Weight Loss Journey

So I thought it was time for an update!  So far I’ve dropped 55 pounds and have decided to drop another 5 and then maintain.  I’m still doing a low carb/high fat modified diet.  In addition to the weight I’ve lost I have also dropped close to ten inches from my waist!  My blood pressure has gone down, my cholesterol numbers are much better than before the diet.  Overall my health has  improved.  Dropping the weight has been appreciated by my knees and back for sure.  My body is still in Ketosis which seems to be a buzzword.  I’ve increased my daily carb intake to around 50 grams.  I have found this diet is easy to follow, you don’t feel hungry, and it’s something I can commit to long term.  Fads come and go.  This for me has been a lifestyle change.  It has been liberating.  I rarely feel that bloated feeling and that dreaded regret after a big meal.  Everyday I drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.  I find it helps break down sugars, helps blood sugar levels and helps regulate the body’s alkaline levels.  The key is finding something that works for you.  Then the next step is sticking to it.  This seems to be the struggle for many.  This diet tends to give fast results which can encourage you and keep you motivated.  I want to take care of my body, it’s the only one I have!  I also see the connection between mind, body and spirit.  I’m working on all three aspects.  And remember this, the training stops when the casket drops!

Sharon. Mom.  Mommy.  Mammaw.  Red.  She carried me for nine months, gave birth to me as well as my two two sisters.  She was my inspiration.  She made so many sacrifices throughout her life.  She taught me how to laugh.  She taught me how to overcome.  She taught me to respect people.  She showed me how to treat women.  She wasn’t pretentious, she wasn’t afraid to admit her weaknesses.  She was genuine.  She was a great encourager.  She was my number one fan.  We were as close as a mother and son could be.  On November 12, 2009 I didn’t just lose my mom, I lost a friend.  Nine Mother’s Day holidays have passed and my heart still hurts.  I miss you momma!  You made me the man I am.  Thank you for everything!  I love you!

Since January I have been on a weight loss journey.  I was at my heaviest and I wasn't in good health.  So I dedicated myself to changing my eating habits.  To change the way I ate and the foods I ate.  I am doing a combination Keto and low carbohydrate, high fat diet.  I have enjoyed it!  Seriously!  Many tried to tell me along the way that I couldn't be on this diet long.  Self-proclaimed experts said, "You can only do Low Carb so long!"  Thanks pal!  What if we have been told wrong all these years?  What if our food pyramid is truly upside down?  Why are we so dependent on carbohydrates and processed foods?  Our ancestors lived on meats, specifically fats and proteins.  Yep, I said the "F" word.  We have been programmed to believe we have to get our energy from carbs and that low fat means it's healthy.  I am by no means an expert and I have only been researching this for about five months.  In my defense I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express more than a few times.  But here is my testimonial:  I have lost 40 pounds in four months.  I went from a size 38" waist down to a 32".  Overall I feel better, I have more energy.  My body now converts fats and proteins as its fuel source.  I went from loving bread more than Oprah Winfrey to realizing carbs were not my friend.  I plan to lose about ten more pounds and then maintain.  This is more than a diet, it is a lifestyle change.  Yes it still takes discipline and no, I am not starving.  I don't have the cravings I used to.  My regimen is not for everyone.  But here is what I know.  Tomorrow never comes.  That weight you want to lose has to be evicted by force.  So start your journey!  Do your own research, find something that works for you.  You can email me for details as to what plan I follow: chadmills76@gmail.com 

So imagine you work in law enforcement.  You are investigating an individual for criminal behavior.  After a long day on the crime beat you grab a bite at a local café.  A colleague joins you and the both of you discuss the suspects appearance.  You make negative comments about his skin color/complexion, you discuss his hair (whether it is real or not), you jokingly criticize the length the suspect wears his ties.  You even make a comment about his hand size with a sarcastic tone.  The waitress as well as an elderly couple in a booth nearby hear the comments.  What do you think happens to the case you and your colleagues have been building when your conversation makes its way to the suspects attorney?  What if the press hears about those "corrupt" cops and their prejudice talk?  There are real examples of this.  The O.J. Simpson trial exposed Detective Mark Fuhrman had made some racially insensitive remarks, which tainted the investigation into the homicide of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.  When the "lead investigator" has an ax to grind, like he's on a personal vendetta it taints the entire investigation.  It's a shame when bitter people seek revenge.  Lady Justice wears a blindfold to symbolize she is impartial.  Unfortunately, too many in politics today are not impartial.  Washington, D.C. is full of people with ego and on power trips.  One guy in particular has been on a huge power trip lately.  Watching the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations parade around promoting his book, appearing on talk shows, and promoting himself up as some 'holier than thou' man of integrity is nauseating.  People with integrity don't have to brag about their integrity.   There is a misprint on the cover of his new book, it reads "A HIGHER LOYALTY" when it should read "A HIGHER ROYALTY".  That's all this self-promoting book is about.  You.  You making money off of your grudge and vendetta.  Thanks for making it harder on those who work in law enforcement.  Those who put on the gun and the badge and do their best to serve and protect.  Those who don't have axes to grind and put their lives on the line. 

I’m Back!

Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years!  However my blog has been dormant.  It has been inactive for nearly four years!  That’s a presidential term!  And so much has happened that it will take more than one post to get caught up.  I feel like my blog was and is therapeutic.  Yes, I admit I need therapy but who doesn’t?  So it’s time to get back to blogging!  Like an ingrown hair that needs to be popped, I have a lot of pent up frustrations.  So bear with me.  I’m hoping to use posts to vent on politics, the media (Fake News when I get done with you you’ll think President Trump is polite!). But I will also post about things that I experience in this journey we call life.  So thanks for not giving up on my blog.  And to my friends I say thanks for never giving up on me!

Fast Food Workers Strike

Thousands of fast food workers went on strike today.  Demanding the minimum wage be raised to $15.  Simple economics prove that if fast food chains and small diners, cafés are forced to raise the minimum wage you can plan on spending more on that Big Mac or plate lunch.  I remember vividly when I worked at an entry level job for minimum wage when it was $3.25 per hour (it is now 7.25).  The congress was debating raising the wage and my co-workers were all for the raise.  I remember as soon as the wage was increased my hours and the hours of my co-workers were decreased by 25%.  Suddenly those workers were not in favor of the increase.  Businesses are forced to increase their prices or decrease the labor force to keep the bottom line stable.  In our current economy where we are facing rising inflation we can't afford higher prices on our Happy Meals.  I understand it is hard to survive on minimum wage, I also know many of those jobs are entry level and give employees an opportunity to advance and be promoted.  

Israel's Right to Self-Defense

As of today over 1,000 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza.  Hamas and the terrorists have been relentless in firing rockets, threatening the Tel Aviv International Airport, endangering the lives of civilians, children and homes.  Israel has every right to defend itself, to protect it's citizens, and to stop the terrorists.  I have been to Israel seven times.  I am pro-Israel and proud of it!  I pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem.  The bible commands us to.  The bible promises a blessing for those who bless Israel and a curse for those who don't. (Genesis 12). But what sovereign nation would not have the right to protect itself?  If rockets were being fired into your neighborhood, into your town, would you not expect the military to respond?  By the way these rockets and mortar being used against the citizens of Israel were smuggled into Gaza by "humanitarian relief efforts".  They have stockpiles of rockets and are determined to use them to harm Israelis.  We, as a nation, should stand with Israel and call for the end of coddling these terrorists groups!  Shalom Chaverim!

Love in Action

Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Scott Pine lived a hero.   He left a career in finance and banking to work in law enforcement.  He wanted to give back to his community, to serve and protect the people.  He died a hero, shot in the line of duty.  In his life he set a great example for others to follow.  Including my children who loved him and looked up to him.  A great father, loyal husband, a devoted Christian man.  Scott was one of a kind.  My brother-in-law was loved by so many.  I have seen a great outpouring of love the last few days.  His fellow deputies, neighbors, church members, law enforcement from everywhere, and complete strangers have put their love in action and loved on the family in so many ways.  

The bible tells us "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:3.   Scott is my hero.  He put his love in action, served and gave back to his community, put others before himself.  To honor Scott and his family you can show gratitude toward those serving in law enforcement.  Thank them for their sacrifice.  Jesus said, "Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called the children of God."

http://www.deputyscottpine.com

Government Bullies

The news broke recently of political retribution in the State of New Jersey.  And you thought lane closures, traffic and bridge issues were incidental inconveniences?  Seems like bullies working in government wanted to use their authority to teach someone a lesson.  We don't tolerate bullies on the school playground, why should we tolerate it from those who are in government?  The IRS has been used by presidents of both parties to intimidate and coerce political enemies.  This is abuse of power, corruption and malfeasance.  These people work for us.  This is the fundamental difference in our system of government and other countries.  We don't accept tyrants.  This is the country of 'We the People'.  We have taken a stand against taxation without representation, we have dumped tea in the Boston Harbor, we've stormed beaches and removed dictators, tyrants and despots.  But it's my observation that big government has made the people the subjects.  To be ruled over, intimadated, and dependent upon Big Brother.  This is not the American Way.  We should remember the battle cry of the Revolution, "No King, but King Jesus!".  Remind the bully bureacrats, the politicians they work for us not the other way around!

The Dr. Is In

This Sunday I begin a new sermon series, "The Dr. Is In", a study of the Gospel of Luke.  The New Year comes with opportunities and challenges.  Kick off your new year right, come to church and make it a weekly habit.  This new year we are going to study this gospel penned by a physician.  Luke was a meticulous researcher and this gospel reveals many details about Jesus.  Luke was a Gentile, not a Jew and he writes with a different perspective.  So journey with us through the Gospel of Luke Sunday mornings at Airline Baptist!  

He Shall Be Called

This Sunday I begin a new sermon series, "He Shall Be Called".  We will focus on one passage from the Old Testament about a prophesy of a child's birth.  In fact this prophesy was from 700 years before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  This passage describes who this child would be and what he would do.  I am excited to preach this series during this season.  This season comes full of excitement, anticipation, but also stress and anxiety.  Many aren't even aware of what Christmas is all about.  Many who call themselves Christians are focused on the commerical side of Christmas.  This series will help us focus on the birth of The Hope of the World.  The Promised One.  The Messiah.  I invite you this Sunday, December 1st to Airline Baptist as we learn about the Christ child.  

Change Your Outlook

So it is Thanksgiving week and before we get busy looking for our great aunt's brocolli casserole, or checking our Cajun injector supplies, or coordinating last minute travel plans, it would be beneficial to look at our level of gratitude.  I believe our level of happiness is directly related to our level of gratitude. I firmly believe by changing our outlook we can change our life.  In fact if we would follow what the Psalmist said in the 121st Psalm, 'lift my eyes toward the mountains, where does my help comes from?  My help comes from The Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.'  An upward look will change your outlook.  Instead of looking at your circumstances, look up.  Change your outlook, change your life.  See you Sunday!

Trust in God, not in Uncle Sam

Everyone these days is feeling the pinch of a weak economy, uncertainty about the changing healthcare laws, and there is a general anxiety about the direction our country is headed.  Times like these should teach us to put our trust in God and not in stocks, bonds, or even gold.  The government is not the solution, in fact most often it is the problem.  I am personally being affected by the change in healthcare laws.  Due to rising healthcare costs our church is considering dropping the group health insurance we currently offer our full-time employees.  The rising costs have put a financial burden on our church budget.  Many companies and families are experiencing this same burden.  (Walgreens, Sears, IBM)  We were told healthcare costs would go down.  With an aging population is that even feasible?  By the way, I like my current health insurance and I like my current medical doctor.  You will remember we were told if we were satisfied customers we could keep our current plans and doctors.  The problem is many of our plans are being dropped or changed by the insurance companies to adhere to the new regulations.  And many doctors are getting out of clinical care and becoming hospitalists or taking early retirement.  Once again we have been sold a bill of goods.  It shouldn't surprise us.  Our currency reminds us it is not "In the FED we trust" or even "In the Dollar We Trust".  It is "IN GOD WE TRUST".   

Comfort One Another

Throughout the Bible we see the words, 'Comfort one another'.  1 Thessalonians 4:18 and 5:11; Hebrews 3:13 for example.  As Christians we are called upon to share one another's burdens Galatians 6:2.  We are better together.  Recently in our church we have had church members pass away.  I have watched as other members have visited, called, sent cards and loved those who are hurting.  It has blessed my heart as pastor to see Christians living out their faith.  This is what Jesus talked about in John 13:35, "Everyone will know you are my disciples, by your love for one another."  When we leave the loving to the professionals, i.e. Pastors, Deacons, etc. then we are missing what Jesus taught and lived.  I love what the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.  "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."  We are comforted by God so then we can comfort others.  Let's live it!