A glimpse of what is ahead often changes the course of our lives. If you are on the freeway and see flashing ambulance and police lights ahead, you will most likely take a detour to avoid an accident.
The motivating shot. Move Grandpa, so we can see the ocean!
For me it was a glimpse from behind that changed my life. Seeing this flattering picture started me on a two year journey that became a physical, spiritual and emotional adventure that I will never regret.
After many gains and losses, I have finally lost almost 50 lbs, I have maintained that loss and I have found a renewed excitement about every aspect of living. The discipline and resulting vibrance I found in my physical life, also helped me take a close look at my spiritual life. I had become lazy there as well. Thank heaven there are no pictures of that!
Benjamin Franklin said, “Most people die at about 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” This last year I feel like my life has been rewound 25 years…
How many chins is that and are your eyes supposed to disappear when you smile?
Instead of 230+ lbs, I am 185 lbs and only 15 lbs away from my fightin weight. I’m off of cholesterol medications, I have great blood pressure and I have been free from depression medication for two years. Instead of looking at retirement I’m getting retreads. I’m ready for another 100,000 miles. Since I bike and run about 50 miles a week, that 100,000 miles will only take me 38 more years. So these tires should last till I’m 100!
I wish I could wave a magic wand so every one of my friends could experience what I have discovered this last year. Since I can’t, please let me pass on just a couple of suggestions that have rocked my world.
Just after receiving the nobelly peace prize.
Set a goal that you cannot reach without changing your life.
For me this was signing up for a mini triathlon that would require swimming 200 meters, biking 9.5 miles and running two miles. My idea of a triathlon was to run to the bathroom, get in the tub, pull the plug, fight the current, pump up my bike tire and then go back to bed. BUT working toward the goal changed me forever. I finished the triathlon and beat all but two of the men in my age group and many men much younger than me. Now I can tie my shoes without breathing hard, if I can just remember where they are.
Don’t be the same this year as last year. Set your goal and go for it.
A new grandpa who may be around for awhile.
Get some friends who care about you to take the journey with you.
God did not mean for us to live life alone and He certainly didn’t expect us to fight battles alone. I have enlisted some friends who want to live disciplined lives and be everything God created them to be. They range in age from 9 to 65 and we inspire one another. We call our selves GAG. “Geeks Achievers and Geezers”
Find at least one friend who wants to step out of the rut and live life with you. Press toward the goal you set together.
Ask God to do the greatest miracle in life.
Ask Him to give you the power to change, not just physically but in every area of life. A changed life is God’s greatest miracle. That will mean you experience blood, sweat and tears, but those are the signs you are alive. I was born in 1946. I was born again in 1956. For the last several years I have been lying in state. In 2010, I am living “Fully Alive.” Let’s do it together.
Download my free message “Fully Alive” here. I look forward to hearing about your journey in the comments below.
Comments
Thanks for your inspiring article. Just what I need to spur me on as I set some goals for myself at the start of the year. God bless you.
Good for you, Ken. Your story is inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I looked at that picture and mentally said to my self who took that picture!. So happy it was a incentive for you to lose weight and get healthy. I could make some coments but I’ll spare you. Don’t gain it back. Vera
Thanks, Ken! I shared this post on my fb page for my friends. Good for you, fellow geezer!
Ken, you have no idea how this story blessed me today. I am a 52 yr old married mom of 4 who recently discovered that I have high blood pressure and it has scared me something awful! I know that I need to lose weight and to get healthy, and I cannot do it on my own. You have inspired me greatly and I pray that 2010 will also be a year in which I will feel full alive again for Christ. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with others. God bless you.
Ken,
Preach it brother!! What you have experienced and communicate about your weight loss and renewed feeling of vitality is exactly what I try to communicate to each one of my patients. As a physician and an exercise addict, it seems that many of my patients ignore my recommendations. Ken, you will be able to reach people with your message that I cannot, thank you.
I wish I could relay how happy I am for you about your new health. There was a time when I was concerned about your weight. I was familiar with your older videos so it was a surprise to see you one stage. I loved your jokes, wisdom, and message. I remember hoping that you are able to enjoy health in your older years to enjoy your grandchildren and continue being an energetic blessings to others. I am so happy to hear this wonderful news! You look great! I am sure that you feel even better!
Ken
I clicked over from Michele’s facebook post to read this blog post, and I’m so glad I did. What an inspiring story. I’ve been sitting here on the computer to avoid a long run and now with the close of this comment I’m going outside. We met last year at ReCreate, sounds like you’ve had an amazing year and I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Maybe you’ll be half the man you used to be and yet more alive than ever? LOL
I’m graueftl you made the post. It’s cleared the air for me.
… "They can wear whatever they want."Not exactly. There are decency laws in place in any culture that dictate minimum attire. Including on many public beaches that require a certain decorum in bathing suites.If these "girls" where strutting through the public square for any other purpose someone would be checking into their business if not having them escorted out of the public view.But, somehow, having a parade or demonstration about it makes this public offense okay.
Sal, chiedo: ma il preventivo consenso non viene richiesto per un’altra finalità , quella di salvaguardare il medico da eventuali incidenti di percorso, sempre presenti in qualunque trattamento o operazione???
È la stessa cortesia che usi tu verso gli ufologi? Solo con quelli ottusi o in malafede. E anche in quel caso, solo quando strettamente necessario. O divertente.
अच्छा लिखनेअच्छा पढ़ते रहने मेंअच्छे हो जाने कीप्रबल संà¤ावनाà¤ँ छुपी होती हैं …।बहुत ही सशक्त अà¤िव्यक्ति …इस बेहतरीन प्रस्तुति के लिये आपका आà¤ार ।
Ken, great story that hit close to home. Last August I tipped the scales at my heaviest weight. At 45, I was at 275 lbs. I can proudly say that as of Feb 9th, I hit the scale at 240 lbs. I have another 20-25 lbs to go, but with each milestone I hit, I find it easier and easier to keep going. I know God has been with me on this journey and will make a commitment today to work on my relationship with God as hard as I have worked on my weight loss. God bless you!
Ken,Whoohooo!!!!!Congratulations to you!You look FAAABULOUS Dahhling. I know what you mean about the clock being rewound 25 years. While I didn’t do anything as adventursome or challenging as a mini triathalon (I leave all athletic pursuits to my youngest daughter and my husband–who have both run 3 marathons — my husband after surviving pancreatic cancer and being unable to walk w/o a cane after treatment — a hard act to follow) I did loose 40+ pounds and in my 50’s now feel better than in my 30’s. (Funny a picture of e at the ocean beach sticks in my mind as a “I don’t want to go back to that” motivator too). Keep it up Ken. What is even more inspiring is how God uses these physical struggles to teach us about and show us Himself and ourselves in light of Him and His ability. Bless you real big (or little as the case may be).
Ken Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. So often people look at their circumstances and feel hopeless and overwhelmed with where they are in life but your story is evidence that there is hope for all.
Thanks for the encouraging comments friends. Look forward to hearing the results of your commitments. Don’t give up.
Thanks Ken! I needed that very inspiring as you know you are in every aspect. You are the BEst and the funniest! God Bless!
Dear Ken,
We have a young minister who admires you and your videos. He has shown them to his bible study group on Wednesday nights. If you hadn’t smiled all day, you had to laugh watching the video.
I really enjoyed your article on weight loss, but physically I am unable to do as you did due to health problems. I would love to lose a few pounds myself.
Sincerely, Lucinda R. Karsti
Lucinda(Cindy) R Karsti
probably my favorite photo of you:)
What a great inspirational story. I too embarked on a journey to lose weight and to date I’ve lost 40 pounds! The feeling of accomplishing that goal is amazing. I read a story of a guy who broke his back in high school; thought he’d never walk and now he’s a model and close to being a pro-bodybuilder. I read another one with a guy with one leg who has become a pro-bodybuilder. Your story is up there and a great inspiration. It was a great pleasure to meet you the other day. Keep up the laughs and hard work.
You truly do inspire me! I am on my way to (trying to) lose 100 lbs! I was recently diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & severe sleep apnea. Aaarrghh!! However, I have found that my health has become a great motivator. I have lost 28 lbs since Feb 1st and starting to feel much better about myself. I know I still have a long way to go, but with the Lord’s help, I will succeed! Thank you for sharing your life with so many! God bless you.
You go girl! You are well on your way. AS you already know, it dramatically changes the way you feel.
I love your story. I am happy for you.
I have been praying for years that God would help me find a friend to journey with me, just as you spoke about. I am still praying. I know I can’t do it on my own. I feel desperate. I am 54 and 4’11” and 55 lbs over my limit.
You probably get so many letters like mine. We Christians have missed an opportunity to speak against the sin of gluttony and be delivered.
Thanks for listening.
Denise,
I didn’t start paying attention until age 60. I know you can do it. Getting started is the hard part. After two years of this, it is still getting started every day that is the hard part. Start by doing something that gets you moving every day. It can be a walk, exercise, bicycle….. Don’t let a day go by without something that makes you breath harder for at least 30 minutes. That’s a start and you CAN do it. When you add to that a some method of keeping track of the calories you eat and consuming less calories than you burn, that simple math works. Denise, I wish I could adequately describe how the results have changed my outlook on life. I want this for YOU! I believe that this is achievable for YOU. I don’t want to make it sound like it is easy. It isn’t. But if you keep at it does get easier. But please don’t be desperate. Turn that desperation into perspiration, and get some support from a group like weight watchers ( My wife has caught the vision and has lost 20 lbs ). Denise, you only have two options, continue on path you are now on or commit to change. I am in your corner. You CAN do this. My prayers are with you!
Thanks for the encouragement. I have gotten off the couch and moved my feet several times this week. I just need to do it everyday, like you said. I have also tried to start writing down what I eat. God helped me to take only a few bites of mashed potatoes and leave the rest on the plate. I feel the prayers. Thank you.
You are truly an inspiration! I am a few months into my journey with 40 lbs gone and 60 to go. You have given me a mid-journey jumpstart that I really needed! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Karmen, It is so worth sticking with it. I recently placed second in my division in a triathlon. Most of all, I feel better than I have in years. I am proud of you.
Ken, I want to congratulate you on getting your physical health back on track. I just listened to the mp3 of your message about this as my health is not that great right now and I need to work on it as you have and are. I wanted to ask you in practical terms how did you start out, what program did you follow? And the book you refer to “Live until you die”, who wrote it? Blessings to you, I have grown up listening to your messages from when I was a teen, now I am a mother and aged 33.. your messages are still so important to me. Thank you and God Bless.
Kylie, I started exercising one hour a day, 6 days a week. Sometimes weights, sometimes running, sometimes biking. I isn’t always formal but enough exercise to get my heart up into the aerobic range. The book is actually “Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowley. I don’t agree with everything in the book but the premise of health that comes with exercise is right on. I am healthier today than I was 20 years ago. Thank you for your comments and for your kind words.
Thanks for the inspiration!!
The voice of raaiyntlito! Good to hear from you.
Seba…. hoy hablaste con Matias de poner un canal “metroTV” para televisar futbol….El canal existe!! es de metrovias ….Che promociona mas el numero de SMS de la radio estuve desde las 18 me comi el bondi celular en mano con el sms pre escrito una hora y media para llegar a casa y desistir.Saludos a todos….
Thank you for stopping by and especially for commenting, Steven. There are so many things, big and small, that go by without appreciation being shown. We know caregivers aren’t in it for the thanks, but they are more than earned!
Ken, you have no idea how this story touched my heart today. I am a 40 yr old married woman, with no children. I discovered that I have many health issues because of my weight. My husband and I decided that we need to start a healthy lifestyle. I know that I need to lose weight and to get healthy, and I cannot do it on my own. I will take this as inspiration to do what I need to do.I thank you greatly and I pray that 2011 will also be a year in which I will feel full alive again for Christ. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with others. God bless you. Ansie South Africa
Don’t give up on the goal to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Because of the holiday foods, I need to get back on track. You inspire me. thank you.
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Very well written article you got there. Cheers 🙂
I’m sitting in a condo in Gatlinburg, TN. I live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband and he, his mother and I meet my mother and sister (from Arkansas) in Gatlinburg every year and attend the Family Quest. Thank you for sharing part of your story with us this weekend. You’ve made me realize that I have to “jump-start” my spiritual life. I’ve just been idling in the same place for years and now I know I must do something to make a difference. You asked us to write down just one thing that we are going to do when we leave here. I know what I’m going to do and it’s going to take a lot discipline on my part but I will do it. Thank you for your inspiring message and may God bless you and your family.
Ken, just heard you this past weekend at the Gaither Family Fest in Gatlinburg, TN and enjoyed every minute, including you. Bought a lot of your products and plan to share them with our kids/grandkids. You make being a Christian a ton of fun. Thanks for your ministry.
BTW – when are you coming to Oregon? They need to hear your message.
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Good job, sir. You’ve hit the big time:
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Dear Ken,
My husband and I just watched your Fully Alive show from 2011 on Netflix. What an unexpected surprise! Last week I had to have a D & C for a molar pregnancy. I was nearly 3 months along. So basically I was growing a cyst instead of a baby. That tissue can become cancerous, so now I have to be monitored for cancer and we cannot try again to get pregnant for 6 months to a year. We have no children and have been trying to start a family for about a year and a half. We have been grieving and wondering how we are going to move on, what does God want us to do with our lives? It is like God spoke to us through your show, telling us to LIVE and enjoy the little things. You have such a gift Ken. The way you described how God loves us through the story of your granddaughter’s getting lost brought both of us to tears. Please know that you are so appreciated and that your work is changing lives.
God Bless You,
Megan in Oregon
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I heard about your book from a friend of mine. I am looking forward to reading about a fellow traveler’s journey to living the life God so desires for his children:)
Mr. Davis, I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Actually, I haven’t laughed in a long time. Thank You so much for reminding me of how Good Joy feels! I was dehydrated of Joy.
I’m 53 going on 93. Before I became Ill I was 38 going on 28.
I have resigned myself to the fact that I won’t be here for my Granddaughters weddings or children. The fact that the pain I’m in now compared to the pain I would be in then ? You have caused me to, “want” ! To want something other then, going home! I don’t have the strength to finish what you started, lol. But Thank GOD, he does and Thank you for your Good News!
Just found your 2011 piece on Netflix and enjoyed it very much, thank you. I liked Red Skelton because he can captivate an audience of all ages for hours in his show and make them laugh without a single profane word. That takes skill and preparation and talent. You have that ability too and it’s hard to find today. Spread the Word.
I was blessed to see and hear you at Women of Faith in Rochester, and I enjoy hearing you on the radio. I just heard you talk about your weight loss; so I went to your website and read more. So many of God’s people are on a physical and spiritual journey to be fully alive, and it is so exciting to see what He is doing!! I was on oxygen 24/7, had high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. and was trying to teach at the same time. After losing 60 pounds on Weight Watchers, I have NO health problems and feel so much younger. I wake up every day with a smile on my face and unlimited energy!! God is so good. In addition, two weeks ago, I attended the IF: conference for Women (80 of us watching by simulcast), and God is equipping me to be all that I can be for HIM! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I’m in Weight Watchers too! Feeling better every day! Keep up the good work!
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I love your story! I have lost 22 pounds so far and have about that many to go. Also feeling so good! Please pray for my husband. He lost a little bit of weight, but he has a drawer full of prescription meds. We’re in our 50s and 60s so I’ve started an investment in my body and spiritual walk and also financially so when/if he dies way earlier than me, I’ll be spiritually, financially, and physically stable. Would love it if he could lose 80 pounds and get healthier… Prayer is the key!