Tales of a 2nd Rate Pastor and Marathoner

Might be moving

2008-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, for a little while at least you can find me at streubel.wordpress.com

A look within...

2008-08-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Every fall season (yes, I believe fall is here) I find myself trying to get organized for the year ahead, this year is no different. 2008-2009 however has a little different feel as this becomes year number 2 in the PhD program. The question posed by my wife, "can you see the light at the end of the tunnel" my response "what's light?", so… it is at these times in my life I dig deep into my character, thoughts, and passions to remember the why –

First I remember – “God loved the world so much (everyone in it – no questions asks) that he sent his only son to pay the bill no one could ever afford – John 3:16 (Jason’s Translation)

Second, I remember – Like everyone I was not an accident but designed for a purpose that is bigger then myself. I have a role to play – I must play it with my best.

Third, I remember – I was never expected to play my part on my own strength but with the backing and support of the ultimate designer – the same creator who paid my bill – seriously – if He is for me – who can be against me.

My hope does not come in who's president, the price of gas, the state of global relationships but my hope comes from my personal and living relationship with God and him working in me.

I’m not normal – I get it – I love God and play with poop but I know this, my purpose stays the same…

“I exist to restore hope to my generation, anyone I meet, anywhere I go, anyway I can; living dangerously and recklessly trusting God’s word because God’s love compels me to do no less”

I Corinthians 9:24-27 (Message) You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

So, I press on – following the example of Jesus the best I can – I will continue to screw up – say the wrong things – miss opportunities – miss deadlines – yell at the boys – kick the dog – have bad attitudes – but I will do my best follow Him and run the race.

Now I return to the books, the data, the manure and the upcoming dissertation looking through the lenses of the deep and the passion that remains the same…

Africa or Die

Lots of information -

2008-07-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

So...this whole dyslexia thing is getting on my nerves as of late. I generally do not struggle in the reading portion but it expresses itself through numbers, speaking backwards, writing things backwards on paper and making it almost impossible to gather the thoughts in my head to place on paper it feels like trying to grab for dollar bills in a wind tunnel. I am working on a presentation for school/work and I know exactly what I want to say but it just doesn't come out...on the paper. Oh well, I have managed for this long I will keep on trucking. It could be worse -

Ran another marathon - got a plaque in the mail confirming I didn't do to bad - 2nd place for my age - the almost old

And another ones gone - Jeffery Clifford Montoya age 46, I did his funeral and graveside this weekend and Monday. It was a blessing he died in peace, he is better off now with Jesus but he will be missed. I fear Bomps will be next, he sounds weak - I can brush off most death with a run or two...but there has been to many as of late...if Bomps goes sooner than later it will probably hit the fan and I will have to actually deal with the cycle of grief.

Got to crash - 5am will come early

Steve Clark

2008-06-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday Steve Clark and I were in the Top Gun program at Northwest University learning want not to do on Summer Ministry Tour, after doing most of them the year before. Then the biweekly meetings as RA's just trying to stay afloat with the fine line between friends and rules. Steve was a gentle bear who loved Jesus and his friends. He shined Christ everywhere he went even if he laughed at my hairy legs and bare chest. He was just a great guy.

Steve's now with his creator.

I will miss you Steve - you left to early.

Nothing Like The Snow

2008-01-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

When I get a little overwhelmed with life, it goes so much smoother with a little run in the snow. The beauty of a snow run is the people who see you along the road...they look at you as if you are nuts between their overwhelming fear of hitting you with their car.

Yeah, that's me a little nuts...now I can start the week right...

"To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift" PRE

Darn Good Wife

2008-01-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Ever had one of those days where you really just want to something other than what you are doing. Today is one such day...not sure what that means...keep going anyway.

I really have a great wife. She is everything I need when I get in this kind of mood.

Cory Johnson

2008-01-17T07:23:00.001-08:00

There are a few friends you remember well from growing up. Friends you can meet after time apart and pick up right were you left off, Cory was one of those guys. When you grow up in a smaller town and start Kindergarten together it is hard not to get to know one another. Cory was one of the few who ever spent the night, we did Awana together, he wasn't just a guy in my class, he was Cory.

You always thought Cory was going to be a military man but in the end he was a hard working roofer. He loved his friends and common among peoples memories is he NEVER spoke ill of anyone, (except those he thought un-American and at that he cut them slack). He loved to laugh and just be himself. He would give you his shirt if you needed it.

Yesterday I was told he tripped in his apartment and hit his head. The funeral is Saturday. It is never easy when friends pass, this will make number 2 in the same amount of years. The emotions are interesting as I remember Cory. He was a good guy.

I will miss you friend.

The Middle Man

2008-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

From the church to the science lab there will always be people and the dynamics that go along with them. I have always believed the world would be perfect if the people were gone, unfortunately that would include me...I like it around here, the wife and kids, friends and the occasional run when I can....so what I am saying on this Wednesday morning of January...

Everyday we are given opportunities to be part of the problem or the solution. I think we were created to show the real solution.

Off to Soil Chemistry and Environmental Biophysics, two classes that if I get through will be a couple of my lives crowning achievements.

A New Year!

2008-01-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, I love it when the new year comes around. I have a chance to let my type A personality come out in force...everything gets a fresh start, budgets, Bible reading plans, running goals, family goals, and even a hope of cleaning the garage. Unfortunately if I don't maintain what a start here this week it will all be for naught come December 31, 2008.

Basically, where there is no effort placed on the long term goal the beginning hype just doesn't last. (Kind of sounds like our journey of faith) The daily investment of time and energy into the God stuff is essential and worth it. If we just rely on the hype of the moment it will only take our roots so deep.

So here I am again, a new year.... new location, new friends, new job, new school and yes, new daughter... may this year be as faith building and blessed as last, without the move, please.

For the record, 2008

- Read through the Bible front to back again

- Run every week (at least 1 mile) preferably 5 out of 7 days

- Get farther out of dept

- Run 1000 miles (520 this year)

- Run Marathon number 5

- Stay in the budget

- Pick up after myself more

- Be a bit more childlike with my kids

- Get at least two A's

Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

In a week full of "stuff" I need to remind myself that Christmas was not originally intended to be so crazy, it was actually intended to save the world. I hope I showed that this week to my kids and not the frustration of travelling.

Farmboy

2007-10-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

In the middle of all the uncertainity of life there is always something that reminds you - there is a purpose.

The Baby - The Run - The Gene Pool

2007-04-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

The youngest family member finally arrived, our little girl Maizy Nicole is one precious bundle of joy. She is sleeping at night and starting to be alert and wide eyed. Never thought having a little girl would be so different - yet so great.

Ran a good 12 miles yesterday - it amazing some people that I enjoy running for over an hour but I will say the run yesterday was more of a mental game then normal. One foot in front of the other - that is all it takes...somedays it is easier than others.

So..tomorrow I take myself out the gene pool. Kind of strange feeling but many have gone before me...and will go after. If there are other kids in the game play God can work it out.

Do I Trust

2007-03-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

In the last month it has boiled down to this, "Do I trust God" I am tired, excited, anxious, and disappointed. He has a plan for my life which started at the beginning...I am ready to finish the game.

Ran my first 1/2 Marathon on Saturday and got 9th overall, ran 1:32:34.

So do I trust, yeah...Semper Fi Africa or Die

The Perfect Mile

2007-02-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

In their quest to break the 4 minute mile Roger Bannister, Wes Santee, and John Landy inspired the global community. In the process of reviewing their story I too was challenged to attempt my own run at a mile PR. My personal record for the mile has help firm at 5:11 since the fall Cross -Country season in 1992 until two weeks ago when at the age of 33 I ran 5:o5. The same track just 15 years later, my thoughts on the whole thing...I'm never to old for a challenge.

Another Year...

2007-02-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

Yeap, it is my birthday and oh the thoughts...but one rings louder than ever...Africa or Die.

Ready or Not

2007-01-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ready or not here I am come...the words of a child playing a wonderful game of hide and go seek. Today those words are ringing through my head I have felt idle, passionless, and without vision for the long term of my life for a long time. FINALLY it appears the passion and burning for the next step is bouncing in my heart and mind with every step. I do not know what the future truly holds but this I know...ready or not here I come. On a completely different track...for the first time in years I have blisters...I hate it when shoe makes change their design, I know it is supposed to make the shoes better but really...I never had blisters before...oh well, back to Asics I guess...or I will try Brooks.

The Quest

2006-12-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

In the world of ministry, there is always a point of hitting the wall, which is not to unlike the wall at a marathon. We have two different options - give up or push through to the end of the race. In the process of determining the correct step, you do an evaluation to determine if your action is based on your emotion or is your body really done. In ministry, you look at passion, call, strength, weakness and family. I am trying to push through on the quest, however my weakness seem to be blaring. Here they are as I can determine (right now) time management, follow through, and care. These three are my focus for the year...if I can get the first couple under control the rest will follow...as for the rest of the quest; I will take one day at a time...one-step at a time...

Africa or Die

Never The Same Again

2006-12-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

In my little world this last week great change took place. Our church entered into a new level by replacing the carpet and chairs in the sanctuary. Just days before Christmas it is apparent to me that church will never be the same. We will still be the little church in the valley but perhaps we will now see ourselves as a great church with huge potiential. Run the race!

2nd Rate

2006-12-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

In the normal cycle of ministry and life you feel 2nd or 3rd rate. This is just one of those times where the call - future - present - past overwhelm the senses. No run - email - phone call - shakes it away so you continue to seek his face and guideance. No first class pastor or runner in the area today...

I Must Run

2006-11-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

For years I have been a runner, there are a few thousand miles logged on my knees and feet; yet it has only been recently that I have admitted I need to run. I have known this fact for years but I do some much better with everything if I run. Yesterday I was ever apparent that I needed to run...I had to run...or my day was just not complete. It was 19 degrees and dropping, 12 inches of snow on the ground and ice on the road. I had to run and I did 4.4 miles.

The Rain

2006-11-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last night right at dark I went for a short run in the rain. The night was quiet and calm except for the sound of rain along the road and my jacket. Each drop different from the other streaming from the heavens and hitting the surface. The run was needed as the weekend was full of fun (funeral and meetings) and it all seemed to fade into the distance with each step of the run.
The scripture "they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength" came to mind as I waited on the run.

The Cool Morning

2006-11-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

There is nothing profound on my mind, however there is an attitude of wonder and praise. This morning with a buddy we ran a little over 4 miles in the cool 19 degree morning. I thought about calling the run off because I knew it was going to be cold but I am sure glad I didn't. The morning sunrise was accented with the thick covering of frost on everything. The daylight brought out the colors of the leaves (those that are left) while the cold air magnified the bark of the dogs and crows of the roosters. Mr. Freeman (world class runner and HS coach) said "to run is to worship" this morning was a morning of worship. The great thing...tomorrow it will all be different and another chance to again worship the creator.

Win the Prize

2006-10-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

We are told to run the race to win the prize, yet how often do we really aim for the prize? It is sometimes sooo easy to just slide into our normal pace and never push ourselves to the next level. There is nothing wrong with the normal pace - but there are times in every race when you can either charge the hill or let someone pass you by...what do I choose on regular basis?
Lately I have been tempted to just run the normal pace - in life and in running but how do I charge the hill when I really don't want to you...
Maybe 1) set goals 2) have accountability 3) purpose to win the prize 4) get off my butt. Everyday is an adventure, everyday is a gift, everyday is a choice - cruise or charge the hill...God help me to charge the hill.

To Run With The Son

2006-10-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am back in the regular schedule of putting one foot in front of the other as fast as I can, however today it was just a little slower than usual. Why? Not because I was hurting or feeling sick but because I was running with my son, Macuen. An explosive bundle of energy packed inside a 5 1/2 year old boy. We only ran for about a mile and a half (took 40 minutes) but we ran up the road, down the river, looked for salmon and enjoyed each others company. So I ask myself what is more important the mileage and speed or to run with the son. I was again shown there is no bigger challenge, or privilege then to be a Dad. To run with my son...That is what it is all about.

The Hunt

2006-10-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you just don't think it will ever happen? That was me and deer hunting. I have successfully hunted for 7 years without bringing home a piece of meat for the freezer. That has finally changed and what a great feeling. I have still not been able to run alot since my surgery but the hike in and out was grueling and long. Enjoy the picture and the running will start again soon.

The Payoff

2006-09-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

The hard work of training and life never seems to come easy but what a feeling when it starts to pay off. I ran the Skagit Flats Marathon September 10th in a personal best time of 3:19:14, overall was 20 out of 147 runners! The training may have been painful at time but it paid off. The same thing is true with our spiritual training, we might not always injoy the training but the payoff is worth it. Hearing the words...well done is a much greater pay off then a PR.

The Run

2006-08-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

The run yesterday was 7.5 miles in 50:26. Fast and painful, I wanted to quit and walk home because I knew I was faster than I wanted to be...I knew I could handle it but why if I didn't have to...running is a choice not a requirement. Then I finished with a OK time and feeling great (couple sore spots this morning) and ready to run again today. That is how it is in life, there are many though things we do by choice because they are the right thing to do. While we go through them it seems fast and painful but in the end we understand why we kept running. Run the race to win the prize.

One Step at a Time

2006-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many things on the schedule not to mention the dreams, desires, wish list and regular to dos but I can't wrap my schedule around any of them. I am frustrated with my progress and lack of focus... I only ran 4 miles yesterday but it always helps but me back in step. I have to remember that regardless of the amount of miles I run in a day each mile comes with one step at a time. Rather 4 or 26.2 if you don't take a step you will not go forward. So here I sit with my long list....God help me take it one step at a time.

I want to leave something

2006-08-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

For some coming up with something to do during a run lasting longer than an hour. For me I start to pray, worship and think about life. Sunday night during a 8.75 mile run to my parents I main prayer and thought was this...God I want to be a man my children will admire, I want to be a man YOU (God) can say well done, however I generally think I have a long way to go before on either end.

My Prayer - God help me be what you have called me to be...and get me up this hill.

2006-05-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Fishing away! I am out for my first outing to a real lake with fish. I hope to keep the boys in the boat.

Ready to play!

2006-03-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is the first of many post, so stay tuned as I let you into my world. Have a great day.