Thanks that’s a definite for next time, I forgot I always add cinnamon (for purported blood sugar control) and often add apple sauce and raisains it to make it apple pie like (nothing like in reality) but those are low cal, honeys an easy win.
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True but not a fan of chocolate porridge.
Can you do yogurt? I don’t use milk, I can’t do it either anymore, unfortunately - I used to drink 2 litres a day in previous years of bulking that’s such an easy win. But I can tolerate yogurt (use 1 500g pot of natural and one 500g pot of vanilla and 500g ish of oats to make about 3 days worth.
Training today wasn’t possible, family day from start to finish, church with the family this morning, lunch then a long walk with family and parents, then roast with all of us, general family fun and games, parents left and played board game with kids, night time routine and bed for them, just sitting down to cheese on toast and protein shake, with addition of left over potatoes and pudding!
It would have been convenient to my training schedule to train today, but no ragrats, I’m very happy with my priorities and had an awesome day. The rest of this program will now be squiffy, so be it.
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No problem dude. Cream is another quick kill. Goes good in those shakes.
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This is another reason I’m following HIIB and not worrying about the days of the week. It’s supposed to be a 3 on, 1 off split but I don’t care. I just move to the next workout when I can. It’s definitely neb good for my mental health. No more stress over missing a day.
Nope - all dairy (including whey) is out.
It’s a real killer as I used to like a breakfast shake. Oats, berries and whey with milk.
Which denomination? My wife and I are Baptists. We dont get to go much now as I coach kids rugby every Sunday morning. And she does the admin side. I miss it though.
Yea, I feel you there, an extra day or two rest when you work hard both in and out of the gym isn’t going to damage you - it certainly won’t be a slippery slope to just turning into a sedentary blob, because over the years we’ve proven that we’ll stick to it.
Gutted!
It’s a free methodist although I’d definitely call myself non-denominational, theologically I’d lean to reformed position, but I go to an Armenian church (and am on the leadership team and preach) because they work out their faith well and are such a unified, full of grace and love, and that’s much more important to me than orthodoxy not lived out. (Probably more of an answer than you were wanting haha).
You mind if I speak frankly to this?
Morning weigh in 208…
Now adding additional bulk shakes to my day as well (2 X banana 40g oats, 60g whey). I will not repeat BtM.
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Please do.
And thanks.
Before I begin, let me start with an apology this may turn into a lengthy discourse.
I’ll start with CS Lewis -
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important
If you believe, like I do that we were made by the God of the bible, then there is a purpose to our lives that isn’t to be found in merely “doing” life like everyone else does. We were created for a purpose: for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.
We were created for him. Paul frequently talks about being a slave to the law and to sin, and talks about our freedom in Christ and yet even he in his freedom refers to himself as a bond servant of Christ. We were bought at a price for a reason; our lives are to bring glory to Him.
Part of how we do that is in community – we are told not to forsake the gathering together of ourselves. Whilst I wouldn’t hold a strict Sabbath keeping rule (Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath) – God designed a pattern for us, which involved rest, but not just slacking off doing nothing it was a day of “holy assembly”. In the New Testament this is re-emphasised in Hebrews 10:25 and the example of the early church in Acts. Community is a vital part of God’s Kingdom, Jesus says he goes to prepare a place his Father’s house, with lots of rooms, not lots of individual houses - community. If you are not part of a church, actively involved (not just on a Sunday, but obviously Sunday’s are a key part) you are missing out on a massive part of the Christian life.
Another thing to consider is Proverbs 22:6, what priorities are you demonstrating to your son, your family and those around you who see your life but don’t have the same faith as you. Are you showing that your highest priority is God, or are you showing them all that you’ve put a game above God?
I have young kids myself and I know the challenges, our boys are near enough the same age, my girl 10, did dance for a long time, but I made every attempt to avoid taking up Sunday’s with it (comps and shows were usually Sunday). I know my son would probably enjoy football or rugby (I’d prefer rugby – I’m not into club games, but all over 6 Nations and the World Cup games), but his spiritual life comes above all else (what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul).
I may come across a bit over zealous for some, but for me the God who created the universe, loves me so much he gave his life for me, I’ve counted the cost and I am willing to give my whole life for him. I started with CS Lewis, I’ll finish with Jim Elliot: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
Thus closes my discourse – apologies if that was a bit full on. Also another thought, are there any decent churches nearby that do Sunday services at a time that fits around Rugby?
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This is going to come over REALLY defensive. Its not. But you might have wrong end of my involvement at the church. We (my family and I) are still involved at Church. My kids have seen my wife and I do out reach stuff almost every Sunday afternoon for 5 years up until the start of Covid. I even drove from Worchester (where I was on holiday) – to Peterbourgh – to Kent – back to Worchester in a day to take a non church kid home from a faith event as they parents couldn’t manage it. Took a whole day out of my only holiday that year, 4 day stay with friends and a tank of diesel. So (and again I promise I’m not being defensive – only explanatory) I’m confident my kids (and friends who do not have faith) are aware. My dedication is to a life of quiet servitude. That’s honestly what I feel I’m here for.
I do appreciate what you are saying. On the “skin” of it – it seems like I’m placing rugby over God. However I feel the giving of my time is a type of worship. Do I enjoy coaching. However I could be done with it. It’s not simple. Its not always fun. Its hard work. But I do it because it needs to be done. And because when it comes time I’d rather say I helped others in his name than went to Church.
I also don’t see non attendance to Sunday Morning Church as a damaging factor in my families spiritual health. We are VERY lucky to have my kids in a VERY good CoE school with daily worship and weekly Eucharist. My wife and I have our own little support bubbles for faith. So whilst Sunday morning trips to church were something we enjoyed, its not possible / plausible / reasonable to attend every worship.
And I’m not saying this to convince you – as ultimately this conversation is between me and someone else. And I’m not even disagreeing with you to be honest. I have fallen into bad habits. My Church does weekly pod casts and broadcasts I’ve not really tapped into. And I must make more time to be part of the church. We are one body. And at the moment I’m a bit – separate.
I do have my minister number – I might text him. See what’s going one.
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Thanks, that wasn’t defensive, just adding extra context, which is important as my discussion above was a general comment without any individual context.
That’s my main concern, it’s easy to become your own echo chamber and justify detrimental habits and behaviours when your not regularly with others, (Jeremiah 17:9) - other believers are good for building each other up and encouraging eachother on this journey, Sunday’s obviously aren’t the sum total of that, but for me at least it’s an important part of it.
I will push back (hopefully gently) here, for me it’s about example, how do you demonstrate prioritising God in your life, I wouldn’t want “religious attendance of church” to be an idol (I do take time off on holiday) but at the same time, we are called to be together, a day of rest for God’s glory is a big part of the history of the church and I’d argue is good for the soul. These are behaviours I want to demonstrate and instill in myself and my children.
Just to say though there is no judgement at all here, just laying out my thoughts, and it seems like you are at peace and it works for you, and your family.
Week 3 day 3 - better late than never.
Conditioning
20sec work 10 sec rest
Row “sprints”, KB swings 16kg
10 mins
Gs1
kB swing: 24kg X 3 X 7 sets
Squat: 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 155kg X 5, 90kg X 20
Chins: bw, 20, 15, 15, 15, 15kg X 5
Ab rolls: 5 X 6 sets
Gs2
Press: 47.5kg X 5 X 10 sets
Shrugs: 110kg X 10 X 10 sets
Face pulls: red X 10 X 10 sets
Had absolutely zero desire to train today, if I wasn’t already behind I’d have bailed. Not sure of it’s just an off day, feel flat mentally, or if BtM is destroying my desire to train. Who knows, Wednesday will be telling in that aspect I’m sure.
Half way through, 9 sessions remain which sounds like nothing, but they are 9 draining, horrible sessions which features joys such as 160kg 5 X 5 on squats and 115kg for 20, plus 15 sets of pressing in one session. I do this voluntarily?!
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Mate - I 100% agree and to be fair I know I should make more of an effort. When I took on the Sunday morning role I made a promise I would make an effort to joint another service (my kids school is great so I’m really happy with their learning). And I’ve just not. And its too my detriment. I do miss it.
My old out reach partner and minister used to tell me all of the time - you can’t pour from an empty cup. And she was so right. I guess I just needed a nudge in the right direction.
As a promise to you - I will contact my minster today and talk to him about getting back into the fold.
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I’ve been at this point. My advice - don’t look up. Just don’t. You have 1 more session. That’s all. 1 more. Close your mind off from the rest. Its not important OR helpful to look at sum total. Just what’s needed for the next part. After the next session look at the one after. Never more then 1 session ahead. Never.
Control what you can.
You have 2 days until the next work out. EAT. And I mean like a pig. Sleep like a pro. Hot baths and cold showers helped me when I done 20 rep squats.
Be disciplined
Motivation will dip. But you can’t. Turn up - and make it happen.
You got this!
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Glad to hear it, Carl!
I attend a church that used to have four services per weekend - two on Saturday and two on Sunday. It’s a big church and requires a lot of volunteers to pull everything off. They encourage everyone to worship one service and serve one service. My wife and I volunteer in our coffee shop (it’s like a Starbucks in a church). Unfortunately, Covid caused some changes. Attendance is way down and they’re not offering the two Saturday services. We used to attend the 4pm service and serve at the 5:30 service. We only have the 4pm service and they need us in the coffee shop so we end up serving but not worshiping.
The upside of Covid is that our church’s services are getting put on TV markets and reaching more people than ever before.
My personal experience with church is that I feel like I’m doing okay on my own but I immediately feel uplifted after attending church. Even though I’m not attending a service right now, I feel better after working at the coffee shop. I can go in a little crabby and come out happy. The people with whom I work are awesome people and their positive energy is contagious.
It’s easy to face the world on our own with great intentions, but the world has a way of winning. I’m constantly surrounded by negativity - not just negative people but just bad things. It takes its toll on me and I need the reinforcement of other Christians to keep going. This is the first year in my life that I’ve felt clear convictions about things in my life and the world. I know what has to be done. My heart is broken for the world. I’ve never felt this type of thing in the past. My wife and I have the potential to do great things for future generations. This year has been the year that has made that clear and it’s also the year that depression kicked my butt. Coincidence? I think not. My wife and I are being attacked so we can’t carry out our purpose (she just recently recovered from severe depression and is doing great).
To circle back to the initial point, we need to connect with other believers. If there are other opportunities outside of Sunday mornings then find them. It’ll be worth it.
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Haven’t shared on here before but some of the stress I’ve been under in recent months has been around my wife’s mental health, she’s been struggling big time, joyful thing is though God used it to bring about her salvation. Seriously hard times, but to paraphrase Joseph - what the enemy meant for harm God turned to good.
Great to see similar spiritual success in your life J!
This is just awesome, God’s on the move!
And this, yes yes and yes every time. The vast majority of the time it will be a great source of joy, refreshment, peace, encouragement occasionally other believers can be hard work, they can behave in some ways that will eat you up and challenge your faith, but God’s always working through that, J sums it up nicely it’ll be worth it.
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Fantastic, praying it will be a source of renewal and blessing in your life!
Glad my words were taken in the vein they were meant.
Wisdom there!
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