Today was day one. And let me just say, its not as easy as I thought it would be.
With Easter Weekend and all, I was whipped before I ever woke up. I didn't get up early like I had planned. I just couldn't do it. My sinus cavities were killing me and I was up a lot during the night because of it. So when the alarm went off, I just rolled over and went back to dreamland.
To be honest, the p90x thing had me a little intimidated. But as soon as I dropped off the kids, I went straight to it. I've never worked so hard in my life. I did the chest and back workout, something in the neighborhood of 250 various push ups. Probably close to 100 pull ups and a whole bunch of other crappy exercises that made me want to cry. BUT I DID IT! And if I'm able to move in the morning, I'll start day 2. (I had to resort to doing the girly knees on the floor push ups after about 50).
As for the Bible in Ninety Days, that was more my speed. I could be a professional Bible Reader...oh wait, I am one. But it was really enjoyable. Mostly it was just reading Scripture for the sake of reading Scripture. No devotional to worry about, no stupid fill in the blank questions. Not even "future sermon" issues. I was just reading, and it was great. I actually read a few more chapters than I was scheduled to because I quit reading for the "goal" and just kind of got lost in reading. Good times. So I'm a little nerdy.
They say it takes 20 days to form a habit. Hopefully I can stick with the work-outs that long. I dont see the reading as problematic, but those workouts are cruel. Did I mention the 363 crunches I did in 15 minutes. Holy Cow, I miss my honey buns already. For those of you doing BIND, I am praying for you. And I expect you to do the same for me.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
90 Days to Change My Life!
Ok, its Sunday Morning and the onslaught of ministry stuff is about to begin, but this was fresh on my mind and thought I'd get it out here before its gone.
One BIG number is looming on the horizon.
90
Its a terrifying number to me right now. At church we are going to begin the "Through the Bible in 90 Days." This is going to begin on the 13th, the Monday after Easter. Its part of a bigger plan to see and understand what the Lord's Vision for New Hope Church is really all about. To be honest, I'm not too concerned with this aspect of the number 90. I love to read and have no doubt that this will be a "walk in the Scriptural Park" for me. (I am praying for those of you who dont love to read so much, who dont read so well or are so busy that chopping out a half hour just for reading is going to be a struggle).
The part of the number 90 that has me a little concerned is the other side of my 90 Day Transformation. I was swept away by the allure of an infomercial. Yes, solid, stoic me was enticed. Its hard to believe, but I was. I am the owner of P90X body sculpting program. And from what I hear, its brutal. Beyond Brutal. But seems to work for most who stick with it. I need sculpting. Truthfully, I need more than an artists touch, I need body engineering. But they haven't made any infomercials for that yet, so I'll stick with what I've got.
For this, I could use your prayers. And I'll keep you updated on the journey, as if you really care. It should be an interesting 90 days.
One BIG number is looming on the horizon.
90
Its a terrifying number to me right now. At church we are going to begin the "Through the Bible in 90 Days." This is going to begin on the 13th, the Monday after Easter. Its part of a bigger plan to see and understand what the Lord's Vision for New Hope Church is really all about. To be honest, I'm not too concerned with this aspect of the number 90. I love to read and have no doubt that this will be a "walk in the Scriptural Park" for me. (I am praying for those of you who dont love to read so much, who dont read so well or are so busy that chopping out a half hour just for reading is going to be a struggle).
The part of the number 90 that has me a little concerned is the other side of my 90 Day Transformation. I was swept away by the allure of an infomercial. Yes, solid, stoic me was enticed. Its hard to believe, but I was. I am the owner of P90X body sculpting program. And from what I hear, its brutal. Beyond Brutal. But seems to work for most who stick with it. I need sculpting. Truthfully, I need more than an artists touch, I need body engineering. But they haven't made any infomercials for that yet, so I'll stick with what I've got.
For this, I could use your prayers. And I'll keep you updated on the journey, as if you really care. It should be an interesting 90 days.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Just some stuff in my head today.
Just some stuff I've been thinking about today:
1. I took the family to see the movie "Bedtime Stories." I am not an Adam Sandler fan, I dont think he's all that funny and I hate to hear him make all of his ridiculous voices that neither compliment his humor or add to my enjoyment. I score Sandler right down there with Bette Midler when it comes to personal enjoyment. That being said, I had a great time at this movie and I enjoyed it (with a few exceptions directly pertaining to aforementioned actor). Here's why I enjoyed it:
*My kids loved it and laughed throughout.
*I liked the storyline (though predictable)
*No Profanity/nudity/violence.
*It was a good family day.
*I had a bunch of gift cards so I didn't feel like I was getting assaulted by the theater.
But here's what I really enjoyed the most. This movie engaged the imagination of my kids. Mine as well. And I think that is a quality that is lacking in so much of American life. Nobody has an imagination anymore. Im thinking about that 1978 song "Flowers are Red" by Harry Chapin. You look that one up for yourself. The point I'm trying to make is that we force kids to color inside the lines in acceptable colors...Hey Everybody!!!!! We have enough green grass and red flowers. Wouldn't the world be cool if we gave our kids the super pack of crayons and said "go make the world amazing." I dont know, maybe I'm weird.
2. The second thing on my mind the day after a new president has been inaugurated: What's Changed? President Obama campaigned on the promise of CHANGE, but I woke up in exactly the same world today that I went to bed in yesterday. He doesn't have what it takes to bring real change. No man does. That's why I will continue to put my hope in the only One who can bring true CHANGE...Jesus Christ. I hope you'll do the same.
3. I read a couple of interesting blog posts this week that help me deal with the whole presidential thing mentioned above. Pastor Scott over at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com on Monday and Tuesday of this week posted 2 prayers. One for our outgoing President and one for our incoming new President. Very insightful. You ought to go read them today.
Other than that, Deer Season is over. Waterfowling seasons are quickly coming to an end. Looks like its about time to get back to civilized life. Farewell caveman Jeff until the next hunter/gatherer season opens up.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
1. I took the family to see the movie "Bedtime Stories." I am not an Adam Sandler fan, I dont think he's all that funny and I hate to hear him make all of his ridiculous voices that neither compliment his humor or add to my enjoyment. I score Sandler right down there with Bette Midler when it comes to personal enjoyment. That being said, I had a great time at this movie and I enjoyed it (with a few exceptions directly pertaining to aforementioned actor). Here's why I enjoyed it:
*My kids loved it and laughed throughout.
*I liked the storyline (though predictable)
*No Profanity/nudity/violence.
*It was a good family day.
*I had a bunch of gift cards so I didn't feel like I was getting assaulted by the theater.
But here's what I really enjoyed the most. This movie engaged the imagination of my kids. Mine as well. And I think that is a quality that is lacking in so much of American life. Nobody has an imagination anymore. Im thinking about that 1978 song "Flowers are Red" by Harry Chapin. You look that one up for yourself. The point I'm trying to make is that we force kids to color inside the lines in acceptable colors...Hey Everybody!!!!! We have enough green grass and red flowers. Wouldn't the world be cool if we gave our kids the super pack of crayons and said "go make the world amazing." I dont know, maybe I'm weird.
2. The second thing on my mind the day after a new president has been inaugurated: What's Changed? President Obama campaigned on the promise of CHANGE, but I woke up in exactly the same world today that I went to bed in yesterday. He doesn't have what it takes to bring real change. No man does. That's why I will continue to put my hope in the only One who can bring true CHANGE...Jesus Christ. I hope you'll do the same.
3. I read a couple of interesting blog posts this week that help me deal with the whole presidential thing mentioned above. Pastor Scott over at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com on Monday and Tuesday of this week posted 2 prayers. One for our outgoing President and one for our incoming new President. Very insightful. You ought to go read them today.
Other than that, Deer Season is over. Waterfowling seasons are quickly coming to an end. Looks like its about time to get back to civilized life. Farewell caveman Jeff until the next hunter/gatherer season opens up.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Friday, January 09, 2009
Silent Sermon
I got the following in one of those forwarded emails that we all get. Somehow it managed to get through my filters and I'm glad it did. I was blessed by this and I share it today in the hopes that if you're one "these" people, maybe you'll find your way back to worship this Sunday.
Jeff
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'
Jeff
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'
Monday, December 22, 2008
I am proud today.
I am so proud today. Normally, that is my usual attitude towards our church. There are the occasional days when things get a little overwhelming, and pride isn't at the top of my list. But today isn't one of those days. Our choir performed their Christmas Cantata last night. It was good. It was better than good, it was awesome. I'm so proud of all the hard work that our choir put out. I'm proud of all the hard work the Drama group put out. The presentation they shared last night could have been done at any mega church with 20 times the resources, people and talents. But it wasn't, it was done at New Hope and It was that good. Next year, I'm going to figure out how to video the whole thing and post it either on this site or on the church website. I give God glory for all of you who worked so hard to help the rest of us prepare for Christmas.
Given my (ir)regularity at blogging (you'll notice my slacking coincides with the onset of hunting seasons) I better go ahead and say it today....MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you all know the joy, peace and love of God this Christmas time. We'll be heading to the Mother Land on Christmas morning. (That's ILLINOIS for those who dont get it) God Bless You All. I look forward to sharing 2009 with you.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Given my (ir)regularity at blogging (you'll notice my slacking coincides with the onset of hunting seasons) I better go ahead and say it today....MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you all know the joy, peace and love of God this Christmas time. We'll be heading to the Mother Land on Christmas morning. (That's ILLINOIS for those who dont get it) God Bless You All. I look forward to sharing 2009 with you.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day
Well, I'd like to think of myself as a fairly big supporter of our veterans. My dad is a vet, my father-in-law is a vet, heck, many of my relatives have served in the American Armed Forces. I do my best to be as civil minded as I can be, I salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, you know, all that stuff. I love my freedom and I know it didn't come cheap, not in the physical realm, not in the spiritual realm. (Though the 2 cannot be so clearly separated, nor should they be). At any rate, today is Veteran's Day. My lovely is not teaching today because of the holiday. So she has found a new way for the family to "celebrate." (I'm using that term very loosely)
Our Christmas Decorations are going up at this very moment. We honored our war heroes by emptying the attic of 90% of its contents this morning, and dumping, piling, stacking and flinging it in the general direction of the living room. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. What a mess. I love the decorations when they're up, but the taking out and putting back up part is the worst. Its worse than worst.
Yet the job is done. My part has been played. Nothing left to do but hide in the office for as long as I can.
Christmas is coming! And now with the decorations out, I can actually begin to look forward to celebrating the birth of the King.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Our Christmas Decorations are going up at this very moment. We honored our war heroes by emptying the attic of 90% of its contents this morning, and dumping, piling, stacking and flinging it in the general direction of the living room. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. What a mess. I love the decorations when they're up, but the taking out and putting back up part is the worst. Its worse than worst.
Yet the job is done. My part has been played. Nothing left to do but hide in the office for as long as I can.
Christmas is coming! And now with the decorations out, I can actually begin to look forward to celebrating the birth of the King.
He Has Made Me Glad!
jeff
Thursday, November 06, 2008
SSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHH!
Hey, its me. I finally remembered my blogger password, so now I'm back! Actually, not really. I know it may seem hard to comprehend, but I just havnt had anything to say worth saying. You know what Mom always said..."If you dont have something worthwile to contribute to the conversation, just keep your mouth shut." (or something along those lines) It's not that I've got bad stuff to say, I just dont have much at all to say. Is that a bad thing? I think there's something fairly valuable in silence. Most of the time, the "still, small voice" has something to say, but my lips are usually going 90 miles a minute.
I have yet to master the art of learning to be silent, but when I do, I wont tell ya!
I have yet to master the art of learning to be silent, but when I do, I wont tell ya!
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