Alan – Page 2 – AI: Alan Intelligence

“Why We Love the Church”

Posted on 27 November 202229 November 2022 by Alan

A friend of mine (who is also a pastor in Florida), Steve Camp, posted six images of “Why We Love the Church.” I asked permission to repost them, and he said yes. So, here are the slides along with the Scripture references as a bonus. 🙂

(All Bible quotations from the English Standard Version.)

Firstly, Jesus Christ promised to build the Church, therefore, my commitment should be to it.

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 2:42-47

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Continue reading ““Why We Love the Church””

Introducing Python: Modern Computing in Simple Packages book cover

30 Days of Python

Posted on 27 November 202229 November 2022 by Alan

As I suggest in “And It Begins…,” you and I can do anything for 30 days. Although I’ve already missed a couple days (once because I forgot on a day I just couldn’t get a Mastodon server set-up…and once ’cause I was staying up late already making sure I didn’t fail again :-)), back on Saturday, 11/13/2022 I started learning Python.

Now, I’ve started before, but this time I am using iOS app that tracks streaks and a better book than before. The app is called Habit Tracker and the book is Introducing Python: Modern Computing in Simple Packages by Bill Lubanovic.

Basically, I read and practice what I am learning at least 15 minutes a day. Probably a bit slow, but I am 17% of the way through the book. The biggest gotcha I have is that I have no need to actually use it, like I did when I learned Perl so many decades ago. We’ll see if God gives me an opportunity to apply what I am learning in the new year.

Either way, I recommend both the app (which can do a ton ‘o stuff to help you develop good habits) and the book, which is nicely paced without feeling too “beginner.”

“For I am sure…”

Posted on 27 November 2022 by Alan

For I am sure that
neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present
nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us
from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

– Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

Scott Adams’ Happiness Formula

Posted on 30 October 202229 November 2022 by Alan

Although I would put this “happiness formula” first…

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33, NIV).

…this one from Scott Adams (in How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big) seems pretty good:

Recapping the happiness formula:

Eat right.
Exercise.
Get enough sleep.
Imagine an incredible future (even if you don’t believe it).
Work toward a flexible schedule.
Do things you can steadily improve at.
Help others (if you’ve already helped yourself).
Reduce daily decisions to routine.

What do you think? How do you rate? (I’ve got a ways to go on quite a few of them.)

(Cross-posted on my Nibbles Ninja blog.)

Protest Pink Wednesdays

Posted on 26 October 202229 November 2022 by Alan

Short version…

In my group circuit class, Wednesdays used to be recover day. They stopped that last week. So, as a result, I now wear Protest Pink each Wednesday. 🙂

The owners of The Athlete District took this photo of me this morning:

(Cross-posted on my Nibbles Ninja blog.)

6 Weeks Challenge Complete, 7.7 Pounds Down

Posted on 15 October 202229 November 2022 by Alan

I completed The Athlete District‘s 6 Week Challenge, ending up 7.7 pounds down, and in better shape. These before and after pictures don’t do justice to what their challenge accomplished (especially since the side shot wasn’t at the same angle):

It may not be obvious, but the belly is smaller. 🙂

(And, my muscles are more defined.)

However, probably the biggest things it did were:

Made me a lot more cognizant of what I am eating (I tracked carbohydrates, protein, and fat macros to meet the daily goals they set)
Cemented my commitment to regular, vigorous exercise

Although I wish I lost more weight (at 243.3 pounds, I need to still lose about 40), I can tell it was far from “all for naught.” I feel better, I can put shirts on I wouldn’t wear 6 weeks ago, and I stand up almost like normal (which says a lot given my two bad knees).

Am I going to pretend it was easy? No. However, the dieting part, especially, wasn’t horrible.

If you are overweight and/or out-of-shape, don’t believe the “noble lies” people tell you so you don’t feel so bad about it. Don’t believe your own rationalizations either (they are just lies we tell ourselves).

Don’t beat yourself up about where you are, but start on your path to a healthier life. You can do it!

(Cross-posted on my Nibbles Ninja blog.)

Day 1: 251.1 Pounds

Posted on 6 September 202229 November 2022 by Alan

I started a weight loss program with The Athlete District today. Six weeks of exercise, macro-focused dieting, and ample rest.

Sadly, I am at 251.1 lbs to start. We’ll see where we are in six weeks.

Oh, and I have to say their example recipes are pretty darn good. 🙂

Finally, these are my “before” pictures: Continue reading “Day 1: 251.1 Pounds”

And It Begins…

Posted on 6 September 202229 November 2022 by Alan

UPDATE: 30 Day Quest was originally a separate web site, now merged into AI: Alan Intelligence.

Why “30 Day Quest?”

Where do I start?

In May of last year (2021), I snapped the Patellar Tendon on my left knee, clumsily falling down some stairs while traveling. After surgery, my recovery was delayed by some massive COVID-19 vaccine verification reporting work, followed by winter, and then hernia surgery this past June (2022).

Saying I was out of shape is an understatement.

So, after the hernia surgery, as soon as I was allowed to ride my bicycle, I started “30 Days of Cycling.” Most was outdoors, but I also had my trusty NodicTrack Exercycle in the basement for when weather or convenience dictated indoors.

After completing that, I signed up for group circuit class at The Athlete District, completing my fourth week last Thursday. Every class, especially the first ones, reminded me just how of shape I was (and still am). I had been missing so many muscles in my exercising.

Where is this all leading? Well, my goal for this summer (kicked off with the 30 Days of Cycling) was to again be able to ride my bicycle to Byers Country Store and back (which Apple Fitness told me is around 14 miles round trip).

Guess what I did this past Sunday, September 4, 2022!

You…yes you…can do anything for 30 days. I did, and although I have a long way to go, I am on a road to physical fitness. I plan on doing other 30 day personal challenges, because I can do anything for 30 days.

And you…yes you…can too!

Do you want to lose weight? Get in shape? Read more? Start learning an instrument? <Fill in your goal here>?

Then, lock up all your excuses and see what type of habit you can develop in 30 days.

And then please let me know how it went!

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