Until September 23rd. Since I'm preaching that night and taking students to Six Flags the day before, we celebrated this weekend. Just me, the wife, the Ashe Cabin, and no kids. No Blogging. No Internet. No movies. NoTV. It was fantastic. I beat my high score for Dig Dug on my wifes phone... twice. I finally finished Freedom of Simplicity by Foster and also Things You Should Know by Now by Jason Boyett.
Spent lots of time with the wife. Drank lots of coffee. Ate half a gallon of Ice Cream, and slept often.
I also had time to re-evaluate some goals I made at the begining of the year.
Here are the dissapointments....
It's after Labor Day and I weigh more than 250 lbs. I have not taken the classes I planned to and I have not been disciplined in my good eating habits or my walking. I have yet to make it to a local youth pastors gathering this year. I'm half way to my bro's 08 b-day and I am not half way done with my Bible reading. My debt is just as overwhelming as it was before and I still wish I made more time for the wife and kids. While blogging quite a bit, I have not submitted any articles or manuscripts to anybody.
Here's the good news...
I have made huge steps in the way I value relationships. I feel like things are good with the wife and each of my kids. While I haven't attended too many meetings, I have stayed fairly connected by email, phone, and blogging to several friends, local youth pastors, guys in my fellowship, and also emerging circles. I made three book club meetings and am looking forward to what's next for that unique group. I feel like I have been being mentored and am also mentoring others. I go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. I have a more regular schedule that usually involves breakfast. I've read a ton of books this year. I am managing my time better, and I am in the process of implementing some good changes in our youth ministry. It has been a struggle, but I have been intentional in keeping student ministry the prioity in what I do for the church. I have taken some fairly significant steps towards one day planting a church. I feel like my bro is more healthy and more at peace than he was at the begining of this year, and I feel like I had a part in this.
Conclusion.
I want to value PEOPLE not programs or policy. I want to value RELATIONSHIPS not rules and regiment. This has been a healthy good change in my life. This has been difficult and time consuming. This goes against what I used to be, and goes against the functional practicality of the culture I live in. There were events that I could not have planned for that impacted my health, time commitments, financial commitments, and ability to meet all of these goals. I am still a largely undisciplined, weak, imperfect person who becomes overwhelmed easily and often finds accomplishment in doing the least effort required. I am still a part of a local church that schedules so much ministry and outreach that sometimes I feel like there is little time left for any real ministry or outreach. My goals were good goals. I will continue to work towards them.
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Maintenance
Quick Goals Review...
300lbs... still... will get back on track after N.O.E. and church's 20th anniversary.
Reading books like crazy. About to finish Thomas à Kempis and getting ready to start N. T. Wright.
Debt still a real struggle... but I have a plan, especially now that Citistreet knows where I live.
See the time stamp on this post to see how I'm doing about going to bed earlier... Oh well.
300lbs... still... will get back on track after N.O.E. and church's 20th anniversary.
Reading books like crazy. About to finish Thomas à Kempis and getting ready to start N. T. Wright.
Debt still a real struggle... but I have a plan, especially now that Citistreet knows where I live.
See the time stamp on this post to see how I'm doing about going to bed earlier... Oh well.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
2007 Goals Evaluation...
Body...
I currently weigh 295lbs (I will get official results tomorrow, when I go to the fat doctor and stand on the freight scale). Thats down 65 lbs with 45lbs to go by September. This feels good.
I have not been exercising. I have not been going to bed by midnight. I have been eating breakfast everyday. I have not taken any more steps towards education in these areas, however, doing that now would not help my health because my time is already too stretched. I have avoided caloried drinks and sodas. I have not been able to resist the occasional late night plate of nachos. The wife has joined me in my efforts and she is doing very well.
Despite my few successes and feeling like I'm on track, I give myself an unimpressive 50% success in my progress.
Mind...
I just finished God Sex by Rob Bell and I think that's the fifth or sixth book I've finished this year. I have joined the book club and I'm developing relationships with some of the best people God ever created. I have made time to read Blogs and Websites I find helpful and interesting as well as renewing or begining at least 5 subscriptions to periodicals. The local youth pastors have not met yet this year for our monthy breakfast, but I have been in contact with all of them. I've also stayed connected with in my fellowship and will be attending a "cluster" meeting next week. I have fairly faithfully kept my blog up to date and I'm doing research on a contextualization piece I hope to submit to some "user submitted sites". My bible reading flucuates. I think I actually have some catching up to do right now.
Who needs a Masters Program when there's so many books out there? I give myself a 92% success in my progress.
Soul...
Taking time to pray? Hang'n out with Jesus? Walking? No, not really. Not like I should. Students First? Things are good, but I can't say they're first. No time to waste. That's good. Staying out of trouble, holding every thought captive. Had some great meetings in regards to future plans, but no real concrete efforts or preperations. Hope to read some specific books and attend some specific conferences. Debt... has unfortunately increased a little. I don't feel like a lavish spender. Thinking about taking drastic measures like cancelling Netflix and abstaining from diet soda. Really looking for a means to generate resources that does not involve "pre paid legal services". Have enjoyed some special times with each of my kids, but have not scheduled time for them or my wife like I should. I'm not sure what to do different but I know I have to do better. Outside of a few dart games and lots of prayer, don't think I've done much to help my bro. I'm still concerned about his health, and I'm very proud of him for keeping his job and taking care of his bills. Having a hard time not being discouraged in these areas.
With a little bit of embarassment, I give myself a generous 35% success in my progress in these areas.
Overall... 59%... ouch. Even after going to the "Get Motivated" Seminar. Although, acheiving 59% success when the year is only 25% over keeps things in perspective. I'll Re-evaluate in June. I'm feeling like I need to make more time for people, especially the important ones.
Right now I find tremendous hope in God's Grace. And the fact that I know that I know that I know that these people love me. Glad there's still alot of '07 left.
I currently weigh 295lbs (I will get official results tomorrow, when I go to the fat doctor and stand on the freight scale). Thats down 65 lbs with 45lbs to go by September. This feels good.
I have not been exercising. I have not been going to bed by midnight. I have been eating breakfast everyday. I have not taken any more steps towards education in these areas, however, doing that now would not help my health because my time is already too stretched. I have avoided caloried drinks and sodas. I have not been able to resist the occasional late night plate of nachos. The wife has joined me in my efforts and she is doing very well.
Despite my few successes and feeling like I'm on track, I give myself an unimpressive 50% success in my progress.
Mind...
I just finished God Sex by Rob Bell and I think that's the fifth or sixth book I've finished this year. I have joined the book club and I'm developing relationships with some of the best people God ever created. I have made time to read Blogs and Websites I find helpful and interesting as well as renewing or begining at least 5 subscriptions to periodicals. The local youth pastors have not met yet this year for our monthy breakfast, but I have been in contact with all of them. I've also stayed connected with in my fellowship and will be attending a "cluster" meeting next week. I have fairly faithfully kept my blog up to date and I'm doing research on a contextualization piece I hope to submit to some "user submitted sites". My bible reading flucuates. I think I actually have some catching up to do right now.
Who needs a Masters Program when there's so many books out there? I give myself a 92% success in my progress.
Soul...
Taking time to pray? Hang'n out with Jesus? Walking? No, not really. Not like I should. Students First? Things are good, but I can't say they're first. No time to waste. That's good. Staying out of trouble, holding every thought captive. Had some great meetings in regards to future plans, but no real concrete efforts or preperations. Hope to read some specific books and attend some specific conferences. Debt... has unfortunately increased a little. I don't feel like a lavish spender. Thinking about taking drastic measures like cancelling Netflix and abstaining from diet soda. Really looking for a means to generate resources that does not involve "pre paid legal services". Have enjoyed some special times with each of my kids, but have not scheduled time for them or my wife like I should. I'm not sure what to do different but I know I have to do better. Outside of a few dart games and lots of prayer, don't think I've done much to help my bro. I'm still concerned about his health, and I'm very proud of him for keeping his job and taking care of his bills. Having a hard time not being discouraged in these areas.
With a little bit of embarassment, I give myself a generous 35% success in my progress in these areas.
Overall... 59%... ouch. Even after going to the "Get Motivated" Seminar. Although, acheiving 59% success when the year is only 25% over keeps things in perspective. I'll Re-evaluate in June. I'm feeling like I need to make more time for people, especially the important ones.
Right now I find tremendous hope in God's Grace. And the fact that I know that I know that I know that these people love me. Glad there's still alot of '07 left.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
7 in 1... Go
No posts for over a week. Again, not because my head is not swirling with thoughts, dreams, and frustrations, just a lack of time. Let's try the 7 in 1 once again.
1. For two months now, I've made posts, and none of them really address these "things that shouldn't matter". For that I'm sorry. The other thing I have not addressed, is the one who really does matter most in my life... after Jesus of course. For that, I am also sorry and I just wanted to take a moment and share with the world (all six of you reading this) that I LOVE MY WIFE! I thank God for her everyday. She truely is God's perfect gift for me. I am her adoring husband till death due us part! She gets me through each day and I'm happy to have her walking alongside me in the journey.
Why is it that because my name has the word Pastor in front of it, she gets treated different? People do things to her (put her on the spot, publically critize her, and carry unreal expectations) that would be seen as terribly rude if done to anyone else. Yet, they don't seem to think twice about doing them to my wife. God has given my wife thick skin and broad shoulders and she has an amazing ability to walk through these moments with tact and grace, but it really frustrates me! Any thoughts? Helpful suggestions?
2. Ups and downs of weight loss. Tuesday was the first day that I was able to use the scale within it's normal mechanical limits. It read under 0! This is fantastic because that 0 represents 3 0 0 and this has been a mini plauteau for me. Thank you to all of you who have encouraged me in this and made my accomplishments seem monumental. Yesterday I had a meeting with my Metlife guy, and asked him what the magic weight number was to get affordable term life insurance through a non group policy for a non smoker with the height of 5'10. He's going to get back to me but he's pretty sure its 190lb. Quite the humbling experience. Perhaps by 2010 I'll fit into their tidy little boxes and graphs!
3. The Mystery of "contextulization"... it's missions month at my church. Which means terms like "contextulization", "UPG", "pledge", and "light" have been a little bit over used lately. In hearing our missionaries (the vocational ones, our church suppourts). I have been overwhelmed by the fact that we should all be doing "contextual" work and also the need to recognize that we are first citizens of "His Kingdom" and being Americans should come second. See #7.
4. Reading Peter Rollins for book club... This book is kicking my butt in a good way. This is the first book since Bible College that I've read with a highlighter and pen in hand. In the emergent conversations I've always thought of myself as a "park" kind of guy. (A metaphor I borrowed from Len Sweet, which describes those who fold fast to "old" theology and message, while embracing new methods and mediums for practicing them). I become very uncomfortable with terms like "a/theology", however, Rollins book is wonderful. Makes my head hurt... in a wonderful way. The second half is more practical, but not any easier; some fairly radical ideas on loving and serving others. It makes me wish they didn't seem so "radical" to me. See #7
5. I now live in Rancho Belago. I'm not sure I've spelled that correctly, but apparently the Moreno Valley City Council has renamed the entire 92555 as a way to improve our city's image. Maybe they could find a way to prevent people from shooting each other? You folks in "Orangecrest" got nothing on me, baby!
6. Today my baby climbed stairs! She will be one next month, and I'm so happy to be her Dad!
7. Here's the big one... #7. I often find myself in this tension of being or doing, being or doing. Honestly I'm usually about doing, doing, doing. In fact, sadly enough, taking time to process and record these thoughts here is one of the few ways I find myself "being". Recently I've been wrestling with a new verb. GO!
I want to be going. Going new places with my wife. Going closer to 190lbs. Going to those who need Jesus. Going outside my comfort zone. Going to healthy safe communities. Going to new heights! Going! Going! Going!
May I enjoy the "going" even more, beacuse I've taken time to yeild, and to rest.
1. For two months now, I've made posts, and none of them really address these "things that shouldn't matter". For that I'm sorry. The other thing I have not addressed, is the one who really does matter most in my life... after Jesus of course. For that, I am also sorry and I just wanted to take a moment and share with the world (all six of you reading this) that I LOVE MY WIFE! I thank God for her everyday. She truely is God's perfect gift for me. I am her adoring husband till death due us part! She gets me through each day and I'm happy to have her walking alongside me in the journey.
Why is it that because my name has the word Pastor in front of it, she gets treated different? People do things to her (put her on the spot, publically critize her, and carry unreal expectations) that would be seen as terribly rude if done to anyone else. Yet, they don't seem to think twice about doing them to my wife. God has given my wife thick skin and broad shoulders and she has an amazing ability to walk through these moments with tact and grace, but it really frustrates me! Any thoughts? Helpful suggestions?
2. Ups and downs of weight loss. Tuesday was the first day that I was able to use the scale within it's normal mechanical limits. It read under 0! This is fantastic because that 0 represents 3 0 0 and this has been a mini plauteau for me. Thank you to all of you who have encouraged me in this and made my accomplishments seem monumental. Yesterday I had a meeting with my Metlife guy, and asked him what the magic weight number was to get affordable term life insurance through a non group policy for a non smoker with the height of 5'10. He's going to get back to me but he's pretty sure its 190lb. Quite the humbling experience. Perhaps by 2010 I'll fit into their tidy little boxes and graphs!
3. The Mystery of "contextulization"... it's missions month at my church. Which means terms like "contextulization", "UPG", "pledge", and "light" have been a little bit over used lately. In hearing our missionaries (the vocational ones, our church suppourts). I have been overwhelmed by the fact that we should all be doing "contextual" work and also the need to recognize that we are first citizens of "His Kingdom" and being Americans should come second. See #7.
4. Reading Peter Rollins for book club... This book is kicking my butt in a good way. This is the first book since Bible College that I've read with a highlighter and pen in hand. In the emergent conversations I've always thought of myself as a "park" kind of guy. (A metaphor I borrowed from Len Sweet, which describes those who fold fast to "old" theology and message, while embracing new methods and mediums for practicing them). I become very uncomfortable with terms like "a/theology", however, Rollins book is wonderful. Makes my head hurt... in a wonderful way. The second half is more practical, but not any easier; some fairly radical ideas on loving and serving others. It makes me wish they didn't seem so "radical" to me. See #7
5. I now live in Rancho Belago. I'm not sure I've spelled that correctly, but apparently the Moreno Valley City Council has renamed the entire 92555 as a way to improve our city's image. Maybe they could find a way to prevent people from shooting each other? You folks in "Orangecrest" got nothing on me, baby!
6. Today my baby climbed stairs! She will be one next month, and I'm so happy to be her Dad!
7. Here's the big one... #7. I often find myself in this tension of being or doing, being or doing. Honestly I'm usually about doing, doing, doing. In fact, sadly enough, taking time to process and record these thoughts here is one of the few ways I find myself "being". Recently I've been wrestling with a new verb. GO!
I want to be going. Going new places with my wife. Going closer to 190lbs. Going to those who need Jesus. Going outside my comfort zone. Going to healthy safe communities. Going to new heights! Going! Going! Going!
May I enjoy the "going" even more, beacuse I've taken time to yeild, and to rest.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Goals for 2007
Body
I will weigh 250lbs or less by Labor Day 2007. I will walk or exercise at least 20 minutes at least 4 days a week. I will go to bed by midnight if possible. I will eat breakfast everyday. I will complete education on weight management, behavioral change, nutrirtion, and healthy cooking. I will avoid caloried drinks, junkfood, excessive snacks, and empty calories. I will find others to join me in my efforts.
Mind
I will read books, at least one a month. I will join a book club. I will regularly read other blogs I find helpful. I will continue to network with other ministers in our fellowship, our community, and the emerging networks. I will write more, and share it with others. I will read the entire Bible by my brother's Birthday 2008.
Soul
I will make time to pray and hang out with Jesus, possibly while I'm walking. I will continue to put student ministry first in my efforts at the church I work at. I will avoid "wasting time" and stay away from compromise. I will begin planning and preparing for one day pastoring a church plant. I will live a "simple" life that allows for massive debt reduction in 2007. I will date my wife, and also each of my kids. I will help my brother find peace and health in any way I can.
I will weigh 250lbs or less by Labor Day 2007. I will walk or exercise at least 20 minutes at least 4 days a week. I will go to bed by midnight if possible. I will eat breakfast everyday. I will complete education on weight management, behavioral change, nutrirtion, and healthy cooking. I will avoid caloried drinks, junkfood, excessive snacks, and empty calories. I will find others to join me in my efforts.
Mind
I will read books, at least one a month. I will join a book club. I will regularly read other blogs I find helpful. I will continue to network with other ministers in our fellowship, our community, and the emerging networks. I will write more, and share it with others. I will read the entire Bible by my brother's Birthday 2008.
Soul
I will make time to pray and hang out with Jesus, possibly while I'm walking. I will continue to put student ministry first in my efforts at the church I work at. I will avoid "wasting time" and stay away from compromise. I will begin planning and preparing for one day pastoring a church plant. I will live a "simple" life that allows for massive debt reduction in 2007. I will date my wife, and also each of my kids. I will help my brother find peace and health in any way I can.
Friday, January 5, 2007
2007 is here...
Finally I've set up a place where I can start to write. Many have said I need to do more and often times when I've shared my writing with others they've actually asked for more... but this place will be safe. I will only share it with those I want to. Is it public masturbation? I hope not.
3 Words for 2007... Change, Reduce, Share
3 Words for 2007... Change, Reduce, Share
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