OF COURSE it is worth it!

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; -- 2 Corinthians 4:16,17

One of the things I love about bodybuilding is that it is a fairly precise microcosm of life itself. It is very difficult and, if done properly, yields glorious results. There are many times that one is tempted to give up, but Judgment Day (Contest Day!) looms ever closer, and we dare not stop to rest. Life is like that, of course, but on such a long time scale that it seems impossible for me to really get it into my head.

I think my parents first introduced me to the concept of "life is short; eternity is long" at about age 4. Still, Death and Judgment seem very far off. However, July 18 seems very close (about 7 weeks). That is when, God willing, I will step onto the stage at the Redford Theatre and be judged by certified judges of the National Physique Committee. There will be no place to hide. If I have cheated on my diet, or skipped cardio sessions, it will be apparent to the judges and to the audience. My bodily glory will be less, my reward (if any) diminished.

The picture below is from before my 2008 contest, but I am coming into that same approximate condition right now. I am down to 164 pounds today, with more fat to lose in the next 7 weeks. There often have come times (usually while on the treadmill) when I just consider stopping and heading out to the nearest Dairy Queen for a Heath Bar Blizzard (1260 Calories ; 510 Calories from Fat) ... but, somehow, I don't. The potential for glory is too great. It draws me onward. Is it really all worth it?, I think. OF COURSE IT IS WORTH IT!

We Build the Trucks

No explanation necessary ...

Obama is Lying about Cost of New Fuel Economy Standards

In an article dated May 20, 2009, Drew Winter of Ward's Auto reports on an independent study of what the new Federal fuel economy standards will really cost consumers:

The Obama Admin. claims the stricter regulations will add $1,300 to consumers’ cost for a typical car or truck by 2016 and that those costs mostly will be offset by savings at the fuel pump over several years, but independent engineering firm Ricardo Inc. says the technology required to meet the new standards will add $5,000 to $12,000 to the price, depending on the vehicle’s size and use.

Ricardo is one of the auto industry’s top technology-consulting companies and provided technical support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. on the final 2009 light duty vehicle corporate average fuel economy rulemaking process.

Sandy Stojkovski, director-Total Vehicle Fuel Economy Practice, Ricardo Inc. presented a paper on the price impact of fuel-saving technologies at the recent SAE International World Congress in April. She says she does not know how the White House arrived at its conclusions.

(Emphasis mine.)

By the way, I think I know how President Obama reached the $1300 number: He made it up.

Eight O'Clock Anglicans

Here is a poem I just wrote. In case it is not clear from the poem (and it probably is not), I love Anglicans who worship at the early service!



Eight O'Clock Anglicans
©2009, Paul Erlandson

Eight o'clock Anglicans rise before dawn;
Early to eucharist their hearts are drawn.
At seven-fifty they cross the church lawn.
One hour later, they've worshipped and gone.

Weekly they ratify God's Ten Commands:
Stiff at attention, each worshipper stands.
Eight o'clock Anglicans don't raise their hands,
And haven't since when they were young Confirmands.

Eight o'clock Anglicans don't sing too much,
Chant the Venite, or any else such
(Preferring the plain spoken word, like the Dutch).
And then, at the Peace, there is hardly a touch.

When the Dismissal comes, there is no laughter
Rising from reverent kneeler to rafter.
No parish activity's scheduled for after,
So home goes each eight o'clock son and each daughter.

Eight o'clock Anglicans, sons of the morning,
Early the temple of God are adorning.