Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there I'd just like to say, "Happy Mother's Day".

My wife is such a good mom to our boys. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing partner. God always knew exactly what I needed and was faithful to provide. Our boys are probably far too young to realize how great of a mother they have. One day they will and I'll do everything I can to teach them.

This is what we got for Bethany:

http://www.costsaving2u.com/images/34.jpg

Violet Hill

So, in recent music news, Coldplay made their first single from their new album available for free on their website last week (I believe). It's called Violet Hill and is a bit of a change for the guys. It almost reminds me of a little Sunny Day Real Estate (in places due to the vocals being reminiscent of Jeremy Enigk).
I still need to dig deeper into it but as of the first listen and a half...I dig it. I think Coldplay, like U2 before them is one of those bands that in today's culture are making great music but it's unfortunately lost on our youth driven-fast excitement culture. They still sell millions of albums but most of the students in our local high schools probably prefer the latest jam from 50 cent or Panic at the Disco. It's a deeper audience that this music reaches out to... it looks for those interested in lyrical content and artistry...not just a "phat beat" and danceable hooks (not that there's anything wrong with that). Food for thought. I'm sure this same principal could be applyed to other points in culture...

Last night we had a pretty decent discussion about sin at youth group. If you're the praying type, pray for my students from Voltage. Pray they would take God at His Word and that their lives would explode with faithfulness, worship, and service.

Diet again

So, I started back on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet on Thursday. Over the course of the last year I have gradually recessed in my eating habits. I began treating myself more and more rather than the occasional time. At my lowest known weight I was down to 208lbs. I was happy there. However, once we moved to Winchester, I started eating all of the tasty, "not so healthy" foods available here. So, I'm back on the Beach. Since Thursday it appears that I've lost 8lbs. Hopefully this pace will continue and I'll be down below 200 lbs by Cornerstone Festival. That's my goal. That's 40 lbs in two months. I'm not sure my body will do it that fast but we'll see. I'm doing it healthy and not starving myself or anything stupid like that.

My problem was that I didn't do the maintanence stage of Phase 3 very well. Instead of splurging once in awhile, I did it all the time. Eventually, (and a couple of weeks in Slovakia didn't help) I was eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted...even late at night.

Another benefit is that I think I'm more active now. I coach my son's soccer team and play basketball with my students at church. Hopefully this increased activity will add to the pounds lost. I'm hoping to be doing some walking/jogging also.

In all of this I have been praying that God would help me and be my strength. It might sound trivial to some (to spiritualize a diet) but I have learned that I need to trust God even in seemingly small things because I know that I can't do it on my own... but I can rely on God as my strength. It is only by Him that I was able to loose the first 81lbs a couple of years ago... see www.xanga.com/butterneverbleeds (my old blog) for details on that.

I weighed in a few days ago on Thursday at 238 lbs. I am currently at 230. Only 22 lbs to go till I equal my lowest weight. Exciting!

Anyway, have a great week!