Monthly Archives: August 2017

Fall Fit Challenge Intro – Repeat

30 Wednesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Beginnings, health, recovery

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Just in case you missed it last week, here’s my Fall Fit Challenge Intro.

We always want to get fit for spring or summer or maybe in January when we are deep in shame from the holidays. However, being active is part of overall health and wellness and it’s best as a year round lifestyle. Not only is exercise good for the body, it’s good for the mind, too. Did you know that being active can alleviate depression by up to 30%?

fitness-1625279_1280

To that end, you are invited to join me on a 12 week, open to anyone, fun for all ages, Fall Fit Challenge starting Sunday, September 3. Each day will consist of a handful of bodyweight only exercises that focus on our large muscles and core and can be done in about 20 minutes. The goal is to be stronger and more fit while increasing stability and flexibility. These exercises will be a good place to start if you’re just beginning or you can add them into your current workout to give you a little boost.

On Saturday, September 2, I will post the Fall Fit Challenge page. My crazy, never tried before by me, idea is I will update the Fall Fit Challenge page as we go. Each day, to the same blog post, I will post the next set of exercises for the next day. So on September 2, I will post the exercises for September 3. Then, on September 3, I’ll post the exercises for September 4, and so on. That way, you don’t need to wait for me to post the latest exercises – you’ll have them and be ready to go at the time that works best for you. The link to the page will stay the same so you can save it and you won’t have to hunt down new pages. Also, my plan is to post the new day’s exercises at the top so you won’t have to scroll through all the previous days to find it.

Why 12 weeks? Don’t these things only last 21 or 30 days? Studies have shown that strength immediately improves once we become active but we don’t normally see any physical changes until 9-12 weeks. So… you’re welcome.

I look forward to your company on this journey and appreciate any comments along the way. Feel free to invite friends and family but don’t shame them if they can’t keep up with your amazing progress.

This will be the link to the page once it publishes: Fall Fit Challenge

exercise-1203896_1280

Like all otherfitness stuff, make sure you are able to start a beginner to intermediate intensity fitness program. See your doctor if you have any health conditions that could be aggravated, injuries that could be affected, or any medications that may need adjustment. Modify the exercises as needed to ensure they are the correct intensity for you. If at any time you feel sharp pain, experience dizziness or shortness of breath, please stop immediately and get checked out to ensure you’re safe. If you  begin to feel sexy and you want to get amorous with your partner, please go ahead in an appropriate manner.

Benefactor

28 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Observations, Spirituality

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Lately, I’ve been really enjoying a radio program (aka podcast or Apple Music album) called Under the Influence. It’s about marketing and advertising and there are lots of great stories. In the episode, “Brands In Cars Getting Coffee: Sponsorship Marketing” there was a story about the boxing fights between Max Schmeling and Joe Louis.

The story begins with the 1936 boxing match between Max Schmeling and Joe Louis. Even though Louis was considered invincible, Schmeling knocked out Louis in the 12th round.  This was at the time Hitler was ramping up Germany for war and Schmeling, from Germany, was made an example of Aryan supremacy.  However, Schmeling wasn’t a Nazi and he refused to fire his Jewish manager despite intense pressure.

When it came time for their rematch, tensions were high and it had become more than just a boxing match – it was symbolic of “Germany against America. Nazism against democracy. It was a metaphor for WWII. It was almost as if the fate of the world hung in the balance.”

On the night of June 22nd, 1938, with a packed stadium and millions listening on the radio, the first round bell rang. Louis was devastating in this attack and within 124 seconds, Max Schmeling was defeated! This is a quote from the end of the story:

“In the years after their infamous bout, the tables turned again. A former New York boxing commissioner, turned Coca Cola executive, offered Max Schmeling the post-war Coke franchise in Germany. It would make Schmeling a very rich man.

Champion Joe Louis, on the other hand, slowly went broke. He owed millions to the taxman. His health deteriorated. He was suffering mental issues from the damage he took late in his career. He developed a drug habit.

Through that difficult time, a silent benefactor quietly paid Joe’s medical bills. When Louis died in 1981, the same benefactor paid for Joe’s funeral. That benefactor had underwritten Joe Louis’s final years. He had quietly supported Joe.

That person… was Max Schemling.”

When I heard that story, I thought of Jesus’ love for us. Even though he was the champion, he stepped into this world and was beaten down, bloodied, and killed by those he came to serve and save. And yet, in his defeat he was in victory. Revelation paints a picture of our risen king, returning and laying claim to his dearest treasure – planet earth.

That means we are like Joe Louis. While he had that victory, in reality he was brain damaged, broke, and dying.

This is the beautiful part: Jesus doesn’t forsake us, doesn’t give up on us. He comforts us and takes care of us. He will love us all the way back to his heart.

He is the ultimate benefactor.

Perspective 

25 Friday Aug 2017

Posted by in Observations

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The recent events in the US have been pretty gross. Right up front, I’ll admit I’m Canadian but I’m not high and mighty about it. Sure we’ve got health care and moms can take maternity leave up to a year and we don’t have mass shooting like they have every day in the USA but we’ve still got issues. Big issues.

Canada has racism and white supremacists. I live in Alberta – I think they breed here. We have been just as horrible to first nations people; our first nation residential system devastated generations. I heard that apartheid was based off our model so that’s even more gross because it means we spread that evil around the world. We interned Japanese people in World War II. If you want to know about a truly horrible aspect of Canada, check into the investigations of missing and murdered indigenous women or the highway of tears. When I listen to the many POC that I know, I hear how they too have been the targets of racism and hate. I believe we are being much more intentional about addressing our darkness but the present reality is we’re no better than the USA.

With that said, it seems the recent events in Charlottesville have taken things up a notch south of the border. And now that similar hate groups are becoming even more vocal in Canada! As a white male, I believe those of us who have benefited most from our cultural structures need to speak up even more. Let us wake up and press back against injustice.

To that end, I want to share something I found a week or so ago. I saw the chanting mob. I think this a powerful counter perspective; it needs to be shared widely. I asked for and received the author’s permission to post it here.  If you want to see a comic made from this post, check out Melissa Mendes.

To the Mob Who Chant

“Nobody is trying to legislate away their right to marry.

Nobody is trying to make them buy insurance to pay for ‘male health care.’

The law never:

Enslaved their great-grandparents

Robbed their grandparents

Imprisoned their parents

Shot them when unarmed

There is no massive effort at the state and local level to disenfranchise them of the vote.

There is no history of centuries of bad science devoted to ‘proving’ their intellectual inferiority.

There is no travel ban on them because of their religion.

There is no danger for them when they carry dangerous weaponry publicly.

Their churches were never burned.

Their lawns never decorated with burning crosses

Their ancestors never hung from trees

Their mothers aren’t being torn away by ICE troopers and sent away forever. They won’t be forced to leave the only country they ever knew.

The president has not set up a hotline to report crime committed at their hands.

They are chanting ‘we will not be replaced.’ Replaced as … what? I’ll tell you.

Replaced as the only voice in public discussions.

Replaced as the only bodies in the public arena.

Replaced as the only life that matters.

THIS is ‘white people’ oppression: We used to be the only voice. Now we hold the only microphone.

THIS is ‘white man’ oppression: We face criticism now. We were free from it, because others feared the consequences.

THIS is ‘oppression’ of white Christians in this country: Christmas used to be the only holiday acknowledged, now it’s not.
I would so love to see these people get all the oppression they insist they receive, just for a year. Just to see.

Give them a world where you ACTUALLY can’t say Christmas.

A world where the name “Geoff” on a resume puts it in the trash.

Give them a world where they suddenly get a 20% pay cut, and then 70 women every day tell them to smile more.

Give them a world where their polo shirt makes people nervous, so they’re kicked off the flight from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis.

Give them a world where they inherited nothing but a very real understanding of what oppression really is.

Give them a world where if they pulled up on a campus with torches lit and started throwing hands, the cops would punch their eyes out.

Put THAT in your Tiki torches and light it, you sorry Nazis.”

-@JuliusGoat

Fall Fit Challenge Intro

23 Wednesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Beginnings, health, recovery

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We always want to get fit for spring or summer or maybe in January when we are deep in shame from the holidays. However, being active is part of overall health and wellness and it’s best as a year round lifestyle. Not only is exercise good for the body, it’s good for the mind, too. Did you know that being active can alleviate depression by up to 30%?

fitness-1625279_1280

To that end, you are invited to join me on a 12 week, open to anyone, fun for all ages, Fall Fit Challenge starting Sunday, September 3. Each day will consist of a handful of bodyweight only exercises that focus on our large muscles and core and can be done in about 20 minutes. The goal is to be stronger and more fit while increasing stability and flexibility. These exercises will be a good place to start if you’re just beginning or you can add them into your current workout to give you a little boost.

On Saturday, September 2, I will post the Fall Fit Challenge page. My crazy, never tried before by me, idea is I will update the Fall Fit Challenge page as we go. Each day, to the same blog post, I will post the next set of exercises for the next day. So on September 2, I will post the exercises for September 3. Then, on September 3, I’ll post the exercises for September 4, and so on. That way, you don’t need to wait for me to post the latest exercises – you’ll have them and be ready to go at the time that works best for you. The link to the page will stay the same so you can save it and you won’t have to hunt down new pages. Also, my plan is to post the new day’s exercises at the top so you won’t have to scroll through all the previous days to find it.

Why 12 weeks? Don’t these things only last 21 or 30 days? Studies have shown that strength immediately improves once we become active but we don’t normally see any physical changes until 9-12 weeks. So… you’re welcome.

I look forward to your company on this journey and appreciate any comments along the way. Feel free to invite friends and family but don’t shame them if they can’t keep up with your amazing progress.

This will be the link to the page once it publishes: Fall Fit Challenge

exercise-1203896_1280

Like all otherfitness stuff, make sure you are able to start a beginner to intermediate intensity fitness program. See your doctor if you have any health conditions that could be aggravated, injuries that could be affected, or any medications that may need adjustment. Modify the exercises as needed to ensure they are the correct intensity for you. If at any time you feel sharp pain, experience dizziness or shortness of breath, please stop immediately and get checked out to ensure you’re safe. If you  begin to feel sexy and you want to get amorous with your partner, please go ahead in an appropriate manner.

Relationship Signs

21 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Observations, relationships

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In an article I was reading, I stumbled across a statement by psychiatrist Amy Banks, author of Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships. I haven’t read her book nor do I know anything about her. However, what she said about relationships resonated with me and I think you might be intrigued by it, too.

What she says is that “true love is first and foremost about creating a mutual connection, evidenced by five hallmarks of a “healthy relationship.”” Here they are:

  1. You have a feeling of zest or energy.
  2. You have more clarity about yourself, the other person and the relationship.
  3. You are encouraged and empowered to act, both in the world and in the relationship.
  4. You feel more value in yourself.
  5. You desire even more connection.

What do you think? Would you agree? How have you experienced this in your relationships?

ag·o·ra·pho·bi·a

14 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Observations, recovery

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Checking the dictionary it says this about agoraphobia:

“An abnormal fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by anxiety attacks.”

This isn’t a definitive article on this condition. I honestly don’t know lots about it. I can say that it’s often misunderstood due to TV and movies that suggest it’s just a fear of being outside or around people. Basically, a person can experience this at any place or area, even one’s own home.

Check this out:

This is 87 Avenue, just east of 170 Street in Edmonton, Alberta. Up until a few weeks ago, we lived in this area. Due to a journey we took with a wonderful young person, I had a full on encounter with a psychologically abusive person who came after me. It wasn’t the fault of the person we welcomed into our life but it was related to that time. The person that came after me, lives in the area off to the right.

After we moved, we came back a few days later to do one last check for mail (just in case anything got missed by the post office forward). As we crossed over 170 Street, my heart was gripped with anxiety.  My heart rate shot up and I just had this sense of fear. This wasn’t the first time I had this experience in this area, it’s happened most every day when passing this area and don’t get me started on what it’s like to walk here rather than drive) but it was the first time it hit me – I had developed a mild agoraphobia. My hope is, over time and not being in the area for a long time, I will have healing and be free from that person’s impact on me.

Not Without You

07 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in Inspiration, relationships, Spirituality

≈ 8 Comments

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I recently heard an apparently true story about a man urgently needing to catch a plane home from a business trip. He was desperate to get home because his toddler grandson lay in a coma, the victim of terrible child abuse at the hands of his mom’s live in boyfriend. The little boy wasn’t going to live; he was to be disconnected from life support. After he died, his organs would be donated so others might live. The man wanted to get home to see his grandson one more time.

While he was on the way to the Los Angeles airport, his wife called Southwestern airlines to find the fastest flight home. As she bought the ticket she explained their desperate situation. Unfortunately, her husband ran into delay after delay – a traffic jam on the freeway, a congested airport, delays in security.

When the man finally reached the gate for his flight, he realized he was 15 minutes late, he was sure the plane had left.

An airline employee at the gate approached him and asked his name and if he was the one trying to get home to his grandson. The man confirmed who he was.

Then the man at the gate said:

“Well, I’m the pilot and the plane isn’t going anywhere without me.
And I’m not going anywhere without you.”

That story reminds me of one of my most favourite Bible passages:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms;
if that were not so, would I have told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am.”
(John 14:1-3 New International Version)

Jesus’ promise is loaded with hope, love and acceptance. He is making this promise to his friends who, in just hours while he is in his greatest struggle, will desert him, betray him, deny him. He’s saying, despite all your failures, hang on to me, hang on to me because I want you to be with me. It’s a promise we can personally claim today. Isn’t that pretty outrageous grace?

Because Jesus’ promise can be counted on, we know that he will prepare those places and he will return. The Bible vividly describes this event – Jesus will arrive with all his angels, the dead in Christ will be resurrected, the living in Christ will be transformed and all will be gathered by the angels – he will take us to be with him.

I hear Jesus’ promise echo to you and to me in the pilot’s words:

“I’m the pilot and the angels aren’t going anywhere without me.
And I’m not
going anywhere
without
you.”