I was a different person...

Ever hear that person who treated you no so friendly before use the excuse they were a different person at that time? I've heard it said quite a bit, and to be honest, the main person I've heard say it is myself. It's such a constant battle to fight unfriendliness to those who seem to have a hidden agenda. In my experience, if I'm too nice they'll walk over me even more. More recently, I've tried to go out of my way to help people because life is not just about pleasing ourselves.

I've been told a few times recently that I don't shove my "religion" down others' throats. While I wouldn't classify my faith as a "religion", more so as a means to an end to a new beginning, and certainly based on a personal relationship.

Now that I've been "preachy", it's time to focus on the point of this blog. With any lifestyle modification there comes temptation. There's so many stressers out there to make someone who constantly stress eats go insane. I'm back on track now, but there have been many challenges. So much is heavily based on my spiritual growth at the moment. I faced the challenge of what kind of comedian to "brand" myself, which was never an issue before, yet it keeps coming up in my personal life. I have enjoyed bringing the comedy that I do into places that your average "Christian" comedian wouldn't dare set foot in. It's been a wonderful challenge, and a greater reward to see how much lives can change. Remember, Jesus didn't meet the woman at the well in a church service. I posted this quote on my twitter the other day, but it ring true for my heart, which is being challenged everyday to be conformed to likeness of my Savior.

"Comparing your success to someone else's is like putting a value over two totally different passions & the hearts that beat within them, discrediting one over the other, no matter how many peoples' lives they've impacted..." - Me

Okay, so I'm not rolling in the dough doing what I love to do, but that doesn't matter cause what else would I be doing? They say you should always have a back-up plan. Comedy is my back-up plan!

Today has been a great day health wise. My novel is coming a long. I'm currently on chapter 8 of the first book, which in case I haven't told you it's a 3-part book.

I apologize to those who I haven't been as faithful to post updates to. I still love all of you! Thank you for letting me share my life with you and for all those who encourage me! If you're in the Dayton, OH area this Thursday, June 2nd, come out to the Dayton Funny Bone for a great show which I'll be hosting!

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Titus 3:7 - "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

The Crown I Wear...

It's been a few days, possibly almost a week since I updated all of you. The competition I was in, the World Series of Comedy in Dayton, OH went okay. I didn't win, but it was a great experience! The crowd actually warmed up great after I performed, which was pointed out to me by some of the comics, who said they were sure I would place for that reason. Honestly, I didn't share the same enthusiasm, but still had a great time. I managed to throw in a slam on Xenia, OH, which I actually was inspired to do so by attending a Tim Hawkins' show where I saw him do it.

This Friday I'm performing my very first political rally, which should be an interesting experience to say the least. I can't stand politics anymore. There's certain issues I feel passionately about, but neither side really has my full support. It totally depends on the issues, and the candidates. That's as much as I'll say.

It hasn't been a very big struggle for me, but the last several month it's been weighing on my heart what type of comedian I will be. There's comics who are dirty (which I won't ever be), and there's those who brand themselves, "Christian Comedians", which I don't think is wrong. I've heard comics say they're a comedian who happens to be a Christian, and vice versa. I will admit I've pushed the envelope a few times, but try hard not to. It's easy to get edgy when people are laughing, which I don't think makes it totally right.

One story I recall that totally reaffirms making what I do to be pleasing to God is about Tiffany Arbuckle, who's the lead singer of the band, Plumb. I read years ago, she was about to leave the music industry. She felt her career was over, and not going anywhere. Close to the end when she was about to wrap it all up, she got a letter from a fan that told her they had contemplated suicide, but her music helped convince them not to go through with it. Rather than quit the music industry, she stayed in, and has been going strong ever since. There's so many people out there watching, and listening to what we do. As it relates to comedy, I have the opportunity to make someone forget about their troubles even for a short period of time. How vulnerable can it be to make someone laugh. Try getting on stage with no one else up there to back you up, and make a room full of strangers laugh. It's not as easy as it looks. I should know, because I ran into that myth when I first started. I've been told I'm not funny. I've been kicked off the stage. Some people call it paying your dues. I call it learning from your mistakes.

So as I finish this entry up, I promise I'll talk about the weight-loss journey more tomorrow, but I would like to reiterate the label which I fall under. You will soon know my story, which I'm writing. You will soon see my heart, my passion, and my calling, the crown I wear, and the cost that was paid for me to attain it. It's a strange world we live in.

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

2 Timothy 4:8 - "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Look On The Bright Side...

Even in more pain today... But I feel even awesomer!! (just made that word up...) Yesterday I walked 3 miles, and tonight I walked 5, while still eating healthy. So it's "go time" as they say. I probably used that out of context, but that's cool.

Life is going awesome. After months of being all-talk, I finally finished the outline for the 3 parts of my novel, which is what I struggled with for so long that caused me to put it off. I'm not so much looking for a publisher as much as I want to self-publish it. I'm not much for how that all works, but the last thing I want to do is sell away the rights to my intellectual property. Plus, there's an animated movie about it down the road. A friend of mine has agreed to help me write the screenplay for it. He's a great voice talent, and I have the perfect part for him if he does take any roles, a demon-possessed man!! I'm so encouraging! I would love to tell you more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it for when it is finished. So stay tuned!

I got two more gig opportunities today! They're both not until the fall, but I'm excited to have my calendar fill up. It's always weird for me to say this, because I can never picture myself in the past referring to the present tense, but I totally feel like a different person than I was even a month ago. A lot of great things are happening, but even in the bad times it's important to stay positive and look on the bright side. Anywho, I think it's time for bed. In the immortal words of Jane Curtain, "Have good night and a pleasant tomorrow..."

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Romans 15:5 - "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..."

In Pain, But I Feel AWESOME!!

I'm in pain, but I feel AWESOME!!! Not only am I down another pound, but I just returned from my walk, which I originally planned to go three miles, and during the walk I pushed and went an extra two, making it five miles!! There were plenty of puddles on the ground from the rain, and my feet are covered with blisters, but it still feels AWESOME!!!

I also ate healthy again Monday, which I no longer feel much temptation to cheat. After so long it's not so hard, like anything you put your mind too, although I wouldn't take credit for this lifestyle change that seems to be heaven sent. I feel bad for a lot of my family who continue to eat unhealthy, without naming names. Thankfully, they don't follow my blog. I'm hoping when they see that even I can do it, they'll be encouraged to go for it as well.

I made some great progress on my novel today, working on the outline of the story, which actually helped in the plot and helps writers stay focused on each day of writing. I must give credit to reading "The Art of War for Writers", by James Scott Bell as an inspiration to do so.

Remember there is no such thing as a self-made man. Everyone gets to where they are with help from other people. As the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know..." For me personally in comedy I would have to say, even though he probably has never read my blog that Tim Hawkins actually helped get me going to being a better comic and where I am now. It was him and his brother Todd who manages him who gave me an opening spot for him in large churches, which helped me become a better comic for larger audiences. I also give credit to Jeff Jena (who I think has read at least one of my blogs) for helping me get started in the comedy clubs, where they WON'T laugh unless you're funny. Who's helped you get to where you are today? Have you ever thanked them?

Looking forward to a new day, and accomplishing more on this journey! Thank you all!

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones

www.richjonescomedy.com

Hebrews 7:25 - “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”

Hoping You Had A Great Easter Sunday!!

“That would be cool if you could eat a good food with a bad food and the good food would cover for the bad food when it got to your stomach. Like you could eat a carrot with an onion ring and they would travel down to your stomach, then they would get there, and the carrot would say, It's cool, he's with me.” - Mitch Hedberg

To everyone out there, I hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday! I actually went hiking as planned. It was very fun. Even saw a few snakes, which happened to stay near the creek shoreline. Not sure what kind they were, but the picture above might shed some light for all you snake knowledgeable people out there.

I must say, my Mom is awesome! I was having a serious weak moment the other night as I watched her load up Easter baskets for my niece & nephew. The Starburst Jelly Beans looked so good, among other candy. Knowing I was having a serious sugar craving, my Mom happened to have some sugar-free hard candy, which is allowed on the South Beach Diet Phase 1 (which I'm currently doing.) So with that, I managed to avoid making a decision that seemed like a great idea at the time.

Weighed myself last night, and it seemed I lost another pound. Will keep you updated in more detail. My cravings for unhealthy food are mostly gone. Following some great advice, I've been doing a lot of other things, which I love and it's kept my mind off of eating so much. I have a show this Saturday at the Bell Hop Cafe in Bellbrook, OH. Sharing the stage with me will be comedian, Jeff Woodroof, (a very funny individual), and his wife Deanna Woodroof, who will be performing her musical talents. Should be an awesome show!

Hope all is well with everyone... Believe in yourself! God believes in you, and He can't be wrong...

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Luke 19:9 - Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

A Season...

You might notice I switched my Facebook profile pic to my kindergarten school picture. Funny thing about that is in that photo, I only weighed 40 lbs. This would eventually lead my parents to take me to the doctor regarding my weight. Let's just say he was a GOOD doctor!!! Hoping that made you laugh. I've actually done that joke on stage, and gotten great laughs, and in some cases they had to think about it too long which ruined the joke.

It was a RAINY Good Friday to say the least. I was going to do my 3 mile walk, but actually cut short after one mile, because the thunder and lighting was really close, and seemed to get worse as I kept going. I am happy to report though I have lost 5 lbs since Monday!! Thank you to all who have encouraged me!

No really big plans for Easter, which is sort of odd, because I've always done something it seems. I noticed yesterday that Dan "The Beast" Severn, UFC Legend is returning to my area next month. I'm excited about attending the show he'll be apart of. Dan is a really awesome guy, and was gracious enough to do a plug for my comedy the last time I met him. It was an honor to hang out with him after the last show, and hear his insight on life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.

Speaking of which, I've failed to mention this yet, but I made the first round of the World Series of Comedy Competition for Dayton, OH! www.theworldseriesofcomedy.com The competition's finals are actually in Las Vegas. Not sure if I'll make it that far, but it's great for networking, and to potentially get work in comedy clubs. I submitted a video to get picked for the competition, and was fortunate enough to make the top 40 comics for the show at Wiley's Comedy Club. If you're able to make it, I'll be there Wednesday May 4th for the first round performance. It's funny because I only know 3 comedians in the Dayton competition. There's so many entrants from other states coming to perform there.

Still eating healthy. I try not to do it, but I find I get preachy at my family for not eating healthy, when I am eating healthy. Anyone else experience this? Most likely I'll blog tomorrow, but in case some unforeseen reason causes me not to, have a happy Easter!!! God bless!!

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones

www.richjonescomedy.com

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven) "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,"

Trudging On...

And so it goes, I'm still here. Hoping everyone has a happy Easter Sunday, should I not blog again before then. I called my Mom & gently broke the news to her I didn't want candy in my Easter Basket, which wasn't easy considering she usually puts my favorite in there, Jelly Belly's. Come to find out, she wasn't even going to make me one!!! At least that's what she said. I feel slided. Oh well.

No big plans for Easter. Pretty much just going to church, and possibly hiking depending on the weather. The forecast calls for rain this weekend. If it does rain on Sunday, it would be kind of ironic that it's a reminder of God's greatest wrath (so far) on planet earth would fall on the day celebrating His greatest triumph.

Today I walked 3 miles which felt great! Mixed with a great diet, I'm feeling much better than I was even a month ago. I continue to work on my first novel. I'm finding a lot of great advice from author, James Scott Bell who wrote a book on Plot & Structure. Of course, I seem to have misplaced my book, so I just reserved one from the library, till I find mine.

I think my prayer life is better than ever these days. Of course it could always be better. One challenge I've enjoyed I actually read about years ago from the founder of 5 Minute Walk Records (a Christian Music Label), Frank Tate. "If you spend five minutes a day talking to Jesus like you would a friend, He would become your friend. I know it sounds weird, but I challenge you to give it a try. The next time you're bummed, lonely, scared or frustrated, go for a five-minute walk and talk to Him like you would a friend. Tell Him exactly how you feel and what you're thinking."

Saw some good movies recently that I bought on DVD. The Chronicles of Narnia "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" was really good! Can't wait for the next one! Also, I really enjoyed Tron: Legacy! Thought I wouldn't but pretty much anything Jeff Bridges does I love (except that movie he did with Barbara Streisand.) http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Speaking of movies, I'm also currently working on my first indie film, titled eHahamony. Sounds funny doesn't it? I'm really excited because as of today, I have 6 wonderful comedians who've agreed to be apart of it. If you'd like more information on it, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/richjonescomedy/ehahamony

Also been challenged to get rid of a lot of things lately. It's been a very liberating feeling, and not to get too cliche', but to quote another great movie, Fight Club, "The thing you own, end up owning you..." & "Only after you've lost everything are you free to do anything!"

Gotta love it!

Forever In Christ,

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Proverbs 3:7-9 - "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops"