"I don't know how much time to invest in my workout !"

I wanted to let you know some things about your training so as to get you going on the right track. Basically, the ideal amount of time to invest into your workouts are about 1 hour, 6 days a week. I want to be sure that you are making the time in your daily schedule to make the changes that need to take place. Think of it like this: Jack Lalanne, God rest his soul, used to work out hard for 2 hours per day, every day. He did this all the way up till he died of common cold complications in the hospital at age 94 or so. He performed feats of strength and endurance all the way up into his older years... when most people would say that he should have retired! There are also plenty of very old men who are incredibly strong and are ripped to boot. So, if an "old man" can do it, certainly we can too.

I am not suggesting that we all need to start exercising for a full 2 hours per day. What I am recommending is that we set aside a reasonable amount of time in each day to invest into our health. It's not asking too much of even the busiest of businessmen if he wants to be around for his kids for very long. Then, how much is the minimum? Well, from a scientific perspective, it's not easy to pinpoint precisely, partially because everyone is so different as far as their health and needs for getting in shape. But, for weight loss goals, getting "leaned out" and health maintenance you're going to want to invest about 6 hours per week. In other words, a 1 hour workout for 6 days each week. The minimalist might want to do a half hour each time giving him a total of about 3 hours physical exercise per week, but I don't recommend it.

In sum, even though days may be busy, even though things sometimes seem to get in our way, you do indeed want to learn to invest this time because it's what keeps us healthy and happy in the long run and in the short run. At the very least, put in a half hour when you feel like it less and especially when you don't have the time.

Defeating a Spirit of Failure

A spirit of failure is a spirit in which a person is encapsulated in a downward spiral of self-doubt about their ability to succeed in any endeavor or life struggle and may be perpetuated by a series of failures or one large one. When a person is tormented by this spirit they often do not fully realize the extent to which  they have self-defeating thoughts. They are, almost on a daily basis, seeing problems which stand in the way of success; but, rarely do they see solutions. Or, if they do see a solution, they either don't recognize it or they perceive yet another problem which stands in the way of implementing that plan of action.

The spirit of failure could be thought of as a "spirit of fear of failure" as well. No matter what the title, it is really the same thing. It will ultimately keep that person from reaching their goal/goals in business, weight loss, relationships and in life in general. They will habitually affix their attention on these problems on a regular basis until ultimately they have done nothing to resolve them. Because of past failures and/or the fear of rejection the person will, in essence, become "paralyzed" to doing anything that will change their current situation. When, in truth, taking some action is the only way to change any situation for the better.

When a person is afflicted with this spirit, he/she experiences life in a manner that is very different from the productive and flourishing side of society. They will, most often, experience repeated failures, one after another, at times when they attempt to do anything proactive. If one is invariably hit in the face every time they try to get up, sooner or later, they will stay down. Because of this, many people have given in to adversity and, more or less, stopped trying to achieve their own life goals, be they large or small. Some have even stopped trying to achieve what would otherwise be relatively modest goals in their own eyes, for fear of failure or rejection.

But, alas, these spirits have weaknesses too. First, no spirit has won any battle until the person has stopped fighting. So, in reality, that's exactly what these kinds of spirits want. Second, an evil spirit only has the power of influence, not absolute control of the person. Most usually, when a person is experiencing repeated failures it is for one of two reasons; one, a lack of preparedness or, two, the fear itself is causing anxiety which in turn is causing the failures. In many instances, it's the latter. So, the simple truth of the matter is that the very weakness of a "spirit of fear" is sheer confidence in and of itself.  Confidence is the key. If you can't seem to muster confidence, then at the very least, muster up some courage. Courage can be thought of as the audacity and inner fortitude to take action, regardless of the feeling of fear. Confidence may be the greater of the two, however, the confidence to succeed may also be attained with a few successes.

The plan of action for overcoming a spirit of failure is simple. It is one small success after another. One small success after another is and always will be the pathway to a great achievement. One interpretation of Laozi's famous words in "The Tao Te Ching" is "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The point is, experiencing these small successes isn't a small thing at all. It's a very big thing...a very big deal, because each time one small success is attained, that spirit which holds us down becomes less and less significant in our lives.

So then, what's the solution? Take heart and have confidence in what it is that you must do. Recognize that nothing worth having is going to come without failures. Those failures cannot stop you from succeeding. One can either learn from them or ignore them, but do keep moving forward. Always get back up. And, above all else, stay active. Set one small goal at a time and make sure that it is an obtainable goal for you at that time. As long as it is in the right direction then you will eventually get to where you're going. No matter what happens, do not quit until you see that small goal accomplished and you have experienced success. Then set another goal like it. When you have achieved a few like this and you feel confident enough, set a slightly bigger goal in the same direction. Do this again and again, over and over. One day the demon of personal failure will be so small you will crush him beneath your foot.

Confidence and a positive mental attitude, courage and both large and small successes; these things coupled with prayer and faith in God are the weakness of a spirit of failure and the solution to binding it in your life forever. Best Wishes in accomplishing all of your goals and in living a new dream.

Revised by Brendon Thompson

"And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake."

A man who thinks that it's always easy to choose God is either naive or foolish.  As it means to lay down your life every time, whether in will or in body.  But, the choice is still to the man as to whether or not to obey God and live for God.  This is the free will which God has given to every human being.  So then, credit can absolutely be given to any man who will "man up" for that job... for that grave responsibility and subjection to ridicule, condemnation and even martyrdom which all too often is Christianity.

Everything we do matters, just as everything we don't do.

You're a 3 part being; a mind, a spirit and a body.  It's so, so simple.  Yet, it amazes me how few people truly understand.  God has given you many very important things to take care of.  If you don't do the maintenance on what He has given you, you will lose it.  It will deteriorate and, eventually, it will be no longer.  Maintenance is an extremely important aspect of spirituality.  When we are willing to spend 72 hours per week doing the maintenance on our wallets, 10 to 40 hours a week on our studies, school, etc; so many hours a week studying our bible and going to church, maintenance time with our families, but a big fat ZERO amount of time doing the maintenance on the body that God has given us, something is very, very wrong.  Use it, or lose it.

The muscles and joints in the body were DESIGNED for motion.  Fail to follow the natural design of your body and you will pay a very dear price.  The typical price is, simply, severe sickness nearly always followed by death.  All the while, Satan is only laughing as he watches because he never even had to do a single thing to destroy your ministry.  You did.

A very experienced, very seasoned, understanding and loving pastor has recently preached that the "harsh realities of pastoring" has caused him to question living for God more than he used to, rather than less.  He stated that he has watched so many people that he knew through the years doing everything that he knew we are supposed to do as a Christian and yet, still, they would die... as a true believer, things like this just leaves you guessing sometimes, doesn't it?  But, folks, if I gambled and I don't... but if I did, I would bet any amount that not one, or extremely few, of those was living a lifestyle of exercise.  It's a no-brainer... to me.  Do you realize that the percentage of people that take care of their health and body in the church is no better than in the world?  It may very well be worse!  America, church, stop already.  Stop going against the grain of which your body has been created....... to move.  Should it really take a doctor to order us to exercise when God has been there the whole time?

3 John 1:2  "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

I know that you have go to work!!!  You have to work at not allowing Satan to claim your life before your time here is up and your ministry fades away like fog and is forgotten forever.

Aka "Goodfortitude"

I am Goodfortitude. A legacy have I already created. Everything that I do from here on out is nothing more than "icing on the cake". Even in death, my spirit will live on, eternally. "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world,"... I have come close to death many times, yet I live. I have suffered, yet I thrive. I have been broken, yet I am whole. I have been strapped down, yet broken free. I have been infected, but did not die. I have crashed many times, but walked away. I have drowned, yet I breathe. I have overdosed on sleeping pills, yet my heart still beats. I have injured my own body, yet I am healed. I age, yet I grow in strength. With the mind I can learn. With the body I can train. With the spirit I will touch the hem of God and understand. But, with the heart, with the heart I survive... I am Goodfortitude.

Today's Venture in Strength Training

Well, the anticipation got to me.  I couldn't deal well with the thought of letting myself, or anyone, down after publicly announcing that I'd be lifting 1500 lbs with my legs in only 3 weeks; not to mention, in some odd way comparing myself to Babe Ruth.  What was I thinking?!  Anyway, what an embarrassment that would turn out to be if 3 weeks wasn't enough time to achieve that.  What if I fell short?  So, I just felt I had to go in and make it happen ASAP. 

I had a cold last week that lasted for 5 days.  It was, by far, the worst cold I've ever had.  I thought, "GREAT, I hope this isn't going to set me back now."  I also, apparently, had twisted my knee somehow last night and it was giving me some flak as well.  But, I knew that Tuesday was leg day and I wasn't about to wait another week just to find out if I was going fail or not.  So, I took some aspirin and massaged it a while; made sure I went to bed early and slept well.  So, it felt o.k. when I woke but wasn't perfect.

This morning I got up, ate my oats, then this afternoon I took my usual supplements, an energy shot and drank a glass of green tea.  I stretched out a lot.  Been sort of psyching up for the lift all week.

I wanted to make mention of something, just in case anyone who has read my posts were to get the idea to max out as well.  You should keep something in mind.  With a training element as powerful and heavy as leg work, I would not recommend putting yourself under a weight load of anything that you can only lift two or three times, or especially only once.  These lifts are estimated one repetition maximums.  In other words, I'm using a weight that I myself am fully aware that I can press up to at least 6 times without failure.  This is quite safe... and wise.  I don't mind using this system at ALL.  Reason being, from my past, I have always been able to actually press more at performing the actual 1 rep maximum lift than I have when I utilize the estimation system.  Therefore, my raw power is pretty much always greater than my muscular endurance and/or any estimations.

That aside, I still didn't have a death wish!  I knew I was progressing much faster than would be advisable.  Inside, I doubted whether or not I could actually press all 20 45 lb plates and both 100 lb plates to begin with.  I almost set the last 2 45's back down, I stood there thinking about it for quite a time while I carefully weighed out whether the act was wisdom at all... or just passion.  But, I couldn't stand it.  In a seriously determined and internally intense sort of way, I sucked it up, grabbed 'em up, and threw 'em on.  Still, I walked over to a couple of the strongest looking guys that I could find and had them stand on either side of the press as a spotter, just in case.  Better to be on the safe side.  I thought it a little funny that I walked over to pick up a couple of 3 lb fractionals to add to my mountain of weights.  But, if I hadn't, it would not have calculated quite to 1500.

I really did not know how I would perform, at all.  I gave my two jovial volunteers a quick coaching on spotting, then I told them not to even touch the machine unless the weight was simply not going up on the last repetition.  I got into position and placed my feet well, stabilized my body, etc.  So, when I took in enough deep breaths and felt adequately mean, I pressed the weight up and off the safety, lowered the safety and "went to town".  The first rep for me tends to be a sort of "half-rep," so I cranked out all 11 plus one just to be sure.  I only needed 11 to hit my mark.  Toward the last few repetitions, I could see the guy on my left start to get a bit antsy wanting to jump in to help but he stopped himself, thankfully.

I'm sure that one or two people in the gym thought I was showing off by having a couple guys stand there watching me.  It's funny, though.  It actually took more humility for me to ask them to help by spotting me in order to be safe than anything else.

Anyway, so there you have it!  1501 pound leg press, up from an all out, extremely intense 1400 pounds, in less than 3 weeks.  Well, I did it in 7 days.

I was just thankful that a gnat didn't land on top of the weights during my lift and collapse it all...

God loves Randy Couture

Some people, presumably Christian, have criticized Mr. Couture for having done things that do not reflect the life of a Christian.  So, now we know that Randy Couture is not perfect.  But, the only person to have achieved perfection was the Christ Himself.  And, even He in the book of Luke said, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone." (NASB)  Oh, sure, we can preach the laws of God all day long, particularly to the church; or, we can preach the grace of Jesus Christ.  Your choice.  However, the church as a whole needs to come to the realization that much of what has been preached "behind the pulpit" is very well intended for the children of the Heavenly Father.  It's much like a father comes to his children and says, "This is how I expect you to behave... this is what I expect of you, MY son or MY daughter.  This is how I expect you to behave as a light to the world, as a representative of my family."  It is intended to provoke the best in the body of Christ.  It is like iron that sharpens iron.  It is not intended as legalism to be preached to the entire world as a way for them to feel condemned.  But, this does not mean that we, ourselves, will carry all these good deeds through.  It certainly doesn't mean that we will live a perfect life.  Christ is our example.

Many Christians start a life for God... no, every Christian starts a life for God on the "wrong foot".  They start immature and as a "baby" in Christ.  Even Joyce Meyer, herself, will tell you that she used to hold prayer groups and cell group meetings in "Daisy Dukes" and smokin' a cig.  If she were a guy, that might translate to spitting, cursing and chewing tobacco.  hahaha  In other words, following the Spirit and making the right choices is a maturation process with which we all need time... and only we, with God, can determine how much time is taken.  Whatever the case, it's just not our place to judge another person's position with God.  As only God knows the heart of that human being.

Couture managed to win both the light heavy weight (205) and heavy weight (265) championship titles in his reign.  Then, Mr. Couture publicly thanked God, before he did anyone else, for his achievements.  I wonder how many Christians can even say that they have done that at any point?  Not to mention, that he did so in front of the entire world.  He thanked God and professed God in front of everyone for his accomplishments, and that's all I personally need to know about Randy Couture...

Will your motivation last?

Fortunately for me, I discovered martial arts over two decades ago.  I never started lifting weights because I wanted to be several hundred pounds of hulked-out muscle mass.  That never even appealed to me.  What I did want was to be the best martial artist I could be.  Also, back then I wanted to be a little more muscular.  But, I remember seeing a clip featuring Bruce Lee saying, "If you're talking about combat -- as it is -- well then, baby, you'd better train every part of your body!" He was absolutely right.  Fighting, and most sports, requires that we are strong all over and utilize all joint motions.  Some martial artists like to idealize the arts saying that you don't need any muscle to fight.  But, that's silly.  Your muscles move your joints.  We all use our muscle every day for every action, whether weak or strong.  Without them, you'd be a helpless skeletal figure.  With stronger, faster muscles you're that much less helpless in a defensive situation.

Understanding this, I began lifting to increase strength.  I began lifting and would also run or jog on occasion.  That exercise, coupled with regular martial arts training was quite enough to keep me very fit through the years.  Martial arts, for me, has been a lifelong process of personal growth and physical fitness.  One that has kept me keen in senses and has challenged me to greater heights.  It's kept me well.

The point is, I can't imagine what my life, my health, would be like now at age 37 had I not chosen this path of discipline, along with my Christian faith; and, I'm not about to walk away from either one of them anytime soon.