tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57975674525371581552024-03-20T10:39:54.334-05:00The Persistent JourneyThe Persistent Journey -- toward authentic living in an inauthentic worldKen Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-44908887314102899932023-12-06T08:17:00.000-06:002023-12-06T08:17:39.212-06:00Painful Dissonance of Advent<p> Advent is one of my favorite, and most challenging, seasons of the year. And perhaps this year more than many. There is a palpable sense of the "painful dissonance between the promise and hope of Christmas and a world wracked with sin and evil." The lights on houses and trees and the sounds of familiar carols stand in stark contrast to the bright flashes of explosions and the cries of the wounded and grieving in the Middle East, Ukraine, and so many other flashpoints around the globe. Hope seems at a premium and joy feels elusive.</p><p>Yesterday's Advent reading (I read each year from <u>Watch for the Light</u> by Plough Publishing House) made me sit still and ponder for a while -- and it has percolated in my heart and mind. Alfred Delp was a Jesuit priest who was hanged in 1945 because of his opposition to Adolph Hitler. In a piece written just before his death, he wrote:</p><p>"We may ask why God has sent us into this time, why he has sent this whirlwind over the earth, why he keeps us in this chaos where all appears hopeless and dark, and why there seems to be no end to this in sight. The answer to this question is perhaps that we were living on earth in an utterly false and counterfeit security. And now God strikes the earth till it resounds, now he shakes and shatters; not to pound us with fear, but to teach us one thing -- the spirit's innermost moving and being moved."</p><p>As I read these nearly 80-year old words, my heart echoed Fr Delp's questions. Why this whirlwind over the earth? Armed conflict. Disregard for basic human dignity. Oppression of women and the powerless. Political turmoil. Why no end in sight? We seem to never learn that violence and deception simply beget more violence and deception. Why are we still haunted by these same questions and issues and troubles? Is there no real hope?</p><p>Delp continues:</p><p>"The world today needs people who have been shaken by ultimate calamities and emerged from them with the knowledge and awareness that those who look to the Lord will still be preserved by him, even if they are hounded from the earth." </p><p>So perhaps a core message of Advent is not the end of calamity or difficulty or upheaval, but a reminder that what we are experiencing in the here and now is not all that there is -- or will be. That this Advent season of waiting is not just waiting for Christmas 2023, but waiting for God to eventually renew all things.</p><p>Press on!</p>Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-87031109055840811462023-12-01T17:27:00.004-06:002023-12-01T17:27:48.146-06:00Ice crystals in the morning<p> This morning, as I went to my car to head over to City Hall, I noticed a light covering of ice crystals on the windows. Ordinarily I would get out the scraper and dispatch the view-obscuring crystals as quickly as I could. But this morning I slowed down and looked closely at the intricate designs--each one seemingly unique. And I breathed a little deeper.</p><p>There is so much these days that can demolish our sense of calm and any feelings of hopefulness. The strife between Israel and the Palestinians. Corruption and deception in American politics. Wars on multiple continents. Innocents slaughtered, enslaved, or forgotten. The seeming triumph of evil over good at almost every turn (or at least that is what gets eyeballs and views in all sorts of media). Accounts of good and beauty seem rare, at best.</p><p>I wonder whether the good and beautiful are out there, quietly waiting to be seen and enjoyed--if we just slow down and focus on those things? How might the next few weeks feel different if I slow down and examine the "ice crystals" instead of being in such a hurry to get to the next thing on my to-do list? And longer term, how might my mind be transformed if I can train it to dwell on that which is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise?</p><p>This winter it may take me a bit longer to get started in the morning, but I will build in the extra time to enjoy the ice crystals, take another deep breath, and calm my soul.</p><p>Pressing on,</p><p>Ken</p>Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-8210239732601881342020-11-04T12:26:00.000-06:002020-11-04T12:26:09.894-06:00The Necessary Question<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As I write at Noon on the day after Election Day, we do not know who has been elected President of the United States. And that is not a problem to me. Certainly I would like to know the outcome of the election, but more important than my interest in information is that every vote is counted. It should not be a surprise to anyone that there is a lot of vote counting yet to do. A few days of patience could do us all some good--and provide some space for reflection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Whether or not the election turns out the way I would prefer, one thing that is clear is that we are a country that appears to be very divided in our view of the past four years and our vision for the future. I do think that it matters who we elect as President, BUT it cannot be the factor that determines our national--and my personal--destiny. No matter who is elected, I must translate my view of the past and my hope for the future into tangible actions that I control. Yuval Lenin wrote an opinion piece in the <i>New York Times </i>this morning that framed the necessary question: </span></p><p class="css-158dogj evys1bk0" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.875rem; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">It can begin with a simple question, asked in little moments of decision: “</span><b>Given my role here, what should I be doing?</b><span style="font-weight: inherit;">” As a parent or a neighbor, a pastor or a congregant, an employer or an employee, a teacher or a student, a legislator or a citizen, how should I act in this situation? We ask that question to recover relational responsibility.</span></span></p><p class="css-158dogj evys1bk0" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.875rem; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="css-158dogj evys1bk0" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.875rem; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A failure to ask that question — and so to accept the obligations that come with whatever positions and privileges we have in our lives — is behind many of the most significant problems we face. It’s why so many of our fellow Americans have been left feeling that our institutions have failed to treat them like human beings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As a citizen, husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, employee, manager, friend, and consumer, what should I be doing? As I ask this question, it forces me to consider and accept my own responsibility--in the context of interpersonal relationships--for what kind of future I will work to create. If I believe that our society needs to address the opportunity gap that arises from economic inequality, what am <b>I</b> going to do about that? If I believe that our society must protect and support all life, what am <b>I</b> going to do to support my view? If I believe that refugees deserve support, protection, and a safe place to heal and thrive, what am <b>I</b> going to do to help? NOT what should the government do, but what will <b>I</b> do?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I wonder whether asking and answering the "necessary question" will keep me busy enough that I won't really have time or energy to spend on what anyone else is doing or not doing? And I wonder if that might be a better outcome than decrying someone else's inaction or contrary actions?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pressing On!</span></p>Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-35101372853125705982020-10-29T11:57:00.001-05:002020-10-29T11:57:58.070-05:00I Voted -- now the waiting<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Now that I have voted, here are my final thoughts on the 2020
Presidential election:</span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As I write on October 29<sup>th</sup>, 2020, many polls seem to
be indicating a movement toward a Biden victory next week—but who knows? One
thing that does seem pretty certain is that those people in the U.S. who are expressing
opinions are deeply divided. While the campaign does not feel to me like it is as
contentious and nasty as 2016, I cannot say whether that is because the tone is
actually less abrasive, or whether our sense of civil propriety has been numbed
over the past four years to the point where muddy looks clean. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Either way things turn out I am concerned. If Donald Trump is
re-elected, I am concerned that, at best, we will get more of what we have seen
the past four years: the same incivility;
the same indifference to the poor and disenfranchised; the same intolerance of
differences of opinion; the same hostility toward immigrants and those who have
labored for generations under the weight of racial and economic disparity; and
the same disengagement from international commitments and cooperation. If he is
re-elected, I am not sure that there is anything he could say that would allay
my concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If Joe Biden is elected, I am concerned about how far the pendulum
will swing. While I can no longer support what the Republican party seems to
have become, I also cannot fully embrace the Democratic platform—and that gives
me pause. What would allay my concerns—and garner my full support—is if Joe
Biden were to lay out just three priorities for his administration:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Address and deal
with the coronavirus pandemic</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. This would involve
supporting health care workers and the development of an effective vaccine; implementing
policies and approaches to public gatherings and personal behavior to slow the
spread of the virus; and sufficient federal economic assistance so that when we
emerge from under the cloud of the pandemic, we are economically viable enough
to be able to work toward recovery and reduction of the debt we have incurred.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Focus efforts toward
making our national motto—<i>e pluribus unum</i> (out of many, one)—a reality</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. This would involve meaningful work to understand and address disparities
in opportunity and achievement based on race, economic, and immigration status;
meaningful and humane immigration reform that prioritizes legal immigration and
clarifies refugee considerations; and civics education that promotes knowledgeable,
respectful public discourse.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Refresh the United
States’ place in the global community of nations</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. This would involve restoring the view and practice that the
United States is a reliable and trusted friend and ally—as well as an honest and
determined adversary; and re-engaging with other nations on equitable trade, human
rights, and climate concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If a Biden administration could get us on track with real movement
related to these three priorities, I believe that his presidency would be both a
short- and the long-term success worth celebrating. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My “nightmare” scenario is that when this election cycle is over,
the American people remain as polarized, divided, and entrenched as now—whether
due to the actions and words of the vanquished or the victor; or the
unwillingness to accept that “our” candidate came up short in the bigger,
state-wide and national picture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I cannot control what anyone else thinks or does, but I can wrangle
my thoughts, words, and actions into alignment with what I believe about how we
should treat one another in civil society. David Brooks wrote an opinion piece
in today’s <i>New York Times</i> that resonated with me and I will close with his
last four paragraphs:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “Nobody has emerged
unscathed. Those of us in the anti-Trump camp will be smiled upon by history I
imagine, but we might pause for a moment to consider the mote in our own eye.
Our own sins are the only ones we can control.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Over the past four years we've poured out an hourly flow of anti-Trump diatribes and in almost every case they rise to the top of the charts--most liked, most retweeted, most read. </span></p><p class="css-158dogj" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even when justified, permanent indignation is not a healthy emotional state. We've become a little addicted to our own umbrage, addicted to that easy feeling of moral superiority, addicted to the easy affirmation bath we get when we repeat what we all believe. Trump-bashing has become a business model. Politics has become a way to define and identify your identity, and that is elevating politics to too central a place in life. He's made life all about himself, and a lot of us too readily played along.</span></p>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here’s one thing we will never be able to shake, the awareness that our
basic standards of decency are more fragile than we thought; the awareness that
any year, some new leader may come along and bring us back to a world of no
bottom.”</span>Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-17588616128098515392019-08-20T12:25:00.000-05:002019-08-20T12:25:41.588-05:00What do we Americans really want?The past few days have seen what is to me an interesting juxtaposition of ideas--the Business Roundtable on one side and the Trump Administration on the other. Certainly this duality is not the sum total of all that may drive decision-making, but it got me thinking.<br />
<br />
The CEOs who make up the Business Roundtable came out with a statement recently (paraphrase) that the ultimate goal of a corporation is not simply to maximize shareholder return, but to enhance worker, customer, and societal benefit and value. The recent and repeated Trump statement (again paraphrase) is that because our 401ks have increased in value we must vote for Trump.<br />
<br />
Whether there is any unique cause and effect relationship between Trump's policies and the performance of the economy I do not know. But query whether this should be the measure? Has our "American experiment" devolved to the point where the sole basis of evaluation is economic? Where the only value is money? Is it really primarily about me and mine and getting all that I can?<br />
<br />
What about other ideals that been woven into the fabric of our culture, albeit imperfectly, from the early days--strength of community or being a refuge for the oppressed, the "different", and the disadvantaged? What about service and shared sacrifice?<br />
<br />
If I were to offer a word to those running for President (who are not Trump), I would suggest asking Americans of all racial backgrounds and political parties and economic status and ___________ (fill in the blank with whatever grouping you want to provide) to consider what type of a country do we truly want to be?<br />
<br />
Do we really want to be a country where the primary measure of value is the checking account or 401k balance? Do we really want to be a country where we pursue what we want for ourselves above any considerations of the global common good? Do we really want to be a country that only supports and values our international relationships when it serves our interests? Do we really want to be a country that cannot be depended on to keep our promises and to fulfill our mutually-agreed obligations? If so, then maybe we already have the political leadership that we deserve. <br />
<br />
I cannot quite bring myself to believe that is the kind of country that most of us truly want. I understand that my perspective is probably biased because I have had great educational, career, and economic advantages. I have been surrounded by extended family and friends who have cared for me and wanted me to succeed. I have had strong role models in life and faith that have kept me humbled and connected.<br />
<br />
I hope that what most Americans truly want is to be a country that is known for our generosity, open-handed hospitality, and community. To be a country where no one stands alone. Where no one needs to be without an advocate or necessary support system. Where everyone has opportunity and encouragement to improve our lives and the lives of our communities and families. I hope that most Americans want to be a country that stands in support of the oppressed around the world. That keeps our promises and that is a respected and valued partner in addressing the growing trans-national problems facing the entire global community. Where our leaders serve and earn our respect and admiration.<br />
<br />
Pollyanna-ish? Probably. Unattainable? Perhaps. Worth striving for and pursuing? Unquestionably. You see, unless we take action nothing will change. Unless "we the people" clamor for change and difference, it won't just happen. We either need to start or give up and give in to decline and defeat. And one of my hopes is that the choice becomes very clear between now and November 2020--and the we choose wisely.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-31533805787145282462018-06-18T09:16:00.003-05:002018-06-18T09:16:21.758-05:00Now, Then, and After ThenIn the midst of a world that continues to feel like it has been rocked to its core--personally, nationally, politically--it feels like I have a limited capacity to think about things. And very few answers. A few weeks ago I read Kate Bowler's "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved" and she nailed it for me:<br />
<br />
"I am stuck in present tense. With a scan around each corner I have lost the ability to make extended plans; to reach into the future and speak its language. I have lost the rhythm of anticipating the seasons."<br />
<br />
Living life in 8-week increments has allowed us several cycles of chemo holiday, but the clock starts ticking again the minute we walk out of MD Anderson. I am thankful for every 8-week holiday--as I should be--but it does not mute the incessant ticking of the clock. The odd part of all of this is that every person on earth is living in the shadow of the ticking clock. But it has taken cancer to take the clock off of mute and raise it to awareness every day.<br />
<br />
And while I feel mostly stuck in "present tense" as Bowler describes, I battle with a strong desire to look ahead to try to at least be able to imagine some semblance of a hopeful, longer-term future. Right now I feel like I can work within a framework of three seasons of life to consider: Now, Then, and After Then.<br />
<br />
<b>Now</b> is when Carmen is feeling pretty good with few limitations--no chemo (at least until the beginning of August); no surgery; no hospital; no travel restrictions or dramatic physical decline.<br />
<br />
<b>Then</b> is when Carmen goes back into chemo; physical decline; and eventually her life is shortened and ended by the cancer.<br />
<br />
<b>After Then</b> is when Carmen fully experiences total peace, comfort, satisfaction, and fulfillment in the presence of God. And it is when I will support my kids, grieve for myself, and work to find some hopeful future, meaning, purpose, and engagement until my earth-clock stops ticking.<br />
<br />
In the <b>Now</b>, we are seeking to keep things as normal as possible. But with a heightened appreciation for what we have together and can experience. In the <b>Then</b>, I will strive to support and comfort to the greatest extent possible. In the <b>After Then</b>, I will support the kids, grieve, and find a new cadence of life that respects our 34+ years together, but does not live only in photographs and memories.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I have no real idea of what that looks like. All I know is that I feel like I really want to be able to imagine a meaningful, hopeful, and pleasant future. Although it will be broken, I will still want my heart to be able to smile.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-37589973794658244652018-03-06T15:16:00.000-06:002018-03-06T15:16:39.566-06:00Life's Not Fair ... and I am completely OK with thatBeen thinking a lot about fairness lately--especially as many people have expressed their frustration/anger/disappointment that Carmen's cancer is "not fair". What did she/we do to deserve this? Nothing at all. But at the same time, what did we do to deserve many other parts of the life that we have had.<br />
<br /><br />
Did we do anything to deserve the three amazing and wonderful young women we know as our daughters? Certainly not enough to deserve them. How about the three godly, strong, and perfectly-suited men we know as our sons-in-law? Absolutely not. Have we lived well enough to deserve the three beautiful, capable, thoroughly enjoyable granddaughters that we are privileged to get to know more and more? Not a chance! Have we done anything to deserve the 30+ years that we have had together with a lifetime of memories packed in tight? <br />
<br /><br />
People certainly seem to have a much easier time embracing the good that we do not deserve than the bad that we do not deserve. But would I rather have everything be fair? Or would I rather get what I deserve? No. If I get what I deserve--for good or for ill--then there is no room for grace. Because grace is getting what I do not deserve.<br />
<br /><br />
In the spiritual sense grace is essential, because I could never live a good enough life to deserve God's favor or to merit His kind thoughts and actions towards me. If I was limited to what I deserve, then I would pay in the flesh and soul for every harsh word uttered, every improper thought expressed, and every selfish deed. (And I am not so self-deluded as to think that my kind words, or uplifting thoughts, or noble deeds would outweigh their negative counterparts.) I prefer grace over what I deserve because it is my only hope. And if I am going to be good with not getting what I deserve on the upside, then I can be disappointed, upset, and angry about Carmen's cancer, but I cannot shake my fist at the sky and cry "this is not fair!"<br />
<br /><br />
Make no mistake, I am not a fatalist, and I care very deeply about our current disease fight. But I neither blame God, nor do I feel that this should not be happening to us because we don't deserve it. No matter the outcome in the near term, I would not trade the good that we have not deserved to get out of this. AND, I am utterly confident that whatever comes in the near term, our experience of long term grace will make these weeks and months seem like but a fleeting moment.<br />
<br /><br />
Press On!<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-16197958877379549522017-07-12T14:43:00.000-05:002017-07-12T14:43:04.535-05:00End Game?I have been following (or partly following) this week's emerging and expanding news accounts of the "involvement" of the Russians in our last election. But today I find myself asking, "What is the end game of these investigations and hearings?" If the actions of Mr. Trump and/or his associates was prosecutably criminal, then that may lead down the path of impeachment. Even if it is demonstrated that Mr. Trump succeeded in the 2016 election "because of" Russian involvement, I cannot envision a situation where the election results would be nullified and the office given to Mrs. Clinton. <br />
<br />
But what if the sum of these actions does not rise to the level of criminality? What if the actions of Mr. Trump's surrogates and associates was merely (merely?) reprehensible and morally outrageous? At that point (full disclosure=I believe that we have already crossed that line), I think that the Republican leadership needs to disavow Mr. Trump and cut him adrift. That may be a difficult political choice, but I know that I am watching to see what happens over the next few weeks. If the Republican leadership continues to allow Mr. Trump to hijack the Party, then I, for one, will be looking for a new political home.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-37058802391175188472017-07-03T13:21:00.003-05:002017-07-03T13:21:49.155-05:00The High Road Pledge<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A call to all candidates in 2018 and 2020 elections (and to the people who may or may not vote for them):</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has become increasingly clear that the political parties, elected representatives, and candidates are unable to police themselves when it comes to civility and respect in public discourse. When our current President can behave like the worst 2nd grade playground bully and no "leader" in his party will call out his behavior as unacceptable, then perhaps it is time for the majority of Americans who are not blindly committed to a particular party or individual to call for change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder what might happen if candidates in the next two election cycles--2018 and 2020--would take a pledge like the one below and if the voters, media outlets, and debate hosters would hold them to the pledge? Perhaps a pledge like this:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I [Candidate Name] commit that I will run a campaign of integrity that will be marked by debate on the issues, not personal attacks. That will focus on why my ideas are good for America, and not on why my opponents' are not. That will be driven by a desire to create the best America for the next generation, and not for the short-term benefit of the privileged few. That will pursue common ground, and not seek to divide. That will tell the truth, and not shade the facts for my own political advancement.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I will respect my opponents, and by respecting them, I will respect those whose votes we all hope to win. I will respect my opponents, and by respecting them I will be able to provide leadership for all of my constituents--not just those who voted for me. I will respect my opponents, and by respecting them I will never need to look in the mirror (or my grandchildrens' eyes) and be disgraced or embarrassed.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I ask the media, please do not accept any advertisements from my campaign, or from anyone else on my behalf, that denigrate or disrespect my opponents. No one who engages in personal attacks against my opponents speaks for me. I ask those who host debates or town halls; if, in the heat of the battle, I engage in personal or disrespectful attacks against my opponents--turn off my microphone.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Rest assured, I am in this race to win, but not to win at all costs. I affirm that there are values that are more important than winning an election and I will not sacrifice those values for my own political success.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Signed: [Candidate]</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of us who are disgusted and disheartened by what we see today in the realm of public discourse, and who do not wish to pass on to our children and grandchildren the country that we are becoming, we cannot merely throw our hands in the air and lament the sad current state of affairs. We must make our voices heard. We must write. We must speak out. We must vote. And in the midst, we must not stoop to the level of discourse being modeled in Washington D.C. and in many statehouses across this grand and glorious country. The possibilities for America's future are worth striving for.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because if we do not, the light of hope grows dim.</span></div>
Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-2651746501721043922017-05-04T14:37:00.001-05:002017-05-04T14:37:21.845-05:0059 Weeks -- Reality Check 2017 #1<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After about seven months of focused training, this weekend is the first of several tests of whether the training has made a difference--and what difference it has made. This weekend the Frisco Superdrome hosts the 2017 Track Masters Regional Championships and I will be riding the 500, the 2k Pursuit, and the Match Sprint. These are the same events that I will be doing at the National Championships in late June.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I confess to being a bit nervous. I know that I have been working hard--in fact, I do not know that my body could have held up under harder training. I have lost a lot of weight and re-balanced body fat and muscle down to about 15% body fat. I have upgraded my equipment to the stiffest and fastest that I have ever ridden. Now I just need to put it all together--and not fret.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After all, racing is not my day job and it is supposed to be a hobby that I am doing for fun. We'll see how it goes and maybe I can reflect on this first test.</span>Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-34463357190696885312016-09-01T12:00:00.000-05:002016-09-01T12:00:12.515-05:0059 Weeks -- The Clock Doesn't Lie or Care What You Want to Hear<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who are both optimists and have a good imagination, when faced with a big goal or project it is tempting to see everything related to the task or project through a certain lens--usually one of how I would like things to be and not necessarily how things actually are. Well, for the 59 Weeks project, this weekend will be a time to take off any reality-skewing lenses and see reality. And it has me a bit nervous.</span><br />
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A couple of principles that drive my life are:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 27pt;"><span style="color: #2da2bf; font-family: "Wingdings 3"; font-size: 24.48px;">}</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Esse Quam Videri</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2da2bf; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">◦</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.25in;">To be rather than to seem to be</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2da2bf;">}</span><u>The Stockdale Paradox</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2da2bf;">◦</span><span style="font-style: italic;">You </span><span style="font-style: italic;">must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2da2bf;">◦</span><span style="font-style: italic;">AND at the same time…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2da2bf;">◦</span><span style="font-style: italic;">You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.</span></span></div>
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These principles reflect my desire to live authentically and to experience an authentic reality--whether it is hopeful or disappointing; easy or difficult; fully engaging or slogging through what needs to be done.<br />
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This weekend is the Alkek Omnium, a track race at my local velodrome here in Houston. There are six events total and two of them are the events that fall within the boundaries of 59 Weeks--the 500m Time Trial and the 2,000m Pursuit. I will be racing these events against the clock this weekend. There will not be any room for "how did it feel?" or "do I think I did OK?" Instead there will be a number associated with each event. That number will not be influenced by how I feel or what I would like the number to be. It will be what it is--nothing more and nothing less. And my fear is that the number will be far from my objective--perhaps very far. Therein would lie the challenge.<br />
<br />
But while I am a bit nervous, I am also looking forward to getting real numbers that will tell me where I am now in my performance and how far that is from where I want to be. I want to face the most brutal facts of my current reality--whatever they may be. Only then will I be able to work with my coach to gauge what we need to do to work from this weekend's numbers to the numbers that I want to ride in Los Angeles at the end of 59 Weeks. I have set a target for sub-38 seconds in the 500 and 2:35 or so for the 2k Pursuit. This weekend will show me where I really stand--not just where I hope to stand.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-315486575042756102016-08-29T16:14:00.000-05:002016-08-29T16:14:17.662-05:0059 Weeks -- Would-Be Weekend Warrior to World Championships<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In mid-October of 2017, the Master's World Championships in track cycling will be held in Carson, California (by Los Angeles). I want to be there. To race. To ride as fast as my much-better-trained-by-then legs and heart will drive me. And I want to do well.<br />
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There. I wrote it in public. It is out there for the world to see--or at least those few who read my blog. It is my line in the sand. And it is a bit scary. More than a bit daunting. But also rather flip-flopping in the stomach exciting.<br />
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59 weeks is a long time. Not as long as an elephant's gestation period, but still seems like a long time to me. At least a long time to have a disciplined, persistent focus on one thing. Certainly this will not be the "one thing" that I do for the next 59 weeks. I do have a day job and family and a few friends. But for the next 59 weeks I want to pursue this task, this activity, this accomplishment, this endeavor, with more discipline, focus, and determination than I can recall applying to any particular task (apart from law school). Frankly, I hope that I can do this, but I do not know.<br />
<br />
59 weeks of focused and directed training. 59 weeks of eating to fuel the training and racing. 59 weeks of consistently being in the weight room. 59 weeks of getting at it day after day after day.<br />
<br />
I am certain that there will be days when the last thing that I want to do is another dead lift or to get on the bike for another round of sprint intervals. There will be days when I just want to sleep in. Or eat a big piece of cake with ice cream. Or "just watch." But this is an opportunity that I do not want to pass up only to regret it later when it truly would be too late. <br />
<br />
J.I. Packer drew the contrast between "balconeers" and travelers in <u>Knowing God</u>. The balconeers sat in safe and comfortable chairs above the clamor and dust of the road below. The balconeers had a running commentary about how the travelers could improve their journey or travel "better." The balconeers were experts in all areas of their observations and imaginations--but they never actually went anywhere. The travelers got tired and dirty and took the occasional wrong turn, but at least they got to experience the journey firsthand. That is what I want from what remains of my life here on earth--to be in the mix and not on the couch. And my place to start is the next 59 weeks. <br />
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Since moving to Houston I have been fortunate to be able to race with the NWCC (Northwest Cycling Club) Race Team and with some friendly and encouraging teammates. A few of us are targeting the 2017 Master's Worlds and it will be great to have some other travelers to share the journey with. </div>
Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-80137051379712430212016-06-05T13:46:00.001-05:002016-06-05T13:46:44.393-05:00Make America [truly] Great Again--and words DO matterAs one for whom words matter, the phrase Make America Great Again (that seems to be almost omnipresent in today's political discourse), got me thinking during my ride today.<br />
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I am not opposed to making America "great" again, but what do we mean by "great"? By great do people mean Rich? Strong? Intimidating? Better somehow than other nations? If this is what is meant by making America great, then I want none of it.<br />
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But what if instead of great riches we pursued great opportunities? Instead of great strength we exercised great compassion? Instead of great intimidation we were known for generous, welcoming civility? If you listen much to the political pundits and candidates, the United States is no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave--but instead is the land of the bigoted and the home of the fearful. As for me, I want no part of Mr. Trump's "great" America.<br />
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Instead, I want an America that reflects the greatness of David Dawson, Dr. Sedlack, Dr. Cornell, and countless others who have chosen to devote their lives to teaching the next generation(s) of students that words matter and that learning is valuable. I want an America that looks like Kathy Johnson who has invested her time and money in taking music and hope to the Cuban people. I want an America that demonstrates devoted kindness to those in great need like Karen, Emme, and Maea Wistrom who put a face and words and hands to the work of Children's Hope Chest (and Jay who holds down the fort to make those trips possible). I want an America that makes choices like the Bubalos and Porwalls who had the talents and drive to pursue any career path, but have chosen lives of frugality and sacrifice so that others may hear words of hope and opportunity. I want an America that looks like Wallace King who chose, throughout his career and in retirement, to give of his time and energy for the civic good--not merely for his own advancement. I want an America that is respected and appreciated for who we are in our core character, and not mocked for the ridiculous rhetoric of our prospective "leaders".<br />
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Reader, you have your own list of people that you believe reflect the America that you desire. How about if we all do two things: 1) set the tone by developing and demonstrating this type of character for ourselves; and 2) insist that those who would represent us demonstrate these characteristics. <br />
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Remember, "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing."Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-16566343589306001282016-04-20T04:46:00.001-05:002016-04-20T17:04:23.348-05:00My name is Ken Prine and I am running for GovernorWhat a crazy night! Sometime after midnight I started dreaming that I was running for Governor, but not of any particular state, and off and on for then next few hours (until about ten minutes ago) I was campaigning on immigration issues. So here it is.<br />
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The immigration issues that our country faces today have two main facets. First, who should be able to come to the United States legally? And Second, what do we do about folks who come to or remain in the United States illegally?<br />
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First, who can come to the United States legally? I believe that the overarching principle that we must remember is that most of us who now live here came from somewhere else. Whether we came in the mid-1600's as my family did, or in the mid-2000's as some people I know, most of us came from somewhere else. We ARE a nation of immigrants. Our forebears came to the U.S. for a variety of reasons. Some came for economic opportunity. Some came for religious freedom. Some came unwillingly. Some came to flee persecution or oppression in their home countries. But apart from those who were brought here in generations past against their will, we came here because we believed that life in the United States would be a life of greater hope and opportunity. Is this any different today?<br />
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The answer to this question is not to close our borders; or to embark on a wholesale ban of certain ethnic, economic, or religious groups; or to build walls. A part of the answer is to celebrate that the United States is still a country where those around the world who are yearning for hope and opportunity want to come. The other part of the answer is to keep/put in place processes to ensure, as much as we can, that those who are coming to the United States are coming to work hard for hope and opportunity--not to do us harm. No process will ever keep out everyone who may have harmful intent, but that is the downstream role for law enforcement. And if we fall prey to the instinct to pull up the drawbridge now that we are safely inside the castle, then I believe that we have lost something fundamental to who we are as Americans. We must have safe and secure borders while continuing to promote expansive, speedy pathways to legal immigration.<br />
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Second, what about those who come to or remain in the United States illegally? To start with, immigration enforcement questions have easy answers if there are no faces. In the abstract the answers seem straightforward to me--if a person entered the country illegally or has overstayed their expired visa, then they should go back home and enter legally if they want to come back. Think of it this way. If you operated a buffet restaurant and someone snuck in the back door, should you feel obligated to allow them to continue to eat at the buffet just because they managed to sneak in? Of course not. And if someone paid for their meal yesterday, but didn't leave when you closed the restaurant last night, should you be obligated to let them eat today and every other day that they manage to not leave your restaurant? Of course not! But should either of these people be thrown in jail? Should you never let them eat in your restaurant again? Of if they pay for the meals that they ate, and agree to pay for any meals that they eat in the future, might they be some of your best customers in the long run?<br />
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And what if the reason that the person snuck into or stayed in your restaurant was because they believed that was the only way they could get food for their family? Does that change the outcome? <br />
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The current Republican frontrunners' positions to simply "build a wall" and kick out everyone who is here illegally are both shortsighted and impractical. I believe that if we are going to address the issue of people who are in the United States illegally, we need to create a process and an environment that does not drive people further underground, but that gives hope that they can have a better life by pursuing legal immigration status. If someone thinks that folks will "self-deport" just because some politician says they should, or that a wall will actually keep people out, that person does not understand human nature very well. If someone thinks that they can send immigration enforcers out across the country to drag 11 million people to the border kicking and screaming--without causing massive social unrest far more harmful than the illegal immigration issue--that person should wake up from their daydream.<br />
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Am I suggesting amnesty? Not really. Amnesty means ignoring past conduct--a no blood, no foul mindset. I am not suggesting that past misconduct should be ignored, but instead that it should be only one of several factors in what steps should be taken to become a legal immigrant. Those steps could include paying fines, paying back taxes, community service, or--in some cases--deportation and a return to the person's home country to start the legal immigration process. One thing is for sure. If we are going to address the immigration issue in a civil, humane, and American way we will need to invest resources in personnel, processes, and technology to enhance border security/entry; to monitor visa status of those who are legitimately here on a short term visa; and to process the cases of those who are currently here illegally.<br />
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Thanks for hanging in this long. That is my campaign stump speech on immigration. I can only hope that tomorrow night I can dream about camping or bike racing, or you may be able to read my stump speech on a different issue tomorrow. And just to be clear--I am not running for Governor. <br />
Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-45859277180957234682016-03-16T12:45:00.000-05:002016-03-16T12:45:14.627-05:00Embarrassed to be a "Republican"I have been registered as a Republican for my entire voting life. And most of the time my outlook on life has more closely aligned with Republicans than with Democrats. Yet, as a limited government, fiscal conservative, social moderate--whatever those terms mean in 2016--I feel very misaligned with where I see the Republican party heading. Those who know my visceral support and pursuit of decency and civility may think that this "rant" will be about Donald Trump. And while that course of action would be justified, this post has little to do with Mr. Trump. Instead, this is related to the current Supreme Court vacancy. <br />
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The Senate leadership--specifically Senators McConnell and Grassley--are making a mockery of the Constitution and their Constitutional responsibilities. The President's job is to put forward a nominee and the Senate's job is to either confirm or not confirm--period. This nonsense of "giving the American people a say" is nothing more than empty pandering. The Constitution does NOT give the American people a say. This is an enumerated responsibility that is set at the feet of the President and the Senate. Beyond that, if it had been Justice Ginsberg who had passed away or retired, I cannot conceive of a universe where the Senate Republican leadership would be refusing to even consider a nominee.<br />
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The Senate has a job here and if they are unwilling to do their job, then--if they were public servants of conscience--they would resign. Or at the very least, not be returned to office by the voters in their states. For me, this November I will not cast a vote in favor of any Senator who refuses to consider a Supreme Court nominee or any Senator or House member who supports not even considering President Obama's nominee. <br />
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If I went to my boss and told him, "No matter what you ask me to do that is listed in my job description I will not do it" I might be given a moment to reconsider such a rash statement. And if I persisted I would be fired--and would deserve no sympathy or support. I would clearly be on the moral low ground. If the President told Congress, "I will veto every bill you pass, no matter what it is" there would be resounding calls for his impeachment. How is the Senate's obstinacy any different?<br />
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The current Senate Republican leaders are setting themselves up to fail in their core Constitutional responsibilities. If they continue down this obstructionist path, they should not be allowed to continue to serve. They all took an oath. An oath to defend the Constitution. Perhaps they need to take a close look in the mirror and answer the question--<b>How will you defend the Constitution from yourself</b>? <br />
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Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-1745757212896025782015-12-09T13:54:00.001-06:002015-12-09T13:54:43.594-06:00An Open Letter to the Republican "Leadership"Good afternoon,<br />
<br />
I am writing to encourage you all to take a step back, take several deep breaths, and look at a time horizon that is beyond November of 2016. It may well be that the fate of America's future does not depend on who is elected President next November. But it may also be that America's trajectory will be substantially altered by the outcome of both the campaign and the election.<br />
<br />
Mr. Trump has certainly stirred the pot--especially with his recent threat to run as an Independent if he is attacked for his stated positions. My sense is that you all are concerned that if Mr. Trump makes good on his threat, then we will almost certainly be looking at Mrs. Clinton being elected in November. While you may be tempted to acquiesce in the face of Mr. Trump's threats, please hold your ground for three reasons:<br />
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First, even if Mr. Trump were to run as a Republican and win, does he really represent what the Republican party has become? If so, then the party certainly has bigger and longer term issues than who is in the White House for the next four years. If your desire is for a Republican to win the White House in 2016, then what good does it do for someone to win under the party's banner whose policies and approaches to governing are not what you believe that the party stands for. Surely you cannot primarily be committed to pursuing Mrs. Clinton's defeat at any cost. <br />
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Second, the more substantial "enemy" is not Mrs. Clinton, or ISIS, or extremists of any flavor. I contend that the greater danger is that of "winning" in the short run, but of sacrificing what America is and can be for the future. The United States of America that I love is a country where we are defined by the openness of our hearts and minds, and not by the closed-ness of our doors. Where every person enjoys the protection of the law, not just "people like us". Where we offer refuge and opportunity for the oppressed and downtrodden. Where we extend hands and words of hope to the hopeless. My greatest fear is not of terror attacks or of a second Clinton presidency, but of losing that which makes us an unique people and a nation to be proud of. If those qualities that have set the United States apart for the past 200+ years are lost or are meaningfully disfigured, it will take generations to recover our place in the community of nations.<br />
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Third, if indeed you believe that the Republican worldview is the better worldview and should be the worldview that leads our country to a better future, then I implore you to articulate the Republican worldview in terms of what the party is <b>for</b> and what the party will <b>pursue and promote</b>, as opposed to what the party is standing against. Let the people know what the party is for, not just what the party is against.<br />
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If Mr. Trump were to be elected and seek to govern under the Republican banner--and in keeping with his current rhetoric--then in my opinion the United States would be set back for the next 50 years in terms of being an influence for good in the world. Please do not sacrifice the longer term positive place in the world that the United States could have on the altar of winning in 2016. There is so much more at stake than a four-year term in the White House. <br />
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Best regards.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-53524886275845928672015-09-29T11:27:00.002-05:002015-09-29T11:27:42.687-05:00Bad Things are Bad, BUT ...For quite a while I have been tussling with God over His goodness in light of some very bad circumstances. He did not seem to be very kind or loving toward someone who is very dear to me and I have held that against Him. It has had a markedly chilling effect on my spiritual journey. But this weekend--a breakthrough. Driving to and from Ft. Hood for a bike race, I took time to listen to a series of messages from Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and it feels like an epiphany.<br />
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The most impactful was Keller's message, "A Christian's Happiness." In this message Keller examines Romans 8:28-30 and draws out three principles: 1) Our bad things turn out for good (v.28); 2) Our good things cannot be lost (v.29); and 3) Our best things are yet to come (v.30). Key for me was principle number one. With respect to Romans 8:28, Keller first noted that "all things" are a part of the Christian's life experience. In other words, Christian life circumstances are no better than anyone else's. On this point I think that I had drifted into thinking (wrongly) that because God is a good and loving God, then the life circumstances of His people should have fewer bad things and that the bad things that occur should be lower magnitude bad things--more like inconveniences. I feel like I had lost sight of that which is true and had instead superimposed my sense of what God "should" do and be like over what He has promised. I was trying to rewrite God's promises to suit my preferences. Ouch! That realization hurts.<br />
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Second, Keller observed that when things do work together for good, it is because of God. From Romans 8:18-20 we see that apart from God, all things fall apart--and that is normal. In a fallen world, which has been humanity's life circumstance at least since Genesis 3, things devolve and the natural order of things is toward chaos, disunity, dysfunction, and disorder. <br />
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Finally, Keller declared that although bad things happen, they are worked for good. Bad things are bad. Bad things are not good. Bad things are not "blessings in disguise." Yet, God will take the bad things and weave them into good in His totality. As an example, Joseph's betrayal and abandonment by his brothers was not good--it was bad. Joseph being falsely accused was not good--it was bad. Joseph being imprisoned was not good--it was bad. But God took those truly bad things and used them to rescue and preserve Israel--and to elevate Joseph. And even if He had not elevated Joseph, the bad would still have been turned to good in God's totality.<br />
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Keller closed the entire message on the principle of "Our best is yet to come" by focusing on the greatness of God's glory. He said, Only God's extraordinary glory can deal with the hurts of our hearts, our grief, our losses, and our suffering. Somehow t<b><i></i></b>hat gives me comfort, hope, and the start of a renewed, and hopefully revitalized, spiritual journey.<br />
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Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-80500723722173506462015-09-03T13:59:00.002-05:002015-09-03T13:59:57.411-05:00Religious Liberty AND the LawI initially thought about entitling this post "Religious Liberty vs. the Law", but that just didn't say it quite right. There are many who seem to be setting up the religious liberty arguments as unduly adversarial and overarching--that my expression of religious liberty should trump all other considerations. But that is no way to live in a pluralistic and civil society. In fact, the only way to guarantee everyone's full and complete expression of religious liberty is for each individual to live in geographic and geopolitical isolation. Within the context of a society built on the rule of law, I believe that we must strive to protect each individuals' right to religious freedom. But religious liberty must fit within the context of a civil society.<br />
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Does the elected county clerk in Kentucky have the right to refuse to issue marriage licences to gay couples? At a personal level, yes, BUT NOT if she wants to keep her public job. As an elected official, she must choose whether or not she will do her job--plain and simple. If not, then she should be honorable and resign--not be obstinate and go to jail for contempt. By the way, it is VERY important to note that to the extent that she is prosecuted or jailed it is NOT about marriage licences; it is about failing to abide by a lawful Court Order.<br />
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If this involved a different underlying issue, we would not be having these discussions. If a state-employed cafeteria worker refused to serve an overweight patron his double cheeseburger, fries, and a shake because gluttony is a sin, there would not be any discussion of religious liberty. We would simply shake our heads and the worker would be unemployed. But in the bigger picture, the Kentucky situation is not about anyone's views on gay marriage; it is about how people will live together in a multi-faceted and non-theocratic society built on the rule of law.<br />
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And what a great society we live with. If there is a law that I do not agree with and that I believe is wrong, then I have free access to the legislative process to change the law. If I prevail in changing the offensive law, then good for me. But as a member of this society, I have a duty to abide by the laws that are in force; or to remove myself from their jurisdiction--or face the consequences.<br />
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The law is not antagonistic to religious liberty. In fact, without the rule of law, we would have no hope of continued religious liberty. What I believe is missing in this cultural dialogue--and would love to see and hear--is guidance and discussion from our religious leaders about how to live and love well in a multicultural, multi-faceted, and non-theocratic society where others' views and beliefs often differ from my own. The way the discourse seems to be going, I am not going to hold my breath. (Of course, I would also like to see a reasonable and electable presidential candidate--and world peace.)<br />
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-KP<br />
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Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-48906622884592089782015-04-02T17:30:00.001-05:002015-04-02T17:30:52.981-05:00Religious Freedom Restoration?Merriam-Webster defines "restoration" as:<br />
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: the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.<br />
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: the act of bringing back something that existed before<br />
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: the act of returning something that was stolen or taken.<br />
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By this definition I cannot understand what "religious freedoms" are being "restored". In the United States of America we live in what is surely among the most religiously free countries in the world. To get to my chosen place of worship, I drive past a variety of other places of worship (of various faiths)--each of which is "subsidized" by our society by not paying property taxes and having participants' contributions receive a favorable tax treatment; and each of which is allowed to open their doors to the public any time they want. So what needs to be restored? What has been stolen or taken? What needs to be repaired or cleaned to be returned to the original? What no longer exists that needs to be brought back?<br />
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Some might point to the general lack of vitality in the American church as something that needs to be restored. While I would tend to agree with that assessment, recent legislation has nothing to do with the renewal of people of faith. Recent legislation seems to be directed at allowing "people of faith" to disrespect those who hold a worldview or value system that at one or more points diverges from their own, under the guise of religious freedom. At the very least, it is the inconsistency that makes my blood boil.<br />
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The Indiana pizzeria that is representative of this issue refused to cater (provide their publicly-available, secular business service) a wedding for a same sex couple. The reported rationale was because the Christian business owner believes that same sex marriage is sin. Query: Does the pizzeria owner refuse to serve fat people? Isn't gluttony a sin? Does the pizzeria owner refuse to serve non-Christian people? Isn't not believing in Jesus a sin? Does the pizzeria refuse to serve adulterers? Drunkards? Greedy folks? All sinners in the pizzeria owner's worldview.<br />
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Looking back a couple of thousand years, did Jesus refuse to associate with (his publicly-available business service) sinners? Not at all! It seemed like wherever he went he was engaging with sinners (being cordial and civil) AND religious folks (being confrontive and even harsh). Might it have been that Jesus expected or hoped for higher and more noble actions from those who claimed to be people of faith? Sometimes I wonder what things would be like if people of faith spent as much time developing, growing, building, and living out their faith as they do attacking the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of those with whom they disagree.<br />
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We Americans do not live in a theocracy--never have and most likely never will. Even if our Founding Fathers were people of faith or were influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition, they did not set out to establish a nation built on a particular religion. They set out to form a democracy that included and had a vital place for people of any faith or no faith. We need look no further than the Bill of Rights -- the behaviors and actions described here are the basis for a civil society, not a Christian, or Muslim, or [fill in faith tradition] society. As a multicultural and multi-faith society, rich and strong in its diversity and variety, we must all maintain a higher level of civility and respect of each others' thoughts and values.<br />
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Only then can all of us--those of one faith or another or of no faith--live out the Apostle Paul's words:<br />
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If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18); and<br />
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Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3)<br />
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Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-36628964524637775802014-09-22T09:44:00.000-05:002014-09-22T09:44:36.511-05:00Check the BrakesSaturday's club ride was miserable--for the first 23 miles or so. My legs felt heavy and I was having to work much harder than expected to keep up with the group. What was wrong with me? Over-training? Did I need some time off the bike to recover fully? Am I just not cut out for this? A very fast, dark spiral of self-doubt and negativism. Then we stopped for a breather at the halfway water stop.<br />
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When I checked the rear brake, it had been rubbing on the wheel the whole time. Essentially I had been riding all morning with the brakes on. I felt like Charlie Brown's attempt to kick the football. The second half was a completely different experience. The self-doubt and negative self-talk went away and the rest of the ride was more like it should have been. <br />
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Why was my first thought that there must be something wrong with me? Why did I not think that something mechanical might be the issue? Why was I so quick to assume that I had lost the benefit of all of these months of training just from taking a couple of days midweek of not riding?<br />
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It would not have been easy to spot the brake issue while I was riding. I could have detected a flat tire pretty easily. An issue with the chain or the gears would have been apparent. But my rear brake is under my seat and I am not flexible enough, nor a good enough bike handler, to bend around and look under and behind my seat while I am riding down the road. But when I stopped and looked over my bike, the problem was easy to see--and correct. And once corrected, the ride was fundamentally different. I could expend my energy in moving the bike forward, not in getting past the engaged brake.<br />
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The writer of Hebrews may have had a similar experience in mind when he wrote, "throw off the sin that so easily entangles and run with endurance the race set before us." I wonder how much progress in Christlikeness or self-realization is hindered because we find ourselves fighting against the "engaged brakes" in our lives. I wonder how much more progress we could make if we regularly did a quick check to see that the brakes are released and the wheels are spinning freely?<br />
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Next time, or right now, check the brakes.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-48287368089718325572013-10-01T17:33:00.000-05:002013-10-01T17:33:10.622-05:00Shutdown JuxtapositionIn last Sunday's Houston Chronicle I came across two stories in the front page section that caused a double-take. The first was an article about the Miss Universe pageant that discussed how the Muslim extremists in Indonesia caused the pageant organizers to modify the swimsuit portion of the competition by intimidation and threats of violence. Now I really do not care much about the Miss Universe pageant and what kind of swimsuits they compete in. But I found myself reacting strongly against the notion that one group of people should bully another to get their way. The second article was about the Tea Party Republicans and their efforts to intimidate the Senate Democrats into making certain decisions to "change the rules" related to the Affordable Care Act with threats of economic violence and government shutdown. While I am no fan of the new healthcare law, the Tea Party's actions seem indistinguishable from those of the Muslim extremists. Does the Tea Party not see this?<br />
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I almost feel bad for John Boehner. He is trying to hold together a political party where a substantial minority have forgotten what it means to govern in a multi-faceted context. Is there a way to overturn the Affordable Care Act? Sure there is. Win enough seats in Congress--both houses--and repeal the law. On the other hand, since the Act is law, then the Tea Party should either work to negotiate changes, pass new legislation, or develop a message that resonates with the American people--not just their own small group of constituents. <br />
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In our republic each individual must sometimes set aside what she or he prefers in order to advance the greater good of the whole. I may not like very spending decision made by Congress or the state legislature, but I must still pay my taxes; some of which go to support programs and tasks that I support and some that do not. In any healthy relationship, there is give and take--not take it or leave it!<br />
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I do wish that political conservatives would understand two things. First, what goes around comes around. Can you imagine the outcry if the roles were reversed? Second, no one likes, or will support, a bully who intimidates and threatens to get their way.<br />
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Perhaps there is a need or an opening for a conservative party that also understands civility and what it measn to govern across political, economic, and cultural boundaries. The Republican Party in October of 2013 doesn't seem to grasp these concepts.Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-12637872829359889692013-09-19T15:39:00.001-05:002013-09-19T15:39:29.803-05:00A Shift in FocusReaders of this blog may notice a change to the tagline. A couple of things are driving that change. First, I am finding that I cannot think good thoughts while I am riding--too many other things to be attentive to. Second, I am finding the notion of authentic living to be interesting and challenging--perhaps worth investing some time and reflection on. At some level, I hope that this blog has always been about authenticity. But I want to sharpen the focus, and aliong the way, sharpen my thinking and actions in this area.<br />
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As a starting point, what is authenticity? Should I/we try to "be" authentic? And if we have to <i>be</i> authentic are we really authentic? Are there limits to where authenticity is beneficial in relationships? Work? Faith communities? Is there such a thing as too much authenticity?<br />
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I am looking forward to embracing and wrestling with the questions.<br />
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Pressing on!Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-37328481220336589892013-07-25T21:20:00.002-05:002013-07-25T21:20:57.367-05:00Reflecting on Emma's PassingMy dear friend Dan,<br />
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There are no words--quite simply no words in and of themselves--that can contain a parent's grief; that can soothe the unthinkable; that can answer all (or really any) of the inevitable questions; that can offer what you may need. I wish I could be there--not to say anything, but just to be present with you. That would be the best that I could offer you. <br />
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But there is presence behind some words. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. The presence behind these words give them their power. There is no power or real comfort in the words alone, but in the One who spoke the words--who speaks the words.<br />
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You have reminded me often that the One who speaks these words is worth listening to. That He has something worthwhile to say. And you have been right. You still are--His words are backed by His power and His peace passes understanding. I certainly do not understand how it works, but we both trust the One who says that it does--that He does.<br />
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Pain is a bullhorn that shouts something. I can only imagine that your current pain may feel like it is shouting loss and despair and emptiness. Those things are real, but they are not everything. What if your pain today is also a pointer to something good and hopeful--that this life is not all that there is; that our future life with God is even more real and valuable and desirable than what we temporarily have in the here and now.<br />
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As Dads, we spend so much time providing and protecting, and I do know--in some measure--how it feels when our best efforts seem to come for naught. When we feel unable to provide or protect. Over the past few months I have wrestled with how God fits in this picture and my conclusion has been that I am not God, but He is. It is not my universe, it is His. I cannot draw out good results from tragedy, but He can. I cannot offer peace that passes understanding, but He does.<br />
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I am glad that you have lots of people who can be physically present with you. You all have invested in others through the years--time, energy, prayers. In this season, you have the opportunity to allow others to be for you what you have been for them--and I hope that you will feel as supported and blessed as you have made others feel.<br />
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I love you my friend and will continue to pray for and lift you all up from afar. Let's talk again soon!<br />
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Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-87474204164741040452012-10-14T14:02:00.000-05:002012-10-15T07:12:48.190-05:00Ride Forrest Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4uPqdJASlh8JKIIkYAxC8wVeaDatZ4VDMPRsEqc9-8TkiUG3YZIs0FeStkbKVWSKKZ7kprmLOPMVtz3fTl-EJwRzkv8ola_vjiJQ6sTnkG96X-L6tIGsKkxnsWeQV80aaAm1YN4A3to/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4uPqdJASlh8JKIIkYAxC8wVeaDatZ4VDMPRsEqc9-8TkiUG3YZIs0FeStkbKVWSKKZ7kprmLOPMVtz3fTl-EJwRzkv8ola_vjiJQ6sTnkG96X-L6tIGsKkxnsWeQV80aaAm1YN4A3to/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At about mile 64 of yesterday's century, I went over 4000 miles in 2012. (That would be like riding from Minneapolis to London--but drier.) I did not begin the year with a goal of 4000+ miles and it was never a "bucket list" item for me. In many ways, it has just happened. I do not have a lot of long rides (only three of 100 miles or more), but there were not many weeks where I missed more than a day or two. Quite a few rides between 15 and 25 miles and now 4000+. I have worn out a few tires, but have only had 3 flats this whole year--and two of them were yesterday! Most of my rides have been alone, but some of my best times this year have been riding with Carmen, Abby, and my friend Jeff.<br />
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Riding has given me time to think and pray. It has allowed me to meet some strangers along the way--from Broadway Cycle shop rides to Brett from Round Rock, Texas whom I talked with yesterday for the first 22 miles or so. It has been a point of personal discipline of getting on the bike whether I feel like it or not. And of the accomplishment of tackling a tough ride into the wind (and uphill both outbound and inbound). I have seen some beautiful countryside, like the top of the hill overlooking Pelican Lake, and some things that I have never seen before, like the cotton fields and big bales outside of Austin yesterday. <br />
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This milestone is not a destination, but is a point of note on a continuing journey.<br />
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This reminds me a lot of how a journey with God ought to develop. A beginning point and then more or less steady growth over time. This may not be everyone's experience, but I think that it is the most long-lasting. I know that when I have set out to take a "big" growth step it is usually short-lived at best. My grand intentions are smashed on the granite of inconsistency. But when I resolve to simply do the next right thing, or take the next step, and then do it over and over, before long I find that real, sustainable progress is being made.<br />
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This may seem ironic to those who know me, but one of the keys for me is to not think too much about the end result, but instead to give greater attention to what I must do <b>today</b>. This has not always been how I have felt, but it seems to be an approach that is working better. Yesterday's ride was very difficult--20 mph wind after mile 22 that was either a headwind or a strong crosswind). Later in the ride, if my only thought would have been the 30 or 40 miles remaining the feeling could have become paralyzing pretty quickly. But by bringing my focus to enduring through the next 5 miles, the overall task felt more doable. At any given point in time I might not have been able to envision slogging through another 30 to 40 miles, but I could see the next 5 miles as being halfway to Jeff and Jeanne's house.<br />
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Thinking of praying for God's work in each country of the world may be daunting, but deciding to pray for one country each day is something that I can do. I cannot reasonably sit down and read through the entire Bible in a week or so, but I can decide each day to read a few pages that day. And after taking these steps day by day, little by little I will be able to look back and see progress.<br />
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Every ride during the months leading up to yesterday's milestone was not better than the ride before. Each new ride was not a new personal best. But looking back today over 9 1/2 months of concerted activity, I am a much stronger rider than I was in January. May that also become more true about my faith.<br />
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Pressing on,<br />
-Ken<br />
Ken Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797567452537158155.post-30414546522120501882012-09-30T06:35:00.000-05:002012-09-30T06:35:45.554-05:00Ahhhhh--now that felt goodFriday after work I managed to squeeze in a quick 26 miler before the rain started (and continued all day Saturday). The move to Houston, starting a new job, and living out of a hotel (flashbacks to senior year of high school) have meant that my time for riding is tighter. Getting out for a longer ride on Friday felt so good. Not the good of hurting from a hard workout, but the good of spending a good chunk of time with an old friend. Make no mistake, the ride took a fair bit of exertion, but it was well worth the tiredness later in the evening for the joy of the ride itself. Not to mention that I need some significant saddle time in advance of next Saturday's century (Pineywoods Purgatory).<br />
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I have felt a similar freshness with church for a couple of weeks. Coming to a new city where I do not know anyone and I do not know of any churches poses a bit of a daunting task--find a new church community where we will probably have some of our closest relationships for the next several years. Where to begin the search? The names over the door frames are familiar, but what does "Baptist"or "Methodist" of "Community" mean in Texas? I had a pretty good idea of what was what in Minnesota, but here--where there are more eastern religion places of worship than Lutheran churches--where does one look to find a new family?<br />
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At the same time, there is a freshness to walking through the front door of a church and being there for the primary purpose of meeting with God. I don't have any church meetings or serve on any committees. I don't have people I need to see if I can catch them between services. I am just looking to see where God is in that place. It is a bit refreshing.<br />
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Of course, through all of the uncertainty of church-hunting, one thing remains the same. The Bible that I read for the past 20+ years in Minnesota has the same words here in Texas. And more than that, the same Author behind the words. <br />
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Today I am going over to Grace Fellowship United Methodist in Katy, Texas. I found out that they are in a sermon series looking at the book of Isaiah. So this week I spent some time in the text for the day so that I can be ready to listen, learn, and be inspired. It has felt good to sit back and just read what God said, and says, through His prophet. To be reminded that this world has a destination and that the destination is in God's hand--despite how things may appear in the meantime.<br />
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There is a hope. There is a future. And it is good!<br />
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Pressing on,<br />
-KenKen Prinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631039882564354895noreply@blogger.com0