Nathan E. Lewis

I have started to run again, after a four-year break (the day I suffered my stroke, I stopped running.) In these years my veins have been coursing with blood thinners and, of course, the best coffee in the world - Black Tiger from Java Nation in Beaverton - “Declare Your Independence!” (It is slightly better than Stumptown, I must admit, which is slightly better than The Coffee Cottage in Newberg, and Sluislaw from Florence, Oregon - but only slightly better and a matter of taste.) By now, I have convinced you that caffeine may be the only substance coursing through my veins as I write this update. Yesterday, I finally told Glenda that I had started to run again. She is fearful of the pounding impact and over-exertion. My doctors have dried up my joints and greatly reduced the uric acid levels in my body (but not the acid from coffee levels) and so, I have not suffered any gout flare ups for eight months! And so I have hit the trail again. (I am addicted to running.) I confided in my friend, Scott Turner, and I am sure that he has been praying for me as he runs. I have also notified Loren Wiebe, who founded the 49′rs Club back in 1982 or ‘83, when I was a college student, singing in the Biola Chorale, under his direction, and running a minimum of 49 miles monthly or paying the club members $49.00 for failing to do so. I am rejoining the club this September 1, 2008! Now I am back on track. I am asking the world to keep me accountable to run regularly and to lose 20 pounds by Christmas 2008. (The Beijing Olympics 2008 have nothing to do with my recent spurt of exercise - absolutely nothing to do with it.)

Joshua Prescott weighed in at 4lb 14oz, 17 1/3″ and arrived at 7:52am
James Michael weighed in at 6lb even, 18 1/2″ and arrived at 7:53am
Isaac Thomas weighed in at 5lb 1.4oz, 18 1/4″ and arrived seconds later also at 7:53am

Sophia (My 8 year old daughter) traveled with me to Dallas, TX, this past June. While I participated in the PCA’s General Assembly meetings, Sophia joined other children at a Vacation Bible School and series of field trips. One of the highlights of the trip was our visit with dear friends, Jay and Karen David, my age and expecting the birth of their first children - triplet boys this July 14! (View other photos of Sophia’s adventures in Dallas.)

My son, Everett James has completed 15 pen and ink drawings of women and his art teacher, Kathy DeArmond Mier has arranged for them to show at Kettlemen’s Bagels in Southeast Portland through April 30. Everett is fourteen years old, a talented musician and budding artist. I am proud of his work and give glory to God for his skills and love of art. Kathy Mier, along with her husband, Gary, own and operate Gallery 7126 in the Pearl District. Visit their gallery sometime soon and several times a year to appreciate their rotation of local artists. Encourage Everett by dropping by Kettleman’s on Friday, March 7, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Nathan traveled with his daughter, Sophia, to Santa Cruz, to celebrate the wedding of his niece, Corrie Marie Miser, to Matthew Hallock. Click on the photo to see his entire album of photos.