One thing I have always told the Seekers in the program is, “I will never ask you to do something I am not willing to do myself.” The same goes for my buddy David when he started this #30daysofveritas initiative. So in conjunction with his lifestyle transformation I am challenging myself right alongside him to push myself further than I have before, trying to outdo one another in honor, and keeping each other accountable in what to American’s seems an eternity of time: 30 days straight of the Veritas Lifestyle, no matter the circumstances. Like David pointed out, this would not be easy; no simple pill or instant gratification will see this accomplished, so the only thing to do to make it to day 30 is begin with…

Every step, intentional

My #30daysofveritas fell just before a long 2-week road trip my wife and I had planned for two years: journeying across southern US states from Texas, up the southeast coast, cutting across the Smokey Mountains, visiting her graduate school and family in the northern heartland of Indiana and Illinois, and finally circling back to Texas where we began. How in the world was I going to keep the Veritas lifestyle going on the road, driving for multiple hours a day, no home gym to work out in, and having to miss our church home group multiple weeks? Unable to feed my body what it needs, work it out, or feed my soul in the usual, easy, and routine ways I had formed around my house, I was going to have to get inventive.

Every step, intentional

So I packed an extra bag of small workout gear: bands, push-up stands, my new suspension TRX toy, and my body weight (plenty of resistance there) for my workouts. We got easy snacks full of nutrition and light on calories for the long car rides: dried seaweed (like potato chips but better), kind bars (for that sweet tooth), kombucha (for digestion), and superfood bars (for extra nutrition). And of course to feed our souls we got a inspirational yet hard audio book (Unbroken) to realign our perspective and see how a man in TRULY overwhelming circumstances found and kept his faith, soul, and will alive!

Every step, intentional

The first part of the trip went swimmingly. Woke up at 4 am to work out with Jashley and start the road trip off right. Didn’t buy any extra snacks at gas stations (really wanted those powdered donuts). Then the storm broke… literally. The setting was our 7-mile hike to LeConte lodge in the Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee; this is where we really had to remember

Every step, intentional

Just like the 30 days of Veritas, we had an end goal when we started the trail: the lodge. At the end of the 7-mile trek, the lodge promised both a comfortable bed and equally comforting dinner. Along the steady incline, lined with beautiful ferns, towering pines and oaks, and even boasting a rainbow waterfall; the thunder rolled in, and on came the pouring rain.

Every step intentional

Although we knew how long the trail was, and were fairly sure we were on the right one, the trail did not have any progress markers. To further compound our anxiety, we got a late start, 3:45 pm, and needed to be at the lodge no later than 6:45 pm or we would miss the very much-desired meal.

Every step, intentional

So with the thunder rolling around us, the rain blinding us, the slate rocks on the trial growing increasingly slippery, no indicators of how far we had hiked or how much we had left, Jashley accurately described our predicament as, “not being able to see the forest from the trees.” We had an end goal, but no way of knowing when, or if, we would reach it. Every bend in the trail looked the same, every tree looked like the next, and next, and next. Tired, moving slow, the incline of the trail only increasing, our wills started fraying. But this is why I train and why Jashley and I live the Veritas lifestyle. So, with my mind and will steeled, I encouraged Jashley (and myself really) to take it one step at a time, and make

Every step, intentional

At 6:30 we finally reached the trail fork I knew was near the end, just .6 miles of steep slippery slate rock trail to go (what the lodge staff called the hellish .6); and 15 minutes to do it. At 6:45 exactly we stumbled into the dinning hall, soaking, physically spent, and mentally haggard; but there, still waiting for us, was an abundant, steaming, mouth-watering meal. After dinner, the clouds broke, a beautiful sunset was arrayed before a breathtaking view of the valley below and we found a roof and soft bed inviting us in.

Every step, intentional

I want to tell you it was smooth sailing from there, but as I have always found in life, obstacles keep coming, trying to bring you down. However, I would not let my 30 days of Veritas falter.

When one of our friends could no longer host us, and as I was stuck in a 4X4 hotel “fitness center” I still got a good Insanity Max workout in. When, at a local park near my cousin’s house I tried to get some sprints in (via David’s inspiration) I misstepped, rolled my foot to the outside, and heard an old injury return in the form of two quick pops. My high intensity plyometric and run training on the trip was finished. For every step forward, it seemed like I was doomed to take four back; but I was determined to push forward, nurse my foot back to health, and make

Every step, intentional

I am now reduced to yoga and Tabata style controlled movement interval workouts. The foot is healing. Despite the temptation to eat out since we are technically on “vacation,” I kept up with my Shakeology meals and healthy eating. Then we get a phone text. My mother-in-law took a bad fall at work and fractured her femur; the news is still coming in. Needless to say it was a kick in the gut, especially after such a great day of work and presentations the day before at Jashley’s grad school. However, with consistent prayer and pulling together I know this will work out in the end, as long as we continue with

Every step, intentional

And so, my 30 days of Veritas tale continues. It has its valleys, and its peaks; and through it all I know I have Him with me. He tells me to take courage, that He will never forsake me (Joshua 1:5-7), that He has plans for me; which He promises to see to fruition, to benefit me, and give me a life of abundance (John 10:10, and Jeremiah 29:11). I am confident now that the good work I am doing during my 30 days of Veritas and beyond will not return void; that whether in my body, my mind, or my soul, through Christ I will see His work in me accomplished (Philippians 1:6).

In summation, I am seeing my body tested, but growing stronger. I am seeing that you CAN eat healthy on the road. And in all this I continue to see my faith and spirit awakened more each day. All I need do is continue with what I started, one foot in front of the other, keeping…

Every step, Intentional

Now I ask you, what will your #30daysofveritas tale be?

February 3, 2015

VLAadmin

News, Trip recaps

One Trip To Rule Them All

February 3, 2015

VLAadmin

News, Trip recaps

How else could we possibly title our trip to New Zealand, the land of Misty Mountains, hobbits and dragons?? It was indeed the trip to rule all trips, complete with Lord of the Rings sword "fights" and death-defying leaps off of bridges! Our first overseas Veritas trip was one for the books, and none of us will forget our adventures, even to our eleventy-first birthdays! Rather than drone on about how great this trip was, I am going to move aside and let the Seekers do the talking. After all, they are the very reason we made this trek, and it was their adventure foremost (but make no mistake, the four adults enjoyed the adventures [and the food ;)], too!). Click on the links below to read each Seeker's account:

Conner- "Through all of this God-like adventure, we learn a great lesson. What are the parts of life we are called to fill. The difference between a man and a boy who knows how to shave is doing and talking in every part of life whether in a relationship or in work or in his life with God. God calls us to do amazing things. Will we listen to him or pretend to?..."

Tessa- " I’ll always remember what Cassie told me: “perfect love casts out all fear.” I didn’t understand it; Perfect love? What am I supposed to love perfectly? I realized it wasn’t a question of what I am supposed to love perfectly but of who I am supposed to love perfectly. The answer to that was kind of obvious. That simple verse stuck with me throughout the whole experience. Every time I doubted myself, I wondered what exactly it was I had been nervous about and then disregarded it because I knew that if I gave my complete trust and faith in God, I virtually had nothing to worry about..."

Erik- "Our group traveled to Milford Sound where we explored New Zealand’s fjords by boat. My favorite sight on the tour was when we saw the streams of water falling down the mountain sides. Since the mountains were partly covered by clouds, it appeared like the water was flowing down from heaven. It was simply awe inspiring and almost looked unreal, like a scene from a sci-fi movie..."

Ariel- " Don’t get too greedy. Whilst playing the card game “Greed,” it seems like getting greedy and taking too many risks does not actually pay off. So, be sure to not be super greedy..."

Jathan- "On my latest adventure across the world I learned a cool concept called Imago Dei. Imago Dei is the Latin term for the “image of God” and we were all created in God’s image. And knowing this I have to recognize that every human being carries the image of God, no exceptions. Whether it is my mother or a murderer they we both created equally and should be loved the same..."

Grant's blurb: As you read, the seekers all had various experiences, trials, and lessons learned: from the deep to the surface, from fear to exhilaration, and we hope you enjoyed sharing in them. We are so proud of all the dedication and work the Seekers have put forward in the program, be it their first year or third. We have seen them come so far in their leadership both in the program and in their community. If any group of young adults put forth the effort and earned this trip, it is these five. We had an amazing time digging deeper into who we are as women and men created by God to play unique roles in every aspect of our lives. Thank you to all those who helped make this trip possible and to the Seeker's continued application of Veritas' mission and vision in their lives. I know they will share all they have gained spiritually, physically, and nutritionally with those in and around their sphere of influence for years to come. May the Lord bless you all, keep you, and thank you for making this breathtaking trip a reality! Please feel free peruse our photos below and to check out our Facebook page for additional photos on the trip in the near future.

The incredible countryside of the North Island

Our Maori cultural experience was fantastic!

No Veritas trip is complete without a jog to the highest point in the city! Seekers ran 3km to Mount Eden in Auckland

The view from our Top of the Lake accommodations in Queenstown (the South Island).

Seekers preparing a healthy curry for dinner!

Frisbees and games in the park, in true Veritas fashion

The best fish 'n chips in the world, they say.

Tessa getting up close and personal with the locals.

The carnivores of Veritas with meat pies.

The iconic and glorious Milford Sound fjords

Our Lord of the Rings experience may have gotten out of control.* *No Seekers were harmed in the making of this photo

April 1, 2014

VLAadmin

Workout Videos

Card Workout 1.2

April 1, 2014

VLAadmin

Workout Videos

Welcome to the 3nd card workout of the year: Card Workout 1.2. Courtesy of our two Seekers Jathan and Erik. Amazing job creating this and making the video fellas! Same format as the last: complete the reps and exercise indicated by the card as described below. Enjoy!!!!!!!

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*** As always, PLEASE, PLEASE use caution, good form, and watch the videos before doing the workout ***

Card Workout 1.1

Equipment Needed: Wall, Elevated surface (chair, box, etc.), pull-up bar Optional: weights, bands, mat, Queen chair, bench press

Journal Warm-Up

Remember: as quickly as possible with as few breaks as possible, but with GOOD FORM!

Diamond: # on card is # of diamond push ups

Heart: # on card is # of pull-ups

Club: # on card is # of cheerleader jumps

Spade: # on card is # of jump knee tucks

Jacks: 10 leg lifts in Queen chair, or 10 assisted leg lifts, or 10 leg lifts

Queen: 10 renegade rows

King: 10 repetitions bench press or 10 elevated push-ups

Ace: 1:30 wall squat

Cool Down- 5 minutes total 4-5 Cat to Cow 4-5 Downward Dogs any other stretch

Instructional (Awesome) video with Jathan, Erik, and friend!

Card Deck Workout 1.2

March 4, 2014

VLAadmin

Workout Videos

Card Workout 1.1

March 4, 2014

VLAadmin

Workout Videos

Welcome to the 2nd card workout of the year: Card Workout 1.1. Same format as the last: complete the reps and exercise indicated by the card as described below. Enjoy!!!!!!!

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*** As always, PLEASE, PLEASE use caution, good form, and watch the videos before doing the workout ***

Card Workout 1.1

Equipment Needed: Wall, chair Optional: weights, bands

Journal Warm-Up

Remember: as quickly as possible with as few breaks as possible, but with GOOD FORM!

2-10 Diamond- # on card is # of lateral plyo push-up

Heart- # on card is # of tricep side push-ups each side

Club- # on card is # of 4 hop squats forward and 4 groucho steps back

Spade- # on card is # of weighted cheerleaders

Jacks- 4X4s : 2 rounds of 4 V push-ups, 4 push-ups, 4 in-and-outs, and 4 knee-to-elbow push-ups

Queens- 8 shockti kicks to handstand