Luther Holds No Punches July 23, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Life, Quote.add a comment
“The Kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing who would ever have been spared?” –Luther
A quote shared by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Intense statement. This is NOT to discourage Christian community. It’s outing a lifestyle that claims Christ but promotes self. People who wish to live safely instead of boldly. People whose own kingdom comes before God’s Kingdom despite their claims.
That last line is intense and sobering. Christ’s actions and life have been heard around the world. His commitment and devotion and love for God the Father will never cease to impact humanity forever. The point Luther makes here is that religious people and those afraid of the opposition Christ-followers face will never have such an impact. Those unwilling to take risks, stand in the gap, reach out, bring light into darkness. Anything less that Jesus’ impact is insufficient. No one would be saved by less. The commitment to the Kingdom is unconditional, there is only one way.
It’s a slap in the face with a wrecking ball because the eternal consequences are epic! And in conclusion, I suck! haha
Bedroom Furniture Shopping July 22, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Business, Home, Sales.add a comment
My wife and I want a new bedroom set and we’ve been doing a large amount of shopping around. Some really good places out there and really bad places. Couple good sales people and many bad. By the way, when and why did furniture salespersons become car salespersons?
First of all, when I walk in the store I know you see me. Guess what, I see you. Notice how I went the other way? Means I just want to browse in peace. I don’t need your witty one-liners or for you to glad-hand me. This is furniture, not real estate. Your desperation makes me uncomfortable.
Come introduce yourself so I know who to find IF I need help, that’s fine. But I don’t need a shopping sidekick, I brought my wife for that. Also, when the drawers are designed with “dove-tailed corners”, that’s cool, but don’t show it to my with the same degree of enthusiasm you’d show if the drawer actually folded my clothes for me too.
I know you work off commission and are bored to death otherwise, but just provide truly helpful info at my discretion and maybe pretend you’re going to give me a great deal. And, if you can tell we’re ready to bolt and have seen enough, take a hint. Don’t show us, “just one more option”. My wife is nice and will ablige, but I’m not afraid to just walk away from you. I get enough practice doing that to the Greenpeace people down at the beach…I won’t hesitate to leave while you’re still talking…mainly because you close at 7pm and are 1 of 8 stores I’m visiting that day.
Had one great sales experience with a mattress salesman who simply gave us info, didn’t sell us anything, showed us the options and even went on to explain why we should buy one over another…and gave us the dirt of different companies (even those whose items they sold). He was merely a normal guy who was well educated on the merchandise, helped us compare the beds fairly, avoided annoying fluffy adjectives to describe a bed, and even taught us a thing or two about beds. And he didn’t shove a business card in my hand.
Furniture makers. Ok, the auto industry clearly puts a generic wheel on their cars knowing that many consumers will put aftermarket wheels on after purchase. I get that. Furniture knobs should not be treated as ‘factory wheels’. Why are your handle/knob designs typically so ugly? I find many dresser/nightstand pieces that are great, but the handles are pathetic. Put a nice handle ‘wheel’ on there to begin with. I can put my own handles on there, but for the money I’m spending it deserves a top-notch accessory. Finally, why do your ’sets’ only come with one nightstand? Throw in a discount for buying two if nothing else, but just one?
Still nothing purchased yet, but we are getting close. Had to share some thoughts from recent experiences.
New Workout Routine Day 3 July 22, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Exercise, Health.add a comment
Well, 3 for 3 so far. Getting up still isn’t fun, but after I’m going it’s fine. Was actually looking forward to the gym this morning. Did a half hour of cardio again…need something more intense though than an elliptical. Then focused on my arms for lifting today. Felt great. Nothing odd to report like yesterday. Two more days to go, though I will likely cycle Friday morning instead of the gym.
New Workout Routine Day 2 July 21, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Exercise, Gym, Health.add a comment
Getting up was easier today. I kinda like being up as the sun is still rising. Plus, the gym isn’t busy. Did 30 min of cardio and then worked out my legs. Hit up the ab machine too. Good workout!
Couple thoughts/suggestions. Hey you, sweaty guy(s), when you sweat so profusely that the floor below you pools up with your perspiration, clean it up. Seriously. If your sweat runs down the arms of the machine pooling on the ground or spraying all over the place on either side of you, clean it up after you’re done. The person using the machine after you doesn’t want to walk in and get your sweat all over them. Bring a towel.
I like how someone at the gym, usually a weight lifter, is often just pacing around the place in circles. Doesn’t bother me, it’s just funny.
If you need to stretch, great, it’s really good for your muscles and blood flow throughout the body. However, don’t pick the spot on the floor next to my elliptical machine for your 30 min stretching routine. Holding onto the railing of the machine next to me while they use the machine is just annoying. Too bad I’m not the super sweaty guy throwing sweat from my elbows on the floor below, you wouldn’t have picked that spot.
Finally, men, you should only have spandex shorts on if you’re in the spin class, cycling. I’m a cyclist and even I look stupid in those things, necessary as they are. But in the gym, unacceptable. Spandex are NOT for everyone.
A thank you to all gym personnel for being up earlier than us. This whole working out in the morning thing just might work.
New Workout Routine Day 1 July 20, 2009
Posted by surrenderisfreedom in Exercise.add a comment
So the wife had a crazy idea, “let’s get up at 5am and hit the gym, then go to work”. Brilliant, sort of. We don’t like losing our evenings to the gym. But mornings, hmm, let’s give it a try.
This morning was Day 1. Did some cardio for 20 minutes or so. Then hit the weights…arms day. My wife did great and is excited about tomorrow. I’m sitting at work writing reports and trying to stay awake. Physically though, feeling pretty good.
The key will be going to bed early, eating well throughout the day and thanking God my wife will help keep me accountable with this new routine. Should be good. Need to exercise during the week. Then I can ride my bike on the weekends for REAL cardio.
One funny thing, there were a small handful of people at the gym at 5:30am, but there was a spin class in session. It was full. Some bulky guy walked out near the end and was soaked in sweat from head to toe. Made me feel like a wimp, and until then I thought I was doing great being at the gym so early. I’ll stick with my typical workout and bike rides that provide scenery and no screaming instructor, “come on now, go go go go go, spin spin, goooo”. haha
