Here is the unfortunate but brutal reality. Looking forward to hitting the gym and tackling my weight issue. The death of Tim Russert has also motivated me that much more. Not only do I have to manage my weight and eat better, I also have to manage my stress and practice the Biblical rhythms of life which includes a sabbath. 

I hope to hit the gym Mon-Tues take Wed off and then back to the gym Thurs-Sat. I wanted to start last week but my harley tat was raw flesh. BTW-burns HURT

Every Saturday I will post a pic of my weight. 

Starting Weight: 248.6

Goal Weight by Sept 1st: 220

Weekly Activity: No gym. But I ate a lot better. I actually have more energy now, which is good. 

That being said…I have to take my health more serious. So I’m going to start a 6-Week HARDCORE diet and exercise program this Monday. Of course this 6-week program will need to become a lifestyle. But I think 6-weeks in manageable. 

Goals: 

Lose 20-25 pounds in 6 weeks. 

Lose 50 pounds in 6 months. 

My strategy for the first 6-weeks is as follows:

Workout 6 days a week: I want to do 4 30 min cardio sessions, 2 hour-long cardio sessions and 4 weight training sessions. 2 upper and 2 lower body workouts.  

I’m going to do a daily stretching routine. My body is stiff as a board. 

Eat healthy. Now that we can grill at home & and I can pack my lunch for work this will be easier. I would like to eat lots of chicken, fish and lean meats along with vegetables. 

No more fast food, sodas or desserts. (except for Sunday) 

My hope is to lose some initial weight and then get serious about running a full triathlon on 2009. 

In 2008 I would like to do the following:

1. 5k run

2. 10k run

3. Sprint triathlon. 

Let the good times begin. 

My 7 year-old daughter fell hard. After x-rays we were told she has a hair-line fracture. Yesterday we took her to the specialist and he informed us that her arm is not broken. Just a bad sprain. So that is good news.

My foot pain returned with a vengeance yesterday. So I’m back on the meds. I had to get some more blood-work done yesterday. There is a chance I have some form of diabetes. I pray this is not the case-but if it is then I know I will just have to deal with it by God’s grace. 

Last night I was able to meet a new couple from LA. They work at Mosaic and they are considering moving to Austin and being apart of Vista. Can’t wait to hang with them today and learn from their experiences. Jeff and I keep saying we need one more key person to make us whole. Someone like JDA would be perfect.

Also we had Com Group last night. The past two-weeks have been very touching and heart-breaking and beautiful. So much brokenness in our world. Its good to see people who can come and share and be real with each other. Hopefully the tears will bring healing and the community will provide strength and encouragement.

Looking forward to a good HOT day. 

Their are many excuses that I could use. But truthfully it would be just an excuse. Therefore not pleasing to God or being faithful to the community I serve or the vision that’s been given to me by God.

Some key areas are:

1. Spiritual: I’ve simply struggled to spend time seeking God, reading scripture and mediating. This is my life-blood and without It life always goes astray.I’m lacking a “prayer-closet” in my life. A place where I meet with God.

2. Health: I’m eating like crap, not working out, sleeping like 4-hours a night (NBA playoffs can do that to a man) and not allowing my body to rest well. Again, this is not wise on my part and I’ve got to change.

3. Daily Rhythm: If I’m not HIGHLY productive I get very mad at myself. Yes…I’ve been mad at myself a lot lately. I’ve allowed a lack of focus to demoralize my weekly habits. I get up in the morning with a lack of clear goals and I come home at night wondering what I’ve accomplished-yet dead tired. Its not like I”m not busy. I’m working hard, but hard work can be overrated. I want to work smart, be effective and move forward.

So tomorrow I will take the entire day to re-think my personal leadership, repent and create a better plan that will please God. I must steward my life well. It’s the cost of leadership and discipleship. I’m accountable to God and others. So I must stop sucking and start moving forward and creating a more productive culture.