The Paulin Famly

Thank you to everyone for following our blog as we participated in the Biggest Winner series at our church.   It was truly an awakening experience and we feel so blessed to have been asked to be part of this process.

While this is the end of the series, it is just the beginning of the road for both Ann and I.

Thank you for the words of encouragement, prayers and support through this process.

Scott and Ann

Wow, here it is Thursday and this is the first update of the week.  Looking back, I hadn’t realized how busy it has been.

For me, this week has been a turning point of sorts.   For the first time, in this blog I am going to be updating on a little more then our gym visits.   I am sure this is how it was supposed to be all along, but my focus was not on the right goal.

The past four weeks have been an amazing experience for me.   There have been a number of highs, some lows, but most of all an awakening within me.   I am very grateful to Pastor’s Doug and Tom for inviting us (challenging us) to take this trip.

I have known for a long time that I have been saved by the blood of Christ.  God let his only son walk this earth and then die so that each of us could have a future beyond the limited days we are on this earth.  I have understood this and felt that while I have done some wrong things that I was saved and my place was secure.  In fact, I felt like I was a good christian and that I would not learn that much over this sermon series.   How wrong was I.

In just a few short weeks, I have realized that there are a lot of things I never knew about myself (while others may have, I didn’t realize or acknowledge them).  I have also realized that in many areas I was not giving my whole heart and truly following the narrow path.  While I have a long way yet to grow, I believe that I am now on the right road and have take some huge steps in the right direction.

You may ask, what is the biggest thing I have learned.   My answer to this is that ‘I am a child of God and proud to admit this’.  Does this mean I am perfect, no.  But it does mean that I was made in God’s image and I have the capacity to be Christ like in my actions and words.  It means that regardless of where I live, what I have, what I do or say, that God loves me and welcomes me to his heart.  All I need to do is accept that love and follow what he has laid out before me.  I have know all these things but have not KNOWN all these things.  It is hard to explain in words.   My best summary is to use the statement I made earlier….. it has been an awaking within me.  I have this renewed excitement and zest for feeling more of this feeling wash through my body. 

From the physical side, we have been to the gym a few times this week.  On Monday, I had my first under 10 minute mile!  I was very excited and almost let out a whoot of excitement right there on the treadmill.   Followed that up with a good workout that day.

We have a school program for my daughter on Tuesday and did not make it to the gym, but were back at it on Thursday.

Have a great rest of a day and will send another update soon.

Good Sunday morning!

This week was a busy one for the Paulin family.  We didn’t have a chance to make it to the gym as much as we wanted, but there was so much more that took place.

Ann and I both made it to the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We should have some video for this week’s sermon.  Additionally, on Friday, Ann’s sister and brother in-law both joined us for a workout.  They are thinking of joining us on both our physical and spiritual journey.

While, I did not work out my body as much as I wanted, I sure did push myself spiritually.   As mentioned in an earlier blog, Pastor and I had a great session on Wednesday morning.  Additionally, I have had more then one opportunity to share my excitement about God.  In fact, I even had the chance to witness to someone who needed a friend on Thursday.  I realize I am still just a child on this path and I will spend the rest of my life learning, but it was great to share the Word with someone else and see that they were truly interested in learning more.

On a personal note, it has been an up and down week.  There have been a number of things come up that in the past would have gotten me all upset.  However, I really made an effort to react the way that God would want and try to look at the upside of each situation.  As I have been learning over the past few weeks, each situation is presented to us for a reason.  If we keep our eyes, hearts and minds open to that fact and listen to what God has to say, he will show us the way.

As many of you know some of our daughters are very active in competitive cheerleading.  On Saturday, the state finals were held and Ann was helping to coach three teams and Emilee’s team was competing in Division three.   Taylor and Erynn’s team did not make it to State, but they were both there to cheer on their sister.    Ann’s level one team placed third in state, but the level two and three’s did not.   (Each division had nearly 30 teams present).   Emilee’s team did not place either, but she did a GREAT job.

I am so proud of all my children and my wife.   While I know they may be dissapointed about not placing, I want each of them to know that they will always be winners to me!   I  see the effort and commitment they make and know that they are doing their best.   I love you all.

Have a safe and blessed week! ~  Scott

Good workout on Monday, took Tuesday off and back in the gym on Wednesday.  I couldn’t really get into it.  I did a so so warm up, had a good lifting sessiona and then really didn’t want to do any sort of cool down.   But, I was there.

Had another GREAT session with Pastor Doug today.  As we are going through this study, I am learning new things about myself and my relationship with Christ.   I have been working everyday to make the right decisions and live my life as I am God wants.  I have stumbled a few times this past week, but with the support of my wife and prayer I have been able to find my way back to the narrow path. 

Will try to update again in the next few days.  Have a great week!!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife!!!

Today will be twice as great because if is Ann’s birthday and the Lord’s day!   I would like to take this time to tell my wife that she is my soul mate.   The person for whom I was created and who was created for me.   She is my partner in life and my best of friends.  You are my anchor in this world and you make each day better by being at my side.   Thank you for everything you have brougth to my life and the joy that you continue to share with me day after day.   I love you more then these words could ever justify

~ your husband and best friend
Scott

Well, I know it has been a few days again between updates, but we have been working out each day.   In fact, we have upgraded our membership to a family plan and have started to take the kids with us every few days.  We were not sure how they would react, but they have enjoyed it.   I admit, I like to work out by myself or just Ann and I, but making this a family event is also fun.   I have enjoyed seeing the kids get excited about getting into better shape.  

I have been setting some personal goals and have been making progress towards them.  When I first started this program, I was only warming up and cooling down (walking) about .3 – .4 miles.   Now, I am up to running / walking 1 mile or more in each warm up and cool down.   The first time I made a full mile, it tool almost 14 minutes.  Now, I am doing it in about 12 minutes.   By the end of this program, I want to be down to 10 minutes or less.  

Both Ann and I have been adding weights this week too.  I can tell we are starting to build some muscle.  I think I have lost some body fat and I know that Ann has (I can tell).   But she doesn’t think so.   Trust me she has and is looking great!!!

This week, we have also been participating in a family challenge that Pastor Doug presented last week.   Each time, that one of us says something that is not nice or is negative, we have to pay five cents to a jar.    This morning we will donate that money to the missions department.    It was a surprising exercise to see how the money added up.  It makes us think about what we are saying and as a result, everyone has been a bit more thoughtful.

Well, need to get ready for Church.   Have a great Sunday and God bless.   ~Scott

Oh today was a good day… I worked out on my chest and finished up my leg exercises that I missed the other day. Started taking the kids with us to the gym and they get really excited about going now.
I think that I might feel this work out tomorrow, I really pushed myself today.

Sorry for the delay in sending any updates had a few issues with getting the site to update.

On Sunday we took the day off from physical exercise.   Our sermon at church was about getting our mouths in shape.   The message was great and it has made us as a family think about what we have been saying and how we have react to other peoples actions.

On Monday we headed back to the gym.  I think because we slacked off a bit over the weekend that we both worked a bit harder to get back into the groove of things.  I actually ran a mile during my warm up and then another mile during my cool down.   Aunt Kathy was there taking pictures and video for the church, so I am excited to see how that turns out…..not!!!!

On Tuesday Ann was babysitting and then had cheerleading practice so she was not able to make it for a work out.   I took our son Eric with me and again ran a mile during our warm up.  I then showed him how to use all of the machines and we spent the evening lifting together.   This was a great bonding experience.   After we got home and ate some dinner, I finished my study guide for this weeks section of Victory over the Darkness.

On Wednesday morning, I met with Pastor Doug to begin our study.   We had planned to meet for an hour and spent more then an hour and half talking.  We didn’t manage to get through the first section, but we did have some wonderful conversation and reflection.  I had to rush off due to a meeting that I had planned at work.   Planning to head to the gym after I get done working this evening.

Have a great rest of the week!!

Been a few days since our last update, but we are still going strong.

Went to the gym Wenesday night, Thursday night and Friday night.

Feeling so much better this week compared to week one.  As everyone has been telling us, just keep with it and it will get easier and easier.   Just doing some light exercises from home this weekend as we have a full day planned for Saturday and we take Sunday’s off.

Both Ann and I have are meeting with our partners at Church next Wendesday.   On top of that, we are taking the membership class at Church today and are doing Pastor Tom’s challenges.

Have a great weekend!

On Tuesday we didn’t make it to the gym in the morning.   The kids had thier first day back to school and we wanted to make sure to get them out the door on time for the bus.

In the afternoon, Ann had cheerleading, but I did make it out on my own.  I spent a little over an hour working out in the evening.   Ran for about a mile and half then did my upper body workout.  It actually felt pretty good compared to last week.  

On Wednesday, we again had plans to head in early in the morning and that didn’t happen.  Someone one.. gee I guess who, over slept thier alarm.   Sorry honey, but I was sooooo comfortable this AM and just didn’t want to get out of bed.   But, we are planning to get our workout in after I get out of work today.  I am going to see if I can get another mile and a half in, maybe two!!   After that it will be hitting the weights for my lower body.

Ann is meeting with Kathy on Friday to discuss the first chapters of Victory of the Darkness and I am working with Pastor Doug to find a time that will work out for both of us.  We are thinking morning meetings over coffee.   I am looking forward to beginning this part of growth.

Have a great day!

This morning was the first morning to do our routine on our own.  I think it went really well, it didnt take any longer than normal.

My workout was on my back and arms. I actually feel really good this morning. Maybe I will get lucky and not have to many more sore days.

This will be the first week that Scott will be back to work so we are going to try to get our workouts done in the mornings around 5 am.

Wish us luck. Have a good day

“The Biggest Winner”

Spiritual Self-Evaluation

1. If there was one area of my Spiritual Life that I would like to grow in it would be? Why?

 2. I need to increase my time in the following? (Circle as many as apply)

a. Prayer

b. Devotions

c. Bible Study (different from reading Scripture)

d. Scripture Reading

e. Fasting

 3. I would like to grow more in the area of: giving (tithing), serving in the church, attendance, small group times (Sunday School, Bible Study, Special groups, etc.)

4. Based on my assessment of these things, I want to make the following changes in my spiritual lifestyle.

a.

b.

c.

 5. Before you write these down ask yourself. (are these goals easy to follow, understandable, attainable, and measureable?)

 6. Who will help me attain these goals?

“The Biggest Winner”

Week #1 – Challenge

Scripture Readings

• You can see through the books of I and II Timothy the accountability and the benefits of discipleship from Paul and Timothy.
• You can see a pattern of encouragement and teaching from Paul and Timothy
• II Timothy is more practical to church leaders and you may find some things curious.
• For further study, research some of these questions you may have.

Day #1 – Read I Timothy chapters 1 & 2

• Begin with prayer for God to speak to you.
• Take some notes on things you find interesting

Day #2 – Read I Timothy chapters 3 & 4

• Begin with prayer for God to speak to you.
• Take some notes on things you find interesting

Day #3 – Read I Timothy chapters 5 & 6

• Begin with prayer for God to speak to you.
• What can you learn about money in these chapters?

Day #4 – Read II Timothy chapters 1 & 2

• Begin with prayer and ask for Wisdom.
• How does Paul encourage Timothy?

Day #5 – Read II Timothy chapter 3 & 4

• Begin with prayer asking God to speak to you.
• Do you see similarities to what Paul says about end times to today? What are they?

Physical Challenge for the week:

Avoid desserts for the week with one exception!

One meal this week you can splurge!!

Taking the day off as it is Sunday.  We have decided to follow the Lord’s advice and make this our day of rest.

In the gym on Saturday, Ann worked her chest and triceps and I worked my legs.  We are both feeling pretty good today and not as sore as earlier this week.   Planning to get back in the gym tomorrow morning at 5 AM… yes I said that right, 5 AM.   But, this will allow us to get our workout in before I head to work and hopefully start the day off right.

Today in Church Pastor Tom started the January sermon series ‘The Biggest Winner’.   We had a chance to see the video that Duane put together for us and Tom gave a great overview of the series.   Of course we also started our review of the spiritual journey that all of us in the church should be undertaking.   I will be posting more on our spiritual challenge later today.

Have a wonderful day -  Scott

 Happy Saturday morning.

We are off to the gym today to start our next muscle rotation.   Still a bit sore from Thursday’s workout, but I am hoping that will start to subside as we continue to work out.

We have been told the key is to not give up.  Even when you don’t want to go, push yourself and soon it will become a habit and you will be looking forward to your workout time.

A few keys of advice:

• When starting a new program, don’t push yourself too far too fast.
• Set a goal for yourself.  If you have a goal and something to work towards, it will help to keep you motivated.
• Make a plan.  Set up a schedule for when you will work out.  Having plan will help to keep you on track.
• Work different muscle groups each day.  Give each muscle group 3-4 days of rest time.  Example:  Day 1:  Arms.   Day 2:  Back.     Day 3:  Legs.   Each day, you should add in some core exercises.   Your core helps to tie together everything.
• Drink lots of water.  You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.  If you are working out, you need more.  You can drink up to 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water.  Water will fuel you muscles and help you feel fuller all the time.
• Eat sensibly.   Plan at least 3 goods meals a day.   Look for items with protein, good fats and carbs.  
• Do not skip meals.   This is actually worse for your body.
• Find a workout partner.   Having someone else to help keep you going is great for motivation.

Started reading Victory over the Darkness last night.  I am really looking forward to getting into the spiritual side of my ‘workout’.   I will be meeting with Pastor Doug each week to discuss the book and some study points.

We have decided to make Sunday or off day at the gym, so our next update will most likely come Monday night.

Happy New Year 2010!!!  

Starting off the new year a bit sore.  I worked my arms a lot on Thursday and I am feeling it this AM.  If the saying ‘No Pain, No Gain’ is true, then I should be looking forward to a lot of gain!!!  I think I need to back down on the amount of weight that I am using for my next routine.   But, even with the muscles feeling a little tight, I still feel pretty good.   Can already feel my core tightening up.   When I sit or walk, I can feel those muscles in my abdomen contract and tighten.  

This week I am continuing the spiritual portion of this journey.  Ann and I will both be reading Victory over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson.   We will then dedicate time each week for a small group review and discussion of what we have read.  

Not yet sure if we will make it to the gym today, but we will defiantly be back tomorrow.

Today was day 2 at the gym and I worked on my legs and shoulders.  Not feeling it too much in the legs, but the arms are a different story.  Our trainer, Jack will not be in the gym tomorrow so it should be a pretty easy day.  I will be doing my cardio workout.

 I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year..

A little sore this morning in the upper arms, but stretching out the muscles and getting ready to head to the gym for day two.    Focusing on a new muscle group today so should be a whole new set of ‘feelings’ for later today.

Just got home from our first workout.

Had a great meeting with Jack and he took us around the gym and started putting together a personal workout program for the both of us.  He had a great approach and made us feel very comfortable as we began exploring our physical goals and expectations.

I worked on my arms and core and Ann focused on her back and core.   Tomorrow we will switch our target area and the sets of muscles that we are using.

I have to admit, there were a few exercises that I struggled with.  It has been many years since I have worked out and my triceps were reminding me of that before I was done.   But, overall, I feel pretty good.  A little sore, but not enough to make me give up.

Let’s see how I feel tomorrow.

Today we are going to meet with Jack at Max Fitness.   This will be our first day of working out.  I am not sure what to expect, so both Ann and I have a little nervous anticipation about the process.

Pastor Tom has arranged for us to work out at Max Fitness in Cedar Springs, MI.  Today, we went into the gym and met with the owner, Jason.   We discussed our goals and he set up times for us to meet with our physical trainer Jack.

Both Ann and I were excited when we left and stopped at the store on the way home to pick up some new workout clothes and vitamins.