2 years ago today my dad passed away at the young age of 60 years old. A large part of my obsession with my health and working out is a result of his dying at such a young age.
We had a very rocky relationship, but without a doubt he was one of the most important male influences in my life. There have been many a day over the last 2 years that I would have loved to just get his advice and his opinion on things going on in my life.
It is still just unbelievable to me that he is gone. One of the most impactful things for me from his death is that I make sure to tell the people in my life how much I love them and how important they are to me every chance I get. I think sometimes I make people uncomfortable when I tell them I love them - they don't know how to take it. I did not get that chance with my dad for the last year and a half he was alive.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Scattered Thoughts from an Empty Mind
Ok, I was not suppose to but I got on the scale this morning. I am down 9lbs. on this Ketogenic Diet! Mind you, this is without any cardio work - just lifting weight. I won't start cardio until the end of Feb. or 1st week of March. It took a week or so to adjust this food plan so that it would work for me, I had to tweak a couple of the meals but it is unreal. I have more energy than I did when I was in my 20's. I feel incredible and everytime I go to the gym I am hitting personal bests in weight on certain lifts. I actually got hurt Thursday night in the gym because I feel so good that I started lifting a weight I had no business lifting and hurt my right wrist - but I pushed the weight for 5 reps - yea me!
YouVersion.com is awesome. I downloaded the software to my Blackberry and I love it. I still have not figured out everything I can do with it, but just being able to switch to a different translation of Scripture with the touch of a button is incredible enough.
The Message translation of Scripture is quickly becoming my favorite. I have got to get a Bible with that translation. Its like it is a letter written directly to me, I love it. Matthew 6:33-34 was the 1st verses I memorized when I became a Christ follower and have always been among my favorites. Look at the personalness (not sure if that is a word) of The Message translation in comparison to my other favorite the NIV translation:
Matthew 6:30-34 (New International Version)
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:30-34 (The Message)
30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
It just seems to put the Scriptures on a more personal level. Really cool.
The end of times must be near, the Arizona Cardinals have won 2 playoff games and are a game away from the SuperBowl. The trumpet could sound any minute now.
Time for the gym. I did not get to workout yesterday and I can't wait to get there!
Leave me a comment with an email address if you want a copy of the Ketogenic Diet.
YouVersion.com is awesome. I downloaded the software to my Blackberry and I love it. I still have not figured out everything I can do with it, but just being able to switch to a different translation of Scripture with the touch of a button is incredible enough.
The Message translation of Scripture is quickly becoming my favorite. I have got to get a Bible with that translation. Its like it is a letter written directly to me, I love it. Matthew 6:33-34 was the 1st verses I memorized when I became a Christ follower and have always been among my favorites. Look at the personalness (not sure if that is a word) of The Message translation in comparison to my other favorite the NIV translation:
Matthew 6:30-34 (New International Version)
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:30-34 (The Message)
30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
It just seems to put the Scriptures on a more personal level. Really cool.
The end of times must be near, the Arizona Cardinals have won 2 playoff games and are a game away from the SuperBowl. The trumpet could sound any minute now.
Time for the gym. I did not get to workout yesterday and I can't wait to get there!
Leave me a comment with an email address if you want a copy of the Ketogenic Diet.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
YouVersion
Many of you probably know about this by now, but in case you don't:
If you have a "Smartphone", you need to go to YouVersion.com and download their mobile app. I installed in on my Blackberry over the weekend and it is incredible. The entire Bible in a gazillion different transalations is right there at the press of a button. You can post comments on Scripture, chat with others about passages you are reading, etc. Check it out.
I am now on my way to the gym for more painful treatment from my personal trainer Daren. As if life does not dole out hard enough treatment on it's own, I pay this man to abuse me like he does multiple times a week. After 52 weeks though, I must say it has been worth it!
If you have a "Smartphone", you need to go to YouVersion.com and download their mobile app. I installed in on my Blackberry over the weekend and it is incredible. The entire Bible in a gazillion different transalations is right there at the press of a button. You can post comments on Scripture, chat with others about passages you are reading, etc. Check it out.
I am now on my way to the gym for more painful treatment from my personal trainer Daren. As if life does not dole out hard enough treatment on it's own, I pay this man to abuse me like he does multiple times a week. After 52 weeks though, I must say it has been worth it!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Wow, if you had asked me a month ago I would have said "No Way!" New Year's Eve I joined Facebook and I love it. I spent half of New Year's Day messaging with people I had not talked with in 20+ years. The way the system works by identifying people you went to High School with and then people you have emailed from the email address you provide is just amazing. I have old friends that it has connected me with that I would have had no way of reaching otherwise, people who have moved out of state and stuff. Very cool, plus my Blackberry is connected so I get alerts all day long when people contact me. I am having a blast.
The New Year has started off pretty well. My workouts have been brutal!!! Tomorrow is my off day from the gym and I am SO THANKFUL.
I am going to download Youversion.com to my Blackberry to make Bible study easier at work. This is a great site if you have never used it.
Hope everyone has a great week!
The New Year has started off pretty well. My workouts have been brutal!!! Tomorrow is my off day from the gym and I am SO THANKFUL.
I am going to download Youversion.com to my Blackberry to make Bible study easier at work. This is a great site if you have never used it.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Flush & Turn the Light Out
My all time favorite movie is "Wallstreet" with Martin & Charlie Sheen. In my former life I wanted to be a stock broker - that is why I majored in Economics. One of my favorite lines from the movie - forgive me that I don't know the actors name -"man we sure went down the toilet on that ugly b....!" Holy cow 2008 could not get over fast enough. I am not foolish enough to believe that turning a calendar means anything, but certainly we all feel some type of optimism when a new year begins.
I have refrained from blogging for the better part of 2008 - while I had a lot to say - I believe there is a lot to be said for restraint & I probably would have really regretted a lot of what I said. As a matter of fact, I have waited over a month to post my personal thoughts on 2008 hoping that when I did write I would only say what I meant to say.
One of the Pastor blogs I subscribe to belongs to Shawn Lovejoy at Mountain Lake Church, & Pastor Lovejoy's last 2 blogs have been a recap of his 2008. I don't know if anyone reads my blog, but I believe I will certainly feel better when I finish this post - dang what a year!!!
Positives:
1) I have a wife and 2 kids and we are all healthy.
2) My wife and I both have good jobs, we have clothes on our backs and food on the table. Those of you who know me know that food is a very important topic for my wife and I. We measure everything we eat. We know every macronutrient that goes into our bodies - it seriously borders on weird I have been told.
3) I started 1.1.08 at 195lbs & 23% bodyfat. I started 1.1.09 at 206lbs & 15% bodyfat. 2008 marked a real personal commitment to getting healthy. My goal - if the Lord taries - for 1.1.10 is 215 - 220lbs & single digit bodyfat.
4) My mom & stepdad have settled into their retirement in the middle of nowhere Arizona and really seem to be happy - that makes me happy.
But 2008 has been one of the 2 or 3 worst years of my life, & I am glad it is over.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)
1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Some may criticize me for using this out of context, but over the last few months I have repeatedly meditated on this verse and it is the reason that I am optimistic as I turn the calendar to 2009. I have known heartache and disappointment in 2008 unlike any other time in my life, but I am still here. I hear the "still small voice" of God almost daily reminding me He is here. I have cried, I have punched walls, I have cussed people, I have longed to beat some people within an inch of their lives - all the while my Father has been there and walked with me and talked with me. I have screamed at Him, shaken my finger at Him, & many times asked Him how He could allow this to happen to me. Through it all, I have learned that my faith in Him is way stronger than I even belived it to be.
Saturday - 1.3.2009 - marks the 6 month anniversary of receiving some of the most devastating news of my life. I have to be honest, there are still moments when I am reminded and just completely caught off guard and stunned at what has happened. I still scream and yell but He still comforts me and reminds me that He is still there and He has it altogether even when I do not.
New Year's Eve- we all have people in our lives that hold a special place in our hearts. We can go days, months, even years without talking with them; but we think about them often. On the last day of a terrible year, I was contacted by one of my special people that I lost contact with over 15 years ago. I believe the Father sent me a gift yesterday when He touched that person's heart to reach out to me on 12.31.2008. I smiled all day like I had not smiled in a long time. Thank you Father, I love you!
Happy New Year to all,
I have refrained from blogging for the better part of 2008 - while I had a lot to say - I believe there is a lot to be said for restraint & I probably would have really regretted a lot of what I said. As a matter of fact, I have waited over a month to post my personal thoughts on 2008 hoping that when I did write I would only say what I meant to say.
One of the Pastor blogs I subscribe to belongs to Shawn Lovejoy at Mountain Lake Church, & Pastor Lovejoy's last 2 blogs have been a recap of his 2008. I don't know if anyone reads my blog, but I believe I will certainly feel better when I finish this post - dang what a year!!!
Positives:
1) I have a wife and 2 kids and we are all healthy.
2) My wife and I both have good jobs, we have clothes on our backs and food on the table. Those of you who know me know that food is a very important topic for my wife and I. We measure everything we eat. We know every macronutrient that goes into our bodies - it seriously borders on weird I have been told.
3) I started 1.1.08 at 195lbs & 23% bodyfat. I started 1.1.09 at 206lbs & 15% bodyfat. 2008 marked a real personal commitment to getting healthy. My goal - if the Lord taries - for 1.1.10 is 215 - 220lbs & single digit bodyfat.
4) My mom & stepdad have settled into their retirement in the middle of nowhere Arizona and really seem to be happy - that makes me happy.
But 2008 has been one of the 2 or 3 worst years of my life, & I am glad it is over.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)
1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Some may criticize me for using this out of context, but over the last few months I have repeatedly meditated on this verse and it is the reason that I am optimistic as I turn the calendar to 2009. I have known heartache and disappointment in 2008 unlike any other time in my life, but I am still here. I hear the "still small voice" of God almost daily reminding me He is here. I have cried, I have punched walls, I have cussed people, I have longed to beat some people within an inch of their lives - all the while my Father has been there and walked with me and talked with me. I have screamed at Him, shaken my finger at Him, & many times asked Him how He could allow this to happen to me. Through it all, I have learned that my faith in Him is way stronger than I even belived it to be.
Saturday - 1.3.2009 - marks the 6 month anniversary of receiving some of the most devastating news of my life. I have to be honest, there are still moments when I am reminded and just completely caught off guard and stunned at what has happened. I still scream and yell but He still comforts me and reminds me that He is still there and He has it altogether even when I do not.
New Year's Eve- we all have people in our lives that hold a special place in our hearts. We can go days, months, even years without talking with them; but we think about them often. On the last day of a terrible year, I was contacted by one of my special people that I lost contact with over 15 years ago. I believe the Father sent me a gift yesterday when He touched that person's heart to reach out to me on 12.31.2008. I smiled all day like I had not smiled in a long time. Thank you Father, I love you!
Happy New Year to all,
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Home Team Curriculum for 4.27.08
I have not blogged in quite awhile, but our Home Team on Saturday went really well I thought. I thought the subject matter and notes might help someone else so I wanted to post them. I plan to get back to regular blogging from this point on.
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE
4.20.08
You were not only born with a purpose, you were born on purpose.
Are you allowing God to stretch your faith?
Mt. 14: 26-32
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
v.28 – How many times in your life have you said to yourself or someone else: If only God would speak directly to me or give me a sign? I believe Peter gets out of the boat still not 100% sure that it is Jesus, but I also believe that his faith grew with each step he took on the water.
Do you feel like Jesus is telling you to do something? Sometimes, you just have to step out of the boat and start walking.
v.30 – Peter looked at the chaos around him and took his eyes off of Jesus. I believe the wind here can represent many things – finances, ungodly advice from others, criticism from others, etc. The wind is anything that gets our focus off of what Jesus has led us to do.
John 10:10 - … “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” i.e. abundantly
John 17:3 – “ Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
What is your purpose and what is my purpose in life:
Mark 12:30-31 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
4.20.08
You were not only born with a purpose, you were born on purpose.
Are you allowing God to stretch your faith?
Mt. 14: 26-32
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It's a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
v.28 – How many times in your life have you said to yourself or someone else: If only God would speak directly to me or give me a sign? I believe Peter gets out of the boat still not 100% sure that it is Jesus, but I also believe that his faith grew with each step he took on the water.
Do you feel like Jesus is telling you to do something? Sometimes, you just have to step out of the boat and start walking.
v.30 – Peter looked at the chaos around him and took his eyes off of Jesus. I believe the wind here can represent many things – finances, ungodly advice from others, criticism from others, etc. The wind is anything that gets our focus off of what Jesus has led us to do.
John 10:10 - … “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” i.e. abundantly
John 17:3 – “ Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
What is your purpose and what is my purpose in life:
Mark 12:30-31 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Friday, August 24, 2007
To Rose
I have been a confessed Christ Follower since I was 17 years old. I have had the joy and pleasure in that time of meeting 4 people that I am confident have actually seen Jesus. I was asked a couple of months ago why I was so captivated by a particular person and I said this: " I know when I am around that person, they have seen Jesus." I can say that about 4 people in my life! Tonight my wife and I received a phone call that one of those people has fallen deathly ill - My wife's grandmother Rose Campbelle. Rose knows Jesus - I don't know how to describe it, but Rose knows Jesus and since the 1st time we met, we have had a special bond that I can only describe as the power of Christ. Rose has fallen ill in the last 24 hours and I only hope I can get there in time Saturday night to see her one more time.
In 1993, Rose lost the love of her life Grandpa Campbelle. Rose told me over and over that Grandpa Campbelle would have loved me and that meant a lot. Rose: you will never see this or read this but I love you and I am going to miss you like you cannot imagine. Go home and see Grandpa - we will all be there soon enough.
You helped me remember my 1st love - Jesus. If I live to be 1000 years old I will never forget sitting on the Gazebo talking to you. Heaven and Grandpa await. We will be sad, but I know you will be happy - Grandpa misses you and he has been waiting. I love you Rose and I will see you again. I believe there is a Gazebo in Heaven waiting for us.
I will miss you Grandma Campbelle and I love you,
In 1993, Rose lost the love of her life Grandpa Campbelle. Rose told me over and over that Grandpa Campbelle would have loved me and that meant a lot. Rose: you will never see this or read this but I love you and I am going to miss you like you cannot imagine. Go home and see Grandpa - we will all be there soon enough.
You helped me remember my 1st love - Jesus. If I live to be 1000 years old I will never forget sitting on the Gazebo talking to you. Heaven and Grandpa await. We will be sad, but I know you will be happy - Grandpa misses you and he has been waiting. I love you Rose and I will see you again. I believe there is a Gazebo in Heaven waiting for us.
I will miss you Grandma Campbelle and I love you,
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