Black Ice

Black Ice is one of those things ya hear about in freezing weather. We are told of dangers that come a long with it, yet still often ignore it as something that “won’t ever happen to me.” Men inevitably will go through different “winter” seasons in their lives. This may be sickness or injury, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, lack of connection with their spouse, children rebelling, sports, addictions, or just plain ole struggling with purpose and direction in life.  If not careful, we can hit some pretty slippery patches during these seasons and cause damage to ourselves and others. We have such a great responsibility as husbands and fathers to love like God loves us, regardless of circumstances or what we may ever get in return. Thats unconditional. That’s what our people need the most from us.

When times get tough, there WILL be areas around us that can cause us to slip and fall. We know what our temptations are, and we know when we are weak. Women, pornography, food, alcohol, drugs, working out, jobs… they can all be things that we run to, when running away from the man we know we are created to be. But with our relationship and faith in the Lord, and also having a few other men alongside of us, that will tell us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear, it is possible to get through those slippery times safely.

If I notice myself starting to slide a little in life, I’ve learned to slow down. Change my stride and my pace. Look for clearer places to journey on. Safer places. Get someone around me that will help point out the “black ice” so I can be careful and even at times avoid it. Quitting is never an option for us. Too many depend on us. So modify as needed, but please, don’t ever quit. Be a man of integrity, and don’t ever let anyone or anything become your god, except our Heavenly Father. And even if ya do happen to fall, by all means, let Him take ya by the hand and pick ya back up. Remember, this life is a journey, not a sprint.

6 HIM’s faced our fair share of black ice this morning as we met for The Boonedocks. YHC wanted to get some distance in today, but had to Omaha a little to find some safe stretches for us to run. Thankfully, even though there was some slipping going on, no one got hurt and everyone got stronger.

A little warmarama was done
Sungods IC x 10 (FandR)
Good Mornings IC x 10
Imperial Walkers IC x 10

Then bbout 2.2 miles were covered as we crossed over Hwy. 24 and circled around Lowes and did some back and forth running to a drug store that isn’t Holiday Mansions so we won’t mention it in this backblast. There may or may not have been Monkey Humpers done as cars passed by on their morning commute. 100 IC we done by the end of the day.

Lunging up the Lowes parking lot hill landed us to do a set of Merkins by an 18 Wheeler who decided that would be an appropriate time to crank up his engine… and Couch Potato said he probably loaded his gun. We hurried and moseyed! Our backwards lunge later on allowed us to keep an eye on the truck.

300 SC Merkins were completed in 10 sets of 30. Around 75 IC Low Slow Flutters and 75 IC Freddy Mercury’s along the way.

Jack Webb ish exercise was called before the mosey back to CCPC by doing
1:4, 2:8, 3:12, 4:16, 5:20, 4:16, 3:12, 2:8, 1:4 of Hand Release Merkins to Air Presses.

Maytag said he hadn’t done a merkin in 2 months and the cold air was causing him to struggle a little! T-Claps to CP for running on the ice to the workout. 8 Straight days for him! Also, I know Griswold, Purple Rain and Pillbox have been having back issues, but they pushed it out and gave it all they had. Some mention was made of an HC by ole Buttoncap, and even while running all around trying to find him, no luck in doing so. Also, some guy has a plank… or so we have heard 🙂

Loved working out with the guys today. I’m better because of you guys. I hope in turn, that you can say the same of me. YHC is Q’ing the Prometheus in the morning and will look for a good spot later in the day with more melting taking place. Prayer requests for Lunchbox’s M and Family out west and him as he watches the kiddos for the week, same for Maytag, safety for teachers, all drivers and students as they go back to school and Snookie’s M. Great prayer by Maytag. Hopefully Couch Potato gets his laundry done and can post in the morning!

Purple Rain also gave out a few copies of Freed to Lead that he bought to grow the PAX with one request- After finishing it, sign it and give it to another man. Great vision and heart Purple Rain. Thanks for letting me lead today and until the gloom…

-Laettner