It never ceases to amaze me...

how little I can do to not only trust the Lord with my life, but then to live a life of obedience to the things that I have been made aware of and convicted by. I was telling Annie about a verse in Philippians that I was taking out of context but that did remind me that my stomach (or eating) was my idol, and she just said, "But you knew that." Why is it that things we have known or seen or heard so frequently fall off of our own radar but when we remember them again, its like the first time we have ever heard that. I have not been exercising or eating great since school started back and I am slowly gaining all the weight back that I lost this summer. It's hard for me to be something I am not, but whats worse its hard to live a way that I really do not desire either. I want the outcome but not the work. I want to product but not the process. And living healthy is not he only thing in my life that I fall into this pattern with. Even as I type this, I am forsaking my time with the Lord which will be much briefer sine I spent more time looking at the Internet this morning. My laziness, lack or discipline and self control is always bringing me and my family to places we have no desire to go. I do not want to remain here, but this is where I am.

Back to Posting Hopefully

Well I woke up this moring overwhelmed with all the things that are on my plate this week and the funny thin was that I had a text on my phone number I didn't recognize stating " you need God" That simple message from a stranger is so true. I try to flesh out my life's hurdles with time and energy all too often leaving the Lord of all creation on th esideline of my mind adn heart never asking for His help to do everything. Oh I know, He does way more thatn I see or give Him credit for, but it woud make more sense to run to the one who controls all things then to pretend that I actually have some control out here. I will post more about my weightloss when I am more awake and have more time, but for now...please pray for me as school begins with a mass of other things on my plate.
Thanks,
Scott

10 miles

Today I completed (not ran) 10 miles. My first four were in the morning at Annalee's school. She had a 5K and then a 1 mile fun run so that gave me only 6 to go. That afternoon I did a 6 mile lap from our house down by the park and back up Old Shell. It brought back a ton of memories for me cause I did part of the course of the marathon we did 3 years ago. I remembered how tired and hurting I was and was only at 18 miles. I also realized since I was only at mile 3 of this 6, i should shut up and keep going. I did it alone, so I had plenty of time to think. My mind wandered on so many things, from what makes people throw trash out their windows to I wonder if someone hit me how bad it would hurt? I also looked at the beautiful trees 9i don't know what they are) that bloom with such great white flowers and look so amazing and thought about how this. If God is called our tree of life then the roots and branches that come forth from the ground burst open at the top in an outward display of joy and evidence of the growth and strength that comes from below or inside. When I think about the fruit of my life, I want it to be like those trees, where God's love for me is blossomed into an amazing display of his glory and that there is an outward appearance of all that he is and what he wants! I think its sad when Christians choose not to serve the lover and giver of life. I know there are always excuses that sound good in your head and out loud but we do not serve a God of excuses but of sacrifice! I hope I can learn to live more sacrificially in so many ways!

13.1 Miles

Well in my continued plight to lose weight, my friend Matt and I have started training for a half marathon. I have gained a few pounds and am still having issues with food as an idol. But today we did a leg of 8 miles which shockingly wasn't too hard, but it was tough afterwards. I have also pulled a ligament in my hip which has made me have constant pain especially when I sleep. Anyway, if I were to start giving you excuses about what I have been doing, or how busy I have been I know it would be an attempt to cover up the truth. The truth is I love crappy food and I don't love exercising. Both of these things need to change to some degree. Well that's all for now. I'll try to get back on track with blogging but realize if you haven't heard from me I am struggling! Please feel free to ask me at any time about this because the more accountability and burden barring others are willing to do, the more it stands before me as a daily issue. So thanks!

Long time no blog...must mean I'm getting fatter!

Well not really, but I am not on the track that I had planned. I am down to a loss of 20 pounds and I feel like I have accomplished nothing. I am regrouping and back on the heavy routine this week, but the weather has made it quite difficult to exercise outside and at times leaving and going to the gym is...well I am still lazy at times. (I know your shocked) Anyway, I need to make another big plunge to launch and lose the next 20. I appreciate suggestions and encouragement...so comment will ya, it really does help! My wife running a half marathon may have helped push me too!

Crap

So its looks like I gained another 2 pounds back this week. I am not shocked, based on things I didn't do. The rain porevented exercise alot, but as far as food I really didn't do too bad until the weekend. Date night with dinner and marble slab (we should have shared) breakfast at Chickfial with Davis, and popcorn with the girls. I'm not as discouraged as I was a caouple weeks ago because I got quality time with the 4 most important people to me. I still have to learn how not to involve food with everything and that has been a challenge. Also, I am kinda getting tired of dieting. I keep telling myself my granola bars are like candy bars but that has worn off a bit. Also, Chrsitmas coming and Annalee's birthday right around the corner have some food challenges ahead. So, pray for endurance people cause right now...it's hard to want to not eat whatever I want. On a positive note, I had to buy a new belt because the other one would no longer hold my pants up. It's very clear that mjen over 30 should not attempt the sag (you know if you try) but I was encouraged by that fact.

Back on top

Well this past week was pretty uneventful until the weekend. As most of you know I am a big Florida fan and knew Saturday would be filled with temptations to eat whether we won and I needed victory food or if we lost and I need comforting food. As it turns out I would have needed a great deal of comfort based on the but kickin' Florida got. Anyway, to make the situation removed and take temptation away I decided to fast and pray when I was tempted to eat. God was so good to me in this because lets face it...some buffalo dip and chicken wings would have made me feel better. But only for a little while. My heart and body are really starting to see food differently. Last night at evening of prayer, I said no to dessert and didn't feel the urge to clean my son's plate of his pizza he didn't eat. The result this morning 222.2 and am back on track for weight loss on my 2.5 pounds a week. That means so far I have 16.3 pounds. Last night my friend Matt (Spivey) said man your losing weight. I was proud but really I should have said, no God's just helping to make me thin. I really do feel the Lord's hand in my body. In closing, I wanted to respond to a few things. Hope, my next reward is a CD and I have an afternoon at the movies next so thanks for the encouragement. Also, when I lose 50 pounds I am getting a Wii! Temptation still rises so keep praying for me and asking me how I am doing and if you see me about to eat something that hinders my cause...feel free to tackle me.
Scott Parks