90 by 50

I've told my family . . . I've told the closest thing I have to a personal trainer, Mike Graham at the Old Texas Barbell Co. . . . now I'm telling the greater world. I will be turning 50 years old in about 60 weeks. I've committed myself to losing 90 pounds by my 50th birthday. That works out to be a somewhat ambitious, but realistic, 1.5 pound weight loss per week.

My plan is reasonably simple--calories in, calories out. I will maintain an 1800 calorie a day diet by keeping a food diary provided by the Mayo Clinic. I will also be weight training three days a week and brisk walking another three days a week.

I have waypoint checks planned every six weeks to reward myself as I maintain my program. There is a real big negative "carrot" motivating me as well. If I'm not able to achieve significant weight loss by my 50th birthday, I will investigate bariatric surgery to reduce my weight. The very idea is frightening to me. But I must do something.

Your prayers will be appreciated in this effort. You have my permission to hold me accountable. With God's grace and the fruit of self-control there will be less of me to love in a year or so.

"You must be in sales."

While checking out at the local Walmart today, the cashier and I simultaneously asked, "How are you today?" She then speculated . . . "You must be in sales." I quickly denied.

Initially, the notion was repelling. But I thought some more about it. Perhaps, in a way, sales is exactly what I am in. I represent what I and many others consider the most valuable commodity in the world. Having it means the difference between life and death. In spite of death threats, many have refused to give it up. Indeed, many have taken it to the grave . . . dying because they possessed it. People have ordered their life around their possession of it. Having it, by the way, demands a reordering of life to accomodate it.

I finally confessed to her that I was in sales . . . I'm a pastor. I want to help you see that you need what I have. Let me show you that you can't live without it. Having it has the potential to transform your life. It's valuable . . . it will cost you . . . but you'll never regret your decision to get it.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which
someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all
that he has and buys that field.
--Matthew 13:44 (Revised Standard Version)