Backstory

Before I begin, let me catch you up on where I am beginning from. I do not live a lifestyle abundant with discipline. The last time I was truly in good physical shape was high school football. I avoid vegetables like the plague, hate waking up in the morning, struggle to follow through with anything, and in general have little or no control over the habits in my life. I don't have many "bad" habits, yet I watch between 3 and 5 hours of TV a day. Some would call me lazy, others would call me a dreamer, and while there is no shortage of inspiration and talent in my life, I feel ashamed at how short I seem to fall of my potential. Am I painting a fairly understandable picture?

Enter 2007 - the year of discovery. Over this past year, I have been drawn to my failings with stark contrast between the person I am and the person I want to be. After several failed attempts to change my habits and lifestyle, I have come to realize just how serious these unnoticed habits control me.

I have also discovered much about the spiritual life this year. I decided sometime over the summer that I'm not ok with the "West Omaha" lifestyle many of my friends are so comfortable with. It leads to a strange sense of entitlement both in youth and adults, and I don't believe this is biblically healthy. There is such a strong sense of reliance on worldly securities, and God becomes a weekend activity. Although I began by trying to understand the role of a corporate worship gathering in this kind of community, I stumbled upon something more. I began looking at the lifestyle of a true disciple of Christ, and I realized more and more how far I fall from the mark. The Journey I'm about to engage is somewhat quest-like in that I hope to discover a great truth at the end of it all. I'm optimistic as I look at 2008.

The final influence I'll mention is the book that has become the turning point for me. "The Spirit of the Disciplines" by Dallas Willard has given me a place to start - a theological foundation to build upon. I will post a link to his book on this page. I'm excited to not only experience the lifestyle changes God has in store for me, but also to share this journey with anyone who would like to read about it. If you're a skeptic, an encourager, a watcher, or a co-journeyer, I welcome your presence and comments. Here's to 2008!