tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33532462629794429142024-03-13T07:08:11.097-04:00Fit Under The CollarFit Under the Collar offers practical tips on: Exercise, Nutrition, and Faith.Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.comBlogger758125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-55124365101940849222018-01-02T11:04:00.002-05:002018-01-02T11:04:20.094-05:00My Best Book Recommendations of 2017The ability to read and the availability of books to read is a gift. In 2017 I read 45 books, twelve of which were audio books. This list does not include my devotional reading of Scripture.<br />
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Below are the particular books I PERSONALLY found most helpful and why. (Note: The books listed in the order I read or listened to them.)<br />
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<b>"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday</b><br />
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This is basically stoic wisdom. However, I personally believe that this concept can be readily applied to what in theological circles is called "The Theology of the Cross." In other words, what looks like the worst thing possible in front of us can in fact be the very means through which God/Christ can make us whole or enable us to grow. Taken this way, obstacles are not necessarily to be either ignored or avoided but, rather, embraced as opportunities through which God can work.<br />
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<b>"Meditations by Marcus Aurelius", translation by Gregory Hays</b><br />
This is definitely stoic wisdom. But that doesn't mean we can't learn some things from it. I did find parts of it fatalistic. But I'm also amazed by the wisdom of people from long ago. This is a good book to read a section at a time and also encourages us to take personal responsibility whenever we can. Again, I would have to nuance some of these perspectives from my own faith understanding. Take some of this "wisdom" with a grain of salt.<br />
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<b>"Speak to Sell: Persuade, Influence, and Establish Authority to Promote your products, Services, Practice, Business, or Cause" by Dan Kennedy</b><br />
I think every pastor would do well to read this book. Though primarily secular in nature, Dan Kennedy's 40+ years in the direct-response marketing business gives him incredibly well-honed understanding and processes for connecting with whomever we feel most led to reach. Yes, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate mover that can work through any sermon. But that doesn't mean we get out of seminary without taking a course or two on preaching. With all due respect to my own professors of preaching, this book might be more practically helpful.<br />
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<b>"America's Pastor: Billy Graham and the shaping of a nation" by Grant Wacker</b><br />
I grew up watching Billy Graham crusades on television. That's basically all I knew about him. This book gives tremendously helpful background information on the heart of his evangelical desires, methodology and a significant amount of political influences as well. You don't have to like Billy Graham to find this book significantly insightful. And Wacker includes a fair amount of nuanced critique of his own. I recommend the audio version of this book for those with that option.<br />
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<b>"The Practice of Adaptive Leadership" by Heifetz, Linsky, Grashow</b><br />
This is a rather academic book that is not for the faint of heart. But if you're in a significant leadership position (and if you're a pastor you ARE in a significant leadership position!), this book could well touch a nerve in your soul in a helpful way. I particularly appreciated the insight of the difference between technical and adaptive leadership.<br />
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<b>"The Four Agreements" by Don Ruiz</b><br />
Two things you need to know. FIRST, when you discover that a book has made a significant difference in the life of a person you respect and/or has influence, you might want to read it yourself. I read an interview with Pro Football Quarterback Tom Brady and he mentioned that this book was foundational to his life. So I quickly wrote down the title and ordered it soon thereafter. SECOND, the four agreements highlighted in this book (that you make with yourself) are well worth taking to heart. Most of the perfectly avoidable heartaches I've experienced in my life were a result of me breaking one or more of these agreements.<br />
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<b>"Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity" by Nabeel Qureshi </b><br />
Last year I decided that I needed to learn more about Islam. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to like this book. It was given to me as a gift. But I found the first half of the book to be an excellent introduction to the Islamic family life. I felt the second half of the book was perhaps a little too apologetic (as in trying to argue/convince why Christianity is better) for my tastes. But the first half of the book was very helpful for me.<br />
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<b>"Do the Work" by Steven Pressfield</b><br />
This is a very, very small and very easy to read book and it's a perfect kick in the pants for you if you have a project or passion that you've just never gotten around to getting off the ground. Be forewarned, Steven speaks very directly.<br />
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<b>"The Shaping of things to Come" by Frost and Hirsch</b><br />
Frost and Hirsch deeply challenge the way we've been doing church in our part of the world and it's hard to argue with their conclusions--we've become a bunch of clubs more so than a mission movement. The authors challenge us to come back around to what it really means to be the people of God in this world. Note: this is a little tougher book to read.<br />
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<b>"Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home" by Richard Foster</b><br />
This is an absolutely loving read. In other words, you will feel loved as you read it. Challenged too. Or at least I did.<br />
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<b>"The Renegade Pastor's Guide to Time Management" by Searcy/Jarman</b><br />
There's a zillion books on time management out there. This one's a quick practical read that I think many pastors would find helpful. Side note: One of the authors, Nelson Searcy, has coached me as a pastor for the last few years.<br />
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<b>"12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You" by Tony Reinke</b><br />
I read this little book in one day while on a short vacation. Especially appreciated the chapter about the fear of missing out. It's a little literalistic in it's interpretation of scripture and a little heavy on the eternity focus, but all in all it's a really helpful and balanced exploration of how it's important to take a step back and essentially realize that the phone was made for us, not use for the phone.<br />
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<b>"Change Your Questions. Change Your Life" by Marilee Adams</b><br />
This is I believe the most helpful book I've read this year. It's written mostly in the form of a story that follows about 3 main characters. And parts of that are maybe a little hokey. But the basic concepts and application strategies are spot on. If your the kind of person who tends to be overly hard on yourself and/or you struggle with bouts of self-judgement and doubt, this book will open your eyes to a world of new possibilities and offer some remarkably simple questions to help get u there.<br />
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I hope you find some of these books helpful. Feel free to comment below with your own favorites. Have a blessed start to your new year. One of my goals is to read a book a week.Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-78842617639801031102016-12-31T10:56:00.004-05:002016-12-31T10:57:21.510-05:00A Look on My Past Year and the Year AheadI love the last day of the year because it's such a great time to reflect and plan for the year ahead.<br />
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Personally I'm looking at 6 main areas of personal wellness:<br />
<ul>
<li>Interpersonal/Social (which for me includes the Spiritual side of things), </li>
<li>Emotional, </li>
<li>Physical, </li>
<li>Vocational, </li>
<li>Financial, and </li>
<li>Intellectual Health. </li>
</ul>
Some of you may recognize these categories from a graphic called the Wholeness Wheel.<br />
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Some time ago I defined what "health" looks like for me in each of these areas and just the other day I ranked them from the area where I think I'm doing best right now to the area where I could use the most improvement.<br />
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I also formulated a plan for each of the areas moving forward into 2017. More important (and ultimately helpful!) than any goal is a plan for how to move toward that goal on a daily or at least weekly basis. Otherwise it's just a wish-list.<br />
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It should be noted that not a single one of these goals, even if somehow achieved perfectly, will make me a "better" person in God's sight or even in yours. You should know, if you don't already, that I still have a sinful nature just like everybody else. I was born that way and will die that way. My ultimate hope and trust is in God's redeeming love, not my own sense of accomplishment or aspiration.<br />
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Still, out of thanksgiving for God's redeeming love and to simply exercise the particular opportunities placed before me, setting goals and working toward them brings its own sense of joy and purpose.<br />
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For example, last year at this time, focusing on the area of intellectual health, I decided that I wanted to read between 50 and 60 books in 2016. As of today the total stands at 54. Fifty-Five if you count a book I finished in 2016 but started in 2015. That book was titled: "How to Unclutter your Life in One Week." For some reason it took me a month to read it...but I learned a new way to fold shirts! <br />
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Anyhow, every one of those 55 books has helped me to grow in some way. And from now on I've decided that 50 books a year is a healthy habit to keep. Basically a book a week. Several different subjects. Audio books count too.<br />
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The reading plan included a spreadsheet where I write down any book recommendations I pick up from trusted sources. That way when it's time to order more books (or borrow them from the library), I have a reading list handy.<br />
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Looking ahead, this morning was my first annual "measurement" day. There are a couple areas that I'd like to improve upon physically in the year ahead. A little less here, a little more there. The only way to truly know if I've made any progress by this time next year is to know where things are at right now. It all goes in a private word-processing document that I can pull up next year on this date.<br />
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I encourage you to embrace the year ahead with some healthy goals in the important areas of your life. Write them down now. Make a plan. Enjoy the opportunities God gives you!<br />
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<br />Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-56518878232174042872016-11-22T14:22:00.004-05:002016-11-22T14:22:38.428-05:003 Crucial Tips For Dealing With Personal Difficulty<div class="MsoNormal">
Suppose you’re going through an emotionally rough time…
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It happens.</div>
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That’s when the temptation is to drop everything else and
focus on whatever ails you. </div>
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Bad move. Keep that up and you’ll be facing checkmate before
you know it. </div>
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Better to doggedly persist in taking care of
yourself first—physically, mentally, and spiritually.</div>
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Here’s how…</div>
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<b>First: Exercise! </b></div>
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Truthfully, when you’re going through a rough time, almost
any exercise will do. Even a walk.</div>
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Naturally I recommend my own 9Minutes2Fit because it doesn’t
take much time and targets the four major areas of the body (upper body, lower
body, mid-section/core, and the cardiovascular system). </div>
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<br /></div>
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But a determined walk will do too. Just don’t make it a
casual stroll. Be intentional. Walk with purpose. Put some spring in your step.
Pump those arms. This is the time for exercise (even if it’s only for 5
minutes), not lover’s lane. </div>
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By the way, exercise isn't just for the body. It's a way of working on your personal
sense of confidence as well as your physical health. It a mental as well as
physical boost.</div>
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<b>Second: Fuel your body for the challenge. </b></div>
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This is NOT the time for so-called “comfort food.” No. No.
No.</div>
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Now’s the time to fuel your body up with the stuff it really
needs!</div>
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That means eat extra clean and healthy. Big drink of water
first thing in the morning and continued throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Lots of vegetables and some lean protein. Include some healthy fats like olive
oil, avocado, or almonds. Skip the deep-fat fried stuff and the potato chips at
all costs. And yes, proclaim a moratorium on sweets too. In times of stress
your body needs the best stuff to face the day, not the worst.</div>
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<b>Third, Make time for Devotions. </b></div>
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You might have thought that as a pastor I would have listed
this first. Sometimes I do. But most of the time I find it easier to reflect on
the ways of God when I’ve already experienced the gifts of God through exercise
and healthy food. </div>
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A little Bible reading, quiet reflection, and prayer can
help you keep things in perspective. </div>
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That's where you'll learn (or be reminded) that you’re not the first person to be going
through difficult times. And the Bible subtly (and sometimes not so subtly!)
reminds us that we are called to follow the way of Jesus rather than asking
Jesus to follow the way of us! </div>
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So WE are not the focus. We are just invited into Christ’s
parade of service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Bible
reading, reflection, and prayer, you can better see this.</div>
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<b>Parting Thoughts…</b></div>
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Even after exercising, eating well and spending time in devotions and prayer, your
challenges will still be there waiting for you. </div>
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But now you can face your challenges knowing<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">:</span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You’ve
already have had two experiences of victory (you exercised
and you ate well),
</li>
<li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You’re
physically at your best, and,</li>
<li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You've been primed again on the promises
of God’s presence now and always...</li>
</ol>
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As for facing the challenge of tomorrow? Rinse and repeat!</div>
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Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-49217298100376668652016-07-04T10:54:00.000-04:002016-07-04T10:54:06.307-04:00What I Learned from Peter about Fitness on Independence Day<h2>
Are You (like me!) TOO much like Peter?</h2>
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I was convicted this morning when doing my daily devotions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I realized that I am TOO much like Peter<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the New Testament book of Luke there is this story of
Jesus getting arrested. Peter, one of his “closest” disciples, follows at a
distance. He apparently wants to see what happens to Jesus and, sort of, be
there for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So he mixes in with some of the locals around a campfire
within a stones-throw of where Jesus is in custody with the soldiers who
arrested him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But then a few of the bystanders think they recognize Peter as a companion of Jesus and put the pressure on. So Peter denies even knowing him, not just
once, but three times!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, as Jesus predicted, the cock crowed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a way, that’s been ME. Not so much in regard to
Jesus. I AM a pastor after all and am deeply grateful for the grace and mercy
of our Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I’ve had this secondary calling in my life for a few
years now and I’ve really never fully claimed it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a calling to help my fellow brothers and sisters in
Christ take better care of the body that God has given them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I mean, even if you’re not too cracked up about the
particular body God gave you, it’s still a gift to have a body. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the best way to thank God for any gift (including your
body) is to use it! To keep it healthy. To care for it as if it were precious! Anything else is, well, kinda rude!</div>
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Besides, the vast majority of prayer requests I've received over the years have been for health! Yet few of us actually live in a way that nurtures good health.</div>
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But back to me and my own "struggle" for a moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been “following” and admiring various people over the
years who have taken their passion for helping others with fitness and
developed little businesses that really do enable them to help others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several of them, knowing that I've got <a href="http://www.9minutes2fit.com/" target="_blank">my own quality system</a>, have encouraged and beckoned me to do the same...to get my own system out there where it can be helping people.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But I’ve never really gotten serious about taking what I’ve been blessed to
learn about fitness and really focus on sharing it with those who could use it
most!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which is silly because what I have developed really works
and with over 2/3 of the American population overweight or obese (and with
Christians being 14% more likely than the general population to be overweight
or obese), lots of people could really use it. Maybe even you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet every time one of the fitness gurus I know (and by now I
know quite a few of them) asks me how I’m doing with getting my fitness system
into the hands of those who need it most, well, like Peter, I basically start spouting off various forms of denial.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I tell them the “Salespage” isn’t quite the way I want it.
Or that I should re-do the basement so the videos will look like what you see
on TV infomercials. Yada yada yada.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So even though I became certified personal trainer and have a fitness
system I developed that can be done at home or anywhere, is adaptable to
beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels, is based on the latest
science and has kept me in some of the best shape of my life for over 4 years
now and I’ve basically kept it to myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though I’ve got plenty of first-hand testimonials, scientific
support, and the like, my 9-Minute workout system is
basically a best-kept secret.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That's been me. Now let's swing back to you!</div>
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I wonder if perhaps you’re a little bit
like Peter too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How often have you "followed" fitness posts and articles and programs without actually doing them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How often have you read posts about this healthy recipe or
that? About this workout system or that? But yet not really applied any of it
consistently to your own life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How often have you been impressed by friends who suddenly
seem to act like they really are thankful for the body God gave them? Who don’t
mind getting up a little earlier or being just a little more dedicated to
health? And yet you’ve hung back…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are you, like Peter, one who has been ‘following’ fitness at
a distance?</div>
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Are you sort of hiding in the camp-fire shadows, too embarrassed
or perhaps even too scared to be seen as someone who is finally going to claim
a healthy relationship with your body? a</div>
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Look, we all have things we need to work on. In some ways
it’s my own lack of confidence that’s been holding me back from using the gifts
that God has given me. Today I’m taking one step toward changing that, toward
TRUSTING that God has already given me what I need to be helpful to others and
to grow myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wonder if on this Independence day you can take a step too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are a zillion systems out there to take better care of
the body God gave you. Almost any system is better than no system. Feel free to
check them out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For me, 9 minutes a day is all the time I’m willing to spend
on fitness because it's basically excuse-proof and works!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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After all, the only exercises that are effective are the
ones you consistently do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I do it five days a week, usually right away in the morning.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s just 45 minutes of exercise for the whole week!<o:p></o:p></div>
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But it’s enough to keep me in great shape!<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I’m not some ‘youngin’ either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This month I’ll turn 54. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today I’m going to start tearing down the old building pictured below myself. Why? Because it needs to be done AND because by the grace of God I’m
still quite physically capable of doing it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEFFoIJjVH5yEX0sA4qRIVaRBXGifDCGCAzHz361-RnzNBb345QNAexK95a-AeUF01eT3du48VuLf4I8vghrUs4nIg_3r-1DT1IVyZgNSqabprtlg0mXJIv5wSM5nhl4-TBYYXzg6ss7T/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEFFoIJjVH5yEX0sA4qRIVaRBXGifDCGCAzHz361-RnzNBb345QNAexK95a-AeUF01eT3du48VuLf4I8vghrUs4nIg_3r-1DT1IVyZgNSqabprtlg0mXJIv5wSM5nhl4-TBYYXzg6ss7T/s1600/IMG_3276.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
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There will be lots of prying with crow-bars, hammering with
a sledge, carrying wood here and there and who knows what else. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter. I can do it. Every day, in just 9 minutes of
focused exercise that includes strategic periods of rest, I work out my upper
body, lower body, core, and heart and lungs. I’m well-prepared for the physical
challenges before me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine what could be possible if you were to stop
“following at a distance” the people who invite you to a healthier way of life
and start “joining” them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a pastor I've spent enough time in hospitals and funeral homes to realize that some things about health are beyond our control. But I also know from my study of all things health that we can dramatically swing odds into our favor by just USING the body God gave us in healthy ways.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To stop "following" and start "doing" and "joining."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Listen, you weren’t created to be like Peter. You were
created to be YOU!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’d like to help you find and claim the God-given YOU that, perhaps, has been
hiding…BEFORE the cock crows in your life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To your fitness of body and soul,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. Remember when I said that I’m not quite happy with the
wording on my salespage for my fitness system? Well, that’s still true. I think
it’s too long and too drawn out and doesn’t have quite the right tone. But
those are just excuses. Truth be told, the buy-now links at the bottom of the
page still work! So if you’d like 18 follow-along at-home workouts led by me
that take just 9-minutes/day, just go to <a href="http://www.9minutes2fit.com/">www.9minutes2fit.com</a>,
scroll to the bottom and click one of the buy-now buttons and get started
today! You can make my day…and yours…at the same time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-16199502215009200242016-02-09T11:28:00.000-05:002016-02-09T11:28:03.881-05:00
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68m4B1CXyWF6-OyvSTdlpfdbmgc3kJLX_w_FIYybhzaD8LWk-viP_-LjD4KXK3C3o3UjL8TVt5dEilfpFhH6zpIutQH5RkwQ7oe6Ardf9CCX_y6v5Y48S2SlVtOmmX8cXev85R9jVqgUB/s1600/SawmillCreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68m4B1CXyWF6-OyvSTdlpfdbmgc3kJLX_w_FIYybhzaD8LWk-viP_-LjD4KXK3C3o3UjL8TVt5dEilfpFhH6zpIutQH5RkwQ7oe6Ardf9CCX_y6v5Y48S2SlVtOmmX8cXev85R9jVqgUB/s320/SawmillCreek.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">LENTEN SPECIAL: </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">$10 Dollars Off 9-Minute Fitness Program</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Portico Users can use it for the <br />“Go Challenge” Too!)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Colleague,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes you really can do two things at once.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or in this case, <b>THREE</b> things at once:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol style="margin-left: 80px;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Get
Your Body in Shape</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span>Save
Money</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span>Earn
Wellness Dollars </b></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 80px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s not to like? <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">YES, You’re just in time to catch the Lenten version of
9Minutes2Fit!</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In just 9 minutes/day... </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>you'll be on the road to fitness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>qualify for your Portico Wellness Dollars as
part of the “Go Challenge” and/or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>save $10 Bucks to boot!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here’s how it works...</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every weekday I’ll e-mail you a link to a follow-along
workout video.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Together we’ll walk through each exercise in that day’s
workout at </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">beginner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">intermediate, and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">advanced fitness levels.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I’ll start the timer and you and I will be exercising
the body God gave us.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For 9 minutes.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, not the full 9 minutes…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’ll really only be exercising for a total of 3 minutes and
36 seconds. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The rest of the time we’ll be resting. A little siesta!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">How hard can that be, right?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But it works. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You’re really gonna like the way you feel!</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh, and this is no little flash-in-the pan workout system. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s good over the long haul too.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For almost 4 years now I’ve done basically nothing but 9
minutes of exercise per day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At the age of 53 I’m still in some of the best shape in my
life and only exercising 9 minutes/day!</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Without doing any long-distance running</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Without doing a single sit-up or crunch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Without plodding along some imaginary journey on a
stationary bike to nowhere.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now you can use this proven workout system too. </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What’s more, if you’re covered by Portico, this program is a
great-fit for earning wellness dollars through the “Go Challenge.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In fact, I know a Portico representative who is planning to
do just that!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So now it’s your turn…and here’s how I’d like to sweeten the
pot…</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To Help Get You on the Path Toward Fitness, the Deluxe 33-Workout Package is just:</span></span></h3>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strike>$37.95.</strike></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>$27.95</span></span></span></span></h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">(Save $10.00) </span></span></a><strike> </strike></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> (Last Easter I sold this same package for $37.95 and received great testimonials to
boot!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's What You'll Get: </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Links to 33 follow-along workout videos
(delivered via week-day email messages) that are:</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>able to be done in your home or almost anywhere</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>easily adaptable to beginner, intermediate, and
advanced fitness levels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>designed to engage all the major muscle groups
in your body including your heart and lungs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>a healthy combination of Interval Training,
Circuit Training, Resistance Training, and Aerobic Training</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>based on the latest exercise science</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>You’ll also get a couple BONUSES including:</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>My “6 Key’s to Christian Fitness” Video
Presentation</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>A demonstration video of how to make my daily
smoothie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The sign-up process is simple.</b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><u>First,</u></b> <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank">Click This Link</a> that will take you to a Paypal page (where you can also use your debit or credit card).</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b>Second,</b></u> be watching your email for a confirmation link.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After that it’s off to the get-in-shape races without ever
running a race. <span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Right from the comfort of your own home…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To Your Fitness of Body and Soul,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kent Wilson, Certified FAS (Functional Aging Specialist)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>PS</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><b> </b> </span>Remember, for
the next 33 weekdays (I take the weekends off) you can get me to lead you
through a refreshing 9-Minute workout to kickstart your way toward physical
health. And if you’re like most people, you’ll probably get an emotional boost
as well. <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank">Just click here to get started.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>PPS</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><b> </b> </span>We all have
different gifts and passions. One of mine is helping people take care of the
body God gave them. I really believe that how we take care of our body is a
stewardship issue…a way of giving thanks to God for one of the very first gifts
we’ve ever received. So if you’d like a little help in this department, <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank">you canbegin by exercising your index finger and clicking HERE.</a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Frequently Asked Questions:</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What do you mean when you say that you are a Functional
Aging Specialist?</b></span></h4>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This past fall I became a certified personal trainer with an
emphasis on the physical conditions and functional needs of the boomer and
senior population. FAS (Functional Aging Specialist) is the designation for
this certification and I was among the first 300 people in the country to
attain it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What are the best reasons to use 9Minutes2Fit?</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It engages your upper body, lower body, core, and heart and
lungs in every workout.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It requires only short bursts of activity, which almost
anyone can do</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It adapts to people of beginner, intermediate, and advanced physical
condition</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The workouts are so short that they can easily fit into
anyone’s schedule</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The workouts can be done at home, which saves the expense of
a gym membership and, more importantly, the TIME it takes to drive to and from
the gym.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The workouts have plenty of variety, so you don’t get bored.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When the workouts are done, you feel like you’ve really
accomplished something.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The benefit/after-burn from the workouts continues after the
workout is completed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This form of working out is sustainable over the long-term
(I’ve been doing nothing but this workout system for almost 4 years now and it
keeps me in great shape!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The nature of this workout system is backed by the latest
exercise science.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9Minutes2Fit combines: resistance training, aerobic
training, circuit training and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) into one
super-effective and efficient workout.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Do you have a DVD version of the workouts?</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not at this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Do I need an Internet connection?</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes. The links to the workouts arrive via email into your
inbox. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>When do the emails arrive?</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Emails are set to arrive between midnight and 3:00 a.m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Do I need any special equipment?</b></span></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You don’t need “special” equipment, but there are a few
things that you will want to have on hand including:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A pair of dumbells OR 2 milk-jugs filled with water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">An exercise ball OR a rolling desk chair or other stable
rolling device</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">An exercise band OR a good bunge cord</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A chin-up bar OR some other secure overhead anchor to which
you can attach the exercise band for overhead exercises.</span></li>
</ul>
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</span><h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What are the workout videos like?</b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The videos are filmed in my no-frills basement. Each video
has essentially 2 parts. First I explain which exercises we are going to do on
that given day and then demonstrate each exercise at the beginner, intermediate,
and advanced fitness level. Then I start the 9-minute timer and I lead you
through the workout. At the end I simply congratulate you for your great effort
and sign off for the day. Most videos are in the 13-18 minute range.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Do I have to workout with the videos?</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No. Each email contains a listing of the exercises that are
part of that day’s workout. If you already know how to do all the exercises in
that day’s workout, you can do the workout on your own. You will, however, need
a 2-stage timer set for 18 and 27 seconds. You can either download an app for
your smart-phone if you have one, or you can order a timer like I use. When you
sign up, the first email you receive will include a link for that timer that
you can purchase if you wish. Even though I now have a timer app on my phone as
well, I actually prefer the other timer because I can wear it on my shorts, I
don’t have to worry about my phone not being charged, it’s easy to throw in a
suitcase when traveling, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Can I lose weight using this system?</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">People have lost weight using this system! In fact, I know a
pastor who lost 25 pounds. However, as I trust you already know, your diet
plays a much larger role in weight loss than exercise, though both are
important. The primary aim of this program is to get and keep your body in
shape. Weight loss, if desired, is a secondary benefit and will almost
assuredly require you to address your eating habits as well. I’m just being
honest.</span></div>
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<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What are others saying about 9Minutes2Fit?</b></span></span></h3>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My experience was
that the workout was challenging enough to get the heart pumping and the sweat
flowing, a good place to start in the morning. I like that it is customizable
to difficulty level and exercises chosen. My wife and I have done it together.
This is a great work-out for busy people.” –Fisk, seminary intern</i></div>
<i>
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<i>
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<i>“We met at the internship retreat and I thoroughly enjoyed
the workout. I was super excited to see this opportunity and want to take
advantage of it! It's been a great start to the program … The exercises have
been really good and I've felt that I understand them, plus the videos are a
great bonus with good tips on how to make the exercises more or less demanding!</i></div>
<i>
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<i>–Dan, seminary intern</i></div>
<i>
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<i>
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<i>“Kent, I think this work is excellent. Thank you for
persistently inviting folks to focus on the gift of God’s health.” –Marc, member
of Bishop’s staff</i></div>
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<i>
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<i>Kent, Love the program. Very do-able. I look forward to
seeing results as I’m taking a new call…in June and would love to move less of
me. I really like getting your daily emails every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This program is working well for me. –Marie
Duquette, pastor</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Your program works well for us when I am available and I get
a kick out of doing them with [my husband] Kevin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watches your videos and then instructs me later, and we exercise together. Thanks for
helping us get in shape!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Debbie and
Kevin, spouse and pastor</i></div>
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<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Kent, Yes we are [enjoying the workouts]. It’s a good
program and causing me to use muscles I haven't used for a long time. My legs
were pretty sore for a few days but it’s worth it. I'm looking forward to going
through the whole 40 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Tom Piper,
pastor’s spouse</i></div>
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<i>
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<i>I spoke at the retreat about the benefits of your program..
.and I made a STRONG POINT that you are teaching me... and that you have a
great understanding of the body and how to get a full body workout. I
appreciate TREMENDOUSLY that you're sharing your knowledge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also appreciate your generosity with
understanding others' time, skill level, and fitness level. Based on how you're
teaching, I was able to not exercise on Thursday (with extra responsibilities
for the retreat). So I can transfer Thursday and Friday's workouts to other
days!</i></div>
<i>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thanks again! Blessings on your weekend!</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ralph, pastor</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Love the workouts. Thanks, these are really helpful and
doable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I especially like the options
for levels of fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wall push-ups
are where I am these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–Paula Connor, pastor</i></div>
<i>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Got all three workouts in this week (I do appreciate the
extra day on Saturday, as that is when I did the Friday work out - nice to have
a 'catch-up' day!)Thanks, Kent, I look forward to next week.</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Peace,</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Kathy Shuck, pastor</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>
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<i>I absolutely love this program!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is the time involved to get in
a great workout - so do-able! Thanks so much. –Diana Schneider, church member</i></div>
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<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The simplicity of the program has
gotten me back to and looking forward to daily exercise! THANK YOU!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--Frank Hanrahan</i></div>
<i>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I look forward to each day's workout. Good variety of
exercises. Thanks for doing this.</i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>--Rich, seminarian</i></div>
<i>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Exercise your Index Finger and <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank">Click Here to Get Started Today!</a></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DV9EN3QXARXAS" target="_blank"> </a></span></i></h2>
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Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-15876242860977071612015-08-19T13:06:00.000-04:002015-08-19T13:08:52.683-04:00Hummus and Vegetable Lunch Recipe<h2 class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Simple Hummus and
Vegetable Lunch<br />That Will Turn Heads…</b></h2>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">By Pastor Kent Wilson</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV_0CJNZEracX99vvTxtYFyL5vVpTVtevVJ6eXvBqysac0NalC_m3OfNhudRlUInt6hHeVhBib9ZEVlWib6wRtN-RPk4y8388YgR9GOxhKrwFM4I8w9chiIYATSfJf2hWdQlt8NHpGtbE/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV_0CJNZEracX99vvTxtYFyL5vVpTVtevVJ6eXvBqysac0NalC_m3OfNhudRlUInt6hHeVhBib9ZEVlWib6wRtN-RPk4y8388YgR9GOxhKrwFM4I8w9chiIYATSfJf2hWdQlt8NHpGtbE/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’m standing in the church kitchen dicing up some fresh
vegetables and putting them in a bowl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Red Bell Pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mushrooms</div>
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Broccoli</div>
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Cucumber</div>
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Cauliflower</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m multitasking too…shooting the breeze with some of the
child-care staff about the awesome community picnic the congregation hosted the
previous evening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(They wondered whether I had dried off yet from being
dropped 50+ times in the DUNK TANK Fundraiser where it was three throws for a
dollar!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyhow, about 5 minutes into the conversation I poured the bowl
of diced vegetables onto a large plate, bowed my head for simple silent prayer,
and then started to dive in with my spoon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aren’t you going to
put some kind of dressing on that?” said one of the staff members as both of
them looked on in a state of disbelief.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not at all.” I said. “This will be fine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What they didn’t know was that I wasn’t eating just
vegetables.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the bottom of the plate I had previously spread a
generous portion of humus that, to my delight, was left over from the picnic.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That meant every bite of fresh-diced vegetables came with a
flavorful touch of hummus too!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Totally delicious! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple as the sunrise. </div>
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<br /></div>
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You can do this too. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you will. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Let me know what you think!</div>
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<br /></div>
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To Your Health and Wellness,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>P.S.</b> Speaking of health and wellness, our church is hosting
a little conference on health next Monday, August 31<sup>st</sup> from 9:00 am
till 12:30 pm. The main speaker is my friend Pastor Steve Reynolds who wrote “Bod4God”
and recently co-authored “The Healthy Renegade Pastor” with Nelson Searcy. Steve is speaking at similar events in Wisconsin and Illinois. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If
you’re a pastor and you pre-register, the event and a copy of “The Healthy
Renegade Pastor” is free. Laypersons can attend for a modest fee. <a href="https://www.churchleaderinsights.com/healthy/" target="_blank">Here’s the registration link and all the details.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>P.P.S.</b> I don’t make a dime off the registration. Just
passing the info along. Would love to see you at Zion on August 31. So <a href="https://www.churchleaderinsights.com/healthy/" target="_blank">click here to register</a> and then, in the meantime, get busy and dice up some fresh vegetables and pour em over hummus! :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>P.P.P.S. </b>My daughter said the store-bought hummus wasn't as good as what I usually make. Glad to here it. I'll give you that recipe in my next post. </div>
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-43651075471532688362014-03-31T08:46:00.000-04:002014-03-31T08:46:29.658-04:00Can We Connect Over Lunch On Tuesday?<span style="background-color: #666666;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOWwIf3ozAQeYKBtgvCpiQ5_gsfq-f22qXcWc720XLVhU89AM9arBEwCx1dG45kT_sj37QR6ttg8WbLTDmNlzNj3VNOwEF3prQmsBhGZY08X8X0mCeZRQoaQV_4I4Q4fIaG8BIDRQl21Y/s1600/banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOWwIf3ozAQeYKBtgvCpiQ5_gsfq-f22qXcWc720XLVhU89AM9arBEwCx1dG45kT_sj37QR6ttg8WbLTDmNlzNj3VNOwEF3prQmsBhGZY08X8X0mCeZRQoaQV_4I4Q4fIaG8BIDRQl21Y/s1600/banner.png" height="128" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSH-EkHKq42uLqPHkoeQ50FwPdZqUEBFJQ7PrnhPxQWvnKjYQio7Re6Kn3TZ-dRjOQYS96o0yHyKbWT6Uw6VrsLgJ21m6aRA_PL1k-pVkWzwE7dDQnWOHW2P7yMQP3ElNNggjos3oQfSo/s1600/KentBlueWName.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSH-EkHKq42uLqPHkoeQ50FwPdZqUEBFJQ7PrnhPxQWvnKjYQio7Re6Kn3TZ-dRjOQYS96o0yHyKbWT6Uw6VrsLgJ21m6aRA_PL1k-pVkWzwE7dDQnWOHW2P7yMQP3ElNNggjos3oQfSo/s320/KentBlueWName.png" /></a></div>
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O<b>n Tuesday, April 1st<br />
at 12:05 p.m. I'm going to be leading a live, online worship service...<br />
and I'd like to invite you to <a href="http://webinarjam.net/webinar/go/7182/38b5be9fb4">sign-up</a>.</b></h2>
<br />
<br />
I know...we've never done it this way before. :) It may even sound a little crazy. So let's just put it this way,<br />
<br />
<u>"it's the next best thing to being in church."</u><br />
<br />
Sure I'd rather worship with you physically, in person, in church. I'll bet you would too. <br />
<br />
But you might have been homebound this past weekend, or traveling, or ill, or at college, living out of the area, or (it's been known to happen) inexplicably tied up taking care of your animals on Farmville (is that online game even still around?). <br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be,<b> Live Online Worship</b> <b>is a way to fill the gap.</b> And for pretty much all of my ministry I've had a passion for trying to help people fill the gaps in their lives. <br />
<br />
By the way, you can do more than just "watch." This is a live worship service and will give you opportunities (if you wish) to actually participate and interact. <br />
<br />
For example, I'll ask a couple anonymous questions toward the beginning, enable you to download the scripture reading to follow along, invite you to submit prayer requests via the "chat" room, and even give you opportunity to share your offering via Zion's PayPal account.<br />
<br />
So now's the time <a href="http://webinarjam.net/webinar/go/7182/38b5be9fb4">sign up</a>! It has to be done in advance. Once you click the <a href="http://webinarjam.net/webinar/go/7182/38b5be9fb4">sign-up link</a> you'll be simply asked for your name and e-mail address. That's all. <br />
<br />
Then just <u>watch your e-mail for a confirmation message</u> <b><u>and a link to click at noon on Tuesday</u>.</b> I'm thinking the service will last about 30 minutes, maybe 40 at the most.<br />
<br />
Like I said, let's connect with each other, and ultimately with God, over lunch on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
In Christ,<br />
Pastor Kent<br />
<br />
P.S. If you're not available at noon on Tuesday for the live version of this service, the service will be recorded and you will receive a link to the replay to watch at your convenience. BUT, first you must sign up in advance. Just <a href="http://webinarjam.net/webinar/go/7182/38b5be9fb4">CLICK HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. Feel free to forward this message to whoever you think might be interested in checking this out.<br />
<br />
P.P.P.S. The theme of this week's Live Online Worship Service is "Vision Glorious" and focuses (did you catch the pun?) on a marvelous story from John 9:1-41. You can click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/42lprowoduquf00/MSWord%20Invite%20001.docx">HERE to read it in advance.</a><br />
<br />
<br />Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-57051395397984087452013-06-29T13:18:00.001-04:002013-06-29T13:20:57.312-04:00Time Sensitive: What I learned from a Crow This Morning (Yes, the Bird!)<i>(Note: I wrote this letter this morning. Insert your own name if the story fits.)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmTvhlLLvhEmuYipNXWy-cgxg9lNATnOkKLeO8_MfhymDjtYUbpem939G3mSWSb2ha2TeYGuxD1i9yG7AaXVR7Xbr0Ml8COeHJ0Rvn62B6taa9Gw23WlN6oZQcCI4C5WhV8QNIffXsgha/s269/KentBlueWName.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmTvhlLLvhEmuYipNXWy-cgxg9lNATnOkKLeO8_MfhymDjtYUbpem939G3mSWSb2ha2TeYGuxD1i9yG7AaXVR7Xbr0Ml8COeHJ0Rvn62B6taa9Gw23WlN6oZQcCI4C5WhV8QNIffXsgha/s269/KentBlueWName.png" /></a></div><b>Time Really Does Fly</b><br />
<br />
Dear ___________<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to write to you for some time and today's the day. It's time...before the second half of this year begins.<br />
<br />
Yes, Monday is July 1st. We're at that point in the year already. <br />
<br />
Part of my delay in writing you is that I didn't quite know exactly how to say what I wanted to say. But then this morning (Saturday) at 6:47 a.m. I heard the call, literally.<br />
<br />
It was the sound of a crow, or a group of crows. They were making that calling/balking sound that they are prone to do when they begin to fly. And that reminded me of the old saying, "As the Crow Flies."<br />
<br />
You know what that saying means, don't you? The crow flies <b>straight</b> to its destination. I does not take the round-about way. No detours. No excuses. No wasted energy. <br />
<br />
There is the destination and there is the way to the destination and straight-away the crow flies...just as it was meant to be.<br />
<br />
<b>I don't know about you, but as I look back over the past six months of 2013 I can see that I have taken too many round-about ways.</b> Too many round-about ways in ministry. Too many round-about ways in life.<br />
<br />
I'll eventually get around to talking about fitness in this missive, but first, <b>let's not miss the larger picture.</b> There are certain times in life when it can be helpful to take stock of where we are, where we long or feel led to be, and how we might most directly get there, Lord willing. <br />
<br />
Granted, life is a journey and parts of that journey do involve unexpected twists and turns and detours that are filled with deeply meaningful (if not, at times, painful) encounters and experiences along the way. Part of our life is wilderness journey.<br />
<br />
But while in the wilderness there are those daily routines to which we must attend. There are no detours in that regard. <br />
<br />
Just as in the days of old, food must somehow be garnered, cooked, and eaten. Utensils and clothing and oneself must be washed. Relationships must be attended too. A "to-do list," whether written or plainly obvious, must be completed or at least attempted. <br />
<br />
The cumulative affect of one's attention (or lack of attention) to these daily routines can become apparent over time. Measure it however you will, but don't kid yourself--every day in one way or another has an affect on the future. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I was re-reading David Allen's organizational book "Getting Things Done." On pages 246-247 he mentions that:<br />
<br />
<i>"Long Term" does not mean "Someday/Maybe." Those projects with distant goal lines are still to be done as soon as possible; "long-term" simply means, "more action steps until it's done," not "no need to decide next actions because the day of reckoning is so far away.</i><br />
<br />
<b>And so today I turn to the long-term gift of health and the daily action steps of healthy eating and exercise.</b> This mid-point in the year is a good time to reflect on such things and, if we've been meandering off the path a bit (or a lot!), heed the call of the crow and take a more direct route. <br />
<br />
At some point you've expressed interest in taking better care of the body God gave you or you wouldn't be on my list. And perhaps you are already well on your way in that regard. If so, that's awesome and I most certainly applaud you.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you know as well as anyone the difference that those daily exercise and nutrition routines make in one's life. Perhaps you can look back over the first half of this year with a feeling of thanksgiving and maybe even a certain sense of accomplishment. For you, what I have to offer may simply be another means for doing what you already do. An option you may or may not want to add to or exchange with something you are already doing now. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, perhaps you've been doing pretty much anything and everything BUT taking care of the body God gave you. Perhaps you've expressed interest in various fitness programs (mine and/or others) but pretty much left them all fall by the wayside. <br />
<br />
It's actually possible to allow well-thought-out excuses to become a way of life. <br />
<br />
<i>"I will THINK about that but not do anything!" can become another task on a perpetual "to-do" list. "Yep, I 'THOUGHT' about that and didn't do anything again. I'm keepin' the faith baby!" Check.<br />
</i><br />
To be honest, even though I've tried to make my system as excuse-proof as possible: <br />
<br />
--just 9 minutes/day<br />
--moves that are adaptable to almost any fitness level<br />
--able to be done at home or anywhere else<br />
--able to be done with little if any equipment, etc. <br />
<br />
there is really nothing I can do to over-come another person's excuse-driven mentality. That has to come from within. It has to be seen as an escape from what my bishop refers to as "the tyranny of the shoulds" and be seen more along the lines of "look around, the harvest is plentiful..." Taking care of our body is an opportunity and an exercise (pun intended!) in stewardship. It's a way of giving thanks.<br />
<br />
I'd like to help you take care of your body beginning on Monday, the very first day of July (my birthday month) and the first day of the second half of this year. <br />
<b><br />
If you've been waiting for me to cut to the chase, it's a simple offer of <br />
23 workouts for $23.00 PLUS a 5-day Vacation Workout series.</b><br />
<br />
More notable than the workouts themselves, however, are the daily e-mails themselves and the video of me doing the workouts too. They serve as subtle reminders to workout and examples of how to do so.<br />
<br />
The other day I went to Chicago for a conference and I took my video camera along to film my workouts. One was done in my hotel room. The other was done just outside the hotel on a nondescript side-walk with a mud-puddle off to the left. You could see the Motel 6 sign in the background. <br />
<br />
Soon thereafter one of my subscribers wrote:<br />
<br />
<i>Pastor Kent, I just wanted to compliment you on your willingness to publicly display today's workout on the streets of wherever you are. That in itself was a witness! <br />
--Best Regards, Butch Piper<br />
<br />
ps - I found today's routine to be yet another glute kicker. It seems it's the simpler ones that get me!</i><br />
<br />
Thanks Butch. And yes, I'll include a complimentary link to that video at the bottom of this e-mail. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, you can get off to a great fitness start for the 2nd half of this year in EITHER of the following two ways:<br />
<b><br />
IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY CHECK</b>, simply sign up on <a href="http://forms.aweber.com/form/78/322289678.htm">this link</a> AND then mail a check to: Kent Wilson, 20240 Twp. Rd. 60, Jenera, OH 45841<br />
<br />
<b>IF YOU WISH TO USE PAYPAL</b>, click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HWC5ZQYEP2HFU">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Once signed up, you'll receive an e-mail (you might find it in your junk folder) with a Confirmation link for you to click. Once you click that confirmation link, all other details will arrive via e-mail within the next day or so.<br />
<br />
The program includes:<br />
<br />
--a daily e-mail (for weekdays) with a listing of the day's workout and a link to a YouTube video of me demonstrating the beginner, intermediate, and advanced version of each move in the workout followed by me actually doing the entire 9-minute workout<br />
--An e-mail with the 5-day Vacation workout package<br />
--Money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, I'm not happy. <br />
--MP3 file with the timings for the workouts<br />
--Instructions for how to secure the optional two-stage timer <br />
<br />
By the way, each day's workout is a full-body workout that includes 12 total rounds of exercise, usually comprised of smaller "circuits." Each round of exercise includes 18 seconds of focused activity followed by 27 seconds of rest. In all you'll only be exercising for 3 minutes and 36 seconds a day (12 rounds multiplied by 18 seconds). But make no mistake, it IS a workout!<br />
<br />
Okay, so about a minute ago I literally heard another crow calling. I suspect the call could mean a couple of things. It could mean that it's time for me to close off this letter and go directly to my next activity. It could also mean that it's time for you to take the direct route toward better fitness by taking advantage of this offer. But only you can answer that call.<br />
<br />
May the second half of your year be blessed,<br />
Kent<br />
<b><br />
P.S.</b> I'd love to say that you have plenty of time to think this over, but the reality is that Monday (and the second half of this year) is less than a weekend away. So NOW is the time. Besides, for $23 bucks I give you over twice as many workouts you'll find in most of those highly infomercialized "systems" and without all the hype.<br />
<br />
<b>IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY CHECK</b>, simply <a href="http://forms.aweber.com/form/78/322289678.htm">sign up on this link</a> AND then mail a check to: Kent Wilson, 20240 Twp. Rd. 60, Jenera, OH 45841<br />
<b><br />
IF YOU WISH TO USE PAYPAL</b>, click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HWC5ZQYEP2HFU">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Either way, let's take a straight path toward fitness beginning on July 1st.<br />
<br />
<b>P.P.S.</b> The outside-the-hotel workout video can be seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I75nwLjHJSk">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>P.P.P.S.</b> Please feel free to share this with whomever else you believe might benefit. Perhaps you can connect with them more directly than I.Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-55220455124054469922013-04-03T22:33:00.000-04:002013-04-03T22:33:06.751-04:00"Handle" with Care<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBQWoQMMPQoVSwUoQ8I8eicyP3GWMXysKsdEiHjhQQpicaTloyx0mpv2rbaU3QVY_ZDKLxDGYk5LI8_O4005zbXyU3lhx-KMoHupIC5icDQDzUZj98XyOIWr3xOzizAM63QNCdQJB6KAf/s1600/doorhandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBQWoQMMPQoVSwUoQ8I8eicyP3GWMXysKsdEiHjhQQpicaTloyx0mpv2rbaU3QVY_ZDKLxDGYk5LI8_O4005zbXyU3lhx-KMoHupIC5icDQDzUZj98XyOIWr3xOzizAM63QNCdQJB6KAf/s320/doorhandle.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Today I did something stupid</b>—the kind of stupid you can’t fix. I mean this was really dumb.<br />
<br />
Normally I try to be pretty charitable with my language, but this takes the cake. Besides, I’m the one who did the said deed, so it’s my prerogative to call it like I see it.<br />
<br />
<b>I accidentally hit the backside of my hand on the bathroom door handle—HARD!</b><br />
<br />
I wasn’t in a hurry. I wasn’t mad. “Nature” wasn’t furiously calling. <br />
<br />
I had just finished a great workout downstairs. I had come up the stairs, closed the door behind me and simply wanted to slip through the open door in front of me to grab a tissue from the bathroom. <br />
<br />
My arms were naturally swinging while I walked and BAM!<br />
<br />
By the way, our “door-knobs” aren’t really door-knobs. They are door handles with a dull-but-definite end. So my hand suffered a sharp blow.<br />
<br />
<b>Initially it hurt so bad that I wondered if I broke my hand</b> <br />
<br />
What to do?<br />
<br />
First I checked to see if I could move my hand. Check.<br />
<br />
Next I avoided passing “GO” or collecting $200.00 dollars in favor of getting a bag of crushed ice and immediately taking about 10 minutes to lay on the couch with my hand iced and elevated. <br />
<br />
<b>In this case it quickly got better, but I kept icing it intermittently for the morning and avoided unnecessary strain.</b><br />
<br />
Tomorrow’s workout (for me) will likely be modified a touch to give it a little more time to recover.<br />
<br />
<b>Naturally I’m both aghast that I could do something so stupid and at the same time I’m thankful that it will likely heal rather quickly. </b><br />
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But that’s what it’s like to be human. At one moment we can be in the prime of health and in the next moment things can sometimes dramatically change. Just ask the Louisville basketball player whose leg broke graphically on national television in the middle of the NCAA basketball tournament popularly known as “March Madness.”<br />
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<b>We may not be able to fix the seemingly “stupid” things in life that sometimes happen to us, but by the grace of God we can still “deal” with the results.</b> Whether it’s with ice, prayer, common sense, adjustments, consultation, quiet time, grace, a change of pace or any combination of the above, God has given us the tools with which to face the challenges that come our way.<br />
<br />
<b>Oh, and the next time one door closes and another one opens…I’ll be watching out for the door-handle!</b><br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-13521877376078675092013-01-30T09:03:00.002-05:002013-01-30T16:16:29.315-05:00Can You Do What These People Can Do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNTOzL_muCPXofNbD97iE5vxTjR0Svo1_tKoK5fXO_yDGQhdCizu4n9ng9nVVPR72p6j4OKXAvA2-Fl2G9tx6Ksideeb43Tfu2iyNQq4bjDyUsONEtoLW7HbhMuwcisif-eqb279EwDWi/s1600/SawmillCreekExerciseClass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="218" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNTOzL_muCPXofNbD97iE5vxTjR0Svo1_tKoK5fXO_yDGQhdCizu4n9ng9nVVPR72p6j4OKXAvA2-Fl2G9tx6Ksideeb43Tfu2iyNQq4bjDyUsONEtoLW7HbhMuwcisif-eqb279EwDWi/s320/SawmillCreekExerciseClass.jpg" /></a></div>These People recently Survived one of my "9Minutes2Fit" workouts. I'll bet you can too?<br />
<br />
<b>IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ROSTERED LEADERS IN THE ELCA:<b> I've just been informed that the Lenten Version of "9Minutes2Fit" will qualify as a four week activity to earn additional dollars for primary health care members!</b></b><br />
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<br />
Dear Colleague,<br />
<br />
On Monday I invited people like yourself to sign up for a <b>Lenten Exercise Program</b> called "<b>9Minutes2Fit</b>."<br />
<br />
Others are signing up, but I've yet to hear from you!<br />
<br />
You might be wondering, "Is This Exercise Program Really Adaptable For People Like Me?"<br />
<br />
Let me help you decide.<br />
<br />
For example. Can you do a standard push-up?<br />
<br />
If your answer is “no” Watch This short Video by copying and pasting it into your browser. http://youtu.be/d3Tmn8manBk<br />
<br />
If your answer is answer is “yes” Watch This short Video by copying and pasting it into your browser. http://youtu.be/OziTPGEEBco<br />
<br />
Hoping to help you get (or keep!) “Fit Under the Collar!”<br />
Kent Wilson<br />
Lutheran Pastor and creator of “Fit Under the Collar” and “9Minutes2Fit.”<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. You can still get the Lenten Version of “9Minutes2Fit” (which provides 9-minute workouts for each of the 33 weekdays of Lent)<br />
for just $24.95 IF you e-mail me at fitunderthecollar@gmail.com by MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (January 31, 2013) Eastern Standard Time. <br />
One second later and the price goes up. Click the link below (or copy and paste it into your browser) for all the details.<br />
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bcld4qux4k9sx6u/Follow-up%20Offer.pdfFit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-31607565748878490122013-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:002013-01-29T09:00:25.949-05:00Lenten Exercise Program AvailableLong story short, on my day off last week I sketched out the plans for a Lenten Exercise program that I'm making available for people to use in their own home (or wherever).<br />
<br />
When I asked the first person to sign up if she thought the price was fair, she said, "Oh My Goodness Yes! I spent more than that on dinner with my husband the other night and what you're offering is actually healthy!"<br />
<br />
Of course, she took advantage of the special pricing available only until Midnight this Thursday, January 31st.<br />
<br />
Check it out at the following link and then get back with me pronto if you're interested.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Kent<br />
<br />
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bcld4qux4k9sx6u/Follow-up%20Offer.pdfFit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-14225651202535306822013-01-07T09:44:00.001-05:002013-01-07T09:44:15.705-05:009Minutes2Fit Begins Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpXu5w9a3zf-0nPKHcyzoGA7xkC4R700sEn9Trx_3qoYZHrcQrEH408y_JMEnhbBJMxQgO3piG5ipYGdlcLIPlq0qB5mZpsOYUqTASt2xdSLv_pJAx8nBRQCfMxlLdy0a4vQhebSpudqI/s1600/Logo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpXu5w9a3zf-0nPKHcyzoGA7xkC4R700sEn9Trx_3qoYZHrcQrEH408y_JMEnhbBJMxQgO3piG5ipYGdlcLIPlq0qB5mZpsOYUqTASt2xdSLv_pJAx8nBRQCfMxlLdy0a4vQhebSpudqI/s200/Logo6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today marks the first official day for the "9Minutes2Fit" Class at Zion Lutheran Church. I'll be leading the class from 5:15 till 5:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in January and I'm looking forward to working with the wonderful group of people who have taken advantage of this free opportunity to work toward getting or keeping fit.<br />
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Participants will learn and experience the basics of my 9Minutes2Fit system plus pick up a number of fitness tips along the way in addition to some faith-related insights to keep in mind as well. <br />
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Should be a lot of fun in a short amount of time!<br />
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The tricky thing about this is that I am still recovering from my unexpected emergency abdominal surgery in early December! Not to worry though. I use many exercises that can easily be scaled according to ability. Besides, some of the participants are at the very beginner levels of fitness and will hopefully appreciate that fact that, at least for a while, I'll be right there along with them! And for our more advanced folks, our intern, Tim Knuess, will be there to demonstrate the more advanced versions of the moves.<br />
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Please keep the class and its leaders in your prayers.<br />
<br />
In Christ,<br />
Kent<br />
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PS If you're in the area, I would be willing to accept a few more people into this first class. To enroll, send an e-mail to: fitunderthecollar@gmail.com and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete the registration and consent forms. Zion is located at 1300 Edgewood Drive, Lima, OH 45805. Come in the North doors and head straight for the gym (Genesis Room).<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-49224257301808000752012-12-17T09:47:00.001-05:002012-12-17T09:47:41.084-05:00Whether or not there was/is a Grudge.<b>Luke 2:17</b><br />
When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; <br />
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Here’s where I think Mary and Joseph might have had a difference of opinion. For Mary, this is amazing news. Who wouldn’t want to know that their child is incredibly special? But for Joseph things are murkier. Yes, this is a special child, but it’s technically not his child! Furthermore, he knows it! <br />
<br />
Obviously it would appear that over time Joseph put such understandable misgivings aside. Or did he? We’ll never know.<br />
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With Christmas gatherings on the horizon, sometimes we encounter people who give us reason to cringe for one reason or another. Maybe they said something once that rubbed us the wrong way or maybe they just behave in a way that grates on our nerves. My only advice would be to take a cue from Joseph and act in such a way that, even if there is a grudge of some kind brewing, history doesn’t record it. <br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-66968196017438784482012-12-12T16:18:00.000-05:002012-12-12T16:18:21.724-05:00Finding Extraordinary in the SimpleLuke 2:12 <br />
This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”<br />
<br />
I used to enjoy the old Indiana Jones Movies. I remember in one movie he had to choose the proper chalice among many. There were lots of really fancy ones on display, but the real chalice was the plain unadorned one. Just a simple cup, really.<br />
<br />
The sign the angel promised to the shepherds was really plain. A child. Just wrapped up in ordinary cloth. Lying, of all places, in a manger.<br />
<br />
Years ago my mom used to give me some of my Christmas presents in a brown paper bag stapled shut at the top with my name scribbled big letters with magic marker. She wasn’t being disrespectful. She had a lot on her plate and wrapping presents just wasn’t where she chose to spend her energy. But the gifts, well, the gifts were still precious. Both the gift itself and the gift of knowing who it came from.<br />
<br />
The shepherds were about to discover as much and more.<br />
<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-16839866097621262162012-12-11T08:55:00.003-05:002012-12-11T08:55:23.926-05:00Who Is Jesus?<b>Luke 2:11</b><br />
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.<br />
<br />
Who are you, really? Personally I wear several different hats. To my wife I’m a husband. To our children I am a father. To those who attend Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, I am a pastor. By the grace of God I am all three of these things and many more. <br />
<br />
Jesus, according to the angel, was Savior, Messiah, and Lord. We all need saved from something, so we need a Savior. We are all drawn to someone who is truly anointed, and so knowing the Messiah (which means the anointed one) is as good as it gets. And for all our talk about wanting to be captain of our own ship and all the rest, well, truth be told, if there were simply someone else that we could trust truly had the world’s best interests at heart, well, we’d be glad to proclaim him or her Lord.<br />
<br />
In Jesus the shepherds found their Savior, Messiah, and Lord. He was all that they could ever ask for. Born in their day, in their nearby town, and coming soon to a theater of life near you.<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-50590658019490124682012-12-10T07:51:00.002-05:002012-12-10T07:51:51.318-05:00Personal and Public Good News<b>Luke 2:10</b><br />
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:<br />
<br />
Recently I learned that my nephew is engaged. This is his personal good news of great joy. But even though the news is personal, it’s not private or exclusive. Last night Facebook was all awash with “likes” and congratulatory comments and happy pictures and all the rest related to the news of their engagement. Clearly it was news of great joy for lots of people, not just my nephew and his fiancé.<br />
<br />
How sweet it was, according to Luke, for the shepherds to be among the first to know of the joyful news for all the people. Yes, the news was intended specifically for the shepherds. But it was also specifically intended for everyone else. Maybe even you. And like the angel said, there’s no need to be afraid. It’s good news of great joy!<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-44354608944215721672012-12-09T09:08:00.000-05:002012-12-09T09:08:59.168-05:00Keeping Calm in spite of Circumstances<b>Luke 2:9</b><br />
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.<br />
<br />
When I speak in terms of a calmer Christmas, I don’t mean to imply that it will be non-eventful. Scary stuff happens in this world. Yet when such things happen around this time of year it seems to catch us by surprise, as if such things should not be allowed to happen over the holidays.<br />
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When a custody battle is lost, a personal relationship breaks, a job ends, a challenging diagnosis is given, a pink slip issued, or the house burns down—we consider it insult added to injury if it happens over Christmas—as if it would have been any easier if had happened in, let’s say, January.<br />
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The fact that so many of us think that such things shouldn’t happen over Christmas reveals just how far removed we are from the very first Christmas. But if we have the courage to enter back into the story, we can see a more realistic and less idealistic picture. <br />
<br />
Scripture says that the shepherds were “terrified” when the angel of the Lord stood before them. In the Gospel of Matthew’s version of this story, every child under the age of 2 was to be killed by order of Herod with the hopes that Jesus would be among them. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had to flee for their lives. It doesn’t sound like a very calm Christmas, does it? And, of course, we just read a couple days ago that Mary and Joseph had to settle for manger in shed because there was no room for them in the inn. It was a VERY eventful Christmas for them and not particularly calm at all.<br />
<br />
In a few days we’ll learn how the terrified shepherds eventually got their courage back. But for now, let us be content to know that the calmer way to Christmas has more to do with one’s mindset than one’s circumstances. If we get nothing else out of Christmas, let us at least remember that the whole point of Christmas is not an absence of drama but, rather the presence of Jesus in the midst of it all.<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-33874949365630850322012-12-08T06:30:00.000-05:002012-12-08T06:30:00.494-05:00Calmer Way to Christmas for December 8th<b>Luke 2:8</b><br />
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.<br />
<br />
While most of the world sleeps, some people are still up. In our culture police cruise the streets, paramedics await a call, convenience store workers exchange goods for cash, and shift-workers take their turn. There are also those who wish they could sleep, but for some reason are still up—or up again. <br />
<br />
And then it happens…something out of the ordinary occurs that only a few will see. <br />
<br />
I remember being at a family gathering late into the night one summer. We were at my uncle’s house when all of a sudden we noticed a peculiar red glow in the Southeastern sky. Strange. We got in our cars. We had to go see. It was a fire. An old barn had caught—or more likely been set—on fire. We alone were there to see it—and to call the fire department and such—all because we were still up. <br />
<br />
Somebody always is—just like the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock by night.<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-12189226843529369732012-12-07T07:53:00.000-05:002012-12-07T07:53:28.786-05:00Calmer Way to Christmas Devotion #7<b>Luke 2:7</b><br />
<i>"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."</i><br />
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You’ve probably heard stories of your own birth. In my case I was the last of six children. When mom realized that it was time to head to the hospital, she sent my older sisters to the barn to tell my Dad. Mom, of course, had been through this routine several times before and therefore had tried to hold off as long as she could. Dad, of course, had also been through this routine several times before and figured there was no real rush. I’m told that’s why he went ahead and milked three more cows. All I can say is that I’m glad I wasn’t in the car—well, in a way I guess I was—to hear what mom said to dad when she found out the reason for his delay. That couldn’t have been pretty… <br />
<br />
But then again, I wonder what kind of chilly reception Joseph got years earlier when he broke the news to Mary that there was no room in the inn and a stable and a manger would have to do. <br />
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Nevertheless, we all made it, we look back now and laugh, we realize all that we were upset about or irritated about didn’t matter that much. God did what God was gonna do and the world has never been the same since.<br />
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Thanks, and have a great day.<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-45731566028168076652012-12-06T09:40:00.003-05:002012-12-06T09:40:35.222-05:00Calmer wy to Christmas Day 6Luke 2:6<br />
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.<br />
<br />
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably got a pretty vivid memory of the birth of your first child. For us the event began at around 4:00 am when my wife got up in the night and I suddenly realized that it was, well, TIME. <br />
<br />
I downed a quick bowl of cereal while she finished getting ready and then off to the hospital we went. Complicating matters for me was the fact that it was a Sunday morning. Thankfully we had given the president of the congregation a sermon manuscript from Tony Campolo (since I don’t use manuscripts myself when I preach) as a contingency plan. I think he practically gave birth to something or another himself when I called him at around 7:30 am and said he’d be preaching that day. But preach it he did-- and it was a good thing too—our son was born at 10:40 am that day, almost to the minute of when, back at church, the president finished the sermon with a rousing AMEN! That was quite a day!<br />
<br />
I can only imagine what Joseph was thinking when Mary told him that it was time. It means everything else that he may have planned for the day would suddenly be put on hold. More pressing matters were at hand. <br />
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The calmer way to Christmas takes to heart that it’s okay to have a change of plans for important matters. Whether one must awake from a sound sleep or simply take a pause from the project of the moment, occasionally one must simply MAKE time whenever it IS time for a monumental event. That’s what happened to Joseph and Mary so many years ago.<br />
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<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-23060829299204287442012-12-05T07:53:00.001-05:002012-12-05T07:53:13.009-05:00Calmer Way To Christmas Devtion #5(Note: On a new toll-free recorded message center (877-470-1910, ext 1) for the church I serve I am making available 24 personally-written daily Advent Devotions as part of a "Calmer Way to Christmas" series. Each of the first 20 of these 24 devotions is based on verses from the Gospel of Luke's version of the Christmas story. During this Advent Season I've decided to suspend my normal devotional practice and post the transcripts of these "Calmer Way to Christmas" Advent devotions instead. Below is today's installment. If you wish to listen to the devotion instead, simply call the number above and then choose extension 1.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Luke 2:5</b><br />
"He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child."<br />
<br />
Back in 1989 I took what, at the time, was the biggest there’s-no-turning-back journey of my life. I was on my way to Frankfurt, Germany to serve as an intern for a year. Granted, it was the land of my ancestors, but I couldn’t speak German and had never been out of the United States with the exception of a college fishing trip or two to Canada. This trip was big.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, I didn’t go alone. Right by my side on the giant 747 was my wife who had actually spent a couple years in Europe as a child. Looking back, I don’t think there’s any way that I would have ever signed up for such an experience without knowing that she would be by my side all the way. Sure, I’m a pretty self-sufficient kind of guy, but I’ve also got my limits. I appreciate and am sometimes surprisingly dependent on support from others. With the presence of my wife I was good to go. Without it I’m not sure I would have ever made the trip. <br />
<br />
Joseph was blessed with loyal companionship on his journey to his ancestral homeland as well. Mary was there right by his side. It’s a Good thing too. We’d have no Christmas story without her.<br />
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Granted, we don’t always have the opportunity to take trips with loved ones close by. Sometimes we have to seemingly to go it alone. But then again, the calmer way to Christmas includes the belief that, whether we have someone physically present with us or not, there is an ever greater presence at hand—even though he originally came in a very small package.<br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-9443545841171001152012-12-04T09:07:00.003-05:002012-12-04T09:10:15.840-05:00Calmer Way to Christmas Devotion #4(Note: On a new toll-free recorded message center (877-470-1910, ext 1) for the church I serve I am making available 24 personally-written daily Advent Devotions as part of a "Calmer Way to Christmas" series. Each of the first 20 of these 24 devotions is based on verses from the Gospel of Luke's version of the Christmas story. During this Advent Season I've decided to suspend my normal devotional practice and post the transcripts of these "Calmer Way to Christmas" Advent devotions instead. Below is today's installment. If you wish to listen to the devotion instead, simply call the number above and then choose extension 1.)<br />
<br />
Luke 2:4<br />
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.<br />
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The other night, near midnight, I went to pick out our son from a friend’s house. Just as I headed out the door to the car it started to rain and I got rather wet. I remember thinking to myself, “it wasn’t raining a minute ago. couldn’t this rain have held off for 30 more seconds?” As I started driving it really started pouring. I’m talking a flat out slow-the-car-down-so-you-don’t-hydoplane-off-the-road kind of downpour. I remember thinking “this is nuts… …it’s late…I’m tired…I should be home in bed…why am I doing this?”<br />
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Then I remembered. “Oh yeah, I’m doing this because our son is, to sum it up with one word: family.” <br />
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Now no family is perfect, but family is our starting point in life. It’s our base camp from which we depart and often return. Even if we don’t return by choice or circumstance, it’s part of who we are and the reason we sometimes wake up with concern in the night or well-up with a tear of joy at a special event. I thought to myself that night, “you know, it won’t be long until this precious son of ours has his own license and he won’t need me to pick him up anymore and then there will be times when I will wish like crazy that I could go out and drive him home in the pouring rain rather than worry about him being out there all by himself. <br />
<br />
In similar fashion, the trip that Joseph had to take those many years ago was almost certainly a major inconvenience. It’s doubtful that he travelled through much rain in that region, but I would imagine he probably ran into other issues as he travelled. But travel he did. Why? Because of family. The Bible tells us he went “because was descended from the house and family of David.” The Emperor may have ordered the census, but it was David’s family heritage that determined where he would ultimately need to go.<br />
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The calmer way to Christmas always seeks to see how our journeys through life, regardless of how inconvenient, can still be well worth our time. <br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-43823260174829805552012-12-03T08:05:00.001-05:002012-12-03T08:05:32.830-05:00Calmer Christmas Devotions 1-3On a new toll-free recorded message center (877-470-1910) for the church I serve I am making available 24 personally-written daily Advent Devotions as part of a "Calmer Way to Christmas" series. Each of the first 20 of these 24 devotions is based on verses from the Gospel of Luke's version of the Christmas story. During this Advent Season I've decided to suspend my normal devotional practice and post these my Advent devotions instead. However, since I just made this decision today, you're a little behind. So today I will post the first 3 of these devotions, one for each of the first 3 verses from Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke. Starting tomorrow there will simply be one devotion posted each day.<br />
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<b>Luke 2:1</b> <br />
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.<br />
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Last night I went to a seventh-grade girls basketball game in which our daughter played. Our team played hard, but clearly the other team had more experience and skill. The final score of 46 to 11 pretty much put an exclamation point on that fact. <br />
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As humans, we LOVE to keep score, don’t we. We love to have some tangible means of measuring success, so much so that often we make up little scores of our own. We size up each other’s cars and living arrangements, take note of who has accomplished what by the time of each high school reunion, and otherwise endeavor to know each other’s pecking order in life. <br />
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This is essentially why Emperor Augustus decreed that all the world should be registered. He was ordering a census, but this census was about more than mere curiosity. Augustus wanted to keep score in terms of the size of his kingdom and his realm of influence. Perhaps he wondered if his kingdom was 4 times the size of other kingdoms.<br />
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But as he was about to discover, outward scores don’t always tell the whole story. People driving modest cars or living in quite basic accommodations sometimes have more money in the bank than some people who appear to be living more luxuriously but are actually perilously close to foreclosure. In the case of last night’s basketball game, the final score doesn’t reflect the possibility that one or more of our girls, perhaps even one coming off the bench, may have played the best game of her life. <br />
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And Emperor Augustus? Well, he may have had the power to order a Census, but consider this. Once the census was all said and done, history records very little about the person who ordered the counting, yet devotes an entire New Testament to tell the amazing story of one of the people he counted.<br />
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The calmer way to Christmas takes to heart the fact that life is not so much about trying to prove that we’ve won but rather, to acknowledge that we’ve been won over by the story of the Christ Child who counts most of all. <br />
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<b>Luke 2:2</b><br />
This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.<br />
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I’ve been a pastor now for over 20 years and have been blessed to serve in three different congregations. What I think is interesting is that congregations tend to keep track of their respective histories by who was pastor at the time. People will say something to the affect of, “well, we built this or started doing that when pastor so and so was here.” It’s a way of marking time.<br />
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We do the same thing as a country in terms of presidents. Mention Cuban Missile Crisis and we all think of John F. Kennedy. Mention Watergate and we think of Richard Nixen. Mention Iranian Hostage Crisis and we think of Jimmy Carter. End of Cold War? Ronald Regan. It’s a way of marking time.<br />
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Sometimes the Bible marks time in much the same way. The Bible says that first census of those days took place while a fella named Quirinius was the governer of Syria. That probably doesn’t mean much to most of us these days, but it is a way of marking time. A way of saying that this story that Scripture is about to unfold really happened at a particular time and in a particular place on this very earth that serves as our home. <br />
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The calmer way to Christmas takes to heart the fact that we needn’t get overly concerned with little details of the moment. By the grace of God we are part of a much larger story covering centuries of time that all started when a fella that we otherwise would never heard of was Governer of Syria.<br />
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<b>Luke 2:3</b><br />
All went to their own towns to be registered.<br />
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We’ve spent a couple days reflecting on ancient leaders (like Augustus and Quirinius) who thought they were big shots in their day but really weren’t in the greater scheme of things. That’s true. But it’s also true that leaders, whether for good or ill, can change the common person’s everyday life with the stroke of a pen.<br />
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When Emperor Augustus ordered the census, that meant that thousands of people had to take the time and effort to accommodate his command. For those who never moved away from the place of their upbringing, this may have been no big deal. For others the command would require a trip back home. <br />
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A trip back home can conjure up all sorts of feelings. Some might see it as wonderful opportunity to catch up again with family and friends. For others a trip back home might bring up feelings of dread. Perhaps the thought of home brings up painful child-hood memories of a place where it was hard to fit in or where our experiences were not always the best. Maybe we are no longer the same as we were back then and are not so sure that we even want to go back. Perhaps the expense of the trip comes at bad time. <br />
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No matter, Emperor Augustus made his decree and everyone was required to follow suit. <br />
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But here’s the thing. Whether leaders make good decrees or bad, God has a way of bringing something good out of it. It was on November 6th that I first outlined today’s reflection. That was election day in the United States. At the end of that day some people were happy and others were not. <br />
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For the record, I’m not here to trumpet or bemoan this year’s election results at any level. But I am here to remind us all that, historically speaking, the work of God has never been dependent on the faith of a mere secular leader. Such truth doesn’t rule out the possibility of a leader creating major inconveniences with the stroke of his or her pen. It’s been done before and it will be done over and over again. But the calmer way to Christmas realizes that, over time, such inconveniences can be seen much like Augustus’ ordering of a census—just another part of a larger and more glorious story to tell. <br />
Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-23011572128383876392012-11-30T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-30T06:30:04.542-05:00Just a Little Apostle Talk<b>Scripture:</b> Romans 1:1-6 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,<br />
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<b>Observation:</b> This paragraph and indeed the rest of the letter were written by Paul. Yet this particular part of his message, it seems, could just as easily come from other ordained people.<br />
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<b>Application:</b> This probably seems crazy, but what if I were to exchange my name for Paul in the above Scripture passage? At that point it would obviously no longer be Scripture—I’ll concede that fact right away. Yet aside from that admittedly important fact, my name—or that of any other ordained minister—might still fit. The hedge would be on how one interprets the name “apostle.” Literally to be an apostle is to be sent. However, it is also more narrowly interpreted to apply to the original apostles and to Paul who was sent directly by the risen Jesus. I don’t normally think of myself as an apostle. Nor do most other pastors. The few times I’ve encountered a pastor who referred to him or herself as apostle (none of which were ever Lutheran, by the way) I’ve always viewed with suspicion. It seems presumptuous to ever claim that particular title. In the Lutheran church we speak in terms of being called and sent by God through the church, but we usually use the title of pastor rather than apostle. For the record, I have no desire to be called an apostle, nor have I ever, with the exception of this little diatribe, actually thought of myself in those terms. Still, the heart of the message that pastor’s are called and sent to share is quite similar if not identical to that of people like the Apostle Paul himself. Perhaps this is why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:5 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Ministry is always about God’s work in the world; the actual human vessel through which God does it will always pale in comparison. Call me and other pastors or apostles whatever you wish, but give the real nod to our Lord Jesus Christ to whom all glory is due. <br />
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<b>Prayer:</b> Lord, let us not worry so much about our names but rather about your name that is above all names. Yes, in Jesus’ name, Amen.<br />
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(Readings today included: Romans 1-4)Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3353246262979442914.post-78214221658524923842012-11-29T08:21:00.002-05:002012-11-29T08:21:51.794-05:00Just In Case You Didn't 'Win' the Lottery<b>Scripture: </b>1 Thessalonians 5:25 Beloved, pray for us.<br />
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<b>Observation:</b> It’s a short verse with an important request. Paul seems especially mindful of his needs that are above and beyond his ability to secure on his own.<br />
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Application:</b> It occurred to me yesterday while driving that mutual dependence is the basis for all meaningful relationships. Should we ever get to the point that we think that we don’t need anyone else, that becomes the moment when relationships break down. <br />
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For example, yesterday there was some kind of great big lottery drawing. With the jackpot at over 500 million, lots and lots of people who don’t normally play the lottery were out buying tickets. I suspect the reason for he mad rush to buy tickets was that many people like the idea of being financially independent. But it seems to me that suddenly being faced with that amount of money would be a huge burden with potentially devastating results. It would change a person’s life instantly and I’m not convinced that it would be for the better. Relationships would change. The way that the winners would see and even understand themselves would change. The way that others would see and understand them would change. It would be nearly impossible to go back to life as they know it and, while there might be a part of that life that they would be glad to trade in, I’m betting that there’s a part of their life that they love and be in danger of losing simply because of the sudden inflow of huge sums of cash. <br />
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But lottery winners are not the only people to face sudden life-changing events. Paul had his own life-changing event. It wasn’t a sudden influx of cash. Rather, it was a sudden influx of God’s overwhelming grace. So vast was this wave of mercy in Paul’s life that his relationships changed too and he suddenly found himself in all kinds of situations that he had never encountered before and needed to do so in such a way as to reflect the magnitude of God’s change in his life. So when Paul says, “Beloved, pray for us,” I think he really meant it. He and his companions needed prayer in order to be faithful and enduring in the face of the opportunities and trials before them. <br />
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Prayer is something we all need, whether we are everyday Christians or even lottery winners who may or may not be Christian. We will never be so independent as to not need prayer and, in fact, the more purportedly independent we may have deluded ourselves into thinking we are, the more prayer we likely need.<br />
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<b>Prayer:</b> Lord, I pray for lottery winners and for all who think they’ve lost but have likely won in the greater scheme of things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.<br />
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(Readings today included: 1 Thessalonians 4-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1-3)Fit Under The Collarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12525967027113388346noreply@blogger.com0