the incredible power of stuff

I’m not the first one to talk about the subject of materialism, but every time this year it gets even more personal.  How much is enough?  The stuff is occupying what need?

This year is the the first time in a while that I don’t have a job during the holidays.  I’m glad that it gives me more time to be with my family and share my faith with them, but it still seems like Santa and stuff keep trying to push that out.  I should have less money for the stuff and that gives me the intro to make sure that my kids know what this season is really about but it we are still bending over backwards to make sure kids have so much stuff.  I bet I could re-wrap a toy for my kids and they would think it was new since they have so much stuff.

Is my family making up for something by being overly generous this time of year even when financially we should be cutting back?  Buying that goat for the family in Ethopia will not make up for all the silliness that corporate America pushes on us this time of year.  Are we needing to put up a front to make sure everyone think we are alright?  A well adjusted American family with the Christmas tree in the living room and countless presents under it.

I’ve been playing alot of card games and board games with my kids since I’ve been out of work.  We can spend hours playing Go Fish or Chutes and Ladders and not once do they ask for the TV or another new toy.  My kids just want my time and nothing else.    It’s my own fault for allowing stuff to come between me and what is important, but do we need to become Spartans in order to purge all extras from our life?  

Just goes to show you that simple is not always easy.

I’m thankful that my family and I have always been provided for but this year is different.  I don’t have a job but that doesn’t mean I don’t have anything.  Today I woke up in control of my time, my mind and my faith.  Isn’t that worth more than all the stuff in the world?

 

Workout

Squat: 110 lbs + bar
Bench Press: 105 lbs + bar
Row: 90 lbs + bar
Dips: 10, 5, 4 (yeah, that right, I said 10)

 

Friday workout

5×5 squat – 100 lbs not inluding bar
5×5 overhaed press – 25 lbs not including bar
1×5 deadlift – 100 lbs not including bar
5,4, 3 chin-ups

Could have gone heavier on the dealift and I did my squats more quickly on the way up

 

Feed The Warrior and Lance

My son loves this video.

 

 

 

My Better

 

 

Motivation

 

Wednesday morning workout and Bible Study

5 am, squats, incline bench with dumbells, weighted calf raises
I’m going out of town tomorrow so I figured I’d save up to begin Stronglifts again
elbow was sore after swimming on Tuesday

stretching and then oatmeal for breakfast with banana

lunch is two meals today at 11 am and 2 pm of grilled pork chop, green beans and sweet potato

Met up with the guys for Bible study.  We are reading Acts right now.  Makes me feel like a weenie when those in Acts are brave and driven to speak about Jesus and I’m still so afraid at certain times.  I’ll get there too, but it hard to overcome the feeling that you are preaching to someone when I’m not perfect myself.  But I do know that there is hope of transformation that only Jesus can bring.

 

Wednesday morning workout

Woke up at 5 am.  Got my gear on and took my lunch. Arrived at gym at 5:30.

- 5 minute warm-up jog
- 5×5 chin-ups and pullup with various grips

3 circuit sets of 8 reps with 25 lbs for DB
- db step-up
- db squat to press
- db row
- db incline press
- cable PNF
- 50 lbs barbell row
- 135 lbs squats (5×5)

one banana, cup of coffee, and bowl of oatmeal for breakfast

Felt strong and had good form, etra barbell squats worked well even at the end of the workout

 

Monday night

I had a hard time sleeping after being at a Memorial Day cookout with friends.  I spent alot of time thinking about all the letdowns I’ve had recently.  Not eating right, too much beer, not enough time with my kids and wife, not enough time praying.  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I’m hiding behind all these crutches and not acting on God’s movement in my life.  They are just excuses.

I layed there in bed next to my sleeping wife and prayed that I would let God move me to do the right thing and lay all my troubles with him.

I could feel something different at that very moment as God heard me and liked what he heard. Like a hard reset on my brain I started believing I could change things about myself.

I teared up some thinking something really great just happened in my life.  Now to act on it.

 

back in the game

After neglecting this site completely for a year, I’ve decided to get back into the game.  While most things in my life are the same, I’ve taken step to imporve my health and fitness and to reconnect with my faith.

Anyway, I’m hoping to use this blog as a general journal, but also as a fitness tracker.

Exercise: Chinups – 5, 5, 3, 2, 2; 3 Circuits with 30 lbs - Dumbell Step-Ups, DB Squat To Press, DB Row; Swimming – 20 minutes HIIT – 50 meters Breaststroke and 50 Meters Freestyle
6:15 am to 7:15 am, improved form and worked smoothly. 

Would do better to have more intensity.

Breakfast – glass of water, bowl of oatmeal, and banana