tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69587526993103047182024-03-05T10:39:33.322-06:00The Blog of Awake My SoleAn inspiring journey of riskAwake My Solehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092430911134119369noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-75668612391775917042016-06-17T16:51:00.000-05:002016-06-17T16:51:42.442-05:0031 for 31 for 31<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_xmCR8kS4UHonH4a5CzTGuxFzBe7pqM3iOK4-5jRbRRlqJZgz_bEV2fUOI1EfJ_tkl5ZK49Z41VTdHCXuiJrGXug-F3ADtO-KmNxQxb0j3N6EXbkcSH5otrnGbALX3QF3jEdWK0IuFZU/s1600/13475075_743866259999_6106369432060046124_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_xmCR8kS4UHonH4a5CzTGuxFzBe7pqM3iOK4-5jRbRRlqJZgz_bEV2fUOI1EfJ_tkl5ZK49Z41VTdHCXuiJrGXug-F3ADtO-KmNxQxb0j3N6EXbkcSH5otrnGbALX3QF3jEdWK0IuFZU/s640/13475075_743866259999_6106369432060046124_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hot air balloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided to run 30 miles this morning. Turned into 30.4 miles.<br />
<br />
I round up. 31 miles.<br />
<br />
I am 31 years old. Each mile I ran today, I tried to think of something significant that correspondingly happened with how old I was. Mile 27, year I married Chantalle. Mile 28, year I moved to North Dakota.<br />
<br />
Also, been working on a book manuscript. Yesterday I passed the 31 thousand word count.<br />
<br />
31 for 31 for 31. Sounds like a sports documentary.<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
I started today's run at 5am. Woke up at 439am, six minutes earlier than my alarm. I was a bit surprised, seeing how I went to bed at 2am. Do not worry, I got a short nap in today, and will sleep heavy tonight.<br />
<br />
The trail was dark. Not the kind of dark where you cannot see anything, but the kind of dark where you can see everything. Like when there is a full moon, and you do not need a flashlight.<br />
<br />
One bicyclist passed by me, we were probably thinking the same thing about the other, "This guy is as crazy as I am to be up this early." Or at least that is what I thought. I waved at him, he nodded back. He was wearing neon.<br />
<br />
The trail smelled of skunk. The sour musky smell. Not too pungent, just a reminder of whatever the skunk did earlier in the night. I wonder who or what he sprayed?<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
I am a writer. I reluctantly write those four words. Part of it is surreal, and the other part is fear. What if I fail? What if I succeed?<br />
<br />
I worry about writing crap.<br />
<br />
Those old insecurities always rearing their ugly head.<br />
<br />
I am a writer?<br />
<br />
I am a writer.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am a writer!<br />
<br />
The main theme of the chapter I am currently working on is simplicity. I thought it was going to be simple to write. It has proven to be the most difficult and complex of all the chapters thus far. Probably why I am writing this blog post, I need a break from writing about simplicity.<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
Bunnies sure love their mornings. Every ten steps, one darts into the ditch.<br />
<br />
Baby bunnies art cute. They are still learning how to dart into the ditch. Sometimes they dart in the wrong direction. Do not worry bunny, I will not hurt you, I just want to pet you.<br />
<br />
So many bunnies. I wonder about population control for these bunnies. Are there any predators to even out the eco system here in the city limits?<br />
<br />
Just passed a sign saying coyotes are active in this area. My question answered.<br />
<br />
....<br />
<br />
Pass by park benches.<br />
<br />
Each one donated in remembrance of a loved one.<br />
<br />
I wonder how many heartbeats I have left? <br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
I almost step on a black ground beetle crossing left to right on the trail path.<br />
<br />
A few steps later, a lizard leaps, nearly flying right to left.<br />
<br />
The cotton trees' cotton lines the sides of the path. I kick it pretending it is snow.<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
I am on top of Chatfield damn. Feels like I am top of the world.<br />
<br />
Making my way back home.<br />
<br />
The sun is out in full force. <br />
<br />
I need to make it to the dog park. Refill my water bottles.<br />
<br />
I look left, and the waves made by the boats look like optical illusions. I stop looking for fear of falling into a trance. But I am already in a trance, a running trance.<br />
<br />
A gang of little black birds ascends toward me. I look up at them. They are in the shape of a heart. Part of me wishes I had my camera out for this moment. Not everything needs to be documented by pictures. Documenting it with words will do.<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
<br />Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-50044683058732743872016-02-11T19:08:00.001-06:002016-02-11T19:08:47.385-06:00AMS STATS<div>
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<b><span mce_style="background-color: #c0c0c0;" style="background-color: silver; font-size: x-large;">Final stats from the first Awake My Sole journey: </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">January 9, 2012 --- December 22, 2012</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
347 days<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">29,980,800 seconds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">499,680 minutes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">8328 hours</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">50 weeks</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Spoke a total of 317 times to 15,225 people</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr-AjFgqMkU/UNR06doXW0I/AAAAAAAAImg/3XyZ71CbIN8/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr-AjFgqMkU/UNR06doXW0I/AAAAAAAAImg/3XyZ71CbIN8/s640/IMG_3411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #128</b> @ Fulton Reformed Youth Group near<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/08/clinton-wrap-up-davenport-running-recap.html" target="_blank"> Clinton Iowa.</a> <b>Around speaking Spot #100</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMf8q9mX9GI/UNRzmZyLKcI/AAAAAAAAImY/qlGKM0GI3pE/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMf8q9mX9GI/UNRzmZyLKcI/AAAAAAAAImY/qlGKM0GI3pE/s640/IMG_4945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #240 </b>@ Central Iowa Christian School in <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/09/grinnell-recap.html" target="_blank">Grinnell Iowa. </a> <b>Speaking Spot #200</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXB2of3-FpI/UNRy5GMW4zI/AAAAAAAAImQ/voEVAMwvcjc/s1600/IMG_5805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXB2of3-FpI/UNRy5GMW4zI/AAAAAAAAImQ/voEVAMwvcjc/s640/IMG_5805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #332 </b>@ MOC High School in <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/12/orange-city-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Orange City Iowa. </a> <b>Speaking Spot #300</b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Ran a total of 1339 miles </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqSQdGfki0/UNR5sKupkoI/AAAAAAAAInU/5CaoM3j2Uos/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqSQdGfki0/UNR5sKupkoI/AAAAAAAAInU/5CaoM3j2Uos/s640/IMG_5811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #14. </b>Running in a <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/01/when-your-water-freezes-you-know-its.html" target="_blank">BLIZZARD</a> to <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/01/ams-end-of-week-wrap-up-orange-city.html" target="_blank">Orange City Iowa</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Vo612ICY8/UNR5c5pjhgI/AAAAAAAAIm0/DOTU8kfdQ00/s1600/IMG_4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Vo612ICY8/UNR5c5pjhgI/AAAAAAAAIm0/DOTU8kfdQ00/s640/IMG_4685.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><b>Day #209. </b> Running to <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/05/clinton-wrap-up-bellevue-running-recap.html" target="_blank">Clinton Iowa. </a>Attempting to outrun a thunderstorm. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=576960914649&set=vb.289475114411357&type=3&theater" target="_blank"> VIDEO HERE</a></td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLvnlNESYA4/UNR5ghrRR4I/AAAAAAAAIm8/X_bOhFjHsmw/s640/IMG_4939.JPG" width="476" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #238. </b>In the middle of running to<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/04/pella-wrap-up-grinnell-running-recap.html" target="_blank"> Grinnell Iowa. </a>Using ICY POPS to down in the EXTREME HEAT of IOWA</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeWxsOrrfDc/UNR5jtdKWBI/AAAAAAAAInE/GjoNcRtSOko/s1600/IMG_5073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeWxsOrrfDc/UNR5jtdKWBI/AAAAAAAAInE/GjoNcRtSOko/s640/IMG_5073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Day #252.</b> Running to <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/des-moines-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Des Moines</a> in the rain. The last run before<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/des-moines-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"> Jim got married. </a></td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">2,678,000 steps taken on the journey</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtpv7lqCIYTEEWM4uL_NRjr59tInIAUAu50izlyJfCi7TrWr4YR730UrqpEnQVgvGIiAasfP7o9LPONAKoexmsQNFA9f-hNJrsjw4l7ZZBVSEL6xg_jc-FOyaJ3exRwWH25mt5aEY5Oss/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtpv7lqCIYTEEWM4uL_NRjr59tInIAUAu50izlyJfCi7TrWr4YR730UrqpEnQVgvGIiAasfP7o9LPONAKoexmsQNFA9f-hNJrsjw4l7ZZBVSEL6xg_jc-FOyaJ3exRwWH25mt5aEY5Oss/s640/IMG_1309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/05/failure-essential-to-meaningful-life.html" target="_blank">Quote </a>written on the Awake My Sole gear cart. Jim's mantra. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">35.23 miles per run</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">51.1 marathons</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">418 5Ks</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Used 5 pairs of Brooks Running Shoes</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KO8NFbun5Y8/UNTP4almYAI/AAAAAAAAIns/zt7D9VtbfGw/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KO8NFbun5Y8/UNTP4almYAI/AAAAAAAAIns/zt7D9VtbfGw/s640/IMG_2778.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks Glyerin 9s: Pair Number 1 (Green) and Pair Number 2 (Red)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/---pcVZ_EgWo/UNTQX9gqYQI/AAAAAAAAIoM/k6vFfYHa0Bo/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---pcVZ_EgWo/UNTQX9gqYQI/AAAAAAAAIoM/k6vFfYHa0Bo/s640/IMG_3911.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair Number 3 ... Brooks Glycerin 10s</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2q1wQ00KY/UNTQq0Ng8mI/AAAAAAAAIoc/LZgmchO1VmI/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2q1wQ00KY/UNTQq0Ng8mI/AAAAAAAAIoc/LZgmchO1VmI/s640/IMG_5224.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair number 4. Brooks Ghost 5</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oj32DduTEHA/UNTQwSKiiQI/AAAAAAAAIok/_FdHrKZYqYI/s1600/IMG_5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oj32DduTEHA/UNTQwSKiiQI/AAAAAAAAIok/_FdHrKZYqYI/s640/IMG_5380.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair number 5. Brooks Ghost 5</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">9728 ounces of Gatorade</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">114 Clif Bars & 76 Clif Gel Packs</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Numerous Snickers Bars consumed</span></b></div>
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Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-62912442512793546382015-11-12T22:30:00.000-06:002015-11-12T22:30:28.514-06:00we are, and we are becomingDo you ever feel like you are missing out?<br />
<br />
...as if this moment was not the moment you were supposed to be in?<br />
<br />
...or that everyone else is seemingly experiencing greatness and you are not?<br />
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<br />
How does one fully engage in this moment; yet, prepare for the next?<br />
<br />
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<div>
<br /></div>
Seeking after greener pastures while not being content with the pasture you are in will leave you hungry, or dead. Right?<br />
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<br /></div>
I am in my second year of graduate school, and often asked, "What are you going to do when you complete the program?"<br />
<br />
I do not have a definitive answer.<br />
<br />
This question fascinates me, and makes me question why people ask it.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it reveals more about the person asking that it does about the person responding.<br />
<br />
There is an element that if a person is willing to invest time, money and energy in a degree, then they must be going for a certain specific reason.<br />
<br />
Personally, I have many ideas of what I may want to pursue, but I do not have a specific answer toward a specific career or job, and to be honest, I am tentatively okay with it.<br />
<br />
I say tentatively, because I think I want to believe that my learning is shaping and challenging me to become whatever it is that I am to become, but it is also coupled by an anxiousness in not knowing what the future holds.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it makes others anxious too, and thus, why they ask.<br />
<br />
The reality is, we do not know what tomorrow holds, let alone a couple years from now, yet we engage each other as if we do. We can set goals to seek after, but they are only tentative guidelines that are bound to change. <br />
<br />
Higher importance is not to be attributed to either the achievement or the the steps taken to accomplish.<br />
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<br /></div>
There is a complex dance between the present and future, and humans are intertwined.<br />
<br />
We are...<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
...we are becoming.<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-47137005551333828942014-01-03T16:01:00.003-06:002014-01-03T16:01:55.363-06:00the smiling runner. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/95/8d/13/958d13ed0880db9b4c3ea2bc0d50d57c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/95/8d/13/958d13ed0880db9b4c3ea2bc0d50d57c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I lived in Iowa, my friend Bob and I would go for long running treks. <br />
<br />
One blizzard-infested day, running against the traffic of a small Iowa county road Bob waved at every person who drove past us and smiled. They smiled back or honked their horn, or better yet, gave the crazy look of "Why the heck are they running on the road in this blizzard."<br />
<br />
In concern for safety, I told Bob, "Stop distracting the drivers as they drive by. It might cause them to hit us, or drive off the road trying not to hit us."<br />
<br />
Waving and smiling at people was Bob's "thing."<br />
<br />
What I didn't realize is that each time Bob waved and somebody waved back, it triggered some kind of feeling of joy and I believe it helped him and me on our long runs. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
I think the same effect happens when running a race or training for an event and someone cheers you on, or someone you know shows up and yells out "Go get 'em!"<br />
<br />
Back in 2008, with 10 miles to go of a 62-mile run, I was defeated, wanted to quit and give up.<br />
<br />
In the distance, I saw a giant bunny.<br />
<br />
At first I thought I was hallucinating?<br />
<br />
If I'm seeing bunnies, I should definitely stop. But the bunny got closer and closer, and quickly discovered it was my buddy Mark in a bunny costume riding a bicycle. <br />
<br />
He had come to pedal and run alongside of me the last 10-miles of the run.<br />
<br />
Him showing up gave me the energy and joy to continue on. We finished those last 10 miles in no time. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimndia2ml85wKv9Y6NFaMev1u64g7Lt-nEFvwi3ncWsY2FxxZYodtxmO4Ri_QIuW2nVL21KWzgZQ9PKTL5wjPo3roA0Dja_U_YWArnWFkU6cm7M2kUKg2VKUSwhVSNM1JnuNw7gI5dy3di/s1600/249_508216324359_8672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimndia2ml85wKv9Y6NFaMev1u64g7Lt-nEFvwi3ncWsY2FxxZYodtxmO4Ri_QIuW2nVL21KWzgZQ9PKTL5wjPo3roA0Dja_U_YWArnWFkU6cm7M2kUKg2VKUSwhVSNM1JnuNw7gI5dy3di/s640/249_508216324359_8672_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark in the bunny costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was another time when I was running the Sioux City marathon, and some buddies jumped out behind some bushes to encourage me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZyYZknnU49uifOO-uMPCgsowsNB_lm0U4d7AgpL9SSI9g20LBky_rUjI18vYpllprtj5jhjmM5IkJwXJBcIl-gAbJ-anFP5CSHAKUOkYq9P7_yvH9mM-HuQ9_Jf6WtFjVe4DB7LQd-XW/s1600/7233_519373964359_3877137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZyYZknnU49uifOO-uMPCgsowsNB_lm0U4d7AgpL9SSI9g20LBky_rUjI18vYpllprtj5jhjmM5IkJwXJBcIl-gAbJ-anFP5CSHAKUOkYq9P7_yvH9mM-HuQ9_Jf6WtFjVe4DB7LQd-XW/s640/7233_519373964359_3877137_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">surprised by Remy and Nathan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
----<br />
<br />
Today, on my run, I tried running while smiling. Not the easiest of tasks, especially when training they encourage you not to smile while running cause it actually uses energy that could otherwise be spent on training. <br />
<br />
So, I ran and smiled.<br />
<br />
I know, sounds cheesy. <br />
<br />
Truth is, it was cheesy. Imagine a full grown man running down a path with grin from ear-to-ear.<br />
<br />
Hopefully no one saw me. <br />
<br />
But science suggests that smiling-alone can increase joy. Seriously!<br />
<br />
Why not combine smiling with running, right? <br />
<br />
Below is a depiction of what I might have looked like (Imagine several layers of running gear added, due to the cold North Dakotan weather)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/running-joy-16560750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/running-joy-16560750.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end of my run, I did in fact feel more "Joy." Just by adding some smiles to my run.<br />
<br />
Consider smiling when you do your hobby, or smiling randomly at work. Just the mere fact of thinking of smiling when no one is watching, and how weird that is, makes you feel more joy. Just imagine if someone does see you smiling, it can only make their day better. Just don't distract them and cause them to crash.<br />
<br />
Whatever hobby or thing you love to do, throw a couple smiles in. It may add some joy.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<a href="http://inspiyr.com/9-benefits-of-smiling/" target="_blank">9 benefits of smiling</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-benefits-smiling-and-laughing.html" target="_blank">7 benefits of smiling and laughing</a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
From the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." <br />
<br />
"Run, run, run, run, run...."<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E32c92PJDGA" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-11409459262499225212014-01-03T13:43:00.004-06:002014-01-03T13:43:57.986-06:00Favorites From 2013<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Top Blog Posts From Awake My Sole in 2013</span></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are the top blog posts over the past year:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #646464; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/12/it-feels-like-27-out-time-to-unplug-and.html" target="_blank">Unplug and Run</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #646464; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/01/is-your-journey-worth-your-life.html" target="_blank">Is Your Journey Worth Your Life?</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #646464; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/11/every-idea-is-wacky-until-it-works.html" target="_blank">Every Idea is Wacky Until it Works</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/03/jims-top-5-music-albums-to-run-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Top 5 Music Albums to Run to</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/09/question-is-coffee-bad-for-long.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Is Coffee Bad For Long Distance Runners?</span></a></li>
</ol>
<br />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">My Favorites From 2013</span></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are some of my favorites from 2013. Would you share some of your favorites in the comments below? It will be exciting to see others' favorites from the year. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Favorite Books: </strong></span><u style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Insurrection</u><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> by Peter Rollins & </span><u style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Of Mice And Men</u><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> by John Steinbeck</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>My Favorite Movies:</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Monsters University & </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Way Way Back</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Favorite Albums:</strong><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />"Damage" by Jimmy Eat World</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #646464; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">My Favorites Pics From 2013</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3neFdzGRa_twi1EpCsSapKbAqzuOBIest8v2Q0zTiok6pgSSB575cAKxInJ8_xOXfEtzppVQCO5jJxjwvUlKMO5zCYYM6nu5tryLEtOWceBFWeapD1vAlkDKmgo8PF15AJZ1SUh68JMG/s1600/IMG_7660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3neFdzGRa_twi1EpCsSapKbAqzuOBIest8v2Q0zTiok6pgSSB575cAKxInJ8_xOXfEtzppVQCO5jJxjwvUlKMO5zCYYM6nu5tryLEtOWceBFWeapD1vAlkDKmgo8PF15AJZ1SUh68JMG/s640/IMG_7660.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Z0AwdSGy4iZ_LW7pmhAwQl6Cj74dvf-nZ-vDyYwJatdPxeI1IohwoqHUauFTgIzc-Ys55Ekfw0uN1wWQsunfdgwe_h1PIvbOMciQyI61MwzNeVtnnp-zemqHMsyH8nz6BAEY5pjxkx_J/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Z0AwdSGy4iZ_LW7pmhAwQl6Cj74dvf-nZ-vDyYwJatdPxeI1IohwoqHUauFTgIzc-Ys55Ekfw0uN1wWQsunfdgwe_h1PIvbOMciQyI61MwzNeVtnnp-zemqHMsyH8nz6BAEY5pjxkx_J/s640/IMG_7703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4VgT5M_HA6Tn0cb3DMOUTNAyhVoILMvtyvLIxtV15PB5bya0NzUD-VUbGNUPrRKTDxEC-WySlHNuGX5n-WClFHgDwb-jIitLjNNxliLR1Xp6VOIlnhbbzmj0PquSd3ZGVL2BsGM6ftzL/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4VgT5M_HA6Tn0cb3DMOUTNAyhVoILMvtyvLIxtV15PB5bya0NzUD-VUbGNUPrRKTDxEC-WySlHNuGX5n-WClFHgDwb-jIitLjNNxliLR1Xp6VOIlnhbbzmj0PquSd3ZGVL2BsGM6ftzL/s640/IMG_7729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fjvDNAuguu-UW6jJhyphenhyphenX6DJDtcK-U4i0H4RXKkwzKY29gXXJe29qkCjaot_6snR0yswmoJJ6ldljLYHgKZfLWWGI2ba_8Bx7hQRXGEj3JiSoXKPoinSVdD2eijkLn_N1JCd6AKUjZ1uIi/s1600/IMG_7778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fjvDNAuguu-UW6jJhyphenhyphenX6DJDtcK-U4i0H4RXKkwzKY29gXXJe29qkCjaot_6snR0yswmoJJ6ldljLYHgKZfLWWGI2ba_8Bx7hQRXGEj3JiSoXKPoinSVdD2eijkLn_N1JCd6AKUjZ1uIi/s640/IMG_7778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-44361453910484830512013-12-23T14:53:00.000-06:002013-12-23T14:53:25.694-06:00Restless. Sojourning. Soul. Sole.One year ago today (December 23) the Awake My Sole Iowa journey came to completion. Crazy to think it has already been a year. <br />
<br />
To celebrate, I trekked some miles in the frigid negative North Dakota temps. Yes, that is frost on my hat, and yes I am wearing 3 pairs of socks interlined with plastic bags. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26cDLD5myy4RgHJTyjYy8oSc20Rh0ruARgbNDaae3dOFFKmJEpUcVqrYoRYhOaHLDxdx_F2rd9yop_2MCqw1QhB9VXiK9v0qM304PBPVzyQMeXDHwd02MSo6qz3_jhwra5IaEyKIijI0P/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26cDLD5myy4RgHJTyjYy8oSc20Rh0ruARgbNDaae3dOFFKmJEpUcVqrYoRYhOaHLDxdx_F2rd9yop_2MCqw1QhB9VXiK9v0qM304PBPVzyQMeXDHwd02MSo6qz3_jhwra5IaEyKIijI0P/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This song and lyrics sum up my thoughts and feeling today. <br />
<br />
<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3270554456/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/t=6/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 42px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/album/stone-tree">Stone Tree by Josh Garrels</a></iframe><br />
<div class="tr_bq">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Restless soul, turning leaf </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Tomorrows unknown mysteries </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">I'm leaving here, I end up where </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Into the unknown we fly </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">We said there's no time to waste </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">So hand in hand we run this race </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Let's end it well </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Escape them fires of hell </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Wander all out lives </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Till we're gone </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Pick up sticks and pack your bags let's go </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Where things grow, in the hills in summer time </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Under trees and over streams we walk and we talk </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">All our days, into the night </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Into the unknown we fly </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our hearts are beating </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our feet they've got a long long way to go </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our souls want to shine </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Can't you feel it from your head to your toes </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Touching down we're breaking through </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">To a land that seems brand new to you and me </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And God makes three </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Lost and now we're found again </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">This place playin' it's tricks on me </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Help me down from a strangers tree </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">There's beauty here, but I miss it there </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Trace my path in wind and snow </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Thunderstruck I've got a place in mind </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">All our time in the world, is gonna pass </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Grab your hand we've got some plans to know </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Open roads, we're together at long last </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Wander all our lives, till we're gone </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our hearts are beating </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our feet they've got a long long way to go </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And our souls want to shine </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Can't you feel it from your head to your toes </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And I thank the Lord, for everything He's done </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And I thank my Father, for sending us His son </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">And I thank that Spirit, for helping us be one </span><br style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #d8d4ca; color: #352827; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Helping us be one, out there on the run</span></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
---<br />
<br />
"Into the unknown we fly"<br />
<br />
"Lets end it well"<br />
<br />
"Our feet they've got a long long way to go"<br />
<br />
"Helping us be one, out there on the run."<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<b>the core pillars of Awake My Sole</b><br />
<br />
Run Passionately<br />
Run Purposefully<br />
Run with Beautiful Feet<br />
Run with Endurance<br />
Run towards the Goal (Jesus)<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<i>"Oh Lord Jesus, Guide our feet into the way of peace"</i></div>
<br />
Where are you being guided? <br />
By whom? <br />
By w<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">hat? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By what influence? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To where?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Oh Lord Jesus, Guide us today for your glory's sake"</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">---</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">"A </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">sojourner</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"> is a person who resides temporarily in a place."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We runners are those with literal Restless Soles, each run a temporary sojourning endeavor. Whether it's half a mile in little time to thousands of miles in a lot of time, we sojourn. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't help but think of the Christmas story, and the wise men whose feet were guided by the star. They were sojourners, guided by God</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">---</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Just some of the thoughts in the restless, sojourning, sole, soul of mine.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">---</span></span>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-68138938934399189342013-12-23T14:10:00.003-06:002013-12-23T14:10:44.876-06:00I want to Learn Amharic, What language program should I use? Foreign Service Institute (FREE), Instant Immersion ($29.95), EuroTalk (39.99), 2Speak ($35.95), etc. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe-v0M7d4m9IijltTG-ctn4lQlIXUX4UFh4uRnhspzVsagunp0FoIlGGBp2PUv0rbpwCM_gQ5YRrwAFh67kyGHqVd0g8OcBCLosHgUhKgd3xVcF6kzCZ67OgZrK9u4ufvBB55jHQr-xb3/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe-v0M7d4m9IijltTG-ctn4lQlIXUX4UFh4uRnhspzVsagunp0FoIlGGBp2PUv0rbpwCM_gQ5YRrwAFh67kyGHqVd0g8OcBCLosHgUhKgd3xVcF6kzCZ67OgZrK9u4ufvBB55jHQr-xb3/s640/IMG_6669.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After traveling to and returning from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this last May (2013), I've been determined to learn "Amharic," the native tongue.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jJ9Bs9siyTa6bSkt1qv3_HL72HXKFWMO58UJafd3TG6gtCro_Clt_ntP8dPbJwsr0RVxOaAfI_YVOltMd-lezYrVvXxhU0K9l2Kmayft8JT2PUrtJVys5LWnPMr9XGKwIVhfVzHQc3o2/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jJ9Bs9siyTa6bSkt1qv3_HL72HXKFWMO58UJafd3TG6gtCro_Clt_ntP8dPbJwsr0RVxOaAfI_YVOltMd-lezYrVvXxhU0K9l2Kmayft8JT2PUrtJVys5LWnPMr9XGKwIVhfVzHQc3o2/s640/IMG_6707.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee beans being roasted during the Coffee Roasting Ceremony</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I remember participating in a coffee roasting ceremony, longing to communicate with the locals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Whenever I return I will be fluent with the hopes of being able to speak with the locals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every day since May I've been teaching myself the language: the 200+ symbols in their alphabet (abugida), how to pronounce the words, how to write and speak the words, some grammar and more. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-z1n0kd08nZQKgnMy_dKh99kua9O2yi21kdBa4mPLN7gHUUWtat8MYu8wR_HHWMKj_uHio-OnVR-ICn7rRm2xK_Jdl2j1EuV_ovTsTTmWbWdrKLXr_0TvV062grGmFE0s-WHR9x_9Hjy/s1600/IMG_6847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-z1n0kd08nZQKgnMy_dKh99kua9O2yi21kdBa4mPLN7gHUUWtat8MYu8wR_HHWMKj_uHio-OnVR-ICn7rRm2xK_Jdl2j1EuV_ovTsTTmWbWdrKLXr_0TvV062grGmFE0s-WHR9x_9Hjy/s640/IMG_6847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing writing Amharic with a cup of coffee (the best way to learn Amharic)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPOfnA2kjD6CqHOQTjcWV4MxxICbgzyrQurnIFBiQzrHLZesUlpf2HYX6p_WkuelbOb0djKO5LawsJn0SZITxpE4rOmuK3XBG4hX8RAAaBUzK5ll_96WPZLHRaNOnC5LiWaXq2SWh7Ds9/s1600/IMG_7491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPOfnA2kjD6CqHOQTjcWV4MxxICbgzyrQurnIFBiQzrHLZesUlpf2HYX6p_WkuelbOb0djKO5LawsJn0SZITxpE4rOmuK3XBG4hX8RAAaBUzK5ll_96WPZLHRaNOnC5LiWaXq2SWh7Ds9/s640/IMG_7491.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dictionary I purchased to help in translating and learning the words</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOo7GTl921djkyWb9biY6E0ARAPQ9I0QSKaWku5dwZ1_KGYGScalubcv34X65BGO91CqJ1Nj7pYnB70UIvjLdwsUDa7ZHpgEdqvd0biKHa2GEm_ezKZ69iAyhi9kZgZ7Z41wX3yCirMyf/s1600/IMG_7784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOo7GTl921djkyWb9biY6E0ARAPQ9I0QSKaWku5dwZ1_KGYGScalubcv34X65BGO91CqJ1Nj7pYnB70UIvjLdwsUDa7ZHpgEdqvd0biKHa2GEm_ezKZ69iAyhi9kZgZ7Z41wX3yCirMyf/s640/IMG_7784.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Amharic symbols, each symbol is a consonant and vowel sound</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsORinwC5DjYiopdJNBj2A8hC2DaCDcVEss_AdNpAxRfqVIagHJ6JkRzcZMWy0KJVzeF-cFeYPR1HJ_jWZbR5CY8NVbXgHEMMvcvwZxcJYSb3hCHLv82sEvVOaviZajrDKXrGAYzDjNdF/s1600/IMG_7333.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsORinwC5DjYiopdJNBj2A8hC2DaCDcVEss_AdNpAxRfqVIagHJ6JkRzcZMWy0KJVzeF-cFeYPR1HJ_jWZbR5CY8NVbXgHEMMvcvwZxcJYSb3hCHLv82sEvVOaviZajrDKXrGAYzDjNdF/s640/IMG_7333.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An app I've been using on my phone to help learn the language</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So far, I've invested a lot of time in learning the language. I want to invest in the next step of using a language program. I've done some research, and found 4 software programs that will help in helping me learn this beautiful Semitic language.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpbQxx4p_dGoSn14NgZeGbUJ-3dZKxcyz1jPzS_0wqYzFdS-gEdRGwf_aNEAqwhngs1fmouPF559gXowttyCBGFxjxHiVOKrpc6bUvgw6eQq5YU8QOMnFAXDcF-Hanoj8Le8ECFr6kDur/s1600/51ca4kJJA5L._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpbQxx4p_dGoSn14NgZeGbUJ-3dZKxcyz1jPzS_0wqYzFdS-gEdRGwf_aNEAqwhngs1fmouPF559gXowttyCBGFxjxHiVOKrpc6bUvgw6eQq5YU8QOMnFAXDcF-Hanoj8Le8ECFr6kDur/s640/51ca4kJJA5L._SY300_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Cost: </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005TH0UJA/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all" target="_blank">$19.99 on Amazon</a> or <a href="http://fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php?page=Amharic" target="_blank">FREE on FSI Language</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDHEYzdIcuTCu1XJMfwp2OlqGLmbHvLxFhwH3t8UQDZsNd6j4VxH_9xxnmkydrTTCi9pMOTaUSwd2KwISOJU4JyHayPiSPptYwgb44WOani24VQHl64tNAcRwwAT-PZRxLKdQp9uCImk/s1600/61AUGD6MuWL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnDHEYzdIcuTCu1XJMfwp2OlqGLmbHvLxFhwH3t8UQDZsNd6j4VxH_9xxnmkydrTTCi9pMOTaUSwd2KwISOJU4JyHayPiSPptYwgb44WOani24VQHl64tNAcRwwAT-PZRxLKdQp9uCImk/s640/61AUGD6MuWL._SY300_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://store.instantimmersion.com/learn-amharic" target="_blank"><b>Cost: </b>$29.95 (Level 1) or $49.95</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfJ-wPY-Ddv1XjcUbnLzRjC9aCPQlamSXY8UuN3KtmC6Sv-p63YPT4UQqEu_-nRKV5IKhBzCMgtHSgMlMdQQasQdlwABvRLwRO6S7RwjE9Cb_saEadzj_MaPapzXYY3HZ28ghDtX4BZ86/s1600/9781843523734_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfJ-wPY-Ddv1XjcUbnLzRjC9aCPQlamSXY8UuN3KtmC6Sv-p63YPT4UQqEu_-nRKV5IKhBzCMgtHSgMlMdQQasQdlwABvRLwRO6S7RwjE9Cb_saEadzj_MaPapzXYY3HZ28ghDtX4BZ86/s640/9781843523734_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://eurotalk.com/us/store/learn/amharic" target="_blank"> <b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">Cost: </b><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">$39.99</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD61yam9LBF9dvsiHD6Q3HxQ-kgDaZc4fMmwfFpQcCWJ9zv-GtiBo4mBcFj1DupxnjqZtjmkq1sAK_Zxo3A7Eso23zyEYnkca1RagH96l8MU5KImO4IaYYPTAtFWf3tzipkzBmvOYft30/s1600/AmharicStarter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD61yam9LBF9dvsiHD6Q3HxQ-kgDaZc4fMmwfFpQcCWJ9zv-GtiBo4mBcFj1DupxnjqZtjmkq1sAK_Zxo3A7Eso23zyEYnkca1RagH96l8MU5KImO4IaYYPTAtFWf3tzipkzBmvOYft30/s640/AmharicStarter.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2speaklanguages.com/products/learn-amharic-software" target="_blank"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Cost: </b><span style="font-size: x-large;">$35.95 (starter) or $65.95 (complete)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">I'm posting in hopes that others who know the Amharic language will <span style="background-color: yellow;">comment below</span> with suggestions, reviews or other programs that might work better. </span></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-16628862686279867012013-12-20T17:17:00.001-06:002013-12-20T17:17:50.691-06:00"a time for every purpose under heaven"<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/37464837&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<br />
Every year each floor of my college dorm was given a theme by the floor's Resident Assistant. One year, one of the floor's themes was "Turn, Turn, Turn."<br />
<br />
It wasn't as fun as the "Arrested Development" or "Star Wars" themed floors, and I remember thinking "What a bizarre theme for a floor."<br />
<br />
Looking back on it, it was a brilliant theme for a floor, however my immaturity kept the meaning at bay.<br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
In a recent excursion to Denver, on vinyl I acquired The Byrds' single "Turn, Turn, Turn." The song was originally written by Pete Seger, the words originally adapted from Ecclesiastes (the Bible).<br />
<br />
The world is turning. <br />
<br />
A fascinatingly simple concept.<br />
<br />
24 hours a day. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I think we forget this. Especially during holiday seasons.<br />
<br />
We are rushed and busy and our 24 hours quickly goes by, taking very little time for the things that truly matter. The things people on their death bed wish they would have spent more time on.<br />
<br />
Family<br />
<br />
The Divine<br />
<br />
Not working<br />
<br />
Outdoors<br />
<br />
Helping others<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
A friend of mine who helps direct funerals mentioned about a recent funeral, how in a family they were mourning the loss of a loved one while at the same time they were filled with joy of the birth of another. <br />
Death and Life. Together. <br />
<br />
There is a time for it all.<br />
<br />
... for babies to be born<br />
<br />
... for people to die<br />
<br />
For me and the Awake My Sole journey<br />
<br />
... a time for running across Iowa for a year<br />
<br />
... a time for resting in North Dakota<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
A year ago, the Iowa Awake My Sole journey was coming to an end (the official day was December 23), and over this last year, things have continued to "Turn, Turn, Turn."<br />
<br />
What's next for Awake My Sole? <br />
<br />
There are some cool things on the radar, things involving mentoring and running. <br />
<br />
For now, lets enjoy this moment, because the earth isn't stopping. Soon our time will come. My hope is that this life of yours and mine will be lived in a way that glorifies and honors the Creator. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
lyrics to "Turn Turn Turn"<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">"Turn! Turn! Turn!"</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>To everything - turn, turn, turn<br />
There is a season - turn, turn, turn<br />
And a time for every purpose under heaven </blockquote>
<blockquote>
A time to be born, a time to die<br />
A time to plant, a time to reap<br />
A time to kill, a time to heal<br />
A time to laugh, a time to weep </blockquote>
<blockquote>
To everything - turn, turn, turn<br />
There is a season - turn, turn, turn<br />
And a time for every purpose under heaven </blockquote>
<blockquote>
A time to build up, a time to break down<br />
A time to dance, a time to mourn<br />
A time to cast away stones<br />
A time to gather stones together </blockquote>
<blockquote>
To everything - turn, turn, turn<br />
There is a season - turn, turn, turn<br />
And a time for every purpose under heaven </blockquote>
<blockquote>
A time of war, a time of peace<br />
A time of love, a time of hate<br />
A time you may embrace<br />
A time to refrain from embracing </blockquote>
<blockquote>
To everything - turn, turn, turn<br />
There is a season - turn, turn, turn<br />
And a time for every purpose under heaven </blockquote>
<blockquote>
A time to gain, a time to lose<br />
A time to rend, a time to sew<br />
A time to love, a time to hate<br />
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!</blockquote>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-49941043815655330962013-12-06T16:35:00.000-06:002013-12-23T14:55:38.115-06:00it "feels like" -27 out, time to UNPLUG and RUN<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/110843267&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true"></iframe>
The beautiful state of North Dakota blesses its residents with cold temperatures every winter. After residing here for almost a year, it seems as if every person forgets how cold it gets in the winter, and then frigid cold fronts blow in and everyone talks about how cold it is.<br />
<br />
North Dakota alone hosts 3 of the top 25 coldest cities in America, with Grand Forks at number 2, Bismarck at number 3 and Fargo at number 4.*<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCaKRFTeAIzyEhBwwidGmr1XYQdIXvAmu77u7GEp1rFNrJq05rtybn0qPcgFgIVSaWDDwozkcbwxh6pZUlGKudhxLFfRp5R66Jot-1shODtSB2h91VBEK7KwX6ZORk2bOlEra7cjVFPJE/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCaKRFTeAIzyEhBwwidGmr1XYQdIXvAmu77u7GEp1rFNrJq05rtybn0qPcgFgIVSaWDDwozkcbwxh6pZUlGKudhxLFfRp5R66Jot-1shODtSB2h91VBEK7KwX6ZORk2bOlEra7cjVFPJE/s640/IMG_6144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">running in last winter's cold temps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I enjoy the frigidly cold weather. Each morning I've become my wife's car starter. Today, I got to run outside. I hope to start biking to work again.<br />
<br />
Some call me crazy, but nothing is more thrilling than running in frigid temperatures and surviving. So far, my survival rate is one hundred percent, lets hope that doesn't change. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tVQDm9G8Mv0RbTypGXY3NWcrHQbF36i9mk7fB4h46N21tSDLQBryCUrbChbo6vTiIpvDCbIpp8AmZKazXaocmnQp0hXoGujPY2q-nYAdeKxdh2MGmUdGSvNmVq8v5WfBSdesAfAz0JUA/s1600/340668_572962132729319_1923799048_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tVQDm9G8Mv0RbTypGXY3NWcrHQbF36i9mk7fB4h46N21tSDLQBryCUrbChbo6vTiIpvDCbIpp8AmZKazXaocmnQp0hXoGujPY2q-nYAdeKxdh2MGmUdGSvNmVq8v5WfBSdesAfAz0JUA/s640/340668_572962132729319_1923799048_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running to Orange City in frigid temps on the Awake My Sole Iowa journey. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=572962132729319&set=a.300052963353572.95381.289475114411357&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AwakeMySole">Awake My Sole</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every time I go out and run, it's like this little expedition I conquered. Starting and finishing at my house, with the journey being wherever my feet take me. In these frigid temps, I see less and less foot prints in the snow, allowing me to feel that I was one of the few who journeyed out today.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Here are some thoughts from today's "feels like" -27 degrees run:<br />
<br />
<b>I should have worn a warmer hat. </b> Each gust of North Dakotan wind froze the sweat from my head underneath my hat.<br />
<br />
<b>Running is simple. </b>You don't need much to run. A pair of shoes, some clothes, two hats. <br />
<br />
<b>Running isn't punishment. </b>Its such a freeing activity. Too often, people correlate running with punishment, when in reality it should be distanced far from punishment. <br />
<br />
<b>Wearing plastic bags was a good idea.</b> Base layer wool sock, plastic bag over it, cotton sock over that, then place the shoe on. Perfect way to keep your feet warm by keeping gusts of wind out.<br />
<br />
<b>Unplug and run.</b> I didn't run with my music today or a watch. I love music, and I love running to music, but today I really tried focusing on my surroundings, on the outdoors and what I was running by. Also, with so much ice, I didn't want not pay attention and slip. Also, when I run with limited distractions I find I have more ideas pop in my head. Its great for brainstorming. When I don't have a watch, or an app whispering in my ear how far I've gone, I find that the time goes by quicker. For serious trainers this might not be a possibility.<br />
<br />
<b>Enjoy the moment. </b> Don't worry about your speed, just run. Be free and aware of your surroundings. Be thankful to the Creator who has you in this moment experiencing this path. <br />
<br />
<b>Write down any thoughts. </b> After a run, writing down thoughts or ideas that popped into your brain. Many ideas for the Awake My Sole journey were formed while running.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/01/when-your-water-freezes-you-know-its.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"When your water freezes, you know it's cold" </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---<br />
<br />
As a runner, North Dakotan and fellow advocate for ideas that better other people, I found myself inspired by this runner from North Dakota.<br />
<br />
Anne Mahlum<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DpZrt_t6W70" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2011/12/simplify.html" target="_blank">How to simplify your life into a bag</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0Bismarck, ND, USA46.8083268 -100.7837392000000146.6344408 -101.10646270000001 46.982212800000006 -100.46101570000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-91302729395134446312013-11-22T16:31:00.000-06:002013-11-22T16:31:27.001-06:00Freedom + Structure = Booyah!!!<div class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdK1Cs-APz8/UDfuyJgcISI/AAAAAAAAHvA/M86Mkmns2oI/s640/photo-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdK1Cs-APz8/UDfuyJgcISI/AAAAAAAAHvA/M86Mkmns2oI/s640/photo-21.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I love setting goals (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). I enjoy dreaming big crazy dreams. I love to plan and prepare. </div>
<br />
I also love freedom and not being tied down by structure and programs.<br />
<br />
I think I need a healthy balance of both. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
In running long distances, I have to enjoy both "free runs" and "structured runs."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbHPvuPX9p8/TvoUVaBkMVI/AAAAAAAAAVM/SOcaXpLLnvQ/s640/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbHPvuPX9p8/TvoUVaBkMVI/AAAAAAAAAVM/SOcaXpLLnvQ/s640/IMG_1077.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
"Free runs" are the ones where I have no watch on my wrist and no headphones in my ears. Where I just run. Through the streets and up mountainsides, often rediscovering the joy of running and being outside exerting my body. <br />
<br />
"Structured runs" are the ones where I plan to accomplish a training task, discipline and setting specific tasks are involved. When completed, they are the ones that give me the "I'm really happy" feeling, however they too don't excited me beforehand. Why? Because they are the ones I need to exert more energy than I'm used to, where I push my body to the limit. To become a better, stronger, healthier runnier, I need these.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I try to incorporate both styles into my runs.<br />
<br />
A little Freedom + A little Structure = Booyah!!!<br />
<br />
It's like life.<br />
<br />
For the dreams we dream, and the goals we set, to the joys we wish to experience, to searching what it means to be human, and seeking the depths of our soul. <br />
<br />
We need both freedom and structure in our life.<br />
<br />
Freedom to experience our surroundings, to enjoy our friends without busyness and time limits...<br />
<br />
Structure to help us achieve what we were created to achieve, and to do it well.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
There are a lot of things I want to do, and without both freedom and structure, I won't be able to. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_fDBodbTlE/Uo_aqB6DpsI/AAAAAAAABsg/2zRwyAwSADQ/s1600/CIMG3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_fDBodbTlE/Uo_aqB6DpsI/AAAAAAAABsg/2zRwyAwSADQ/s640/CIMG3677.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at one of the stops of my trip. did some reading and juggled the soccer ball. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Several years ago I took 10 days on a solo trip to Canada and back. I took my bicycle, some running shoes, some food, books and good music. <br />
<br />
I knew I wanted to go around the great lakes, up into Canada and come back down through Niagara Falls.<br />
<br />
I knew what my starting and ending was going to be, but I didn't know the details in between. It made for a great 10 days. I enjoyed it, found it to be very relaxing.<br />
<br />
this trip provided both the freedom and structure to make a great trip.<br />
<br />
Freedom, waking up each day exploring and visiting new places. Stopping wherever I wanted and going for a quick couple mile jog or bike ride. <br />
<br />
Structure, knowing my trip was 10 days long, and I had a certain place I wanted to get to. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
we need structure.<br />
<br />
we need freedom.<br />
<br />
we need a healthy balance of both.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
From Rob Bell's book <u>What We Talk About When We Talk About God</u><br />
<blockquote>
I believe God is with us,<br />
around us,<br />
beside us,<br />
present with us in every moment. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The question, then,<br />
the art,<br />
the task,<br />
the search,<br />
the challenge,<br />
the invitation is for you and me to become more and more the kind of people who are aware of the divine presence... (p.109-110) </blockquote>
---<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HB1ZUlQzXvM" width="640"></iframe>Awake My Solehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092430911134119369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-3515681210620871372013-11-15T12:26:00.001-06:002013-11-15T12:26:58.268-06:00"The road goes ever on and on"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekvcqMe5zm4/UoZiOiLlrJI/AAAAAAAABsM/dYP_WJOZkkQ/s1600/Lord+of+the+Rings+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekvcqMe5zm4/UoZiOiLlrJI/AAAAAAAABsM/dYP_WJOZkkQ/s640/Lord+of+the+Rings+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">True Trail Runners: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Lord Of The Rings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday, someone asked me, "Do you like Lord of the Rings?" <br />
<br />
I replied, "No, not really. When I was in high school I watched the first movie of the trilogy six times in the theater, but that was about the extent of my fandom."<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">***I did write an earlier blog post called <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/01/an-unexpected-journey-what-would-bilbo.html" target="_blank">"What Would Bilbo Do?"</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">****I also collected Lord Of The Rings action figures during my fandom, I still have them somewhere</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
-----<br />
<br />
I came across this Lord of the Rings quote when I was finishing up the Iowa Awake My Sole trek:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">“The road goes ever on and on”</span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">J.R.R. Tolkien</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 18px;">The Hobbit</i></div>
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/siouxcityjournal.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4d/e4d1c4d1-482f-5367-b8fd-ea54dbe51e10/50d0e7aa39fb4.preview-620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/siouxcityjournal.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4d/e4d1c4d1-482f-5367-b8fd-ea54dbe51e10/50d0e7aa39fb4.preview-620.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last mile of the 1339 mile Iowa Awake My Sole journey. Taken in December 2012. <br /><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/awake-my-sole-news-articles-updated.html" target="_blank">Pic courtesy of Sioux City Journal </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After running and speaking across the state of Iowa for the year, I didn't get <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/12/finished.html" target="_blank">to the end</a> of the yearlong journey, and say "I'm done with life." <br />
<br />
I was done with this particular task, but I wasn't finished with living. <br />
<br />
I was merely at the beginning of something new, unknown, challenging and unexpected.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
I've seen people set a goal, work towards achieving it, and when achieved, they wrestle with "What's next? How could I possibly set another goal, or achieve something like I just achieved?"<br />
<br />
This road of life goes "on and on." <br />
<br />
Where and when does it end? <br />
<br />
Some believe it's at our last breath. Others believe our last breath is the ushering into what's next. <br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />
Author Donald Miller often writes about how he goes about seeking out the next adventure for his life. He envisions the end of his life, standing before Creator God who says, "Well done my good and faithful servant." From this envisioned encounter with Creator God, he tries to implement things that would evoke such words from Creator God.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">Some quotes from <a href="http://storylineblog.com/" target="_blank">Donald Miller</a>'s book <u>A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><u><br /></u></span>
<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">“It wasn't necessary to win for the story to be great, it was only necessary to sacrifice everything.”</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">“If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn’t cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers. You wouldn’t tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you’d seen. The truth is, you wouldn't remember that movie a week later, except you’d feel robbed and want your money back. Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to be meaningful. The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won't make a story meaningful, it won’t make a life meaningful either”</span></blockquote>
-<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/03/jims-top-5-music-albums-to-run-to.html" target="_blank">music</a> from the Awake My Sole journey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"This is Not the End" by Gungor</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3C2XvschUrQ" width="640"></iframe>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-5185799484392902172013-11-11T12:59:00.000-06:002013-11-11T12:59:09.802-06:00"Every Idea is wacky until it works." <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKNUn-8OicE/Un6YTC5ghiI/AAAAAAAABpU/uzxfdchiBXk/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKNUn-8OicE/Un6YTC5ghiI/AAAAAAAABpU/uzxfdchiBXk/s640/IMG_5315.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
---<br />
<br />
Over 10 months have passed since the completion of the Iowa Awake My Sole journey.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
It was mid October, newly wed and in <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/webster-city-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Webster City</a> Iowa, as I prepared for the day, I wrestled with this question:<br />
<br />
"What are the next steps for Awake My Sole?"<br />
<br />
Ideas flooded my brain, but one popped in that has continued to root.<br />
<br />
--- <br />
<br />
In speaking across Iowa, a <a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/04/21-questions-from-class-who-thought-i.html" target="_blank">frequently asked question</a>, "What state are you going to run and speak across next?"<br />
<br />
Often I would respond, "Maybe my home state of Colorado or Rhode Island." The second answer often produced some chuckles from people who knew their states. <br />
<br />
All along I knew I wasn't going to be running across any additional states after completing Iowa, or at least not as highly invested. <br />
<br />
You see, the Iowa journey was a yearlong "away from home" commitment. It was risky and fun. I met new people and host families. The speaking and running schedule was exhausting. It wasn't the most conducive for a newly wed who actually enjoys the ideology of "laying roots" and investing long term into a community. I was only investing in communities for a week at a time. It was very rewarding, especially when kids and elderly alike shared how much they enjoyed what I shared about. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
So, since I don't foresee any yearlong running adventures across others states, you might ask yourself, "Then what is in the works? What idea popped into his brain while in Webster City?"<br />
<br />
The answer, "Mentoring."<br />
<br />
Making a committed investment into younger people.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Awake My Sole is evolving... from an inspiring journey across Iowa to a program combining running and mentoring. <br />
<br />
I don't have the nuts and bolts down, or the planning and preparation in place, but I do have a wacky and crazy idea. <br />
<br />
I never thought I would spend a year running across Iowa, but I did, and so I'm excited to see what lies ahead. <br />
<br />
"One step at a time."<br />
<br />
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<br />Awake My Solehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092430911134119369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-31649119084751772952013-10-04T12:48:00.000-05:002013-10-04T12:53:31.352-05:00the dream of a long distance runner living in north dakota. the dream of a long distance runner living in north dakota. <br />
<br />
<br />
840 miles.<br />
<br />
*woke up early this morn. drank some coffee. brainstormed this outlandish idea.<br />
<br />
dreamers gotta dream. right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Bismarck,+ND&daddr=Jamestown,+ND+to:Fargo,+ND+to:Grand+Forks,+ND+to:Devils+Lake,+ND+to:Minot,+ND+to:Williston,+ND+to:Dickinson,+ND+to:Bismarck,+ND&hl=en&geocode=FQc9ygIdhSn--Slj6dhXEoPXUjGTyrv5Er2qzA%3BFVDMywIdLNQd-inRiOVQCxPQUjFXi82s7-fsCw%3BFQJKywId1Ro7-ilFcWeEjcvIUjHKqpEnpTCqgQ%3BFQlI2wIdaWU3-iklXrxbNYHGUjFaPV982JRrCw%3BFYsk3gIdIHAb-imfUYE6YUnbUjHFPs9OsNiAKQ%3BFT743wIdb1f2-SkNf87lirfeUjEWRHMbM5DFvA%3BFRiq3gIdSurS-SnrOHADYFshUzHj8bD-_A384A%3BFchRywIdCI7f-SmXXFRRkRcmUzEoNye1szKBxA%3BFQc9ygIdhSn--Slj6dhXEoPXUjGTyrv5Er2qzA&aq=0&oq=Devil&sll=47.931066,-99.376831&sspn=2.466014,4.938354&dirflg=w&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=47.576526,-100.26123&spn=2.594044,8.239746&z=7&output=embed" width="750"></iframe><br />
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<br />
<br />
some inspiration for the morning. enjoy!!!<br />
<br />
<script src="http://KWTV.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=4072;hostDomain=www.news9.com;playerWidth=570;playerHeight=325;isShowIcon=true;clipId=9352485;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.news9.com/" title="News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | ">News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | </a><br />
<br />
run with passion, purpose, beautiful feet and endurance. run towards Jesus. gotta run to awake the sole. Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-75932655079442636472013-09-06T16:13:00.000-05:002013-09-06T16:13:23.971-05:00Journeyman<div>
"Journeyman"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
an album by Eric Clapton's spins on the record player behind me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am on a journey. We all are. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
....<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My endorphins are engaged.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just got done doing some walking accompanied by seven minutes of light jogging.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been taking it easy. My left lower leg has been causing me some pain over the last seven months. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Humbling. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The word used to explain how I'm feeling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last year, could run 16 hours straight; today, 7 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Inspired.</div>
<div>
<br />
I read an incredible article about Scott Jurek who used his love for running to raise money for schools in Ethiopia, along with helping getting medical attention to Ethiopians. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/01/we-are-statues.html" target="_blank">Seeing others create, inspires me.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm a journeyman. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, finishing is important, but what's even more important is enjoying the journey that gets you to the end. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Watching others live their journey well inspires me to live my journey well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
....</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rwPlAY9KX_I" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2013/09/question-is-coffee-bad-for-long.html" target="_blank">Is coffee BAD for runners?</a></span></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-9028122922717074732013-09-06T15:40:00.000-05:002013-09-06T15:40:04.119-05:00Hungry Legs!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">For all the distance runners out there.... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWYqT6Xbfib2cXG5Wfn1clRnB7BWc2DIUarNNk3dWneR2XeKzipUkiGnIbviWC8R1i069A7uDc4jnnjJZ4NoM6iZYPLo2fcE4hW91UsNceFqHNMW7QsIgezA1ZqLkhwKRLN9PYVB0dQ/s640/Screen+shot+2013-07-28+at+3.46.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWYqT6Xbfib2cXG5Wfn1clRnB7BWc2DIUarNNk3dWneR2XeKzipUkiGnIbviWC8R1i069A7uDc4jnnjJZ4NoM6iZYPLo2fcE4hW91UsNceFqHNMW7QsIgezA1ZqLkhwKRLN9PYVB0dQ/s640/Screen+shot+2013-07-28+at+3.46.22+PM.png" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: www.TheOatmeal.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Some advice for helping your legs not be so GIGANTIC.... stop running!!!</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/what-do-you-think-about-when-you-run-40.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What do you think about when you run 40-miles?</span></a></div>
</div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-77161274378963791482013-09-02T11:48:00.000-05:002013-09-02T11:53:03.920-05:00QUESTION: Is Coffee BAD for long distance runners?ANSWER: <br />
<br />
"No"<br />
<br />
---------<br />
What i feel like if I don't have coffee before a run...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mayorlandwehr.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553b2897a883401347ff72cd9970c-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://mayorlandwehr.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553b2897a883401347ff72cd9970c-320wi" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
for some real sources of coffee and long distance running...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/drinks-hydration/8-things-runners-should-know-about-coffee?page=single" target="_blank">Runners World - 8 things you should know about coffee</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/running/health/coffee-bad-for-distance-runners.htm" target="_blank">Is coffee bad for long distance runner?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogs.seattletimes.com/take2/2013/03/19/bottoms-up-a-runners-guide-to-coffee/" target="_blank">a runner's guide to coffee</a>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-63100255401276385832013-08-30T12:06:00.000-05:002013-08-30T12:06:22.834-05:00the dangerous cycle<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F6364125" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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I haven't been able to run "well" since March. Even going out for short quick runs has been causing strain on my left calf. <br />
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Super bummer! <br />
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Especially when 2012 was filled with running. Running was my job, my gift, my passion. It's what I spoke about at each speaking engagement. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqSQdGfki0/UNR5sKupkoI/AAAAAAAAInU/5CaoM3j2Uos/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqSQdGfki0/UNR5sKupkoI/AAAAAAAAInU/5CaoM3j2Uos/s640/IMG_5811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being a long distance runner, I thought I knew what was going on with my leg, each time I would access and diagnose the situation, "Maybe it's my tendon, a hair line fracture or perhaps a muscle tear. You know, all the running you did last year probably was the result of this."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf_8Fhdam1bpUOZGsFR7wYnjkh5xvczT_BembydUtt6vnhIRcRa-bGkt6GhlJzzbaTYMNpob-m3sjTwYHoQ_FmqTrAoBex8jpXRWDvF1sKMKRPJTzgoVOQ1SoVmYCAQy2a8g96xdSSqt3/s1600/nr55552069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf_8Fhdam1bpUOZGsFR7wYnjkh5xvczT_BembydUtt6vnhIRcRa-bGkt6GhlJzzbaTYMNpob-m3sjTwYHoQ_FmqTrAoBex8jpXRWDvF1sKMKRPJTzgoVOQ1SoVmYCAQy2a8g96xdSSqt3/s640/nr55552069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And thus was the cycle I fell into. I call it "The dangerous cycle of an injured long distance runner." (insert dramatic music here). <br />
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<ul>
<li>Injury accrued. </li>
<li>Attempt to run. </li>
<li>Re-injure or strain whatever was previously injured or strained.</li>
<li>Evaluate, asses and diagnose the pain as if you were a doctor.</li>
<li>Attempt to run.</li>
<li>Re-Re-injure or strain.</li>
<li>Say you are going to "Rest." (Codeword for I'm going to bike, swim, walk, jumping jacks)</li>
<li>Attempt to run.</li>
<li>Re-Re-Re-injure or strain.</li>
<li>... and so on and so on </li>
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I don't know if it is pride, ego, or unawareness; what I should have done in March was go to the doctor, but I didn't. I thought I could fix it, and was completely naive, thinking I knew what was wrong with my body. I mean seriously, if I could spend a year on the road, running up to 55 miles pushing a 150 gear cart, couldn't I figure out what was wrong with my lower leg? I sustained very few injuries on the Awake My Sole journey, and now I can't even go for a 2 mile run without my leg feeling strained. <br />
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After moping and complaining about not being able to run, my incredible wife shared some words of wisdom with me, "Doctors go to school to figure out how to asses and diagnose injuries."<br />
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I gave in and finally went in to the doctor. Six months later. <br />
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I entered the doctor's office. At most, waited for about 5 minutes. Filled out some forms. The doctor asked me to walk around the office. Observed my stride and patterns. Put me on a bench and moved my leg, asked if it hurt when she moved it a certain way. I told her when it hurt. Brought me off the bench and said:<br />
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"You have a strained Peroneus Longus muscle. You need to stop turning your left foot outwards when you run, turn it in straight ahead, and you need to walk from your heal of your foot to the toe of your foot, not to roll on the outside of your foot. That should help."</blockquote>
That was it! In less than 15 minutes, my injury was assessed, diagnosed and what the next steps for treatment were.<br />
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It's been a humbling process.<br />
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So, I've been walking 30 minutes every day with my left foot turned in. Hope to be back and running soon, and thus blogging too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQdNAyqhhNw/UNXXKdyzVUI/AAAAAAAAIqY/3J5Pl-eiTEc/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQdNAyqhhNw/UNXXKdyzVUI/AAAAAAAAIqY/3J5Pl-eiTEc/s640/photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this "thank you" goes out to Charity for assessing and diagnosing my leg. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjldydjHJD4/UMjyXof8xzI/AAAAAAAAIiw/5q4V9rIfx7g/s1600/IMG_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjldydjHJD4/UMjyXof8xzI/AAAAAAAAIiw/5q4V9rIfx7g/s640/IMG_5770.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Road ahead</td></tr>
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<br />Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-3058245345466870252013-03-17T01:00:00.000-05:002013-08-30T10:20:27.110-05:00The 1st Awake My Sole journey is complete!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The 1st Awake My Sole journey is complete!!!</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFG4t7qN-5w/T8AYDuIjf6I/AAAAAAAAGuo/j0I0DG39AI8/s1600/381942_327143083977893_289475114411357_1369202_1109471004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFG4t7qN-5w/T8AYDuIjf6I/AAAAAAAAGuo/j0I0DG39AI8/s640/381942_327143083977893_289475114411357_1369202_1109471004_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>1339 miles run. </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>317 speaking spots.</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Start: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jan. 9th 2012 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>End: </b>Dec. 23rd 2012</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>20 Iowa towns on the journey: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">CLICK YOUR TOWN</span></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/ames-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ames</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/bellevue-wrap-up-dubuque-running-recap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Bellevue</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/08/clinton-wrap-up-davenport-running-recap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Clinton</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/08/davenport-wrap-up-iowa-city-running.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Davenport</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/des-moines-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Des Moines</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/dubuque-wrap-up-manchester-running.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Dubuque</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/03/ams-end-of-week-wrap-up-iowa.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Fort Dodge</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/09/grinnell-recap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Grinnell</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/09/iowa-city-wrap-up-grinnell-running-recap.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Iowa City</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/12/kingsley-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Kingsley</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/manchester-wrap-up-waterloo-running.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Manchester</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/12/orange-city-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Orange City</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/09/pella-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pella</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/11/sac-city-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sac City</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/12/sanborn-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sanborn</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/01/ams-end-of-week-wrap-up-sioux-city.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sioux City</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/11/spencer-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Spencer</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/11/storm-lake-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Storm Lake</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/06/manchester-wrap-up-waterloo-running.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Waterloo</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/10/webster-city-wrap-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Webster City</span></a><br />
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Awake My Solehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092430911134119369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-36477934548444739752013-03-16T11:07:00.000-05:002013-03-16T11:07:13.705-05:00Jim's Top 5 Music Albums to RUN to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When it comes to Ultra Running, people often ask if I listen to playlists of music. The answer is "Yes," however my playlists usually consist of full length albums. When running 12+ hours, albums help sooth the time and help it go on, rather than individual songs. Here are 5 of my favorite music albums to listen to while running.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Comment below::: What are your top 5 albums to run to?</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_250/MI0001/784/MI0001784407.jpg?partner=allrovi.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_250/MI0001/784/MI0001784407.jpg?partner=allrovi.com" width="397" /></a></div>
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<b>"Joshua Tree" by U2</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"I want to run - I want to hide</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I want to reach out and touch the flame</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Where the streets have no name"</span></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Arcade_Fire_-_The_Suburbs.png/220px-Arcade_Fire_-_The_Suburbs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Arcade_Fire_-_The_Suburbs.png/220px-Arcade_Fire_-_The_Suburbs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Suburbs" by Arcade Fire</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px;">"Hey<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Put the cellphone down for a while<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In the night there is something wild<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Can you hear it breathing?<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And hey<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Put the laptop down for a while<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In the night there is something wild<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I feel it, it's leaving me"</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.universityobserver.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lh_admat2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.universityobserver.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lh_admat2web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Lonesome Dreams" by Lord Huron</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: DroidSansRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">"It's time to run, they'll string me up for all that I've done<br style="font-size: 12px;" />I'm going soon, gonna leave tonight, gotta <br style="font-size: 12px;" />I did it all for you, well I hope you know the lengths I've gone to<br style="font-size: 12px;" />What's a man to say? They'll be looking for me, should be on my way"<span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://curreydorris.com/music/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/The-National-Boxer-Album-Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://curreydorris.com/music/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/The-National-Boxer-Album-Cover.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Boxer" by The National</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px;">"We're half awake in a fake empire<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />We're half awake in a fake empire"</span></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8c/Clarity.jpeg/220px-Clarity.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8c/Clarity.jpeg/220px-Clarity.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px;">"How long would it take me to walk across the United States all alone.<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The West coast has been traumatized.<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I think I'm the only one still alive."</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for runners who enjoy listening to vinyl records... OR just stick with the Ipod. </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.coolhunting.com/2011/01/12/soundwagon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://www.coolhunting.com/2011/01/12/soundwagon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.awakemysole.com/2012/09/10-best-long-distance-running-songs.html" target="_blank">10 Best Long Distance Running Songs HERE</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Comment below::: What are your top 5 albums to run to?</span></b></span></b></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-1533183656851779402013-01-25T11:33:00.000-06:002013-01-25T11:33:07.471-06:00We are the statues...<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Allow us to begin with some thought provoking words by C. S. Lewis:</div>
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"This world is a great sculptor shop. We are the statues, and there is a rumour going round the shop that some of us are some day are going to come to life." <b><u>Mere Christianity</u></b></blockquote>
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Looking out over the cold North Dakota landscape, a whopping -10 wind degree temperature, drinking a large cup of hot tea, these words are stuck in my head</div>
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"Come to life" </blockquote>
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These words are found in the last paragraph of Lewis' first chapter of his fourth book in Mere Christianity. They challenge and inspire me, while at the same time developing within me a deep tension as I wrestle with some tough questions:</div>
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<b>What is the element, the spiritual force, the religion that brings humanity to life? </b></blockquote>
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<b>Is the Christian religion a set of moral values instituted by Jesus Christ for people to uphold? Can humanity uphold these moral views?</b></blockquote>
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<b>What does "come to life" mean? How does one find the joy that overflows? Can one even find that joy? If so, how? Or are we just waiting to be breathed into? </b></blockquote>
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Crazy, huh? How reading one chapter of C.S.Lewis in the early morning can provoke inspiration and challenge. </div>
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I'm often inspired and challenged by the created works of others; in this case C.S.Lewis' writings. </div>
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I ultimately know other people's creations aren't the final work. C.S.Lewis would be a fool if he wrote a book and claimed, "This is as good as it gets."</div>
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I could argue that C.S.Lewis is as good as it gets, but that for an other blog post, plus that would be foolish. </div>
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Art. </div>
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Each person is an Artist.</div>
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We've been created with an ability to Create. How cool is that?</div>
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With each piece of art, we inspire people. Hopefully our art inspires people in a positive way. </div>
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Seeing someone do what they were created to do, inspiring. </div>
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We are all artists, we are, truly. Some people think of artists as left-brained people, not so. Yes, left-brained people may be more inclined with drawing or making melodic noises with instruments, but everyone is an Artist. Nature is God's canvas given to us in which we write and create our story.</div>
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Side note: I really dig this sticker:</div>
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Each person is an artist in their own respect.<br />
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<b>What's your specialty? </b><br />
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<b>The art you are producing, is it making the earth a better place?</b><br />
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<b>Do you "come to life" when you create it?</b>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-63379521742843526472013-01-18T14:03:00.000-06:002013-01-18T14:03:16.424-06:00Chariots of Fire --- with all my "sole"Most people want to discover their meaning and purpose in life. Not often do you hear someone say, "I don't want to find meaning and purpose in my life." <br />
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Some people may unintentionally live in a way that is perceived not meaningful and purposeful, or perhaps it's meaningful and purposeful in a way that is foreign to others.<br />
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For someone who dislikes running, they wouldn't find running for a year a meaningful and purposeful endeavor, probably more of a tedious and grueling task. <br />
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The tasks we perform, hobbies we pursue and talents we discover, what if they were deemed meaningful and purposeful because it keeps us from being aimless? Almost as if we were created to work. Hopefully we are working towards something good, right? Towards something that makes this world a better place. <br />
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I'm sitting in my room, after a year of running and speaking, listening to an appropriate movie soundtrack:<br />
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I'm also reflecting on a writing found in the Book of Matthew, chapter 12:<br />
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"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets."</blockquote>
If I was to paraphrase this passage, the runner in me translates "soul" to "sole."<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Where do you find meaning and purpose?</span></b></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-53326239140288149712013-01-11T14:36:00.001-06:002013-01-11T14:36:22.111-06:00Is your journey worth your life? <br />
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I feel like Skydiving is a cheap thrill, especially if it involves skydiving with cars. <br />
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A temporary experience of fulfillment. Excitement and danger converge and well up within us a sense of being "fully alive."<br />
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Similar to many commercials on TV. <br />
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A couple weeks ago I was sitting and watching TV. There was a commercial about a girl who got a new pair of jeans, and instantly she was happy. She started dancing like a fully alive person. She danced on chairs and you could tell she was happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DTXyDLSgxZcNH-mYszc0dCmtY7trAzQQeOvygcGoc_ne5nYM7YtubMybJqAAgv_RD0xx7lJtZ_ZlBCrn27L4G2Yfx1vlxeiBEmCFqO62wOMTtTFsBS6GsYwhAht9hD5PWfdqHz1Behec/s1600/red-skinny-jeans-gap-mdaewell-shopbop-siwy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DTXyDLSgxZcNH-mYszc0dCmtY7trAzQQeOvygcGoc_ne5nYM7YtubMybJqAAgv_RD0xx7lJtZ_ZlBCrn27L4G2Yfx1vlxeiBEmCFqO62wOMTtTFsBS6GsYwhAht9hD5PWfdqHz1Behec/s640/red-skinny-jeans-gap-mdaewell-shopbop-siwy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"If only I get those jeans, an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement will well up out of me and I'll burst apart, right?"<br />
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We are seeking things that don't fulfill and amidst this realization we still intensely seek after them. <br />
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A band named "The Lighthouse and the Whaler" have a song called "Burst Apart."<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/track=1953719492/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/transparent=true/" style="display: block; height: 100px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400"><a href="http://thelighthouseandthewhaler.bandcamp.com/track/burst-apart-2">Burst Apart by The Lighthouse and the Whaler</a></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A lyrics from this song:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"The journey is worth your life..."</span></blockquote>
Since first hearing this song, this lyric has mulled around in my head. I can't stop thinking about how essential finding a "journey worth your life" is. Especially to finding fulfillment, meaning and purpose.<br />
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It would be disappointing if becoming "fully alive" was as easy as purchasing jeans or skydiving in some remote village.<br />
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Our journeys must be better than that. We must be willing to give our lives to them. <br />
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<b>What journey is worth our life?</b><br />
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Our life is one of our most precious gifts.<br />
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<b>What if our ultimate purpose and meaning can be found amidst an orchestrated story with a Creator? </b>Where we realize, our story, our life is but a small piece of a grand scheme.<br />
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<b>What if our life, our meaning, our story is more than ourselves, but rather about something bigger? </b><br />
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The Awake My Sole journey was based out of striving after Jesus. It's crazy to think the running & speaking portion of the yearlong journey is finished, however the journey overall journey has only begun.<br />
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Whether you are an "extreme-thrill-seeking-sports-athlete" jumping out of planes or a business woman with a routine job, you can fully be alive amidst striving after something bigger. <br />
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Ultimately I know my life is not my own, but God's, and I attempt daily to be aware of the journey I am on.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Is the journey you are on worth your life?</span></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-61996814308673750942013-01-04T12:48:00.000-06:002013-01-04T12:48:43.041-06:00An Unexpected Journey --- What would BILBO do? GO or STAY ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Hobbit, the newest installment from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings franchise has this tag line:<br />
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"An Unexpected Journey."</blockquote>
It is a fictional story filled with mythical creatures. The main protagonist is Bilbo, the Hobbit. Hobbits are comfortable creatures, who enjoy the simple pleasures and comforts of life: smoking a pipe, reading books and eating good food.<br />
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Hobbits are not ones for exploring or discovery. <br />
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But in this story, Bilbo finds himself on an unexpected journey with a bunch of dwarfs. At first he is against going on the journey Gandalf wishes for him to be on, but there is a turning point where the excitement of risk and unknown wells up in this Hobbit and he joins the crew.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">J.R.R. Tolkien</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1540236" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">The Hobbit</a></i></blockquote>
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Our lives are unexpected journeys. Even amidst the so-called mundane and routines of life. <br />
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Sometimes we are called on an adventure, perhaps to follow and pursue a dream, like starting a bakery or writing a book... little unexpected journeys. <br />
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The crazy thing is, we have a choice while at the same time we don't have a choice. We never know what the other choice would have been. We can always say things like, "I wonder what would have happened?"<br />
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With anything in life, we are confronted with this option, do we GO or do we STAY?<br />
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If we GO, it may not be easy, perhaps scary or risky, full of fearful moments. We may miss the comforts of our life. Freeing and liberating with nothing holding us back.<br />
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If we STAY, it may be simple and routine, and we can come home each night. To some it may seem oppressive because of the stability.<br />
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Our life is full of unexpected moments. In fact, every moment can be an unexpected moment of "Going" or "Staying."<br />
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It's not whether we GO or STAY, more or less, but rather why we are "going" or "staying?"<br />
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Why do we GO on journeys of adventure, or STAY put in the comforts of every day life? <br />
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Do people who GO on journeys lead more "fulfilling" and "meaningful" lives in comparison to those who STAY?<br />
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I'm in the middle of a book called "Brother Lawrence, practicing the presence of God," and he is a monk who cooked meals and did routine tasks filled with great love. His whole practice of life was to be continually aware of the presence of the Creator, in every task. In the tasks of "Going" and of "Staying." <br />
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<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I wish you could convince yourself that GOD is often (in some sense) nearer to us, and more effectually present with us, in sickness than in health." Brother Lawrence</span></blockquote>
<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What if we really believed that God is near us on this unexpected journey of life? We GO when we feel called to go; we STAY when we feel called to stay. </span><br />
<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What if the Creator of the Universe, the One who knows the deepest truths, who loves us so deeply and intimately, is truly alongside of us, giving us direction and hope? Not walking the steps for us, but whispering in the silence little hints for us to follow, all while longing for our love and affections, only things we can offer when we are aware. </span><br />
<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span class="arial14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Any unexpected journey we go on, if we are truly trying to follow God, our hearts will be aligned, so really no matter what we do, whether it is run across the state of Iowa, work in a cubicle, go on an unexpected journey, or stay put and wash dishes, we can find the meaning, purpose and joy out of a love for the Creator.</span>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-28727228664917263952012-12-27T11:42:00.000-06:002012-12-27T11:42:22.645-06:00Silent Space<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyV00VNqFNq_e2C01eYOauGRVysJiOvbvBI-Cll9kNaPoyOp9VsFbGxbwaPa9EoqiFYehqVhAf32F6T_aMQMD8Zu5OTMRw2LzEIM_i4sWHFH_cJr1018vwgGwhC2PKMi9YDzzLsYM9Cpv/s1600/silent+spaces.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyV00VNqFNq_e2C01eYOauGRVysJiOvbvBI-Cll9kNaPoyOp9VsFbGxbwaPa9EoqiFYehqVhAf32F6T_aMQMD8Zu5OTMRw2LzEIM_i4sWHFH_cJr1018vwgGwhC2PKMi9YDzzLsYM9Cpv/s640/silent+spaces.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Book <u>Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals</u> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sometimes it is hard to find silent spaces to 'Be Still' and to 'Listen.'<br />
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We may feel like our lives are cluttered in a sea of busyness. <br />
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When I take time to 'Be Still,' which ironically involves running a long distance without my headphones plugged-in, I am reminded of Who I am, What I'm doing and Where I'm going.<br />
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<b>What does 'Being Still' look like for you?</b></div>
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<b>Have you taken any time recently to be reminded of Who you are, What you're doing with your life and Where you're going? </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May we seek out some 'silent space' as we seek the Creator's calling and leading in our life...</span></b></div>
Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958752699310304718.post-33649692104090444712012-12-22T10:48:00.000-06:002012-12-25T09:12:36.860-06:00Finished!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">FINISHED!!! 1339 miles & 317 speaking spots later.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The FINAL</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=289475114411357&extragetparams=%7B%22group_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/AwakeMySole?group_id=0" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Awake My Sole</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">UPDATE of the year HERE:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fymlp.com%2FzpBnmx&h=2AQGrQfjw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://ymlp.com/zpBnmx</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">So incredibly thankful to God and each person who helped make this journey possible.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">P.S. We won't be blogging or posting for a couple weeks, but do not worry we will start back up after the first of the year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.AwakeMySole.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.AwakeMySole.com</a></span>Jim Ellishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14219915358185145547noreply@blogger.com0