(Disclaimer: I am writing this note to fellow pastors, but also to remind myself where I've come from and where I don't want to return to)
Pastors! Shape up or ship out! That's how I feel today after talking to an insurance rep today who said "Pastors are some of the most out of shape people--and other pastors are paying for it"
Obesity in the ministry has risen to new heights. Just take a look at a religious paper or magazine and you'll see people who are overweight, out of shape and headed for physical ruin.
I write this note because I'm pointing fingers, but because I was one of them. This time last year I was sporting some 50 pounds of blubber, heavier and out of breath. By God's grace I've been able to overcome that and now feel better about myself, my ministry and my future. All I'm saying is if I can do it you can do it too.
Here are some steps to take:
1. Determine that you are going to change. You have the Holy Spirit to help you! Ask for the Lord's help.
2. Make a plan--join weight watchers, write down you food intake in a journal, log into an exercise website to keep you accountable ( I use http://411fit.uncc.edu)
3. Make some goals--start small and attainable. Make them measurable and able to be accomplished. Little goals add up to larger goals.
4. Announce your plans to a group--they'll keep you accountable.
5. Make it part of your discipline--you do it spiritually, why not do it physically!
6. Exercise--walk (everyone can walk) and then build up to something you love to do ( I love to run!)
Most of the cost of insurance for ministers doesn't go to help the healthy, it goes to those who have yet to claim their part in their health by keeping their body presentable to God's service. I read today that ministers may not struggle with earthly things, but they may substitute food for those other earthly lusts which so easily entangle. Food can become an addiction if we're not careful.
So, pastors (all pastors) Shape up! Your congregation will love you for it and we'll all benefit from healthier pastors.
It's production week at The Ritz as we get ready to open this weekend for CHRISTMAS BELLES.
This post is part of Sunday Set List over on Fred McKinnon's blog.
Well, it's come and gone--BLACK FRIDAY 2009. We did our annual thing of getting up @ 3:15 and heading to TARGET first. We actually thought they opened at 4 last year (it was 5) so we were there before 4 last year and got a great spot. This year we knew it was 5 and got there around 4:30--so we were at the back of the line. But--we got in anyway.
We intended to go to THE BLIND SIDE this weekend, however, we got to the theater too late to see the show (actually it was already sold out) so we settled on going back to the hotel to rest and maybe catch a movie there.
Yesterday was one of the most majestic days of my life. We awoke early to get ready for the race (we already picked up our packet and shirts)
I love Fort Worth! Such a small town feeling with a big town presence. It has everything a big city want and still has the feeling of small town America. 
Only 1 service today. We combined both services together for a Thanksgiving service. Our Worship Choir/Sr. Adult choir joined together for a song. Afterwards we did what all good Baptist do...Eat! 
We're in the middle of this series called "30 Days of Thankfulness"--it's a time to count our blessings and we'll also have our catch up offering for our budget. Today our interim teaching pastor starts--yea! We've been 16 weeks with different speakers--it will be nice to start a run with a consistent speaker each week (at least for me!)
This post is part of Sunday Set List over on Fred McKinnon's blog
I find it ironic that the very ones running this Health Care Bill through congress were the one who were "squeeling" when the Republicans were in charge and claimed that "this administration is trying to hide something from us". 
It's Election night 2009 and though there is less hype and hyperbole about this election than last, it would be a mistake if we didn't take a pause and say to ourselves, "Are we better off 1 year later?". 
This post is part of Sunday Set Lists over on Fred Mc Kinnon's blog
This post is part of Sunday Set Lists over on Fred McKinnon's blog
Rehearsals have begun for our Christmas production at THE RITZ COMMUNITY THEATER. We're doing Christmas Belles--a Southern comedy about 3 sisters in a small Texas town.
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Today was the final performance of BAD DAY AT GOPHERS BREATH (Samuel French) a western farce. It was the first time that my wife and I have been on stage together (me as BARKEEP and her as TEMPERANCE LADY). We certainly had fun.
Today was another good day of worship. Even though it was cold out side and attendance was down, I feel that we really worshiped! Word was good--worship was good. I'm so thankful for days like this.
We made the trek to Albquerque this morning at 4:45 AM to see the Balloons launch at the Fiesta. About half way there a light rain began to fall and I knew we might be in trouble. A stop at a local grocery story didn't fare much better as the cashier told me she thought they had already been cancelled.
(Disclaimer: I am writing this note to fellow pastors, but also to remind myself where I've come from and where I don't want to return to)
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