Meeting up with old friends

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to see April Romine and she thrilled me (kinda) with the idea of doing a facebook page. My initial reaction is whoa, hang on there, that's all I need, one more thing to do--especially since trying to get that darn website up...and that utube channel thingie going. I really am lucky to do this blog (maybe I should get Dillion to help, he's on that whole computer generation thing...hmm). So I bravely jumped on the task and I have been thrilled to find some of my Multnomah friends there. It is exciting to see what God has been doing in their lives and the different paths they are on.

It also reinforced a message that I have been saying for sometime now. And that is, (yep, you guessed it, my soapbox coming out), we have to chose between intimacy and isolation. I believe that these are the most important questions we will face in our lifetimes. The first and primary question has to do with intimacy with God or isolation from God. This has implications for not only this life, but for eternity. But I am also talking about the choice of intimacy or isolation between people--our community that surrounds us. It is our wiliness to be comfortable with sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly (and we all have elements of those things within ourselves) and also giving acceptance to those to share their "stuff" with us as well. The problem originates from the fact that the very place where this should happen (the church), it doesn't.

I think that the emerging of websites like Facebook or Myspace point to the haunting loneliness that nags at us. That's one of the reasons that I place such an emphasis on mentorship--on building relationship within the community around us. We have to be havens of rest and safety--we have to be ready to accept "the good, the bad, and the ugly" in others, (and to be comfortable enough in our skin to experience the same with them).

I would like to leave you with two challenges. First, to be brave enough to be accepting to someone and share with them, and two, if you find that is painful for you--if you are tired of the rejection that you have experienced in the past, but want to experience the healing that i am talking about, please contact me.
In His Grace,
Mark

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, I just want to thank all of you who responded to the offer of the healthy concept of Thanksgiving dinners. I think that as you begin to incorporate these plans into your holiday time not only will you feel healthier, but it will provide a time for your family to come together in the true meaning of the holidays. I hope and pray that these ideas work especially for your families as they have for ours.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Mark

Runnin'

I am, like I imagine many of you are running at warp 9! This past weekend Sarah and I went to Yoncalla, Oregon in order to visit her parents and attend an annual "Birthday Dinner" that she and her sibling celebrate every year around this time. It was a great time but really tiring.

And, of course, (as usual) I have myself double booked this weekend (and week) and as a result found myself spending alot of time catching up today. In midst of all my feeling sorry for myself this morning I started to get a killer headache. I don't know about you, but when I'm not feeling up to par or sick, I have a tendency to get grouchy. Uh, ok, I get whinny. Here sat the day's agenda before me and I'm moping around the house with no one to complain to except the dog (and he was trying to sleep!). About midway through my emotional funeral, I was tempted to pray and one of the things that God started to let me know was that I hadn't taken a rest. In a long, long, long time. I dug out my daytimer and review the last few months and had to confess that time and time again I had violated God's Sabbath. I wasn't taking the time to just be with God--not traveling around for Him--not ministering to others for Him--just being with Him.

I know, I know. We ALL are super busy. And it isn't out of some misguided, legalistic rule that I say stuff like this, but rather it comes from the reality that there are times in this life when the road is too hard for us. We HAVE to stop and spent quality time with the Lord. sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is rest.

Can I encourage you to rest today or this week? Even if it isn't a whole day but maybe just a 15 minute break--give it a shot. As for me, I going to rest a bit and spent some time with God just chillin'
In His Grace,
Mark

The rain has really hit Portland now...

And I love it! Now before everyone starts calling me the silly Californian, I just want to encourage folks that there is a lot of things that we can do in this weather. Some of us love to run during these rainy times (okay, maybe that's just me). Aside from a little mud, especially on the trailruns, it's a nice cool time to get outside. If you belong to a gym, this may be the time for you to try some of the classes that your gym has to offer.

All of us have a tendency to put on some weight during the Thanksgiving Day and Christmas season. The key for us is to plan out activities that keep us burning calories as well as planning out healthy, festival meals. Later this week I will present you with an outline of a meal we established sometime ago in place of the traditional meal.
In His Grace,
Mark

I have been way too busy...

Like most of you, I have found myself to be waaaaaaaaaay to be busy this past month. I had went to the Flathead church with Karmen and June Blake again the week after the Portland Marathon. We Had a great time of fellowship with the people there.

On the way up, we stop at the National Bison Reserve and had the opportunity to see a bunch of animals as well as enjoy the countryside. We also had the chance to spend a significant amount of time traveling th area to see what the needs are in the community.

Later at the church we had a wonderful time of worship led by June while I gave a sermon entitled It's Only a Matter of Time, which centers of the idea of biblical hope in our lives.

Upon returning to the city of Portland, it has been a whirlwind of activity trying to heal from the marathon as well as getting back to general training. I felt what I have heard some of my clients tell me about how life has a way of stealing time away from us. Of course, the easy way out of that one (as a life coach) is to just tell them to "improve their boundaries"--but I think that it goes much further than that.

I know that when I am feeling this way, I don't need folks sounding off one liners--no matter how good they sound. Rather I have seen that I need to be reminded that I am not alone--I don't experience life within a vacuum. I find that I begin to forget those things in my life that I have made a priority. For me, it is that reestablishing of priorities (through the content of real relationships) that gets me back on track.

If you feel trapped on this neverending treadmill of life, please feel free to send me an e mail and let's talk about it. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos.

In His Grace,

Mark Pearson

Portland Marathon

Well, it has taken this long for me to write about the Portland Marathon--partially because I'm still in pain! I did everything wrong at this one and broke all the rules. The first mistake I made was not eating...at all (Yes, all you runners can cringe!). After that, I warmed in the first couple miles and then began a sort of "recon shuffle" jog. I ended up spying a young runner and decided to use him as a pacer (I know, I know, HUGE difference between 18 or 19 and 45!). We were doing good, I was following him for about 8 miles when the kid threw it into warp speed (he was just warming up...).

Then, this being Portland, it started raining. I ended slipping on a manhole cover (I didn't know they got slippery. Then the blisters started showing up. Ouch.

I know this sounds like a nightmare--and as I sit here nursing my poor abused muscles (still!) and the blisters that cover almost all of my right heel (and the rest of the foot)--I got to tell ya: I had a blast! The sense of accomplishment, especially in light of what doctors had once told me about my back (that I would never be able to run again--I would limp throught life--I would never kick again) and I once again have to praise God that He is the Ultimate Healer. He just loves to heal and restore His children!

I would love to hear from some of you about how God has done the same for you. Well, I am leaving for Montana later so I have to complete my prep for that trip. I pray that the Lord blesses you this week.
In His Grace,
Mark

Prayer Requests

I have a prayer request for all of you. Karman and June Blake, and I will be returning to the Flathead Indian Reservation to speak at a service there on the 12th of October. We plan to be speaking to the elders there about the importance of restoration minstries in the church. I ask that you pray for our safety in travel and also that the hearts of the people would be touched by what God has called us to share.
Thanks
In His Grace,
Mark

Congratulations to the Pure Desire Ministries International team!

They are finally in their new office! As many of you know this ministry was founded by Dr. Ted Roberts, former Senior Pastor of East Hill church in Gresham, Oregon. This ministry is on the cutting edge of dealing with the bondage of sexual addiction. The new address is P.O. Box 2310 in Gresham, Or, 97030. The website is Puredesire.org. Keep up the good work team!
In His Grace,
Mark

Timberline Marathon and Half Marathon

Both days were the rare kind we have here in Oregon--SUNNY! It was a great time both days and we were able to meet alot of new folks. One of the people we met stood out in particular, a woman named Debbie who was a grandma doing the half marathon on Sunday. Sarah and I had volunteered to be the "sweepers"--which means we were the last ones on the trail to make sure noone was left behind. This delightful woman was at the back of the line with us for the whole trip. She told us of her struggle with weight issues and also of she wanted to be an example not only to her kids but grandkids as well. It was hard going for her but she was doing well until she reached this steep hill about 2 miles from the finish line. The hill threatened to do her in--it sapped her energy and spirit. She had reached the point where she could not go on. Sarah and I gave her some food and water. After a 15 minute rest, she was able to start again. I carried her fanny pack and Sarah took her arm in arm for a while till we got on the even trail. All the while we gave her encouragement. Later, when she crossed across that finish line with tears in her eyes, she introduced us to her family that faithfully waited for her.

I have found that life can be like that at times. There times when we are hit upside the head and heart and the steep hills of life overwhelm us. We sit down and we can't go any further. But I have also found that God will gather people around you to help you get up that hill. I am reminded of the paralytic in Mark 2 who was lowered through the roof by his close group of friends. He was unable to help himself--life had beaten the snot out him. His energy and spirit had been sapped. But his small group helped him get to Christ so he could be healed.

Many times when I am asked to explain our "discipleship in motion" concepts, I focus on the importance of the the people of God--that small group of friends put into our lives by the very hand of God to encourage us. As we face physical tasks or activities, I have found that encouragement is like cool water on a hot summer's day, it refreshes and sustains us. I am so thankful that God put this woman in my path so I could be reminded of this and she could receive the encouragement she needed.
In His Grace,
Mark

Montana Trip

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Flathead Indian Resevation in Montana with Karman Blake and his wife June. It was awesome to see the people there and the strong sense of calling in their small church. Their church has been in turmoil and attack from the enemy and as a result the folks there are greatly wounded. It was a great time for the beginning of healing in their community.

June led us in an annointed time of worship and Karman's sermon was awesome. I conducted the communion time and spoke into their lives at that time. All of us walked away with a renewed sense of God's power within His people.

On the way I had the opportunity to meet Jeff Yellow Owl, who is the District Supervisor for the First Nations Foursquare District. It was awesome to hear how God is moving within this vital ministry area.

In His Grace,
Mark

Nutrition Planner: A FUN Breakfast

Good morning everyone! I hope the weekend was safe and fun for you. Someone asked if I had a recipe for a healthly but fun breakfast--and it happens I do! At first, I wasn't sure about this one, but after I had it I was hooked. We call it the Peanut-Butter Breakfast Banana Split.
Here goes:

1 small ripe banana (about 6" long) halved lengthwise.

1tsp reduced fat peanut butter

1/3 cup low fat, artificially sweetened Boston cream pie-favored yogurt

2 Tbsp crunchy, high fiber, low sugar cereal (like Grape-Nuts)


1) Place banana halves in small banana split dish or shallow bowl, with cut sides facing inward.

2) Spread peanut butter evenly over open banana. Spoon yogurt in the middle. Top with cereal. Serve immediately.

Servings: 1

per serving: 294 cal, 8g protein, 53g carbs, 7g sat fat, 3mg chol, 5g fiber, 241mg sodium

Have fun with this one! Contact me for more recipes or ideas!
In health,
Mark

Updated medal count

After checking the results for the last time for the tae kwon do competition, here are the Lopez family results:

Mark: Silver
Diana: Bronze
Steven: Bronze

I haven't seen anything for our last competitor yet, but I would like to remind you that while I am disappointment with the leadership of tae kwon do, I am fiercely proud of all the athletes, especially our USA team. I pray that they have a safe and enjoyable trip.
In His Grace,
Mark

Our man Dylan's back!

This last Monday, (August 18), PFC's favorite young athlete, Dylan, returned from an awesome gymnastics camp in Maine. He says it was a great and amazing time, even though he fell "pretty hard a couple of times". Of course I have been making up on lost time teasing him (and the reverse is also true!), but it is great to see this awesome young man grow not only as an athlete but as a man as well. Look forward to seeing Dylan in some of our future fitness and tae kwon do productions. Great job Dylan and I am proud of ya!
In His Grace,
Mark

Olympic Fever!

As many of you know, I love the Olympics. At some level I think all of us do. Watching Michael Phelps win the historic gold medal count (and that last race-whew!) and let's not forget the Men and Women's Gymnastics team--they are amazing! I would also like to remind everyone that the Tae Kwon Do competition starts today, so I wish our team a safe and winning competition.
Mark

Reports on Ministry Trips

I just got off the phone with my wonderful friend Karman Blake who is a Native American pastor who is heading up a new restoration ministry. Karman and his wife June went to the Ft. Berthold Reservation in North Dakota and the Crow Agency which is located in Montana. They had a great time of ministering to the people there and meeting with the tribal elders. Please join me in prayer for this awesome couple and their new ministry.

I returned Sunday afternoon from a great time of ministry and fellowship with a group in Yoncalla, Oregon. Some of the topics we discussed was the True-Faced study by John Lynch and the importance of Restoration Ministries within the church. I would like to thank Pastor Harry Flanagan, (Pure Desire Ministries International), and Pastor Maurice Greven, (Sandy Foursquare Church), for their input and support for this ministry trip.
In His Grace,
Mark

Starting the Great Adventure

I want to thank you for stopping by! As I start off on this Great Adventure, it is my hope that you are encouraged, empowered, educated, and maybe even get to laugh a little along the way. No one stands alone so I want to start off by thanking a few folks right off the bat that are always standing in my corner: My wonderful parents (Burl and JoAnn), brothers Andy and Rick and their awesome families, Ian Rubin (PT mentor and highest ranked student in Oregon), Sarah Seaborne (Writing mentor, business and running partner), Wes Houck (surfing bro and me best mate), Pastor Harry at East Hill Church, and the hundreds of students and friends that have poured into me-You are all such a blessing!

As I am new to all this, please be patient as I try to negotiate this blogging thing! Hopefully we'll have lots of things to cover. If you ever want to cover anything special, feel free to e mail me at PacificFitnessandCoaching@gmail.com.

That's enough to start and I look forward to sharing with you later, May God bless your path, Mark