Days 30, 31 and 32

I was on vacation with my wife, away from children, away from the big city, away from life as we know it. And fortunately, away from a computer and internet too, so I wasn't able to post for a few days. I did workout, though, all days. Still staying off my ankle but I did upper body exercises every day.

I also had great quiet times with God, spending lots of time reading and reflecting on what he's teaching me right now. Exciting times.

Day 29

Still recovering from my ankle twist, but I'm walking pretty well today. I did 100 push-ups today for my workout, and weigh 162.4 pounds this morning. I've been enjoying studying daily writings from John Eldredge, and the Bible verses that coincide. They've really got me thinking.

Have been good about eating vegetables, and not cheating on my diet. I had a great salad (chipotle lime shrimp) today, and didn't eat too many desserts.

Day 28

My ankle is still a little messed up from the fall, but it's getting much better. I don't think I'll jog for probably another week or so, but I can walk almost without a limp today. Tonight I did 100 push-ups, and was convicted of how easily I justify my sins, by reading Romans 8 and some stuff from John Eldredge. Romans 8:9 in particular smacked me upside the head.

It's so easy to justify our sins; so easy to create a reason why it's okay, or to do it "just this once". But I need to remember that I am controlled not by my sinful nature, but by the Spirit of God. I think by praying it over tonight, slowing down when it comes to making the decision to justify, and remembering that the Spirit dwells within me, I can get the upper hand on this pretty quick.

I am thankful that I am forgiven for all past, present and future sins, because of the price Jesus paid on the cross for me.

Day 27

I didn't post yesterday, but I did exercise. I was running around my neighborhood and I twisted my ankle pretty bad. I had to walk a half an hour to get home, but made it. So, I got exercise yesterday, but none today since I am resting. So I won't count today since I am resting my ankle. Plus it's Christmas and I have better things to do. I'll do upper body tomorrow and for the next few days until I'm back feeling good.

Day 26

I got up before my family this morning to spend time with God. I was reading more from Philippians, still stuck on what I read yesterday about my self-centeredness and lack of concern for others (in some areas - my wife's sitting right here telling me I'm not generally self-centered. That was nice to hear). I saw the Blind Side yesterday (great movie, by the way) and I know that reading about serving one's self before others, right after seeing that movie, has a greater impact. Please pray for me that I will learn to sacrifice more for others.

I had a good workout this evening. My legs are burning! I did 30 lb. bicep curls (3X10), 30 sit-ups, 100 squats. I need to get back into running. I was good with my diet today. I ate very little junk food, and ate a salad my wife made for dinner.

Day 25

Today I went golfing. For the third time ever. I didn't keep score. If I had, it would not have been pretty. I had a great time, though, and can hit the ball pretty hard, or I can hit it much softer and it will go somewhat in the direction I choose. So, that way my workout for the day, and although I didn't sweat (it was kind of chilly outside) it counts because I got to use some different muscles than I'm used to, and walked some.

Philippians 3:17-19 hit me today, especially the part that said, "their God is their stomach". Read it to get the context, but it hit me because my thoughts are often so engrossed in what my next meal will consist of, or where I'm going to get a cookie, that I'm not thinking of how I can serve others, or provide for the most basic needs of those around me. How selfish I am! I need to be thinking of the needs of others rather than how I can satisfy my own desires (I can't call them needs, as there is really very little that I am truly in need of). How do I get to that point? Lord, change me on the inside. Change how I think, how I operate at the most basic levels. Please create in me a heart that is not seeking how to please myself, but how to please others first.

One of the points of this 100 day commitment was to make a sacrifice, but as I have sacrificed some foods, I have only replaced them with an ever stronger urge for others that I am allowed. God, change my heart! Help me yearn for others, not for myself.

Day 24

This morning I weighed 160.2 pounds. Back up to where I started before I was sick. It's amazing it took only a couple of days of not eating (stomach flu) to lose about 4 pounds, then it took a couple of weeks to put it back on.

I did 100 sit-ups today, and 100 push-ups: 2 sets of 35 and 1 set of 30.

I stole this quote (paraphrased) from something I was reading today:

The process of our Christian walk rests entirely on our ability to see life from the basis of the question, "What's God got to do with it?".

Psalm 131

"My heart is not proud, O Lord,
my eyes are not haughty..."

Proverbs 6:16-19

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven things that are detestable to him:

-haughty eyes,
-a lying tongue,
-hands that shed innocent blood,
-a heart that devises wicked schemes,
-feet that are quick to rush into evil,
-a false witness who pours out lies,
-and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

It is incredible how much power our eyes have over our bodies. Our eyes have the power, if we allow them, to control what we think, which can, if we allow it, translate to what we say and do.

Days 22 and 23

I didn't post yesterday, but I did sweat both yesterday and today. I have been good by following my dietary restrictions, but cramming way too much junk in my mouth that's not on the list, like cookies, and desserts, and lots of juice since I can't drink soda. I think it's all just so much more accessible this time of the year. I may need to add some more restrictions if I keep this up. I'll keep you posted.

Yesterday and today my workouts have consisted of upper body only, both days. Push-ups seem to be my exercise of choice when I don't have time for anything else. They make me feel so good, because they pump up my chest and my arms. A great all around exercise. Yesterday was bicep curls (40 pounds bar), and today was push-ups. I know I need to be doing more, though. I hope to workout in the mornings during this time off, and get back into squats, sit-ups, more runs, and more biceps.

A little Christmas verse for you:

"O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins."
Psalm 130:7-8

Day 21 - December 18

Even though I didn't post last night I did get some push-ups in and some time in the Bible. I was reading through Psalms, and spent good time in prayer. I'll post again later today to reflect today's workout and Bible reading.

Day 20

This morning I weighed 157.8 pounds. I was not good today with junk food. There's so much around work that I take a bit of each time I pass by: cookies, brownies, stuff like that. I need to have better self-control.

I took a 30-minute run today, and it felt great. I am still so surprised that I'm enjoying jogging, because I have hated it for so many years.

Looking forward to having 2 weeks off, but I know I'm going to have to be real disciplined about keeping my commitments, since I won't be on a regular schedule.

"Give ear to my words, O Lord,
consider my sighing.
Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation."
Psalm 5:1-3

Day 19

You may have noticed that I had no blog entry yesterday. I left my house at 5:50am, and got home around 9:30pm. I could have stayed up real late and exercised, but I made the decision that sometimes life gets in the way of our commitments, and if something had to go, it was this one. It was for a good cause, though. I spent the evening out to dinner and Christmas shopping with my wife. We had a great time, and I in no way wanted to cut it short because I had to go home earlier to exercise, especially since I have been doing a good job with this.

Today I weighed 156.8 pounds. I ate a great chipotle lime shrimp salad for dinner. I took a short run, did some push-ups, and spent another great evening with my wife - the second night in a row to have dinner and Christmas shopping without the kids, thanks to my parents. It is so wonderful to spend time with my wife, but today we got home in enough time for a short work out.

'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."' Isaiah 30:21

Day 18 - Is a brownie a fruit or a vegetable?

This morning I weighed 158.0 lbs. I just had to eat a couple of carrots because I had eaten no vegetables today. I did eat a brownie after lunch and a piece of cherry pie after dinner - I hope that makes up for the lack of vegetables today.

I did 100 push-ups. I hope to run tomorrow, but I'm not sure that I'll have time.

I have been reading out of Judges (7, 8, and 9). Lots of life lessons, some from good examples, some from bad. Like the officials of Succoth and Peniel who wouldn't feed Gideon's troops out of fear of retaliation from the neighboring tribes (who were about to be slaughtered by Gideon). God was on their side - and siding with God will always be the best bet. My commentary says, "Because God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in his work. Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer."

Day 17

I did 100 push-ups (4X25) today. I am understanding lately how psychological working out is. If my goal is 25 push-ups, then I'm exhausted by number 25. But if I set 35 as my goal, I can blow right by 25 even if it's not my first set. I need to be setting good daily goals keeping this in mind.

I have been good with my diet restrictions, and eating vegetables today.

Before I started my 100 days of sweat, I would often spend all evening with the Lord, in prayer, worship, reading the word, hanging out with him. Not that I did it everyday, but if I started, I'd spend a couple of hours easy. Now that I'm focusing on exercising too, I spend much less of my time with the Lord. I find that exercising comes first, then the Lord. I need to reverse that, or figure out some way to make them work together better, as I am missing my extended times with the Spirit. Please pray for me that I'll be able to find those times again. It seems like eventually I'm just going to have to start getting up earlier in the morning to exercise before work (I dread getting up any earlier than I already do). That way I'll still have my evenings. I also have Christmas break coming up, and although that will afford me much more time for all this, I don't traditionally do well when my schedule changes. That will take lots of discipline.

"As the rain and the snow fall from heaven
And do not return to it without watering the earth
making it bud and flourish
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater
So is my word that goes out from my mouth.
It will not return to me empty,
but will achieve what I desire
and accomplish the purpose for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:10-11

Day 16 - Still catching up

Today I weigh 156.6 pounds - still down about 4 pounds from normal. So, I am catching up (or maybe I'll stay down, we'll see). I am also still catching up on my energy. I feel a lot better, but tired. I did sweat today - 50 push-ups (2X25). I planned on doing 100, but felt shakey and weak after doing just 50. I need to let my body slowly catch up to where I left off.

I have been obeying my dietary restrictions, but did not get into God's word today at all.

I remember that in the past when I've had physical goals, getting sick is what threw me off. Like once I was running a lot and doing the fitness test regularly, and keeping track and in a good routine, then I got a cold, stopped for a few days, and that was it. Also, I was practicing my unicycle daily, then got vertigo (which for those who don't know is an inner ear problem causing dizziness and nausea) so I stopped riding due to that - and haven't been back on it. So, I am going to keep up with this 100 day plan, slowly get back into my solid routine, and get back on my unicycle.

Good night.

Three Days Down

I haven't exercised for the past three days because I've had the flu. Couldn't do much. I had to decide whether the "consecutive" was more important than the "sweat", and decided that sweat won over, so I'll start day 16 tomorrow. I hope I'll have more energy to put in a good workout, but I'll at least do something small.

I did lose 4 pounds after not eating much for three days.

Speaking of losing weight - I've decided not to weigh myself every morning anymore. I think it's a waste of time, since it's always 160 or 161, and I don't really care if I lose weight anyway. It's okay to change a goal like that, I think. I'll still check in and report every once in a while, but not necessary to do it daily.

I haven't been reading my Bible either the past couple of days. I tried but I couldn't concentrate when I felt like garbage (Jason's favorite word). All I could do was watch t.v. and order my wife to bring me water and more blankets and cover up my feet and put another log on the fire and take my temperature and find the remote and tell the neighbor's dog to shut up and bring my saltine crackers and bring me the mail and clean up the vomit in the house and turn the t.v. up when I couldn't find the remote and put a movie in the DVD player for me and bring me the laptop and my cell phone and disinfect all the stuff in the house I had touched. She's a great wife; I am a blessed man. She's also a great mom; both of the boys were sick, too.

Day 15

This morning I weighed in at 160.6 pounds. This is one of those days that show that this is a great workout plan for me. I started to do an upper body workout, thinking I'd do another 200 push-ups day, a bunch of curls, sit-ups, etc. After doing 2 sets of 25 push-ups and 2 sets of bicep curls (40 lbs.), I was exhausted and barely got through. So, I stopped. I had met my requirement. It is great that on days I am tired I can stop; I think that's what helps me push on days that I'm not.

I did well with diet today. Figured out a good way to get those disgusting protein shakes down: mixed it in the blender with 2% milk, vanilla yogurt, strawberries and ice. Yum!

I read from Judges 8 today, right at the beginning, about how God needs those who are behind the scenes, and they're just as important as those on the front lines. Made me ask myself: Are there any areas of my life that I'm not giving God my all because I resent the fact that I'm not on the front lines, in the limelight? Nothing came to mind, but I'll keep asking that question. Good stuff.

Day 14 - It was the best of times; it was the worst of times

Today I was vomited upon by my 2 year old. He threw up five times between noon and 6, and once while he was in my lap. Almost every article of clothing I was wearing had vomit on it. We had to cancel what would have been some really fun plans, but I got to bond with my little boy by loving him while he threw up. We didn't go anywhere (because of our sick boy) and it was cold outside, so I built a fire and I got to bond with my older boy by building an awesome Lego firetruck and ambulance with him. He loved it - played with it for hours.

This morning I weighed 160.0 lbs. Tonight I took a good run. It was late so I told myself I'd only run for half an hour. I made it seven laps around the block; it seemed like I was moving pretty quick a lot of the time. I felt good. Ate some veggies today - didn't cheat on dietary restrictions.

I read this evening about Gideon and his defeat of the Midianites and Amalekites with only 300 men (Judges 7). Remember, that's the story where God uses such a small army so the glory will go to him and not the Israelites. What in my life am I taking credit for, that God should have the credit for? Or what amazing battles is God calling me to fight with the limited resources that I have, that maybe I'm saying "no" to? Not sure, but great questions to ponder.

Day 13 - It Took Two Days to Get Credit for One

You may notice that I didn't post yesterday.

You may also notice that I didn't take credit for the day, either.

Friday, December 12 was supposed to be day 13. I weighed myself at 160.6 lbs., then took off for Disneyland all day with my family. I was considering getting up way early to take a run, but after going to bed late on Thursday night, and having to get up early enough to pack and be ready to stay overnight near Disneyland, that was early enough. So, yesterday I didn't exercise, but I did walk around Disneyland burning calories most of the day, and I did sweat (before taking off my sweatshirt - I know, that doesn't count). I ate a huge salad and obeyed my diet restrictions even while my entire family was eating ice cream cones.

Today I exercised and had another great diet day. I did 200 push-ups (8X25). I hope to find the time to run tomorrow. I couldn't weigh myself because the hotel didn't have a scale. I'll be back on the scale in the morning.

I keep a small memo book of Bible verses that have a particular impact on me, and I've been going through the verses I have memorized in the past. I've been enjoying seeing how many I still have memorized. I'd like to get from the point where I can recite them from memory, to the point where I truly use them to benefit my own walk or to help others at crucial times. I guess I need to spend more time with them; allow them to sink deeper into my soul and penetrate my heart. More time might help, and prayer. 2 Peter 1:5-8 is one of my favorites. Check it out some time.

Day 12

Weighed 159.6 pounds this morning. Long day. Was at work for 14 hours today. Ate some veggies, did 50 push-ups, re-read and studied Psalm 1. Signing off for the day. Hope to have time to run in the morning.

Day 11

This morning I weighed 160.0 pounds. I have been looking forward to working out all day. I keep thinking I'm going to start getting up earlier in the morning to workout, but I haven't been able to motivate myself to get up that early yet. So, evenings it is, until I can get caught up on my sleep enough to force myself out of bed at 5am.

Here's what I did today:

• 100 squats
• 100 sit-ups
• 104 push-ups (1X34, 1X32, 1X28, 1X10)
• 45 bicep curls - 40 lbs. (3X15)

I ate salad with dinner, and did well with diet overall today. I was going to allow myself to have a hot chocolate tonight, which has 34 grams of sugar, but I was able to avoid it easily.

Today I read from Isaiah 32:3-8 - and it made me consider, "what does God want me to see that I'm not seeing now?" (verse 3), "What does God want me to hear that I'm not listening to now?" (verse 3), What does God want me to understand that I'm not understanding?" (verse 4), "What do I need to do now to turn my foolishness into nobility?" (verse 5), "What foolishness am I speaking?" (verse 6). I could spend lots of time considering each of these questions...and I think I will.

Isaiah 32:8
"But the noble man makes noble plans,
and by noble deeds he stands."

Day 10 - Bleachers

Great day of exercise. I ran to the local high school, did 2 miles around the track, then up and down the bleachers a few times, then some sprints up a hill a couple of times, then back home. It felt great. I was disappointed yesterday that I couldn't get out for a run, and am glad that I enjoyed it and was so productive today. Tomorrow will be back to upper body stuff.

This morning I weighed 161.4 lbs. Not sure why I keep going back and forth between 160 and 161. If I am going to drop any weight, I am going to have to watch my diet more closely. I have been good about not eating the things I limited from day 1 (except for my two cheats), but I still eat too many carbs and some junk food. Seems like diet is the toughest part of this challenge. I had a salad with lots of veggies with dinner today.

Psalm 3:3-5

"But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
To the Lord I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."

I will now sleep in comfort knowing that God will give me rest, and He will lift me up again in the morning to find peace and joy in my relationship with Him. I can cry out to him, and he will hear me. He is my Protector, my Strength.