"a time for every purpose under heaven"

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."

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."

Looking back on it, it was a brilliant theme for a floor, however my immaturity kept the meaning at bay.

--

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).

The world is turning.

A fascinatingly simple concept.

24 hours a day.

Sometimes I think we forget this.  Especially during holiday seasons.

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.

Family

The Divine

Not working

Outdoors

Helping others

---

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.
Death and Life.  Together.

There is a time for it all.

... for babies to be born

... for people to die

For me and the Awake My Sole journey

... a time for running across Iowa for a year

... a time for resting in North Dakota

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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."

What's next for Awake My Sole?

There are some cool things on the radar, things involving mentoring and running.

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.

---

lyrics to "Turn Turn Turn"

"Turn! Turn! Turn!"
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven 

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep 

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven 

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together 

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven 

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing 

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven 

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

Freedom + Structure = Booyah!!!

I love setting goals (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).  I enjoy dreaming big crazy dreams.  I love to plan and prepare.   

I also love freedom and not being tied down by structure and programs.

I think I need a healthy balance of both.

---

In running long distances, I have to enjoy both "free runs" and "structured runs."

"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.

"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.

---

I try to incorporate both styles into my runs.

A little Freedom + A little Structure = Booyah!!!

It's like life.

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.

We need both freedom and structure in our life.

Freedom to experience our surroundings, to enjoy our friends without busyness and time limits...

Structure to help us achieve what we were created to achieve, and to do it well.

---

There are a lot of things I want to do, and without both freedom and structure, I won't be able to.

---

at one of the stops of my trip.  did some reading and juggled the soccer ball.  

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.

I knew I wanted to go around the great lakes, up into Canada and come back down through Niagara Falls.

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.

this trip provided both the freedom and structure to make a great trip.

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.

Structure, knowing my trip was 10 days long, and I had a certain place I wanted to get to.  

---

we need structure.

we need freedom.

we need a healthy balance of both.

---

From Rob Bell's book What We Talk About When We Talk About God

I believe God is with us,
around us,
beside us,
present with us in every moment. 

The question, then,
the art,
the task,
the search,
the challenge,
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)  

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Jim's Top 5 Music Albums to RUN to

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.

Comment below::: What are your top 5 albums to run to?

"Joshua Tree" by U2

"I want to run - I want to hide 
I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside 
I want to reach out and touch the flame 
Where the streets have no name"

"Suburbs" by Arcade Fire

"Hey
Put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey
Put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me"

"Lonesome Dreams" by Lord Huron

"It's time to run, they'll string me up for all that I've done
I'm going soon, gonna leave tonight, gotta 
I did it all for you, well I hope you know the lengths I've gone to
What's a man to say? They'll be looking for me, should be on my way"

"Boxer" by The National

"We're half awake in a fake empire
We're half awake in a fake empire"

"Clarity" by Jimmy Eat World

"How long would it take me to walk across the United States all alone.
The West coast has been traumatized.
I think I'm the only one still alive."

for runners who enjoy listening to vinyl records...  OR just stick with the Ipod.   

10 Best Long Distance Running Songs HERE

Comment below::: What are your top 5 albums to run to?

We are the statues...

Allow us to begin with some thought provoking words by C. S. Lewis:

"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."  Mere Christianity

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

"Come to life" 

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:

What is the element, the spiritual force, the religion that brings humanity to life? 

Is the Christian religion a set of moral values instituted by Jesus Christ for people to uphold?  Can humanity uphold these moral views?

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?  

Crazy, huh?  How reading one chapter of C.S.Lewis in the early morning can provoke inspiration and challenge. 

I'm often inspired and challenged by the created works of others; in this case C.S.Lewis' writings.  

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."

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.   

Art.  

Each person is an Artist.

We've been created with an ability to Create.  How cool is that?

With each piece of art, we inspire people.  Hopefully our art inspires people in a positive way.  

Seeing someone do what they were created to do, inspiring.  

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.

Side note: I really dig this sticker:

Each person is an artist in their own respect.

What's your specialty?  

The art you are producing, is it making the earth a better place?

Do you "come to life" when you create it?

Chariots 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."

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.

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.

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.


I'm sitting in my room, after a year of running and speaking, listening to an appropriate movie soundtrack:

I'm also reflecting on a writing found in the Book of Matthew, chapter 12:

"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."

If I was to paraphrase this passage, the runner in me translates "soul" to "sole."

Where do you find meaning and purpose?

Is your journey worth your life?

I feel like Skydiving is a cheap thrill, especially if it involves skydiving with cars.

A temporary experience of fulfillment.  Excitement and danger converge and well up within us a sense of being "fully alive."

Similar to many commercials on TV.  

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.

"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?"

We are seeking things that don't fulfill and amidst this realization we still intensely seek after them.

A band named "The Lighthouse and the Whaler" have a song called "Burst Apart."

A lyrics from this song:

"The journey is worth your life..."

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.

It would be disappointing if becoming "fully alive" was as easy as purchasing jeans or skydiving in some remote village.

Our journeys must be better than that.  We must be willing to give our lives to them.

What journey is worth our life?

Our life is one of our most precious gifts.

What if our ultimate purpose and meaning can be found amidst an orchestrated story with a Creator?  Where we realize, our story, our life is but a small piece of a grand scheme.

What if our life, our meaning, our story is more than ourselves, but rather about something bigger?    

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.

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.

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.

Is the journey you are on worth your life?

Storm Lake Wrap Up

It has been a most amazing week in Storm Lake Iowa.  Safely ran 26.1 miles on Monday (it was a little muggy).  Hosted by a most excellent family.  Was able to share the AMS story twelve times.  Ate two times at La Juanitas.  Discovered an amazing Cuban Restaurant, Cafe Habana.  Overall, an amazing week with some amazing people.  Really enjoy Storm Lake and all it has to offer.  

Here are some pics from the week  

Monday morning, a foggy/muggy run from Sac City to Storm Lake

Super foggy morning

MOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Epic Ninja Moves performed by Jim

Jay came and ran the last 9 miles with Jim.  

Jim found a Woody Action Figure on the side of the road.  Yes, a new addition to the Awake My Sole journey

Jim got to share the Awake My Sole journey several times throughout the week.  Here is a pic of some of the boys Jim got to share with.  

Really enjoyed my time with these guys

Cuban Coffee at Cafe Cubano in Storm Lake.  An awesome place to get great coffee on Railroad Street.  Really enjoyed meeting the owners of this place.  Super friendly people. 

Dumb and Dumber.  "Mutt Cutts, coming through."

Jim got to share at the Buena Vista University chapel and bible study on campus.  Talked about setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals & what it means to have "beautiful feet."

Buena Vista University Chapel

Got a short 3-mile run in.  At the end of the main road in Storm Lake.  "Pioneer"  

Got to speak on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Storm Lake Elementary School, to the 3rd & 4th grade students. Jim welcoming students with some Curious George music.  

Jim Ellis is a professional long distance runner and motivational speaker.

He welcomes any opportunity to SPEAK at schools, youth groups, churches, organizations, clubs, etc. 

There is no cost.

What does Jim speak about?
Speaking Schedule

Others who recommend Jim
Awake My Sole in the News

Contact Jim for additional information OR if interested in having him come speak.

AwakeMySole@gmail.com

303-913-0986

10 Best Long Distance Running Songs

"Be Set Free" by Josh Garrels

"Setting Forth" by Eddie Vedder

"Run" by Eric Clapton

"Long Distance Runaround" by Yes

"I Am Still Running" by Jon Foreman

"Long Distance Runner" by DeGarmo & Key

"Run In The Night" by Jars of Clay

"I Will Follow" by U2

"Lost!" by Coldplay

"We Used To Wait" by Arcade Fire

Jim's Top 5 Music Albums to Run to HERE

Home is where the heart is

Drinking a cup of coffee at Toad's w/ Trisket

During my stay in Spencer Iowa, I was able to frequent Toad's Coffee Shop, one of my favorite coffee shops.  Unique, has character, freshly-roasted-coffee and the people are grand.  

A freshly made Americano.  The foam on top is a result of fresh espresso shots. 

They slow roast their own coffee beans.

Coffee Roaster in progress.  It was a pleasure writing for a day next to this machine roasting coffee

Espresso coffee with whipped cream on top, delicious!!!

Early on in my stay in Spencer, I asked the owner of Toad's Coffee for an opportunity to share stories and have others play music at their establishment.   Of course, they agreed and moved some furniture around to accommodate.  


On Friday evening, people showed up: some friends and some local community members.  Some played music, others read poetry and some shared stories.  

Mark, Margareta and Zach playing music

The stories I shared were based around some topics I was contemplating & wrestling with: the questions of "What is home?  What makes a home?  Where is home?"


You see, being on the road for six weeks and knowing I will continue for many more, this topic has been heavily on my mind.  


Here is a 20 minute video of the stories I shared from my different "Homes," and my conclusion to the questions asked.  Enjoy, and feel free to comment on this post with your own response to the aforementioned questions.

Running Recap from Monday - Spencer to Storm Lake

Last week's Blog Post ::: "Thankfulness"