CBMC New England: A Note from Ernie Truax

A Note from Ernie Truax

September 29, 2008

I don’t know if you know anyone who competes in an Ironman Triathlon. I happen to know a
man who does. It’s an amazing test of strength, endurance and long term will power. Ironman races include a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run -- those distances add up to 140.6 miles – all run consecutively on the same day! Just finishing the race is a phenomenal
accomplishment for the few brave men and women who have the courage and discipline to train and compete. For most of us it would be considered the accomplishment of a lifetime. Or would it… ?

Ernie

P.S. – The Truth Project simulcast last Saturday, September 27th, was a great success. Focus on the Family announced that 328 churches throughout the country and Canada served as hosts, and approroximately 30,000 people were trained to lead The Truth Project small group study. For more details visit www.TheTruthProject.org.

How to Be a Truly Rich Person

by Dan Cadriel

Recently I was working through an assortment of thoughts after reading about the millionaire aviator-adventurer who had been reported missing after taking off in his private plane on his latest global journey. As I read his biography, I concluded that it was not only amazing, but also practically unbelievable. A quick Internet of his name brought up an impressive listing of his achievements, including the following:

First solo hot air balloon trip around the world.
Sailed around the world in the fastest recorded time (58 days).
First person to circle the globe nonstop without refueling.
Competed in Alaska's famed Iditarod sled dog race.
Swam the English Channel.
Finished an Ironman Triathlon endurance competition.
His business successes enabled him to become a multi-millionaire.

I sent this list to a friend of mine, a fellow Ironman triathlon competitor who also was a U.S. space shuttle astronaut and pilot in the 1990s. I asked him this question: "Do you think he (the missing millionaire) was really satisfied or happy?" My friend responded by sending a question back at me: "Happy? Satisfied? Would you have been happy breaking 10 hours in your most recent Ironman race? If you had, wouldn't you now be imagining being able to break nine hours the next time?"

He was right. Mankind has an unquenchable spirit that will leave him feeling empty and unfulfilled, no matter how many trophies or how much money he is able to accumulate. I understand this concept, but sometimes still think I am the exception to the rule. Then, when I am honest, I realize that I am not. We all seem engaged in a perpetual quest to reach and attain what we do not have.

To achieve true fulfillment, instead of earthly accomplishments, we should make lists of achievements that would please our Creator. For me, if I were to be reported missing, I would like my list to read:

Loved and obeyed God with all his heart, soul and mind.
Loved his wife exclusively.
His kids thought he was a superhero in the flesh.
Was the kind of friend that could be called upon anytime, anywhere.
Was rich, but not in monetary wealth but in the number of people who loved him and were loved by him.
Was an athlete who maintained an eye on the real prize in life - eternal life!

Now that, in my view, is a truly rich legacy, one worthy of leaving on Google or any of
the other Internet search engines! How would you like your list to read? As Jesus said,
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

Adapted from a column by Dan Cadriel, a 44-year-old husband and father of three. He
is a three-time Ironman Triathlon finisher and a two-time USAT Honorable Mention All
American. He is the president of his local triathlon club, and he races for FCA
Endurance and Amino Vital. This column originally appeared on http://www.fca.org/.

Bonus: Reflection/Discussion Questions

What were your first impressions when you read the missing adventurer's list of personal accomplishments?
The writer suggests that despite those stunning milestones, they never brought lasting satisfaction. Instead, he believes, the missing millionaire experienced a lack of fulfillment, constantly in search of even greater challenges and achievements. Do you agree? Why or why not?
How would you compare that man's list with the very different list that the author presents for his own life?
If our desire is to fulfill God's plan and purpose for our lives, how can we best prioritize our goals and ambitions most effectively?

NOTE: If you have a Bible, consider these other passages that deal with this topic:
Psalm 37:4-5; Proverbs 16:1-3,9; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17,23; 2 Timothy 3:17

Adapted by CBMC International • Miracle Hills III, Suite 210 • 1065 North 115th St. • Omaha, NE 68514

CBMC New England 54 Green Street, Suite 104
Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 978-840-1093 Fax: 978-840-1093 [call first]





Home About Events Team Meetings Weekly Note Weekly Note Archive Executive Books Bookseller CBMC Resources & Tools Support CBMC CBMC New England 54 Green Street, Suite 104 Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 978-840-1093 Fax: 978-840-1093 [call first]	A Note from Ernie Truax September 29, 2008 I don’t know if you know anyone who competes in an Ironman Triathlon. I happen to know a man who does. It’s an amazing test of strength, endurance and long term will power. Ironman races include a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run -- those distances add up to 140.6 miles – all run consecutively on the same day! Just finishing the race is a phenomenal accomplishment for the few brave men and women who have the courage and discipline to train and compete. For most of us it would be considered the accomplishment of a lifetime. Or would it… ? Ernie P.S. – The Truth Project simulcast last Saturday, September 27th, was a great success. Focus on the Family announced that 328 churches throughout the country and Canada served as hosts, and approroximately 30,000 people were trained to lead The Truth Project small group study. For more details visit www.TheTruthProject.org. How to Be a Truly Rich Person by Dan Cadriel Recently I was working through an assortment of thoughts after reading about the millionaire aviator-adventurer who had been reported missing after taking off in his private plane on his latest global journey. As I read his biography, I concluded that it was not only amazing, but also practically unbelievable. A quick Internet of his name brought up an impressive listing of his achievements, including the following: First solo hot air balloon trip around the world. Sailed around the world in the fastest recorded time (58 days). First person to circle the globe nonstop without refueling. Competed in Alaska's famed Iditarod sled dog race. Swam the English Channel. Finished an Ironman Triathlon endurance competition. His business successes enabled him to become a multi-millionaire. I sent this list to a friend of mine, a fellow Ironman triathlon competitor who also was a U.S. space shuttle astronaut and pilot in the 1990s. I asked him this question: "Do you think he (the missing millionaire) was really satisfied or happy?" My friend responded by sending a question back at me: "Happy? Satisfied? Would you have been happy breaking 10 hours in your most recent Ironman race? If you had, wouldn't you now be imagining being able to break nine hours the next time?" He was right. Mankind has an unquenchable spirit that will leave him feeling empty and unfulfilled, no matter how many trophies or how much money he is able to accumulate. I understand this concept, but sometimes still think I am the exception to the rule. Then, when I am honest, I realize that I am not. We all seem engaged in a perpetual quest to reach and attain what we do not have. To achieve true fulfillment, instead of earthly accomplishments, we should make lists of achievements that would please our Creator. For me, if I were to be reported missing, I would like my list to read: Loved and obeyed God with all his heart, soul and mind. Loved his wife exclusively. His kids thought he was a superhero in the flesh. Was the kind of friend that could be called upon anytime, anywhere. Was rich, but not in monetary wealth but in the number of people who loved him and were loved by him. Was an athlete who maintained an eye on the real prize in life - eternal life! Now that, in my view, is a truly rich legacy, one worthy of leaving on Google or any of the other Internet search engines! How would you like your list to read? As Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Adapted from a column by Dan Cadriel, a 44-year-old husband and father of three. He is a three-time Ironman Triathlon finisher and a two-time USAT Honorable Mention All American. He is the president of his local triathlon club, and he races for FCA Endurance and Amino Vital. This column originally appeared on http://www.fca.org/. Bonus: Reflection/Discussion Questions What were your first impressions when you read the missing adventurer's list of personal accomplishments? The writer suggests that despite those stunning milestones, they never brought lasting satisfaction. Instead, he believes, the missing millionaire experienced a lack of fulfillment, constantly in search of even greater challenges and achievements. Do you agree? Why or why not? How would you compare that man's list with the very different list that the author presents for his own life? If our desire is to fulfill God's plan and purpose for our lives, how can we best prioritize our goals and ambitions most effectively? NOTE: If you have a Bible, consider these other passages that deal with this topic: Psalm 37:4-5; Proverbs 16:1-3,9; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17,23; 2 Timothy 3:17 Adapted by CBMC International • Miracle Hills III, Suite 210 • 1065 North 115th St. • Omaha, NE 68514 CBMC New England 54 Green Street, Suite 104 Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 978-840-1093 Fax: 978-840-1093 [call first]

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