Nine Things for 2009, Part 1
These are not necessarily “New Year’s Resolutions,” but they are some things that I hope to do this upcoming year. I am that, over the course of this next year, other things will arise (they inevitably do!); however, these nine things have become my leading goals for this year. Here are the first three . . .
1. Read Through ESV Study Bible
My mother was kind enough to buy me the hardback version of the ESV Study Bible which I am going to use this year to read through the Bible. Our church has posted the downloadable plan (PDF) for anyone interested in joining in (it’s not too late!). Also, Eric Schumacher has provided a reading plan for the articles and introductions (PDF). Finally, Justin Taylor shares how you can get any of the ESV reading plans set up as a daily podcast. Guess I have no excuses now!
2. Read Through Calvin’s Institutes
For those who may not be aware, 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. Here is the reading schedule I am working with. Reformation 21 will be “Blogging the Institutes” and Doug Wilson is providing a daily study guide to correspond with the reading. Princeton Seminary has also made it available where you can get the daily reading of the Institutes on your mobile device. I will blog on this later, but the Founders Study Center has also announced that you will able to study the Institutes with Dr. Timothy George (I will be doing this, Lord willing, with some men from Grace).
3. Complete First Triathlon
I used to run. A lot. I just started cycling (six months ago). I like to swim. Does that make me a potential triathlete? I hope so. I am going to attempt my first triathlon this year (Sprint length: 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 run). If that goes well, I may attempt an Olympic triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 run). What really stinks is that almost all the races are on Sunday (here’s a directory of the multi-sport races in Florida for 2009). Talk about discrimination! There are a few on Saturday (but I will have to drive a long way). My first attempt will be March 14 at the Wildman Triathlon Festival in Orlando. Second attempt April 4 at Redhills Triathlon in Tallahassee or April 11 at Escape from Fort San DeSoto in St. Petersburg. This boy turning 30 needs to get in shape. Bad.
Tags: Calvin's Institutes, ESV Study Bible, Triathlon
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January 2, 2009 at 1:36 pm
When they had the first Ford Ironman triathlon in 2007 here in Lousville, I spent almost 30 minutes trying to get to my Dad’s which is 10 minutes away. Sad to say I had to give up. In 2008 they staggered the street closings instead of shutting them all down at the same time. That worked much better except this time I had trouble getting home from my Dad’s church!
January 2, 2009 at 7:14 pm
i have never read anything by Calvin, although I adhere to the Doctrines of Grace.
as far as the Bible, Since the AV1611 is from the received text, I WILL STICK TO THAT.
”Bodily exercise profiteth littlle.”
January 3, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Greetings Timmy. I was blessed by this New Year Prayer written in 1842 and felt led to pass it along to you and your readers: (Date chaged in text below)
“Precious Christ, I come with a large request for 2009: it is that You would be the “Alpha and Omega” of it. Do You not say, “Ask what I shall give you?” Yourself, Lord! You have most blessedly given Yourself to me. But I find sweet liberty to entreat more unfolding, revealing, and opening of Your glorious person, amazing work, and matchless love, than I have yet had; and more losing and treading down of SELF, too–that I may be lost in Your fullness, and forgotten and forsaken in Your soul-absorbing glories.
Oh! raise me higher, draw me nearer, that I may daily die, and You live in me more manifestly. I just give myself to You, to live on You, to live in You, to live for You, more and more than heretofore, and that by the power of the Spirit resting on me. I humbly ask that mine may be a large and still-increasing portion; that, under fresh anointing, You, most lovely Jesus, may be more fully known, more loved, more served; for it is to You the Holy Spirit leads, of You He testifies.
Oh, do make this a large, rich, full year! You being increasingly honored in me, and I increasingly lost in You, and made an increasing blessing to Your dear people. An Ebenezer for past mercies befits me; large and magnificent have been Your bestowments; bountiful and constant Your favors to me–a poor worthless nothing! “Bless the Lord, O my soul–and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
Ruth Bryan (1842 Diary Entry)
January 3, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Thanks D.L., for a very encouraging prayer. A large request for our great God and Savior!
January 5, 2009 at 11:06 am
I’ll be joining you with the goal of doing some triathlons (also starting with the sprint length), though in a much colder state (MN). Starting to train today!
January 10, 2009 at 8:38 am
Timmy–I did a couple sprint triathlons, and if you’re in any kind of shape you’ll finish pretty easy (it only takes an hour or so of exertion–which I’m sure you’ll handle). Go for the Olympic!