Verse and Message (Thursday, June 28, 2007) June 28, 2007

James 4:8a

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

  

When I go too long without eating, I get shaky, disoriented, and cranky. When my body is lacking healthy sustenance, uncomfortable consequences take place. So many times, I miss meals or healthy snacks, because I get distracted or become consumed with a variety of day to day projects. On occasion, I may even forget to eat, because my motivation is focused too much on a single task. 

Something odd occurs when I haven’t eaten in a while.  I lose my appetite.  It’s a strange phenomenon, but it’s as if my stomach says to my brain…..”Too late, I am not hungry anymore.”  When I haven’t had food for a long period of time, I find that I don’t crave or desire it anymore. Much the same occurs if I am ill due to a virus or other ailment. My body shuts down the hunger alert, and it doesn’t desire what is crucial for it to thrive. If we lack proper nourishment, our physical body will fail…likewise with the spirit.

In our walk with Christ we sometimes suffer eating dysfunctions as well. John Bevere claims, “A sign of spiritual health is an appetite for God’s Word.  A sign of spiritual sickness is a loss of appetite for the things of God.” When we cease to crave His presence due to distractions at work, domestic projects, activities with kids, hobbies, numerous events, social interaction with people – things that can complicate our schedules – we tend to lose our appetite for the ONE true “Bread of Life” — OUR SAVIOR. Our Lord wants us to relish in all of those healthy side items, but HE wants to be the “SPECIAL” of each day on our MENU!  In other words, He wants us to feed on Him first! Then, He will make it easier for us to maintain a healthy prioritization of the aforementioned, thus, allowing balance in our daily lives.

When we take our eyes off of HIM and focus too intently on the secondary things…..we simply forget to hunger for the ONE True Source of our nourishment and even risk losing our appetite for His Spirit completely.  We become confused, disoriented, shaky, stressed, and cranky in the spirit.

We tell children not to spoil dinner by eating sweets before beforehand. Otherwise, they fill up on snacks and don’t hunger for the main course.  God helps us make room for smart desserts and delicious side items as long as we go to Him to fill us up first.  If I try to eat dessert first……..I miss the most important meal……..HIS feast of PERFECT LOVE. In addition, if we fill up with the unhealthy junk of worldly desires and thoughts, there will be no room for the HOLY SPIRIT to reside effectively within us. 

When we are famished, we may search for an assortment of things to fill us up.  But…if we indulge in healthy snacks throughout the day such as apples, bananas, celery, yogurt, etc. we are hungry for the most important meal, and we won’t begin to substitute our main course with junk. Otherwise, we may miss out on the lobster if we stuff our bodies with potato chips and Little Debbie Snack Cakes!

   

We will have a healthy physical balance, and our metabolism will be in check if we graze on mini “smart meals” throughout the day.  Our spiritual balance will also be in check when we feast on Him throughout the course of each day.  Feeding on His Holy Word and taking time for “meditations” and “breath prayers” keep our spiritual metabolism balanced.

  

What we hunger for is what we feed on. If we are hungry for God, we will go to Him to fill us up!  “The hungrier for God you are, the more intimate you are with Him.  The more intimate you are the more capacity you have.  And the more capacity you have, the more power and passion you experience.” (Dry Bones Dancing by Tony Evans).  Just as food gives us energy and strength…..His provision satisfies not just our spiritual needs but ALL that we need to SURVIVE.

When we feed on Him….He supplies us with His LOVE, His JOY, His PEACE, His SELF-CONTROL, His KINDNESS, His GRACE and GOODNESS, His MERCY, His FAITHFULNESS (Galatians 5:22)….you name it…..He has the BEST FRUIT for us….all wrapped up in His Spirit within us…..

BUT it’s up to us to partake!

    

Start your day with with a healthy breakfast….

His plate kick-starts our day to be BLESSED!

No need to check the menu…..His nutrients satisfy completely.

  

If we indulge in the “SPECIAL” of the day…

we will maintain a WELL BALANCED DIET!

If you feel empty, go to His refrigerator…it has your picture on it!

HIS TASTE IS LIFE GIVING!

THE MASTER CHEF HAS THE PERFECT RECIPE!

JESUS is the COMPLETE MULTI-VITAMIN!

SHARE THE BREAD OF LIFE WITH OTHERS!

SUSIE MC

Level 3 Drought Won’t Keep These From Running!(running news – 06/27/07) June 27, 2007

    After running last Wednesday evening at the Trak Shak, I considered hanging up my shoes and retiring.  As we were approaching mile two, Eric Craft who has only run at the Trak Shak a couple of times inquired, “I thought you were the pace leader Susie Mc?”  Suddenly, I realized I was in the back of the pack.  Hmmmmm.  I guess you could call me the “pace group starter” because I did start the run, but… no one was behind me.  Nonetheless, I stuck to the 8 minute mile pace…..so maybe just maybe, those ahead were embracing a pretty nice sprint.  My only redemption was to respond, “The Trak Shak Run is supposed to be a social run.”  You know guys…..who races this course anyway?    

This past Wednesday evening we had some extra bonus fun after the run!  We had a blast surprising Danny Haralson for his 55th birthday.  His wife Micki provided pizza and Valerie (Trak Shak owner) assisted with the refreshments as well.  Thank you to everyone who came out.  Danny was truly surprised….and not much gets by him! I will not be at the Trak Shak this upcoming Wednesday, but Sara Russ has volunteered to lead the 8 minute pace group.  As for the next Wednesday, we will not be having a pace run because it is JULY 4th.  That’s right…..FIREWORKS…..and excitement!  Homewood will be preparing for its annual 4th of July Celebration!  However, please run that morning at the Annual PeaVine Falls Torture Trot!  At 7 am you can challenge yourself to a very HOT …..very STEEP race up to PeaVine Falls.  I will be volunteering…not running…learned that lesson!

   

 RACE RESULTS

For additional information regarding race results and upcoming events please go to the athletic links of interest on this blog page.

    

 First of all — Congratulations to Micki Haralson who has completed 50 marathons in 25 states and Washington DC. She completed this feat two weeks ago when she finished the only marathon held inWest Virginia!  Way to go girl!

Congratulations as well to Jennifer Schuble!

   

Kudos to Vulcan Tri’s Jennifer Schuble for an outstanding performance last week at the U.S. National Paralympic Road Cycling Championship in Colorado!Jennifer is now qualified to attend the world IPC Championship in France later this year.  For full details on Jennifer’s victory and on theawesome performance of another Birmingham para cyclist, Ron Williams,read the full press release here: http://www.usolympicteam.com/paralympics/news_52703.htm

*FULTONDALE STAMPEDE RUN (June 16, 2007)*   

Overall Female Open Winners

1st Place – Sarah Viamonte – 20:37

3rd Place – Carol Pritchard – 21:15 

Overall Female Masters Winners

1st Place – Lisa Combs – 24:11

Women 15-19

1st Place – Ariel Cecil – 23:39

Women 25-29

1st Place – Anna Ruth Byrd – 22:58

Women 35-39

1st Place – Maria Cecil – 26:52

Women 40-44

1st Place – Stacey Gordon – 24:43

3rd Place – Danielle Brown – 27:15

Women 45-49

1st Place – Micki Haralson – 24:52

2nd Place – Janis Posey – 25:43

   

Overall Male Open Winners

1st Place – Scott Strand – 15:48

2nd Place – Louis Viamonte – 17:23

Overall Male Grandmaster Winner

1st Place – Peter Neuberger – 19:12

Overall Male Senior Grandmaster Winner

1st Place – Charles Thompson – 22:56

Men 35-39

2nd Place – Keith McAbee – 18:27

Men 50-54

1st Place - Michael Pritchard – 21:23

Men 55-59

1st Place – Craig Cecil – 19:58

Men 60-64

1st Place – Darrell Murphy – 23:08

Men 75-79

1st Place – DeWayne Morris – 27:24

2nd Place – Joe Ross – 32:27

*RACE TO THE COURTHOUSE (June 23, 2007)*   

–This race was super competitive due to the large age group distribution.  Two standard age groups were compiled together within each division–

 Female 20-29

1st Place – Caitlin Miner – 21:41.7

1st 5K – Sarah Russ - 23:11.3

Female 50-59

1st Place – Maureen “MO” Higgins – 25:37.7

 Male 30-39

1st Place – DeWayne Miner – 15:40.1

Male 50-59

1st Place – Tom Love – 21:44.3

2nd Place – Jerry Smith – 23:40.2

Male 60-69

1st Place – Darrell Murphy – 22:38.9

2nd Place – Charles Thompson – 22:41.8

ALSO A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2007 FORD IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE IN IDAHO THIS PAST SUNDAY, JUNE 24!  YOU ARE AWESOME!

   

For a detail of preliminary results go to the following: http://www.nasports.com/results/index.php

Susie Mc’s Race Picks for Saturday, June 30, 2007:

RUNNING PICK:

Church of the Highlands 

United Appeal Fund 2 Mile Sprint & 1 Mile Fun Run - 7:30 am 

Join us as we run the race set before us at our new worship home located at the corner of Grants Mill Road and Overton Road.

TRIATHLON PICK:

25th Annual Alabama Sports Festival July 29 – July 1st  2007 in Birmingham, AL area

                        ASF Triathlon Saturday, June 30, 2007

A FUN, FAMILY-ORIENTED, GRASS ROOTS RACE MANAGED BY VULCAN TRIATHLETES

Adult triathlon: 400m swim / 25k bike / 5k run Youth Triathlon: 100m swim / 5k bike / 2k run

Location YMCA Camp Cosby 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road Alpine, AL

Schedule of Events 8:00 am – Transition area opens 9:30 am – Adult triathlon start time 10:30 am – Approximate time of youth triathlon start time

This is the only youth triathlon in the state of Alabama!!

 

 

Well guys…that’s all I have time to write this time!  Have a wonderful 4th!    Until next time……

KEEP RUNNING

(biking, swimming, eating, smiling, golfing, skipping….)

   

SUSIE MC  

Verse and Message (Wednesday, June 20, 2007) June 20, 2007

For those of you who know me well, you might agree that I am a “control freak.”  It’s a poor quality as a Christian, because when we don’t relinquish control of all matters to our Lord, we are simply spinning our wheels. ”What will be will be” no matter what we may say or do! 

“Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be,

The future’s not ours to see,

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be.

Que Sera, Sera!”

 

–Chorus written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 re-make of his 1934 film “The Man Who Knew Too Much” starring Doris Day and James Stewart–

I stumbled across a verse and message I wrote this time last year that I wanted to share today. The topic highlights “expectations.”  Expecting certain results from situations and/or expecting specific actions or reactions from people may lead to disappointment and frustration. When we release outcomes to our Savior and understand that He is the ONLY ONE who will meet or exceed our expectations 100%, we begin to gain a better perspective ie a GOD perspective. 

Archive Verse and Message written on June 15, 2006 (edited):

Psalm 22:2-5 NLT Every day I call to you, my God, but, you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy. The praises of Israel surround your throne. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. You heard their cries for help and saved them. They put their trust in you and were never disappointed. 

Whenever a situation or a person’s actions or reactions disappoint me……..   I have to remind myself……..”Why would I ever expect an imperfect person in an imperfect world and an imperfect circumstance to be “PERFECT?”  Precisely…..no matter how amazing a circumstance appears, no matter how “perfect” someone appears, no one is perfect (Christ is the ONLY exception).  On the flip-side of expectations, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up when we don’t make the grade either.  When what we expect from ourselves doesn’t match up, we simply must remind ourselves, we cannot do anything without the source of TRUE PERFECTION–JESUS CHRIST! No matter how hard we try to please someone, no matter how hard we try to control a person’s responses, and no matter how hard we attempt to exceed someone’s expectations (with or without fervent prayer taking place) we cannot control the outcome.  Our goal is to aim to please our Savior, be open to His revelation, and hope and expect the best that only He can offer!

Our problem here is that our expectations of this world are too HIGH! When we expect entirely too much…….we will eventually collapse from frustration and/or disappointment because people just like us, will let us down. That can occur when we direct and isolate our energies and efforts so intently into one area. In addition to becoming utterly disillusioned, we risk losing clarity and balance. When we focus on any one person or thing too much (allowing it to become our “god” or “idol”) we miss the point that we have a Savior who wants to assist us in the organization and allocation of our priorities.  Examples of this channeled energy include our love, our efforts, our time, another person, and even our money! All of these are good, but were meant to be balanced.  If we streamline our energies to ONE thing alone–we risk creating a deficit in other areas.  When we decide to place our entire focus on HIM, we are able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever imagine doing on our own. Why wouldn’t we follow His agenda in the first place? His Way is BEST,and WE CAN EXPECT THE BEST.

The reason we face the challenges we face, and the reason nothing is perfect right now is because God wants to develop in us the character and wisdom necessary to understand the reason for living–His will and purpose for us.  When we as imperfect beings begin to realize our dependence on the only PERFECT BEING available, THAT IS WHEN WE FINALLY GET IT!  Nothing else matters!  Then…we arrive at a place of true significance. 

God will never let us down.  If we stay focused on Him, we will not be overcome with disappointment …because….we are gazing on the PERFECT ONE who has the PERFECT PLAN and WILL for our lives.  So, next time something occurs that you are not expecting……relax, God is in control…..nothing takes Him by surprise.  Therefore, when we place our faith in the Lord instead of mere imperfect humans….even disappointments will turn into blessings….because….. He makes everything new!  Just wait and see what He does!  He turns the bad into good.  The only way the bad will stay bad if we believe the lies of the Enemy and put our faith in everything but God.  It’s easy to get distracted when we lose our focus on God.

A popular hymn comes to mind when I reflect on the paragraph above.  Check out the following phrase to a familiar hymn:

“ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND, ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND.”

WE do not have to STRIVE for happiness, or significance, or purpose when we seek the SOURCE of TRUE SIGNIFICANCE. We won’t have to strive for those things when we have our Savior in check!  We may have trouble, but tough times don’t last…TOUGH PEOPLE IN CHRIST DO!  Instead of sinking in sand….we will rise above the ashes of disappointment or discouragement!

We are all a work in progress….we are on a journey…..the desired destination is ETERNITY with JESUS…even though we sometimes take selfish, mindless, human detours off the correct path at times. 

THE DEITY DROPPED EVERYTHING FOR US–HE DOESN’T DISAPPOINT!!

FOCUS ON YOUR FOREVER FRIEND–HE WILL NEVER FAIL YOU!!

    

FORGET THE IMPERFECTIONS IN YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU!!

STAND ON THE SOLID ROCK OF CHRIST!!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Thursday, June 14, 2007) June 14, 2007

John 7:38

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

  

Revelation 7:17
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

According to Webster, the following describes the term DRY:

-Characterized by exhaustion of a supply of liquid.

-Devoid of natural moisture.

-Lacking

-Not showing or communicating warmth, enthusiasm, or tender feeling.

According to Webster, the following defines the term DROUGHT:

-A period of dryness especially when prolonged; specifically: one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth.

-A prolonged chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired.

I went to get my car washed on my lunch break yesterday, and I felt guilty.  I have had my new vehicle since early May yet rain has only fallen on it twice — one time while I was at the beach.  My vehicle was absolutely filthy. 

Alabama state climatologist, John Christy stated to The Birmingham News, “This is the worst level of drought - one that has only a 1 percent or 2 percent chance of occurrence.” Christy claims that this is the driest period from January to date in Alabama in 114 years. 

The drought intensity has prompted strict regulations in local water usage.  In fact, if I had chosen to wash my car myself yesterday, I could have been hit with a hefty fine, or worse, I could have been placed behind bars! 

  

We don’t appreciate a valuable commodity such as water until we find ourselves in a miserably dry predicament!  Our spiritual condition can also suffer dryness that can lead to severe drought.  The only difference is that we have the “choice” to consume as much or as little liquid refreshment from our Water Source.  There is an unlimited amount of Living Water available, but it is up to us to drink it! 

I pray every day that I will always recognize my need and desire for my Savior! In other words….it’s a GOOD THING TO BE THIRSTY!  Our heart requires Living Water to survive the dry environment we must endure in this world!  If we refuse to saturate ourselves with our Water Source, we will become so dehydrated that the condition of our heart will suffer intense drought levels!

The only way we can maintain that liquid nourishment is to soak in that refreshment with frequent water stops.  This means we must drink up when we wake up and open our eyes to the blessing of each new day; we must drink up when we study His very COOL WORD to kick start each morning; we must drink up His blessings throughout the day with breath prayers of thankfulness in addition to concern and focus for others; we must drink up  healthy relationships that provide spiritual strength and vitality; and finally, we must drink up His fluid of love to give us rest as we close our eyes each evening. 

We all neglect His refreshment at times.  To satisfy a parched spirit becomes less of a priority when we race through each day.  I have participated in some races whereby I have become so focused on a fast pace that I made the decision to bypass a water stop along the course. I have learned that when I skip a water stop in a race, I soon regret that decision. 

  

We must try to resist becoming too busy or in such a hurry in our daily lives.  Otherwise, we will skip our opportunity to soak in the Savior.  His provision allows us to flourish when the world around us is cracking.  In fact, when we are drenched in His Amazing Spirit we become thoroughly hydrated!  We are able to splash that refreshment onto others.  He provides us more than we can ever imagine consuming so that we are able to release it to those desperately dry and in need of encouragement and strength. 

If you are struggling in a state of spiritual emptiness, dryness, and despair, there is a Beautiful Stream in the desert calling to YOU.  ”As you face such desperation, the GOOD NEWS is that you don’t have to give up.  You don’t have to run away.  No matter how dry and hopeless you are, these bones can live again.  These bones can thrive again.  These bones can rejoice again.” (Dry Bones Dancing-Tony Evans) 

“What springs to quench my thirst are there?”

“I heard the flow of hidden springs.” L.B. Cowman 

GET SOMETHING PERFECT TO DRINK!!

  

SWIM IN HIS GRACE, MERCY, AND LOVE!!

   

DRINK FROM HIS CUP THAT CONTINUES TO POUR POWER!!

DESIRE TO BE DRENCHED BY THE DIVINE DEAL!!

JUST DIVE IN!!

  

HIS OASIS IS NO MIRAGE!!

SUSIE MC

**For those of you who have been receiving my email for awhile realize that I have been an active member of Church of the Highlands since December of 2003.  I would like to invite you to join us this upcoming weekend as well as the following weekend for our Sunday service.  We will be meeting for the final time at Mountain Brook High School this upcoming Sunday, June 17….  BECAUSE….we will be moving into our new worship home on the following Sunday, June 24. (Located at the corner of Grants Mill Road and Overton Road).  This is a real exciting time for us, and we would love for you to be a part of this amazing and blessed transition!     Our service times are 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11:15 am.  I hope to see you there!**

God bless you all…..and Happy Father’s Day to all of you Dad’s!

  

June 14, 2007

XTERRA – XTREME – XTORTURE –REVISED NEWS* June 13, 2007

Hello Friends and Fathers! 
Happy Dad’s Day to all gentlemen with kids and/or grandkids!

  

I wanted to share results from the very exciting events held at Oak Mountain State Park this past weekend!  First of all, the weekend kicked off the Xterra Southeast Championship with a brutal XTERRA 5K and 10K (to benefit the Lakeshore Foundation) on Friday night.  I have participated in a handful of trail races, but this experience humbled me.  I did finish 3rd in my age group in the 10K distance, but the time it took me to complete the distance was a shock.  I typically race a 7 to 8 minute mile pace in standard road races of the 10K measure.  Hitting the trails, my expectations usually fit the 9 minute pace per mile……but XTERRA means XTORTURE to me now.  My finish time was 1:02:35 (10:05 pace)…far from what I anticipated, however, after crossing the finish line, I was thrilled I survived! The terrain was nothing like I had ever endured before.  The trail was muddy from the rain that occurred earlier that evening (very little rain but still the ’slip sliding away’ factor)…..there were roots, rocks, trees, bumps, mud, etc…..and I was about to suffocate due to the lack of oxygen available…whew!  It was muggy…..it was getting dark……it was a tough mountainous course.  We ran the same course that was included on the Xterra Triathlon on Sunday, and according to the 5th place female finisher of that race, this course was more challenging that the trail run included in the world* championship course in Hawaii–that was her opinion….I wouldn’t know.  I guess that I should have understood that Xterra adds a bit of Xtreme to anything and that Oak Mountain does have the word “mountain” in its description.  On a scale of 1-10 (10 being most difficult), I rate this course as a 10 in the challenge arena and an 8 in fun. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, and I recommend it for anyone who wants to get a good work-out, but don’t be a clockwatcher, because you will get discouraged!  

*RACE RESULTS*

Disclaimer:

I list only those individuals who are on my distribution list. The only exception is that I include family members of those on my distribution list too.  If you are on my distribution list, and I overlook your name for a particular result, please let me know and I will correct it on my blog.

*XTERRA 10K*  

Friday, June 8, 2007 

–Age Group Awards Only.  Overall Winners did not receive overall awards but were recognized on the www.xterraplanet.com website–

  

1st Place Overall Female and 1st Place Female Age 30-39

Stephanie Wilkins – 51:18 (8:16)

4th Place Overall Female and 1st Place Female Age 20-29

Amy Jacobson – 59:26 (9:35)

5th Place Overall Female and 3rd Place Female Age 30-39

Susie Mc – 1:02:35 (10:05)

If they had recognized Overall Placement in the awards, I would have placed 1st in our age group and Mallory Slaughter would have placed 2nd in our age group because there were two women in our age group that placed in the Top 3 Overall .  I guess that was something unique to this race event.  Another example of this occurred with Keith McAbee. This kid burned the woods up with a time of 47:10 (7:36)…..he finished 5th Overall Male, but wasn’t recognized with an award because the top three overall males were in his age group….crazy!  A special “thank you” to Russ Bradley who managed to motivate me to finish the race when I wanted to take a nap at mile 5!  Russ is a very consistent and strong trail runner! Congratulations to all the finishers…it was a real feat!

*XTERRA 5K*

Friday, June 8, 2007

  

2nd Overall Male and 1st Male 50-59

Craig Cecil – 26:06 (8:25)

3rd Overall Female & 1st Female 10-19

Ariel Cecil – 32:58 (10:38)

Greatness runs in the family!

2nd Male 40-49

Gary Howell – 28:10 (9:05)

*TEAM MAGIC BUSTER BRITTON TRIATHLON*

Saturday, June 9, 2007

  

I had the opportunity to volunteer as a chip disperser / retrieval person, and I had a blast!  I ended up handing out ice cold water at the finish line, and I was even able to take a couple of photos with the “Brightroom Camera” because the photographer had to step away from his position for about three minutes at the end of the race.  Team Magic did a remarkable job organizing the event!  I was glad to be a part of the volunteer team for the day!  I was also impressed with a very natural “first time” commentator Tim O’Brien!  He made announcements and called out the participants’ names as each crossed the finish line. Beautiful! 

  

The following results include award winners from Buster Britton and one I threw in that completed her first triathlon.  There were so many folks I knew that participated, but it would take too long to itemize all the stars I would like to mention. 

For additional details of results including splits, please go to:

www.team-magic.com You guys are fantastic!

  

2nd Overall Female Lori Goldweber 1:05:11.36

1st Overall Male Tyler Stanfield 55:48:56

1st Masters Female Janie Davis 1:08:31.11

1st Beginner Female Sarah Viamonte 1:12:04.74

1st Female 20-24 Lindsay Harter 1:12:46.26

1st Female 25-29 Caitlin Minor 1:11:07.41

2nd Female 25-29 Carrie Andrews 1:12:31.07

1st Triathlon Nan Gelber 1:25:24.43

1st Female 30-34 Jennifer Schuble 1:15:29.85

1st Female 35-39 Celeste Holpp 1:13:07.30

2nd Female 35-39 Dianne Jacobs 1:14:33.35

3rd Male 35-39 Steve Hicks 1:05:43.19

2nd Male 45-49 Mark Jacobs 1:04:56.77

3rd Male 45-49 Bob Williams 1:09:25.22

*XTERRA SOUTHEAST TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP*

Sunday, June 10, 2007

  

1st Male Team Tyler Stanfield 2:14:13

1st Co-ed Team Dianne Jacobs 2:22:46

1st Male 45-49 Casey Fannin 2:23:02

1st Male 35-39 David Meadows 2:27:18

2nd Male 35-39 John Close 2:30:59

1st Female Team Mallory Slaughter 2:35:51*

1st Female 40-44 Lori Goldweber 2:51:44

*XTERRA DUATHLON*

Sunday, June 10, 2007

  

1st Co-ed Team – Chris & Kiki Gillespie – 1:58:46

*Check out Chris’ COOL Team 413 Website – www.team413.com

IT’s AWESOME! It’s based on Philippians 4:13!

  

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!! AMEN!!

*XTERRA SOUTHEAST SPORT*

Sunday, June 10, 2007

  

2nd Overall Male & 1st Male 45-49 Mark Jacobs 1:28:45

2nd Male 45-49 Bob Williams 1:37:26

1st XTERRA TRI Russ Bradley 1:47:37*

2nd Female 40-44 Pam Rasberry 2:28:41*

**Extra KUDOS to Pam who just completed her 1st 1/2 IronMan at Gulf Coast in mid-May!**

3rd Co-ed Team 1:45:04

Nicole McCarthy

Mitchell Smith

Nikol Whitten

Go to www.xterraplanet.com for additional details of results and splits from the XTERRA ACTION PACKED WEEKEND!!  Congratulations to all finishers! 

  

Well, guys, that’s all for results this week, but check out upcoming races and fun events below:

_____________________________________________________________________

Susie Mc’s Race pick of the week:

Fultondale Stampede 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run – Saturday, June 16, 8 am

Walker Chapel Baptist Church – 525 Briscoe Street, Fultondale

  

This is a race you cannot miss! This is a highly favored event that

occurs consistently Father’s Day Weekend and City Stages Weekend!

The trophies are one of a kind, and Sammy gives away 113 door prizes

or more each year.  For additional info contact Sammy Morris at 585-6066.

Upcoming BTC Events (not races)

BTC PUB RUNS

RED, WHITE, BLUE PUB RUN

(in honor of Flag Day)

  

Cosmos Pizza – Thursday, June 14

Run begins at 5 Points South Fountain at 6 pm

Bottletree – Tuesday, June 26

3719 3rd Avenue South

Run begins at 6 pm

BTC TOWNHALL MEETING

Sunday, June 24, 3 pm – 5 pm

Jim & Nicks Five Points South

1908 11th Avenue South (back room)

  

*Do you want to get more involved in the Birmingham Track Club?

*Do you like or dislike what we are doing in the BTC?

*This is a wonderful opportunity for your voice to be heard!

*Remember, the BTC is YOUR club! We want to hear your ideas,

suggestions, complaints, praises, concerns, etc

UPCOMING RACES

(Info Courtesy of Vulcan Triathletes and The Birmingham Track Club)

*Local Recommended Races are bolded in RED*

6/16/07 – RMH Courthouse Kids Triathlong – Flowood, MS
6/16/07 – Stampede Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run – Fultondale, AL (8 am)
6/16/07 – Dragon Fly Triathlon – Sardis Lake, MS
6/16/07 – Siege on Fort Yargo Adventure Race – Winder, GA
6/17/07 – RYKA Iron Girl Women’s Triathlon – Atlanta, GA
6/17/07 – Du Run Run – Nashville, TN
6/23/07 -  McMinnville City Triathlon – McMinnville, TN (Team Magic Event)

6/23/07 – Race to the Courthouse 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run – Bham, AL (8 am)

6/23/07-  Cornerstone Peach Run 5K & 10K – Clanton, AL

6/23/07 -  Alligator Trot 5K – Florala, AL
6/23/07 – Black Warrior Triathlon – Coker, AL

6/23/07 – Helen Keller Festival 5 Miler & 1 Mile Fun Run – Tuscumbia, AL
6/23/07 – Tri the Parks – Indian Springs – Flovilla, GA
6/23/07 – Tri4God Sprint Triathlon – Madison, MS 
6/24/07 – Callaway Gardens Sprint Tri – Pine Mountain, GA
6/24/07 – Ironman USA Coeur d’Alene – Couer d’Alene, ID
6/24/07 – Fieldstone Open Water Swim – Hiawassee, GA

6/30/07 – United Appeal Fund 2 Mile Sprint & 1 Mile Fun Run – Bham, AL (7:30 am)

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far! 

Stay cool…..because it is HOT HOT HOT!!

  

Speaking of cool……check out this announcement I received from cyclist, Deborah Murphree:

Wednesdays: Starting June 1 and continuing throughout the summer, join Kal and Barbara at Oak Mountain’s South Trailhead parking lot for our Wednesday Watermelon ride. This purely recreational road bike ride leaves the parking lot @ 5:30 p.m. and upon return – you guessed it – a feast of watermelon will be enjoyed by all.

  

Cahaba Cycles, Pelham 205-987-4043

Ok, I guess that’s all I have time for this week!

Until next time…..KEEP RUNNING

       

(and trail running, and road biking, and mt biking and swimming in the pool, and swimming in open water……well, you get the idea!!)

JUST STAY EXTREME even if you don’t do EXTERRA!!

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Thursday, June 7, 2007) June 7, 2007

1 Corinthians 10:11 These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
Definition of Red Flag from The American Heritage Dictionary:

  

1.  A warning signal.

2.  Something that demands attention or provokes an irritated reaction.

I have been to the beach numerous times since early childhood. Among the many times I have been to the gulf I have enjoyed seafood, sand, and sun.  The beach is my “safe place” where I like to disappear just to get away from it all.  I love to take walks morning, noon, and night.  I love the water and the waves and children laughing and the sounds of seagulls.

    

I do not love sunburn; I do not love sand that I cannot seem to remove from my body; and I do not love RED FLAGS. Earlier last week while vacationing at Orange Beach, I witnessed more red flags than I had ever noticed before.  A red flag displayed on the beach indicates treacherous water conditions.  The individual in authority who positions the bold red flags along the beach is not kidding when warning beach enthusiasts of apparent danger. The symbol of the red flag doesn’t simply mean “be careful” — it goes a step further to clarify that one is taking a true risk if he/she chooses to get in the water.  I was amazed at the many people who not only ignored these obvious alarms, but also allowed their small children to participate in their poor choice.  Over the course of Memorial Day Weekend, a 40 year old man and a 31 year old woman (both separate incidents) drowned due to not heeding the warning signs.  I actually watched as beach security pulled a grown man out of the water who was overcome by the riptides (thankfully he survived).  Isn’t it true that our Lord also displays red flags to provide warnings of dangerous situations?  He may provide red flags in possible destructive relationships, in financial matters, in health issues, in worldly matters, etc. The red flags are not placed in our midst to spoil our fun, but rather to protect us from destructive circumstances. Any choice we make whether good or bad has consequences.

How many times have we found ourselves under water? Once we are under water, it doesn’t matter how deep the water is…..the object is to keep our head above water.  We may not be the ones rejecting the red flags.  We may actually recognize loved ones oblivious to these blaring reminders of danger ahead.  There is no way to describe the discomfort we may feel while walking the beach-side of life only to see a family member or dear friend dive into treacherous waters? We can wave our red flags in the attempt to get their attention until we are exhausted!  

We cannot possibly fight the riptides of life without the Life Preserver.  When we realize we cannot stay afloat, we become so exhausted from fighting the waves on our own, that we may finally give up and drown.  Sure, while surfing on the exciting waves of the world, it appears to be so much fun!  But the consequence of riding the waves while red flags are flapping, can be brutal and life threatening to the body, soul, and spirit. 

I would like to stick to my “safe place” under the umbrella of the Savior who’s protecting me from getting burned in the angry waves around me.  He’s the Life Guard with a perspective from above Who is able to predict my future (He’s already seen the whole picture).  The best news is that no matter how far I sink into the abyss when I make poor decisions, He will pull me out.  He’s just shaking His head at my stubbornness.  He wants to lead me on the safe route; it’s much easier to be proactive than reactive! 

With Christ as my Anchor, my castle one day in Heaven won’t wash away!  What peace there is in knowing that the destruction of ignoring red flags is never final, because I accepted the gift of His blood red sacrifice on a hill called Calvary.

Christ is the SONSHINE that won’t burn!

  

Splish Splash with disaster, and we will drown into the depths!

Recognize Red Flags by hanging out with our Life Guard!

  

Susie Mc

MAY SUPERSTARS and TRIPLE XTERRA WEEKEND – (running news – 06/04/07) June 4, 2007

   First of all, I want to express how much fun I had on Saturday at the Salvation Army Century of Compassion Ride.  This third year for the event directed by Craig Cecil honored the memory of Ellis Porch with a beautiful presentation to kick off the ride.  In my opinion, the course was exceptionally marked and also proved delightful with a well-stocked, as well as, well-manned fuel station.  I was thrilled to complete 46 miles ……I haven’t finished more than 30 miles at one time for at least two years.  Thank you to Craig and all of the volunteers and the Salvation Army for a fabulous event.  For those of you who were not able to join us, be sure to participate next year!

  

 I have a treat for you!  According to my email audience, one of the most favored parts of my “running news” includes results and brags of recent race events.  I don’t have the time to include these details often, but I felt that the month of May had some STARS worth noting.  Please forgive me if I have left off your name, and please remember that I only list individuals on my distribution list.  The good news is that if I have made a mistake, I can edit this blog….blogs are cool.  

**STARS IN MAY**

   

*STAR TRIATHLETES*

Congratulations to the following stars who who cooked the course at the Gulf Coast Half Ironman that took place Mother’s Day Weekend at Panama City Beach!  The field included 1,800 athletes from 36 states and 15 countries! WOW! Way to go girls!

   

Janie Davis  5th Place Female Overall Masters Winner 5:13:54

Caitlin Minor                8th Place in the Females 25-29 5:28:10

Jennifer Braswell  10th Place in the Females 35-39 5:26:39

KUDOS as well goes to Casey Fannin for his 2nd Place victory in the Men’s Division 45-49 for his performance at the Memphis in May Triathlon with a time of 2:01:55!

AND…in the Y TRI Triathlon that occurred on May 26, John Close placed 2nd Overall Male with a time of 38:17:49!  Way to go John! Also, making a great show at the event was Leah Scroggins finishing 1st in the Females 15-19 with a time of 57:56:08!WOO HOO!!

You crazy TRI KIDS are AWESOME!! 

  

 *STAR RUNNERS*

Congratulations to the following STAR Volunteers and Participants I recognized for local 5K’s that took place in May: 

  

Kappa Delta Shamrock Run – May 5, 2007

*Thank you to the volunteers*

Rick Melanson, Jack Karn, Charles Thompson, Jeanne & Bill Welsh

Award Winners on my distribution list:

Cristy Eller 2nd Place in the Females 30-39 28:06

Janie Shelswell-White 1st Pl in the Females 40-49 28:47

   

Race for Hope 5K – May 5, 2007

*Thank you to the volunteers*

Rick Melanson, Jack Karn, and Mark Baggett

Award Winners on my distribution list:

Nicole McCarthy 1st Place in the Females 20-29 26:29

Brent Chambers  2nd Place in the Males 20-29 21:07

Cristy Eller 2nd Place in the Females 30-39 28:21

Janie Shelswell-White 2nd Pl in the Females 40-49 28:33

Peter Neuberger 1st Place in the Males 50-59 18:56

Robert Roche  2nd Place in the Males 50-59 21:19

Darrell Murphy 1st Place in the Males 60-69 23:00 

Jerry Smith 3rd Place in the Males 60-69 26:35

   

Vision Run 5K – May 19, 2007 

  

 *Thank you to volunteer Rick Melanson*

Award Winner on my distribution list:

Peter Neuberger 3rd Overall Male Open Winner 19:16

   

Fireman’s 5K for MDA – May 26, 2007 

  

*Thank you to the volunteers*

Rick Melanson, Charles Thompson, and Paul McManus

Award Winners on my distribution list:

Micki Haralson 1st Pl Overall Female Masters Winner 22:14

Cristy Eller 1st Place in the Females 30-34 25:48

Meredith Farrell 2nd Place in the Females 30-34 26:18

Danielle Brown 1st Place in the Females 40-44 24:28

Mitzi Dayball 2nd Place in the Females 40-44 24:44

Janie Shelswell-White 3rd Pl in the Females 40-44 26:23

Tom Love 1st Place Overall Male Masters Winner 20:35

Brent Chambers 3rd Place in the Males 25-29 19:57

Tim O’Brien  3rd Place in the Males 30-34 22:53 Darrell Murphy 1st Place in the Males 60-64 21:26 Joe Ross 2nd Place in the Males 70 and Over 30:08     

*JUNE HIGHLIGHT OF EVENTS*  

06/08/07 XTERRA SCAMBLE 5K & 10K TRAIL RUNS 06/09/07 BUSTER BRITTON TRIATHLON

06/10/07 XTERRA S E REGION CHAMPIONSHIP

(more details below regarding the above three events)

06/30/07 ALABAMA SPORTS FESTIVAL TRIATHLON

WEBSITES and BLOGS OF INTEREST

(For additional athletic information)

   

www.birminghamtrackclub.com

www.bhambikeclub.org

www.bump.org

www.gccycling.org

www.geoffgottlieb.org

www.mercedesmarathon.com

www.run42k.com

www.rununiversity.com

www.team-magic.com

www.therunningadvisor.com

www.trakshak.com

www.vulcanrun.com

www.vulcantri.com 

http://marathongirl75.wordpress.com

http://susiemc.wordpress.com

JUNE BIRTHDAYS!!

  

Brenda Miller – June 1

Wayne Quick – June 7

Kent Scroggins – June 9

April Moon – June 11

Danny Haralson – June 14

Eric Champion – June 23

Rick Melanson – June 22

Trish Portuese – June 23

Elizabeth Porter – June 28

Mark Ingle – June 30

The ultimate weekend of multisports in Birmingham is upon us!  This coming weekend June 8-10 at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham there will be a smorgasbord of racing and volunteering opportunities to choose from. Take your pick at trail runs, a duathlon, and triathlons.

      

*Info below, provided by Vulcan Triathletes*

Buster Britton Triathlon June 9, 2007

We are looking for volunteers to help at the Buster Britton triathlon which will be held Saturday, June 9 at Oak Mountain State Park.  Team Magic needs all of the volunteers they can get to make this a successful race!

You can sign up to volunteer for Buster Britton by doing the following: Go to http://www.team-magic.com/ Click on “Volunteer for an Event” from the main home page Click on the clipboard icon next to the Buster Britton Triathlon

OR just go to the direct link at http://team-magic.rd20.com/Volunteers/RegistertoHelp/tabid/144/EventID/33/Default.aspx

You will have the ability to select the specific area/duty for which you wish to volunteer. As a volunteer, you will receive a race t-shirt so sign up as soon as possible!

XTERRA Southeast Championship Weekend

June 8-10, 2007

BACK IN BAMA

Last year the new course at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County (half-hour outside of Birmingham), located in the southernmost part of the Appalachian Chain, was praised by competitors as being one of the most fun, fast, scenic and difficult on the XTERRA schedule.

It starts with a swim in the warm water of Double Oak Lake – two 750-meter laps separated by a short beach shuffle in-between. From there the long, single-loop mountain bike course starts at about 500 feet elevation, twists, turns, and rolls through the forest for seven miles then begins a gradual 700-foot climb to the summit.  The descent is a fast, wild ride highlighted by the notorious “blood rock” section – a series of tricky to maneuver, uneven and jagged rocks.

XTERRA has teamed up with Buster Britton to provide special recognition for those athletes brave enough to do both races – aptly named the Bama Slamma Double Competition.  A trophy will be given to the racer with the best combined time in the XTERRA Southeast Championship and the Buster Britton.  Last year Craig Evans (who has since turned pro) won the Buster Britton then finished 9th overall (top amateur) in XTERRA to win the men’s double. 

The XTERRA Southeast Championship race weekend (June 8-10) also includes a Friday night trail run, GU Charity Ride on Saturday, and a Sunday morning Duathlon to go with the full and half-distance XTERRA’s.

Learn more about the weekend at…………  

http://www.xterraplanet.com/races/race.cfm?race_id=533

 

   

Thank you to all who have volunteered to work the canoes for the swim portion of the Buster Britton Triathlon.  There are still volunteers needed for other areas, so please go to the Team Magic website listed above to check out the options if you are not racing!  I look forward to seeing you all this upcoming Wednesday night at the Trak Shak  for the weekly pace  runs beginning at 5:30 pm! (8 minute mile/9 minute mile/10 minute mile pace groups)

UNTIL THEN……….KEEP RUNNING! and BIKING and SWIMMING!!

  

SUSIE MC

Verse and Message (Friday, June 1, 2007) June 1, 2007

Hello Friends,

I had to share this message that was a definite “eye opener.”  As I have been on vacation this week, I did not take the time to write the weekly verse and message.  Therefore, God “opened my eyes” to what is most ”important” whether on vacation or not…..commune with our Creator consistently.  Check out this devotion sent to me by a sister in Christ, Beth Yoe.  I have used her work occasionally in my “extra inspirations” but she has provided this week’s feeding for my verse and message.  I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day! Have a fantastic weekend ahead!

Blessings and Smiles,

Susie Mc

 

 

SHARING BREAD

  ⁴² At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. ⁴³ But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Luke 4:42-43 (NIV)

It was not unusual for Jesus to go off to a solitary place to pray and meet with His Father.  We are also told of this in Mark:

 ³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Mark 1:35 (NIV)

How very important this is for us too!  We meet with our Lord alone in the early hours of the morning to commune with Him. To be able to “visit” with the Most High God is indeed an honor and a privilege that we do not want to miss! Through prayer and the reading of Scripture, we learn to “grow up” in Him who is Head over all. With the Holy Spirit’s illuminating power, the Word comes to light and we are enabled to take the Truths gleaned and apply them to our lives.  We become a changed people – more and more conformed to the image of Christ.  This is exactly what Scripture is referring to in Romans:

  ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  Romans 8:29 (NIV)

 I can tell you from experience, whenever you determine to have a “quiet time” alone with the Lord – the people come looking for you!  Distractions abound because Satan does not like believers in God’s Word!  Period!  He goes to great lengths to prevent our success in this matter. And not only Satan, but our flesh does a pretty good job on us too!  The promise of Scripture is that if we resist the devil he will flee from us – the flesh, on the other hand, is a constant battle!  The important thing here is to just persevere. I love this quote by Woodrow Wilson:

  “I am sorry for the men who do not read the Bible every day.  I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure.”

I fully believe if you make this a discipline in your life, it will soon become a desire!

Once filled with the strength that comes from being in His Word, we are able to stand our ground against the schemes of Satan and his distractions that keep us from God’s best for our lives.  In the above verses the people were unwittingly trying to prevent Jesus from persevering in God’s will. They were holding firmly onto Him to keep Him with them.  Oftentimes in life, distractions from others may seem like the correct choice.  The option looks viable and good to the senses (much like the apple!).  Yet it is oftentimes the good that is the robber of the best.  The center of God’s will is exactly where we want to be (whether we realize it or not) – it is good, pleasing and perfect but NOT without difficulties! Some of the hardest things in my life have happened in the VERY center of God’s will! But like Paul says in II Corinthians 1:9 – “This happened so that I might not rely on myself but on God.”   By equipping ourselves through His Word, when the storms do come or where there are decisions in our lives to be made, we are prevented from making poor choices that would cause us to go down wrong paths.  The promise of Scripture is crystal clear in this:

• ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
• ⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.                   Psalms 119:9 (NIV)
• ¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.              Psalms 119:165 (NIV)
• ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jer 29:13-14 NIV

Jesus knew His purpose here on earth.  He had come to do the Father’s will.  That too should be our battle cry!

What I glean from this:

• Following the example set forth by Jesus, I should seek to meet with Him early in the morning.
• Through prayer and the reading of Scripture God reveals truth to me that I should in turn apply to my life.
• Through the understanding of Scripture I can keep my way pure.

 “The rabbis spoke of the text being like a gem with seventy faces, and each time you turn the gem, the light refracts differently, giving you a reflection you haven’t seen before.  And so we turn the text again and again because we keep seeing things we missed before.  When you embrace the text as living and active, when you enter into its story, when you keep turning the gem, you never come to the end.  Inspired words have a way of getting under your skin and taking on a life of their own.  They work on us.  We started out reading them, but they end up reading us.”  Rob Bell

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NOTE:  Sharing Bread is a Devotional sent out Monday, Wednesday and Friday (prayerfully and Lord willing).  If you are receiving this and would like to be deleted from the list please respond to me via e-mail: beth [beth@crescent-inc.com] and I will take you off (very understandably!).  Also, if you would like for me to add anyone else to the list just e-mail me at the same address!  All Scripture cited is from the New International Version.  Blessings!