If you are like me then you get wrapped up in the tomorrow and not the now sometimes. This is necessary but not always prudent. In my life there have been countless times when I was focused so far ahead that I never stopped to think to simply look right in front of me to see what the next step that God had for me was. I’m encouraged because God is patient and even though I sometimes overlook the next step He still waits patiently for me. What an awesome God we have. Giving thanks is the same way. This Thanksgiving season I want to give thanks to things right under my nose…the things that are close to me.

Nikon D90 Focus Test 50mm 1.8 from Billy Almaguer on Vimeo.

Ok, Octoba is ova. So it’s time to start blogging again. Let’s recap the month, shall we? We had a great month in worship, people came to Christ, the price of gas fell considerably (a great thing for the long commute!), I took a break & went to Delaware with my family (went on a 4 seater plane & I’m alive, yea!), Life Groups have been rocking, Tina Fey has revived her career with a spot on impression of Gov. Palin, My Miami Hurricane football team has shown signs of life with a perfect 4-0 in October, yesssss!, I can now take the FSU flag down from my office wall because my friendly wager with Pastor Teddy on the UM-FSU game is over, The World Series came & went (I would be interested to know by reply how many of the blog readers actually watched it, newsflash: football is king of sports),  my wife has become even more beautiful, CCPSL is getting ready for Fall Festival on Nov 8, My oldest boy asked me if God is rich enough to buy all the toys in Walmart in front of lots of other customers who got a chuckle, I have gained 5 pounds, We finally got an early cold front (seems like it’s been a while since a REAL cold front has come in Oct), Ok, I could go on and on… but it would become play by playish instead of the majors… so that’s October… here comes Turkey month… man I love turkey… with mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, and sweet potato cass.  Peace Out Napoleon.

Marathons are fun…don’t get me wrong…but I have a goal. I would be elated if I could train for and complete an ultra marathon. I read an article yesterday in Runners World about David Goggins who started running a couple of years ago. He said

” when I cross the finish line (at an ultra race) I see other people ecstatic and excited, me, I start thinking about what I am going to do tomorrow…”

What a great quote!
Yesterday I ran 15 miles…(seems kinda meaningless when compared to a 100 plus mile run), it was my ‘turning point’ run of the season. My turning point run is the run where everything just clicks into place and running long distances becomes easier. I guess it’s where the training curve and ability curve cross…yeah it’s that point.

I ran to some kicking tunes yesterday…and finished strong.

I love the challenge of running a marathon. I would say competing but in all honesty there are really only four places…yes four. First, Second, Third and ‘The Rest of Us’. I have consistently finished in the ‘Rest of Us’ category for my entire running career. I personally see this as a great feat. Back to the point of this post…

Running is a huge deal…it is a true test of mental toughness. Your body is telling you to stop but your mind has to press on. My long runs end up being a long conversation with God. You know…talking…singing…looking around at His creation…praying (LOTS of praying). I think about my family, church, job. Thankfulness comes up alot…of course God knows all of this but I really enjoy talking with Him on my long runs. The ipod gets boring after mile 6 or so. For miles 20-26.2 I usually pull the cap down tight…and dig in. Although my prayers seem a bit random when I’m running I still commit to talking with Him. To be honest it’s the best quiet time I get…just He and I for 4 hours or so.

I’m just checking in to lament the loss of the Miami Hurricane football team to FSU last weekend. As I was watching the game at Dolphin Stadium I realized my favorite team has gone from annual national contender to my hopeless addiction. Oh well, good thing football isn’t everything- or even hardly anything in life. (now I can finally say things like that, since MY team ain’t doing so hot!). Like someone said, “FSU’s win + 5 bucks will get them a cup of coffee at Starbucks.”

What’s you’re hopeless addiction? 

Ps. If you answer, do not make fun of the Canes. If you do you will be suspended from posting on my blogs- Pastor Teddy & Pastor Lee.

I’ve got a 6 mile run today, 3 mile run tomorrow and a long run of 11 miles for either Friday or Saturday morning. I love to run. This year I have been able to include Kinley and Myleigh on my longer runs as they have more bladder control now.

I usually bring my IPOD along on my runs. Currently I have been hitting some old favorites such as Hillsong United, Living Color and yeah some John Williams (Composer). In addition to just music I often find myself gravitating to a spoken message. As of late I have installed Jon Courson’s study of Revelation. I find the most comfort during a long run when I can sit back, relax and listen to a teaching on God’s Word. I often listen to the same message a few times simply because I either forget some important points, or was not paying full attention (often during times when I am either retrieving items launched from the jogging stroller by the wee-women or looking out for road traffic).

Just listening to one of my favorite bands, Superchick, and got a chuckle from the title track of the album… “Rock What You Got.”  It reminds me of the Psalms where I am fearfully & wonderfully made, the fact that I have Christ to show each day and the fact that everybody is entitled to a full dose of the real Dave Carroll all the time Poor you guys (on that last thing)!  

One thing I like to “Rock” is my Greg “Super” Cooper (#2) Hurricanes Jersey my beautiful wife bought me for my birthday, like at least twice a week, whether it’s washed or not… many comment saying “Dave, you sure wear that a lot.” My Life Group even laughs at me because I’ve worn it two weeks in a row on Thursday night. Do I know what I’m doing??? Why yes, yes I do… just rockin’ what I got.  

What do you like to “Rock?”

Just Rockin’ What I’ve Got,

Dave

Ps. Keep on Connecting, Serving, & Growing to become a life-long follower of Jesus Christ!

Just a quick note to encourage all of you who signed up for a Life Group to keep on meeting together! Stacy and I are thoroughly enjoying our group (”Calvary Distinctives”) on Friday evenings. It is so awesome to fellowship with like minded people as we admire Jesus together and encourage one another. If you have yet to plug into a Life Group, see Pastor Dave for more info! -Mike

I gave in…got a new phone and now Twitter.
I can now update my facebook and friends on my happenings…and likewise stay up to date with what my friends are doing.
Do you twitter?

Our church took a major step forward on Sunday! It was so great to be able to share my heart concerning the VISION of our church. How, “we are called to help the people in the PSL area become lifelong followers of Christ”. It was so great to talk about the Biblical model we have from Acts 2: 41 - 47 and about our discipleship process of CONNECT, SERVE, and GROW. Then to hear that we now have over 275 adults plugged into LIFE GROUPS! As your pastor let me just say… “it doesn’t get much better than that!” But, because of the awesome Lord we serve, it will get even better as we move forward in His perfect will. “Thank you Lord Jesus for what You are doing at CCPSL!”   -Mike