Discouragement

As I was considering the past nine weeks since becoming a part of Rob's Big Losers, I began to get a little discouraged about the physical struggles that have prevented a consistent exercise regimen, and the slower than expected loss of weight. The longer I thought, prayed and meditated on the situation, however, I was reminded that the successes I have enjoyed far outweigh the failures.

First, and foremost, was the mental shift that came with the realization that my unwillingness to live a healthy lifestyle was the result of selfishness. Like those caught in the web of addiction, the lure of food is as strong for me as the need for another drink is for the alcoholic. Hyperbole? No! Just honest!

Paul plead with the Roman believers to "give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" He further urged, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" (Romans 12:1-2, NLT). I had to give my life away, allow Him to change my thoughts, and not cling to the urges that prevented me from knowing what God wanted me to do.

Second, I have recognized that my exercise plan needs to be consistent, not cruel. Thirty minutes of consistent exercise that raises the heart rate for a sustained period of time, five days a week, can be as effective as the most rigorous exercise routine. It's okay that I don't excel in the rough and tumble world of triathlons and marathons. I have permission to admit I'm almost 60, the survivor of heart bypass surgery, and not interested in endurance activities. What I don't have permission to do is ignore my responsibility as a son, husband, father, grandfather, employee, etc. to do my very best to maintain a level of health that permits me to fulfill my duties in those roles.

Third, my life, in every aspect, is to be a reflection of my Savior. Overeating may be socially acceptable, and more often than not, encouraged. God refers to it as gluttony. Who am I to question His truth? Clearly, I don't reflect Him appropriately when I chose to live by worldly opinion/standards as opposed to His.

Fourth, I am learning a lesson in contentment, and maintaining a spirit of joy which allows me to overcome the excuse of eating as a sedative. An abundantly clear lesson has been "when you're hungry, eat!" But, if your not hungry, don't give in to the urge to eat just to have something to do.

My favorite spot in the house is a wonderful recliner that sits in the corner of our living room. One of my favorite activities is to eat a snack while watching the television in my recliner. In the past, the snack could be ice cream, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the list goes on. Now you're more likely to see grapes, oranges, a handful of nuts or just a glass of water. Was this an easy transition? No, but a necessary one. I now find contentment in going to bed with the realization that I didn't give in to my temptations.

"Attitude determines altitude." While I am not certain to whom attribution is due, this concise assertion can be derived from Paul's letter to the Phillipians where he commanded, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again -- rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon" (Phillipians 4:4-5, NLT) Our world needs genuine examples of Christ-like joy.

My desire is to exhibit this joy in accomplishing my health goals. There are times the body hurts and the temptation to give in to a chocolate binge is strong. What do I do? Rejoice! It's time for God's strength to be made perfect in my weakness.

It all goes back to the "change of mind" that I wrote about earlier. Remember this, "If I think the way I've always thunk, my thoughts will stink like they've always stunk." Maintaining an attitude of joy is only possible when I surrender myself to the transforming work of God's Holy Spirit, and allow Him control my thoughts. The Scriptures are rife with affirmations concerning our thoughts. Find them, and make them your meditation until right thinking becomes your norm.

In closing, the World English Dictionary defines discouragement as "to deprive of the will to persist in something." I choose not to be deprived of that will. Rather, I choose to adhere to what John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrims Progress, wrote:

There's no Discouragement,
Shall make him once relent,
His first avow'd intent,
To be a Pilgrim.

I choose to continue as a pilgrim on this journey, regardless of the obstacles, because the lessons are far greater than how to get a smaller waistline, bigger muscles or the acclaim of my peers. The lessons are drawing me to a greater realization of how to be the reflection of Christ as I travel this road.

Choosing . . . to make a difference! Join me!

Setbacks

Setbacks are part of progress. I would be hard pressed to list a project of any magnitude or value that didn’t have circumstances that hindered progress at one time or another.

My journey to better health, which began about seven weeks ago, has certainly seen its share of setbacks. Thankfully, however, my support network of family and friends have continued to bolster my commitment to not only finish the twelve weeks with RBL, but to continue the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life.

Rob has mentioned several times about the importance of proper nutrition and development of good eating habits. Over the past two weeks that has had to be my focus. The exercise routine has been “sidelined” as I heal from muscle spasms from sciatica. I was able to mow the lawn Saturday with minimal discomfort, so it’s back to the gym on Monday to kick-start my metabolism and continue toward my weight loss goal.

The RBL journey is providing a very practical and tangible example of what it takes to fulfill my commitment to live for Christ. No earthly struggle can compare to the inheritance awaiting me when Christ returns. In the same way, temporary physical aches and pains will not prevent my pursuit of a healthier life, which will allow me to enjoy God’s blessings here while I await His return or my home going.

Thanks again, Rob, for providing this opportunity and the encouragement you and Kristin are offering each day through your ministry at HIS Radio.

Boot Camp - Pushing the Limits

After some physical setbacks in weeks three and four, I attended the first Boot Camp for Rob's Big Losers last Saturday. Those who have been privileged to serve our country and endure a genuine military boot camp know that the process is rigorous, failure is not an option, and the rewards, while delayed, are worth the effort.

Our Boot Camp was held at the Eastside Y on Saturday, February 19 at 8:00 a.m. That's right, 8:00 a.m.! All 32 of Rob's Big Losers were present and "eager" to begin. The circuit included six stations in which we were to do the assigned exercise for one minute and then "rest" during our transition to the next station for 30 seconds. At first glance, the stations looked challenging, but doable.

Station One was the burpee. We used to call this the squat thrust, but the burpee added a jump at the end. Check out the video below and imagine doing that for one solid minute.



During our 30 second rest we transitioned to the next station, which was a lunge and a 90 degree turn at the waist while holding a dumbbell in front of us. We would alternate legs and turn our upper body in the direction of the leg that with which we stepped forward.

We then moved on to a rowing type exercise using two dumbbells. For this exercise we would bend our knees, bend the upper body forward slightly, keeping our head up and facing forward, and lift the dumbbells in a rowing motion toward our chest.

Our next exercise used an "X" on the floor. We were to jump from one part of the "X" to another, or step continuously from one of the four sections of the "X" to another for one minute. Looked simple, but after the first four exercises, my leg muscles were screaming for mercy and felt like lead weights.

After using our body in a miniature game of foursquare, we moved to an exercise called the "Arnold" press. It was modified to include a dumbbell curl prior to lifting the weights above our head and turning our hands as we lifted them. This was one of the few that I could continue to do with only a mild burn in my arm muscles.

The "final" exercise was a squat or deep knee bend while holding dumbbells on our shoulders or at our side. The coach assigned to this station would help us alter the moves such as spreading our legs out, holding the dumbbells in front of us and doing the squat lowering the dumbbells between our legs.

Keep in mind, we exercised for one minute, "rested" for 30 seconds, during which we moved to the next station. This routine continued for about 30 minutes, after which we left the gym and went to the group exercise room and did another 30 minutes of "Body Combat." Punches, kicks, twists, constant motion for one-half hour. All I can say is I was glad when the instructor let us get the mats and do some abdominal work and then finished with some stretches.

Why the detail? Only to point out that I have never challenged myself to push the limits of my body's capacity to endure strenuous exercise. My style has always been to seek the easy route. Settle for what was good enough.

In Jr. High and High School I stopped playing baseball because I would be required to run two miles a day. In college, I took the courses that had the easiest professors, or allowed me to take the course pass/fail. In my work life, I often choose to leave a challenging situation rather than develop the skills required to surmount the difficulties. In my Christian life, I often took the road most traveled to avoid appearing fanatical or off the deep end.

My journey with Rob's Big Losers is about far more than losing weight and regaining a better level of health. That may have been my initial desire, but pushing the limits of my physical endurance is helping me to see the need to do the same for my spiritual health. There is no place for carelessness in a Christian's life.

Solomon penned in Ecclesiastes 9:10a (NLT), "Whatever you do, do well," and I might add with all diligence. Matthew Henry commented about verse 10, "believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation." Jesus' job description for the Christ-follower includes, "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine" (Matthew 10:38, NLT).

This journey is about losing myself to a higher purpose. It's about learning to die to myself and follow in the steps of the God who created me with full abandon. Ultimately, my desire is to take the road less traveled and push the limits of my commitment to my God, my family and my community. Only then will I truly make a difference, and hopefully challenge someone else to join in the journey.

Remember, ALWAYS make a difference!!

The Journey - Week 2

Wow! Maintaining a focus on a healthier lifestyle became more challenging during Week 2. Letting the pressures of work and life create excuses was a real temptation. Such decisions, however, would have derailed my commitment to make a difference in my life and by my example.

Interestingly, I was reminded of the importance of continuing by my daughter as she “coached” me through my Nautilus workout today. As I worked on the overhead press, she reminded me “Quitters never win, Daddy!” While I was unable to complete the number of reps I originally planned at that time, I returned to the machine and fulfilled my stated goal.

Eating has been less of a challenge. The mental shift to being more disciplined with food choices has been helped by the support of my wife and daughter. Overcoming the choice to eat donuts, pizza, and the multitude of other sweet treats has not been easy, but it has been simple. I’ve had my fling with “what tastes good.” Continuing to experience the love of my wife and children, the joy of seeing the smiles of my grandchildren, and the foundational and unconditional love exemplified in my father will require me to choose correctly.

The grafts used to restore proper blood flow to my heart in 2004 have a lifespan of about 10 years. One nurse shared that I could get more, “if [I] behave [my] self.” While my experience with open-heart surgery was mild by some measures, enduring such an invasive procedure again is not anything I want to encounter anytime soon. When discussing my weight and lack of exercise during my last cardiologist visit, Dr. Smith again reminded me of the temporary nature of the cardio artery bypass grafts. He looked at me and said, “You’re an intelligent man and should understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.”

Intelligent man? Wow! How did an “intelligent man” let himself slip back into a murderous routine? Hyperbole? I don’t think so. I was, as Mike Huckabee once wrote, killing myself with a knife and fork. The choices I was making were purely selfish and gave no thought to the big picture, and how my choices would impact those who love and care about me. So . . . I continue this trek with the support of my wonderful family, the super coaches at the YMCA, and the continual encouragement of Rob Dempsey and Kristin Roberts from HIS Radio.

Stats? Since January 1, 2011 I have lost (by our Weight Watcher scale at home) 20 pounds. More importantly, my clothes are no longer tight, and actually look like I’m wearing the correct size. I’m working to get back into my favorite suit from when I lost weight after my surgery. I might even include a picture in the blog when I’m wearing it.

Choose to make a difference in and with your life today! Thanks for reading.

Beginning . . . again!

DifferenceMakers was begun as an attempt to bring positive reinforcement for following through on choices that enhance the quality of one's life, vocation or relationships. Unfortunately, life happens, and distractions can draw one away from what's important to address what is urgent. Sadly, urgency can become addictive, creating an environment filled with "emergencies."

Well, it's time to begin a life of pro-activity rather than reactivity or inactivity. It's time to put aside the excuses and start fresh . . . again! (Aren't you glad for second chances?)

My Story

In January of 2004, I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease and had three blockages that required six (6) Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts. All of my life I made health choices that only fed my genetic proclivity toward diabetes and heart disease. All of the warnings went unheeded. There was never enough time to fit in an exercise routine. Eating healthy was a serious burden on the food budget. After all, I was big-boned, and, as some would say, I carried my weight well. (Not sure I ever understood what that meant, especially when the doctor never concurred.)

After the surgery was completed, I considered my survival as a second chance to get it right, and prevent, as best I could, a future need for further such invasive procedures. I attended regular workout times, completed a program that taught about nutrition and exercise. I went from a 44 inch waist down to a 38. I had lost about 40 pounds and was looking svelte with renewed energy and determination.

After nearly three years, the excitement of the "new me" gradually dissipated, and the yearnings of the undisciplined years returned. I was determined not to let my health keep me from what I liked. All those bland vegetables, inadequately seasoned, heart-healthy meals lacked the pizazz of mashed potatos and gravy, pizza, ooey gooey cinnamon rolls, and all you can eat buffets. It was just too much effort to keep track of what I was eating and walk at least 30 minutes each day. After all, if it was my time to "go," nothing I could do would prevent my departure. (Pretty fatalistic, wasn't it?)

After nearly five years of doing it "my way," I stand before you six inches larger and sixty pounds heavier. I take three medications for blood pressure and one for high cholesterol. Even with insurance my prescriptions have a serious impact on the family budget.

Think about it, I've enjoyed all my pies, cakes, steaks and potatoes. I've eaten at the buffet until I thought I would burst. Milkshakes and cheeseburgers were standard fare for a "snack." In addition, I have had the privilege of reinvesting in three wardrobes (40 inch, 42 inch and 44 inch).

Putting aside the sarcasm, it was time to make a difference and begin . . . again! As I perused my Facebook one evening, I saw a promotional piece for "Rob's Big Losers" sponsored by His Radio, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the local YMCA. My wife and I had already determined to start eating according to Weight Watchers' standards. I decided to enter my name for consideration, all the while thinking I'd never be considered. After all, I was merely "portly" and not "morbidly obese." Interestingly, all my body stats labeled me otherwise.

Shortly after entering my story, I received a call from Kristin Roberts from His Radio. She did a short, preliminary interview and gave me the specifics of the program. The following day, I received a call from Rob Dempsey and Kristin to delve a little deeper into my reasons for participating in Rob's Big Losers. Rob gave me some of his story and shared how he had lost over 100 pounds and now participates in endurance sports. He asked some probing questions to assess my commitment to change my poor habits. In the end, he and Kristin offered me the opportunity to become one of Rob's Big Losers. And so, the journey begins!

As of Tuesday, January 25, I am on a trek to lose at least 80 pounds, eight inches from my waist and prepare to run a 5K at the end of April. Thanks to Rob for his Christian testimony, his faithful example, and the opportunity to begin again! He is a REAL DifferenceMaker!

Stay tuned! Details of the journey will be posted weekly! As always, keep making a difference!