Before and After P90X

This year has been a year of health for me (more on that in another post). Part of that has been a physical up-fit that included P90X.

I started this year weighing in at 230 pounds and wearing size 40 pants. The current stats are 180 pounds and size 32 pants!!

Here are some photos of the 230 man and the skinnier guy that’s working his way out.

Photos: (1-3 are 230 lbs, 4-5 are pre-P90X, 6-10 are post-P90X)

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Lessons From A Novice Runner Pt. 1

I have just started running (mainly because my Wii Fit tells me that I am obese) and I have already learned a few things that I find helpful.

The first lesson that I have learned is that when I get fatigued and want to give up, I have to fix my eyes on something that I can see. Finishing the whole run is still the goal but when I can’t see the finish line I have to focus on a more short term goal. This helps me get through the battle going on in my head. If I tell myself that you can get to that next point then I have a goal that I fell like is achievable and when I get there I pick another target.

I feel like we have a lot of people at Lifepoint in that spot as well. There is a battle going on in their mind and they can’t see the finishline. The fatigue has them at a point that they just want to give up. Don’t do it! Fix your eyes on the next mile marker that God has infront of you and the run towards it with all you have. He will give you another one when you get there.

Chuck Norris

Thanks to Lee McDerment and Hart Wilkie, I got on a Chuck Norris kick today. Here are some of my favorite Chuck Norris facts:

• When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
• Chuck Norris doesn’t read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
• There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
• Outer space exists because it’s afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.
• Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

• Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

• Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
• Chuck Norris counted to infinity – twice.
• There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.
• When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
• Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
• Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.
• Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
• Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
• Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
• Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost

What Would You Do If You Were Debt Free?

My family is working toward debt freedom but for now I am just dreaming about what I would do if I were.

Here is a short list and is not in an order of priority.

• Lasik Eye Surgery
• Move my mom to Wilmington
• Braces for these crazy teeth
• A shopping spree for my wife (she never buys herself anything)
• Adopt a child
• Sponsor a compassion international child
• Save for kids college

What about you? What would you do if you were debt free and what are you doing to get there?

Man On Fire

Is there a fire in your gut? Are you passionate about something? Anything? That is my burden right now. I want to see people that are fanatical about what they do and who they are. When I see people go through the motions of life it makes me feel nauseous and angry.

Having said that, here are a few things that are burning in my gut right now:

• Helping Lifepoint prepare for what God has in store. I believe with all my heart that the only thing that will keep us from growing and pointing more people to life is us! I feel like we need to sure up our net in a few places and continue to strengthen the line in all areas and God will meet us there. However, if we bring a mediocre effort to the table, that’s all we give Him to work with. That’s BURNING IN ME.
• Helping others catch on fire. As I stated above, it upsets my stomach to see people with potential that are fine with mediocrity. I not only want to see them meet their potential and be on fire at what they do, I want to help them. This is BURNING IN ME and I have to be honest, sometimes I just want to throw up my hands on this one. I want so bad to encourage and inspire and sometimes I just want to lay into people (which is not a bad thing). I am seeking God in this area of leadership.
• Here is another thing that is burning in me. Since coming into ministry full time, I have done a poor job of protecting my family time. As TD Jakes says “I have loved His bride and fed mine” and God calls us to do the opposite. It is BURNING IN ME to be a better husband and father, to do a better job at leaving it at the office. I have told myself for years that it is just different in ministry and in certain areas it is but I am my wife’s only husband, my kids only dad and that’s got to come before ministry.
• Face time with God. Jeff inspires me with this one but it is BURNING IN ME to spend more and more time with God. I don’t ever want to lean on my abilities and strength. I have been there, done that and I ain’t that good. I need God more than ever in my life and daily routine. My goal is to spend and hour in the morning and an hour at night alone with God.

That’s what is BURNING IN ME right now.

Superstar In Town

This guy is in town for a week or so and he is cracking me up. I am hoping he will perform one of his hits at Lifepoint this Sunday. Tony, you are a funny man!

Message to Chuck E Cheese

The 80’s called and they want their games back. My kids spent more time getting tokens back from broken games than playing the games. While I’m on the kick the 70’s called and they want Hardee’s back (the burgers are really good but the stores need an Extreme Makeover).