Ok guys, let's face it -- most of us are in a rut. I mean really, who made significant, lasting change in 2013?
I've tried this blog stuff before. My previous aborted attempts may still be lingering in cyberspace, but I have been told that blogging will help me hone my writing skills, so...here we go again.
I'm not much of a writer, but I like to relate my life experiences in story form. A lot of people have shown great patience (and some have not) as I've told a 5-10 min story to make a minor point. Perhaps this blog will cause me to be more conservative in my use of the language.
I have titled the blog, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free," a quote from the 8th chapter of John's gospel. They are the words of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. You can tell already how this is going to go...I'm unapologetic when it comes to my faith in the God of the Bible and Jesus Christ. Please be careful to distinguish truth (quotes from the Bible) from my opinions. Sometimes (hopefully, more often than not), they will coincide; sometimes, they won't. You've been warned.
I don't do New Year's Resolutions. Like much of the English language, the word 'resolution' has become something less than it originally meant. Resolutions were originally legal documents, such as were written by legislators. You know the type -- "Be it resolved that...whereas...therefore..." These days, a resolution is no more than an expressed desire to accomplish something we lack the discipline to see through to its successful finish. Making a New Year's resolution is akin to giving up coffee for Lent when I only drink tea...Therefore, I don't make resolutions; I set goals.
This year, so far, I have set three goals -- 1) to read Eric Metaxas'
Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness in one week. Get it? 7 men in 7 days; 2) Read the Psalms and the Proverbs in one month; 3) Read the Bible through in one year; 4) Live out the words of John the Baptist in John 3:30 ("He must increase and I must decrease).
I've gotten off to a pretty solid start: Check off 1); I have 3 days to go on 2); I'm almost 2 of 66 books through 3); I don't know how to evaluate 4).
Then there are other goals to be set and met. This weekend, I'm getting together with the other leaders of Freedom Christian Church in New Bloomfield, Missouri. You can think of us as mid management (Jesus is the CEO). We're getting together to discern God's will for our little flock during 2014. As the "preacher," one of my main goals is to encourage the group to seek a more intimate relationship with Jesus and to live out their lives in service to God's people. We will spend an extended amount of time singing and praying together and looking how the Bible portray's the Church.
Another goal I have is to provide for my family's material needs. For the past four years, Liti has worked for the schools and provided chid care at the Y, while I've patched together a hodgepodge of part-time jobs. Toward the end of last year, our outgo exceeded our income. We are blessed that we found a way to rectify that situation, but I'm convinced that working with students one-on-one is what I do best, so I need to make it more profitable. I will be looking to work with more students, maybe even in the downstairs part of our house. It seems that I do fairly well with students in grades 7-11, particularly in science, math, and standardized test prep. I love working with college students, but finding students is a little more difficult when I live 45 minutes away.
Then there's my physique. I think I've in perfect shape -- perfectly round. While I'm in generally good health, my bodyweight presents me with special challenges, such as varicose veins, sore knees and lower back, and short-windedness. Some of these challenges can be ameliorated through improved cardiovascular health. My goal here is to go from 15-20 minutes 2-3 times per week to 30-40 minutes 5-6 times per week. I'm not so much interested in losing weight as I am in improving my heart health and losing fat, but I'm pretty sure if I'm successful in the latter, the former will occur. Finally, there's my pet hobby -- powerlifting.
On December 30, 2013, I accomplished 3 things -- I reached the age of 55; I became eligible for the senior discount at Denny's; and I entered a new age category in powerlifting. The third occurrence means that I get to try to set records in a new age division! Some time during the next five years, I want to squat 675 pounds, without a supportive suit or supportive wraps. In the same time, I'd like to see my bench press increase to between 350-400 pounds and my deadlift to between 550-600 pounds. This would get me a total of between 1575-1675 pounds. I know, that's crazy, but it's my goal and I will continue to work toward it. Achieving my cardiovascular and strength goals should help me to become more healthy.
Finally, there's one more area in which I have set goals -- my family. Like intimacy with God, my relationship with my family is hard to quantify. My goal this year (and every year) is to be a better son to my mother, a better husband to my wife, and a better father to my kids.
So there it is, folks; my first (again) blog post...read it and weep.
