Prayer For A New Day...

What an amazing month July has been so far... A mild scare alerted me to fact that my dog is diabetic. I had heard of cases where pets experience this, and pet owners who even gave up on their pet because of the inconvenience taking care of such an animal entails. Of course I'm the minority to this fact, as I've chosen to keep my dog, which requires two insulin shots a day and a strict regiment of overweight management dog food prescribed by the vet. It's crazy to think my dog, Zelda (named after the famous video game, which I was able to finally beat after pursuing it for close to two decades, hence the name of my dog) has diabetes, considering she's barely four years old, and is only fed dog food. I have relatives that feed their dogs things that even humans should eat in moderation, such as banana splits and slices of pizza. I chose to try and feed Zelda healthy since she was a pup, and she ended up with this lifelong illness. She's very outgoing, and even pushes me to walk faster when I take her out. She always has energy even after a long walk, and loves to run whenever we're outside, yet she has diabetes! So yeah, this experience has caused me to be more health conscious.

I joked earlier on facebook about how I've caught myself bypassing consulting a physician and taking the advice of the guy who works at GNC, as if he had a medical degree. I have no idea what half that those vitamins function for. It reminds me of how Christians will not consult God, and rather go everywhere else to find the answers when they're so close to home.

Tomorrow which is already today, I'm doing something different. I hate to even say it because I'll be committed once I do. As the great prophet, Garth Brooks would say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained... Sometimes you have to go against the grain..." I will be stepping it up in the workout department as well as with protein shakes. I even videoed my last meal as though it was my death row final request. Of course, it was Chick-Fil-A... I encourage anyone who follows this to email me, facebook me, call me (if you know my number...) and bug the dog out of me if I'm following through with it. I've been posting a ton of old pictures on facebook where I look skinnier, even though I probably wasn't eating as healthy, and it's driving me insane. I feel like I could be doing better.

With all that said, a blessing I mentioned before in my last blog, I'm doing a DVD taping in October and I'm really excited about it. The timing is perfect as God's always is. More info to come...

I want to do something different in this blog. If you read this, I want to mention a few people you can lift up in prayer.

1. Brett Blair & his father, former pro wrestler, Brian Blair... Brian is running for a spot in Florida house. He's a man of integrity, and currently trying to help his son overcome his drug addiction. Brian strikes me as a man who models the love of Christ as he's been there help his son, and not afraid to put his name on him despite what his son's been through.

2. My Grandma, Helen who is in her 80's. She's starting to lose her memory. The other day she even asked me who I was. Never thought I would hear that from her.

3. Our President, Obama. We may not agree with him, but he has been placed in the office by God, and as such we need to pray for our leaders that they will make the right decisions.

Thank you guys for all your help...

Godspeed,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

The Prodigal Son Returns...

So the prodigal son returns... It's been a struggle to make sense of things these last few weeks. I haven't weighed myself since I went down to 241 pounds about a month ago. I'm reminded of a story I once heard from someone. It was probably a forwarded email that you have to send out to 5,000 people or you don't love Jesus. But I took it to heart despite my lack of email consistency. In the basic version off the top of my head, a child asked his father can a person go a lifetime without sinning? Obviously, the answer is no, (except in Jesus' case of course), so the father explained to his child the answer was no. The child asked his father can a person go week without sinning? As much as the father wanted to tell his child "yes", the answer was still "no". The child asked "What about a day?" Even still the father informed his child that we've all fallen short, and no one could go a day without sinning. Finally, the child asked his father "Can a person go a moment without sinning?" The father thought long and hard before finally answering his child "Yes, a person could go a moment without sinning." The child responded, "Then I want to live my life moment by moment."

The point of the last story is to admit, I've probably messed up a bit on this adventure to reach my ideal weight. But it's amazing, because even though we've messed up, and you know it happens every day, God is still gracious enough to forgive his children. Not only willing to, but He turns around and gives us more blessings than we deserve.

I started to write down my memories last night of when I first felt the "calling" to stand-up comedy. It was only going to be one blog entry, but as I continued to write, the passion that God has given me for wanting to make people laugh took me through some painful memories of job searching, as well as even being kicked off the stage in one of those Christian Haunted Houses where they show you what Hell is supposed to look like. Hey, at least I know I don't fit in, in Hell!!! That's a great thing!

Yesterday, I did live my life moment to moment. I sure I messed up a few times, but I was faithful to what God is doing in my life, and stuck to eating healthy, as well as sparingly.

I started this journey to make people laugh in January 2006. I found out last week, I will be doing a DVD project with one of the true Christian Comedy Greats on October 1st. I will announce more about that as it approaches near, but it's an AWESOME feeling, because it was actually one of my goals to work with him when I first starting doing comedy. Thank you guys and have a great 4th of July weekend!

Rich

Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Day Thirty-Two to Thirty-Nine...

This comes as difficult to me to write, because I don't feel as though I've been totally committed to this endeavor. Without ruining an apology with an excuse, my life as of late has been a little hectic, hence the fake rationalization to not stick with this as much as I promised I would. I would like to post an excerpt from a story I'm writing. The story is entitled "Steven & Bubblegum"... You'll understand why when it's finished...


In his cell, with darkness all around, Steven had all but given up. A fragment of hope was all that remained, and it was slowly fading away. His essence would cease to exist in a world that wasn't even his home, for a group of people he didn't even know. He had fought so hard and was beginning to question the purpose for his struggle. He began to believe the enemy's lies. Abandoned, he felt lost, when a ray of light appeared in the distance. The majestic sight of a being he had never laid such splendor eyes upon, appeared. "Who is it?", his cracked voice stuttered the question. All at once, a divine voice spoke out to him. "The Creator has sent me to inform you... You're not done yet.", the powerful voice spoke out like thunder. "Be still for help is on the way.", it continued. The angelic being brought a new found hope to Steven's soul. "What's your name?", Steven asked. "My name is Uriel... As sure as the Creator was with Javin, He is also with you and Bubblegum. Your friends will be here soon as I have guided their horses to this place of despair that would rescue you in your darkest hour.", said the angelic being known now by Steven as Uriel. All at once, Steven felt his strength returning. His faith was renewed. Arklan would soon be purified from the evil that sought to destroy it.

Steven & Bubblegum are unwilling heroes that venture to another land. They end up taking the call, but it's not easy for them. I feel this even now in my own life. This excerpt comes from the 2nd book in the trilogy I'm writing. It's meant to be an Christian apologetic, which is the defense of the Christian faith. It can be so hard because our own life is under the microscope, including the will to want to stuff your face, or be healthy. How can someone be such a hypocrite? Can it be because we are "fallen" finite beings? The only difference is God has forgiven us, and is perfecting His children. So yeah, I'm not perfect... yet

I start fresh tomorrow, and will keep you all updated on the book. I actually ordered some animation software to learn that process because it's movie quality. Thank you so much and God Bless!

Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Twenty-Eight To Thirty-One...

Busy is an exaggerated word I will tell you I have been... Slacking is more like what I've been doing... The past week hasn't been as easy as I hoped. I haven't weighed myself in a while, but I'm trying to motivate myself by focusing my attention toward more of my professional goals and even some hobbies. Yesterday my video editing software finally arrived!! I've been busy with that since I first opened it. I must say, so far it's been well worth it!! I can easily rip home-made DVD's that I converted from VHS to DVD to the PC and fix them up. It's awesome!! This will hopefully help me in building more presence on with comedy on the web. I also bought a few web domains this week, hoping to capitalize on a few stories I'm writing. I love how godaddy makes buying domains so affordable.

Throughout this process of focusing my life towards things other than stuffing my face, I'm come to realize how much I love reading for fun. I recently finished reading "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo (a wonderful gift that was given to me by my awesome girlfriend!!). It's so different from the movie, which I totally love as well. The book focuses a lot on Johnny Fontaine, as well as a few other lesser mentioned characters. I also purchased "The Sicilian" by Mario Puzo last weekend to read. It's one of the sequels to "The Godfather." I have no desire though to read any of the sequels that aren't written by Mario Puzo. I kind of feel like the author who wrote them just stole someone else's work. I'm also reading C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia books. My awesome Girlfriend's wonderful Sister got the complete series for me in one book for Christmas in 2008. It's awesome!

The point of my rambling, is that there's so much more to do then just worry about food. Life is full of so many opportunities, that any other time you might not see yourself doing. It's fun to make the most of it, and get as much as we can out doing it. Thanks, and I will keep you posted!!!

It should be up soon but stay tuned for an awesome site my girlfriend will be coming up with that is craft related!! GO LION!!!

Psalm 91:8-10

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

Peace Out...
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Twenty-Three...

Somehow I've managed to get my hands on a laptop here at school. I'm just sitting, guarding the restrooms, while every high school student walks by me here asking "WHAT SITE YOU ON?!?" Like I'm on a bad one... Sure brings to mind the lack of great role models that young people have today to think I'm surfing the net looking at questionable material.

I also just got accused of telling a teacher that resembles a student to "get to class" the other day. I don't recall it, but I find it hilarious to think I would do that, since I probably get it more then anyone else here.

So I'm still hanging at 245 pounds, which is 10 less then when I started. I'm thinking I should intensify my workout a little more. I haven't been eating out at all. I actually turned down going out to eat with my Dad the other day, (wrestling was on), and I don't trust all the nutritional value charts at restaurants. I fought off the biggest craving of all yesterday. I was contemplating going to Chipotle for a chicken fajita burrito, which according to my friend Tim Hawkins, is an example of how we've given up on the human size portions... Mitch Hedberg, my hero also says how a burrito is a sleeping back for meat...

Sad as it is, when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, I was going in at least twice a week to Chipotle, and usually I got two burritos each time. It felt like such a treat to go there as much as I did, but while some may like it, I get turned off to a place when they start to know me. There's only once place I can go where that isn't a problem, and that's this Chinese Restaurant near me called Chop Suey. At first I was creaped out by it, but it makes it a whole lot easier when there's a long line there, so I don't mind it so much. I'm sure they miss me right about now, since I haven't been there in like 2 months.

So what's new to talk about? Summer is coming soon. I only have about 2 more weeks where I can substitute teach, then it's make or break time, hoping to find plenty of gigs for the summer. Thanks for keeping up with me on this journey! Not too much excitement going on at the moment, or it's just too early.

Revelation 4:11 - "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Days Eighteen Through Twenty-Two...

Yeah, what can I say? I'm a slacker. There's a T-shirt I have that says "Procrastinators of the World Unite... Tomorrow". I should be wearing it as I type this blog entry. Actually, I was away from home most the entire time this past weekend, and been working non-stop since then. My apologies. Opening for Mike Williams was a total blast!! Thanks again to Mel Mendoza for hooking me up with that gig. The only downside, is I semi-cheated on this quest... No lying here. The theme of the event was comedy & sweets. I fit in the comedy category of that equation, and there were plenty of good sweets there. So I had a few small ones, but I managed to bring some home for my girlfriend in order to overcome my guilt, kind of like Adam & Eve with the roles reversed, except the guy doesn't bring back fruit... He brings back sweets!!!

With all that said, I've been back on this journey since that little slip up, and still going strong. I thank you guys for keeping me going with all your encouraging words. You probably noticed the ads on my page are gone. That's for the best, because I don't want this journey of mine to seem like a fad or trend, which all those diets listed were.

My Grandma tried to explain this diet to me one time that was like really weird. Basically all you ate were hard boiled eggs all day. No thanks!! For some reason egg whites make me sick, especially by themselves. Some of you on facebook may have noticed I'm performing at this outdoor Christian Music festival in Middletown, OH on June 5th. It's known as Freedom Fest, and is at Smith Park. Everything is free, including food, and fun times. It goes from 12-8pm, if you guys can make it!

In case you're wondering about the KFC picture, I took it in Frankfort, KY, when I went to work with Mike Williams. Thanks again and have a blessed rest of the week!!

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Peace,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Seventeen...

So day seventeen is over. I weighed myself tonight, and I'm still at 245 pounds. That's still 10 pounds less then when I started. Rather then P90X, today I did 30 minutes with heavy resistance on the elyptical. For some reason I exercised at night, which I'm going to wake up early enough tomorrow morning to do it before I actually go to work.

Just want to let you know, I worked on my book today. Easier said then done, but I'm writing a fictional story, that I've had the idea for, for at least five years. It's interesting, that this life change has made me more determined to finish it than anything. I don't want to go into all the details of the story just yet, but it compliments the apologetic work of C.S. Lewis & J.R. R. Tolkien. Hopefully you guys will dig it, once it's finished.

As mentioned numerous times, I'm opening for Comedian Mike Williams this Saturday in Frankfort, KY. I'd be surprised if a big contingency of you guys was actually from that area. Needless to say, if you can make that show, if you happen to be near bye, it should be awesome! Kudos again to Melman for getting me the gig, since he was originally supposed to open.

He may not admit it, but Mel Mendoza is hilarious!! If you guys get a chance go check out his website www.melmancomedy.com

Looking forward to the weekend! This quote was posted by me on Facebook already, however, I don't know what it is but there's a mystic force that draws us in everytime we're in the mall and someone behind a counter motions us over, holding nothing but a mystery meat on a toothpick...

Thank you guys for allowing me to take the stage in your heart as you encourage me to go for it!! Have a great weekend!!

Hebrews 12:28 - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Thankfully,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com