Ah, summer...can't live with it, can't be in youth ministry without it...
Summer is such a bittersweet time. On one hand, you get to see God work in very real and tangible ways (like on a mission trip), you get to do some fun stuff (concerts, waterparks, simply hanging with students a bunch), I tend to lose weight simply do to the non-stop nature of it all, etc. But on the other hand it is NON-STOP. high energy. Lock-ins. Being away from family for days at a time. And in Texas, it is hot hot hot! And any reader of this blog for at least a few months knows my favorite time of year is not these next three months (http://haphazardangus.blogspot.com/2007/09/why-fall-aka-autumn-is-my-favorite-time.html).
One thing that I always notice during the summer is that I don't do a good job cultivating my own soul. I go all out for the teens I serve, and try to leave some "soul" in the tank for my fam, but when it comes to me, I struggle. I mean, it's not like I forget my faith or anything, but it seems like any growth is simply "event-based", or in small doses. But I struggle to just STOP and "be" with God. So, in front of all 4 of you :-), I make a resolution to try and halt that pattern this year. One thing that does recharge me, believe it or not, is this blog, even when posts are not overtly "spiritual". As my blog goes, so often my pursuit of God goes...and if you want to see how summer can negatively affect this, just look at how rare posts are from last summer...
So here's to a summer of SOUL! Will you join me in refusing to let the busyness and heat of summer zap your soul dry?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
my review of The Police concert...
What can I say, it was impressive. And despite me not even really listing The Police as one of my "Top 5" favorite bands (definitely top 10 though...), it may very well have been the first concert I've ever attended where I knew (and sang) pretty much every word to each song...honestly, only "hole in My Life" and "Driven to Tears" gave me some trouble...and I still knew much of the latter.
They opened with a somewhat stripped down version of "Bring On the Night" which was pretty cool...then rolled right into "Message in a Bottle" with full force. Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland proceeded to weave quite a collection of great Police classics ("Walking On the Moon", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Can't Stand Losing You","Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", a VERY cool version of "Wrapped Around Your Finger", a sort-of jazzed up "When the World is Running Down...", "Invisible Sun", and encores "Roxanne", "King of Pain, "So Lonely", "Every Breath You Take", and ending with "Next to You".
My favorite songs of the night? Well, I always love "Message in a Bottle", which they played basically unaltered, but I really liked what they did to "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "King of Pain", in which drummer Stewart Copeland would go behind the drum set and play with all kinds of cool percussion and sound gadgets, often tossing his sticks in the air mid-song and running back to his drum set to rock. Also special was "So Lonely", which basically became a jam session showcasing Andy Summer's underrated guitar skills.
My only dissapointments? Well:
****I wish they played "Synchronicity II" and "Walking in Your Footsteps" instead of, say, "hole in My Life" and maybe the closer, "Next to You"...but those are small complaints and bands almost NEVER play every song you want to hear.
****It was hot as CRUD... In fact, Missy once had to leave our seats to go get air...
Overall, a fun evening. My wife Missy, when asked how she liked it, gave an "it was fine", but she is not the Police fan I am...so I rephrased: "Ok, did you like the 4 or 5 songs you new ahead of time?" "Oh yeah, they were great!" I know she especially was surprised by "Don't Stand So Close to Me", as she likes songs that are a story (even ones about, ahem, "a teacher-student relationship") and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", a song she knew and liked but though it was from just Sting, not The Police...
I'm sure I missed a song in there somewhere...
They opened with a somewhat stripped down version of "Bring On the Night" which was pretty cool...then rolled right into "Message in a Bottle" with full force. Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland proceeded to weave quite a collection of great Police classics ("Walking On the Moon", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Can't Stand Losing You","Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", a VERY cool version of "Wrapped Around Your Finger", a sort-of jazzed up "When the World is Running Down...", "Invisible Sun", and encores "Roxanne", "King of Pain, "So Lonely", "Every Breath You Take", and ending with "Next to You".
My favorite songs of the night? Well, I always love "Message in a Bottle", which they played basically unaltered, but I really liked what they did to "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "King of Pain", in which drummer Stewart Copeland would go behind the drum set and play with all kinds of cool percussion and sound gadgets, often tossing his sticks in the air mid-song and running back to his drum set to rock. Also special was "So Lonely", which basically became a jam session showcasing Andy Summer's underrated guitar skills.
My only dissapointments? Well:
****I wish they played "Synchronicity II" and "Walking in Your Footsteps" instead of, say, "hole in My Life" and maybe the closer, "Next to You"...but those are small complaints and bands almost NEVER play every song you want to hear.
****It was hot as CRUD... In fact, Missy once had to leave our seats to go get air...
Overall, a fun evening. My wife Missy, when asked how she liked it, gave an "it was fine", but she is not the Police fan I am...so I rephrased: "Ok, did you like the 4 or 5 songs you new ahead of time?" "Oh yeah, they were great!" I know she especially was surprised by "Don't Stand So Close to Me", as she likes songs that are a story (even ones about, ahem, "a teacher-student relationship") and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", a song she knew and liked but though it was from just Sting, not The Police...
I'm sure I missed a song in there somewhere...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My "I Want to See That Concert Before I Die" List
I have always loved live music. My concert attendance is certainly less frequent than, say, the mid-90s (went to a ton of shows from 1993-1997...hey, that coincides with my senior year of high school and my TCU years...). Saw artists like Rush, Sting, King's X, The Samples, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews Band, etc. I have seen others before or since (U2, Van halen, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Creed, Delirious, etc.), but below is my list of bands/artists I'd love to see before I die...
The Police:I am actually getting to check this off my list tonight! Woohoo! I have always been a Police fan...in fact, "Synchronicity" was like my 2nd or 3rd cassette tape purchased EVER, like in 1983. But, they split up after that one... I love (and have seen twice) Sting, and always appreciate him playing 4 or 5 Police songs per set, but to me they are different "entities". Sting has a very cool thing going on, and a great band, but there is something magical about the trip of Sting, Stewart Copeland (one of my favorite drummers) and Andy Summers bringing the "Regatta de Blanc". And growing up, they were always on my, "If they ever get back together and tour..." list... I'll give a review tomorrow...
Led Zeppelin: In high school, Zep was one of the "holy trinity" of bands my best friend and I had, meaning, if either Zep, Rush, or Van halen was on the radio, all "channel surfing" had to stop for that song... Well, you probably know Zep has been broken up for, oh, 28 years...but there are rumors stirring...and a recent "one-off" concert that apparently went well...so I hold out hope. This may be my remaining concert I would be willing to travel far for, just to see...
"David Lee Roth" Van halen: This is one I was never sure would happen...but it is. I realize I have already missed two DFW-area shows in the past year... I have already seen "hagar-era" Van halen (in fact, my first "real" concert in January of 92), but if Eddie can stay healthy, I may just be able to hear "Panama" and "Unchained" the way they were meant to be...with Roth...
U2 (again): This may be asking alot, but even though I love to turn up Van halen to 11, when asked what my "all criteria considered" favorite band is, I have to say U2. Now, technically they shouldn't be on this list anymore (I finally saw them in 2005), but dang it, it was incredible...and I want to experience it once more...
Metallica: For various reasons, Metallica has always been my favorite "rock your face off sonic assault"-type band. Never my favorite band, but in the top 5 or 10 to be sure. And just legendary to my generation (rocker children of the 80s/early 90s).
Def Leppard: While The Police's "Synchronicity" was my 2nd or 3rd cassette purchased...my first EVER was Def Leppard's "Pyromania". I wore that thing out (and did "hysteria" 4 years later). Cheesy? You bet. But it "works". There was a 5 or 6 year period (my late-elementary through middle school years) where they ruled the world...and it was fine by me. They still tour and make music, and while they may be a characature of their former selves, I hear they can still bring it live...
The Police:I am actually getting to check this off my list tonight! Woohoo! I have always been a Police fan...in fact, "Synchronicity" was like my 2nd or 3rd cassette tape purchased EVER, like in 1983. But, they split up after that one... I love (and have seen twice) Sting, and always appreciate him playing 4 or 5 Police songs per set, but to me they are different "entities". Sting has a very cool thing going on, and a great band, but there is something magical about the trip of Sting, Stewart Copeland (one of my favorite drummers) and Andy Summers bringing the "Regatta de Blanc". And growing up, they were always on my, "If they ever get back together and tour..." list... I'll give a review tomorrow...
Led Zeppelin: In high school, Zep was one of the "holy trinity" of bands my best friend and I had, meaning, if either Zep, Rush, or Van halen was on the radio, all "channel surfing" had to stop for that song... Well, you probably know Zep has been broken up for, oh, 28 years...but there are rumors stirring...and a recent "one-off" concert that apparently went well...so I hold out hope. This may be my remaining concert I would be willing to travel far for, just to see...
"David Lee Roth" Van halen: This is one I was never sure would happen...but it is. I realize I have already missed two DFW-area shows in the past year... I have already seen "hagar-era" Van halen (in fact, my first "real" concert in January of 92), but if Eddie can stay healthy, I may just be able to hear "Panama" and "Unchained" the way they were meant to be...with Roth...
U2 (again): This may be asking alot, but even though I love to turn up Van halen to 11, when asked what my "all criteria considered" favorite band is, I have to say U2. Now, technically they shouldn't be on this list anymore (I finally saw them in 2005), but dang it, it was incredible...and I want to experience it once more...
Metallica: For various reasons, Metallica has always been my favorite "rock your face off sonic assault"-type band. Never my favorite band, but in the top 5 or 10 to be sure. And just legendary to my generation (rocker children of the 80s/early 90s).
Def Leppard: While The Police's "Synchronicity" was my 2nd or 3rd cassette purchased...my first EVER was Def Leppard's "Pyromania". I wore that thing out (and did "hysteria" 4 years later). Cheesy? You bet. But it "works". There was a 5 or 6 year period (my late-elementary through middle school years) where they ruled the world...and it was fine by me. They still tour and make music, and while they may be a characature of their former selves, I hear they can still bring it live...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
I agree...
http://www.9marks.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598014%7CCIID2413974,00.html
It's an article called "God helps those who helps themselves?" I have always been bothered by that statement as a Christian...glad to see someone "break it down"...
It's an article called "God helps those who helps themselves?" I have always been bothered by that statement as a Christian...glad to see someone "break it down"...
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
...it's all about the parents...
A pastor friend of mine whose main focus is what his church calls "Next+Gen Ministry" (basically, 0-early twenties)emailed me recently to gather my thought on involving parents more in his ministry area. So, after a few days stewing it over, I wrote back. I felt it was of some worth to post it here and see what discussion it brings. I will comment after...
Ok, this may not be "everything" but I've been trying to put words to my ponderings on your question...so here goes and I may add later...and feel free to ask any questions, or even shift me in another direction if this wasn't really what you meant...
Well, I am more-and-more thinking that the folks most needing a "special ministry focus" are indeed parents...specifically, parents of youngins (like you and i). I certainly don't think it's too late for parents of older children or teens, but we may need to focus more on "tools" or "maintenance", or in some cases, simply survival, with that group.
But I think we have a very real chance to impact and encourage real leadership and family discipleship with new parents (say, with kids aged 0-5 or 6). I see a definite desire, at least among young parents who are believers, to truly be the primary spiritual guides for their families. Problem is, they generally did not see it modeled by those before them. So, despite the occasional big weekend retreat or seminar on parenting (which are still great...but more as "touchstones" like we would consider a youth retreat or something), there is no ongoing community of growth/wisdom/sharing. So, I propose that is one area that is needed...and ongoing "forum" or discussion opportunity...with some older parents who "get it" as guides. Maybe even offer some special life groups church-wide (would need to discuss this with your community/discipleship pastor). There is a hunger I see here...but sadly I think the window of opportunity slips for a real chance at effecting a family's "spiritual ethos" (to use a really trendy word...that does apply here) as these parents' kids get too far into elementary school...
Now as far as parents of older kids, as much as you or I would want to be able to get them to have the said "ethos" of what I mentioned above, reality is many folks are just crying for help at this point. So, maybe this is a more "giving them survival tools"-type thing. I mean, more than that, sure, because it isn't truly too late to have a changing effect, but it is tougher. One thing I see among roughly half to 2/3 of my parents are that they kinda "Wish" they had a family-discipleship focus earlier on, and desire it now, but have an attitude of "it's too late...right?" and so they just do bare minimum. And then the rest basically don't care...i suppose we shouldn't abandon them totally, but reality indicates most of them won't really pay attention.
So, not many specifics yet I suppose, mainly thoughts. But maybe you can work off them a bit.
Thoughts?
And later I sent this "addition":
Also, I think having actual parents involved (maybe even the majority?) as committed volunteers in your ministries is important. I used to not think that (aka, “the best volunteers are young, single, cool, etc.”), thinking that kids didn’t seem to want their parents around, so why bother? My attitudes are changing… In addition to various kids valuing from the wisdom of other kids’ parents (if not always their own…I do still try to separate kids from their own parents as much as possible, like as discussion group leaders, etc.), it helps the parents themselves get more used to discussing faith issues with kids, even if not their own. In fact, I often hear from the adults in our ministry that they get a lot personally from the messages, etc., themselves…and start applying it. I dunno, just a thought…I mean, certainly still keep your young single-types…but the more multi-generational, the better in my estimation volunteer-wise… Everyone just seems to benefit from each other (and isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be???).
I am also continuing to notice through one-on-one conversations with kids and group discussions that kids, while they don’t tend to “project” it or admit it to parents, truly do want a closer relationship with them, even in a “guidance” role. I know research indicates this, but it is hard to really “see”. But I can attest to this. I had one kid (a fairly “core” kid) get into some trouble recently, and as we were talking one night about how his parents were reacting, he even said he wished they would just truly open up and talk with him more about the situation (as opposed to “punish, yet act like nothing happened when it comes to discussing the problem itself”), and even said he wishes his parents (as a whole) would talk more about God in their lives, etc. WOW. And I just thought of another example where a kid was struggling to not watch Skin-o-Max late at night on a game room TV…he even told me he wished his parents would just be stricter and put security passwords/controls on it…but he was afraid to mention it because then they’d know he had been watching porn. But both stories show me that kids truly WANT parents to, well, “be parents” and guides…
Problem is kids don’t do a great job expressing that, and as a result parents have no idea in many cases…so maybe we need to start young and encourage real change in the family’s focus…so they can set a standard and model it to future families better...
So, there it is. I really believe the primary influencers in life are parents, and the influence can go good or bad (or even middle...the meh-types...). While I have not run any scientific studies on this myself, I have various books/articles/conversations and over 10 years of hands-on ministry experience to back me up (especially the past few years where this issue has been more on my radar screen). I can attest that a child's parental involvement and attitudes are connected more than most parents realize (or will care to admit). My apathetic-toward-"life changing faith"-kids seem to have parents that likewise won't talk about God among their own family, etc. My more "wheels-off" kids (decision making, etc.) tend to have parents that are very wheels off in approach to faith or parenting. And my kids that seem to have a true core of a living faith have parents that seem to make faith a priority in their own decisions, modeling, and discussions...but not in a freaky, overbearing way. Just more "matter of fact" I suppose. Simply put, it is real to them, but not only in a "God will fix my crud"-kind of way (a valid possibility...but that seems to bread more of a "God is a vending machine for my problems and yes he is real but I don't know much else about him"-attitude...). It is more real in a flowing, God-is-always-present and knows what's up way; a "Jesus saved me and I am grateful and will model myself on him"-way.
What does this all mean? Well, I believe I've made past posts inferring that this ministry focus is increasingly on my heart and may one day become my main focus (instead of only teen-ministry), but even as a husband and dad currently, it has bearing. I must first make my own life one seeking to follow jesus above all else, and hopefully my wife and son see it. When I mess up, I fess up. I need to share nuggets of God's wisdom and purpose with them (obviously smaller more basic ones to Jax, he's not yet 4). And I must "put my money where my mouth is", so to speak. I need to expect the same things of our family that I expect and encourage of the families in the ministry I serve. Getting frustrated about parents encouraging kids to spend more time on sports/music/other than cultivating their relationship with God? Then I need to do the same... In fact, we have our first "sports dilemma" this Saturday: Jax's first Blastball game vs. Childrens' Musical Practice (the last one). Missy and I have decided to at least try and do "both", coming late to rehearsal...but we have even discussed. just choosing rehearsal, as "it's only blastball, and he has 9 more games...", as we really want to start modeling priorities NOW with him. If we just shrug it off and wait...before we know it he will be 11 and too late...
The hardest part of all this to me? It's parents actually realizing that maybe the biggest problem...is ourselves. I mean, think about it. Why don't parents impliment more security features on computers, TVs, etc.? Well, some may truly be ignorant that it is even an issue. Others may just "not want to really know" so they turn a blind eye. Others are simply WAY too trusting of their kiddoes. But others...well, they don't "take the tough steps" because, well, maybe they want the "freedom" to do unhealthy things themselves...feel like its' their right as adults or something. But parenting changed everything, and it does involve SACRIFICE. Want your kids to not waste their time on foolish things and focus on what's important? Maybe dad needs to not play golf so much and instead spend time with family... Want your kids to make following Christ a priority? Then mom needs to choose to go to a Bible study or something instead of another "mom's club" or whatever 3 times a week... Want your kid to not watch inappropriate programming or look at nasty stuff on the internet? Then have a "middle man" put codes on your TV and FOR GOD'S SAKE get that computer out of your kids' room...and put it in a common area with security that is not easily "igured out...
Are golf, mom's clubs, TV, or internet inherently bad? Of course not. But I think one way Christian parents drop the ball is by not sacrificing some (notice I didn't say "all" before some of you think I'm trying to say parents can't have fun, or hang with friends, or watch some R-rated movies EVER) of our own desires for the sake of modeling Godly priorities to our kiddoes...
Thoughts? I would LOVE them...
Ok, this may not be "everything" but I've been trying to put words to my ponderings on your question...so here goes and I may add later...and feel free to ask any questions, or even shift me in another direction if this wasn't really what you meant...
Well, I am more-and-more thinking that the folks most needing a "special ministry focus" are indeed parents...specifically, parents of youngins (like you and i). I certainly don't think it's too late for parents of older children or teens, but we may need to focus more on "tools" or "maintenance", or in some cases, simply survival, with that group.
But I think we have a very real chance to impact and encourage real leadership and family discipleship with new parents (say, with kids aged 0-5 or 6). I see a definite desire, at least among young parents who are believers, to truly be the primary spiritual guides for their families. Problem is, they generally did not see it modeled by those before them. So, despite the occasional big weekend retreat or seminar on parenting (which are still great...but more as "touchstones" like we would consider a youth retreat or something), there is no ongoing community of growth/wisdom/sharing. So, I propose that is one area that is needed...and ongoing "forum" or discussion opportunity...with some older parents who "get it" as guides. Maybe even offer some special life groups church-wide (would need to discuss this with your community/discipleship pastor). There is a hunger I see here...but sadly I think the window of opportunity slips for a real chance at effecting a family's "spiritual ethos" (to use a really trendy word...that does apply here) as these parents' kids get too far into elementary school...
Now as far as parents of older kids, as much as you or I would want to be able to get them to have the said "ethos" of what I mentioned above, reality is many folks are just crying for help at this point. So, maybe this is a more "giving them survival tools"-type thing. I mean, more than that, sure, because it isn't truly too late to have a changing effect, but it is tougher. One thing I see among roughly half to 2/3 of my parents are that they kinda "Wish" they had a family-discipleship focus earlier on, and desire it now, but have an attitude of "it's too late...right?" and so they just do bare minimum. And then the rest basically don't care...i suppose we shouldn't abandon them totally, but reality indicates most of them won't really pay attention.
So, not many specifics yet I suppose, mainly thoughts. But maybe you can work off them a bit.
Thoughts?
And later I sent this "addition":
Also, I think having actual parents involved (maybe even the majority?) as committed volunteers in your ministries is important. I used to not think that (aka, “the best volunteers are young, single, cool, etc.”), thinking that kids didn’t seem to want their parents around, so why bother? My attitudes are changing… In addition to various kids valuing from the wisdom of other kids’ parents (if not always their own…I do still try to separate kids from their own parents as much as possible, like as discussion group leaders, etc.), it helps the parents themselves get more used to discussing faith issues with kids, even if not their own. In fact, I often hear from the adults in our ministry that they get a lot personally from the messages, etc., themselves…and start applying it. I dunno, just a thought…I mean, certainly still keep your young single-types…but the more multi-generational, the better in my estimation volunteer-wise… Everyone just seems to benefit from each other (and isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be???).
I am also continuing to notice through one-on-one conversations with kids and group discussions that kids, while they don’t tend to “project” it or admit it to parents, truly do want a closer relationship with them, even in a “guidance” role. I know research indicates this, but it is hard to really “see”. But I can attest to this. I had one kid (a fairly “core” kid) get into some trouble recently, and as we were talking one night about how his parents were reacting, he even said he wished they would just truly open up and talk with him more about the situation (as opposed to “punish, yet act like nothing happened when it comes to discussing the problem itself”), and even said he wishes his parents (as a whole) would talk more about God in their lives, etc. WOW. And I just thought of another example where a kid was struggling to not watch Skin-o-Max late at night on a game room TV…he even told me he wished his parents would just be stricter and put security passwords/controls on it…but he was afraid to mention it because then they’d know he had been watching porn. But both stories show me that kids truly WANT parents to, well, “be parents” and guides…
Problem is kids don’t do a great job expressing that, and as a result parents have no idea in many cases…so maybe we need to start young and encourage real change in the family’s focus…so they can set a standard and model it to future families better...
So, there it is. I really believe the primary influencers in life are parents, and the influence can go good or bad (or even middle...the meh-types...). While I have not run any scientific studies on this myself, I have various books/articles/conversations and over 10 years of hands-on ministry experience to back me up (especially the past few years where this issue has been more on my radar screen). I can attest that a child's parental involvement and attitudes are connected more than most parents realize (or will care to admit). My apathetic-toward-"life changing faith"-kids seem to have parents that likewise won't talk about God among their own family, etc. My more "wheels-off" kids (decision making, etc.) tend to have parents that are very wheels off in approach to faith or parenting. And my kids that seem to have a true core of a living faith have parents that seem to make faith a priority in their own decisions, modeling, and discussions...but not in a freaky, overbearing way. Just more "matter of fact" I suppose. Simply put, it is real to them, but not only in a "God will fix my crud"-kind of way (a valid possibility...but that seems to bread more of a "God is a vending machine for my problems and yes he is real but I don't know much else about him"-attitude...). It is more real in a flowing, God-is-always-present and knows what's up way; a "Jesus saved me and I am grateful and will model myself on him"-way.
What does this all mean? Well, I believe I've made past posts inferring that this ministry focus is increasingly on my heart and may one day become my main focus (instead of only teen-ministry), but even as a husband and dad currently, it has bearing. I must first make my own life one seeking to follow jesus above all else, and hopefully my wife and son see it. When I mess up, I fess up. I need to share nuggets of God's wisdom and purpose with them (obviously smaller more basic ones to Jax, he's not yet 4). And I must "put my money where my mouth is", so to speak. I need to expect the same things of our family that I expect and encourage of the families in the ministry I serve. Getting frustrated about parents encouraging kids to spend more time on sports/music/other than cultivating their relationship with God? Then I need to do the same... In fact, we have our first "sports dilemma" this Saturday: Jax's first Blastball game vs. Childrens' Musical Practice (the last one). Missy and I have decided to at least try and do "both", coming late to rehearsal...but we have even discussed. just choosing rehearsal, as "it's only blastball, and he has 9 more games...", as we really want to start modeling priorities NOW with him. If we just shrug it off and wait...before we know it he will be 11 and too late...
The hardest part of all this to me? It's parents actually realizing that maybe the biggest problem...is ourselves. I mean, think about it. Why don't parents impliment more security features on computers, TVs, etc.? Well, some may truly be ignorant that it is even an issue. Others may just "not want to really know" so they turn a blind eye. Others are simply WAY too trusting of their kiddoes. But others...well, they don't "take the tough steps" because, well, maybe they want the "freedom" to do unhealthy things themselves...feel like its' their right as adults or something. But parenting changed everything, and it does involve SACRIFICE. Want your kids to not waste their time on foolish things and focus on what's important? Maybe dad needs to not play golf so much and instead spend time with family... Want your kids to make following Christ a priority? Then mom needs to choose to go to a Bible study or something instead of another "mom's club" or whatever 3 times a week... Want your kid to not watch inappropriate programming or look at nasty stuff on the internet? Then have a "middle man" put codes on your TV and FOR GOD'S SAKE get that computer out of your kids' room...and put it in a common area with security that is not easily "igured out...
Are golf, mom's clubs, TV, or internet inherently bad? Of course not. But I think one way Christian parents drop the ball is by not sacrificing some (notice I didn't say "all" before some of you think I'm trying to say parents can't have fun, or hang with friends, or watch some R-rated movies EVER) of our own desires for the sake of modeling Godly priorities to our kiddoes...
Thoughts? I would LOVE them...
Monday, May 5, 2008
walking...to lose weight?
I LOVE to exercise. Cycling and weights, specifically...but in my busy life, those things rarely happen, if ever. In addition to the fun I have exercising, due to my body type/metabolism/genes (probably), it is somewhat of a neccesity. In fact, compared to some I know, I seem to need to exercise a bunch more for seemily less "effect". Sure, I am not really psycho with my diet, and that likely plays a part, but I generally try to watch at least somewhat wvat I eat...
So a few years back I tried jogging. If you must know, it isn't my favorite thing, but I figured I got "more bang for my buck" (you know, run really hard for 20-30 min, etc.). It did help me lose a bit of weight and I felt better/more fit overall, but I have essentially "lived" in the 180s for a few years...despite regular exercise. Well, a couple weeks I pulled my left calf muscle. I tried to tough it out on a couple runs, but both times I had to stop about 15 min. in as I could no longer continue...
So, I decided to start walking instead (you know, "speed walking"). All last week, I would get up at my normal time (6 am), get dressed, fire up the ipod, and go walk. Only main difference is that I would go for longer, more like 40-45 minutes. On Friday (my day off), I even went out to a trail nearby and walked for an hour or so.
Well a funny thing happened: I lost 3+ pounds since Friday! And I certainly didn't eat "good" over the weekend...
What is going on????
I am the king of yo-yo weight...it is obviously easier to gain, but I can gain like 5 lbs. over thanksgiving, but i can lose it all back in a couple weeks... I even have a history of big swings. In 1994, I went all psycho (diet and exercise) and lost over 50 lbs. I stayed in usually decent fitness for like 7 years, until I (of course) got engaged, and for some reason I "forgot" all that discipline when I moved to houston pre-marriage (Missy was still in Ft. Worth) and popped up like 40 lbs again. I basically ballooned due to less exercise and a lack of discipline. So thankfully (and slowly...probably a better method) I did drop about 30 again...and have been able to stay generally there for 5 years or so. So we'll see...
So a few years back I tried jogging. If you must know, it isn't my favorite thing, but I figured I got "more bang for my buck" (you know, run really hard for 20-30 min, etc.). It did help me lose a bit of weight and I felt better/more fit overall, but I have essentially "lived" in the 180s for a few years...despite regular exercise. Well, a couple weeks I pulled my left calf muscle. I tried to tough it out on a couple runs, but both times I had to stop about 15 min. in as I could no longer continue...
So, I decided to start walking instead (you know, "speed walking"). All last week, I would get up at my normal time (6 am), get dressed, fire up the ipod, and go walk. Only main difference is that I would go for longer, more like 40-45 minutes. On Friday (my day off), I even went out to a trail nearby and walked for an hour or so.
Well a funny thing happened: I lost 3+ pounds since Friday! And I certainly didn't eat "good" over the weekend...
What is going on????
I am the king of yo-yo weight...it is obviously easier to gain, but I can gain like 5 lbs. over thanksgiving, but i can lose it all back in a couple weeks... I even have a history of big swings. In 1994, I went all psycho (diet and exercise) and lost over 50 lbs. I stayed in usually decent fitness for like 7 years, until I (of course) got engaged, and for some reason I "forgot" all that discipline when I moved to houston pre-marriage (Missy was still in Ft. Worth) and popped up like 40 lbs again. I basically ballooned due to less exercise and a lack of discipline. So thankfully (and slowly...probably a better method) I did drop about 30 again...and have been able to stay generally there for 5 years or so. So we'll see...
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