Men working late each night
with total gross sales in sight,
hoping and praying so
the weeks receipt aren’t low –
‘Christmas is in the air’.
People running around
for new gifts to be found,
that they have to but send
to many a true friend –
‘Christmas is in the air.’
Schoolchildren from their books
look off with cheerful looks;
for they all remember
‘Days off in December’ –
‘Christmas is in the air’.
Storeowners have their green;
people relaxing seen;
schoolchildren have their say
of their wild holiday –
‘Christmas was in the air’.
-Rrrick Karampatsos
Shadows could not conceal them; the crude metal huts only separated them; the piles of seemingly endless waste and garbage with countless flies everywhere leading to and from it did not stop their beauty; and the numerous adults rushing to or just sitting lifelessly still on the sides of the dirt road just blended in to this heart warming message of the smiles displayed so many miles away from my home, in a country so far away – away from this area in the slum area just outside downtown Nairobi, Kenya. Pictures within my mind of Africa did not know of such horrible things or of the beauty of such smiles. Read the rest of this entry »
I received a call a few months ago from a man (Pastor Anthony Okello) who had just read my blog (www.therrrick.com ) who was very excited. Between that excitement and his accent – well, I was a bit confused.
The following is about how the conversation went:
Pastor Anthony: “Mr. Rrrrick?”
“Yes, I am.”
Pastor Anthony: “I am Pastor Anthony Okello. I just read your blog and got your number from your Facebook information page. I want to share something very important with you!” Read the rest of this entry »
I am reading a great book: Running with God: A personal journal with the maker of the universe (Berry Simpson, XULON). I encourage you to get a copy!
The chapter, I FINALLY GOT TO USE MY I.D., is funny and at the same time, has a solid message. His story caused me to think further about what spiritual lessons could be learned from his story. Read the rest of this entry »
Today I was a part of three finish lines – all different but started at the same start line.
I took part in the local FLORIDA CHALLENGE HALF TRAIL MARATHON. For the fist few miles my close friend, Joe Lundquist, set the pace at about 9:45. A little faster than I wanted to go since I had done a 66 mile birthday run just two weeks ago – but the Christian fellowship of prayer and praise allowed me to feel as young as his is!
It was tough to stay together because of the large number of runners who where fast, young and weaved between up whenever they saw a spot on the trail to do so…. I was right behind him until about mile five when the space between us was then filled with other runners. I would not see him until I crossed the finish line of this tough course of a trail race – but I am getting ahead of myself with this story. Read the rest of this entry »
Recently, Jennie Horton of heavenlystrength.blogspot.com reviewed Heading Toward the Final Finish Line. You can read her complete review on her blog by visting it here. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section.
(XTERRRA WILDHORSE TRAIL HALF MARATHON)
It was only a few hours after I was back home from running what I thought was going to be just a trail half marathon – I could have not been more wrong. In fact, I was not so incorrect about any race that I have ever done. To add depth to that statement I will share that I have run at least one marathon in every state (and in DC), logged over 21,000 miles, more 5ks than I can remember, as well as my share of 10ks, a few half marathons and even tried to finish a 50k! – And all of this in the past ten years. So when I say that I have never been so incorrect about any race I am basing it on many races! Read the rest of this entry »
LESSON FROM A ROCK’ was written by a very close pastor friend who I have run races from 5k’s to marathons with. I trust that you will enjoy this short article. Let Pastor Ron Collins know – find him on Facebook!
On Thursday morning, I went out for my daily run. As I let the driveway, I started to hear a noise that was annoying. After a bit I realized it was a rock stuck in the sole of my shoe. I could feel it now and hear it, chop, chop, chop – very annoying.
My first thought that I would stop and remove the rock that was making me uncomfortable but then I decided against it because I knew if I stopped I would not want to start to run again. I wanted to get the first mile behind me and then I would take care of the annoyance. Read the rest of this entry »
Forgiveness – we all have to deal with it during our lifetime. From the lips of lovers, friends and married couples we hear — “I’m sorry, please forgive me”. It is not just a ‘Christian’ teaching although I believe most of us have learned about it through church teachings. Mr. Webster states, in part: “…signifies toward or back…give…to treat as not guilty.” Sometimes we need to take one step back in order to be able to move forward. In another dictionary the word, ‘forgive’ has this: “To excuse for a fault or offense. To stop feeling anger for or resentment against.” Enough of the quick English lesson and on to the ‘running lesson’! Read the rest of this entry »
I am not surprised at how I feel or how the people are reacting to me today. For a long time, in fact as long as I can remember, I knew about ‘that hill’ – and how difficult it would be to get up it. Well, today I am ascending it and even with no surprises, I feel almost defeated and unprepared. I have never been part of a finish like this. Not to sound like I am complaining, but really, the hill is tough enough – it is added cruelty to have to finish at the top of it. But I must continue forward. Read the rest of this entry »
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