The Chaplain’s Corner

I’m ranting…it has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sorry, I’m not that focused.

Leaders. Where have they all gone? From CEO’s to athletic coaches, from local politicians to the school board, it seems like everyone wants to be known as a great leader. In the past few days I have seen firsthand how some leaders need a firm lesson in what their position requires. I have heard a lot of spineless talkers who have no idea how to embody leadership.

A leader looks at the big picture and does not overreact to individual circumstances. A leader takes you where you need to go, not where you want to go. A leader leads in quiet and doesn’t need to be continually lauded as “great”. A leader x-ray’s themselves before leveling judgment upon anyone else. A leader showcases patience and forgiveness. A leader is always his toughest critic. A leader is willing to work harder than anyone else for the better of those he leads. A leader sacrifices for those he loves, as demonstrated by the ultimate leader, Christ Jesus.

Martin Luther King Jr. put it this way: “…if you want to be great, fine. If you want to do great things, fine. If you pursue greatness, fine. But understand this: he who is greatest among you must become a servant to all.”
 

The value of bulk. I couldn’t come up with anything better for a title. This might interest some, it may totally gross out others. I apologize in advance. If you are uncomforted by the thought of the digestion process and all that follows, I would suggest you stop reading now, because you probably don’t care. But your colon does.   In the past three years, I’ve learned the value of fiber. I would say I’m in the minority because studies say that Americans as a whole get approximately 25 percent of their daily recommended fiber intake and with our selection of foods, I believe that is a crying shame. Fiber (both soluble and insoluble) serves as a “scrubber” for the colon, sweeping away cancer-causing bacteria and the buildup that is present when folks that eat as wretched as the American consumer.    But what about us? We eat clean (compared to the average Homer Simpson clone), why would bodybuilders need to cleanse the great abyss? If you have ever increased protein consumption during a cut or a bulking plan. If you have ever lived off multi-vitamins and canned tuna for a week, pre contest. If you have ever done any of the many extreme things we do to achieve our fitness goals, chances are you have altered the original plan God had in mind when He formed your body. Even in the cleanest of diets (not mine, by the way) bacteria and carcinogen causing microbes exist and frankly that’s something you can live without.   I suggest doing a colon cleanse about every 6 months, though if you are strictly dieting year round that could be bumped up to once a year. Make sure you select a formula that includes a multitude of probiotics that help promote the healthy bacteria (sometimes called flora) as you cleanse. Remember you need a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria for your colon to function optimally and with the cleanse you will be ridding yourself of both.   After the cleanse, I would suggest getting your appropriate amount of fiber daily for routine maintenance and overall great gut health. Your body will thank you and remember, a healthy colon is the gift that keeps on giving.   Peace and Redemption,   Jason   

Of all the mysteries I have wondered, my body is one of the most absurd. I’m up to 182, yet leaner than ever, abs are showing and my cardiac output is increasing. I know muscle weighs more than fat but I’m pretty sure I’m not on D-Bol…yet my chest seems fuller and much more dense. But 5 pounds more dense?

Yes, smarty-pants, I am weighting at the same time in the morning.  

On a random note: shin splints are sent by the devil. They must be the opposition the Apostle Paul was always talking about facing. Which gets me thinking, all that walking Jesus did must have put Him in pretty good shape. His heart must have been pretty strong, though it still breaks for the lost and needy.

Peace and Redemption has a name, Christ Jesus reign supreme…

Jason

Let’s recap the morning…  30 minutes of high intensity lifting, 5 minutes full bore running on the track, I felt good…sweaty and panting (more like gasping for air) but good. I worked it, hard and heavy and I was beaming with pride…oh, wait that’s sweat. I grabbed a breakfast bar, guzzled some water and headed off to the job.  

When I got there I was sabotaged by a co-worker…my brother in blue loves donuts and he’s a very generous guy. Thanks but no thanks, Carl.   So then later a contractor stops by for a meeting, but he’s not alone. He brought my arch enemy Tim Horton with him. Tim Horton coffee…harmless; Tim Horton muffin…cancer to my diet. I only ate half (why am I dieting at Christmastime?) and resisted the remainder, I know compromise is not acceptable.    

I (partially) resisted for 2 reasons.  

1. Cops should never eat donuts or other pastries, stereotypes are hard to break. My office is surrounded by windows and I can just hear the snickers from the office pool. Frankly, I care what they think, I get accused of juicing every once in a while and observing me ravage a pastry would help that ridiculously false presumption along.  

“Look at the muscleman, downing the donuts…who gave you that, Barry Bonds? Is that filled with the cream or the clear?”  

2. I know it’s only getting worse and sooner or later, my resolve will be broken, after all it is that time of the year. I’d rather blow it at Christmas dinner (all 35 of them) than here at work, where taking a nap is not an option. And we all know that much saturated and trans fat requires a siesta.   

Peace and Redemption,  

Jason

The mentor in the mirror

I saw my pastor at the gym this morning, this is not a random occurrence, I see him there regularly. He made a commitment to pursue a healthier lifestyle and lose some weight at the beginning of the year and he has continued on the path. I think this is pretty awesome in itself, not to mention he has had a surgery on his foot and now needs surgery on his shoulder because of bone spurs. I am very proud that my pastor has followed through and pressed on.

Today, he followed me into the free-weight room and we talked about my dead lifting and my back workout. Please understand that my pastor and I are both young, virile, competitive guys so a little smack talking usually goes on between us, don’t worry, he knows how much I love and respect him, I just like pickin’ and boasting. So he looks at the weight and says, “how many times you gonna do that?”

12…first number that pops in my head. I’m not getting into bragging so I won’t get into the weight, but it’s more than some linebackers weigh. Should’ve picked a smaller number. It was hard, but when God shows you something powerful, it’s usually after you’ve put in the elbow grease to get there.

With my buddy/friend/mentor/pastor watching, I did 12 reps with (almost) perfect form. With no one watching, I could have done maybe 6. This is not an infomercial about bringing your pastor to your gym, but it is very much about doing life the right way and realizing that we should be motivated by people watching us and be prepared to go past our own limitations because of it.

Every week for 2 years, mostly year round I have mentored some of the athletes at an inner-city high school in my hometown. What kind of role model can I be if I can’t get past my own mental limitations? I have to understand that I can do a lot more than what I think I can, because with my players, more is necessary. God is necessary for me to do what I do. In order to preach the message of Christ died and crucified, and Christ resurrected for our redemption…you always have to be willing to do more. I can’t do it on my own, I need God every step of the way. I need Him to show me that I’ve got what it takes to get the job done, through Him who strengthens me.       

Another thing hit me after the dead lifting thing, I pushed harder because I made a commitment in front of my pastor and I wanted him to see I wouldn’t quit. It wasn’t ego or arrogance or boasting, just the simple reminder to me (and him between rep 6 and 7) I was not going to quit no matter what may oppose me or how hard it may get. I was motivated by the realization that someone was watching me and I owe it to them to get it right.

How does this apply to you?

If you have kids, are you living a life that is motivated by showing them what they need to see in order for them to achieve their destiny?  

If you coach, do you understand the significance you have in the lives of your players? For some of them you are the parental figure in their lives.

Are you who you need to be? Lives count on it. None of us can do it alone.

Who gives you strength?       

If you mentor, train or otherwise give something to someone, do you realize the importance of your investment into those you influence?

It’s not as icy on the road as forecasted…I am once again reminded of the randomness of the weather. If I were wrong at my job as frequently as the meteorologist is, I would surely be unemployed…sorry, it’s not his fault, the weather is random. Apparently my weight loss is like the weather…I’m going to try to not gloat here, but I ate like junk all weekend and lost 7 pounds. I’m going to write a book and call it the “Pizza and Ice Cream Diet…drop weight fast without clen”.  

I started Lipo 6 the other day and that may have aided but I’m not sure what the reason was. Despite of my natural desire to fetish on saturated fat and obscene amounts of sugar, I don’t think I’ll be sticking my hand in the bear trap again. So back to the diet.  

Cardio has been consistent and my lifts are progressing along well (especially for lifting on a cut), if I could just man up and get in the squat rack. But as I read a friend’s bodyblog the other day regarding squatting and flatulence, maybe I should approach it cautiously. Leg Press? Yes…but one too many bean burritos have kept me from compressing my spine, er ahhh, I mean, doing squats.

Thanks for letting me waste a bit of your day.

Peace, Love and Redemption,

Jason

It’s the finest of all lines, it’s illusive and it’s often camouflaged as a humble guy just wanting to be healthy and live longer. I struggle to keep it in check, some days it wins and some days it remains silent, only to rear it’s horrible looking head when not expected and least needed. Arrogance…it is not attractive to me, in the least. I have seen how a inflated ego can destroy a person. Unrealistic opinions (whether positive or negative) of ourselves are the cornerstone of a house made of straw that will be destroyed when the storms come. I think we all know that the storms of life are inevitable, right?

I’m a whole lot more than a 6 pack and bulging biceps (as a matter of fact, I’m barely those things) but in attempts to give it all in the weight room and remain motivated throughout the daily diet, I can see the twin-terrors of ego and pride in the distance waiting to strike. I may love my muscles, but they don’t love me back.

True love comes only from my Creator and Redeemer, He loved me first and loves me best. My wife loves me and to top it all off, she really knows me. Struggles and all, flaws and all…she loves me and it has nothing to do with my bench press. My kids depend on me, a congregation trusts me, young boys are mentored by me and most of them don’t have dads around so in essence, they look to me to define manhood. And true manhood is not arrogant or proud, full of itself or a addicted to looking in the mirror…true manhood is to sacrifice for those he loves and give until there is nothing left to give.

But those big muscles and ripped abs can blind us can’t they? If I am blind to my calling because I spend too much time on worthless things, at the end of it all, I’ve wasted my time, talent and ability. I hit the gym at 6:00 this morning because I could, not because I had to. I hung out with my Heavenly Father on the way there and the way to work. God came first today but that’s not what I’m talking about here. Some days I put Him away in a little box until it’s convenient to bring Him out, I focus on me, I make an idol out myself and I find fulfillment in things that never truly fulfill.          

You don’t have to read anymore…I’m going to talk to myself now, listen in if you care.

Jason, what are your motives for working out?
Did you keep your life in priority today?
Did you view yourself as a man of God first and let everything else come under that?

God, let me ask myself these questions at the beginning of every day, let me be motivated by the answers and let me keep everything in focus.

1. few people, no waiting

2. focus

3. able to grunt louder and more frequently (even if the dude that works there constantly comes in the free weight room to make sure I haven’t dropped a bar bell on my chest.

"my bad dude, I’m workin’ here…if I drop it on me it’s my fault, just don’t give me mouth to mouth…"

4. don’t have to wade in between the talkers, the galkers, the egomaniacs and the juice freaks…just me and some steel

5. I don’t take a lot of time from my family, they are usually getting up when I get home

incline press…135×15, 145 x12, 175×8, 185×6

cable crossovers 60 each side

oblique work

shoulder presses 25×8 4 sets (bad rotator cuff)

and some other stuff…can’t remember, Ergo’s AMP is mind blowing…

What kind of equation is that? It’s a tough one for my dreary eyes. I’ve learned to be a morning person, I drive 45 minutes to work to arrive at 8:00. I’m usually up around 5:00 for cardio, breakfast, getting the kids ready to leave with my wife and out the door by 7:00 or so. During football season, I’m reduced to 2 days a week in the gym, Saturday morning and Monday after work. I’m absolutely committed to keeping what is important in it’s proper place and the team takes a lot, my wife and kids are non-negotiable so my training suffers. I’m okay with that during the season but that’s over and although I’ve agreed to chaplain the basketball team also, it’s back to the lab.

I’ve got four beautiful daughters, one incredible wife…I’m a lay pastor, a youth leader, a chaplain (now to a sport I know nothing about), a member of the board of directors of a non-profit organization, and the command officer at a large industrial facility located in a foreign trade zone. I’m not saying any of this to brag…I’m actually saying it to say, “whew…I’m tired”. So training after work doesn’t cut it, supper needs made, diapers need changed, potty needs gone to and homework needs done (no wonder I update my bodyspace profile at work).

I’ve learned that all the giving I do requires a little “me” time. So for three days a week, I’m going to be moving a little quicker in the morning to make it to the gym by 5:45 to push around a little iron and use it as therapy. It has never failed me. That is only possible by my wife working a little harder in the morning to cover for me. She is willing to do her part and once again remind me how blessed I am to have her.

Tuesday/ Bi’s and Tri’s
Dumbbell Curls 4 sets                    
                               Triceps pull down 4 sets

Incline dumbbell curls 4 sets                    
                      Triceps pushdown 4 sets

Preacher Curls 3 sets                    
                                Skulls/ Pulls 4 sets

Thursday/ Legs and Abs
Leg Press 4 sets                    
                                       Crunches (weighted) 4 sets

Squats 4 sets                    
                                            Seesaw’s          4 sets

Stiff Leg Deadlift 4 sets                    
                 Cable crunches 4 sets

Saturday/ Chest and Back
Cable Crossovers 4 sets                    
                           T-Bar Rows 4 sets

Incline Press 4 sets                    
                                   Good Mornings 4 sets

Dumbbell Press 4 sets                    
                               Deads 4 sets

25 minutes HIT Cardio on the mornings I don’t lift…

Killing love handles in the morning, building a beast at night. 25 minutes high intensity cardio at 5:30 am- what a way to wake up…I’ve never been a big believer in doing cardio after eating so the dichotomy of Monday mornings goes a little sump’m like dis: alarm, 1 Venom Hyperdrive, 16 ounces water; and a couple minutes stretching, then it’s off to the races.

Calories spent: 297

Distance: a little under 3 miles…not great but something to work with.

Sweat: not as bad as the MHP Drol I was on 2 weeks ago but considerable…now gimme some Fiber One, I’m feeling like I’m going to fall out faster than Marie Osmond!

I started thinking about what direction I’m going after this upcoming Saturday. I cycle the Venom 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off to avoid the burnout I experience on it and this weekend is the end of my 2 weeks. I’ve got some Drol left so maybe I’ll go that direction, I’ve also got some AMP or I could get some Ephedrine HCL…either way, I have a couple days to mull it over. I saw that a guy on the forum said that he mixed AMP w/ 8mg of E, I’m still waiting on his response to the effectiveness of that mixture.

Right now, I’m sitting in my office waiting for something to happen and thinking about my afternoon appointment with the cold steel. Today feels like an arm day so we will get ‘er numb with a little dumbbell curl, tricep pushdowns, hammer curl, tricep pull downs, and finish up on the cables, that should make mountains out of big hills.

Peace, Grace and Redemption,

Jason