John Stearns

Running Update...

2009-10-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's been about 2 weeks since my 30 day challenge and I'm here to say that it has become a habit.

I haven't missed any days that I planned on running.

I will be running the Turkey Trot in Dana Point on thanksgiving day. Come run it with me! http://turkeytrot.com

Stearnzie Thirty Day 30!!!!

2009-10-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

For the last thirty days, I have ran at least 1 mile a day without ever missing one run. My furthest distance was 5.24 miles..... I can't believe it!

I could have done a 6 mile run today, but instead, I ran 2 miles and then walked the rest of the way. I prayed and thanked God for the strength and grace that He sent for me in Christ. It was a very emotional morning.

There were some defeating moments in my past that were working against me in this challenge. I could hear my soccer coaches telling me I wasn't good enough. I could hear the kids on the playground telling me that I would never finish this challenge. I heard my PE coaches in high school harping on me because I could never run a mile. I heard thoughts of defeat that told me I would never be "fit" and that I should just give up now.

But if God is for me, who can be against me?

Although the thoughts of my past followed hard after me, your support in this challenge helped me overcome those defeating memories. Running into random people around town and having them cheer me on my running was SO encouraging. Reading your comments on facebook, twitter and blog helped encourage me on days I wasn't "feeling" it.

If you are reading this blog right now, know that this type of challenge is possible for you too. Maybe it isn't running, but whatever it is, I'm here to say YOU CAN DO IT!

In closing I would like to leave you with this;

30 days ago I felt lazy, discouraged, and consumed with self loathing.

Today I feel confident, motivated, energized, and loved.

HALF MARATHON HERE I COME- but first, rest tomorrow! :)

Stearnzie Thirty Day 29

2009-10-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

After my long 5 mile run yesterday, I could only go 1 mile today. Plus, I ran on a treadmill and I can never go as far when I run on treadmills.

1 MORE DAY!!!

Stearnzie Thirty Day 28... WOO HOO!

2009-10-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

The video explains my joy....

Thank you all for your support in this huge task!

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 27

2009-10-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

I spoke with my good buddy Riley Hall today and shared with him that I was concerned I might be getting sick. Im really not sure if its sickness or just my body being tired from all the running.... I was afraid that I may not be able to run today and I have worked really hard. Riley encouraged me to just run a mile at a slow pace. I did it and I feel great. Phewww, that was a close one.

I also went to Whole Foods today to get my new pair of Tom's and while I was there I looked into some vitamins. I decided to get a Multi Vitamins, Fish Oil & Immune Booster.

DAY 27 OMGOSH....

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 25 AND 26

2009-10-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday- Had a beautiful 2.7 mile run around back bay. It was so quiet and peaceful. I took a video of it and restored my ipod and it was deleted. :( Very cool though

Sunday- Most victorious day yet! I ran 4.7 miles in 56 mins. About 11 min mile average. Although I was having a hard time throughout the run because I didn't use the restroom beforehand. Could have been a very ugly situation. :)

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 23 AND 24

2009-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Although I may be lacking on my blogging, I can assure you I am not lacking on my running.

Its really funny running into people who I had no idea were following my running. The question they ask me is the same across the board; "so............you haven't missed a day???" and I love that I can confidently say, no.

Yesterday 2.75 miles

Today 1.75 (IT WAS HOT, OKAY?)

6 days left. Lets have a party!

Stearnzie Thirty day 21 and 22

2009-09-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

It happened. Pretty good days. I can't believe I'm almost done.

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 20

2009-09-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

I had a great run today along the back bay. I didn't think I would be able to go far at all as I woke up today not feeling well, but once I started running I couldn't stop.

:)

stearnzie Thirty DAY 19

2009-09-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Good run today. although very hot! Just a little over 3 miles.

I wish you could see the amount of sweat that is dripping from my body right now.

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 18

2009-09-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all

Nice easy run near back bay. People are starting to notice that my body is changing.

I didn't realize how sore my body was until I got a massage today. OUCH!

12 days to go! (although I'm not stopping after that)

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 16 and 17

2009-09-25T11:48:00.001-07:00

Running has been going well. I got some new shoes that I am still getting used to.

The guy at Road Runner told me that I should do active recovery. Basically, on my days off, I should do a light run for 1 to 2 miles. He explained to me that active recovery is better than not running at all. He then started to use a bunch of fancy runner jargon and lost me.

Yesterday- Ran 1.3 miles at a really light pace (off day)

Today- Ran 2.7 at my normal pace.

I can't believe its been 17 days.

STEARNzie Thirty DAY 14 and 15 (I shot for 3)

2009-09-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

YESTERDAY- Some of you saw my tweet vid that displayed hair product in my eyes. Even I laughed at that. Okay, I laugh at myself a lot. I guess its true what they say; if you have to laugh at yourself, you're not funny..

TODAY- After doing some interval training, I was hoping that I would be able to run 3 miles today. When I got home and mapped it on http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ (thanks Michelle Patrick), I reached my goal! Not only did I reach it, I smoked it! I ran (drumroll)........................

4.1 miles! without stopping. I feel great.

Thank you all for your support

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 12 and 13

2009-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday-

Flew home from Dallas and ran at 5:00 pm. Made it 1.75 miles, but I was tired and couldnt go anymore.

Today-

Tried something new. Interval training from iTunes- went 2.44 miles and almost threw up!

:)

Stearnzie thirty day 11

2009-09-19T17:04:00.001-07:00

I had to run on a treadmill today. It wasn't as bad as I thought. Ran a 9 minute mile! ;)

Can't wait to get back to California and run in east side costa Mesa.

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 9 and 10

2009-09-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm in Dallas right now leading worship for New Life Ministries http://newlifeweekend.com and I did not want to run yesterday. I sucked it up and did it, but I barely went a mile. :(

That's okay because this morning I was able to do almost 2.

I feel good.

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 8

2009-09-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Decided to take it easy today. 1.75 miles

Feeling good.

Im starting to think that I can actually do this.

stearnzie Thirty DAY 7

2009-09-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

Got a new friend to help me with my running

Better late then never right?

I didn't think I would make it tonight. My class got out at 10 and I was dead from the day. But I just had to!

2.3 miles

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 6

2009-09-14T15:17:00.001-07:00

I made it today, barely.

Hardest day of running yet, but stuck it out for 2.2 miles.

Feeling better now.

My brother told me even though I'm only running 1-2 miles a day, I need a day of rest.

Your thoughts?

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 5

2009-09-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have to enter this one fast, sweat is getting all over my keyboard.

Best day yet! Didn't think I could do it after 9, awesome hours of church today.

2 miles about 20 mins. YEAH!

Much Love

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 4

2009-09-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was especially excited for my run today. Until today, I was using my car to track my milage. Then I thought to myself, I bet the iPhone has an app for runners. Sure enough: iTrackMyRun. Its an app that uses GPS to track your milage among other things. There is a whole online community (crazy runners). Best of all, the app is FREE!

I get ready to run and I open the app, it then took about 15 seconds to acquire a signal, and I'm off! Oh wait, turn on the shuffle, Okay, Now Im off.

I took different path today so that I wouldn't know how far I was going in attempt to run further. I go until I can't move anymore and the anticipation to see how far I ran is killing me! I pull out my iPhone, which until this point was whipping back and fourth in my pocket (that thing is heavy), and I open the app..............

.2 miles! WHAT?!?!? That's discouraging. Apparently the app doesn't continue running when you lock your phone!

To the car I go. I ran 1.5 miles (hey its a little improvement) in 13:50.

I'm not the best at averages, so correct me if I'm wrong, that is a 9 minute mile. I shaved 5 seconds off.

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 3

2009-09-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is what I look like after my run

Hey Friends,

Yesterday was a LONG day! I didn't think I would be motivated to run today, especially after waking up at 10AM. BUT, I did it. Im convinced its only because y'all are watching.

I timed myself at different points in my run:

.8 miles 7:49
1.0 miles 9:05
1.2 miles 11:25

I noticed today that the start of my run (first .8 miles) were a lot easier than yesterday and the second half was much harder.

:)

Stearnzie Thirty DAY 2

2009-09-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

As I looked at my schedule for today, I thought to myself, there is no way that I can fit in a run.

6:30- Bible Study
8-11- Work
11-3ish- Meetings at work
4- 9- Leading CRAVE
10-12 Sleepy Stearnzie

BUT, because I made this blog post yesterday, I knew I had to follow through. I rolled out of bed at 5:20 and ran 1.3 miles.

I feel good. I've already had 3 cups of coffee :) (I know Yazz, I need to cut back)

Day 2 = Success

The Stearnzie Thirty DAY 1

2009-09-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,

Exercise has always been a challenge for me (can anyone relate?) and after talking to my brother this morning, I was encouraged to try something new. I know what you're thinking, Oh John, another exercise/diet fad? Well, with my track record, I don't blame you! My brother started running 2.5 months ago and he has lost 30lbs! That's amazing!

I hate running. Once upon a time, I was going to run a half marathon with Riley and that just didn't work out. I think I lasted 3 runs. So, I'm going to be more realistic this time around. I am committing to run at least 1 mile a day for the next 30 days. My dad always told me that it takes 28 days to make a habit of something and that is what I am hoping to accomplish in this journey.

This is where I need your help. I'm going to blog every day to track my progress. Please do me a favor an invite people to join me in this challenge. I will need as much encouragement as I can get! The more people watching, the more accountable I will be to completing this huge task in front of me.

I ran my first mile today and I'm exhausted! Hopefully tomorrow will be a little better.

:)

People really do this?

2009-04-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

I've only been on the Master Cleanse for 10 hours and I am DONE!

This morning was horrible. I drank the Salt Solution in hopes to have a huge poo, but it didn't even work. I barely got that stuff down. YUK! The drink wasn't any better, especially with the Cayenne pepper.

Thank you all for holding me accountable. :)

My first meal is the 1/2 greek salad with a cup of black bean soup from Panera. Hey its better than the chicken salad sandwhich Riley suggested.

My journey with 'The Master Cleanse'

2009-04-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

It is 10:59 PM on Monday, the 13th of April.

Tomorrow morning, I will start what I hope to be day 1 of 10 of the master cleanse. My lemon/maple syrup/Cayenne pepper concoction is in the fridge ready to be consumed. I drank my herbal 'smooth move' tea tonight. Tomorrow morning will start with a cup of sea salt water. supposedly its the hardest part of the diet, we'll see. Then the day continues with 6-9 glasses of the lemonade (see ingredients above). Each day is ended with a cup of smooth move (that is the the best name ever!)

I don't know what this will be like, but I thought I would include everyone else for a little accountability.

Get ready for some extreme lamenting. Do me a favor, dont ask me to lunch this week.

Goodnight.

Im back.....

2008-10-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

From the blog dead. ha ha.

So, I have been hearing a lot lately about the "eat for your type" lifestyle, and I decided to investigate. My blood type is A+ and to my surprise I am better off as a vegetarian. WHAT?!?!? Okay it has taken me 4 days to accept this and give it a shot. Today (day 1) I only ate vegetables/rice/fruit/soy protein and I feel INCREDIBLE. The reason that As are better off as vegetarian's is that we do not produce enough stomach acid to break down meat, especially red meat. So, I am cutting out red meats and pork. That means no ham, bacon, roast beef, etc........ However I can still have chicken and most fish 3 to 4 times a week. A drastic change from 2-3 times a day!

Those of you who know me well have probably gathered that I am a great starter and not a great finisher, and I thank you for loving me the same. That being said, I could use your encouragement and prayers through this journey. Today 242 lbs. Stay tuned.

My Nephews are STUDS!

2008-08-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Check em out!

Funny Story. Worth Reading. I think.

2008-07-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday night I decided that I wanted to go see a late movie. So I texted Bo and Grant to see if they wanted to come, they said yes, so, sense neither of them drive, I had to pick them up at casa de la fields. Bo walked out of the door with a bunch of guitar gear so I got of the car to open the trunk for him. And we were off to our 1055 showing of Wall-e.

On the way to theater, we heard a very strange noise coming from the outside of the car, about 10 decibels less than a gunshot. Bo was in the back seat and was very frightened. We thought nothing of it and continued in route to Foothill Regal 22.

Once we parked and got out of the car I did my usual pocket check for wallet, keys and cell phone......UH no cell phone.... Its probably still in the car. As I was unlocking my car, it dawned on me that I had set my phone on the roof of my car so that I could help Jason with his stuff. UH OH! I told the guys that the loud noise we heard was my phone taking a dive off of the roof, onto the trunk and then the road.

We we getting back in the car to go retrieve my phone when Grant suggested we call it first, maybe its under the seat, we hoped. 5 seconds passed and I hear the vibration, but I can't figure out where it is coming from, after a few floor checks, I moved to the outside of the car where the vibration was much louder. As the vibrations pulled me closer and closer, I saw my cell phone resting like a sleeping baby on my back window, right where it meets the trunk.

We all freaked out and did the usual "no way's" and the "how is that even possibles". My phone holds the record for longest car stall in history, 2.6 miles.

Singing Fools.

2008-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some Pics from the Saddleback Creative Arts Worship Conference. These are some of the most talented people I know.

Poor John..

2008-06-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was chosen to act in one of the skits at the worship conference this week. I was supposed to be acting as a worship leader (naturally) and I was supposed to be writing a new song. Everyone who I work with at the church knows that I haven't been playing guitar for very long, and in the skit, I was supposed to mess up. Well, after the skit as finished, I had more than 10 people come to me and say that they really thought I messed up and they felt so bad for me. I had to explain to them I was acting. Here is a picture of me in the moment.

Book plug.

2008-06-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have to share this with all of you. I kept hearing a buzz about this book The Shack. I was at Barnes and Noble on friday night and I picked it up. I couldn't stop reading it. A book has never caused me to cry or laugh out loud until "the shack". We all have an image of God and who He is or how He responds to us. This will take your image, good or bad, and give you an awesome perspective.

Pick it up. You wont regret it.

2008-06-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

I got my hairs cut

A new favorite.

2008-06-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

I like to be known for discovering "new" places that no one knows about. Even though that's not the case this time, I still have to tell you about my new favorite coffee place. Tully's in Lake Forest. Here is why;

Great Coffee (a must)
Free Wi-Fi (the way it should be! Thanks for the heads up Hyde.)
At least 3 different power outlets.
Plenty of inside and outside seating.
One of the few "ma and pa" shops left in Orange County (keep em' alive!)
Free Refills (not sure if this is standard or just b/c I'm cute)

I'm not one to slam Starbucks. As a matter of fact, I probably keep them in business. But, Tully's is slowly winning my heart.

EKG/Hair Removal

2008-05-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

So I went to get my ticker checked out after being on some pretty strong meds, and everything came back completely normal. Its always comforting to know that your heart is working the way it should be.

The best part about this EKG is when I took my shirt and laid down on the bed (no wandering minds please) and the nurse turned around and said, "I really hope I don't have to shave you". WHO SAY'S THAT?! The nerve! I thought to myself, thank you for such great bedside manner, I really appreciate it.

Then I gave her a gold star.

How you doin?

2008-05-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Last night on my way home I stopped at Del Taco to get the del deal (2 red burritos a taco and a drink 2.99, cant beat that!), and I pulled up to the drive through window and I asked the man how he was doing, with a surprised look he said to me, "Im GREAT! thank you for asking, I don't usually hear that from the customer". I apologized to him for all of mankind (I didn't exactly say that but you know what I mean). Then I asked him if he knew who Jesus was....... Just kidding, I couldn't close the deal that quickly, but I might be able to talk to him again, God know's I go to del taco enough. So, lets make it a goal to ask the people who we encounter throughout the day a simple "how are you". Who's In?

Volunteers make the church go round...

2008-05-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the worship teams I get to work with at Saddleback Irvine. They are incredibly talented and have hearts the size of Montana. I love them, and so should you..

Update...

2008-05-22T15:14:00.001-07:00

I know, I'm sorry. I haven't blogged in 6 months. BOOOOOOO. you can hit me next time you see me.

Anyway. Just wanted to give an update. Some of you may know that I just started working at Saddleback Irvine as the Worship Director. I'm loving it. I'm learning a ton.

I'm learning that when you are a leader you realize a lot of things about yourself that need work. Even to a point where you are consumed by your problems. I'm moving from that place to a place where I can see God embracing me and walking me through it all.

I'm learning that I can't please everyone and if I try I will fail miserably. Every day I'm asking God to keep me from trying to be a people pleaser so that I can focus on pleasing HIM and follow HIS will for my life. This is a process and always will be.

I'm learning that sometimes you have to put the things that you are most passionate about on hold.

I'm learning to listen to the old people around me, maybe I don't know everything after all. :)

Life is good. I love the relationships I'm building. I love to see people changed for Jesus, especially the parts of them that they think God wants nothing to do with.

Okay.

Keep on Learning.

John

New Life Atlanta...

2007-12-20T13:13:00.001-08:00

Sorry its been so long since I've posted. I never thought people would actually read this but after two requests for an update (taffy and Carrie baker) I thought I should post something.. About a month ago, I got the opportunity to lead worship at a New Life Ministries event in Atlanta GA, with Steve Aurterburn and his team, which are now my second family. The event was an intensive for Lose it for Life (an amazing program that deals with the heart aspects and the source of over eating) and Healing is a Choice (practical steps to healing). Steve came to Saddleback this last summer to talk about Lose it for life. It was right about the time when walk and worship was established. With that came the infamous song by former ambrosia rock star, David Pack. That song is now up for a Grammy :). Anyway, I've battled being overweight my whole life and I thought this program was just another quick fix and I would be back on the Cheesecake highway in no time. I was wrong, I started this program and learned that its not about food at all, its about comfort. I was eating for comfort and had my whole life. I have since lost 30 lbs (265 then, 235 now) and feel GREAT! Enough back story, I got a call from Joe Franklin at new life and he said, "John I was wondering if you might be interested in leading worship for an event in Atlanta", I said sure, he said, there's one catch, its next weekend. Which didn't surprise me all that much, after you are a part of a ministry at Saddleback Church, flexibility becomes everything to you. I agreed and was off to Atlanta. The whole staff kept giving me warnings about the way the people have responded to the worship at the first meeting in the past. These people look like they have lost all hope and are at the end of the road... I took their advice, but wasn't completely worried, After all I toured Germany with a group of singers in fall of 03' and nothing can be as bad as the crowds in Germany. They invented "straight face". The first session started and I shared a little bit about what I had gone through in my battle with weight loss and how Lose it for Life has helped me so much! There was an immediate trust built on both sides, which helped them be free in their worship... I think that its completely necessary to show a level of transparency from the platform so that people get to know you quickly and to keep them from feeling like you think your above them in any kind of way. Especially when its the first time you have seen them. Which we aren't above anyone at all, we are all the same, we've all got junk, so why act like you don't, its a waste of time!! The new life team made me feel right at home. They were so gracious with me. They really do feel like a second family and I cant wait to work with them again. The event was a huge success. I love the way that God brings things together, he planted something in me this last summer to try this program, little did I know I would be leading worship at an event for that exact thing 5 months later. for more info about new life ministries visit; www.newlifeministries.org

Stories that Bomb......

2007-10-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

We have all been there one time or another. You go over your story in your head and it seems worthy of sharing. Somewhere in the middle or close to the punchline in your story, you realize that there is no punchline and that you have just wasted precious moments of your listeners life. You come to this realization through a few different cues.

1. The "dead face". This is when you realize that your listener has lost complete interest in what you are saying. In turn their face will assume this position in hopes that you will get the clue.

2. The next and almost immediate sign following the dead face is the "wandering eyes". The wandering eyes are an indication the listener is looking for a way out of this story or possibly someone to save them from the pain.

3. And finally the tragic "courtesy laugh" . This is when you have delivered the punch line as the listener and feel completely awkward about the story you just heard, SO you laugh to diminish the thickness in the air and to make the storyteller feel a little bit better about them self.

How do you avoid this process of feeling stupid? Let me share a method with you that I have implemented in my life. As you begin to tell your story, check for hints (steps 1,2&3) that tell you it's going no where. If you see any of these signs, STOP IMMEDIATELY and say to your listener/listener's; I'm sorry, I just realized this story is going absolutely nowhere, I am going to stop here before I waste more your time and my myself look stupid. More than likely you will be immediately complemented on your humility and honesty. You might even get a laugh out of the person.

So do everyone a favor and implement this system next time you are telling a story that is about to bomb.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER
Jesus Loves you just the way you are.

Nephews!!! (continued)

2007-10-18T10:30:00.001-07:00

Introducing................................. Owen Michael Stearns. I can't believe how big he is!! And again, ladies hes only 3 months old, don't get any ideas. Thank you all so much for your prayers, this little guy had such a hard time when he was born, but as you can see he is a happy healthy boy! And the newest addition to the Stearns name!

Nephews!!!!

2007-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than starting work and opening your inbox to find pictures of your beautiful nephews. Thanks Jill! (sister in law) Meet Noah. Most of you have seen pictures of him, but not in his new snazzy Halloween costume as SHREK!! Ladies, hes off the market until hes at least 12 so you'll just have to hold on.

woops.

2007-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

I went out to lunch today with two of my favorite people; Riley Hall and Juli Hueni. We were accompanied by a new friend from England, named Joe. She is here meeting with some people from peace at Saddleback which has something to do with the organization that she works with in England. She is a very cool. I hope you all get to meet her before she leaves. Anyway. I have done my fair share of traveling, but I have yet to experience the U.K. So I'm not very familiar with the vernacular that is used by our English friends. This will all be relevant, I promise. So we were driving and Riley said something to me and my response was "Ohhhh That pisses me off" and the look of concern on Riley's face was priceless. Riley (being an experienced U.K. traveler) said that "piss" or "pissed" is not a pleasant word in the U.K. and is actually considered a curse word. My curiosity got the best of me, so I asked Joe. Riley was totally correct. Joe tried to not make me feel bad, she said "its not a really bad word, you just wouldn't use it around certain company, especially Christians", GREAT that made me feel better. thanks Joe (just kidding). I then later learned that the word crap is also considered a curse would in the U.K. Who knew. I probably use that word 10 times a day. I hope my humiliation was insightful for you!