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skip to main | skip to sidebar30 June 2009 Be Driven We've all experienced it before, that moment when something gets in the way of your ambition. You meant to go running, but it was too hot and the couch looked much more inviting. You meant mow the lawn, but it looked like it might rain. You meant to take your dog for a walk, but your favorite sports team was playing.
I'm one of those rare people who can find art and meaning just about anywhere, including the one place most people would never expect to find it: TV. And I found it earlier today when I hit on a new Nike TV commercial featuring Lance Armstrong. The ad campaign is a collaboration between Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
It would be easy to scoff that it's just a way to sell more shoes. And it probably is. But I came away inspired, and I have no desire to buy a pair of Nikes right now (besides, I'm an Asics type of guy.) But as soon as I'm finished writing this, I will get outside and run.
The spot, titled Driven, shows various cancer victims going through treatment and cuts away to shots of Armstrong hammering out big RPMs. He says, "The critics say I'm arrogant. A doper. Washed up. A fraud. That I couldn't let it go. They can say whatever they want. I'm not back on my bike for them."
There's just something about watching video of Armstrong on his bike before going for a ride that all but guarantees a higher cadence while running the streets. I think the reason for this is that it opens a door for you to see what another human can do, and you can do more, too. It might be as simple as tackling a hill faster than you've ever done it before. Or it might be as important as finding the will to go through another round of chemo. Just ask my father...he's on his twelfth round this week.
The thing is, though, no other athlete in my lifetimenot Jordan, Montana, or Ripkenseems to have been able inspire people to do the little things and the big things in their lives better.
Credit the creators of the ad for the art, and Armstrong for the meaning. What he is tackling with his foundation is inspirationaleven if he, himself, is a bit controversial. He helps people turn "I meant to do it" into just do it.
Watch the spot. Then go set a new personal record.
PHOTO BY AP Business Wire LABELSexaminer.com LABELSlance armstrong, tour de france
Posted byMikeat6/30/2009 03:06:00 PM1 comment: 11 February 2009 On PurposeI have my days where nothing seems to matter, where I try my hardest and it seems to be all in vain. Then there are times when things seem to be running smoothly, everything seems to be going right, and then something happens and it makes me feel insignificant and/or worthless.
I think we all have those times in our lives where we ask that question...whats it all for? Like, what does it matter if Im nice or mean? Giving or taking...?
Its okay to feel like we don't have all the answers. I certainly don't. I cannot begin to even explain why I am going through some of the things I am going through at the moment. But even though we sometimes feel sandwiched in between good and bad times, not knowing the why, we just need to try to remember...every moment of every day, you are living out your purpose. God's purpose for your life.
"..and called us...according to His own purpose.." 2 Timothy 1:9
You are where you are on purpose. You are struggling on purpose. You are achieving on purpose. And you are living on purpose. (Even reading this message, on purpose.)
Did you really think God was going to leave it all up to chance?
PHOTO BY google images LABELSgod's purpose
Posted byMikeat2/11/2009 10:07:00 PMNo comments: 09 February 2009 Grandmas Headphone Ban LiftedGood news for music-loving, gray-hairs everywhere: Grandma's runners can use headphones again.
This story could possibly raise way more questions than it answers. I mean, why were grandmas banned from using headphones while running in the first place? Seems kinda discriminatory, if you ask me. On the other hand, why the sudden reversal? I mean, it was dangerous for grandmothers to run with headphones a month ago, but now it's somehow safe? What changed, exactly? Did a group of angry grandmas lobby for this change? If so, did they wave their canes and walkers in a threatening manner while doing so? Because that could be considered assault. And what do grandma runners listen to anyway? Folk music? Lawerence Welk? (Is that stuff even available on MP3?) It just doesn't make sense.
While you ponder, and possibly either show displeasure or revel in the rule reversal, here's some background music for your run/workout today...
VIDEO BY yahoo videos LABELSfinancial freedom
Posted byMikeat2/08/2009 02:36:00 PMNo comments: 07 February 2009 Journey to Financial FreedomMy wife and I just returned from a day long seminar at church on following God's plan for our lives and our finances. It was really quite insightful, and hit home for us in many so ways.
One of the biggest reminders of the day was that He is Lord, and He is sovereign over all things, including: our future, our failures, our money, even our ability to make wealth...everything.
Colossians 1:16 says, "All things have been created by Him and for Him."
God also wants us to have financial peace. And He call us to be good stewards of the money He gives us.
So why do we squander what God of all Creation gave to us? Why do we constantly thrust ourselves deeper into debt, increasing the materialistic tendencies in our lives? Look all around you...we live in a rich nation. We are so blessed by God. Many nations in this world do not have as much as us. And yet do we, in turn, bless others around us?
I ask you pray for me as I introduce this lesson series to my small group tomorrow. I'll be first to admit it won't be an easy topic to hear, especially in an economic climate such as now, but we think this is a perfect time to teach.