I’m writing this Friday health update and to be honest, I’m a little depressed in writing it. As the graphic shows, I lost one pound. That’s success I know, but it’s a lot less than I wanted. I know the factors that played into it only being one pound.
1. We had a Valentine dinner at church. I worked it, but I also ate it.
2. Valentine’s Day itself was calorically bad.
3. The leftovers from Valentine’s Day were also calorically bad.
I have been overweight a long time, but last week I dropped four pounds. I’ve read enough to know that four pounds is an amazing amount to lose in one week, especially since I haven’t really started exercising yet (it’s beginning soon). Yet, I’m human and had mentally psyched myself up with thoughts of dropping below 220 in two weeks. Unrealistic I know, but that’s what I was thinking.
Another one of the struggles is summed up in two words, Auntie Anne’s. As yesterday’s post so eloquently states, I had to find a new pair of running shoes. The heel is falling off the pair I’m wearing now. Added craziness, I’m still wearing the old ones until the mud and melting snow dries up so I don’t get the new ones covered in mud. As I searched for a pair, I found myself at the mall still trying to find a basic shoe at a good price. The journey led me past Auntie Anne’s pretzels. I am a bread and pretzel lover and nothing screams to me like a hot pretzel dripping with melted butter. I whipped out my phone and checked online for calorie information. One pretzel was 370 calories. You could drop some calories by omitting the butter but that defeats the purpose of the pretzel. It was a battle supreme as I debated whether or not to get one. The fact is that I had enough calories in my budget to eat one. Yet, I didn’t get one. I don’t know what depressed me more, the fact that I’m overweight and I have to count calories or that I had enough calories left to get one but I didn’t.
On the exercise note, we just got Wii Fit and the balance board. Google Wii Fit if you have no clue what I’m talking about. Around here it’s been impossible to find. We’ve called Best Buy several times on Sunday afternoons after seeing their advertisement in the paper only to have the person on the phone basically laugh at us. Every time they were sold out within moments of the store opening. Even online it’s been difficult. The only places I could find them were selling them for over forty dollars more than the retail price. Sorry, I can wait. Anyway, Wednesday morning I got an email from Amazon.com stating that they had received a shipment of Wii game systems. I figured there was a good chance that they might have gotten the Wii Fit in stock too. I was right. I ordered and chose free shipping which means it was going to be a week or so until we got it. It came last night. Major shout out for Amazon and UPS for having it get to us in one day. Played with it last night. It can’t replace a gym, but it was fun and got me moving. It’s a good start.
Well, that’s enough for now. I try to limit myself to writing about my health and weight to once a week since this isn’t a diet blog. Yet, it is part of my journey.
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February 20, 2009
February 19, 2009
Life Update
Major life update today. I bought a new pair of shoes. Yeah, that’s the excitement of my week.
February 14, 2009
Book Review - For Couples Only
“For Couple’s Only” is a box set containing “For Women Only” and “For Men Only.” Both books are based on research studies that were conducted on how men and woman think and feel. Don’t think that the books are just dull statistical numbers though. They are an insightful look at how the opposite sex views things and how we can better relate to each other. As always, I’ll post the publishers description and authors’ bios and then weigh in with my thoughts.
Description:
Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.
Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]
So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!
Author Bio:
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.
My Thoughts on “For Men Only”
Being the week it was, I only was able to make it part way through “For Men Only.” My wife was able to finish “For Woman Only.” From what I read, the topics twere right on with things I know about my wife. It was a good reminder to keep doing some of things I’ve been doing and more importantly, gave me reasons why I need to do those things. I think that is the key aspect, learning the why. I’ve got a lot more to read through but so far the book is a good read.
Kelly’s Thoughts on “For Women Only”
I really enjoyed reading For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. I like to think that I know my husband pretty well and that we have a good marriage. I know that there is always room for improvement and I can honestly say I learned a few things from reading this book. It does a good job of digging into the inner lives of men and helping women understand how they are wired. It doesn’t just gloss over the topics it discusses them in depth and Feldhahn uses great illustrations and comparisons that really help women understand how men think and feel. In my reading I can say that I had several lightbulb moments where something seemed to click on in my mind of how being a man is for my husband. I would strongly recommend this book to all women. It will give you great insight into the man you love.
Buy the set at Amazon.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
Description:
Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.
Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]
So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!
Author Bio:
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.
My Thoughts on “For Men Only”
Being the week it was, I only was able to make it part way through “For Men Only.” My wife was able to finish “For Woman Only.” From what I read, the topics twere right on with things I know about my wife. It was a good reminder to keep doing some of things I’ve been doing and more importantly, gave me reasons why I need to do those things. I think that is the key aspect, learning the why. I’ve got a lot more to read through but so far the book is a good read.
Kelly’s Thoughts on “For Women Only”
I really enjoyed reading For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. I like to think that I know my husband pretty well and that we have a good marriage. I know that there is always room for improvement and I can honestly say I learned a few things from reading this book. It does a good job of digging into the inner lives of men and helping women understand how they are wired. It doesn’t just gloss over the topics it discusses them in depth and Feldhahn uses great illustrations and comparisons that really help women understand how men think and feel. In my reading I can say that I had several lightbulb moments where something seemed to click on in my mind of how being a man is for my husband. I would strongly recommend this book to all women. It will give you great insight into the man you love.
Buy the set at Amazon.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
February 13, 2009
Goodbye 230
Just a quick entry on my weight progress. Today’s weight is 227.4. That’s over 4 pounds of loss this week. Can’t even describe how good it feels to blow goal number one away. Even better, my low last summer was 228, but that came after a week of fighting the flu. I’m below that without the aid of sickness. I haven’t consistently weighed in the 220’s since college.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
February 12, 2009
Book Review - The Love As A Way Of Life Devotional
This is one of the books that I didn’t get a chance to read. Being a devotional, it’s always more enjoyable to read it on a daily basis over a course of time anyway. The book that the devotional is based was written by Gary Chapman. I have read his book “The Five Love Languages” in the past and really enjoyed it. So while haven’t read this book, I’ve appreciated the author’s other works. I’ll post the information below from the publisher.
Description:
In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.
Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.
The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.
Author Bio:
Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.
Pick up a copy at Amazon.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
Description:
In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.
Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.
The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.
Author Bio:
Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.
Pick up a copy at Amazon.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
A Note About My Reviews
I made it clear in a previous post on my blog that I was accepted along with many other bloggers to review books provided by a publisher. The books are given to me free of charge as long as I read and review them. If I desire, I can also receive an extra copy to give away on the blog. However, if time prohibits reading the book, the company asks that I at least post the information about the book. I’ve been blessed by this arrangement as it has given me the opportunity to read newer books coming into the Christian market that normally I just don’t have the money to buy. Even better, I’ve been able to read books that I wouldn’t normally pick up at the bookstore. The book “I Do Again” that I reviewed last time is a prime example. A book about a divorce and remarriage wouldn’t be high on my to read list, but I was surprised to find it worth my time. It impacted me. I like it when something like that happens.
Why the disclosure? Let me explain. Heading into Valentine’s Day, the opportunity was for four books. By the time I got them, I had about a week and a half to cover them all. I got the one finished and reviewed, but a Valentine dinner at church I’ve been working on has kept me busier than I thought. Therefore, I’ll be posting the information about the devotional that was offered in my next post without a full review. The other two books are a set. My wife has read most of the one and will assist me by writing some thoughts on it. I’ve read a little of the second book and will include my first impressions in the same entry.
I just wanted to make it very clear the reasons behind why and how I do book reviews, and the reasons why there might occasionally be a book posted without a review.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
Why the disclosure? Let me explain. Heading into Valentine’s Day, the opportunity was for four books. By the time I got them, I had about a week and a half to cover them all. I got the one finished and reviewed, but a Valentine dinner at church I’ve been working on has kept me busier than I thought. Therefore, I’ll be posting the information about the devotional that was offered in my next post without a full review. The other two books are a set. My wife has read most of the one and will assist me by writing some thoughts on it. I’ve read a little of the second book and will include my first impressions in the same entry.
I just wanted to make it very clear the reasons behind why and how I do book reviews, and the reasons why there might occasionally be a book posted without a review.
Reading this on Facebook? The original post resides at www.focusedjourney.com.
February 11, 2009
Book Review - I Do Again
This week I have the chance to review a few books dealing with relationships. Today I’m looking at “I Do Again” by Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs. As always, I’ll post the publisher’s description and the author bio before sharing my opinion.
Description:
With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.
After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.
I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.
Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two college-age daughters.
My Thoughts
Just so it is clear up front, this book is not some dry marriage counseling textbook. It’s an autobiography of a couple that experienced the pain of divorce and then witnessed the power of God as He slowly brought them back together.
The authors make it clear from the beginning that they are not perfect people and that there are things that they did even while God was working in them that was not appropriate. Personally, it didn’t bother me. I saw it as a true picture of a relationship with God. Even as we draw close to Christ we blow it sometimes. Not always out of open rebellion, but often out of immaturity. God patiently keeps working to correct us. I give the Scruggs credit for being so open with their humanity and the way God never gave up on either of them.
With that said, I thought it was a great book. I enjoyed reading it and found myself rooting for the both of them to make it. In a world where marriages fall apart left and right as theirs did, I was cheering for their marriage to be restored. My wife will tell you it affected me because when I was finished I walked over to her and gave her a very long hug. She was enjoying the hug for a moment, then she started laughing and pushed me away. With a smile in her eyes she looked right at me and said, “You’ve been reading that marriage book again haven’t you?” She got me on that point, but I don’t mind if a book causes me to want to love my life in a better way.
Another point that the book stresses is that to be able to love another person fully, you must first be fully committed and in a loving relationship with Christ. Loving God with everything allows us to love others the way they need to be loved. This thought has been rolling around in my mind since I read it.
I’ll just close by saying the book is worth picking up and reading. It was worth my time and I think it would be a benefit to other couple’s.
You can pick up a copy at Amazon.
Description:
With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.
After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.
I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.
Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two college-age daughters.
My Thoughts
Just so it is clear up front, this book is not some dry marriage counseling textbook. It’s an autobiography of a couple that experienced the pain of divorce and then witnessed the power of God as He slowly brought them back together.
The authors make it clear from the beginning that they are not perfect people and that there are things that they did even while God was working in them that was not appropriate. Personally, it didn’t bother me. I saw it as a true picture of a relationship with God. Even as we draw close to Christ we blow it sometimes. Not always out of open rebellion, but often out of immaturity. God patiently keeps working to correct us. I give the Scruggs credit for being so open with their humanity and the way God never gave up on either of them.
With that said, I thought it was a great book. I enjoyed reading it and found myself rooting for the both of them to make it. In a world where marriages fall apart left and right as theirs did, I was cheering for their marriage to be restored. My wife will tell you it affected me because when I was finished I walked over to her and gave her a very long hug. She was enjoying the hug for a moment, then she started laughing and pushed me away. With a smile in her eyes she looked right at me and said, “You’ve been reading that marriage book again haven’t you?” She got me on that point, but I don’t mind if a book causes me to want to love my life in a better way.
Another point that the book stresses is that to be able to love another person fully, you must first be fully committed and in a loving relationship with Christ. Loving God with everything allows us to love others the way they need to be loved. This thought has been rolling around in my mind since I read it.
I’ll just close by saying the book is worth picking up and reading. It was worth my time and I think it would be a benefit to other couple’s.
You can pick up a copy at Amazon.
February 10, 2009
Our Connection to Creation
Today is an amazing day and I can literally feel a change in my emotions. Just over one week ago we were still digging out after the worst snowstorm of the season. Today, the windows of my house are all open and the fresh air smells amazing. I don’t even know how to describe the scent of fresh air. Does it even have a scent? All I know is that a little change in the weather can do incredible things in us.
We are connected to God’s creation in ways that we don’t understand. I see this exemplified even in the tiny fact that a lot of the vitamin D our bodies need comes from the sun. We were designed by God to synthesize vitamin D when our skin is exposed the ultraviolet rays from the sun. While we now understand this one, I think there are millions of more ways that we are connected to creation without even knowing it.
Sin has done so much to mar what God intended. We can hardly even fathom the simple thought of lions and lambs frolicking and playing together. We can barely comprehend total and lasting peace. Yet, it was the original design of creation. This world is cursed because of sin, but it stirs up something in my soul to think that God is working to bring everything back to what it created to be.
We are connected to God’s creation in ways that we don’t understand. I see this exemplified even in the tiny fact that a lot of the vitamin D our bodies need comes from the sun. We were designed by God to synthesize vitamin D when our skin is exposed the ultraviolet rays from the sun. While we now understand this one, I think there are millions of more ways that we are connected to creation without even knowing it.
Sin has done so much to mar what God intended. We can hardly even fathom the simple thought of lions and lambs frolicking and playing together. We can barely comprehend total and lasting peace. Yet, it was the original design of creation. This world is cursed because of sin, but it stirs up something in my soul to think that God is working to bring everything back to what it created to be.
February 6, 2009
The Weight of Pride
It’s been a long time, but I was posting my progress on my “healthy eating lifestyle” on this blog as a way of being accountable. Health is part of the journey we are on. Anyway, I stopped posting for a simple reason. I stopped working on it and started gaining. Since the beginning of this year I have been working on it better than I ever have before. We have a nice two week menu rhythm going on now with some flexibility to change it up when our tastes need it. I am currently at 231.6 pounds.
Right before I started again I weighed and was back up to 249. That was my motivation. Looking back through my blog, I saw that I had actually reached 230 last September. I know for a fact that I hit 228 last summer, but that was after a week of fighting the flu and barely eating. So, I’m happy where I’m at and I’m hoping that by next week I’ll drop into the 220’s. That 230 mark is one of my first goals. Dropping under 220 is goal number 2. That’s what I weighed in college. After that, the next goal is that magic 200 mark.
Right before I started again I weighed and was back up to 249. That was my motivation. Looking back through my blog, I saw that I had actually reached 230 last September. I know for a fact that I hit 228 last summer, but that was after a week of fighting the flu and barely eating. So, I’m happy where I’m at and I’m hoping that by next week I’ll drop into the 220’s. That 230 mark is one of my first goals. Dropping under 220 is goal number 2. That’s what I weighed in college. After that, the next goal is that magic 200 mark.
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