ritchiemiller.org

I went to a Braves game a couple of weeks ago. It was the night they retired Tom Glavine’s number. It is always fun to go to Turner Field. I was thinking about the Braves, the Falcons, and the Hawks. It is possible that this could be the year that all three teams are in the playoffs. The Hawks made the NBA playoffs earlier this year, the Braves are looking good for a MLB playoff spot this fall, the Falcons could be in the NFL playoffs. In light of that, I am willing to take any tickets to the Braves, Falcons, or Hawks that you are willing to give me. That is just the kind of guy I am.

Ritchie

Here is a picture of my Great Grandpa Will Miller, my Grandpa Sanford Miller, my Dad Roger Miller, and yours truly when I was about four or five years old.

For those of you who do not like your job, it could be worse. First of all, you could be jobless, which would be bad. Second of all, you could have a really crappy job. This past February Kim and I were in South Africa and we saw a dung beetle working his tiny little legs off. He was scrounging around in a huge pile of elephant poop. He formed a ball about five times the size of his body and was pushing it across the road. Not only was he trying to avoid getting squashed, his job required that he be over his head in crap!

So if you were feeling a little down about your job, cheer up! It could be worse.

Ritchie

A lot of people have been asking me how the running is going. For those of you who do not know, I am preparing for the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa. This is a race that is 89 kilometers (54 miles) and I will run it on May 29, 2011. I am doing this to raise money to build more houses for our children’s village in Ashburton, South Africa. I am trying to get 1000 people to sponsor me at $1 per kilometer.

The training is going well. I am running six days per week and lifting weights one day per week. I am on a training regiment for running the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day, which will be my second marathon. This is a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon. My schedule includes cross training one day per week, running 3-5 miles two days per week, running 5-10 miles at a set pace two days per week, and running a long run one day per week. My long days are on Saturdays and look like this between now and November: (in miles) 8, 13, 14, 10, 16, 17, 12, 19, 20, 12, 20, 12, 20, 12, and 8. Wow, that made me tired just typing it.

Until it gets cooler I have to run indoors (which is really boring running 110 laps at Gold’s Gym) or really early in the morning. I ran 11 miles this past Saturday between 10:00 AM and 12: PM and I nearly passed out. I had to walk part of it. I did have a church member stop and offer me a ride. Then he started playing “Eye Of The Tiger” to motivate me. I became highly motivated…to get away from him. Thanks, Clint.

Keep on running.

Ritchie

• Take an occasional break and focus on God throughout the day
• Thank God for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness
• Read the Bible for a few minutes
• Quick – Think of 10 things you are thankful for
• Pray for our youth who are at camp this week
• Pray for me that I do not “act unchristian” as I deal with the bus company that we paid to take our youth to camp WHO DID NOT SHOW UP UNTIL 7 HOURS LATE AND CAUSED OUR KIDS TO MISS THE FIRST SESSION!
• Pray for me again on that one…I need it
• Pray for me as I work on our new series, “I Want A New Marriage” (It starts August 1st and it is going to be awesome! We are doing a wedding/renewal of vows on August 29th)
• Invite someone to Avalon Church
• Be nice to someone you are not normally nice to

Have a great day!

Ritchie

One of the cool things about being a pastor is that you are able to meet lots of interesting people. Once, a member of our church who works for Delta Airlines got my son, Brandon, and me an appointment to fly in the jet simulator that they use to train pilots. I can’t even begin to tell you how cool that was. It was just like flying a jet; only the crashes were not nearly as expensive or nearly as fatal.

I discovered that I was not a very good pilot. I killed over 3000 people in crashes all over the world. I could take off just fine but it was really hard to land that sucker! Brandon, on the other hand, made near-perfect landings right from the start. I made him walk home.

That got me thinking about a bumper sticker that I have seen a lot. “God is my co-pilot.” Really? Your co-pilot? Good luck with that.

I think I will stick with letting Him be my Pilot. I am not even the co-pilot. If He needs my help I am sure He will ask. So far He has never needed my advice or my help. I have tried the pilot’s seat and I always make a mess of things when I am in it. I think I will just stay out of it and let God stay there. There are no crashes that way.

Have a crash-free day.

Ritchie

Kim and I have been married for 24 years. I often get asked “what is our secret?” I tell people it is because we learned early on that we needed to go out often. So for 24 years we have gone out twice a week. She goes out on Tuesday and I go out on Friday. Just kidding. When you look at these pictures from the past, though, it is no wonder that we have been married for so long. Who could resist?

How could Kim resist a man lying on the couch watching TV with his belly hanging out?

A woman with here hair in rollers...who can resist? All she needs now is bedroom slippers and spandex and she could go to Wal-Mart

Ritchie

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt depressed because of what you see? Have you ever wondered why you are not more sophisticated, suave, and debonair? Have you ever wished that your children looked as good as your neighbor’s kids? Have you ever felt like you fell out of an ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down? If you have ever felt short-changed in the looks, talent, or brains department then I have found the answer for what ails you.

Just blame it on your ancestors. This may not make you smarter, better, or prettier but at least you will feel better about yourself. You won’t have to answer the question, “Why?” Now you will know.

Here are some pictures of some of my ancestors. First, I would like to introduce you to my great, great Grandpa and Grandma Snyder and Rosa Miller. They called him “Snyd” (pronounced like snide). If you are so sarcastic that you are called “snide” then you are my hero. Thanks, grandpa.

Next is Matilda and Houston Hutchens, my great, great grandparents as well. Houston, we have a problem. You are so ugly that it will affect generations of your grandkids.

Well, there you have it. You know my reasons now.

What’s your problem?

Ritchie

Snydor and Rosa Miller never won a beauty contest

Matilda and Houston Hutchens. Not America's Next Top Model

Brooke, Kim, and I are here at my parent’s house for a few days of rest. I ran 10 miles again this morning. Last night my dad took us on his 2 and 1/2 mile trail he has made through the woods. My mom broke out the photo album. Of course she did. That is what moms and grandmas do. I thought I would make you suffer through some of what I am suffering. Here goes.

Notice the blank stare. I have perfected that look over the years.

Notice the blazing hand speed. It was difficult to hide my superhero status for many years.

There is that look again. Can you believe that they did not think I was sharp enough to be in the advanced classes? Incredible!

Trust me. There will be more tomorrow.

Ritchie

After the service at Avalon Church South Campus yesterday, Kim, Brooke, and I drove to NC to see my parents. We are taking a few days of vacation. My dad is going to teach Brooke how to drive, since she is going to be 15 in October and will get her learner’s permit. God help us all. I got up at 5:45 and ran 10 miles (some vacation, huh). It was beautiful. I am now sitting on the front porch listening to the wind chimes and drinking coffee. Very relaxing. Hopefully, it will be a relaxing few days.

See you on Sunday.

Ritchie