrupted that when I had an emergency appendectomy. I was in the hospital for 5 days. 

It was a few more weeks before I was cleared to do PE in school and the paper route. I carried the papers and would walk from house to house delivering them. I had lost about 15 pounds due to the severity of things when I was in the hospital and wanted to build up my strength again. Therefore, I decided to run between houses when delivering newspapers. 

I believe the first day it took me about 40 minutes. I got it down to around 17 minutes. In the Spring I decided to try out for track. Here is another digression: I did track in 8th grade but threw the discus and shot put. I was not a big or muscular guy so, of course, didn’t do so well. 

I remember my first 2 mile race. I was dying and I thought I finished my last lap only to hear the track official tell me,  “One more.” After finishing the race and  walking off the track, I picked a spot and collapsed to the ground. I wasn’t sure track was for me. 

Nevertheless, at the awards banquet at the end of the year, the coach spoke about the surprise athlete. He said every season there is someone who was a pleasant surprise to them. At the beginning of the season, they wondered who it would be. It was me. Coach said he wanted me to do Cross Country in the Fall. 

I did.

During the whole of the Cross Country season, I normally placed 4th or 5th on my team. As the season progressed, the coach and teammates spoke of qualifying for state. They placed 20th in state the previous year. 20th was last place. We didn’t want to repeat that. 

Then one day in late September or early October I was approached by a couple classmates before Cross Country practice. Would I be interested in taking a part in the school play?

I don’t remember the details now but the guy playing the father in Cheaper by the Dozen did something bad enough to not be in the play. The guy currently playing the boyfriend became the father and I would take his role. Why did I agree to this? I had sworn to never put myself in a situation to be so embarrassed?  Insanity?

I don’t remember trying out for the part and I know I didn’t have all the lines memorized until the we did the play for the faculty, which was October 29. Once I took the role my days were like this:

5:00 AM wake to do paper route. 

Eat breakfast when that was done.

Nap before school

School

Cross Country practice after school

Play practice after that

In bed around 10:00 PM

This went on for about 3 weeks.

Did you notice I didn’t mention homework?

Opening night was Friday, October 30. Halloween was our first step in qualifying for state. The meet was in Elmwood and they had a solid team and 

state ranked girl that I raced earlier in the year since she ran with the boys. I thought it very odd a guy was called Betsy until the race was over and I turned around to see Betsy behind me. 

The weather was nice that day and the golf course where we ran was in good shape. We qualified for the next round. 

By that time the play was done and I have some free time. 

During the meeting with our coach the night before the November 7 sectional meet, coach gave a simple but motivational talk. He knew how many teams could qualify for state and he listed teams we knew would. That would leave 2. We were listed with a group of 4 that could take the last two spots. He simply circled the four and asked, “Who will be the two to go?”

Those words burned deep down into my soul. We were all ready to go out and run until we collapsed.

 I don’t recall the location of the November 7 race but it was, by far, the coldest race I’ve ever done. I forgot a hat but had socks to cover my hands. We ran in shorts and cotton long sleeve shorts. I remember stepping off the bus to begin a warm up run. I didn’t go 50 feet and my fingers were getting numb. Yes, it was very cold and windy but we qualified for state. 

The state meet in Illinois was in Detweiler Park. As a spectator park for an event like this, it is perfect. The bus picked up a couple of us at the high school that cold November 14 morning. One of my teammates turned in some music from Rocky and I about went crazy with adrenaline. 

Other teammates were picked up along the way since they were closer to the park. I remember jogging with my teammates in the frosty grass. So many little things return to me now. Fall colors and odors and cold air remain burned into my memory. The race itself will have to be told another time. 

Break free

A couple quotes hitting me today

Our acts can be no wiser than our thoughts. Our thinking can be no wiser than our understanding.

George S Clason

God’s grace is not only for our imperfections and weaknesses and failures. His grace is a reflection of His character and His nature, not our weaknesses.

AW Tozer

I have to take a stand to make the changes my heart and life require. If I am to go down my road prepared for me I must cast aside the baggage I’ve carried for too long. 

Lord give me Your strength to do it. 

A Question From a Coworker

A coworker asked me, “What if you loved people in your life as if you knew it was their last day on earth?”

As humans, we push eternity to the fringes and place it in a box so it is hidden from view. Only when securely there do we feel safe. Consequently, death is a stage of life we address only when it forced upon us. 

I believe myself to be a considerate person. I am very flawed but I feel love,  kindness, and compassion are essential in our daily interactions with everyone and want to embody each of them. Therefore, if someone I love would leave their earthly body I would strive to be purposeful in my interactions with them so that my love for them is obvious. Since I know them I would engage them in words and deeds that speaks love to them. 

I would also speak words that need to be said. By this I mean speaking what I would regret not saying when they die. With these words, if I know them painful to hear, they would be stated with double love and compassion.  

Finally, since they were part of my life we have shared history. I would retell stories of our past. We would laugh and cry as the parade of spirits remind us of who we are to each other and who we are because of the other. 

Conversations: Seek What is Real

 

I recently met with a friend I hadn't seen for a few years.  He is a former pastor and current first responder chaplain.  There is so much I could share about him that is simply amazing.  Part of that is simply due to his vocations.  

We met at a coffee shop where he normally meets with his first responders.  He began making podcasts of these meetings.  They are live and you can hear the atmosphere on the audio.  Frank arrived shortly after I did.  Nevertheless, I was delayed greeting him because so many people know him.  

Our time together began with some familial updates and I had questions about where he studied theology.   He then shared his story about how all of that unfolded.  Looking back, I know I longed for a deeper connection than what we were having.  It wasn't that we weren't sharing our hearts.  It was simply that we hadn't talked long enough to get to something of vital importance.  

We were about half way into our 2 hour conversation when Frank said something that hit me. It is funny to me now that I don't even remember what he said but when he did, I was filled with a joy that spilled out of my lips when I said, "I love you."  Frank simply smiled, nodded, and replied, "I love you, too."  

How often do we miss out on the important conversations because we are hooked on the fast and easy instead of in-depth and real?  Earlier this year, my youngest son and I had a real talk.  It wasn't nearly as long because he got to their point immediately and I happened to be in a place in life I was able to quickly speak the words he needed to hear.  I could tell he absorbed them and they were what he needed.  It was dark and, shortly, he left to go home.  

My wife must have been visiting her mother or something because I was alone and literally had all the lights off when the doorbell rang.  It was my son.  He was standing there with tear fill eyes.  In a deep, strong embrace, he sobbed how much he loved me and appreciated what I said.  I should say, my words were not mere platitudes.  Instead, they were words about life's challenges and how God will make us face them sometimes regardless of what we want and how long we must suffer them.

Dear reader, in this holiday season, seek what is real.  Take and make time to have real conversations.  Be authentic with ourselves and those we love.

Our Leaders

Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.  ~ Abraham Lincoln

Another US presidential election is upon us.  There is a lot of division in our nation and each side says their candidate is our savior and the other will destroy us all.  Christians should never place their trust in people. 

In his second inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln poetically described the terrible war and how each side was certain they were right.  He said, "Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes his aid against the other.  It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged.  The prayers of both could not be answered--that of neither has been answered fully.  The Almighty has his own purposes."

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask you to pray to our Heavenly Father and seek His will for the one in whom we should vote.  His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  He will see that His purposes will be done. 

We must also pray for our leaders and ask God to raise up Godly people to lead in this country and other countries.  

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  

Romans 13:1

Getting Joseph Out of Joseph

 

 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  

James 1:12

Joseph was papa’s favorite and he knew it.  So did the rest of the family because Joseph loved telling them.  Have you ever had a sibling, normally the youngest, who knew and acted like they were special?  Joseph, one if Jacob’s many kids, liked to brag about his status in the family.  He even told them about dreams he had where whole family bowed down to him.  Ironically, Joseph was not wrong.  How aggravating is that?

 

God had a plan for Joseph to save his family and the world but He couldn’t use Joseph the way he was. Joseph was too proud and God had to eliminate that before he would be useful for God’s purposes.  Don’t believe me?

 

If Joseph wasn’t sold into slavery, chances are he never would have gone to Egypt.  He never would have interpreted Pharoh’s dreams AND suggested what Pharoh should do about them.  Even if all those things had miraculously happened, Joseph was still full of himself.  Would he have forgiven his brothers when he saw them in Egypt buying grain?  Doubtful at best.  Joseph was too full of pride to be used for God's purposes.  As many times as I’ve read and heard this story in Genesis, I never made that connection until I heard a sermon about a year ago.  The pastor emphasized the point with this phrase:

 

“God had to get Joseph out of Joseph.”

 

Upon hearing that phrase I was immediately convicted of the trials I complained about.  Why, God, why?  How many times do you think Joseph wondered why?  Why did his brothers sell him into slavery?  Why did Potiphar’s wife wrongly accuse him?  Why did he languish in prison in spite of finding favored status with the jailer?  Why did Pharoh’s cup bearer forget about him for so long?  How much more weight did all these things carry to one so proud?  But God had to get Joseph out of Joseph.  

 

God is still getting Duane out of Duane.  He is working on you too.  Let Him work in your heart and life and turn to him when you endure the fires designed to remove the impurities.  Become the instrument He wants to use.  

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

Munich and Romania

This is the first of a multi-part series based on my observations from a recent Eastern European trip my wife and I took. In each I will share thoughts and tips.  

The first stop on our European trip was Munich.  I cannot offer anything on the city itself since it was merely a step to get to Romania.  I will say we stayed at the NH Munich Airport Hotel which is mere minutes away.  The hotel provides transfers for a modest fee.  Actually, it is free to the airport but 7 euros per person to return.  

Since we were too early to check in, the young man at the desk offered to hold our luggage and give us free transportation back to the airport where we could catch a train into the city or take a train to a couple towns nearby in order to sightsee.  He allowed us time to consider our options and we connected to the hotel wifi and chatted for a while.  

We decided to go into the city.  By this time, there was a new employee working the front desk.  He was emphatic there is no free transportation to the airport.  Did the young man misspeak or not know?  Not sure. However, this gentleman instead gave us a free room upgrade which meant we could get a free shuttle to the airport.  Also, an upgraded room was ready for us.  

The room had a comfortable king sized bed and pillows. The bathroom had hot water for the shower, and ample towels.  I was surprised to learn the items in the refrigerator were complimentary.  Also, there was a kettle and a variety of teas.  Finally, there was a Nespresso machine.  Yum!

Our dinner and dessert were very good but pricey.  The breakfast buffet had many options of cheeses, fruits, cold cuts, pastries, yogurts, and some hot dishes.  With a price of 20 euros per person, we opted to leave early for the airport.  I don't eat as much as I used to.

We spent $133 for our brief stay there.  I always try to find a bargain and wish it was less but we enjoyed our stay in NH Munich Airport hotel.  If you are passing through Munich and need a place to stay, you can’t go wrong here.  

We flew Air Dolomiti from Munich to Cluj Napoca, Romania.  We were visiting a friend who lives in Romania. The gate agents were late arriving.  Once there, it was obvious the flight wouldn’t leave on time but no word as to why.  A few minutes later there was an announcement they were “still working on the plane.”  

Ultimately, the flight was about 30 minutes late.  Nonetheless, the service was decent and the airplane seemed in good condition.  The cabin was clean and flight attendants were friendly.  We’ll use them again without hesitation.  

Romania was a three day stop so I can only mention a few touristic must sees.  The Turda Salt Mine is simply amazing.  How many underground mines have you visited where you can get in a paddle boat on a subterranean pond?  You can also ride a ferris wheel and play ping pong.  I found the acoustics other worldly.  We got in for 30 Romanian lei each.  That’s about $6.50 per person.  

We were taken to an amazing restaurant in Târgu Mureș called Tempo on Strada Morii.  Actually, we went there twice.  The first time I had stuffed cabbage with some beef rib meat.  Amazing.  My wife had goulash.  Also amazing.  Yes, this meal, and very little prompting from our friend, encouraged us to go again the next day.  The next day I got a bean soup served in a loaf of bread.  I liked it.  My wife got a soup but neither of us can remember what it was called.  You must get the Romanian dessert Papanași cu gem.  If you buy it here, it is enough for three people.  

If you like coffee, you can got a great cup from Mr. Pop Coffee. He has a cafe near the corner of Strada Targului and Piata Bernady Gyorgy.  He also has a cafe truck near Cetacea Târgu Mureș off Strada Nicolae lorga.  I also highly recommend going to Ohana.  My friend had me try his new favorite: cold brew tonic.  I did try it and it is ok.  I think I prefer straight cold brew.  If you go to Ohana, please tell Manu I recommended his place and I say, “Hi.”

Here are some observations about Romania.  The main roads are good.  It is an old country with a very diverse past and the tensions, (I don't mean that in a bad way) are still felt.  Most younger people speak English or enough to get by. More than anything, it seems Romania likes to surprise you.  We bought some groceries from a local Lidl grocery. We bought both kefir and milk along with fruit and muesli.  My friend has lived there long enough he knew the bottle of milk said milk on it.  Lo and behold, it was kefir.  We asked someone staying where we lodged and they agreed the label said milk.  Both she and my friend said stuff like that happens sometimes.  

Next up:  Our bus trips on FlixBus

#romania @ohanacoffeegrounds #mrpopscoffee #travel #mrpopcoffee