This, my friends, will be my last post. Due to several upcoming personal obligations, I simply will not have the time to blog as I would like.
You may have noticed that some of these obligations have already been ongoing due to the random times I have posted on this blog. I have enjoyed it, but it's time to move on and give up on this silly thing.
God bless you and see you later.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Free Topic Tuesday 3
So since Thursday ins Thanksgiving, I thought I'd make a list of some things I'm thankful for.
1. God's grace and love. And mercy. And the fact that I could go on and on about the creator of the universe because I have a relationship with him.
2. Brandy and Dudeicus. God gave me such a great family to care for, and even though I'm not very good at it, they're sticking around anyway just because they love me.
3. Family. You know, the other relatives, some of whom you actually like...
4. Music. I love music. How cool is it that God gave people enough intelligence to realize if you play a C, E, G and another C together, it will sound great? Or that we could figure out that C, Eb, G and another C on't sound as good but still work in the right context? That's a C Major chord and a C minor chord, for those of you who don't know...
5. Rain. Just... rain. It's annoying sometimes, but when you think about what it does, and what it can symbolize, it blows the mind.
1. God's grace and love. And mercy. And the fact that I could go on and on about the creator of the universe because I have a relationship with him.
2. Brandy and Dudeicus. God gave me such a great family to care for, and even though I'm not very good at it, they're sticking around anyway just because they love me.
3. Family. You know, the other relatives, some of whom you actually like...
4. Music. I love music. How cool is it that God gave people enough intelligence to realize if you play a C, E, G and another C together, it will sound great? Or that we could figure out that C, Eb, G and another C on't sound as good but still work in the right context? That's a C Major chord and a C minor chord, for those of you who don't know...
5. Rain. Just... rain. It's annoying sometimes, but when you think about what it does, and what it can symbolize, it blows the mind.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ketchup, or catch up?
So as you can see, my schedule of blogging was blown out of the water last week. Work was crazy and I just didn't have the time or energy to invest in it. I'm quite sorry to anyone who actually reads this silly thing.
I considered writing make-up posts, but really I just can't. I'll write the Melioration part of this post and then just get back on schedule.
Today I weighed in and I lost. I started MFP at 335 lbs. several weeks ago. I had some spikes due to.. well, just being lazy about it. But for the last few weigh-ins I've consistently lost weight. I'm down to 328.
I'm looking forward to being 299. It will be the first time I've been under 300 since my senior year of high school, 1999.
We now return to our regulary scheduled programming.
I considered writing make-up posts, but really I just can't. I'll write the Melioration part of this post and then just get back on schedule.
Today I weighed in and I lost. I started MFP at 335 lbs. several weeks ago. I had some spikes due to.. well, just being lazy about it. But for the last few weigh-ins I've consistently lost weight. I'm down to 328.
I'm looking forward to being 299. It will be the first time I've been under 300 since my senior year of high school, 1999.
We now return to our regulary scheduled programming.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Are broccoli rubber bands different from regular rubber bands?
So this is Free Topic Tuesday!
The last two week's were polar opposites - one complaining about Facebook, the other a brief discussion about Jesus' divinity versus his humanity.
Today's free topic will be about something that most of you that know me will know is dear to my heart. Music! I have been all over some new tunes recently and thought I would share my favorite records right now. In no order they are:
Elephants - Aaron Strumpel
Aaron got his start with Enter the Worship Circle, a collective of musicians that wrote honest, rootsy worship music. Aaron's speciality is taking a Psalm and putting it to music. He also has two albums that came out about the same time - Birds and Vespers - that I want to get my paws on. This album is... weird. But it's good. It's got an acoustic base, but there's drum machines, trumpets, weird sound effects, a rap with tons of echo and a couple songs where Aaron screams. But it's moving and it's really, really good. Recommended if you like the louder times of Sufjan Stevens and the Psalms.
Economy - John Mark McMillan
Most of you know that I love John Mark's music. I have pretty much everything he put out, and I got this as a pre-release. It's brilliant. Everything you may have loved about his older records comes through here, only better. It's rootsy, rock and roll with lyrics that speak volumes about John Mark's God and their relationship. Which is beautiful, because I have a relationship with the same God.
Brokenness Aside EP - All Sons and Daughters
This little EP was a great find on Noisetrade.com. Don't look for it now, they hit the limit. ASAD is a duo of Leslie Jordan and David Leonard. They write music that was originally just to be used for worship at their church, but sixstepsrecords got wind of it and we got this little EP. David used to be in a band called Jackson Waters (I have one of their albums and an EP) that was more of a rock outfit. This group is slowly becoming a favorite.
Live at Eddie's Attic - Civil Wars
I got the Civil Wars album Barton Hollow several months ago and stumbled onto this at noisetrade.com. It's still there. Putting out a live album as a debut is gutsy, but it works. It's just John and Joy and the music. Joy got her start in the Christian industry and John has been playing in bands for a long time but never really got to be well known. It's worth stating that although Joy is a Christian, there are a few instances of cursing on the album and the topics are never explicitly Christian. It's still good music and it looks at life through her lense of faith. Maybe not for everyone.
Cautioners and Walk Like Giants EP - Cautioners
I got the EP from noisetrade.com and followed the link to their website where they are giving the album away for free. This is a little band from Florida that plays simple pop/rock about God, but they're really enjoyable. I'm still digging into them so I can't say much but my initial impression is good.
Gather and Build: a Collection - Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay is one of my top five favorite artists so when I saw this on noisetrade.com (I go there a lot) I passed it up. I figured a collection wouldn't have anything new for me since I have everything they've put out except for that song from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack (which I don''t care for anyway) and some instrumental song from the Songs of Wood and Steel series. But this collection had 3 songs I didn't have yet: This Land Is Your Land, Stay (Forgive Me reimagined by Stephen Mason) and Body & Wine. This Land is a cover of that old folk song with some unique drum programming underneath. I like it even though it sounds like it's in a key that Dan has to work to sing in. Stay is pretty much unrecognizable from the original (found on 2009's The Long Fall Back to Earth) but is still good and Body and Wine is an acoustic number about communion.
Well, there's 7 things you can go listen to at Amazon or NoiseTrade or wherever and see if you like. Talk to you tomorrow.
The last two week's were polar opposites - one complaining about Facebook, the other a brief discussion about Jesus' divinity versus his humanity.
Today's free topic will be about something that most of you that know me will know is dear to my heart. Music! I have been all over some new tunes recently and thought I would share my favorite records right now. In no order they are:
Elephants - Aaron Strumpel
Aaron got his start with Enter the Worship Circle, a collective of musicians that wrote honest, rootsy worship music. Aaron's speciality is taking a Psalm and putting it to music. He also has two albums that came out about the same time - Birds and Vespers - that I want to get my paws on. This album is... weird. But it's good. It's got an acoustic base, but there's drum machines, trumpets, weird sound effects, a rap with tons of echo and a couple songs where Aaron screams. But it's moving and it's really, really good. Recommended if you like the louder times of Sufjan Stevens and the Psalms.
Economy - John Mark McMillan
Most of you know that I love John Mark's music. I have pretty much everything he put out, and I got this as a pre-release. It's brilliant. Everything you may have loved about his older records comes through here, only better. It's rootsy, rock and roll with lyrics that speak volumes about John Mark's God and their relationship. Which is beautiful, because I have a relationship with the same God.
Brokenness Aside EP - All Sons and Daughters
This little EP was a great find on Noisetrade.com. Don't look for it now, they hit the limit. ASAD is a duo of Leslie Jordan and David Leonard. They write music that was originally just to be used for worship at their church, but sixstepsrecords got wind of it and we got this little EP. David used to be in a band called Jackson Waters (I have one of their albums and an EP) that was more of a rock outfit. This group is slowly becoming a favorite.
Live at Eddie's Attic - Civil Wars
I got the Civil Wars album Barton Hollow several months ago and stumbled onto this at noisetrade.com. It's still there. Putting out a live album as a debut is gutsy, but it works. It's just John and Joy and the music. Joy got her start in the Christian industry and John has been playing in bands for a long time but never really got to be well known. It's worth stating that although Joy is a Christian, there are a few instances of cursing on the album and the topics are never explicitly Christian. It's still good music and it looks at life through her lense of faith. Maybe not for everyone.
Cautioners and Walk Like Giants EP - Cautioners
I got the EP from noisetrade.com and followed the link to their website where they are giving the album away for free. This is a little band from Florida that plays simple pop/rock about God, but they're really enjoyable. I'm still digging into them so I can't say much but my initial impression is good.
Gather and Build: a Collection - Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay is one of my top five favorite artists so when I saw this on noisetrade.com (I go there a lot) I passed it up. I figured a collection wouldn't have anything new for me since I have everything they've put out except for that song from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack (which I don''t care for anyway) and some instrumental song from the Songs of Wood and Steel series. But this collection had 3 songs I didn't have yet: This Land Is Your Land, Stay (Forgive Me reimagined by Stephen Mason) and Body & Wine. This Land is a cover of that old folk song with some unique drum programming underneath. I like it even though it sounds like it's in a key that Dan has to work to sing in. Stay is pretty much unrecognizable from the original (found on 2009's The Long Fall Back to Earth) but is still good and Body and Wine is an acoustic number about communion.
Well, there's 7 things you can go listen to at Amazon or NoiseTrade or wherever and see if you like. Talk to you tomorrow.
Melioration Monday...
Today's Melioration Monday is going to be short. Why? Because I forgot to post it last night.
Last night I went to Powerfit Bootcamp for the first time in 2 weeks. My work schedule changed and I thought it would be easier to go but it's actually been harder.
It was nice to work out, but it reminded me that regardless of how much weight I've lost (about 25 pounds since June 1), I still have a long, long way to go.
I was still the last person back from running a lap. In fact, the only other man in the class lapped me during the obstacle-course-like workout we started with.
But I should keep on with it, because a year from now, it will have paid off.
Last night I went to Powerfit Bootcamp for the first time in 2 weeks. My work schedule changed and I thought it would be easier to go but it's actually been harder.
It was nice to work out, but it reminded me that regardless of how much weight I've lost (about 25 pounds since June 1), I still have a long, long way to go.
I was still the last person back from running a lap. In fact, the only other man in the class lapped me during the obstacle-course-like workout we started with.
But I should keep on with it, because a year from now, it will have paid off.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Top Five Friday 2
So I know I missed Theology Thursday last night. I apologize and will make sure next week's is great.
Here's this week's Top 5. My Top 5 favorite movies:
5. Hang 'Em High
4. Facing the Giants
3. The Princess Bride
2. Fireproof
1. Back to the Future Part 1
Here's this week's Top 5. My Top 5 favorite movies:
5. Hang 'Em High
4. Facing the Giants
3. The Princess Bride
2. Fireproof
1. Back to the Future Part 1
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Weight Loss Wednesday 2
So I just realized I forgot my Weight Loss Wednesday blog. It will be short but I have two things to cover.
The first is this list compiled from some articles I've read - Top Five Reasons to Drink Water:
1. Hydration - your body can't properly function without water
2. It minimizes the chances of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 75%, and bladder cancer by 50%.
3. It helps you lose weight by burning more calories during regular routine activities and exercises. Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before each meal will make you feel full, as a result you will eat less, hence enabling you to lose weight more efficiently.
4. Drinking water helps maintain digestive health, ease or prevent stomach distress, and constipation. In other words, it helps you poop.
5. It makes you (or at least me) feel better generally. I've found that when I drink enough water, I feel better than on days when I don't get enough.
The second thing is a link. This is a map of every McDonalds in the US. Scary!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/09/map-every-mcdonalds-us_n_1084045.html
Enjoy!
The first is this list compiled from some articles I've read - Top Five Reasons to Drink Water:
1. Hydration - your body can't properly function without water
2. It minimizes the chances of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 75%, and bladder cancer by 50%.
3. It helps you lose weight by burning more calories during regular routine activities and exercises. Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before each meal will make you feel full, as a result you will eat less, hence enabling you to lose weight more efficiently.
4. Drinking water helps maintain digestive health, ease or prevent stomach distress, and constipation. In other words, it helps you poop.
5. It makes you (or at least me) feel better generally. I've found that when I drink enough water, I feel better than on days when I don't get enough.
The second thing is a link. This is a map of every McDonalds in the US. Scary!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/09/map-every-mcdonalds-us_n_1084045.html
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Free topic Tuesday 2
So for my free topic today, I'm going to talk about something that really should be on Theology Thursday, but I don't want to wait.
Today I was listening to NT Wright. For those of you who aren't familiar, Wright is an Anglican bishop who is considered one of the leaders on New Testament theology, and has spearheaded a great movement to rediscover the historical Jesus. He has also written more books than I'll probably get a chance to read.
Anyway, in his lecture, he pointed something out. Jesus is often talked about (and sometimes celebrated) in regards to miracles. Wright points out that CS Lewis is un-Biblical about some issues but is really on point about Jesus' miracles. We often talk about his miracles and relate it to his divinity, his being "part God" or "part divine".
But what Lewis said, and Wright builds on is that Jesus' miracles are only miracles because he's human. What usually follows from Jesus performing miracles because of his divinity is that his crucifixion is related to his humanity.
So we have it backwards! Jesus performed miracles as a human who was perfectly in line with the will of the Father.
If what Wright put forth is true, that means that he wasn't tortured because he was human. Jesus was tortured and killed because he was the Most High God, the Holy King of Kings, in human form.
Just something to think about.
Today I was listening to NT Wright. For those of you who aren't familiar, Wright is an Anglican bishop who is considered one of the leaders on New Testament theology, and has spearheaded a great movement to rediscover the historical Jesus. He has also written more books than I'll probably get a chance to read.
Anyway, in his lecture, he pointed something out. Jesus is often talked about (and sometimes celebrated) in regards to miracles. Wright points out that CS Lewis is un-Biblical about some issues but is really on point about Jesus' miracles. We often talk about his miracles and relate it to his divinity, his being "part God" or "part divine".
But what Lewis said, and Wright builds on is that Jesus' miracles are only miracles because he's human. What usually follows from Jesus performing miracles because of his divinity is that his crucifixion is related to his humanity.
So we have it backwards! Jesus performed miracles as a human who was perfectly in line with the will of the Father.
If what Wright put forth is true, that means that he wasn't tortured because he was human. Jesus was tortured and killed because he was the Most High God, the Holy King of Kings, in human form.
Just something to think about.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Melioration Monday 1
Today is my first Melioration Monday. I forgot to weigh in but I do have a brief non-scale victory, or NSV, to share.
Saturday I decided to go for a walk since I hadn't worked out all week. I crossed the big road to the neighborhood across the way. I don't walk in ours because we live on a dead end.
Anyway, I went around the loop I normally go on 3 times, about a mile and a half. Part of the loop is a big hill I walk up. As short ago as July, when I got to the to top I would have to slow down so I could catch my breath.
Saturday, when I got to the top, I was barely winded! Whoo hoo!
It might seem minimal to some but it was a victory fro me.
Saturday I decided to go for a walk since I hadn't worked out all week. I crossed the big road to the neighborhood across the way. I don't walk in ours because we live on a dead end.
Anyway, I went around the loop I normally go on 3 times, about a mile and a half. Part of the loop is a big hill I walk up. As short ago as July, when I got to the to top I would have to slow down so I could catch my breath.
Saturday, when I got to the top, I was barely winded! Whoo hoo!
It might seem minimal to some but it was a victory fro me.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Free topic on Saturday!
So I was going to wait until Tuesday for my free topic but I decided to do it now.
Brandy and I celebrated our tenth anniversary Thursday. Despite some ups and downs during our marriage, there have been more ups!
I am so thankful to have a wife like her. I often wonder why God blessed me with a wife like her. She is Godly, loving, kind, honest, fiercely loyal and brave. She faces adversity head on, with a determination that would have made her a great soldier in anyone's army. But, she a soldier for the LORD.
She is a wonderful mother to our son, and the best wife anyone could ask for. She keeps our lives in order, from scheduling dinner with friends to making sure the bills are paid. She makes sure Levi and I have something to eat before she eats anything herself (kind of like the mom in Christmas Story :)
She prays and worships and loves God more than I thought someone could. She may get frustrated or anxious, but her trust in him never wavers. She is strong in her faith and is already an example to women around her for how to be a Godly woman.
She isn't afraid to be herself. She does what she wants, what God wants her to do and doesn't worry if people don't think it's "cool". She sings her heart out, even when singing Bette Midler tunes to be silly.
She is a blessing and I don't know how I would live life without her. I don't tell her I love her enough, and I probably take her for granted, but she loves me anyway.
I thank God for her everyday. And now you know how I feel about her!
Brandy and I celebrated our tenth anniversary Thursday. Despite some ups and downs during our marriage, there have been more ups!
I am so thankful to have a wife like her. I often wonder why God blessed me with a wife like her. She is Godly, loving, kind, honest, fiercely loyal and brave. She faces adversity head on, with a determination that would have made her a great soldier in anyone's army. But, she a soldier for the LORD.
She is a wonderful mother to our son, and the best wife anyone could ask for. She keeps our lives in order, from scheduling dinner with friends to making sure the bills are paid. She makes sure Levi and I have something to eat before she eats anything herself (kind of like the mom in Christmas Story :)
She prays and worships and loves God more than I thought someone could. She may get frustrated or anxious, but her trust in him never wavers. She is strong in her faith and is already an example to women around her for how to be a Godly woman.
She isn't afraid to be herself. She does what she wants, what God wants her to do and doesn't worry if people don't think it's "cool". She sings her heart out, even when singing Bette Midler tunes to be silly.
She is a blessing and I don't know how I would live life without her. I don't tell her I love her enough, and I probably take her for granted, but she loves me anyway.
I thank God for her everyday. And now you know how I feel about her!
Two posts in one
So we had some PC issues the last two days and I missed Theology Thursday and Top 5 Friday. So, here they are in one long post.
For the theology portion:
I've been studying in Exodus recently. One verse a few nights stuck out to me. Exodus 19:8 says "All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD."
Now the reason this stuck out to me was the second sentence in the verse. Why did Moses need to go tell God what the people had said? For context, in this passage, God has descended on the mountain. But still, couldn't God hear the people? In fact, as God, wouldn't he have known what the Israelites were going to say?
My point is this. Sometimes, even when God knows how we feel or what we need, we should tell him. Not for his need, because he doesn't need anything. But we should tell him because it reinforces our need for him so we don't rely on ourselves too much.
For the top 5 portion:
I think I'm going to go simple. My top 5 favorite songs right now.
5. Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars
4. Investigate (Live on the Farewell Show CD) by Deliriou5?
3. All the Poor and Powerless by All Sons and Daughters
2. All I Want is You (U2 cover) by Jars of Clay
1. Sheet of Night by John Mark McMillan
Now these could change tomorrow. Or they could change in a few hours. Either way maybe it will inspire someone to go check out one of these great artists if they haven't already.
For the theology portion:
I've been studying in Exodus recently. One verse a few nights stuck out to me. Exodus 19:8 says "All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD."
Now the reason this stuck out to me was the second sentence in the verse. Why did Moses need to go tell God what the people had said? For context, in this passage, God has descended on the mountain. But still, couldn't God hear the people? In fact, as God, wouldn't he have known what the Israelites were going to say?
My point is this. Sometimes, even when God knows how we feel or what we need, we should tell him. Not for his need, because he doesn't need anything. But we should tell him because it reinforces our need for him so we don't rely on ourselves too much.
For the top 5 portion:
I think I'm going to go simple. My top 5 favorite songs right now.
5. Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars
4. Investigate (Live on the Farewell Show CD) by Deliriou5?
3. All the Poor and Powerless by All Sons and Daughters
2. All I Want is You (U2 cover) by Jars of Clay
1. Sheet of Night by John Mark McMillan
Now these could change tomorrow. Or they could change in a few hours. Either way maybe it will inspire someone to go check out one of these great artists if they haven't already.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Weight loss Wednesday, vol 1
Today's weight loss Wednesday is a recipe that my wife came up with (http://www.thesingingloser.blogspot.com/).
It's a simple salad recipe that is filling and delicious.
1 cup mixed greens (for me, the dark green and reddish purple ones. The more bitter the better.)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 almods (she likes the sliced ones, I prefer slivered or halves)
1 whole apple, cut into bite-size cubes (I prefer Granny Smith or some other green, moderately tart apple)
2 tbsp Paula Deen's Peach Dressin' (okay, it's dressing, but when Paula talks about it, you call it dressin')
Mix all ingredients into a salad.
Calories = 357
Carbs = 20g
Fat = 1g
Protein = 12g
For some extra oomph, I'll grill 4 oz of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut it up and throw it in there once it cools.
Enjoy!
It's a simple salad recipe that is filling and delicious.
1 cup mixed greens (for me, the dark green and reddish purple ones. The more bitter the better.)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 almods (she likes the sliced ones, I prefer slivered or halves)
1 whole apple, cut into bite-size cubes (I prefer Granny Smith or some other green, moderately tart apple)
2 tbsp Paula Deen's Peach Dressin' (okay, it's dressing, but when Paula talks about it, you call it dressin')
Mix all ingredients into a salad.
Calories = 357
Carbs = 20g
Fat = 1g
Protein = 12g
For some extra oomph, I'll grill 4 oz of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut it up and throw it in there once it cools.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
First free topic!
So today, as per my schedule in yesterday's post, I get a free topic.
I'm going to talk about something that really irritates me. File under Facebook issues.
Why do people "friend" me and then ignore me when they see me out in public? Don't get me wrong - I'm not so insecure as to worry about this. And I'm not so naive to think that people who are FB "friends" are true friends. Sometimes they are acquaintances. And that's okay. Not everyone on my friends list is someone I'm going to call at 3 in the morning with a prayer request.
But when someone friends me, and then ignores me, it irritates me. You're using me to up your friend count, not because you give a crap about me.
And the worst?
People at my church do this! That's the last place you should be fake. In fact, you're the last group of people who should be fake. Yes, I'm calling those of you who do this fake. Get over it. Better yet - don't be fake!
Now if you're busy and can't stop to talk, I get it. But if I see you and say "Hello." or "Good morning." to you at church and you're a FB friend, at least respond. Don't just ignore me.
It reminds me of that old hymn - "They'll Know We're Christians by Our Love". Yeah, right.
From now on, if you friend me on FB, at least speak to me in public, or you're gone.
There, I feel better.
I'm going to talk about something that really irritates me. File under Facebook issues.
Why do people "friend" me and then ignore me when they see me out in public? Don't get me wrong - I'm not so insecure as to worry about this. And I'm not so naive to think that people who are FB "friends" are true friends. Sometimes they are acquaintances. And that's okay. Not everyone on my friends list is someone I'm going to call at 3 in the morning with a prayer request.
But when someone friends me, and then ignores me, it irritates me. You're using me to up your friend count, not because you give a crap about me.
And the worst?
People at my church do this! That's the last place you should be fake. In fact, you're the last group of people who should be fake. Yes, I'm calling those of you who do this fake. Get over it. Better yet - don't be fake!
Now if you're busy and can't stop to talk, I get it. But if I see you and say "Hello." or "Good morning." to you at church and you're a FB friend, at least respond. Don't just ignore me.
It reminds me of that old hymn - "They'll Know We're Christians by Our Love". Yeah, right.
From now on, if you friend me on FB, at least speak to me in public, or you're gone.
There, I feel better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)